Page 78 of Mind Maze

He’s in on it.

The disgust roiling through me threatens to make me vomit up the wine I’d consumed. Nausea has my mouth watering in that way that you’re afraid to swallow in the event you’ll trigger the puking.

“VEIL isn’t what you think it is, love,” Caius says, stroking my cheek tenderly with his fingertip. “They’ve been experimenting on their audiences from all channels and networks under their umbrella. The subtlety is successful in pushing certain agendas from those in powerful positions down to the everyday worker bees out there.”

I remember the paper I’d found on his notepad—the one I’d used a little investigative work to dust the surface in order to see what he’d written last. Not only had he written his sister’s name, but he’d also written VEIL. Dad’s company was something he was looking into.

“Do you think my father knows something about Calista?” I ask, horrified at the possibility.

Caius purses his lips together and shrugs. “At this point, I suspect anyone and everyone, including my own family.”

“I have to get Megan away from them,” I whisper, resolve sending steel through my spine. “She’s not safe. They’re controlling her mind.”

He knows it’s true because his family put her through the damn program.

“Do what you must, but we’re leaving soon. I want to see if anyone else is wearing earplugs, specifically our fathers, and to see if I can spy anyone else looking suspicious, which might lead me to finding S.” He kisses my cheek and then whispers a strange word into my ear before pulling away. “Remember that.”

I’m still frowning in confusion long after he walks away. The music continues to play in one ear and will continue to do so as long as he stays in range. I suck in a steadying breath and exit the hallway. The crowd has fallen back into their happy, hypnotized state. I’m grateful for Beethoven blasting in my ear.

Megan is still where I’d seen her and Bastian last. While he’s distracted, talking to a man who seems overly enthralled with what he’s saying, I tug on Megan’s wrist.

“Hey,” I say, keeping my voice light. “I’m having a wardrobe malfunction. Do you think you can take a look at my zipper in the restroom?”

Megan, eyes blank and smile serene, nods. “Of course.”

My heart races in my chest as I pull her along with me back toward the hallway. If she notices my urgency, she doesn’t say anything. It’s not until we slip into the sanctity of the bathroom, away from the horrible music, do I breathe easier.

“You have to leave him,” I say bluntly. “My brother.”

Megan laughs. This is no laughing matter.

“It’s not a joke,” I hiss. “He’s manipulating you, Meg.”

She pushes against my shoulders, putting space between us. “Like I’ve told you before, I’m happy to be with Bastian. Whatever you think he’s doing to me, well, you’re wrong. Being with him is an opportunity I may never have had before.”

I can tell she believes the words coming out of her.

Too bad they’re not true.

“They warped your mind,” I explain softly. “It’s what they do and they do it well. Bastian and Dad are involved. This place too.” I thrust a finger toward the door. “The music makes you think this event is lovely and the president is wonderful.”

She laughs again. “This eventislovely and he’s truly an amazing president.”

I wish there were a way to snap my fingers and get her to shed all the brainwashing she’s endured.

“Stratosphere. Eye contact. Firm voice. Enunciate each syllable.”

Caius’s parting words a few minutes ago that he’d whispered to me seemed like gibberish. Now, I wonder if he knew I’d need them and they’d make sense later.

I grab onto Megan’s arms and bring my face close to hers. She struggles in my hold, but I’ve got determination on my side, giving me more strength.

“Strat-o-sphere,” I say in a forceful voice.

She continues to stare at me and then she blinks slowly. Again and then again. Her head shakes from side to side in a sluggish way as if she’s trying to clear something from her mind.

It’s working.

I cup her cheeks and tilt her head up to look at me. “Megan, are you okay?”

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