Forty five

Follow his heart, she had said. Karis knew where his heart was. He needed to get Weruche back but first, he had to speak with his father.

''St. James does not know who your father is, you don't have to worry about that.'' His father said, fingering a sculpture on his desk. He was sitting too still -- even for Senator Ilobi and his hand on the sculpture was one of many nervous gestures Karis had seen him make since the conversation started and Karis couldn't help wondering what was up.

''So you're saying that he was bluffing all along.'' He had the distinct feeling that his father was on the fence and could either decide to tell him everything or withhold some information. He could only sit still and hope.

''I'm saying--'' The sculpture slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. They both sat for an awkward moment starring at each other before his father picked it up and returned it to it's original place. ''I'm saying that you are my son.''

Karis nodded. ''He wanted to tell h