Page 24

- Chapter 10 -

Laiken

Imake myself go throughthe motions of preparing for a normal visit. My damp, freshly showered hair is woven in a braid that reaches beyond my hips. I don't know Dad's plan, but I expect it'll involve needing to move fast, so I've put on soft gray tights under a loose, green empire waist top.

Sneakers are a given. I prefer them anyways. Annie has forced me into a few pairs of heels over the years for the occasional private event they host. She likes me looking “pretty” for Silas's friends and coworkers. I endured those parties. I'm delighted I won't have to anymore.

On my way to the sunroom, I spot Annie crossing ahead in the hall. She's alone, and that prompts me to speak. “Dominic is back.”

Her purple pumps lock in place on the carpet. She's at the tip of the T that the floors create. I can't get to sunroom without passing her. “You say it like you knew before I did.”

I'm used to her barbed manners. Plus, I'm extra cocky with my freedom so near. “You didn't miss him at all, did you?”

There's a mystery injected in her smile. “Didyou?”

Yes,I think. I come close to spilling it. “I need to go meet my dad, excuse me.” I get halfway around her. The dark sleeve of her sheath dress blocks me.

“You've been here a long time,” she whispers. Her molten amber eyes remind me of how Dominic's look now. “But you're still terrible at lying to me.”

Panic bolts into my throat. It creates beads of sweat. “What?”

“When you sayexcuse me,you should sound like you mean it.” She backs away, releasing me from her glare. The way she strolls off, I might as well not exist. That's how little she's thinking about me.

Holy fuck,I think, wiping at my neck. I'm all hot and nervous. For a second I was sure she knew my plans. But if she did, she wouldn't leave me alone. No one is that confident, not even Annie.

Summoning my strength, I half-run to the sunroom. The guard nods at me, his shirt stitched with the nameTheo.I recognize him because I've committed everyone who enters this estate to memory.

Dad isn't here yet. That's normal. Since his original visit years ago, I'm always early. It's easy for me because I live here. He has to drive all the way from some apartment complex where he lives with my family. They were moved there right after I left our cabin.

It had made me depressed at the time, thinking about our empty cabin. But that's all going to change after today. Setting myself on the wicker couch, I slump comfortably. I'm too happy to be anxious. This sunny room, with its fresh flowers, has brought me many blessings. It's a wonderful room.

I survey it, and I think,Goodbye.

****

THE SUN HAS MOVED BEHINDthe clouds. Dad has never arrived later than dinnertime, and it's rapidly approaching.

Theo's walkie-talkie beeps sharply. He lifts it to his broad mouth. “Yeah?”

“Code orange,” a robotic voice buzzes.

Theo blinks. He clicks the device again. “What's that?”

I lean forward, listening in as my paranoia grows.