Page 65 of Code Name: Phoenix

Stepping back from me, Logan glances at the security feeds on his wall. “By the looks of it, she’s heading to the showers.”

CHAPTER23

JESSA

The video call ends abruptly, and I’m thrust back to the room. I hear soft sobs from my left.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Dana hugged tightly against Grizz’s chest. She’s crying, while he just stares at me, face drawn and pale.

Now I know.

But I still feel nothing, nothing but sadness. Sorrow for a girl who believed her childhood friend was inherently good.

I’ve now witnessed my own rape and torture, and I still don’t remember it.

My scars still bear no emotional or mental reminder of pain.

There is no recollection, no raw suffering to draw from. And—most importantly—no memories.

I still don’t have the piece I need, and I’m suddenly angry. I’m angry at myself because I can’t unlock my most important memory from my own head. I can hack my way into any computer on this godforsaken rock, yet I can’t access one little memory.

I took a chance at closure, and I failed, and now everyone knows what happened to me.

It’s worse than I could have ever imagined.

Tears sting my eyes.

“Jessa?” Dana’s broken voice jolts me from my thoughts, and I recoil at her touch.

Startled, she pulls her hand back, and I look around at Hunter and Grizz, who are staring wide-eyed at me, waiting for my next move.

“I want to be alone.” I turn toward the door, but Hunter takes a step into my path.

“Orders. I can’t leave you.”

“Fine. I’m taking a shower—alone.”

It breaks my heart to see Dana so distressed, but she has Grizz. I can’t be here for her right now.

The walls push in on me. Without waiting for approval, I turn to leave. Hunter follows me out. No doubt he’ll tell Jack where I’m headed, but I hope I get a little time to myself before he finds me.

Tears push out of my eyes when I blink as I pick up my pace to the showers.

I know where I’m going, and I want distance from Hunter. If I can just get to the showers, he’ll give me the space I need to regroup.

Turning down the last hall, I’m about to reach out for the door when a firm grip on my shoulder pulls me back, and Hunter shoves me against the wall. “Orders. I have a message for you.”

His weight pins me, and my brain scrambles to process his words. “What? From Jack?”

“No—Maxwell.”

My throat constricts as I struggle to breathe.

I now have one question answered.

I know who the mole is.

Hunter glances up to the ceiling, then slides me a foot to my left like I’m a sack of potatoes before pinning me back against the wall. He’s moved me completely out of the cameras’ view.

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