1269_UgliesFreeBook

418 Scott Westerfeld
“My locket. I didn’t mean to. I wanted to destroy it. But
I’m the one who brought the Specials to the Smoke, David.
I’m the reason why Shay is pretty. It’s my fault your father’s
dead.”
“You’re making this up! I’m not going to let you—”
“David,” Maddy said sharply, silencing her son, “she’s
not lying.”
Tally opened her eyes. Maddy was looking at her sadly.
“Dr. Cable told me everything about how she manipulated
you, Tally. I didn’t believe her at first, but the night you
rescued us, she’d just brought Shay down to confirm it.”
Tally nodded. “Shay knew I was a traitor, at the end.”
“She still knows,” Maddy said. “But it doesn’t matter to
her anymore. That’s why Tally has to do this.”
“You’re both crazy!” David shouted. “Look, Mom, just
get off your high horse and give Shay the pills.” He reached
out his hand. “I’ll do it for you.”
“David, I won’t let you turn yourself into a monster.
And Tally’s made her choice.”
David looked at them both, unable to believe any of it.
Finally, he found words. “You were a spy?”
“Yes. At first.”
He shook his head.
“Son.” Maddy stepped forward, trying to hold him.
“No!” He turned and ran, tearing the Mylar shade down
and leaving the others inside speechless; even Shay was
shocked into silence.