Page 95 of Sick Bargain

I don’t trust him one fucking bit, but this is my chance to get a message to Remiel. I take the cards.

31

CUT HERE

REMIEL

I’ve always wantedto be important, but I’ve never wanted the spotlight. With the Vile members standing spread out among the circular tiered seating, I stand in the middle of the chamber and remember.

I remember waking up after fearing for my life in the corridors of the asylum, staring at the moon through the grate in the ceiling. Playing my cello in this very spot with shame soaking my soul and devastation suffocating my mind. I remember the gate he tethered me to and the pain he inflicted with knives, hot brands, and a tattoo gun.

I rememberhim.

I remember him telling me Iamimportant, that he shattered, that he can’t watch the roll of my throat when I swallow.

I look up, seeing all the coloured masks except teal. Ghost really can move without being noticed, and wherever he is, I hope he’s looking out for Krypt. The rest of the Vile Boys are watching me, ready to have my back and look out for my well-being. Because I’m one of them now. I might not be masked like the ten are, but I belong to Vile House through something that feels like family. Whether Krypt takes me back or not.

“Bestie.”

I look up at the whisper to my left. Kyd’s pink mask stares at me, hanging over the wobbly railing to get as close as he can.

“Can you put in a good word with the doc for me? I think he’s gonna be mine someday, and I wanna start out strong.”

I smile at his craziness even though every other part of me is riddled with nerves. I nod. And then Director walks in wearing a black mask with a golden face. He touches my shoulder in support when the gate I was chained to swings open and a group of people walk in.

I don’t care who they are. My eyes search for Krypt, and my fingers touch the calling card that showed up yesterday.

Remind me who I am.

I don’t know what it means, but my mind has run through three thousand possible meanings since it showed up at Vile House two days ago.

My mom is part of the group walking into the chamber. I stiffen at the sight of her, but honestly, I’m so far past caring that I shift my eyes to the other faces, looking for one. I recognize a few from Moros, some familiar to me, some not. But one is missing.

I don’t seehim.

As one, the group of people come to a stop in a line. Side by side, they stare ahead without really seeing. Or maybe they do see but they’ve been commanded not to react? I have no idea, but my mom is as blank-faced as the rest of them. She doesn’t see, acknowledge, or try to help me. I’m standing right in front of her, and she doesn’t fucking care.

Should I be helping her?

“Hello, Vile House.” A tall man in a light grey suit walks through the gate. His smile is pleasant, his stubble is perfectlytrimmed, and one of his eyes flutters shut. “Pleasure to finally meet you.”

No one says anything, and when I look around, I notice all the Vile Boys have turned still. Kyd is bouncing a bit, but the rest are stoic, calm, and braced for whatever comes next.

“Where is he?” I shout, unable to keep my mouth shut. “This was supposed to be a meeting in good faith.”

“Rest assured, Remi Sauder. He’s here.” Axel smiles at me, and despite how friendly it looks, it doesn’t settle me. “First, a little show and tell.” He clicks something in his hand, and then all hell breaks loose.

A gunshot echoes through the chamber, and Director grunts behind me. Before I get a chance to look at him, the group of ten fan out and more gunfire busts my ears. Axel Graves keeps his smile through it all.

Who the fuck shot the gun?

“Remi.” Director grabs my shoulder to steer me to the edge of the room. “Go. You’re not trained. We can handle—” Another bullet rips through his bicep, his blood spattering my face.

I catch him as he stumbles, hooking his arm over my shoulder and ducking for cover. The Vile Boys are spread out, picking off Axel’s group of zombies. My heart pounds and my eyes search, wondering if I’m going to find my mom’s dead body or Krypt as the one who killed her.

“I have to find him,” I tell Director, setting him to lean against the stone wall. “He’s controlled. Axel has control of his mind.”

“He’d want you to get out of here,” Director says, looking for his team. “Kyd!”

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