“I don’t know if I’m a good enough actor to pull this off,” I say finally.
He glances over, and there’s nothing I like about his expression. “I am. And don’t worry. I’m good enough that you won’t have to be.”
Chapter 5: Pretender
When nightmares haunt your waking hours, sleep is out of the question. I barely make it to breakfast the following morning, and know from my brief stint with the mirror that I look as exhausted as I feel. I scan the dining hall on my way to our table, hoping, and somewhat fearing, that Daniel will finally brave a meal. My stomach sinks in disappointment at the empty chair beside mine.
“You made it,” Thomas says. “We were worried. Rough night?”
I slide into my seat, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. “Couldn’t sleep.”
“You missed a great movie,” Lucy says.
“Did Peter still die in the end?” I ask.
“Yes. Although this time he broke into song first. It was the musical horror version.”
I try to smile at the joke, grateful when the staff enters to begin the meal.
During roll call, my stomach clenches like it does every time I hear Daniel’s name. Absent again, of course. Does he ever eat? Another question I should have asked. Another thing he probably would have lied about anyway. Man, I just want to go back to bed.
Ben attempts an ill-advised conversation after the food is delivered, but finally gives up when I completely ignore his presence. Laura seems unusually quiet as well, and I do all I can to avoid her accusatory glances. By the time Clausen dismisses us for group sessions, I actually welcome the impending drama. At least the hostility with Chambers is transparent and focused.
Except it’s Director Clausen who trails us into the classroom today. Come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing Chambers at breakfast either. I try not to react to the uncomfortable change, but my nerves flare when I see Daniel in his seat, disconnected and staring at the floor. I attempt eye contact, but he doesn’t look up, and I take a chair several places away. When I glance over again, Clausen targets me with a knowing smile I want to rip off his face. I struggle to remain stoic through my rapid pulse, but his persistent stare finally wins out, forcing me to look away.
After the remainder of the class fills the empty seats, Clausen claps his hands. “Good morning! I’m sure you’re surprised to see me, but as you’ve probably suspected, Ms. Chambers no longer feels comfortable conducting this class.” He spreads a hard look around the circle, letting his words sink in. “I will lead the discussions until we find a suitable replacement. Any questions?” He’s answered with silence, and after an excessive pause, takes his seat. “Good. Let’s begin. Today, I would like to talk about Madison Academy and what you’ve gained from your experience so far. Who would like to start?”
I’m not sure why he even bothers with the general question. His agenda is clear when he targets his attention on Daniel.
“Mr. Mueller, since you have quite a bit of time to make up in these sessions, what are your thoughts? How has Madison Academy benefited you?” Daniel sends him an icy look, jaw clenched. “Come, you must have something to share after all these years beneath our protective roof?”
“The weight room,” he says, finally. “I’ve benefited a lot from that.”
The other students snicker at his taunt, but I cringe inwardly. I hate how he baits the powerful man. I especially hate that he seems to enjoy it. Maybe they both do, hunter and prey locked in a private war no one else recognizes. But I do. I see it all inthis moment, their hidden world that I may never understand enough to fully engage.
“I can tell, son. Congratulations on your enviable physique,” Clausen says dryly. The class continues to rumble with amusement, but I don’t miss the bitter glances the two men exchange. This game is far from harmless. They’re both coiled to strike. “I think you know that’s not what I meant by my question.”
Daniel crosses his arms, slouching further into indifference. “You know my reputation, what do you think I get out of my time here?”
Clausen’s eyes take on a disturbing glow. “You bring up an interesting point. Let’s talk about that. Class, Daniel wants to discuss his reputation. Steven, why don’t you start us off?”
Daniel’s gaze snaps to the director in alarm, and my stomach drops. The other student shifts uncomfortably.
“Go ahead,” Clausen says gently. “This may be helpful for him.”
Daniel’s expression goes blank as he drops his stare to the floor again.
“Well, sir, I guess…” The student’s eyes flicker to the target before focusing back on Clausen’s earnest expression. “I mean, we all know he doesn’t come to class a lot.”
Clausen nods slowly. “That’s fair. Daniel?” The younger man doesn’t flinch, doesn’t even acknowledge the discussion, and I’m amazed by his ability to shut down. “No answer. I guess we can assume there’s no rebuttal then. What else? Come, who we are doesn’t matter if it’s not the person we project. Cindy, your turn.”
The girl looks nervous. “Maybe there’s an explanation. I mean, do you have trouble with mornings? Some people aren’t morning people. My brother was always a mess in the morning but he’d get so much done at night.”
Except for an almost imperceptible tightening in his fist, Daniel still doesn’t react. I watch the absent clench of his fingers, feeling sick.
“Daniel, don’t be rude. She asked you a question. A very considerate one at that. Good work, Cindy. It’s kind to give someone the benefit of the doubt.” Cindy smiles her gratitude at Clausen’s praise. My own fist clenches with the desire to punch him.
“I thought I made my opinion of these group sessions pretty clear yesterday,” Daniel mumbles in response.
