Page 108 of Brainwashed

But then the idea of it doesn’t quite sit right. I find myself wanting to get back to my research. Back to Felix…

Call it my workaholic nature.That sounds accurate.

I shake my head. “That’s a generous offer, Manuel. But I think I’d like to get back. I have a lot of work to do.”

He releases another wide smile. “I knew hiring you was the right choice.”

We both stand and walk out of the restaurant, Manuel being called here and there like he’s some kind of celebrity.

As we make our way to the exit, he turns over his shoulder and says, “But you know that if you need anything, Kent will get it for you, yes? I mean,anything. Living away from the rest of the world can become… isolating.” I raise my brows at him.“Even my officers get to let loose when they need it. Blow off steam.” He smirks. “It’s necessary.”

I simply nod. “I understand. And yes, Kent has been great.”

“I mean it,” he goes on while we hop into the car. “Pick your poison and it’s yours. We don’t judge on the Isle.” He winks.

Right… I think I got it.

I purse my lips. “I appreciate it, Manuel. But this job is very important to me. Right now, it’s all I’m concerned with.”

He huffs another small laugh, shaking his head. “Doctors.”

Then he buries his face in his phone while I gaze out the window.

Less than an hour later, I’m walking into the Ivory Mansion by the side ofTheIvoryhimself, which feels strange. Though he’s not really paying me much attention.

He seems like he’s on a mission. Eager to get somewhere. And that somewhere must be up on his floor, because he makes an immediate beeline to the stairs and takes them two at a time while calling to Kent over his shoulder.

“No disturbances.”

And then he vanishes, and I’m left standing around in the dark foyer.

It’s after midnight, but I’m not tired. The sounds of a party are bumping subtly from the guards’ quarters.I wonder what they’re getting up to up there…

Letting out a sigh, I head for the stairs on the right side of the mansion, making my way up to my floor.Maybe I’ll go work out.There’s almost no way any of the guards are in the gym right now. I’ll have it to myself, which is my favorite thing.

In my room, I get changed into fitted sweats and a sleeveless workout shirt, tying my dreads back. Then I head downstairs, but I pause in the foyer.It’s such a nice night… Maybe I should go for a run instead.

I leave the mansion through one of the side doors that brings you out into a bunch of trees. Spotting the staff house up ahead, I jog, leaves and pine needles crunching beneath my Nikes. I stay on the path for a bit, weaving in between trees while I warm up. But once my heart rate picks up, so does my pace. I jog faster past staff housing and around toward the ocean. When I reach the shore, I run on the sand, following it as it wraps around the outside of the mansion.

There’s a small dock over here which I’ve never seen before. Slowing down while I jog by it, I observe a little boathouse, with no visible boat inside.Hmm. Weird.

My feet carry me faster, picking up speed as my sneakers imprint on the wet sand. I can see a large balcony overlooking the ocean from the highest floor of the mansion. That must be Manuel’s floor.

What a view.

As I’m running, cool ocean air hitting my face, I disappear into my thoughts. I begin sorting through the events of tonight, the things Manuel Blanco and I spoke about, and my overall assessments of him. I know he told me he wasn’t upset about my giving Felix the keys, but I’m sure he intends on keeping an eye on me.

After all, he’s a businessman, and a clearly ruthless one at that. Anyone who gets in his way is subject to retribution.

Good thing I haven’t let my guard down around another human being in twenty years.

My muscles are straining, the chill of the sea breeze brushing my now sweat-kissed skin as I run around the island. I pass the prison and keep going, making another lap back to the mansion. This whole island can’t be more than three miles around. It’s interesting how something so small can house such monumental personalities.

Thoughts drift in my subconscious while I focus on the endorphins rushing my system. I think about my work with Felix. How he told me that he likes speaking to me because I get him…

Do I…?Gethim?

It’s an interesting notion. I’ve always felt more connected with the twisted, lost souls of the world. Those with mental disruptions… I’ve spent my life craving understanding. Insight into who they are, and what makes them unique specimens. They’re anomalies; organic, tarnished stones in a world of synthetic diamonds.