Clausen’s expression hardens before melting into the reflective mask I’ve come to expect from him. “We’re working on it. Believe me. We only want what’s best for him, but as you’ve seen, he’s quite resistant to help.”
My nod in agreement makes me feel sick. “Well, maybe one day he’ll clean up and see the destructive path he’s facing, but until then, I can’t be a part of it.”
Once again, I sense he believes me and I wait while his mind works on something behind that deceptively calm façade.
“There may be a way you can help him.”
Surprised, I lean forward. “How?”
“We’re still working on the details, but we’ll let you know when it’s time.”
“I don’t know how I could help. I don’t have any experience with addiction.”
I try not to react to his patronizing smile.
“No, but he trusts you. That’s all we need.” He pauses. “Of course, your assistance is entirely voluntary. Your involvement was only one of many treatment options we’ve discussed.”
Nausea sweeps through me at the veiled threat. “Can I go now?”
“I’m sorry, have I upset you?” His fake concern is particularly insulting, and this time I can’t stop the glare.
“I told you I don’t have feelings for him anymore, but I’m not going to help you manipulate him.”
“Manipulate him?” He sighs and shakes his head with great ceremony. “Oh, my dear! No wonder you look so frightened.” His gaze turns earnest. “Daniel is a very special boy. He was one of our first students and by far the most gifted. It breaks our hearts to see how he throws away his enormous talents and refuses to acknowledge his potential.”
His eyes nearly burst with a plea for me to understand. His expression is so sincere, I start to doubt my own conclusions. Does he actually believe that? He can’t, and yet… Emotion burns inside me at the latest glimpse of this twisted, caustic relationship between the director and his prey.
“I appreciate your faith in me, Director Clausen, but I think you’ve overestimated my gift and influence over your star student.” I stand, struggling to maintain a calm pace toward the door. “I’ve only known him for a few days.”
My brain reels as I charge from the room, still wrestling through our tangled conversation. There’s so much that didn’t make sense, so much I need to figure out if I have any chance at playing this game. Still, I managed to discern one undeniable truth from the coded message: Daniel is in imminent danger, and I’m the current weapon of choice.
Chapter 7: Bait
I expect the empty suite when I return, but it doesn’t prevent the disappointment at finding it. I figured Daniel wouldn’t cooperate. I could still hope for a miracle. The vacant room reminds me, yet again, that I’m not as central to his existence as he’s become to mine. Still, I can’t afford to wallow in hurt feelings, and brace myself for the strenuous search that lay ahead. Our pact to stay distant shattered the moment I became the enemy. We need a new plan, and I need Daniel in order to construct it.
I have no idea where to begin the impossible search until, suddenly, I’m struck with a thought. Rushing to my bathroom, I pull open the vanity drawer and draw in a breath at the scrap of paper folded inside.
One word is scribbled with a hurried pen, but it’s all I need. I take off in the direction of the library and hope the ongoing counseling sessions will keep my path clear of most obstacles.
The palatial library had impressed me on my first visit, and my second proves no different. Vaulted ceilings climb high into three stories of endless rows of books. Sunlight shimmers through the intricate stained glass, casting eerie, colored spotlights over selected objects below. If the décor of my room would satisfy royalty, the library could be a resting place for the gods themselves. I almost forget my mission as I stare in wide-eyed wonder at the massive maze of literature and art.
“I’m not always in the dungeon when I’m missing.” The familiar voice at my ear rumbles through my chest, launching my pulse into an instinctive race.
Daniel takes my arm and leads me through a winding trail deep within the recesses of the bookcases. The stacks towerabove us, beautiful and endless—too many volumes to ever consume in a lifetime. He has to urge me on several times, and finally pulls me into a small, secluded reading room.
Daniel turns on the lamp and smiles at the expression on my face. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? The most incredible part of this place, and yet it’s practically vacant most of the time.” He settles into the cushions and leans against the wall.
“So this is where you escape?”
“Whenever I can. I time my location to avoid as many people as possible. Sometimes I’m in the fitness room, the rest of the time here.” He looks away. “When I’m not down there.”
I swallow and rest my chin on my knees. A wave of questions sweeps through my head but none seem worth ruining this peaceful moment. I sigh when his face falls. There’s no peace when you read minds.
“You believe me now, don’t you,” he says, studying me. “They told you.”
“Clausen took over my private session today. What’s their plan, Daniel? What do they want from me?”
I don’t like his hesitation as he seems to evaluate me.
