Page 10 of Haunted Prey

“Tell me,” I said, even though a part of me was done with revenge. I just wanted Eve. Maybe they could help me find her.

“In time,” Micheal said. “We’ll tell you everything. But you tore open one of your wounds and Andrea needs to fix it. Let her do that. Then we’ll talk.”

He slipped from the room before I could respond. The others followed him out, save for Andrea.

“Please don’t make this difficult,” she said.

I glared at her, then drifted my gaze back to the curtained room. “No promises.”

CHAPTER THREE

The last day I’d seen Emery had passed and the world didn’t stop. It just felt like any other day. The dreams that had turned into nightmares in the dead of night were fading from my memory as I sat on the bed, staring out the window at nothing.

Eventually, a knock came at my door and it opened. “Hello, Eve, are you hungry?” Jackie said from behind. I didn’t answer, didn’t even turn my head to look at her.

She came around and placed a tray on the table beside the bed. I drew my eyes up to her but couldn’t even smile as a thank you. She put a hand on my shoulder as if to comfort me.

“Leo wants to see you today. Is that okay? Just to see how you’re doing. Then you can come down, get a massage or take a swim. Wouldn’t that be nice?” When I didn’t respond, she squeezed my shoulder. “It’s hard now, but things will get better, in time. Just enjoy yourself, eat a little if you can. Your friends are coming to see you after your session. It’ll be good to see them.” With that, she left me again.

I stayed by the window, watching the gray clouds roll across the sky. It was too quiet here.

My eyes drifted to the tray where the smell of food made my stomach turn. A plate with some eggs, toast, and fruit. A glass ofjuice on one side and water on the other. Next to it was a small cup with a pink pill. I reached over and took a bite of the toast, finding it hard to swallow. I took the water and drank half of it down. Then I took the pill and popped it into my mouth before drinking the rest.

I went to the bathroom, afraid I might be sick. When I came out, I could feel the effects of the medication slowly working in me. The panic that had been building since early morning began to ease, and I felt light, euphoric even. Like…I was relieved. Relieved of any pain and nothing mattered. The feeling made me giddy, and I even caught myself laughing.

Maybe I would go out and take a little walk.

I left my room, not even bothering to change my clothes, wearing the too big sweater and pajamas. But I felt comfortable as if a warm fuzzy blanket was covering me. I even caught myself rubbing my cheek against the soft sleeve as I padded my way down one side of the hall.

I walked into the main lobby where assistants greeted me with a smile.

“If you need anything, Eve, let us know,” they said as I passed them.

I stood in the center of the main room, gazing up at the mosaic ceiling. The colors were so vibrant, like a living kaleidoscope. Turning in a slow circle, I took it all in.

When I looked back down, I noticed two nurses rolling a cart toward the elevator. They stepped inside, and one of them pulled out a key, turned it in the lock, and pressed the button for the third floor.

I realized I’d never toured the third floor with Jackie and wondered what might be up there—or rather, who. The cart had been loaded with covered food trays. Maybe it was for some celebrity or politician who didn’t want to be seen.

“Hello, Eve,” a male voice said behind me. I whirled around and found Leo standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, his dark eyes assessing me as he smirked at me. “Ready to talk?”

I studied the dark red dress shirt under his black suit vest. His pants matched his vest and his shoes shined like oil. His hair was slicked back with the sides shaved, making him look more like a suave businessman than a therapist. I cleared my throat, fidgeting on my feet, feeling awkward in my drab attire. “I was going to take a walk first,” I answered.

“In the garden?”

I shrugged. “Wherever.”

“May I join you? We can talk and walk if you like.”

I didn’t really want to, but it would be rude to turn him away, so I nodded.

I followed him down another hallway, where one wall shifted from dark wood to gleaming glass. Through the glass, a garden came into view, with a fountain bubbling quietly to one side. It was an indoor garden, lush and vibrant, with everything in full bloom despite being out of season. Leo opened the glass door and gestured for me to enter first.

It was a refreshing sight, especially compared to the dreariness outside. As we stepped into the garden, I heard birds chirping. An orange bird fluttered past, its wings a bright streak of color, while a blue bird perched gracefully on a nearby tree. The air was warm, almost balmy, and carried a sweet, lingering scent that made the space feel alive. I remembered seeing the garden the first time and feeling nothing. Now, it was relaxing, beautiful. We walked around the path and I admired every tree, every flower. In the fountain, a large koi swam in a circle.

“How did you sleep last night?” Leo asked as we walked.

“Not well.”

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