23.
found a member of The Lord's Guard waiting there.
"I am looking for the wife of General Bold Star. Is this her residence?"
"Yes," North answered, "I am her son. Can I help you?"
"I must speak directly to her," said the officer. "Where is she?"
"Follow me." North turned and led the officer to where his mother was in the living room. "This is my mother," he told him.
"Madam, it is my sad duty to inform you that your husband has raised his hand against The God Family, and killed one of its members. He was arrested, and foolishly attempted to escape. He was killed in the attempt. I have been sent to see if I can find any reason for these actions. Can you tell me why your husband would want to murder Bright Star?"
North's mother listened to all this without a sound, but as soon as the guard finished, she began to cry, hysterically. The guard again tried to question her, but North made him leave her alone and quickly told him everything he knew about what had happened, except for the part where he had listened at the door.
"Well," said the guard, "that explains alot, but I don't think they'll excuse it. You'll be lucky if they don't seize all your inheritance. I'll make a report and make it look as good as I can."
"Where is my father's body?" asked North.
"It has been taken to The Hall Of The Dead," answered the guard, "but you will not be allowed to see it. Tomorrow they will call you for a hearing. If you have relatives you can trust you'd better get ahold of them. You're too young to handle your own estate, and they'll demand you have a guardian. If you can't find one they'll appoint one, and you'll be lucky if you have any property left when you come of age. Please don't mention I've said anything to you, they won't like it."
"Thank you. I know the risk you take telling me even this," North assured him. The guard nodded and left. Slowly North returned to his mother, and falling on his knees before her, he spoke quietly and softly to her.
"Mother, listen to me. I know you're hurt, I am too, but I must act quickly. I need father's extra keys. The ones to the office here in the apartment. Please get them for me, and I will leave you alone."
His mother lifted her head and looked at him.
"His keys?" she asked, "Yes! His keys. You want his keys. They are yours now." And she got up and went to the bedroom, came back with three magnetic keys and handed them to her son.
"Go lie down, mother," he then instructed her "and rest;" "I'll try to have someone here in a little while."
His mother returned to her bedroom as North put the magnetic key to his father's door and entered the office. He seated himself behind