Page 23 of Exile
Avery
The days that follow are strangely…routine. It's as if the birthday massacre—aptly named by Grey—never happened.
Except it did.
We're forced back into the usual formation, attending classes under watchful eyes, and shoved into the rooms of the questionable psychiatrists. Thankfully, I'm still with Dr. Smith, though he seems just as uncertain as the rest of us regarding his so-called employment. He doesn't voice it completely, but little comments and the change in his demeanor just confirm the shift in energy that's radiating through Lilydale. That doesn't appear to slow him down though. He makes a point of being overly engaging in our sessions, almost to the point of being obnoxious. We've gone back several months and it takes all my strength not to be annoyed at his persistent questions about my feelings.
I understand where he's coming from. I know he's taking his role very seriously now after everything that happened. But at the end of the day, I'm not okay. Maybe on the surface I am, but people are still dead. Not to mention Damon isstill in hospital, patients are missing again, and at any moment, Alexander is going to pop up to make good on his threats. No one is okay—even though we have to pretend that we are.
Despite all the new guards on patrol, I've yet to see Whitface since the day he poked his ugly mug into the hall. And when we finally get our hands on the new cell phones, it's apparent why.
"There's a whole bunch of news articles," I murmur, swinging my legs from atop the desk.
Grey looks up from the library table, nodding in agreement. "A few reek of Arthur, but there's a couple of local newspapers that have clearly gone rogue. Read the one from the Herald."
I click on the link in the list of articles. My eyes immediately get fixated on the title, eyebrows raising at the blunt directness.
PATIENTS SHOT. MANY DEAD IN REHAB CENTER BLOODBATH
Last Friday, 6th June, authorities were called to the Lilydale Foundation Center after reports of an altercation between staff and patients.
Upon arriving at the facility, initial reports suggested that several people were injured, with some suffering from gunshot wounds. In addition, staff and patients were also being treated for injuries relating to physical altercations.
The facility supervisor of Lilydale, Mr. Arthur Whittingham, gave a brief statement on the steps of the center, advising thatseveral patients had started showing signs of aggression. When staff were called to deal with the situation, patients allegedly became violent, resulting in four people being pronounced dead at the scene as well as multiple counts of injury.
"Unfortunately, it is part of the job to deal with situations such as these. We are well equipped at the Lilydale Foundation Center to handle our patients, and empathize that they are on detailed, intimate programs to help them rehabilitate from their past crimes and upbringings. Sadly, we lost members of staff today, and while we would never give up on patients, it is clear that some are not safe to return to the community despite our expert guidance and treatment programs," Mr. Whittingham stated to the reporters on scene.
Lilydale Foundation Center was established over half a decade ago by a private organization. During its tenure, it has claimed to have successfully rehabilitated hundreds of patients. However, this reporter has been unable to find evidence to support these statistics.
When asked about the deaths, Mr. Whittingham was unwilling to provide details. However, according to a spokesperson for the local hospital, several staff and patients were being treated for injuries, including one with a gunshot wound.
We reached out to Mr. Whittingham for further comment regarding this, but at the time of press, have not received a response.
"Wow," I murmur, lowering the screen. "They know about Damon."
"I'm not surprised," Theo says from the corner of the room. He's leaning against the wall, one leg propped up with his arms folded. "Reporters will go to any lengths for a story. One even tried to sneak into Madison's funeral just to get inside details."
Frowning, I share a look with Grey, unsure just how much he knows about Theo's history. He nods in agreement about the reporters but doesn't prompt Theo for more information.
"And how did that work out?" I ask knowingly.
Theo shrugs. "I broke his camera… and his hand."
Yep. Called it.
Grey taps away on the keys of his cell, pausing before giving me a suspicious grin. "Check your phone in a minute, little killer."
I glance down at the same time it buzzes in my hand, a text message notification appearing. Clicking into it, I feel both sets of curious eyes on me, but it's momentarily forgotten as I read the message.
Damon: Hello wife.
"He's received the cell phone?" I ask excitedly, eyes blown wide.
Dr. Smith mentioned in our session earlier about taking a trip to the hospital to deliver the goods, but I didn't expect it to be this quick. Having a direct line to Damon suddenly feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
"Yep," Grey confirms, flashing me a Cheshire grin. "I'll no doubt be getting requests from him in the middle of the night. I'm fairly confident that Deadman doesn't actually sleep—or if he does it's with one eye open."
I don't respond, other than an amused snort, as I punch back a reply.
