Wicked Glory

By DelSheree Gladden

Faced with holding up their end of an impossible bargain, Van and Zander can either play nice and stay safe or keep digging up the truth and risk everything.

When Zander fails to reproduce the spectacular show of power David is so desperate to see again, he finds himself out of favor with his supposed mentor and at risk of breaking his agreement with the Eroi.

His only option to avoid the Eroi’s wrath is to work more closely with them, once again subjecting himself to Ivy’s mind-stealing presence. Fighting his hunger becomes secondary to convincing her that the Eroi’s lies and betrayal extend to who and what she really is.

Once the most detested of the Roth siblings, Van has now become David’s pet. It’s clear he intends to take her into his inner circle, but at what price?

Safety for her and her family lies in meeting David’s demands. It also forces Van to decide what she’s willing to do in order to stay in his good graces. Committing to becoming David’s protege requires crossing a line she never expected to get even close to. Can she live up to his expectations without losing herself completely?

• Language: English
• Publisher: DelSheree Gladden
• Release date: Oct 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310639142

DelSheree Gladden

DelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. She didn't speak a single word for the first few months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting before it was published.Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado before returning to northern New Mexico. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, hiking, sewing, playing with her dogs, and working with other authors.DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.

Book preview

(Zander)

Getting captured by the Eroi was part of the plan. Seeing my sister being held with a gun pointed at her wasn’t. When I told Annabelle to run, I didn’t expect her to come back for a rescue attempt. A failed rescue attempt. Now Isolde has everything she wants, well, almost everything.

The sharp click of the Isolde’s heels on the concrete floor electrifies my frustration. I spin around to face her before she gets too close to me. The pleased look on her face pulls my hands into fists. If she notices my agitation, she doesn’t show it.

It’s time to make your choice, Zander.

It’s not much of a choice knowing you’ll kill us all if I say no.

What? Van squeaks behind me. Who are you, and what choice are you talking about?

Isolde steps forward and says, My name is Isolde Zara. I am in charge of this compound, and I am offering your brother the only way out of here alive.

And what are you asking for in return? Van demands.

Information.

Van folds her arms and glares at Isolde. David doesn’t trust us enough to tell us anything and, if he even suspects what we’re doing, he’d sooner kill us than risk exposure.

Turning and taking a step toward the table, Isolde faces us again once she reaches it. Her blue eyes could freeze fire. Then I suggest you do whatever it takes to make sure David trusts you implicitly.

I hate the idea of putting Van’s life in this woman’s hands. Even though I have argued with Isolde, we both know what my decision will be. I wouldn’t have come here in the first place if I wasn’t willing to make the sacrifice she demands. There is precious little I would not give up to save my sister’s life, and Isolde knows it.

Isolde folds her hands in front of her body. I trust you are all in agreement?

Well, Oscar says drily, I’m on a day trip from the mental institution, and I have no contact with David, or any other Godlings for that matter, but sure, we’re all in. I just wouldn’t count on me being much help.

I’m sure you’ll do your best, Isolde says as she pats Oscar’s cheek.

In a flash, Oscar snatches her hand away from his face and holds it between them. His twisted grin makes her visibly flinch. Ever seen those signs about not feeding the bears? he asks, still smiling his disturbing smile. Replace feed with touch and we’ll get along much better. He flicks her hand away from him. I’m the bear, just in case you didn’t catch that.

Yes, Isolde says stiffly. I caught that.

Oscar winks. Good.

Stepping away from Oscar, she turns back to face the rest of us. She takes the phone containing the pictures and newspaper articles about David and Chris from her pocket. Immediately on edge, my fingers twitch. Van doesn’t need to know everything on that phone just yet. I don’t relish the idea of keeping something from my sister, but I know playing double agent is going to be difficult enough for her as it is. If she finds out Chris, the man who has spent day and night helping her control her new hunger, who helped her dress and undress at the hospital, is a cold-blooded killer, she’ll never be able to face him without revealing herself.

Isolde is too sly not to catch my reaction. Her eyes narrow at my response, but she wisely chooses not to comment. Instead, she holds the phone out to me. I will personally manage this arrangement. This phone is a direct line to me. Her eyes dart over to Van before settling back on me. Use it however you feel it will best benefit our deal.

