Page 80 of Exile
"Thank fuck," I breathe out, wrinkling my nose at my plate. "Tony's cooking has spoiled me. I definitely need the energy from better food if we're about to open the flood gates."
Chapter 30
Grey
There's never been a better time to be me.
During the meeting last night, we agreed to split the patients and created a list of which people we were responsible for explaining the clusterfuck that is Lilydale.
Little killer had voiced some concerns about patients' willingness to hear us out, but I wasn't worried about that. Especially since I've already completed my list.
When you tell people you need to speak to them, most will agree—either out of the incessant need to know information, or fear of repercussions if they refuse.
I kept it short and sweet, merely providing the bare minimum that we agreed was necessary. We were correct about the former missing patients though. People were much easier to convince now that missing patients were back and looking in bad shape. It made our story believable. Arthur hasn't helped his cause either. Turns out he's not well liked among the facility, even to most of the staff. No surprise, really. When you're a walking dickhead with a chip on your shoulder, you're bound to rub people the wrong way.
I'm using my free time to update our belovedASS Schedule. It's fairly simple—an orderly rotation, but naturally, I'm first up.
Avery spent last night in Damon's room. Both are in good moods today despite everything, so no doubt they are also a little tired.
And speak of the Devil and he shall appear.
"Finished already?" Damon asks, strolling into the library.
I nod, grinning. "Piece of cake. And the few that looked as though they were about to enter into a panic attack, I provided stale cigarettes. See—told you they'd come in handy."
"Yes, but I believe it was for bribery."
"I bribed them not to lose their shit. It's a win-win if you ask me."
Damon sits down next to me, running a hand through his hair. "Avery is with Theo, I assume?"
"I think she was worried that he might frighten the patients, so they are tackling their lists together."
"A likely excuse."
I raise an eyebrow at him. "What's got you… smiling?"
By smiling, I mean he looks less murderous than usual. I could chalk it up to his bedtime extracurriculars, but this seems different. He actually seems a touch relaxed.
"Christopher came and spoke to me," he states. "The board is officially under investigation. Which means—"
"They can't touch the funds even if they wanted to," I finish, surprised. "Well, this is great news."
Damon nods slowly. "It is," he agrees. "Although, I'm expecting backlash. There's no telling how this investigation will go. If they are good at hiding their paper trial then nothing might come of it. But if they decide there has been wrongdoing…"
Leaning back in my chair, I process the unfinished sentence. We didn't quite plan for this. To be fair, anything is probably better than the current situation. But that leaves the question…
What will happen to Lilydale and us patients?
"I guess we just wait and see," I finally reply.
It's a little unnerving wondering about the possibilities. There's no precedent for the situation. What would happen to us all? It's not as if they can just release one hundred patients into the community. As for an alternate setting, facilities are at capacity. That's how Alexander was able to even instigate this whole scheme. He was 'doing a favor to the community'.
"At the moment, I've instructed the society members to keep a close watch on patients assigned to Elsher. While there's no immediate risk to them being subjected to experimentation, I don't trust him not to act out because of the situation. Christopher provided the list so we're just telling them all to be on guard during sessions."
The information makes me realize that somehow I ended up with a list entirely created with Christopher's patients. I can't help but feel it was deliberate—same with Theo's.The last thing we need is to scare the patients into blurting out information to Elsher. Deadman really does think of everything.
As I start to think back to the lists, it dawns on me that Averydoeshave some of Elsher's patients on hers. Smart move. The best way to gain allies is to share a common enemy. I actually think Avery may hate Elsher more than the rest of us. He seems hellbent on damaging her psyche, always telling her she's to blame for her behavior and personality.
