Page 44 of Exile
I lift an eyebrow. "I don't see you attempting to rescue them, Christopher. Feel free to try if you feel as strongly about it as we do."
"You know I can't," he growls in frustration. "Besides, I've been locked out of certain systems and no longer receive the staff updates."
"Then shut your mouth and let me sort it out."
The two of us fall silent, entering into a stare-off. I continue to hold it until Christopher relents, rubbing a hand over his face.
"I don't know what to do, Damon."
"Who are the missing patients assigned to?" I ask firmly.
He frowns. "Psychiatrist wise? Let me check."
Tapping his laptop, I wait patiently as he cross-checks the notes. When his mouth purses into a violent line, I have my answer before he's voiced it.
"Elsher's patients," I say confidently. "No surprise there."
Christopher nods once. "They all signed consent forms too. So, technically, what they are doing is perfectly legal."
"Bullshit," I laugh sarcastically. "That form was nothing more than a cover-up with minimal details."
"It gave the doctors free reign in terms of scope."
"You can't contract out of human rights," I point out. "I need a list. Give me all the names of patients assigned to Elsher and who have signed the form. I'll have my people do a risk check."
Christopher rolls his eyes. "Oh, yes. The infamous numbering system," he mutters. I'm not surprised he knows about it. Most people within Lilydale, patients or staff, don't understand it. They just do as they're told. But Christopherknew the ins and outs of what was brewing beneath Lilydale, and it doesn't take a genius to piece it together.
"My methods are effective."
He gazes over at me with a hardened stare. "If you say so. I'll put the information together. In the meantime, you should probably know that Avery asked me to contact her social worker. Arthur needs to sign off on it first, but I think his hands are tied. He'll have to since it's her legal right."
"Arthur doesn't care about legal rights," I reply. "But I agree. He'll sign off on it so it doesn't come back to bite him. Did she say why?"
Christopher cocks an eyebrow at me. "Maybe ask yourwifethat."
I laugh quietly. Clearly, Christopher still gets a kick out of the whole situation. No doubt he'll hold it over my head for the remainder of time but frankly, I don't give a fuck. He knows as well as I do that it was our only loophole to temporarily stopping my father. Not that I have a problem with it. Being married to Avery isn't a chore or business transaction.
My mother would have loved her.
"I fully plan on questioning my wife," I respond to Christopher, turning to leave. "But remember—she has a husband with a nasty streak. So, I'd do as she says."
Grey enters my room, holding a fresh stash of snacks from the kitchen. He whistles to himself, giving me a small nod as he heads over to the desk, restocking my drawer.
"I spoke to Christopher," I tell him. "I've asked for a list of patients under Elsher's care. I think he's the culprit."
I notice he stiffens, likely recalling the Avery situation too. One day soon, we'll get our hands on him and make him suffer for his part in her kidnapping.
"Good idea," Grey answers. "Speaking of which, I've organized a meeting for this evening. Tony is even going to make your favorite."
"How do you even know my favorite food?" I ask, amused.
He knows I'm being satirical. It became known when he organized his firstCirque des Mortsmeeting. Practically hounded me for the information until I relented, deciding that him knowing wouldn't be the worst thing. Grey was eager to please from the beginning, showing his loyalty from day one and ensuring he always had my back.
"I know everything about you, Deadman," he laughs, pausing as he lifts something. "How long have these cigarettes been here? They are stale as fuck."
I shrug. "Beats me. I haven't smoked in months. You can have them if you want."
Grey pockets them. "The only drug I need is Avery. But I'm sure they will come in useful as rewards. People are stressed. We'll be gods amongst men giving them out in exchange for information."
