Page 120 of Haunted Prey

“Bring her to my office after so we can talk,” he ordered. “Kennedy will want to see her too.”

Jackie nodded before taking the lead. I looked back behind my shoulder at Cassidy and Leo, Cassidy glancing back at me. I made sure she saw my face, saw the fire in my gaze before I turned around to watch Jackie hit a button on the wall and have the doors to medical open, revealing a long hallway with dim lights and dark rooms.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

I sat on the exam table, hands clasped so tight my nails dug into my skin. The room was cold, even more so now that I wore nothing but a medical gown.

I fought them at first but not for long, not when one of them threatened to sedate me like I feared.

“It’s just for our safety, Eve, please try to cooperate,” one nurse said.

I wanted to answer “fuck you” but I forced my mouth shut. Jackie had gone away to check on the room, leaving me with two nurses, a man and a woman. The woman had set down the gown for me and asked me to dress so they could do the exam properly. If I didn’t change, they would have to take other measures to make sure I did.

I eyed the straps on the table. I didn’t want to be tied down either. I had to remain calm, had to bide my time. They said they’d take me to Leo after and I felt that might be an opportunity to escape, assuming they didn’t tie me to a chair and sedate me after. They’d need me coherent so I’d be able to talk. I trusted I’d be safe as long as I complied. Play nice long enough and I’ll find a way to run.

So, I took off my clothes and put on the gown. I let one nurse take my blood pressure and temperature.

I could see my phantom stirring in the corner, no more than a shadow, refusing to speak. I wasn’t just afraid of being caged in. I knew Emery would come. And I was terrified he would do anything to get to me, but he might end up in the crossfire too. I had to get out before that happened. And the clock was ticking. Any time Cassidy could make her move.

I stared at the nurse, then let my eyes drift over to a set of surgical tools left on a table only a few feet away. Before I could even move, unfortunately, the nurse turned around with a needle in hand.

She took my blood, and I forced myself not to stir as she did. When she was finished, turning around again to take care of the sample, I moved as silently as I could and grabbed one of the small surgical knives. I put it under me as I sat down, just as the male nurse returned, rolling in some kind of machine. It looked more futuristic than modern with little lights and a screen. Attached on its side was a thick cord which was then attached to some kind of metal rod.

I kept my hand near my thigh next to where the knife was under me. “What is that?” I asked.

“Please lie down and spread your legs,” said the woman nurse as she put on gloves.

“I asked you, what is that?”

Before she could answer, the door opened and Jackie entered, a water bottle in one hand and a small paper cup in the other. “Don’t worry about that now,” she said, gesturing with her pinky to the machine. She whispered something in the male nurse’s ear before stepping over to me. “Your room is ready, Eve. I’ll have a late dinner sent up. For now, here you are.”

She gave me the water bottle and the small cup. I peered down at the cup and saw a small pink pill.

I gaped at the Lulladex in stunned silence, realizing Jackie was speaking.

“It’s best we get you back on your regular schedule right away,” she said matter-of-factly. “It will help you to get readjusted as we—”

I threw the cup and water bottle in her shitty face.

Jackie gasped, her eyes widening. The male nurse moved around to restrain me but I moved faster. I took hold of the knife under my thigh and swiped, cutting his forearm open. Jackie screamed as I leaped from the table and grabbed her, putting the knife to her throat.

I heard Emery’s low laughter in my head.That’s right, Evee, baby. Make her pay.

I hesitated before bringing the knife back. No. No, I just wanted out. I needed out.

I shoved Jackie away, toward the others. Still gripping the tiny blade, I turned for the door and burst out into the hall. I raced toward the double doors at the end, afraid if I looked back, I’d see someone chasing and feared what I would do if they caught me.

I made it to the doors and practically slammed into them as I pushed them out of my way. As I shot back into the main entrance hall I staggered to a halt, my mouth dropping open.

Lez was there now, wearing his clown mask. He was kneeling over a guard, pulling a knife from their chest. He tilted his head up and looked over at me just as Cassidy appeared from the security office, wearing a mask in the shape of a white rabbit. She, too, had a blade in her hand, dripping dark blood onto the shiny wood floor.

She noticed me and stilled.

We stared at each other. Until I heard yelling behind me and the sounds of footsteps.

I bolted, steering for the elevator. Just as I came to it, the door slid open and I nearly ran into a small nurse with a tray. She gasped as I shot inside.

“Miss, what are you doing?”

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