Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
I give them all a general salute, and make my way inside where the air conditioning hits me like a wall. The lobby is all polished wood and glass cases full of trophies. A woman at the front desk looks up as I approach, her smile professional but wary.
"Legion Kane," I say before she can ask. "Here to see Mercy Kane. I was told there'd be a visitor pass."
"Yes, Mr. Kane." She slides a plastic badge across the counter. "We've notified Mercy's teacher. She should be here shortly."
I clip the badge to my cut, feeling ridiculous. Like putting a name tag on a gun.
But clearly, these people are trying their best to make me happy so…
Then she’s here. Mercy’s quick footsteps pound on the marble floor, running despite whatever rules they have against it. Her face is flushed, eyes wide with fear.
"Legion!" She skids to a stop in front of me, searching my face. "What's wrong? Is it Savannah? Is someone hurt?"
Fuck. It didn’t even occur to me that comin’ here would send a signal like that. "Nothing's wrong, Merce. Everyone's fine."
Her breathing is still too fast. "But you're here. In the middle of the day."
"Just wanted to see you, that's all." I try for a smile, but the lie feels wrong on my face. "I miss you. Thought maybe we could take a walk. If that's allowed."
Mercy's eyes narrow slightly. She's always been too good at reading me. "You never just visit."
"First time for everything."
A woman appears behind Mercy, clipboard in hand. "Mr. Kane, I'm Ms. Holbrook, Mercy's advisor. Mercy can have thirty minutes for her visit, but she'll need to return for her next class."
I nod. "Understood."
"There's a walking path around the quad," she adds, gesturing toward the door. "Please stay on campus grounds."
"Yes, ma'am," I say, automatically.
She’s got the nerve to blush before quickly turning and walking away.
Outside, Mercy guides me toward a stone path that circles a grassy area. She's different already. Stands straighter. Walks with purpose. Her uniform is pristine.
"You look good, Mercy." I mean it. "School treating you right?"
She nods, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "It's pretty fun. I never thought I’d say that about school, but I like it. The food's really good. And I have my own room!"
"That so?"
"Yes, a dorm room. I share it with four other girls, but it's still mine. And I'm in the science club. We're gonna build rockets this semester!" Her voice picks up speed, excitement breaking through. "And I’ve made a horse friend. Her name's Emma. We ride on Mondays and Wednesdays."
I listen as she rattles off more details—teachers' names, books she's reading, the fact that they get ice cream on Fridays. All the little things that make up an exceptional childhood. Things I never could have given her.
"So you're happy here?" I ask, when she pauses for breath.
Mercy looks up at me, suddenly serious. "Are you okay, Legion? You look tired."
"I'm fine." This lie comes easier. "Just been working a lot."
"At the club?"
I nod, not trusting my voice.
"Savannah says you can visit with me on the weekends at the estate. If you want." Her eyes search mine. "Do you want to?"
What I want is to grab her and run. Take her far away from Cash, and Brick, and everyone else who's trying to use us. But that's not what she needs.
"I want you to be happy, Mercy. That's all I've ever wanted."
She's quiet for a moment, thinking. "I am. Happy, I mean. It's weird, but...I like it here."
Somethin' inside me eases at her words. At least I've done one thing right.
"Then this is where you should be."
We walk the path twice, Mercy pointing out buildings and telling me stories about her classes. Normal things. Safe things. I listen, and nod, and try to memorize every detail of her face.
When Ms. Holbrook appears at the edge of the quad, I know our time is up.
"Gotta go," Mercy says, glancing at her advisor. "Will you be there on Saturday, then? At home?"
Home. Which isn’t the trailer. It’s the Ashby Ranch. "I'll try." Another lie. I don't know where I'll be on Saturday. Don't know if I'll be anywhere at all.
She hugs me quickly, fiercely, then pulls back. "Tell Savannah I said hi."
"I will."
I watch her run back to Ms. Holbrook, back to her new life. She turns once to wave, and I raise my hand in response.
The walk back to the bike is longer somehow. More eyes on me. More whispers. I don't care. All that matters is that Mercy is safe. Happy. Better off without me.
I swing my leg over the Dyna and fire it up.
The clock in my head is tickin'.
Hours slipping away, bringing me closer to midnight.
Closer to Savannah.
Closer to whatever end Brick has planned for me, too.
CHAPTER 5
Eleven twenty-five.
I check my watch again, though I know exactly what time it is. I've been watching the minutes tick by since dinner ended, since Cash finally retreated to his study, since I locked my bedroom door and changed.