Page 84 of Gifted

I’d been afraid for him when I had the original vision, maybe even angry. And I’d been upset with myself for my weakness. What if I caused that scenario? Then there’s Ben’s friend Jake and the circumstances surrounding that vision. Once again they forced me into a state of panic. Once again I saw an enemy fall. I think back over the countless glimpses I’ve had into the lives of others. I rarely see the future and can’t remember a single time when I’d done so in a calm state. Still, that’s hardly proof and barely anecdotal evidence. But it’s enough to send waves of anxiety through me at the possibility.

“I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you to absorb all of this in addition to Daniel’s overdose. We’re going to work through this, okay?”

“Has he tried before?” I ask, even though I know the answer.

An uncomfortable look crosses his features, and he hesitates before finally nodding slowly. I’m glad he doesn’t lie to me, but I still don’t trust him.

“He has. A few times. It’s one of the reasons we monitor him so closely. Unfortunately, he’d been improving, and we let our guard down.”

Let our guard down.

Daniel used the same phrase once. Was that the reason for his growing cooperation over these last weeks? All this time Ithought it was my influence on him, and he was only plotting his death?

“How was he able to do it?” I ask. “You knew his issues with drugs.”

Clausen massages his forehead. “It’s not as easy as simply keeping Daniel away from dangerous substances. It’s complicated, but please trust me when I tell you that there’s a lot you don’t know about him.”

I know more than he thinks. Possibly more than he does. Of course, I’m also aware that for everything Daniel’s shared, there are mountains of information he hasn’t touched. I have no way of knowing where I stand in the course of our tragic game.

“I want to help him. Yes, he hurt me and took my memories, but I’m not ready to give up on him. Seeing him there like that…”

“That’s very noble of you. But for his sake and yours, it’s probably best that we isolate him for a while. I’m sure he’ll be grateful to know he has a friend waiting for him.”

“Please, Director. Let me help. If what you said is true, then who better to assist him than someone he trusts?”

His brow furrows as he considers my argument. “Look, I can’t agree to anything without knowing what’s going on in the infirmary at the moment, but you make an interesting point. Give us time to sort through this. I promise we’ll see if there’s a way you can help.”

My heart sinks, but I’ve pushed as far as I can without raising suspicions. Still, what am I supposed to do with the thought of Daniel locked away while they work their “therapy?”

“I guess I’ll have to live with that for now. But please, let me be involved as soon as possible. I’ll do whatever you say to help him.” Those words carried some weight a few weeks ago.

“We appreciate your willingness to help. For now, I must ask something in return.”

I swallow. “What is it?”

“As I’m sure you can imagine, this is a very sensitive issue. I hate to think how the student body would react.”

“You want me to keep it a secret.”

He nods.

“Of course.” Finally, an easy question with an easy answer.

“Thank you. Now, I know it will be difficult for you to adjust to your schedule after all of this, but please do your best. I’ll be removing you from the morning group activity to give you an extra counseling session with Anna. She’s being briefed as we speak. I am also at your disposal, of course.”

I force a weak smile.

Chapter 15: Knight

“Connor?”

I return from my morning counseling session to find Matthew’s roommate ducking into my suite. With boxes.

“Oh, hey, Rebecca.”

“What are you doing? Here, let me get that.” I grab the top one and follow him into the common area.

“They didn’t tell you? I’ve been transferred.”

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