Page 110 of Ashes

There’d been a time when we’d been forced to watch some of the shit that happened. I was a wicked guy with a soul made of pitch, but Everett Church? That man was the face of pure evil.Hands down. Tag, I’m out.

Fuck him and his shit.

But I knew the game. I knew I had to keep myself in line. I needed to appear like I had my shit together in front of him if I wanted out of here.

“Malachi,” Everett called out, opening his arms for me.

I pushed a fucking grin onto my face and rushed to him like I gave a shit. I fell into his arms as he held me tightly, his hand smoothing down my mess of dark hair.

“Father,” I murmured, breathing in the smell of his rich cologne and cigars.

“How are you feeling?” Everett asked, pulling away and holding me at arms’ length.

“Like I’m getting better. I feel. . . happier now.” I was lying out my ass, but I knew the happiness would come once I was released.

“Excellent.” Everett beamed at me. “Has Dante come to visit?”

I hesitated for a moment, not knowing how I was supposed to answer since I wasn’t sure if shit had gone down between Dante and his father.

“Uh, no. Not really. He looked at me through the window twice. That’s it,” I said, feeling like that was vague enough. And truthful considering I hadn’t actually been close to my brother and best friends.

“I’m surprised he hasn’t made more noise than that. God knows he’s been wanting to see you,” Everett commented, his gaze swooping quickly over me, a brittle smile on his face. “Tragic, really. He knows you need the help, and yet continues to demand your release. Shame on him, right, Malachi?”

“I miss him,” I said immediately. “I want to go home. I’m ready.” I stared Everett right in the eye. “Father, please. I promise I’m well enough.”

Everett surveyed me for a moment while Sully and his dogs lurked along the edge of the room. I wanted to gut the fuckers so badly, but I held it together with the hope I’d soon be free from this place.

“I’m not so sure about that, Malachi. We both know you need much more help,” Everett murmured.

“Father—”

“How about we make a deal since you’re so desperate to leave?” He raised his brows at me.

“What is it?” I was cautious.

Everett Church was a monster, and making a deal with a monster always ended in casualties. I’d sworn I’d make sure it wasn’t my dick on the line if it came down to it. Church and I had promised one another we’d never fall prey to Everett’s evil ways. So far we’d done a great job, but as I stared back at the monster in front of me, I realized all good things must come to an end.

“Our headmaster here has informed me he is working with two more patients. Well, students.” Everett smiled at me. “He hasn’t been able to make as much of a breakthrough with them as he has with you.”

He had something up his sleeve. I knew the prick did. . .

“Oh?” I swallowed thickly, waiting for the hammer to fall.

“I was discussing the situation with him. He seems to believe you may be the key to cracking open these. . .nuts.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“And if I crack open the nuts, what’s in it for me?” I asked, my heart pounding in my ears.

“Your freedom. And theirs. Well, one is already free in a way, but both could proceed to the next level of treatment, which is being released from here to continue their education. Education is important, don’t you think?”

I nodded. I was smart enough to know the right answers this time. Hopefully.

“Yes, Father. Education is important.”

Everett’s grin widened. “Excellent. Sully has done well with you. You’re so. . . compliant. I love it.”

Was I compliant? Or desperate? Was there a difference?

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