Nell turned out to be wrong, in more than one way. He didn't go to sleep—they stayed up late just hanging out while Nell finished her snack, then watched a movie together before Jonathan finally turned in. The rest of the night passed without another mention of the subjects dominating his thoughts—magic, the new group… his parents.
He appreciated that.
Instead, it was the morning which really sent his thoughts spinning back to the night before, and everything they'd done. Jonathan turned on the news for what felt like the first time in a decade—he'd never really watched the news live on TV, and of course these days, it was just easier to get everything on the internet. Today, he wanted to see if anyone was reacting.
It didn't take long.
"From Seattle: Felix Wieczorek—Pulitzer prize winning journalist currently on trial for domestic terrorism—was attacked in his home last night. The journalist reported a break-in to the police at ten-seventeen, claiming that awakened assailants stormed his home, stole significant quantities of cash, and destroyed his belongings. Police are investigating but have not made any official statements yet. We go live to Nancy Wheld downtown."
"Thank you, Ted. I've just been informed that Rachel DuValle is here at the Westin, on her way to meet with the President and Secretary Gatiss. Miss DuValle!"
They were surrounding a car at the curb. Jonathan had never met her, of course, but he'd heard Rachel's name mentioned plenty of times—between Cinza's diaries, the support group, and beyond, she was obviously one of the people in charge. The reporter rushed the tinted vehicle, along with a half-dozen others who'd been waiting in the area, plus one hapless hotel valet.
"Miss DuValle, what's your response to the attack on Felix Wieczorek last night?"
Rachel was just emerging from a car on the curb. A pale girl with dirty blonde dreadlocks and a birthmark marring her face had moved to block the reporters, but Rachel put a hand on her shoulder. She stepped forward, right into the mess of cameras and microphones shoved into her face.
"The attack on Felix last night was clearly motivated by the despicable acts he helped perpetrate as a member of Brian Hendricks' organization. The motivations of the assailants is more than understandable, but their actions are extrajudicial."
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"Do you support—"
"I condemn this act, and I would ask that the perpetrators turn themselves in immediately. We understand why they felt the need to take some measure of revenge, and thankfully, they chose a method which can be reversed. If the attackers come forward now, I can promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure the lightest possible sentence."
"So you'll protect awakened who attack people, no matter what?" shouted another reporter.
Rachel shook her head. "I will protect those who struck out in anger over horrific crimes, as long as they are willing to show remorse and undo the damage they caused. Our country has long been troubled by how a simple decision in the heat of the moment can forever ruin one's life. We have the chance for a new start—let's begin by offering one to those victims who fought back, however inadvisable their choice. But, they must turn themselves in. This was a crime."
Reporters continued to shout questions, but Rachel simply gave a slight bow, thanked everyone for their time, and hurried inside. The dreadlock girl blocked the way. One reporter tried to press forward, but she held him back with only a single raised arm—obviously effortless, despite being half the man's size.
Jonathan realized he hadn't taken a bite of his cereal since she started talking. After all, Rachel had been speaking to him. He was the attacker she referred to.
...Did I really screw up? If I turn myself in now, that's it… but she said she'd protect us. Maybe… maybe I should.
His brief moment of conflict vanished an instant later, as the TV reminded him what had happened. They'd started recapping Felix's crimes, but Jonathan didn't hear their words—he saw it as memories, forcing their way back into his head.
Men following him from his shows, tracking him, until Jeremy Ashe finally got him out.
The meeting of Brian's people, the level of hatred they showed toward awakened, and the desperate escape with Alden.
Hiding inside a food cart in the pilgrim camp, while gunfire slammed into the outside, rocking the whole thing as glass shattered above him and golems roamed outside, killing at random.
We're doing the right thing. These people need to pay. It's our turn.
Jonathan pulled out his phone, excitement and anger and triumph rising in his chest. He knew Rachel was doing her best for them, and he admired her own convictions to defend the awakened… but she didn't know what they were doing, how much they could do. Jonathan had seen it himself, and this reaction by Felix, pushing their story far and wide, only proved it.
They'd show everyone in the world that the awakened weren't victims.
Kyle picked up the phone after a few rings. "Yeah?"
"What's next?"