Page 27 of Exile
We dip into the hall briefly while Byrone releases people by their numbers—my mind unhappy with the information that I'm still in group one. It's obvious though. I can't see my danger level decreasing any time soon. In fact, I'm probably enemy number one right now to Whitface and Alexander. I'm a damn shareholder in this place, legal heir to the Lilydale legacy after Damon.
It's a bit unnerving, I'm not going to lie. Knowing that they no longer want to just torture me, but kill me as well, that's unsettling. Even my father didn't really want me dead—he just wanted me to suffer and use me to release his frustrations. Now, I have people that wish and pray for my demise.
Fuck. The idea that people want me dead is next level. I suppose it's not much different to Whitface secretly giving me a razor blade and insinuating I should kill myself. But the motives are in a different league now. I was just a problem back then, collateral damage in their scheme to dissemble Cirque des Morts and hurt Damon. Now, I'm an obstacle, standing in the way of their plans and power. If Whitface can kill Teddy for lesser reasons, I really need to be careful and smart.
As group five is ordered to start free time, I gaze around, taking note of thesafe ones. None of us are safe really, and when Theo stays still next to us, that's when it really hits me.
He slipped in so quietly with the rest of his class, but I felt him immediately. I'm drawn to all of them the moment we are in close proximity.
"Are you group one now?" I ask him, sensing Grey listening in.
The two of them share a look over my head as Theo nods. "We're in the same club now, Aves."
Confirmation still stings, but if anyone can handle themselves, it's Theo. I have to say I'm surprised though. After what he did to Dr. West, any smart person would stay far away from Theo. I guess the unwavering desire for science and research surpasses self-preservation when you are as sick and deranged as the doctors downstairs.
"Not really a club I wanted any of us to join," I murmur quietly so listening ears don't overhear.
Theo gives me a tilted smile, placing his hand on my lower back. "Anywhere you are, I'm there too."
"Come on," Grey says to us when Byrone gives the signal.
The three of us return to the library, checking the aisles to make sure we're alone. Besides the cameras, it's just us, and I have to wonder if our constant sexcapades in here are watched.
Okay—that's a thought I don't want to ponder. I can just imagine Whitface's disgusting face staring at the footage, and just like that, the library is tainted.
"What's the deal with Rian Thatcher?" I ask Grey, leaning against the table. "Do we need to worry about him?"
Grey sits on the table near me, practically leaping up with unnecessary force. "We'll keep a close watch on him, but I think it's fine."
"The new kid?" Theo interjects. "He keeps watching Avery. But the scrawny thing near pisses himself whenever he walks past."
A hearty laugh bubbles out from Grey. "Well… don't I have a funny story about that."
My nose wrinkles in repulsion. I was filled in about his bathroom visit with Rian, and frankly, if someone rubbed my face in urine, I'd be running in the opposite direction and steering clear of all bathrooms in my future.
Of course, Grey can't resist retelling the story, Theo enjoying it unlike the disgust I feel. But hey—we all have our different types of humor. I like jokes. Grey and Theo love violence. Opposites attract, right?
"Let's keep him on our list for now," I tell them, legs dangling off the table. "In the meantime, I want to chat to Vivian. I'm really worried about the missing patients."
The guys nod, giving me the green light.
"Theo, I need you to rough up some of the new guards. Find out what they know and if Arthur has bribed them with anything in particular. I'm willing to bet he's put a target on us. We need to be on alert in case they have plans to drag us downstairs."
I can't suppress the shiver that rolls through me at the memories. It makes me sick thinking about the missingpatients. "We need to locate them asap," I say quietly. "I can't stand the thought of them being hurt downstairs while we sit idly by."
"Byrone is looking into it," Grey confirms. "We can't get down there though. The staff cards aren't working for those particular doors and they have tightened security for the camera zones."
"Oh," I mutter, disheartened. "That doesn't help ease my concerns at all."
"If anything, it just affirms that they are likely being held in the rooms," Theo says darkly. "Perhaps they allocated the access permission to the solitary confinement card."
"Which, we all know, is in Arthur's possession," I finish.
Grey hums to himself. "We need to get that card. But there's no doubt in my mind that he's either hidden it, locked it away, or it's on his person at all times."
"Can't we just smash the access pads?" I ask, glancing between the two of them.
Theo shakes his head. "They upgraded them. Those doors now have a new pad in place. I already tried."
