“Better?”
I hesitantly nodded. “It still hurts.”
“I know.” He pulled out the pin, then stuck it lower in my arm.
I grimaced, heat swimming underneath my skin. Still aware of the pain, a part of me became detached, an observer rather than a participant. We didn’t speak as he kept poking, and soon, thin rivers of blood soaked into the bedsheet.
“Has anyone ever told you how strong you are, Jonah?”
Feeling lightheaded, I said, “Eliot did, but he’s a liar.”
“We all lie, some better than others.” He held the bloody pin above me. “Show me how strong you are.”
With shaky fingers, I took the pin.
“Show me,” he said again, and I did.
*
“I’m thinking.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You were about to.”
The Director twisted his lips in amusement.
A minute later, I moved my queen on the board. By the time it took me to lean back in my seat, I realized I was screwed. “Shit, I—”
“Language, Jonah. And checkmate.”
I rubbed my face in frustration. That had been my best game yet. “You can let me win from time to time.”
“I don’t reward failure.”
Harsh. “I think I’ve earned another drink, at least.”
“Half a glass.”
I rose from my seat in front of the fireplace and poured myself half a glass of wine before sitting back down. I took a long sip, feeling comfortable and sleepy, enjoying the warmth from the dancing flames.
“Have you been taking your vitamins?” The Director asked. Since I had no exposure to sunlight,the other captives and I needed to take vitamins regularly.
“I’ve been taking them.” I sipped more wine, wondering why he hadn’t yet asked about my meeting with Mr. White two days prior. Maybe he didn’t know about it, or maybe he was waiting for me to bring it up. I touched my arm, where the puncture marks had all but healed. Yesterday, I returned to my room to find a small box with needles on my bed. I hadn’t used them yet, but it was only a matter of time.
“I’ve met with Mr. White.”
The Director gave a slight nod, the fireplace making his graying hair seem golden. “I’m aware.”
“I don’t think you like him.”
“I don’t need to like him to respect his role.” He held my gaze. “Did he hurt you?”
I hesitated. “Not… physically.”
He sighed like he knew what I meant. “No one’s better at messing with your head than him. He doesn’t come here often, at least.”
I wondered if Mr. White had made him take the truth serum as well.
