Page 227 of Irreversible

She’s in one piece, but her movements are sluggish, like she’s only half awake.

Drugged.

Without taking the time to blink, my mind runs through scenarios. Weighing my options. Vincent is calculating, but I’ve goaded him enough to see his control snap in the past.

This time, I need to do it while making sure Everly stays alive.

He shoves her even tighter to the railing, proving his point.

Keep him talking.

My eyes dart between the two of them, unable to leave her for long. “You okay, Bee?”

“Aw, you two areadorable.” His tone is ripe with condescension. “Meant for each other, even. You have me to thank for that.”

“Yeah,” I deadpan. “Thanks.”

“Now you get to die together.” He chuckles. “You’ll have me to thank for that, too. You’re welcome.” His mocking singsong makes me want to turn him inside out.

I make a show of looking him up and down.

“Ah. What are you killing me with, exactly?” I raise my eyebrows at the umbrella. Surely, he doesn’t think that toy is enough to do me in.

“Oh…well, my sharp wit, of course.” He twirls the umbrella in the air, swinging it back to threaten Everly without missing a beat. “Just kidding, I predict you’ll be jumping right over that railing and taking care of it all by yourself. The sharks will help. You’re nice and meaty; they’ll love you.” He licks his lips and makes a disgusting slurping sound.

I glance at Everly, making eye contact, checking in. She appears docile, but I know that’s how she survived two years in his facility of horrors, all while never giving up. And now, I see the way her eyes flare, caught between determination and panic.

Are you planning something, Bee?

My attention swings back to him before he becomes suspicious. “And why would I do that?”

This guy is out of his fucking mind.

“Because you’re ahero. And I bet you’re arrogant enough to think you’ll be able to swim to shore. Also, if you don’t, she goes overboard.”

“And I’m supposed to believe you won’t throw her over anyway, because…”

“I’ve reconsidered; perhaps she’s too pretty to die. Not unless she has to. And that depends on you, my friend.”

I dart a glance to either side, looking for a weapon.

Keep talking, asshole.

Everly straightens. I watch some of the clarity come back into her face. If I can keep Vincent’s attention on me, she may have a chance to make a move. Get away.

I need to get her over here on my side, where she’s safer.

Come on, push him away. Come to me.

With nothing to hold over my head, he’d be finished.

Remembering how angry the bastard gets when I’m unimpressed, I shrug, forcing a show of nonchalance. “I guess we’re at a dead end, then.”

“Mmm, the proverbial impasse, indeed. But see, my wager is that you’re a better man than I am. You won’t let her die.”

My stomach curdles. Doubt creeps in.

“I’m not a better man.” The words stick in my throat. “I’m just a man. Andyouare completely devoid of humanity.”

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