Page 41 of True Colors

“Anouk, I’m so sorry, but your father is dead. Your mother is going to prison.”

“O-okay. Th-thank you for calling.”

Long pause.

“If you want to see her, please call the Detention Center, and we can make it happen. Since she’s at the end of life, we can make exceptions with regards to visiting hours.”

He sounds all official and sympathetic.

I haven’t gone and seen Cristina Booth since she killed my father. I don’t intend to go see her now when she’s dying.

“Thank you for letting me know,” I say and then hang up.

When the phone rings again, I don’t answer the call.

I don’t know how to feel. So, I sit and stare at the plain white wall in the small conference room designed for people to take calls in.

No windows. One door. One table and two chairs.

I’ve wondered how I’ll feel when she’s dead. How will I react when they call to tell me she’s gone?

I feel nothing. I feel everything.

I call Finn.

“Annie?”

“She’s dying.”

Short pause.

“Where are you?” He keeps his voice calm, like he’s talking to a frightened animal. He is.

“In a conference room at work.”

“I’ll be there in thirty minutes. I’ll take you home. Okay?”

Silence.

“Just hang in there, Annie.”

I am numb. Cold. Shaking.

“I don’t know how to feel, Finn,” I say weakly.

“I’m coming, Annie.” There is urgency in his voice now. “I’ll help you figure out how to feel.”

CHAPTER 10

Luther

“You survived another one-on-one with Anouk. Congratulations.” Erin settles into the chair and lifts her legs, setting her Louboutins on my desk with practiced ease—part provocation, part habit, and entirely Erin.

I give her a look. “Get your expensive shoes off my desk, Erin.”

She smirks and does as I ask.

“You saw the debacle in the conference room. Luther, you can’t have her present to the board. Your father will rip you a new one if you do.”