Page 51 of The Psychopaths

“Darling,” she greets without looking up, “I didn’t expect you to sleep so late. Are you not feeling well?”

The concern in her voice sounds genuine, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s fake. That’s the worst part—she probably thinksshe loves me, even while using my condition to manipulate everyone around us.

“I’m feeling fine. I don’t get to sleep in with school as much as I used to.” A quick check of my watch makes me roll my eyes, though. It’s only nine o’clock. “I just wanted to talk to you about Aries before you went out or whatever.” I force myself to sit gracefully, the way she’s trained me. No signs of distress that might trigger her protective instincts.

“Oh?” This time she looks up, interest sharpening her features. “Have you two been spending time together?”

It’s such a normal question, yet the way she asks it, as if she’s hungry for new information, makes me uneasy. Has she been waiting for this conversation to happen?

“Sort of.” I choose my words carefully. “I’m just noticing that he seems...different. Not himself.” I pause and then continue. “I was wondering if something happened recently? Or if you or Richard spoke to him about anything?”

“Hmm. Different in what way?” Her fingers are still on the tablet screen.

How much information do I give her?Maybe just enough for her to tell me something, anything.

“More intense. Less controlled.” I watch her face closely. “Like he’s a different person.”

Something flickers in her eyes—fear? Recognition? Before I can make sense of it, it’s gone, replaced with her perfectly cultivated social mask. Well. Fuck. How much does she know? How much can I trust her with this?

“Sweetheart”—she sets the tablet aside and reaches for my hand—“I understand your concern for Aries, but we didn’t allow you to attend Oakmount so you could spy on your brother. You need to leave him alone. He’s going through some changes, preparing to take his place in your father’s company. It’s not healthy for you to fixate on him like this.”

“Fixate?” I pull my hand away. “I’m not fixating. I’m worried about him. He’s my stepbrother.”

“Exactly.” Her smile is gentle but firm. “And it’s not appropriate for you to be so...concerned about him. People might get the wrong idea. I thought you’d gotten over this little...crush. The stress of school must be affecting you more than we realized. I knew it wasn’t a good idea to let you attend Oakmount. Perhaps we should call Dr. Matthews?—”

“No, no. Everything is fine. I’m fine. I just…you’re right. It must be all the changes lately,” I lie and continue, “and there is no crush. I’m just concerned, that is all.”

The last thing I need is her putting her nose into my love life. If she thought for a second I still had a little kid crush on Aries, she would lose it.

“Oh, sweetheart. I understand, but the only person you should be worrying about right now is yourself.”

I nod. “I know. I didn’t mean to worry you, Mother. I’m sorry. “ I soften my voice and place my hand on her knee, playing the role I always have.

“It’s okay. I understand your worry for Aries, but I think you need to put some distance between yourself and your stepbrother. I don’t want people getting the wrong idea about you two. The stress of such a scandal could cause your heart condition—” I cut her off before she finishes and head toward the door.

“My heart is fine. I love you. I’ll keep my distance,” I tell her before I slip out of the room. I should’ve known she wouldn’t give me any information or anything relevant.

I faintly hear her saylove you, too,but all I can see in my mind is her reaching for her phone to call Dr. Matthews. Or worse—Richard.

Either way, they’re hiding something. And I’m going to find out what it is, even if it means risking my own freedom. Back in my bedroom, I sit at my vanity, staring at my reflection.

The perfect Hayes daughter—carefully styled hair, expensive sweater, delicate pearl necklace that perfectly frames the surgical scar on my chest peeking above the neckline of my sweater. Their favorite conversation piece at parties.

“Have you heard about poor Richard’s stepdaughter? Such a shame, her condition. But they’ve provided her with the best care...”

My fingers trace the faint bruises forming on my throat where Arson grabbed me, where hebitme. Easy to hide with a scarf or higher neckline. I’ve become an expert at hiding things—my strength, my intelligence, my rage. Playing the role they created for me.

Just like they created roles for the twins.

The golden boy and the forgotten shadow.

My laptop sits open beside me, a social media photo from three years ago on the screen. Aries at a charity gala, smiling that perfectly practiced smile. I’ve studied his photos obsessively since my crush developed, but now, as I stare at the image it’s like seeing it with new eyes, without the veil of need clinging to it.

Was he always so controlled? So careful? Or did the sudden disappearance of his twin brother teach him that there was a price to stepping out of line?

It doesn’t matter. Not anymore. Aries is being held in that cell. Arson is on a revenge mission, and no one is going to help me. If I want answers, I’ll have to find them myself. And I know exactly where to look next.

The attic.

---