This Conspiracy

Chapter 32

Author stuff: So, repercussions time.

Again, trigger warning for sexual assault for this chapter and the next few chapters. I don't go into too much detail, but it is present.

In case anyone is wondering, I've been posting directly from my phone at work, because it's just easier and I don't have to bring my laptop in and post from there. Also, a third screen would just be distracting.

Chapter 32

In Which There Is a Break For The Runners

Archie knew he wouldn't be seeing Flossy in the morning, but he was surprised not to see Adne. And he was even more surprised to hear that Nick and Minho wouldn't be running with them that day.

"Wonder what's going on," Justin said, watching as they all headed into the Homestead. Minho jogged over to them, looking none too happy. "I mean, I know it's a Gathering, but what do you think it's about? Hey, Minho, what's going on?"

"Orders from the top," Minho said, hands on his hips. His fingers tapped out an irregular rhythm against his belt. His eyes flicked about the group, but they never focused on anyone in particular. "You shanks will only be running for a couple of hours today. No going too far in. We need everyone back this afternoon."

"What's going on?" Alfred – a skinny shank with orange hair – said.

"Something happened last night. You'll hear about it later, but Nick called a Gathering, and I'm needed for this. It's too bad I can't join your sorry behinds. You'll have to manage without me."

"Oh no," Derek said, flatly, "what ever shall we do without you, Minho?"

"Probably be Griever bait. Now, remember, only a couple of hours out today." He gave them a smirk, his cheek dimpling, but it was a halfhearted gesture.

The Runners saluted as the doors started to open, each heading to a cardinal direction from their meeting place at the Box.

Archie followed Justin again. The pair of them didn't go too far in. Justin decided they should loiter about three turns away from the entrance. He slid down the side of the wall, letting his legs splay out.

"Aren't we going to do anything today?" Archie said.

"No," Justin said. "It's sort of a break day for us. Shuck, wonder what's going on that they need Minho there. It's got to be serious if he was called out of the Maze."

"What do you think is going on?"

"Can't really say. It had to be serious. Did you see how angry Gally looked before we left? I mean, I know he has a bit of a temper, but geez. Whatever happened has got to be really serious. Shuck, what if something happened to the Girlie?"

Archie snapped his head in Justin's direction, mouth open. He knew how Gally felt about Flossy – and he was fairly certain that her crush had developed far beyond just a crush, though he hadn't gotten the chance to speak with her on it. If something happened to Flossy, there would be hell to pay.

From a lot of different people.

"We've got to go back and find out what happened," he said, shooting back to his feet.

"Can't. At least, not yet. We have to make everyone believe it's another normal day in the Glade, just for the time being. The orders came directly from Nick, so no use disobeying them. Don't want to end up in the Slammer, do you?"

Archie huffed and plopped back down. It was going to be a very long couple of hours.

. . .

He watched as the shadows shortened as the sun drew higher in the sky. It was almost time to head back to the Glade. It was almost time to learn what had happened last night.