“I have broken down every case in the intricate section despite what everyone said, even though I was alone with no support or respect from my peers. When I was alone with Dessin, he wasn’t the monster he wants everyone to think he is… He was just a man. A man who is trying to shield his previous host with terrifying mannerisms. It may seem difficult because he seems impossible to connect with, but I’m telling all of you right now that I know I can.”
I didn’t even notice before, but somehow I ended up on my feet. Hands pressed against the surface of the table, leaning toward the shark tank, I challenge them.“He’ll open up to me, I’m sure of it. I’ll bring back the host that came before Dessin, and we can save a life instead of ending one. I’m only asking for a little time. One chance.” The silence in the room has dissipated my gall into cowardice, but I stay standing and wait.
For the first time, the clock behind me ticks loudly, knocking against itself like a gong. Lyoness stands, matching my inward posture.
“You have ninety days.”
25. The Other Monsters
“If you can’t protect yourself…”
A man sends whispers in the wind that haunt this dream. There’s a rich golden sunset, sputtering water smacks against the jagged black rocks fifteen feet below my feet. I let my head fall back, dangling off my shoulders, my eyes gazing at the cotton-candy sky covered by the fiery-red leaves of the red oak trees that surround me.
“Then I must keep you in the dark.”
~
The council warned me thatby taking on the perilous position of Dessin’s conformist, I was willingly and knowingly putting myself in danger. Therefore, they would not put any more orderlies or conformists at risk. I signed a document, a crisp piece of parchment with their signatures at the bottom, so they would not be liable for my death or terminal self-detriment. I’m sure part of the protocol is to scare me. However, motivation sprang through my system first, elevating my senses. The conditions we agreed on were ninety days, not a day more, and if he slips up one more time, no matter the intensity of the situation, the decision will be made to put his head on the chopping block.
Stepping into his room, I wonder if he can spot the tension tightening between my shoulders, the exhaustion weakening my posture, or the fear for his life creasing my brow. Can he smell the stress moistening the back of my neck like a bloodhound?
What games will he choose to play today?
But now that I’m looking at him, facing his erudite presence, the fascinated glint in his dark eyes. Something about this vulnerable edge begins to fade, and my growing allurement with thispatientlifts my chin and sets my shoulders upright. It’s like magic.
I take a seat in front of him. The tip of his chin points upward. He examines my awkward movements as I try to find a comfortable position in this small metal chair. I can’t sit comfortably without slouching in an unladylike way. So, I sit pin straight as if I’m on eggshells.
“Very nice wardrobe change.” Dessin greets me, examining my dusty-rose day dress I’d worn for the meeting I had with the council. I didn’t have time to change into my uniform once it ended.
“Me? What about you?” I wave my hand to his usual plain white shirt and pants. “You certainly dress to impress.”
He glances down at his chest, legs, then back to me. “Not quite. But I do undress to impress.”
I have to do a double take at his coy smirk. And to my humiliation, I peer down at his crotch. Heat spreading across my cheeks.Oh, no.To top it off, my clipboard slips from my fingers, crashing to the floor. I fumble forward to pick it up.
Dessin’s head falls back, barking out a laugh.
“Charming.” I shoot him a seething glare.
He twists his wrists within his shackles. “So, how did the meeting about my extracurricular activities go?”
Not sure how he heard about that.Uh…
“Am I in trouble?” he asks, amusement lighting up his chocolate eyes.
“Take a guess.” I glare.
“No.”
“Take another guess.”
He chuckles again, deeply amused.
“Well, I’m glad you’re so pleased with this situation because that meeting was anything but a picnic.” I grimace, still flustered by the tug-a-war over his life.
“And I suppose you’re not going to tell me why you fought so hard to keep me alive.”
“I thought you knew everything.”
