“Pete sings like an angel,” Maria said, recognizing Fred’s amazement. Fred saw that rare smile on Maria’s face and it spread to his. Pete stopped, seemingly embarrassed.
Fred encouraged him, “You’re very talented, son.”
“Don’t stop, it’s so lovely.” Alice put her hands together.
Pete beamed and continued to sing. As soon as they reached Abel, he was surrounded by two men, with his head in his left hand. At the sight of Maria, Abel sat up at attention and the other two men, sensing his focus, receded behind him. Maria drew from under her cloak a giant core, pulsing green light and set it on his table.
“Your machine exploded on the coastline. I feel it in my blood what happened to the life surrounding the area.”
“An explosion?” Abel turned to his men, “Why was I not informed?”
They fum
