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[abrightboy]

This is Bright. Leave a message.

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[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.