"Legion Kane," I say before she can ask. "Here to see Mercy Kane. I was told there'd be a visitor pass."
"Yes, Mr. Kane." She slides a plastic badge across the counter. "We've notified Mercy's teacher. She should be here shortly."
I clip the badge to my cut, feeling ridiculous. Like putting a name tag on a gun.
But clearly, these people are trying their best to make me happy so…
Then she’s here. Mercy’s quick footsteps pound on the marble floor, running despite whatever rules they have against it. Her face is flushed, eyes wide with fear.
"Legion!" She skids to a stop in front of me, searching my face. "What's wrong? Is it Savannah? Is someone hurt?"
Fuck. It didn’t even occur to me that comin’ here would send a signal like that. "Nothing's wrong, Merce. Everyone's fine."
Her breathing is still too fast. "But you're here. In the middle of the day."
"Just wanted to see you, that's all." I try for a smile, but the lie feels wrong on my face. "I miss you. Thought maybe we could take a walk. If that's allowed."
Mercy's eyes narrow slightly. She's always been too good at reading me. "You never just visit."
"First time for everything."
A woman appears behind Mercy, clipboard in hand. "Mr. Kane, I'm Ms. Holbrook, Mercy's advisor. Mercy can have thirty minutes for her visit, but she'll need to return for her next class."
I nod. "Understood."
"There's a walking path around the quad," she adds, gesturing toward the door. "Please stay on campus grounds."
"Yes, ma'am," I say, automatically.
She’s got the nerve to blush before quickly turning and walking away.
Outside, Mercy guides me toward a stone path that circles a grassy area. She's different already. Stands straighter. Walks with purpose. Her uniform is pristine.
"You look good, Mercy." I mean it. "School treating you right?"
She nods, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "It's pretty fun. I never thought I’d say that about school, but I like it. The food's really good. And I have my own room!"
"That so?"
"Yes, a dorm room. I share it with four other girls, but it's still mine. And I'm in the science club. We're gonna build rockets this semester!" Her voice picks up speed, excitement breaking through. "And I’ve made a horse friend. Her name's Emma. We ride on Mondays and Wednesdays."
I listen as she rattles off more details—teachers' names, books she's reading, the fact that they get ice cream on Fridays. All the little things that make up an exceptional childhood. Things I never could have given her.
"So you're happy here?" I ask, when she pauses for breath.
Mercy looks up at me, suddenly serious. "Are you okay, Legion? You look tired."
"I'm fine." This lie comes easier. "Just been working a lot."
"At the club?"
I nod, not trusting my voice.
"Savannah says you can visit with me on the weekends at the estate. If you want." Her eyes search mine. "Do you want to?"
What I want is to grab her and run. Take her far away from Cash, and Brick, and everyone else who's trying to use us. But that's not what she needs.
"I want you to be happy, Mercy. That's all I've ever wanted."