Van’s face scrunches a bit at that last comment, but I understand her clearly. Taking the phone, I slip it into the pocket of my jacket. I am about to ask if we can get the hell out of here now, when Van starts shaking uncontrollably.

Van, what’s going on? Ketchup demands.

Van raises her head high enough to glare at the opposite side of the room. Her eyes are literally glowing with unrestrained hunger. What is she doing here? Van growls.

A frenzied burst of strength pulls her right out of Ketchup’s grip. Oscar and I both launch ourselves after her. Isolde’s guards charge forward as well, but Oscar reaches her first and wraps her up in a massive bear hug. Screaming and kicking, Van struggles to get out of his grip and tear Ivy apart. Knowing Oscar will be able to keep control of her, my eyes dart over to Ivy, who is standing in the corner of the room with wide eyes.

She was tucked away so still and quiet, clear across the room, I forgot she was even there. I stare at her now, fighting my own hunger. The feel of someone’s hand sliding into mine makes me jump and tears my gaze away from Ivy. Annabelle looks up at me with fearful eyes. I want to reassure her but, slowly, my gaze slides back to Ivy. I am not prepared for the brokenhearted expression plastered across her face.

Suddenly, a million questions are racing through my mind, but before I can voice even a single one, Isolde’s guards crash past me and drag Ivy out of the room. I spin around and take a step toward her. Annabelle’s grip crushes my hand, holding me back as she pleads, Zander, no.

I rip my hand out of hers and take a step forward. Isolde blocks my path with a cold expression that leaves no room for bargaining. Our deal is made. You and your siblings are excused. She steps back, opening the way to the door. I will be in touch very soon, and I expect you to have something useful for me.

Isolde’s eyes pass over everyone, stopping on Oscar’s only briefly before darting away. She looks back at me and says, I hope I don’t have to remind you that backing out of this deal is not an option. We know everything about you. Running won’t get you far at all.

With that, she stalks out of the room, her guards staying behind to act as our escort. None of us are interested in staying a moment longer than necessary. Oscar easily sweeps Van into his arms and, together, we walk out of the compound feeling heavy, but harboring a sliver of hope. It is a strange thing to be turned loose by the Eroi. Everyone is silent, burdened by their own thoughts, as we make the trip home.

I roll to a stop behind Peak View Hospital, bracing myself for the fight I know is coming. The click of the rear door closing snaps my attention behind me. For a brief moment, I hope it is just Oscar making things easy, but I feel my heart stop as I see his sleeping form and realize Annabelle is gone.

Chapter One: A Dead Redhead

(Vanessa)

The terror of being captured by the Eroi will be nothing compared to the horror of David’s wrath. Making a deal with the proverbial devil pales in comparison to what David will make us do as penance for betraying him. Our deaths won’t be the cost of our choices. Slavery will be.

All because of one girl.

Zander’s panicked words ring in my ears as I take them in. Gone? How can she be gone? Movement from Ketchup in the backseat makes me flinch. Oscar stretches next to him, his eyes rolling open slowly, as if Zander’s shouting was beneath him.

Did Little Orphan Annie run away when you weren’t looking? Oscar asks lazily.

Zander immediately bristles at the nickname, but Ketchup just blinks in confusion. He looks from Oscar to Zander. What happened to Annabelle?

She’s gone, Zander snaps.

Ketchup’s gaze darts to the space next to Oscar where she was sitting before we all fell asleep. "What do you mean—gone?"

I mean she took off! Zander’s fingers strangle the steering wheel, making it groan under the pressure. I was about to wake up Oscar and send him back into the hospital when I heard the door close. I thought it was Oscar, at first, but when I looked back there, Annabelle was gone.

I’m not going back to the hospital, Oscar interjects. His bored expression is strangely convincing, yet the steel underlying the casual tone makes it obvious we’re in for a fight.

We’ll discuss that later, I say before a fight can erupt. Gently, I push myself up to face the others more squarely. Pain ripples through my worn-out body and, for the millionth time since my stupid hunger decided to show up full force, I curse being a Godling. Biting back the pain and fear alike, I look at Zander. My voice is trembling by the time I finally find the strength to speak. Why would she run away? I thought she was all in on this plan.

