Page 97 of Wonder

He leans forward. “Alyss—,”

Red falters. “Your answer. Now.”

I look her straight in the eye. And I smile. “E. N. T.”

Eight, nine, ten.

And Red… she smashes the microphone stand over in her anger.

“A deal is a deal.” I stay where I am. “Or will you go back on your word in front of all of these people? Seems you’ve already done it once tonight, for Hatter.”

She pales slightly, but her lips - they tighten.

“Fine. Take them.”

It takes a moment for the words to register. And then Buck is crushing me, laughing, the twins around us.

“You did it,” Aiden breathes in disbelief. “You did it!”

But I can’t look at them. Hatter grips the railing. “Live a good life, Alyss Lidell.”

And his smile… it’s genuine. Even as my face crumples.

I’m coming back for you.

I fight when they come for me. I’m not ready yet.

I’ll find you.

As the needle sinks into my neck.

Hold on.

I’m coming back for you.

39 - Hatter

Iwatch as they’re dragged away. “You’ll keep your word.”

“I will.” Red leans into me. “As long as you keep yours. What made you offer a new contract? Not that I particularly care, of course, but I’m curious.”

I keep my eyes on Alyss Lidell until she’s out of my sight.

“Penance.”

For killing her brother.

And how Red would laugh, if she only knew.

40 – Hatter

Buck is slurring his words. I pinch the back of his hand. “Stay alert. Red’s going to cut you off again.”

It would be kinder to let it happen, to force him into a detox, if she wouldn’t just let him suffer before dosing him up again. He slumps in his stool at the bar, groaning as he drops his head into his hands. “I don’t care.”

He’s spiraling. Worse than I’ve seen him before. Worse, since his latest escape attempt failed.

“I don’t want to be here anymore, Hat.” He pours himself another glass, almost overflowing with amber liquid that he tosses back like water. “Maybe tonight’ll be the night I get out.”