“Hi, Rhys! Volunteering today?” Kendra says as I enter the building and walk toward the reception desk with full hands.
“Hi, Kendra. Yeah, I really want to make some progress with Harvey, if that’s okay. I can also help with anything else you all might need.”
“Of course. Go ahead and sign in, and I’ll take you back.”
“Actually, is Dr. Owens free? I brought her a coffee.”
Kendra’s face drops, and my hackles rise. “Oh, no. Dr. Owens isn’t in today.”
Disappointment rushes in.
“Oh? I thought she only had the weekends off except for being on-call.”
“She does, her fiancé called in for her early this morning, something about a bug. I’m sure she’ll be in tomorrow.” My insides twist and gnaw at me, something nagging deep inside, a warning maybe. Something doesn’t seem right about any of this.
“Well, if you happen to talk to her, let her know I hope she feels better. And you’re welcome to the latte if you’d like it, no point in it going to waste.”
“Thank you, don’t mind if I do!” she says in a cheerful voice that sounds all wrong. There are too many thoughts going through my brain for me to focus. Is she okay? Is someone taking care of her? Is she actually sick, or did something happen to her? Before I sign in, I pull out my phone, wanting to get some help with this.
Me: Something’s not right
Me: Bristol’s not at work
Wrath: Okay?
Me: She doesn’t take time off, this is where she likes to be
Wrath: Maybe she’s sick
Wrath: Ya sound slightly stalkerish right now, just fyi
Me: You’re no fucking help
Chaos has joined the chat
Me: I have a bad feeling, my gut has never steered me wrong before
Chaos: If this doesn’t have to do with the club, I’m leaving the group chat
Malice: Thought it wasn’t a group chat Mr. Prez?
Chaos: Mal, you’re sitting right next to me
Malice: So why are you texting me? Use your words
Me: For fuck’s sake, I’ve got a shit feeling. Just please help me the fuck out.
Wrath: What do you need?
Me: Find everything there is to know about Blake Mercer
Chaos: You’re going down a slippery fucking slope man. This isn’t gonna end well
Malice: I’ll keep eyes on him
Me: Don’t fuckin stalk me Mal
Malice: Again it’s not stalking if you know I’m there
