Page 113 of Shadowman

My eyes lift slowly from the orange he’s dismembering, delicately and with precision, to his face. He gives nothing away in his expression, but still. I’m choosing to read between the lines.Possibly inferring a bit…

He’s not pleased about Dr. Love and Felix Darcey’s relationship.

So then why is he allowing them to have it??

“What does that have to do with me?” I ask a question I know he has to answer, attempting to rein in my frustrations.

“Well, for starters, I believe giving him another patient to focus on is necessary.” Manuel’s head slants. “But more importantly, you two share a history. There’s a sense offamiliaritythere. If anyone under this roof—other than Mr. Darcey, of course—knows how Lemuel Love operates… it’s you.”

My thoughts are churning as I stare at him, like a hamster on a wheel.

“What it boils down to is that I’m allowing Lemuel to stay, and encouraging him to drop his guard. Treating you again will play a part in that.” He carefully tears away one of the orange slices, examining it briefly. “Who knows what your mere presence here could do to him… Without him even realizing it.”

His eyes flick to mine as he pops the orange into his mouth, chewing slow anddeliberate, not once breaking our stare. Irises glittering like polished orbs of black onyx.

My lips part, but it takes a moment before the words come out. “Are you sure? He did up and leave me after three years.” A mass of new resentments overwhelms my limbs until my fingers curl into fists and my jaw tightens uncontrollably. “He abandoned me for this job… ForFelix Darcey, apparently.” Rage tears up my throat with my words. I have to swallow it down like a jagged pill. “What makes you think he’ll… care?”

The Warden croons, “Darling, you were his first.”Oh, how I loathe the way that comment makes my stomach flip.He aims one of his orange slices at me. “Don’t underestimate the significance of nostalgia. His feelings are irrelevant. In his eyes, he made you, and he trustshimself. It’s the downfall of most brainwashing egotists, I’m afraid.”

An uncharacteristic frown tugs at his lips, as if something about that statement is bothering him, but my head is spinning too fast to focus on it.

This whole thing is sort of mad.

I can’t believe he actually wants me to start seeing Dr. Love again just to… What? Spy on him? Entrap him? Disrupt his flow somehow? Or maybe a bit of all of it.

Part of me wonders why he’s insistent on keeping Dr. Love here, rather than simply firing, or even killing him. But this does seem more Manuel Blanco’s style. He’s undoubtedly akeep your friends close and your enemies closertype evil genius.

And if we’re being honest, it doesn’t seem like the relationship with Darcey is his only Lemuel-related grievance…

Letting out a discreet breath, I lean forward. “Maybe I should befriend The Carver. Get to him that way…” I suggest, trying to keep hidden my own, suddenlyrapaciousdesire for revenge.

I can’t help myself. I wanted it before, after Dr. Love left, then sent for me like I’m some useless object rather than aperson. Butnow… Now that I know the true nature of what he’s been up to, I’m foaming at the mouth. For the doctorandhis murderous beau.

“Trevel, I appreciate your enthusiasm,” Manuel says blithely. “But pernicious or not, Felix Darcey is extremely valuable to me. I’m not willing to part with him, under any circumstances. I already almost lost him once due to an oversight. I will not risk it again.” I must be pouting, because he grins, giving me a look that’s condescending, if sympathetic to my plight. “Do me a favor and focus all of that animosity on the man responsible. I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

Pursing my lips, I nod in agreement.

Fine. If he wants me to infiltrate Dr. Love, I’ll do just that. Felix Darcey could, through no fault of my own, wind up getting caught in the crosshairs.

Cost of business.

“Good,” The Ivory chirps, smiling and chuffed once more as he pops another orange slice into his mouth. He holds one out for me, lifting a brow.

Sod it.I accept, munching on the tangy fruit with my new mate, Manuel Blanco.

This is what he wanted… The reason he’s been holding me hostage here, love bombing me like he’s David bloody Koresh. This was his plan all along.

I’m his Love plant.

“Your loyalty will be rewarded, Trevel,” he says calmly, but with savage undertones. “Big changes are afoot, with the potential to rock the very foundation of this prison.” His eyes are rounded and unblinking, prompting me to gulp down a mouthful of nerves with my orange. “A storm is coming… And trust me, you’ll want to be on my side when the lightning strikes.”

Leaving his office, I’m apprehensive, considering the forces that brought me here. I’m remembering Alice, and Andres… who died because of me, one way or another. I’m also thinking about whodidn’t; the person Manuel BlancothoughtI’d killed, until discovering the truth.

Where are they now? Does he know? Are they even aware of howsignificantthey are in his world?

For hours afterward, and well into the night, I’m wading the choppy waters of uncertainty, contemplating this ivory storm I’ve happened upon…

And all the rubble it could bury me beneath, if I’m not careful.