Ava Cobalt; This Isn't Over Yet [Book 3]

Part 8, Run Away

Matt and Nick found Benjamin laying on his bed, as though he was sleeping. But they knew better. They had been told that someone else had come in to visit Ben, but he was alone.

Matt: Benjamin.

Benjamin slowly sat up.

Benjamin, bored: Come to play interrogator, now?

Matt: Where's Ava?

Benjamin, sarcastic: Well, the father who cares about his daughter.

Nick, sharply: Enough, Ben. Where is she?

Matt: We know she was just here.

Benjamin sighed.

Benjamin: I can't tell you where she is. That's being a bad--

Nick, angry: Oh, shut up! Just give us the information, damn it!

Matt gave Nick a look. Nick's deep blue eyes had bright green swirling in them. Nick let out a breath, and his eyes went back to blue.

Benjamin, sighing: Fine. Your mother, Lacy, should be seeing her either today or tomorrow.

Nick went pale.

Nick, softly: You're lying.

Benjamin, shouting: NO I'M--

Matt, commanding: Ben. Calm down.

Benjamin sighed. Matt turned to Nick.

Matt: Lacy was that the nice scientist that you and Ava knew?

Nick nodded.

Benjamin: She was only nice to you because you were her son. She was separated from Nova, so, of course, she took Ava under her wing.

Nick leaned against the wall.

Nick, shaking: So... where's Lacy?

Benjamin: I already gave away the address.

Matt: Do you have it on another paper?

Benjamin turned his gaze away from them.

Benjamin, slyly: Perhaps.

Matt: What would we have to give you to get it?

Nick looked at Matt like he had lost his mind.

Nick: Matt!

Benjamin, slightly desperate: Serum.

Matt: Done.

Nick grabbed Matt's arm and tugged him a little ways away from Benjamin's cell.

Nick: Matt, have you lost your fucking mind? I want Ava back just as much as you do, but... Making deals with the devil?!

Matt: What's the worst that will happen? Besides... We don't have another choice, Nick.

Nick sighed.

Nick, muttering: God damn it.

Matt gave him a look.

Nick: Fine. You're lucky I happened to have some on me.

Matt looked at him curiously as Nick pulled a vial out and handed it to Ben. Benjamin gently took it and handed Nick a note card with the same address as he gave Ava.

Forgive me, Ava. I had no choice.

Benjamin: The only reason I'm giving this to you, is because I need it.

Matt: I know. Thank you, Ben.

Benjamin: Don't thank me. Please.

Without another word, Nick and Matt left.