Her advancement echoes around the room, and I’m left baffled at each *click* *click* of her steps now when they were silent not long ago.That’s some freaky shit.Angie removes herself as an obstacle, andI place the dish back on its tray, disappointed my appetite no longer exists.
“Was it not to your liking, Kyra? The sushi,” she asks.
“No, it’s not that. It seems well prepared. Appealing even. I’m just not as hungry as before.” I scowl towards Angie.
“Is that so?” Elizabeth mimics my gaze, and Angie deflects with a childlike grin before looking away. “Well, we can leave it here in case your desire returns.” Not sure if she pieced together what we’ve done, an inkling tells me this secret is no longerours.
“Thank you.”
“Anyway, it appears all your skin has healed, so that’s refreshing. Some minimal scarring, but that’ll fade over time. How’s everything internal?” she asks, pressing into my stomach. Despite feeling reassured and okay, I’m cautious because everything is definitely notokay.
“Minus my bones and organs feeling like they were somebody’s punching bag, I’m fine.” Elizabeth removes her hand, and I push back the blanket. It takes a second, but I finally notice I’m wearing something of a gym uniform, with a gray crest on my shirt and sweatpants.
Where the hell are my clothes? In fact, who changed me, and what is this symbol?I glide a finger over the printed crest.
“Elizabeth, how’s the female?” an older gentleman projects, walking in like he owns the place. I quickly pull the blanket up and scowl in his direction.
“Mr. Holland! You don’t get to stalk in here, unannounced, no matter who you are!” Elizabeth returns.
Disregarding her outburst, he acknowledges Angie. “They need you in the boardroom. Go there at once and prepare for the debrief.” His tone, a heavy cadence, matches the one who came in earlier. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude they’re the same.
“Yes, sir.” She curtsies, then takes her leave.
Elizabeth repeats, “Did you hear me? She could be exposed.”
“While that may be true, the fact is, she’s not. So, let’s skip thepleasantries, and give me an update,” he rebuttals. She scoffs but drops the conversation with a head shake. Implying, to ‘pay him no mind.’Easier said than done.He emits ‘asshole’ energy, which heats my core and relinquishes a scowl of disgust.
“Her vitals are fine. Kyra is back to normal but has some internal suffering.”
“Can we quicken the female’s progress? She is needed for debriefing…now.”Female? Who the fu…
“Her name is Kyra. And I can’t ensure the outcome if such methods are attempted. Especially since her being a fay is unknown.”
“What’s a fay?” I inquire softly. But instant regret presses onto my chest as Holland approaches, and I shimmy the blanket a little higher, using it as a protective shield.
“Speak up, girl, no need to be coy.”
“Mr. Holland,” Elizabeth roars. Her tone transitions from warm to ice as a dense pressure glazes over my bed. Either that or this room dropped a few degrees in temperature. Whoever this guy is, she is not a fan.Yep, he’s an asshole.
“It’s okay, Elizabeth, some people weren't born with manners.” Imitating the warm smile she’s been giving me before turning my attention upon him, I repeat, “I asked what’s a fay, but considering how demanding you are, Idemandto know why the hell I’m here? Furthermore, why you insist on being so fucking rude? My name is Kyra, not girl.” I fold my arms in frustration. He might be intimidating, but I refuse to be disrespected.
Holland surrenders a booming laugh, shaking my entire bed. His stomach jiggles with each, “ha” as the ceiling’s light reflects against his perfectly bald head.
“Elizabeth, this one has a set of balls.” *Ha* His chortles cease, and he leans into my space with a dominating presence. “You’re new here and might be unaware of your place. The next time you speak to me in ‘that’ tone, my demands will become more of a problem. Learn your place and learn it fast.” His breath smells of warm tobacco and strongcoffee.
“Mr. Holland, you should leave. Your presence is no longer welcome.”
I recline, masking the fear creeping through my pores. “Ensure she is ready within an hour, standing outside the boardroom.” Turning his back, he walks out, slamming the door shut. My lungs clench, waiting for his footsteps to disperse. Then I meet Elizabeth’s threatening leer with an expression that begs for an answer.
“I know, he can be a bit much. But if you’re accepted here, avoid him. Whatever the cost. Mr. Holland has retained this grumpiness since the accident. A story for a different day. Let’s see what we can do about that soreness.” She gives her signature smile, lightening the mood.
“Do you think he’d kill me given the chance,” I question, hoping I’m overreacting a bit.
“Indeed, he would. Without so much of a second thought.” She eyes me grimly.
“Well shit.”
Chapter 5
