Trust Me

hasn’t.”
    “As if I haven’t got enough on my hands. Kyle and Jason have gone out of their way to make my life a living hell. Cliff says they’re acting out because of the anger and pain caused by the loss of their father. You’d think they were the only ones having emotional problems. They’ve shown absolutely no consideration for me.”
    “Uh-huh.”
    “I should have listened to Marlene.”
    “Dad’s second wife?”
    “She called me when she found out that Hudson was leaving her for me. Told me I’d be sorry. But like a fool, I didn’t believe her. I thought I was the one who could change him.”
    “Look, Alison, I know you’ve got problems, but they’re not my problems,” Stark said calmly but very clearly. “What are you going to do about Kyle and Jason?”
    “Now that I know they’re safe with you, I’m not going to do a damn thing,” Alison said resolutely. “God knows I can’t handle them right now, anyway. I’m burned out. I have no emotional reserves left. I’ll talk to my therapist in the morning.”
    “We’re all supposed to sit around twiddling our thumbs here in Seattle while you wait to get guidance from a therapist?”
    “The boys can stay with you for awhile, can’t they? Summer vacation just started. They’re not missing any school.”
    “Now hold on just one damn minute here….”
    “You’re their brother, aren’t you?”
    “Half brother. I’ve never even met them until tonight.”
    “So what? For years Hudson has been impressing them with stories about how you’re some kind of hotshot rocket scientist who does secret work for the government. They’re into high-tech video games and computers, themselves. They think you’re some kind of superhero nerd.”
    “Alison, Kyle and Jason can stay the night, but that’s all. You’ll have to make arrangements to come and get them in the morning.”
    “I’m not driving all the way to Seattle tomorrow. I have an appointment with my therapist, and Lord knows I need it. Tell Kyle and Jason that I hope they realize what they’ve put me through this evening. Good night, Sam.”
    “Alison, wait – “
    It was too late. The crash on the other end of the line told Stark in no uncertain terms that Alison had hung up the phone. “Hell.” Stark gazed blankly at the receiver.
    A figure moved in the doorway of the study. “Was that Mom?” Stark turned slowly. Jason stood there. He had half a sandwich in one hand.
    “Yes. She’s very worried about you.”
    “She’ll feel better after she talks to her shrink.” Jason took a bite out of his sandwich.
    Kyle appeared behind his brother. “She always does.”
    “That’s encouraging.”
    “Are you going to let us stay here tonight?” Jason asked.
    Stark studied the eerily familiar features of his young half brothers. It was like looking into a mirror that reflected the past.
    Both boys had near-black hair. Their intelligent green eyes were shielded by the lenses of their glasses. Both of them had Hudson Stark’s high cheekbones and savagely blunt features, even at their young ages. Both looked thin, pallid, and hunched in on themselves.
    The chief difference between himself and his half brothers, Stark thought, was that he hadn’t had anyone to run to when his parents had divorced.
    “You and Kyle will stay here tonight,” Stark said. “We’ll make plans to get you home in the morning.”
    “We don’t want to go home.”
    “We’ll discuss it in the morning,” Stark said.
    With any luck Kyle and Jason would be homesick by morning, he told himself.

7

    Stark hoped for inspiration by morning, but it did not arrive on schedule. When he walked into the kitchen shortly before seven, he discovered Kyle and Jason already there. They were dressed in the T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers they had worn last night. Both boys were seated at the black steel and glass breakfast table that overlooked the austere gardens.
    They were eating again, Stark noticed. A box of cereal and a carton of milk sat on the table in front of them.
    Kyle looked up from his cereal bowl. Neither his determinedly casual attitude nor the lenses of his glasses could conceal the anxious expression in his young eyes. “Morning, Sam.”
    “Good morning.” Stark went to the counter and concentrated on making coffee. The task reminded him of the previous night when he had made espresso for himself and Desdemona.
    “Morning,” Jason mumbled very softly.
    Stark nodded briefly and busied himself