She was! He shakes his head.

The confusion and doubt are clearly eating him up. Ketchup and I share a look. We’re right there with Zander on the confusion, but outweighing it is straight-up fear. Everything we just went through will be for nothing if Annabelle double-crosses us. My hands start shaking. She knows everything—about the deal we made with the Eroi to spy on the Godlings in exchange for my safety and where the Eroi compound is… where Ivy is.

I try to understand, but I can’t. How could she do this to us? I demand, my voice suddenly gaining strength.

We don’t know if she’s done anything, Zander says. His body language says something entirely different. Uncertainty is crushing him.

Why else would she run if not to tell David everything that just happened? Ketchup snaps. "Wake up, Zander! Your girlfriend just betrayed us to the Godlings! This feels a little too familiar, doesn’t it?"

Zander’s head starts shaking back and forth. No. No, she wouldn’t. She doesn’t trust David any more than we do. She wants to get away from him, too.

"Is that what she told you?" Ketchup demands.

The anger coming off him in waves stirs my hunger, begging it to lap up his fear and act. Focusing becomes difficult. Somewhere in the distance, I can hear Zander and Ketchup arguing about Annabelle, but the words don’t penetrate my rising hunger. My fingers dig into the seat cushion as I try to restrain myself. The full-body ache that has plagued me for weeks intensifies, tempting me to gather in my hunger and make Annabelle pay for running.

Suddenly, Oscar’s hand clamps down on my shoulder. His harsh grip is enough to momentarily grab my attention, but he isn’t looking at me. Instead, he is focused on Zander and Ketchup. If you two want to keep arguing, by all means, go ahead. Just don’t blame me when Van turns your girl-squabble into a bloodbath.

They both blink, and then turn to look at me. I don’t know what I look like, barely holding onto rational thought as I fight against my hunger, but they both freeze. Their anger drops away in an instant. I gasp, as if I have just come up from drowning, and fall back against my seat.

Now, Oscar says, his eerie calm making everyone shiver, I suggest we discuss this situation rationally, or I will simply let Van loose on Annabelle and see what shakes out.

She’s not going to betray us, Zander says though clenched teeth.

Then why would she run? Ketchup demands.

The tension between them renews, the fear and anger from a moment ago rising quickly. I fight to keep control. Breathing like Chris taught me, I listen with only half my attention.

Annabelle would never do that to me, Zander defends. She promised she was with us, no matter what.

She’s also a Godling. Ketchup folds his arms across his chest. None of them can be trusted.

Zander’s shoulders pull together tightly. She’s different.

That’s what she wants you to believe, and we all know how good a judge of character you are, Ketchup snaps. She’s probably been playing you this whole time! Why would she come here, if not on David’s orders?

The pain pulsing out of Zander right now stabs into me. My breath catches, and I double over. I want to comfort Zander, but only to get rid of the pain. I fear Ketchup is right, and Zander has made a horrible mistake in trusting Annabelle. My hands fumble for the door, and I nearly fall out of the truck.

Doors pop open around me as Zander and Ketchup scramble out of the truck, but I stumble away from them. Stop, I bark sharply. Get away from me!

They both slow, not seeming to know what to do. Both of them want to help, but neither can calm themselves enough to get near me without stirring my hunger. I lean against a nearby dumpster and take a deep breath. Instantly, I regret that move. Foul odors seep into my lungs, and I break into a fit of coughing. A moment later, I nearly jump out of my skin when a hand touches my shoulder.

Relax, Oscar says. I sent them back to the truck. His casual tone matches his slack posture. I shake my head, unable to understand how he can stay so calm about this.

Oscar, we have to do something. I push away from the dumpster slowly. We can’t let Annabelle tell David anything.

Nodding slowly, Oscar stares at nothing.

His silence only irritates me, and the weight of his hand on my shoulder is killing me. Shoving his arm away, I look up at him in exasperation. What are we going to do?

"What isn’t the question."

I groan in frustration. We do not have time for riddles! Then what is the question? I demand.

Who should do it, he says.

I stare up at him, wanting to shake my head. Do what?

Kill Annabelle.

"What?" I shriek.

