Page 257 of Shadowman

I’m sure there’s a reason.Every move is calculated.

“We did…” I mumble, guilty like I’m being scolded by Daddy. “I mean, we grabbed them both and were holding Darcey in Dr. Love’s bedroom. But he… escaped. I’m still not clear on how…”

“He’s an obsessive little monster, that’s how,” The Ivory breathes out, pursing his lips. “Only one thing to live for and a myriad of knowledge he’s putting toward that singular objective. Which brings me to our next order of business…” He sits back in his seat, pulling something out of his pocket. It looks like a knife… “I’m putting you in charge of Lemuel from here on out.”

My brows jump up to my bloody hairline. “Pardon?”

His black eyes spring from the closed weapon he’s fiddling with to mine. “It’s what you wanted, isn’t it? Your revenge?”I’m just gaping at him in silence. “Well, you’ve got it. He’s here, thanks to you. I’ve had him working for Johansson and Hassan. Boy, does he hate that.” He stops to chuckle wickedly. “But I think it’s time to up the ante. Make him understand just how far he’s fallen.”

I can feel myself gawking at him.

“He’sthe prisoner now, Trevel, my boy,” he goes on. “And you’re not. Might as well get some enjoyment out of this. You’ve earned it.”

I’m rather taken aback, and I think that’s apparent in my bewildered expression. “What… what do you want me to… do with him?”

His pink lips twist even bigger. “Whatever you want. The sky’s the limit.” With a flick of his wrist, he swings the blade out of his butterfly knife, my wide eyes stuck on it. “I’ve instructed Johansson and Hassan to resume their experiments, as much as they can outside of the East Wing. And I think Lemuel will be the perfect rodent for them to play with.” He aims the blade my way. “But you’re calling the shots.Youget to control his torment.” He grins, almost maniacally. “Have fun with it.”

It’s odd… Aftermonthsof obsessively fantasizing about all the ways I could exact my revenge on Dr. Love for leaving me and dooming me to this pit of despair, I’m finally being presented with a ripe opportunity to make him pay. And I’m stuck.

I’m… indifferent. Devoid of all sadistic ideals.

Where’s the passion… The twisted thrill??

I could’ve sworn this was what I wanted…

Moments of quiet pass until I finally ask, “Why?”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Trevel,” he trills impassively, then sighs. “Maybe all we need to lure young Felix Darcey out of hiding is the right bait.”

The Ivory stares at me for a moment, slipping the blade of his knife into the handle and stuffing it back into his pocket. He stands up, casting me a glance. As if he’s waiting for something.

So I stand as well, and force out a gruff, “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” He winks, patting me on the back.

Striding to the door, he whips it open to reveal Kent and Yari.

Have they been there the whole time??

“Hold my calls,” he says to them on his way past, moving quickly, like he has somewhere to be.

Surely, he does. He seems… busy.

Yari follows after him, as does Kent, not without first giving me a look I don’t have time to decode. We all descend the stairs together, though The Ivory is racing ahead of the rest of us. At the bottom, he crosses the threshold, going for the study. Kent and Yari disperse in different directions, but I follow Manuel, assuming he’s going to check on Officer Hancock again. Byron might still be in there.

But when I get to the room, I don’t see him, and The Ivory is moving swiftly to the opposite door, heading toward the atrium. I don’t know what possesses me to do so, but I find myself overcome with the need to keep following him. So I do.

Keeping back just enough, I trail him into the enclosed garden, around a corner, and across the stone walkway, into the back… An area of the atrium I haven’t visited yet.

This garden is stunning. It might be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. But I can’t enjoy it, not right now. I’m too busy rushing quietly after Manuel Blanco, through a hidden doorway that’s shrouded in plants and hanging vines.

I watch closely as he opens a door decorated with ornate bronze and stained glass, and steps inside. It takes only a moment to recognize this as the aviary.

I’d heard there was one, but I’ve yet to actually see it.

Wow… It’s incredible.

The room is just as captivating as the garden. Trees and flowers everywhere, color as far as the eye can see, despite it being winter. Itismuch warmer in here than the rest of the mansion, which may be done intentionally—a sort of greenhouse setup.