119 A Hybrid

PHILIP WOODS

"Enough with the secrets," Phil said the moment he walked back into Matthew's study. "I want to know everything. Ava. And I mean…. Everything!"

He stared at her for a few seconds. For a moment, there was only anger in his eyes. Then there was sadness. And gentleness.

And before Ava could say another word, he pulled her into a tight hug. "I thought something happened. They refused to tell me what happened when you took Gabi. Those people... the ones who took Gabi are not humans. So..."

Ava froze. She didn't know what to say — or do. She could only hug him back. And they stayed that way for a few minutes until Phil let her go.

"First… I want you to talk to one… of my mentor." Ava calmly said, there was a complicated look in her eyes.