Oscar looks over at me, his face wrinkled in a perplexed expression. It’s the only way to ensure her silence. Protecting you is more important than anything else, Nessie Girl.

Worth killing?

Of course, Oscar says. He stares at me like I am being intentionally thick. I shrink back as I get the impression that this is not the first time he’s come to this conclusion. Thoughts of my parents, of their bodies lying in their caskets, fill my mind for just a moment before I firmly shove the memories and the tears away.

Oscar, I say slowly, let’s not jump to murder right away. How about we focus on finding her, first?

He shrugs, like it doesn’t really matter. Maybe he doesn’t think debating about it does matter, because it will end the same, either way. I sigh, knowing this could go bad very quickly. The last thing we need are the cops showing up to find Oscar not in the hospital and the rest of us standing around a dead redhead.

We need to go to her apartment, Oscar says, startling me.

You really think she’d go there? I ask. It’s the first place we’d look.

Oscar turns to look at me slowly. If she’s innocent, that’s exactly where she’ll run. He turns away and stares back out at the parking lot. If she’s the liar I suspect she is, she’s already on her way to David.

Or on the phone with him, I admit. She doesn’t have to search for David. He’s only a few taps away.

There’s nothing we can do but run if she’s already betrayed us, Oscar says.

Run where? I shake my head, terrified that may be our only option. David will find us, no matter where we go. That’s why we haven’t run already. He has unlimited resources, a Godling army, and who knows what else.

Oscar scoffs. David only thinks he’s unstoppable. Killing or imprisoning us will not be as easy as he believes.

I force myself to keep my eyes turned down. Part of me wants to see what is hiding behind Oscar’s eyes that make him so sure of that, but I’m too afraid of what I’ll find to look. There were many times Oscar disappeared between the time of his hunger erupting and his arrest. I was not allowed to see my parents’ bodies until the funeral, and I was never once shown a photograph of the crime scene, or even allowed back into our house. I didn’t need to see any of that to know Oscar’s power runs deeper than he lets on. Even still, I can’t help doubt his surety that he could outrun David. He hasn’t seen everything I have. He doesn’t understand David’s obsession. All he understands is his own abilities, and I just don’t think that’s enough to go on this time.

Before Oscar started losing his mind, we were very close. Closer than Zander and I are now. We weren’t supposed to intentionally stir our hunger, or attempt to use our power in any way unless we absolutely had to, but other people’s rules have never meant as much to Oscar as his own warped sense of right and wrong. He never attempted to hurt me. In fact, most of what he did made me laugh, or watch in awe. He could climb anything, jump from any height, do a million impossible things that he only ever showed me, and I loved it. That doesn’t mean I didn’t see the potential to cause pain… a lot of pain.

Are you under control? Oscar asks.

Yeah, I think so.

Oscar nods. I suppose we should get going then. Not that rushing really makes a difference.

Uh, how do you figure that? I ask as I shuffle back toward the car. To my mind, finding Annabelle and figuring out why she ran is pretty time sensitive.

Oscar and I reach the truck, but he doesn’t open the door right away. Instead, he says, Because she’s made her choice. Either we’ll find her at her apartment, scared and lost, or she’s already in David’s pocket. If it’s the former, she’s not going anywhere.

And if it’s the second one? I ask.

Then David is already mobilizing against us. Running won’t do any good.

But, I thought you said all we could do was run if David comes after us.

Oscar blinks. It would be the wiser choice, but not the most satisfying one. His lips part in a vicious grimace. I dislike being hunted even more than being locked up.

So, you’re planning to do what? I ask. Two full-strength, but severely undertrained Godlings, one half-crippled Godling girl, and one human boy do not make for good odds against David.

I half expect something profound to come out of Oscar’s mouth, though I don’t know why. It should be no surprise when he says, I plan to kill David.

I don’t bother to ask how he intends to do that. I don’t want to know.

Oscar helps me back into the truck, and I breathe a sigh of relief at the mellowed atmosphere. I fear it won’t last long, so I immediately start breathing and focusing. Oscar’s muffled voice stays on the periphery of my hearing as he lays out what we will do next, regardless of what anyone else wants.

