My CEO 176

176 Up In Smoke (Winona)

Cass flips through the tv channels again while mom gets ready to go out for breakfast. I can tell she's restless, probably nervous about this new community and going out. They sure need to get some clothing. I wonder if I can convince them to let me take them shopping?

Mom's out of the bathroom now and sitting in the armchair by the window, staring out at the city beyond. I can't tell if she's thinking about the past or worrying about the future-probably both.

Just as I'm about to suggest we go get food and look in the variety store for some basics, Cass stops on a news channel. The reporter is talking about a fire, and the area it's in makes me pay attention.

"The fire, which broke out late last night, completely destroyed a house in the area. Witnesses say they saw a car and Molotov cocktails being thrown just before the flames engulfed the old home." Cass suddenly goes still, her eyes locked on the screen. I look at the TV, and my heart stops.

It's the old house. Or what's left of it. Flames are still flickering in the debris, and the camera pans the wreckage. There's nothing left but charred remains.

"Oh my God," Mom whispers, her hand flying to her mouth. "That's... that's our home."

across

know what to say. The house was a dump, but it was still home to her. It was where Mom and Cass lived, where Mom rebuilt her life and raised Cass. And now it's gone. Cass's

I say, stunned.

with a gun, maybe it wouldn't have happened!" She's practically shouting now, her fists clenched at

H

coming in here and trying to fix everything. But all you did'is make things worse!" "Cass, that's not fair," I say, trying

in her eyes. "And now we have

dead." Cass glares at her for a second, but the fight drains out of her. "You're right. That fire was meant

+25 BONUS

her eye.

better. You can come back to this same city just a better area

the screen. But I can see the gears turning in her

staying in your city for a while wouldn't be so bad. Just until we figure out what to do next. But I've never had to make rent. I'm not sure

where your house is, was, that block will have some value. He'll do the research and if it's a suburb worth fixing up, he'll find you a good price "More charity from the rich folks. Wow, I'm so grateful Cass finally

point, it is what it is. You have to make the most of

don't expect you to like it. I don't expect you to like anything. I do expect you to do the right thing and support your mother through this hard time though. Stop thinking about yourself for a minute." She glares at me again. I

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