Page 44 of Blue Arrow Island
I want to laugh, because that’s not the word I’d use to describe it. But I have to play it smart, so I nod.
“When I worked in an office and swiped left and right on women, I never would have believed I’d be doing something like that a few years later. The circle is important here, though. When the weaker Tider has been eliminated, we come together to celebrate being stronger.”
Eliminated. Celebrate.I see how Pax rose to a leadership position here. He’s great at putting a polished spin on things like murder and public group sex.
“There you are.”
I’m saved from responding by Virginia, who’s walking toward us, her lips set in a tense, thin line.
“I wasn’t hiding or anything,” Pax quips. “We were on our way to the office.”
“This couldn’t wait. It’s about Briar.”
A knot quickly forms in my stomach. Does she know I tried to look in the safe?
“What about her?” Pax asks, a note of defensiveness in his voice.
“I’m told she isn’t happy here.” Virginia crosses her arms and locks eyes with me, her gaze unnerving.
I smile weakly. “I mean, is anyone here super happy? I’m doing my best to fit in.”
Virginia flicks a look at Pax. “Did you take her to see the children?”
He looks away, guilt etched on his face. “I had to do something there, and since she’s shadowing me?—”
“A decision you made without consulting me.” Anger flashes in her eyes. “That’s not how we do things here and you’re well aware. She’s telling other ones we treat the children unfairly.”
Fuck. Rona. This explains the look on her face when I passed her. I’m going to have to talk my way out of this.
“I didn’t say that exactly.”
“I know what you said.” She sneers, barely contained rage making her shake slightly. “You want to escape the island and you don’t approve of how we do things here.”
Alarm hits me hard and fast. Why did I think I could trust Rona? Why did I think I could trustanyone?
“Look, it’s a big adjustment.” I turn to Pax. “You know I’m working hard to find my place here.”
“Don’t look at him.” Virginia points at me. “He’s thinking with his dick, as usual.”
“Virginia.” Pax’s pissed-off tone is also scolding. “This isn’t the time or place.”
She takes a deep breath and pinches the bridge of her nose, seeming to be trying to get ahold of herself.
“I apologize, Commander Thatcher.” She gives me a withering glare. “You’re going into isolation.”
Pax scoffs. “Come on, that’s excessive.”
She puts up a palm. “It’s not up for discussion.”
“She was just asking questions! Lots of ones do that.”
“You didn’t take the report, I did. This was more than asking questions. She’s going into isolation. She’s being called into the circle on her thirty-first day here, and if she survives it?—”
“That’s not fair and you know it,” Pax says bitterly. “She’s already at a disadvantage against Marcelle. Now you want to make her go without food or training for two weeks? It’s a death sentence.”
“This is the Rising Tide way. No one said it was easy.”
A muscle in Pax’s jaw tics. “Don’t do this.”
