Page 43 of Judgment Day

“Send the file there and give me a verbal report.”

“Sending it now. Verbal begins now. You ready?”

“Ready.”

“Judge Morgan Bailey is home. He arrived yesterday after being gone for three days. There have been cars going to and from his property all day. I found an announcement online about a private gathering he’s hosting for art enthusiasts.”

Exa swallowed. He’d had those events when she was a kid, also. They’d started out as elegant parties where the patrons could view the newest pieces of art that he’d added to his collection. They also got to view some of his friends’ pieces. But at the end of the night, the event turned into something else, something dark, something sinister, something revolting.

The patrons who truly came for just art would leave at the end of the event. Those who’d come for the after-hours special would stay behind for a different type of art show. Exa swallowed. She’d never forget the screams she’d heard late into the night after those events. She remembered huddling upstairs in her closet, trying to block out the sounds from downstairs.

“Did you hear me, Exa? Exa!” Seven yelled.

Scar touched her cheek. Exa blinked.

“You okay?” he whispered.

Exa swallowed. Was she okay? With a past like hers, could she ever truly be okay?

Chapter Thirteen

Exa

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“Exa,” Scar whispered. “Are you okay? Tell me.”

She nodded. The truth was, she wasn’t okay. But she didn’t have time tonotbe okay.

“Exa, I’m coming to your room,” Seven yelled.

Exa cleared her throat and said, “I’m fine. Sorry. Uh. Continue the report. You said he was having an art gathering in two days.”

“Oh, uh. Yes. And he hasn’t left his home since entering it yesterday.”

“In the past, when he had these parties, he stayed home to ensure the staff got everything done right. He’s very meticulous.”

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