Everything is so black and white for Oscar. Lying is unacceptable. Betrayal warrants harsh punishment. Family must be protected at all costs, unless one of the other rules are broken. He could kill Annabelle and never feel a moment of remorse. There is so much blood on his hands already. I stare down at my hands, wondering if I could really do the same. How far will I go to protect the people I love? It scares me to realize I already know the answer.

Chapter Two: Vicious Desires

(Vanessa)

The four of us sit in the truck, staring at Annabelle’s apartment complex after Zander kills the engine. What do we do? I ask.

The stillness of a waning winter night in the desert hovers around us for a moment. Oscar is the first to break the silence. Are we going to do this, or what? He looks at Zander with one eyebrow cocked. You and Annabelle may be free and clear of David’s watchful eyes for the time being—assuming Annabelle hasn’t ratted you out—but Van and Ketchup have already gotten several texts from him wondering where they are. The excuse that they fell asleep watching a movie won’t hold up for long when he shows up at Ketchup’s house, demanding to see them. I’m sure Mrs. Keane will appreciate being scared half to death in the middle of the night, especially since she thinks Ketchup is asleep on the couch at Van’s house.

I glance at my phone nervously. David won’t wait much longer. He’s been giving me a little more wiggle room lately, but not that much. If Annabelle has tipped him off, the texts could be a ploy. I freeze as a frightening thought occurs to me. What if he’s tracking my phone? My eyes slide over to Zander. What if he’s tracking his phone?

Ketchup seems to notice my concern and says, He’s not tracking anyone’s phones. I already made sure of that.

Everyone, including me, gives him a curious, yet somewhat wary look. Where did he learn about stopping a phone from being tracked? I shake my head. Probably better not to ask. Refocusing, I dart a glance back to Oscar and say, We need to get moving. How should we handle this?

As soon as the words leave my mouth, the atmosphere is clogged with emotion. Ketchup’s entire body tenses as his eyes narrow at Zander. Waves of fear and anger roll off my brother’s body. I do my best to shut myself down, but it’s not nearly enough.

We need to confront her, now, Ketchup says. His sharp voice is stronger than I’ve ever heard it before. It’s a little distracting in that moment, to be perfectly honest.

What do you suggest? Zander snaps. Walk right up to her door? What if David is out there, waiting?

Ketchup folds his arms across his chest. I thought you believed in her innocence.

I do! Zander clenches his jaw, his teeth grinding as his own hunger surges.

Not only does his hunger stoke mine even further, it snaps me into panic mode. Huddling against the door, I plead with my brother. We’ll know soon enough whether or not Annabelle has betrayed us. Focus on making a plan. I can’t stay in this truck much longer, and neither can you. Please, Zander, just figure out what we should do.

Making an effort to distance himself from Zander, Ketchup moves farther away. I don’t think much of it until Ketchup freezes. His eyes dart around the backseat briefly before settling back on mine. The panic in them makes Zander and me both freeze. Where is Oscar? Ketchup asks slowly.

I spin around in my seat, the pain blurring my vision momentarily. It’s not enough to keep me from seeing that Ketchup is alone.

What the hell? Zander exclaims. How are people getting in and out of my truck so quietly?

Ketchup looks baffled as well, but I stare at Zander questioningly. They used their stored hunger to move quickly and lightly. Didn’t they teach you how to do that at the compound?

All Zander can do is shake his head in confusion.

There he is! Ketchup says. He points past both of us to a shady form slinking between cars.

My breathing stops. It’s either Oscar, or a burglar, but my money is on Oscar. For a split second, I’m too mesmerized to move. He slips in and out of cars with a grace that is hard to describe. His speed takes a moment to comprehend as well. One part of my brain accepts it willingly, because Chris was teaching me these skills at the compound. The more logical part of my mind is stuck in neutral, because none of what I’m seeing makes sense.

Oscar didn’t go to the compound.

So, who taught him how to do that?

My thoughts scatter as Ketchup yanks open my door. I reach out for him on autopilot, and he scoops me into his arms easily. A few seconds later, we’re bolting through the parking lot after Oscar. By the time we reach the sidewalk, I’m back in control of my frazzled thoughts. Panic tries to set in again, but wariness keeps it at bay.

Cataloguing everything I see as we run takes up every last bit of my focus. I twitch at every rustling leaf or errant sound. I’m so focused that it startles me when light from the hallway spills over my body. We’re through the door and into the building before I can process how far we’ve made it.

