Chapter 18 Markel scurries away without pushing the point like a smart man. He tried, just once, to finally corner me, to see if he can fulfil his duties as my appointed primary care physician. I didn't need to speak-my glance alone told him everything he needed to know. Fuck off. I don't need some bullshit doctor force feeding me narcotics. Even if I wanted to take painkillers, after what happened to Avery, there's no chance in hell I'm allowing them to drug me. The pain is still there but it's nothing a glass of whiskey won't fix. Besides, it's easing each day. It's a damn pain in the ass being shot, but I'd do it a thousand times over. I know my father aimed specifically for me or Avery. He might be a lousy shot, but even a moron could hit their target at close range. I'm just lucky that with all the commotion and movement, he managed to hit somewhere unimportant. Most of all, I'm glad Avery is safe. When they organized the Lilydale escort from the hospital, I wasn't surprised to find Connor waiting for me. I knew it was only a matter of time before they had to hire more guards, and with his loyalty, he volunteered since most weren't keen to be my glorified babysitter. Call it fear or laziness, but Arthur is slipping with his desperation. He's well aware of Connor's ties to us, but when no amount of money will persuade your staff to accompany a certain patient, you have little choice but to give in. I insisted we make a pitstop on the way back. I could have sent Christopher for the blowtorch, but what kind of husband would I be if I didn't buy my wife a proper ring? Of course, I needed to make sure I included Grey and Theo. After all, Avery isn't just mine. They were fully on board with the idea, and after some searching at the jewelry store, I finally found a ring that complimented all of us. It's perfect really, symbolic of our individual relationships with Avery. Diamonds to represent my strength and commitment to keeping Avery safe. Red for Grey's fascination and love of blood, and the stone being centerpiece since he was Avery's first love. And black banding to signify Theo's ink that he insisted on marking Avery with. But I told Grey it was because of our black hearts. He enjoyed that notion. One quick call to my financial advisor using Connor's cell and we were in business. He detests my father as much as I do-the two of them having a run-in many years ago when he refused to bend to my father's will. Before I was locked up in Lilydale, I suspected my father would pull some bullshit stunt. I set up a separate account, and before I lost access to the trust fund, I transferred a generous sum over. Since I didn't have a bank card to use, he provided the card details over the phone and I had the clerk manually put the details into the machine. My father has no idea about the other account. Of course, he meticulously checked the transaction history and knew funds had been moved, but he had no power to stop it at the time. I knew he'd move fast to try to take me down, so I moved faster. Avery is going to wear my ring proudly. Pissing Arthur and my father off is an added bonus. As I round the doorway, glaring at Christopher, he looks up, sensing me. 'You look like shit,' I point out, unable to resist the urge. He sighs, throwing his pen down. 'I feel like shit. But at least I wasn't shot.' I crack a smile. 'If you had, you'd still be in a hospital bed, whining and flirting with nurses.' 'Good to see nearly being killed hasn't affected your sense of humor,' he mutters dryly. 'The missing patients,' I say, ignoring him. 'Is everyone accounted for today?' So far, we're up to six. I'm doing everything we can to tighten surveillance but without knowing how or when they are being taken, it's difficult. People are becoming antsy, noticing their missing peers as well as Arthur's lack of presence. Even though the whole facility breathes easier when he's not lurking around, it's still causing turmoil-as if things are slipping out of control. There's very little that patients control here, and what they do is slowly being taken. I imagine Christopher has his work cut out for him, probably another reason his termination was temporarily rescinded. William Elsher is unlikely capable of managing the patients and their growing hostilities. Plus, knowing Arthur and my father, they want to keep Christopher where they can see and control him. That way, if they notice his insubordination, they can step in. Attempt to, anyway. 'Yes,' Christopher confirms, sounding relieved. 'Have you had any luck with the security systems?' 'Not yet. But we are aiming to strike soon. It's a fine line. If we act too quickly and aren't prepared, it's likely the missing patients will become collateral damage.' 'But leaving them is causing irreparable harm.' 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 Christopher knew 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 your wife that.' 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 first Cirque des Morts meeting. 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.' 'You do love a little bit of bribery in the mornings.' He hops up on the desk with a grin. 'You know me so well.' I offer him a tilted smile, his damn infectious mood getting the better of me. 'Where is dear Avery anyway? I thought she'd be with you.' 'Our little killer is with Theo in the library. She's helping set up for tonight.' 'She's certainly taking her new responsibilities seriously,' I mutter, admiring her newfound leadership skills. Grey grins. 'Dark horse,' he winks, reciting one of our earlier conversations. I guess he was correct. He saw her potential before anyone else. Even though I trusted his judgment-most of the time-I was still surprised at her progression. If I had to narrow it down, I'd say that's what ultimately won me over. She's much stronger than she appears. And with the right people supporting her, we're finally seeing Avery's true colors. Just like a true Emerson-Dale. At the conclusion of free time, Grey and I head to the library to double check things are ready. Tonight has to run smoothly-it's imperative. Everyone has been escorted back to their rooms, Theo confirming with us that Avery is safe and sound. We decide to be a little adventurous, planning to head to her room when we are finished. I want to brief her on tonight's agenda, as well as inform her that she'll be heading up part of the next operation. She's ready. I'm confident in her ability. It's time that the society sees that as well. While I know they respect my decisions and will listen to whatever I say, it's vital that they see Avery in full swing. For her benefit, not mine. Avery has spent her life tiptoeing around people, submissive and timid. She needs to believe in herself that she has the strength to lead, and by doing this, it will provide the opportunity for her to do so. After we confirm the library is ready for nightfall, the two of us start making our way down the corridor toward the female dorms. There's a loud bang that echoes in the distance, the sound of a door slamming but I pay it no mind. The two of us continue to exchange idle chit chat as we approach her room, when suddenly there's a bone chilling scream that stops me and Grey in our tracks.