Page 64 of Echoes

"Does that affect our plans?" Jillian asks. She looks exhausted, still uneasy and on edge. I have to wonder what happened during her interaction with Vivian to unnerve her.

"No," Damon answers firmly. "We just need to ensure we are two steps ahead. For now, we are going to temporarily pause the grouping system overhaul."

I raise an eyebrow, looking at Grey. I still don't know what the deal is with the system.

"What do you need us to do?" Leighton asks casually, resting his elbow on the table.

"Keep monitoring the cameras and feeds. We need the access points available at all times. Also, bring Rian Thatcher into line. I can't have him messing up any of our plans."

Grey squeezes my thigh under the table, tapping his fingers against my leg. "Also, in the meantime, it's likely that Whittingham is going to continue to try to overpower us. He's still hounding Avery for information and has resorted to extreme measures. If you notice her absence or any unusual behavior with the staff directed at her, report it to us immediately."

Theo snaps his head to his left to look at Grey. "What extreme measures?"

I give him a sheepish look, already sensing his anger. "I'll fill you in with more detail later."

"This is where you come in," Grey mutters at Theo, jaw clenched. "I need you to stay with Avery during free time and keep her out of sight of the staff."

"Easy done," he answers confidently. "And I assume you'll stay with her during class time."

Grey nods. "Jillian, we need you to set up a live stream on Damon's laptop pinpointing the Eastwood and Westwood corridors, as well as Whittingham's office. If possible, we also need a direct link to the rooms underground."

"The morgue?" I ask, baffled.

Next to me, Theo laughs under his breath. Grey narrows his eyes on us, fighting back curses.

"There's other rooms down there as well," he says dryly. "I'm sure Ashwood has seen them."

I blink slowly, trying to figure out what he means. I can't tell if it's a jab or a genuine statement.

Theo nods though. "I've been past them but never inside. It's usually closed off."

"Isn't everything closed off?" I mutter.

Damon scoffs. "Of course. But this is a conversation for another day. We'll meet again in a few days as I expect there will be more developments. Report back to us with any new updates. That is all."

Chairs scrape back on the carpet as people stand, but I remain seated, turning to Grey.

"I thought you said that they were empty threats," I ask with worry.

He grins at me. "I'm sure they are. But let's err on the side of caution for now. Wait here for a moment, I need to talk to Ashwood about something."

I frown, looking over at Theo, who just nods, standing to follow Grey.

They disappear into an aisle, the curtain swinging closed behind them. I realize I'm stuck alone at the table with Damon, who's sitting with his arms folded.

"That was a quick meeting," I mutter, making conversation.

He glances over at me. "Time is irrelevant. It's the topics that matter."

I nod. "I guess so," I say awkwardly. "Do you ever eat or participate in the afterparty?" Tilting my head, I motion toward the food.

Damon cocks an eyebrow at me in amusement. "Is that your way of making conversation or are you genuinely curious?"

"Both," I admit. "You put on these events torewardeveryone but I never see you reap the benefits."

He smirks. "You're usually too busy in the aisles to take notice of what I do, Avery."

My cheeks flush and I turn away to look at the wall of black curtains. "That's true. You should unwind though. You seem stressed or something."

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