Chapter 12 I had missed the boredom from classes, only just now relishing the monotone script Charmaine recites as she talks about biology. Out of the corner of my eye, Grey twirls his pencil, focused on our teacher as she slowly paces the front row while holding open a textbook. I have to give her credit. After everything that has gone down recently, Charmaine is holding it together. But there's still an air of tension emanating from her, bags under her eyes as she drones on. Part of me wonders if she's tired and stressed because of the situation in general, or whether she holds concerns for her own life. Death is normal in Lilydale-a concept I knew from day one. But lately, it seems as if that's all there is here. We're in some fucked-up version of reality, staff and patients constantly dropping dead by various means. I don't think Charmaine has anything to worry about though. Most of the recently deceased had reason to be killed-be that their behavior or their actions. As long as she's not fucking Arthur now that Teddy is dead, she's safe. Her back turns to face the front of the room, and a hand reaches out, squeezing my thigh. Smiling, I turn my head to spot Grey watching me, still lazily toying with his writing instrument. He winks when he has my attention, giving me another grab further up my leg before sitting back in his seat. Yesterday is still playing on repeat in my mind, and by the sultry glances he gives, I think I can assume the same about him. After our library mischief, I spent last night texting Damon. I've never known someone to get shot and still act completely unfazed. He likes to be kept up to date, though there's little information to provide at the moment. According to him though, no drama means something is brewing. And I'm inclined to agree. We currently have the society searching for answers on the new missing patients. So far, we've managed to narrow down the patient count to four. Given how many people were lined up for their bullshit excuse to bribe patients into being tortured, it only feels like a small positive. Four out of ninety-nine patients is such a tiny percentage, but after experiencing first-hand their inhumane methods, it may as well be everyone missing. My stomach is in knots with worry. Lilydale's gen pop count is minimal, easy to tell when something is out of place since everyone knows everyone. When I heard the names of missing patients, it took all of my willpower not to vomit everywhere. Two guys and two girls-unlikely to be a coincidence. Nothing is accidental in this place. Even worse, it's Siobhan and Eliana that are missing. I may not know the women in depth, but I've had enough interactions with them to make the judgment call that they wouldn't do something like this if they knew the truth. Siobhan can be a little unstable at times, but she's not going to torture herself. Maybe after her brother's passing she was a little off the rails, but it's not characteristic of her to go and do something rash like this. Eliana has always been so sweet toward me, a friendly face who keeps to herself and befriends everyone. It wouldn't make sense. Plus, they speak to Vivian. I have no doubt that she would have relayed her experience to them as a warning. So, where are they? I feel eyes burning on me, an uncomfortable feeling niggling at my insides. That's how I know it's not Grey burning holes in the side of my face. His heated looks always cause an intense reaction, but not like this. Twisting my head, I spot eyes watching me from the back of the room. Rian Thatcher doesn't slink away at all when I catch him. Nor does he show any reaction. He just continues to stare at me with blank, dead eyes. Grey, sensing my movement, turns to me with a puzzled look of question, before following my line of vision. His pencil stops twirling in his grasp, stilling as Rian's gaze shifts from me to Grey. Finally, Rian loses interest, turning his attention back to Charmaine as she saunters down our aisle. 'Eyes up front, Grey,' she scolds gently, whacking him in the head with the textbook. 'You too, Avery.' Now I feel multiple sets of eyes on me, my cheeks reddening as I face the front. As she continues her path, Grey looks over at me, cocking his eyebrow. No words need to be spoken between us, his eyes asking the silent question. I just shrug in reply. I have no idea why Rian is watching me. There's been something off about him since the day he arrived. I know Damon and Grey have kept a close eye on him, and despite assuming he had some sinister motives orchestrated by Whitface, he hasn't really been a threat to us. Yet, at least. We need to keep a closer eye on him. I know all too well what it's like to be threatened and bribed by Whitface, especially as the new kid on the block. But Grey was quick to remind him of proper etiquette. Still, I can't fight the feeling that perhaps we have more enemies than we realize. People will do almost anything when they are desperate to survive. Damon may have most of the power, but he doesn't have the ability to offer any of these people what they really want. I make a mental note to discuss it with Grey when class is over, and as usual, we're on the same wavelength. 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 the safe 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 missing patients. '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.' 'Fuck,' I hiss quietly. 'It's really happening, isn't it? Did the four missing patients sign the consent forms?' 'I don't know,' Grey admits. 'Perhaps Christopher knows.' I jump off the table, flattening my shorts back into place. 'Then we need to find out. Who wants to pay a visit to Dr. Smith?' At the end of free time, I'm paired up with a short, wide guard who looks no more than twenty-one. Even though he's clearly new, he doesn't harbor any nerves about his position, staying quiet as he leads me toward the Eastwood wing. But as we near my room door, he grabs my arm, yanking me further down the corridor. 'My room is there,' I point out, pulling my elbow to loosen his tight grip. 'You have a meeting,' comes a gruff reply. There's nothing I can do but be practically dragged further down, zigzagging until we reach the end door-and I know who this meeting is with. Whitface is standing waiting for us, his office door open as we cross the foyer. Nerves fly through me as the cell phone suddenly feels heavy in my pocket. I can't let him take it away. It's our lifeline to Damon and each other. If I had known what was coming, I would have called or texted Grey and Theo, but I'm stuck now, only able to hope that Jillian will see me entering his office on the live camera feed. 'Ms. White,' Whittingham greets coldly. 'Marriage becomes you.' Shit. Fuck. Shit. 'What is this about?' I force out, keeping my cool despite my insides turning to liquid. He sits down casually, tilting his chair back while affixing his gaze on me. The guard stays close by, lingering too close for comfort as I wait for answers. Finally, a sly smile breaks across Whittingham's face. 'We've just been notified that your husband will be returning to Lilydale tomorrow under the order and care of Dr. Markel.' I try to contain my relief and excitement, face expressionless as I stay silent. There's more coming... there always is. He's building up to something and whatever it is, it can't be good. 'Take a seat,' he gestures to the spare chair in front of him. I don't get a choice in the matter, the guard hastily gripping my arm and dragging me to the spot. I'm thrown into the chair, hands reaching out to the desk to steady myself as the legs tip and threaten to spill over. 'What do you want?' I ask more firmly. 'Just hurry up and come out with it.' His murky eyes narrow on me, unamused by my attitude, but alas, he continues. 'The Lilydale board is prepared to offer you a deal.' 'You mean Alexander,' I scoff. 'Your freedom,' Whittingham states, ignoring my comment. 'In exchange for an annulment.'