“You overplayed your cards,” he said. “I can spot manipulation a thousand miles away. I invented the concept.”

“Would you prefer the term pawn?” he said. “I struggle to stay abreast of what’s politically correct.”

“It’s funny you bring that up,” I said. “In some countries, red hair was considered a sign of witchcraft. They actually burned people at the stake for it. Can you imagine? Just goes to show that a little ignorance can go a long way—if you let it go unchallenged, that is.”

“We’ll be back,” he said. I had to admire how well he controlled the abject terror in his heart. “I’ll be waiting,” Grandmother replied.”

“I didn’t pick this fight, gentlemen. The first move is yours,” Grandmother growled. “And the final one, I assure you, will be mine.”

“Seire,” I said, the phrase bubbling up from someplace deep inside my heart. Be victorious. Another word, a phrase I’d never learned, that had magically planted itself in my brain. “I always am,” she replied without turning back. “Go. You have a job to do.”

“Your sister came after me," Jack says. "Halloway got her riled up or something.""My sister?" Graham repeats. "My sister, Ellie?""No, the sister you keep locked in the attic," I say.”