Page 83 of Unbound
"The court order only applies to Jesse specifically," Elijah added grimly. "Can't stop them from taking another congregation member's son."
"This isn't your fault," Adrian said, gripping my shoulders.
"It's completely my fault."
"They made this choice," Elijah insisted. "You didn't force them."
"I started this." My voice sounded hollow, distant. "I have to stop it."
I walked away before anyone could argue. Up the stairs to Adrian's room—our room? I wasn't sure anymore. Two weeks of freedom, of not hiding, of Adrian's smile and acceptance and hope.
Was it worth it if Anthony Whelan paid the price?
I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror. Same face, but different. The rigid tension had left my shoulders. The constant fear had faded from my eyes. I looked like someone who'd been allowed to breathe for the first time in twenty-one years.
But breathing was a luxury I couldn't afford if it cost someone else their sanity.
My hands shook as I reached for my phone. One number I'd never deleted, despite everything. My father's cell. Hands trembling as I typed: "I'll trade."
I stared at the message for a long moment. Once I sent this, there was no going back. No more Adrian. No more found family. No more hope.
I hit send before I could change my mind.
The response came immediately: "What?"
"Let Anthony go. Take me instead. I'll come willingly."
Three dots appeared, disappeared, appeared again. Finally: "You'll submit to full treatment? No more running?"
I closed my eyes. Saw Anthony Whelan's terrified face on the news. Nineteen years old and probably screaming in the back of a van right now, just like I had been four years ago.
"Yes."
"One year minimum. Complete program. No contact with outside influences."
My throat closed. A year. Twelve months of electroshock and ice baths and torture. Twelve months of having every thought monitored, every feeling punished.
"Fine. But Anthony goes home today."
"Send me your location. We'll come get you."
"No. I'll come to you. I'll fly to Montana myself. But I want proof Anthony is released first."
Long pause. Then: "Agreed. You have my word before God."
His word before God. Like that meant something coming from a man who tortured children for loving the wrong people.
But it was the only leverage I had.
I found Adrian in the living room, explaining the situation to Professor Okonkwo, who'd arrived while I was upstairs.
"I'm going to Montana."
Silence like a bomb had just detonated.
Adrian's head whipped toward me. "What? No. Absolutely not."
"My father agreed to release Anthony if I go instead." My voicesounded calm, too calm. Like it belonged to someone else.
