‘She’s alive,’ he whispers, his eyes clenching. ‘Sheishere.’
‘Where?’
‘The Heath,’ Shade says. ‘I never thought I’d say this but thank God for Laurie.’
I get the phone off Blake and listen to the message myself.
‘She sounds like she’s…okay,’ I say carefully. ‘Well, not okay, but you know?—’
‘Alive, at least?’ Blake supplies, looking as relieved as I feel.
‘Yeah,’ I whisper. ‘I haven’t wanted to say it but…’
‘We’ve all been thinking it,’ Shade finishes. ‘But she’s not dead and now we know for sure.’
‘What are we going to do when we get there?’ I ask. ‘How are we going to get Daisy out of that place?’
‘We’re going to need a plan,’ Blake says. ‘They’re not just going to let us walk in the front door and leave with her.’
Shade and I nod.
‘We’re going to need to break her out.’
Chapter Three
Daisy
They didn’t let me go running again today, but they haven’t given me the pills either.
I think it’s been about ten days or so since I was brought here and they’ve made sure to give me the space-out meds every single morning, so I’m hoping that my good behavior has made them start to lower their guard.
I try to project the meek and obedient little Marguerite who wouldneverdo anything bad and definitelynevertry to escape.
I even called The Heath ‘home’ in front of Stoke the other day. I almost gagged on it, but it was worth it if they’re going to let me outside.
I went back to his office late last night to find more evidence against him. It was a big risk because, if I’m caught, they’ll make sure I never get the chance to get out of here, but I’m glad I did it. There were schematics on the Stinger showing the voltage it delivers in a box in the cupboard as well as financial documents listing the names of people who have donated to this place over the years. These are the faceless enemies I want to take down in addition tothe assholes who work here. I also found employee files showing that half the Blanks employed at The Heath have been convicted of crimes in the past. The Heath only pays them minimum wage. I guess that’s why.
I located a file on Stoke’s computer, too. The idiot rarely closes down his PC properly. Unfortunately, it was encrypted. I wish there was a way to send it to Blake because I’m 100% sure there’s damning evidence on it; why else would the good doctor hide it when everything else is so easy to get into? But I don’t have the skills that Blake has. Instead, I copy it onto a flash drive I find in the receptionist's desk and I put it with the rest of the incriminating paperwork I’ve already gathered. Maybe when I get out of here, Blake can crack it.
Thoughts of my guys make me melancholy. I miss them so much. I’d kill for a cuddle from Shade, a kiss from Blake. Even waking up crushed and too hot under all of them in bed wouldn’t bother me.
Did they get my message? Do they know where I am? What does it matter? How would they even get me out of here if they did know where to find me? They’re so far away.
I’m pulled out of my thoughts by William. The kid is making noises to himself again, but they’re loud enough for others to hear. I glance at Philip as I pretend to doodle at my designated common room table. The Blank is surreptitiously playing on his phone and hasn’t noticed yet. Probably checking the footiesoccerscores.
I look at William out of the corner of my eye. I get it, I do, but he has to stop.
I want to tell him to be quiet before it’s heard, let him know that he’ll be punished again, but speaking to William isn’t allowed. They’re isolating him.
I see now it’s to break him faster.
The same way they broke me.
I hear William crying for his mum at night a lot. I did the same. I wonder if she knows what this place is doing to her son. I wonder if my mother knew. Maybe she did. Maybe she thought it was necessary tocureme. Maybe she didn’t think it was so bad, or that the result outweighed the method. Maybe John lied to her. Shade thought this place was some kind of clinic-spa, after all. Maybe that’s what she was told…or what she just needed to believe.
I don’t even think she came in when they dropped me off here and left me.
Another Blank strolls in. Janet. Another newbie. I’ve noticed her a few times since I got back. She hasn’t been cruel so far as I’ve seen. In fact, more than once, I think I’ve seen shock in her eyes, especially when it comes to William. I saw her write something down the other day and then stuff the piece of paper into her pocket.
