Page 66 of Glitter Rose
“Jones!” Ramirez’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “Food. Now. That’s an order.”
I nod, forcing myself to turn away from the building. “On it.”
The mess hall buzzes with morning chatter as workers, scientists, and security personnel grab quick meals before their shifts. I fill my tray with oatmeal, coffee, and an apple that doesn’t look halfbad.
I scan the room for an empty table, dodging Alex who’s gesturing for me to join his group of bootlickers. Fuck that. My appetite’s already nonexistent without listening to their Gabriel worship session, and Alex boasting about being the one who spotted Paris first. I try to keep my distance so as not to kill him for it. I settle into a corner spot, back to the wall, where I can watch both entrances.
“Jones. Mind if I join?” Miller, one of the lab techs, hovers with his tray.
I shrug. “Free country. What’s left of it.”
He sits, stirring sugar into his coffee. “Nice day for patrol. Isn’t it?”
“If you like walking in circles for eight hours.” I shovel a spoonful of bland oatmeal into my mouth. “What’s got you making small talk?”
His eyes dart around before landing back on me. “Min-ji’s worried. And if she’s worried…”
My spoon freezes halfway to my mouth. I force myself to continue the motion, to keep my face neutral despite my racing pulse. “What about?”
He leans closer, voice dropping. “Gabriel wants to move to other samples. Bone marrow, spinal fluid.”
I squeeze the spoon harder. “Sounds standard for Gabriel’s projects.”
“It’s because we haven’t managed any progress yet. And that Mike is always hovering.” His voice catches. “That poor sister. Apparently he’s been?—”
My mug hits the table harder than intended. “Been what?”
He flinches. “Nothing. Forget it.”
“Spit it out.”
“Look, we all know Mike has… preferences.”
The mess hall blurs, rage turning everything red-tinged. If that fucker touched her?—
“When?” The word comes out more like a growl than a question.
“I don’t know details. Just rumors.” Miller looks genuinely afraid now. “Min-ji noticed bruising today. On her neck.”
I stand abruptly, tray forgotten. Miller grabs my wrist.
“Don’t. You’ll blow whatever you’re planning.”
I freeze. “What did you say?”
“I’m not stupid, Jones.” He releases my arm. “You’re not who you pretend to be. Neither am I. Tonight. Lab 3. Midnight. Min-ji wants to talk.”
The last time I tried to talk with Min-ji, Gabriel’s head researcher, she refused to help. Said it was too dangerous, that Gabriel would kill her, that no one could save Paris.
She’s found her courage. Or her breaking point.
Is it a trap?
Sofia talked about Min-ji often and told me that I could trust her, but—Fuck. If that’s my chance to get Paris out of here safely, I’ll take it.
“What—”
“Jones!” Ramirez weaves between tables, face split with a grin that puts me on edge. “Boss wants you. Now.”