I’ve never been to Annabelle’s apartment before, and my nose wrinkles at this first look. The clean, but weary walls, matched with old, stale carpet makes me cringe. Grandma’s house is much smaller and older than the house I grew up in, but it’s way better than this.

Gasping in pain as Ketchup starts up a flight of stairs, I cling to him. He presses his lips to the top of my head briefly and says, It’s going to be okay. Just hang in there.

The words don’t really do much on their own, but the way his arms pull me closer against his chest does wonders. I can feel his own fear and uncertainty simmering deep within him. It’s hard for my hunger to ignore something that intense. It’s only Ketchup’s love wrapping around me like the old, childhood blanket my mom made me that gives me strength.

Although I can feel Ketchup’s emotions more intensely than anyone else’s, I’m not blind to what the others are feeling. We reach the second-floor landing, and as Zander stops to pull the door open for us, his fear nearly chokes me. It teases my hunger, calling to it so strongly that I nearly pull myself out of Ketchup’s arms to get to him. Luckily, he swings me into the hallway quickly, away from Zander.

It’s just around the corner, Zander says, picking up speed.

Reaching the corner a moment later, my hunger roars as Ketchup slams into Zander’s back. Words of warning disappear from my lips as one of my hands clamps down on his shoulder and squeeze. I can feel cartilage and bone snap beneath the force of my grip before Zander jumps away from me, stealing the pain I want so badly! Grabbing blindly for Zander’s arm, my craving suddenly disappears. Ketchup’s fear intensifies, while Zander’s has broken into despair.

The sudden shift is enough to pull my focus away from my hunger, but it leaves me reeling. I look up, confused and hungry. The sight of Oscar leaning against an apartment door, calm as can be, doesn’t help my confusion or hunger. Zander’s defeat suddenly makes sense as I realize he must think Oscar has already handled the situation. Ketchup’s emotions are a swirling mess as he seems to believe the same thing.

They’re both wrong, though. It’s not the timing I doubt—it’s the blood. Or lack of it, to be more precise. While Oscar’s hunger doesn’t crave chaos like mine, it does seem to run off impulsivity. His hunger is impatient. It wants no delay in being fed. Oscar wouldn’t take the time to clean up, or even hide what he’s done. I’m the only one who seems to realize that.

Put me down, I say quietly. He starts shaking his head immediately, but the steel in my eyes cuts his argument short. A moment later, he sets me down, and I stand shakily to face Oscar. He continues to stare at the opposite wall, but I know he’s very much present in this situation.

Took you three long enough, Oscar says with a sigh.

Do you have a plan? I ask. Beyond getting us up here?

Oscar looks somewhat offended by the question. He stares me down like he might a puppy. His eyes sweep past each of us before settling back on me with a frigid expression. Silly girl, I always have a plan.

Care to share it with us? Ketchup drawls.

Ignoring him, Oscar keeps his eyes on me. The other two don’t even seem to exist to him in this moment. Are you prepared for this? he asks.

Our conversation outside the hospital springs back into my mind. He doesn’t say it in front of Zander, but he wants to know that I’m going to back him up if Annabelle has betrayed us. I swallow hard and nod. Yes.

Ketchup and Zander both go very still, confusion and fear in their eyes, but I ignore them for the time being.

Are you strong enough? Oscar asks.

I honestly don’t know, but I don’t admit that out loud. I have to be, right?

One corner of Oscar’s mouth turns up. He nods approvingly. A moment later, his focus shifts back to Zander. He gestures at the lock. Do I need to break the doorknob, or are you going to use your key?

Zander reaches into his pocket, but stops halfway through the motion. He eyes Oscar warily. How did you know I have a key to her apartment?

How did you even know which apartment was Annabelle’s? Ketchup adds.

Silence falls over the group. I don’t know what everyone else is thinking, but I feel pretty stupid for not having questioned either of those.

If Oscar is bothered by their questions, he certainly doesn’t show it. How I know is irrelevant. Just get us inside before I lose my patience with this whole endeavor.

Looking sideways at Oscar, Zander steps forward and slips the key into the lock. He hesitates, not daring to actually open it. With a