Page 36 of Silent Oaths
“Please, sit,”Margaretsays, gesturing to the chair across from her.
Ido as she says, every muscle in my body coiled tight.
FatherCallowayclears his throat, drawing my attention. “TheWhitmoresare interested in adopting you,Theodore.”
Lionelspeaks up. “Webelieve you have great potential.We’dlike to offer you an opportunity to become part of our family.”
Ishould be grateful, excited, relieved, but allIfeel issuspicion.
“Whyme?”Myvoice is sharper thanIintended.
Margarettilts her head, her smile still perfectly in place. “Becauseyou’re special.”
Theanswer feels rehearsed.Myhands grip the arms of the chair, my knuckles turning white.
Lionelleans forward. “Thisisn’t just a chance to leave this place,Theodore.It’sa chance to be part of something greater.”
Somethinggreater.
FatherCallowayshifts uncomfortably behind his desk, andIcatch the unease in his eyes.
“I’mnot leaving withoutJulianandMaxwell.”
Theroom goes quiet for a beat.Lionelleans back in his chair, regarding me with a calculated expression.
“Ah, yes.Julianis the quiet one.Reserved, isn’t he?”
“Heis, but he’s family to me, and so isMaxwell.IfI’mgoing anywhere, they’re coming with me.”
Lionelhums, his lips curling into whatIthink is supposed to be a smile. “Julianmight be quiet, but it’s not a bad thing.Aboy like that could fit into the family well.”
Iglance atFatherCalloway, who remains silent.Mygaze shifts back toLionel. “WhataboutMaxwell?”
Lionelmeets my eyes. “Ifthat’s what you want, we won’t separate you,” he says simply, as if the decision is as easy as picking a tie to wear.
Reliefsparks in my chest, but it’s quickly snuffed out by my skepticism.Idon’t trust them, but if this is what it takes to make sure we stick together, so be it.
Icross my arms, letting out a sharp breath. “IguessIdon’t really have a say if this is what you’ve decided.”
FatherCallowaygives me a solemn nod, his hands clasped tightly in front of him, as if in prayer. “Theodore, this is a chance for you and the others to have a new life, one with opportunities.”
I’mnot sure ifIbelieve that, butIbite back the sarcastic comment on the tip of my tongue.
“Great,”Lionelsays, standing and smoothing down his suit jacket.Hissmile is a little too wide. “We’llbe back for the boys next week.”
Iwatch as he shakesFatherCalloway’shand then turns to leave the office,Margaretfollowing close behind.Justbefore they step out,Lionelglances back at me. “Takecare,Theodore.”
* * *
Themansion islike something out of a dream—or a nightmare.
Ican’t believe the sheer size of the place.
Ittowers above us, and everything about it feels imposing, as if the very walls whisper secrets we weren’t meant to hear.
I’mtaking in the grandeur of it all—the heavy iron gates swinging open, the circular driveway, the carved statues staring down at us—whenJulian’shand shoots out, gripping my wrist so tight,Ialmost yank away.
“Theo,” he murmurs.
