What if i said i don't care?

Rhyme was only able to store a couple of names in his memory. Epitaph being one, and a vague remembrance of Tragedy. He knew there were likely more, his mother had always been quiet about them. Not even mentioning some of their names. Of course they had usually been kept separate, and he hadn't been able to comfort her through all of the births of his half siblings. He still blamed himself for the loss of her eyesight and their capture on himself.

Vlad continued, answering his question without hesitation. Of course Rhyme's unspoken if. The headhunter could find her and return her, but Rhyme couldn't offer his mother's freedom. His mother. Rhyme took a harder look at his captive, and for the first time saw the familiar bridge of his nose and the shape of his eyes. They looked like Epitaph's, they looked like Rhythm's, they looked like his. What if Rhythm was his mother. Rhyme wasn't even sure if he should mention the hunch. Or the fact that they might just be able to save the woman he spoke of. Rhyme wasn't about to spill their plans to his captive though, and kept any hint of his bargain to himself.

He wondered if Vlad was being cruel or really trying to warn Rhyme of how serious Eulogy's training under Toxic had become. Rhyme felt his heart beat faster as he worried for her. She really would easily be picked up by the first wolf to find her. He was torn between mourning her and leaving right now to track her. Vlad hadn't offered another real question. "You've given me much to consider." He decided to say, unable to make any decision in the moment. He had to think of his pack first, and hope Shaye might think similarly to himself. Rhyme stood, ready to summon Acere or Odysseus back to guard the headhunter. He'd give Vlad one more chance to ask another question before he left him.