Daddy [Mommy Sequel]

Chapter 25: Talk

The meal finally began when Theo led me to sit down.

I felt very awkward around him, considering he changed personalities faster than I could blink. But as the Master said—he was acting...setting examples...right?

Don't get distracted Harper...

I remembered my goal as I looked around quickly, scanning the children. Kai was here—Kai was somewhere.

I couldn't be distracted—I couldn't let Theo keep me from looking for Kai.

I avoided the bowl of clear, broth-resembling liquid in front of me as I looked around, studying the children one by one. I counted out the ones I already knew.

Ace...

Pyne...

Natalia...

Kiera...

Oliver...

Charlotte...

Alayah...

They all refused to look up at me as I looked around, studying all of the children's features. The fact that everyone had the same hair, skin color, and eyes didn't make it any easier.

That's when I noticed Theo was quiet.

He was never quiet.

I turned to see he was staring at me, watching me, studying me. A small smile remained as his face as he locked his eyes with mine. He hadn't touched his bowl of soupy liquid either.

"What are you looking for?"

I paused, stuttering. Theo might know. Theo has authority—Theo might know his name, his number—Kai. So instead of answering, I asked a question in return.

"Do you know all of the children here? Their real names...where they came from? Since your job is involved with all of us...I would only assume..."

I faded out as Theo's eye twitched. He laughed to himself, scooping a spoonful of the clear liquid into his mouth. He grinned wildly.

"You couldn't possibly be suggesting you want to look for someone here. Of course I knew their...names designated at birth—but there's no one you know here. No one you've met before—"

He smiled, cocking his head at me.

"No one is here that you need to be searching for. It's just us, sweetheart. No one you have ever known is here, and will ever be here."

His words slowed down as I noticed his smile seemed a little forced. His teeth were clenched as he smiled to himself, taking another drink of the liquid. I did as well.

Theo was lying—I knew he was. I trusted Pyne, and by the way Theo seemed frustrated, I could tell he wanted to keep something from me. I could tell he desperately didn't want me to know someone that I knew was here. But why?

Along with the fact Rosabeth was here  along with me too, I knew something was off. But for some reason, I felt like Theo wasn't talking about her.

I hoped it was the right Kai Pyne was talking about.

I didn't answer, so Theo continued—eating his food quickly. I watched him with hesitation as I ate more of the tasteless liquid as well.

"Besides—you shouldn't worry about that. Anyone you did know doesn't matter now. They don't matter—they don't matter..."