Nightfall (Pact Arcanum Integrated Serial Edition) by Arshad Ahsanuddin Read Free Book Online Page A

they did prove honorless and attempted to save themselves, he would simply turn the traitors over to Jiao-long in America. It would be a fitting punishment for such a betrayal. Cheered by his thoughts, he teleported himself and his entourage through the jumper block to the next battlefield.
     

CHAPTER 5
     
    March 2020, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    “So you enjoyed yourself, then?” Edgar asked with a smile.
    Nick was bouncing in his seat as he waited for them to complete their final descent. “Oh, yeah. This one guy Scott took me aside when he learned I was on tour with Nightfall, and we jammed a little. He offered me a place with his band next year, since their lead guitarist is graduating.”
    “Assuming you get in.”
    Nick stopped his fidgeting and gave his father an exasperated look. “Well, yes, of course, I’m assuming that. Why wouldn’t they let me in? My grades and SAT scores are top notch, and there are not many applicants who can say they toured the entire country as an opening act for one of the hottest bands in the world.”
    “I just think you have to keep your expectations balanced, that’s all.”
    Nick rolled his eyes. “Jeez, Dad, way to bring me down. At least Mom believes in me.”
    Edgar frowned. He reached out and covered Nick’s hand with his own. “Nicholas, I have always believed in you. If you want to be a musician for the rest of your life, then I am behind you one hundred percent. But I want you to always have the option to choose a different path. That’s why your mother and I wanted you to apply to this school. With an education of this caliber, you’ll be able to follow your dream without closing any doors, in case you change your mind down the road.”
    Nick smiled at him. “I’m doing what I love. I won’t change my mind. Rory even offered to shop my demo mix around to some of his contacts.”
    Edgar snorted in amusement. “Rory again. Are you sure you should be hanging out with the headliners so much? You never stop talking about him.”
    “I like Rory. He’s my friend.”
    “Balance, Nicholas. You have a working relationship while you’re on tour with his band. Your friendship might not last beyond the end of the tour. Don’t mistake a tactical alliance for a personal one.”
    Nick subsided in his seat, growing sullen. “He’s my friend, not a chess opponent.”
    “Just be careful, okay? Trust me.”
    “Why are you so down on Rory, anyway? He’s been nothing but nice to me, and you keep telling me to dial it back.” Nick looked up at him, eyes intent. “Seriously. Do you have some kind of problem with him?”
    Edgar met his son’s gaze and chose his words with care. “You’re seventeen years old, and he’s twenty-seven. I’m concerned about the amount of time you’re spending with him.”
    Nick looked suddenly uncomfortable. “Um, you’re not accusing him of perving on me, are you? Because Rory’s not like that.”
    “I’ve seen you two together, Nick. You flirt with him, and he doesn’t object.”
    “We’re just playing, Dad. He’s usually so tightly wound, I just try to lighten the mood a little to relax him. I don’t even know if he likes guys.”
    “So, if he ever decided to take you up on one of your invitations, you’d turn him down, right?”
    Nick was silent for a second too long. “Of course.”
    “I see.”
    “Dad, do you trust me?”
    “Yes, but—”
    “If you trust me, then back off.”
    Edgar considered Nick’s defiant expression. “All right, Nicholas. Use your judgment.”
    They didn’t say anything more to each other until they arrived at the gate.
     
    * * *
     
    Edgar dropped Nick off at the trailer he shared with the rest of his band. On his way back to the rental car, he stopped in the security office. “I need to speak to Rory Brennigan.”
    The security officer raised his eyebrows. “For what?”
    “It’s a personal matter.”
    “Sure. Why don’t you leave your name and—”
    “My son is a minor and