Page 24 of Cup of Lies

She squeezes me so tight, I think the pressure is going to make my bladder explode. I stroke my fingers through her silky hair, hoping to comfort her the best I can.

“Want to talk about it?” I ask as she pulls away.

She grimaces and shakes her head. “No, Mommy.”

My chest aches with the need to sit her down and get to the bottom of her reaction to the doll, but not with Seth waiting for us. We have to get moving.

“Get your shoes on. We’re headed for Daddy’s work. Then, later, maybe we can have some girl time and watch a movie together.”

This earns me a bright smile.

Leaning toward her, I cup her cheek and kiss her forehead. “I’ll protect you. Always. Okay, sweetie?”

She nods and the pain in my chest eases.

I’m going to get us out of here.

The drive from our—Seth’s house—is unfamiliar despite having been down this road before. Whatever Stem Lock is doing, it’s keeping me from remembering details like this. I’m so frustrated I could scream.

Rather than melting down in the passenger seat, I greedily take in every dreary detail. Seth tells me heavy rainfall this time of year is unseasonable. Not that I believe anything he says. I don’t even know where we live.

When the road curves around a tree-lined bend, a building comes into view. Unease trickles through me. The main road is probably a good half mile past the building in the far distance. And, from my vantage point, I don’t see cars rushing by.

I’m going to have to steal a car.

Can they track me and Kaitlyn somehow? Is there something imbedded under our skin? I feel as if I’m trapped in a sci-fi movie, with no hope in sight.

Seth parks at what appears to be the back of the building. He steps out and opens his umbrella. Then he opens the door for Kaitlyn behind his seat before coming around to my side. The three of us huddle under the umbrella as we make our way to the door.

He swipes a keycard and then the lock makes a clicking sound. A blast of chilly air rushes out as the door opens. We step into what looks like a break room. An older female nurse with gray hair sits at one of the tables, poking at a microwaved meal.

“Dr. Portman,” she greets, smiling. “Lovely to see you and the family this dreary day.”

“Nurse Janet.” He nods and then nudges Kaitlyn. “Say hi, angel.”

“Hi,” Kaitlyn murmurs, voice trembling.

This place unnerves her too.

Keep it together, honey.

I stroke my palm over the top of her head. “It’s okay.”

She gives me a wary look and then follows Seth out of the room. I don’t blindly follow him. In fact, I study every exit sign, every nurse we pass, every hallway and door.

Maybe someone will help me escape?

Doubtful. They’re all monsters, gleefully experimenting on people who never gave them their consent. At least that’s the case with me and Kaitlyn.

Seth takes us to a room. There’s an exam table in the center of the room and a row of chairs. Me and Kaitlyn choose to sit on the chairs while Seth rummages around in a cabinet. He pulls out a gown and tosses it at me.

“Put that on, love.”

I’m not his love.

Kaitlyn picks up the gown that’s fallen to the floor at my feet and hands it to me. I take it from her, desperately trying to school my features.

“Change in the bathroom,” Seth says, “while Kaitlyn helps me get my supplies ready.”

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