Page 33 of Omega Tricked

Dylan shifted uneasily. “You know as well as I do, Charles, that sometimes people fool you.” His tone was pointed.

I had no idea what Dylan was getting at, but his comment seemed to have an effect on Charles. He hardened his jaw, and he nodded. “True enough.” He rubbed his chin. “There could be a few rotten apples, but no way do I buy the entire department is crooked.”

“Will you look into it?” Dylan glanced toward me. “I’m not sure it’s safe for Lex to try and go home until we’re sure he won’t be in danger.”

“I’ll look into it.” Charles’s slate-colored eyes rested on me. “I understand you’ve both had a very traumatic experience and you’ll need to rest. But tomorrow, I’d like you to come in and give me some more personal details about yourself, Lex. We can only be so relaxed when it comes to the safety of our residents.”

Damn.

If he insisted on fingerprinting me or getting my full name, I was fucked. I was inside the compound, thanks to Dylan, but unless I had a chance to poke my nose around and ask questions, being inside wasn’t going to do any good. If Charles kicked me out after the first day, that would screw everything up.

“Sure. I’m happy to talk to you.” I made sure I sounded agreeable, but I was going to have to come up with some reason why I couldn’t make it in tomorrow. I needed at least a couple of days to sniff out information.

Charles nodded. “Good. I’m glad we see eye to eye on this.”

“If we didn’t, what would you do? Put bamboo under my fingernails?” I smirked.

He didn’t look amused. “I don’t find the safety of our residents to be a laughing matter.”

“Oh, lighten up, Charles.” Dylan sounded annoyed. “Geez.”

Giving Dylan an impatient glance, Charles said, “Lex is going to stay with you, Dylan. The only available cabins I have are in the restricted areas.”

Dylan looked surprised but not displeased. “That’s fine. I have room.”

I wasn’t sure if I was glad to stay with Dylan or if that would hamper my movements too much. If I’d been staying alone, I’d have had much more freedom. That was no doubt why Charles was making me room with Dylan. Asshole.

“I don’t want you going near the clinic,” Charles addressed me. “I don’t want you roaming the compound. You’re to stay close to Dylan’s cabin for now.”

I frowned. “Feels like I’m still being held captive.”

“Not at all.” Charles forced a smile, but it wasn’t warm by any means. “Just until we know more about you.”

“Of course.”

“You do realize the only reason we escaped wasbecauseof Lex, right?” Dylan’s cheeks were flushed, and he looked angry now.

Charles appeared unmoved. “Nobody is forcing Lex to stay here. If he’s uncomfortable with the rules, I can arrange a ride back to town for him.”

“You know that would be dangerous for him,” snapped Dylan.

Shrugging, Charles moved toward a door at the back of the long room. “My priority is, and always will be, the residents. It’s my job to think this way, Dylan. I’m sorry if that’s a problem for you.”

Dylan shook his head. “Come on, Lex. Let’s get out of here.”

Charles stood aside, and Dylan pushed open the door looking pissed.

I was flattered at how defensive Dylan was of me, especially considering how little he’d cared for me when we first met. He’d definitely fallen for my innocent act hook, line and sinker. I patted his back as we walked out into the bright sun.

“It’s okay. He’s just doing his job.” I kept my tone light.

His jaw clenched. “He’s always been a hard-ass. You’d think he’d be kinder right now, considering all we’ve been through.”

“Let’s forget about him. I’m looking forward to a hot shower and some rest.”

He sighed. “Yeah. You’re right. Why waste energy thinking about Charles.”

Dylan led me along a paved path that spilled into a street. I trailed along behind him as he strode in the middle of the road. There were cabins on either side of the street, painted in bright colors. Abandoned bicycles and children’s toys were on the lawns, but there was no sign of any kids.