Page 29 of Psyop Kings

The buttons on the right side of the door are on a computerized iPad type of device. Definitely new. He quickly enters a code and then hits the number two. The doors close and then I can feel us descending.

Though the panel is hidden from view now because Gareth’s body is covering it, I count the rhythmic dings.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

Another ding and the doors open.

If we’re on floor two now, it’s possible I was on the eighth floor. How many floors are there? Jumping from the eighth floor would mean death, though, so in a way I’m glad I didn’t have a window when I was frantically searching. I may have just jumped out in my effort to seek freedom.

Gareth steps out and we’re no longer on a floor with rooms. We’re in an atrium of sorts. The scent of fried meats and cinnamon instantly fills my nostrils, making me nearly drool. As much as I want to make a break for it, eating and learning more about where I am would be wise. Because, at the end of the day, if I escape, that doesn’t help me find Megan here.

I have to be smart.

We walk beside a railing that allows for viewing on the floor below. I’m momentarily stunned to see what appears to be an indoor forest. All sorts of trees, vines, bushes, and flowers decorate the space. The atrium area isn’t enclosed above it but instead allows light in from massive windows at the very top of the hotel. I try to count the floors, but it’s too difficult to do and keep up with Gareth.

“You’ll be pleased that he was able to peel himself away from work to join us for breakfast,” Gareth says under his breath. “I know how much his busy schedule irritates you.”

I grit my teeth, refusing to be fooled by this man. Instead, I stay on his heels, looking for the mysterious man he alludes to. The area opens up into a space filled with fancily decorated bistro tables. Another scent—one I can’t place—overpowers the food smell. A flower of some sort maybe?

At the table, I discover Orion, Theo, and Caius. Orion sits at one end of the rectangular table and Caius sits at the other. Theo sits to Orion’s right.

“Concussion is still causing confusion,” Gareth says to the group as we arrive. “Please be patient with her.”

All of their eyes bore into me. I want to flip them off but manage to keep control of myself. Gareth pulls out a chair beside Caius and motions for me to sit. Caius gives a small nod as if to approve of the notion.

“Why am I here?” I demand as I take my seat. I turn my attention to Theo. “Why did you kidnap me?”

Theo’s lips twitch like he’s fighting a grin. Then he stuffs half a jelly-covered biscuit in his mouth, choosing to ignore my question.

“There’s some delusion about what happened,” Gareth continues. “You’ll see.”

But I’m not delusional.

No amount of gaslighting will make me believe them.

“I need my medicine,” I grit out, trying to keep my voice even and calm. “I’ll go through withdrawals without it.”

I remember when I’d been prescribed fluoxetine, the doctor gave it to me with a warning. Do not abruptly quit taking it. It’s the kind of medicine you must wean your body off of. You could become suicidal or have psychological delusions if you come off it too quickly.

Am I having those delusions?

Is that what the ever-changing room was or were these twisted men moving me around?

“That doesn’t happen with ibuprofen,” Caius says in a flat, bored tone. He picks up his coffee mug and sips it, eyes closing slightly as if truly appreciating the hot liquid. Then he sets it back down, the momentary glimpse of pleasure gone. “Get ahold of yourself, Romy. Your efforts to seek my attention are growing tiresome.”

I stare at him open-mouthed, unable to form any words of response. I’m distracted when a woman in a white button-down shirt and black slacks comes rushing in to bring me and Gareth each a plate of food.

“Help,” I whisper as she sets mine down in front of me.

She smiles warmly at me and then scurries away as though I never said anything.

“She doesn’t speak English,” Theo says, chuckling. “It’s cute you don’t remember.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I’m not falling for their nonsense. Theo lured me into a bar, drugged me, stuffed me in his car, and then locked me in a hole in the floor.

Don’t ever forget, Romy.

You’re here because they took Megan first.

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