Chapter 39: Playing for Time
311words
Richard smiled, clearly believing he'd won. "Of course. You'll have everything you need."
"And I want to see Jackson regularly," I added. "To monitor his recovery. The data will be useful for my work."
After a moment's consideration, Richard nodded. "Acceptable. You'll begin tomorrow. For now, you'll be moved to more comfortable quarters."
As promised, I was escorted to a small but well-appointed room—still windowless and locked from the outside, but with a real bed and attached bathroom. It was a gilded cage, but a cage nonetheless.
Alone at last, I sat on the edge of the bed, my mind working furiously. I had bought some time, but what could I actually do? Even if I managed to create a counteragent for the transformation formula, Richard would never let us go. And if Liam was walking into a trap…
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. The door opened to reveal Sophia, carrying fresh clothes and toiletries.
"Grandfather sent these," she said, setting them on the bed. Then, lowering her voice, she added, "I got your message out."
My heart leaped. "To Liam?"
She nodded almost imperceptibly. "A woman named Maya. She was searching the area where you were taken."
"What did she say?" I asked urgently.
"That they were coming. That I should tell you to be ready." Sophia glanced nervously at the door. "What does that mean?"
"It means I need your help," I said, keeping my voice low. "When the time comes, can I count on you?"
Conflict played across her features. "They're my family, Charlotte."
"So am I," I reminded her gently. "And innocent lives are at stake. You saw what happened to Jackson. Is that who you want to be? Someone who tortures others because they're different?"
