“Say your name,” Alaric said, holding out the glass ball in the palm of his hand.

Jo cleared her throat and sat up straight. “Josette Laughlin. Almost Saltzman.”

The ball in his hand glowed blue.

Josie stepped forward. “How did you meet my dad? Was it love at first sight?”

“That’s not a question.” Alaric shook his head and turned to look at Josie soberly. “Please.”

Josie blew past his pleading face. “Well was it?”

“Uh, it wasn’t quite love at first sight. I walked up to him at a college party. He was the only guy over twenty.” Jo smiled fondly at the memory. “I flirted with him and asked him for a sip of his drink. He told me he was a germaphobe, but I thought he looked like Indiana Jones, so …”

The ball glowed a steady, painful blue in Alaric’s hand as he stared down at it.

“Would you have had more kids if you didn’t die?” Josie stepped closer.

Lizzie stood and gave her sister a warning look. “Josie … don’t be so nosy.”

But Jo answered the question. “I like to think we would’ve.”

Alaric let out a rush of air, eyes glued to his dead wife, ignoring the bright blue orb in his hand. Lizzie looked away and cleared her throat harshly.

“Okay, I think that’s enough,” she said loudly. “The trip down memory lane is over. It’s time to start asking the real questions.”

Josie glanced over. “Like what?”

“Like is she here to hurt us?”

Jo laughed and shook her head. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

She said the words confidently, like there wasn't a doubt in her mind, but the ball in Alaric’s hand glared red. The atmosphere in the room changed. Everyone seemed to shift awkwardly at once. Josie looked down at her feet, but Lizzie glared at Jo evenly, silently shooting daggers at her with her eyes.

Alaric turned to them. “You girls go get ready for your party. The adults have this covered. Just try to have some fun tonight.”

Neither of them argued. They just crossed their arms and hung their heads as they headed toward the door.

Alaric called after them, “And my office is off limits until further notice!”