Page 15 of Exile
Situation…
In Grey terms—blood was probably spilled. The thought of him downstairs alone almost tips me over the edge right away, but I focus on the fact that he's safe and I'll see him soon.
"And Theo?"
"In his room along with all the other patients."
I nod, unsure where to go from here. "I need to see them."
Dr. Smith offers a wary, tight smile. "I'll do my best, but with my restrictions, it may be difficult. Arthur has only just restored power to the facility—though, it's minimal. From my understanding, electricity is on but he's still got everything else switched off to minimizedisruptions."
Both of us turn our head to the camera in the corner of the room, perched high on the ceiling. There's no flashing red light, and it only confirms that Dr. Smith is correct. No security means no access—in or out of the rooms unless they allow it. And something tells me they have no desire to open any doors.
"They can't get out," I try to ask, but it comes across as a solid statement. "Everyone is locked in their rooms."
Confirming, he nods once. "My staff card will only work for the general corridors at this time. They also changed the pin code again."
"Again?"
"This is the third change since your arrival. I was provided with the details from another colleague and while I'm sure Damon's people will figure it out quickly, most access paths are blocked."
"What is the code?"
I'm surprised by my tone—strong, a little demanding. Not at all like my usual self. Dr. Smith appears taken aback too, pausing for a second as he processes my request. I don't break eye contact with him, letting the seconds tick by while he psychoanalyzes me from his desk. Will he decide that I'm having some type of psychotic break? Or maybe he'll recognize it for what it really is. Either way, I refuse to let Damon down—or anyone. This is the time for action, to step up and prove that I'm better than my demons.
This is what I survived for. What I'm meant to do.
"The code?" he mutters. "It's Aunt Lily's wedding anniversary—0314."
A dry laugh escapes my lips. "Of course it is. Alexander sure has an odd sense of humor. A dishonorable homage to my own wedding date, no doubt. For a rich man he sure gives Temu style gifts."
I cock an eyebrow, holding my gaze steady as I finish. My silent question doesn't slip past the psychiatrist, awkwardly squirming in his chair.
"Yes, I married you. You signed the marriage license in here the other day."
"I suppose this is why they always tell you to read a document before you sign," I murmur sarcastically.
He hums thoughtfully. "Would it have made a difference if you knew beforehand?"
Would it? I haven't had time to consider what I would have done if he had told me what I was signing. It was a shock when that little bombshell was dropped, but I didn't hate it. I'm fully onboard Team Destroy Alexander and Arthur. The only thing I feel is guilt—knowing that Theo and Grey aren't able to marry me too and wondering how they feel about it.
Shit. That's assuming they would even want to marry me one day. I'd say I'm jumping the gun but I'm already wed at this point so it's all moot. Were they okay with the decision? Either way, I need to have strong words with all of them about making decisions like this without my knowledge. Goddamn possessive psychos.
"No," I answer confidently. "It wouldn't have made a difference. I would have still signed the paperwork."
I scan his face for a reaction, wondering if he'll hide it from me. To my astonishment, Dr. Smith begins laughing. "You continue to surprise me, Avery. In good ways. You've comeso very far from your first day here. And if I'm being honest, Damon too."
"Don't let him hear you say that," I joke. "There's no doubt in my mind that he'll still be able to inflict pain even with his current physical condition."
Dr. Smith smiles. "Agreed. Anyway, I'll need to escort you to your room soon. They left the door unlocked so I'd be able to get you inside. There are minimal guards on duty at the moment. Though, this situation still needs to be dealt with."
"We have it under control—or, we will at least. I need you to get me access to Grey and Theo as soon as possible. Also, can you reach out to my social worker?"
"Your social worker?" he repeats, standing and waltzing over to the filing cabinet. I'm a little annoyed to find it unlocked after what happened with my file, but let's be fair… at this stage nothing is private or sacred in Lilydale. It's bizarre to consider the reality that my files being leaked has not been my worst experience during my time here. It felt like it when it happened—like the worst possible thing that could happen to me was my secrets being revealed. But being turned into a human pincushion and tortured takes a top spot easily. And watching my husband take a bullet for me. Besides, I'm not the same person who walked through those doors anymore. The past is in the past.
Sitting back down, he flicks open the file, reading it. "Margaret?"
"Yes," I confirm. "I want to speak to her. I also want you to get new cell phones for us since our other ones were confiscated. Communication is essential. I assume Whitface destroyed them after having a good snoop."
