Page 102 of Echoes

"I don't know," I grumble. "I tolerate her. But perhaps she's growing on me. She's shown us great loyalty recently."

He gazes at me incredulously, lost for words. Shaking my head, I finish the contents of my drink, putting the glass down.

"Don't overthink it, Grey. It was a mistake. It's not going to happen again. Even if she does mean something, it's nothing compared to what she means to you. I have other things I need to focus on."

"I want to kill you," he admits with a growl. "But I won't."

"How noble of you," I taunt, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "So, nothing in Arthur's office?"

Grey's face softens, a small smile appearing on his face. "We couldn't see anything. I was then distracted. I would prepare for some fallout in the morning."

I rub my forehead. "Grey… is there a dead body in his office?"

"Yes," he replies coolly. "And his desk will need replacing. He won't be pleased."

"When is he ever?"

He stalks over, swiping the bottle of bourbon off the bed. Popping off the cap, he takes a swig, sitting down next to me. "I've put Avery to bed. We had to detour so she could take a shower. I think you should call a meeting tomorrow."

I nod in agreement. "We'll do it at free time. I don't think this can wait. Tell everyone in the morning."

Grey stands, taking the bottle with him. "I'll do that." He pauses at the door, looking over his shoulder. "And Deadman? That conversation isn't finished yet. Don't fuck with her. I'll let itgo this time, but if you do it again, you'll have a different war on your hands."

I linger around the facility, watching everyone carefully.

So far, the day has started like normal. No one has said anything about the events of last night. I expected Arthur to come barreling through my door this morning, but there was no sign of him.

It's eerily quiet and peaceful, not what I was expecting at all.

Everyone is either in their rooms or in their professional appointments—a few people passing by with guards as I wait by the library entrance for Grey.

When he arrives, we head inside for some privacy, sitting at the back of the room.

"The society is ready," he says, kicking his feet up onto the table. "We'll meet here at the start of free time."

"Good," I reply, leaning back in my seat. "Bring Avery and Ashwood too."

Grey's eyes narrow slightly but he just nods. "I'll grab her at free time. I believe she's with Dr. Markel at the moment and then has an appointment with that new asshole."

Movement out of the corner of my eye catches my attention, and I watch, bemused as Ashwood strolls into the library. He makes a beeline for us, and judging by the look on his face, he followed us in.

"What can I do for you?" I ask as he stops at the edge of the table.

The two other men exchange a glance, more pleasant than usual. I can't help but note that apparently Avery also has the skill of bringing peace—impressive when you consider the fact that it's between two of the most psychotic men in here.

"I'm waiting here for Avery. I'm not letting her out of my sight," Ashwood says casually, taking a seat.

I raise an eyebrow. "Aren't you meant to be in a session?"

"Aren'tyou?" he shoots back.

Laughing, I close my eyes. Theo Ashwood and myself are cut from the same cloth—and I can respect that.

All of us are meant to be in session or locked away, but we fight the system, because we know that they are just wasting their time. We don't need salvation—we'd rather slit our own throats than be subjected to that psychobabble bullshit.

"She with Elsher?" Grey asks Ashwood, who nods in reply.

"I'll grab her from the guard when she's out," he answers. "I don't trust anyone."

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