Dave studied Aoi as she spoke, listening intently and watching every change of expression. His brow furrowed at the mention of her parents, then his eyes widened. When she finished, he let out a long breath and sat silent for some time with a look of strangely grim sympathy.<br/><br/>"God<em>damn</em>," he said finally. "The Hikari case. I heard about it. Heard talk about the scene." He shook his head. "I'm sorry you had to see that."<br/><br/>"For what it's worth," he added, "I'm convinced you didn't do it. If you've got half the skills they say your mother had, you could have blown me to dust as soon as I showed the seal. But you set a harmless snare, even not knowing who might fall into it. No, you're no murderer."<br/><br/>It was Dave's turn to chuckle. "Ain't we a pair. A Keeper who stumbles onto one of the thirteen most wanted by accident, and a fugitive who saves the people chasing her."