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[abrightboy]

This is Bright. Leave a message.

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[conning]

[It's a strange knife-twist that he still has a hard time believing has been corrected. Even after he went home. Even after he pulled strings and followed rumors until he got to see her from across a crowded piazza in a small Italian down southeast of Rome. He left without talking to her, but he saw her, alive.]

Yes. Among other things.

[abrightboy]

You saved her. [He’s pleased about it. Proud. He could have had anything for himself.]

[conning]

We did. [A soft correction. He couldn't have done it without Malcolm's first deal.] That isn't the point, Malcolm. As a hedge fund manager Adler still managed to be a few steps shy of cult leadership. Not because he was a good boss. Because he knew how to use people.

[abrightboy]

…You think the pack is a cult?

[conning]

No. I don't know. I don't think so, but I don't know anything about them. I'm worried that he leads them like they are.

[abrightboy]

But you’re worried he’s going to discard me when he’s done with me and I’m not really chosen?

[conning]

I don't know that he'd discard you. I worry he'll be possessive and controlling, definitely. I don't think he's necessarily--I think when he looks at people he sees utility first, before personhood.

[abrightboy]

…Oh. But. Why? Why do you think that, I mean.

[conning]

[Neal can't put his finger on it.]

Instinct? I'm sorry, Malcolm, I don't know, except that I've known people like him. Or at least like the person he presents, and I've had no reason to change my opinion based on his--well, on anything.

[abrightboy]

I’ll… try to be careful.

[conning]

And remember that you don't owe him shit. [His voice is quiet but absolute.] He made you promises, changed you, left you, then strolled back in and...

[A brief silence.]

I learned the hard way that someone being good to you once doesn't mean they always will be. And if they try to make you feel guilty over what they gave you freely? Turn around and walk away.

[abrightboy]

Okay. Thank you, Neal.