Mission 'Don't get killed'

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

It's hard to stay awake but I have to. I have to try and get into that restricted hallway because I have to see it with my own two eyes. I had hoped it had stopped during my absence, but my fathers presence from a few days ago has told me enough: it's still going on. I feel sick when I think about it, the memories of that night I escaped still fresh, as if it were yesterday instead of five years ago.

It's been two days since I last went through that door but this time, everything goes a little smoother. It's the middle of the night and I waited longer before I left my room than last time, so I'm sure my father will be asleep now.

Before I know it I'm slowly and quietly closing the door behind me. My heart is beating loud and all the sleepiness I felt earlier is gone. I keep my ears focussed on any sound that isn't mine but tonight, there's silence. Not that that says anything. You don't need to be speaking to do horrible things. There are only two doors in this hallway but I know which one I need to open. When I slowly press down the handle, I feel how this door isn't locked. Dreadfully, there's no reason to lock this door, firstly because even if you manage to get out of this door, you're still nowhere and secondly, well, secondly because no one is even able to make it out of this door. I open the door ever so slightly and then peek in, even though my brain is screaming that I don't want to see this. And I don't. But I don't listen to what my brain is telling me. Even though it was right. They're still here. Or at least, there are still people here, I don't know whether they're the same ones I saw earlier. I don't think so. One glimpse is enough to make me shut the door and quickly walk out again. Don't think about it, Zoë, don't think. I tell myself. And please don't puke either. Please not here.

Back in my room, I force myself to think about what I saw, but I'm a hundred percent sure Sara and Zac weren't there. But where are they then? I don't know where my father keeps his prisoners, if he even kept them or if he just shot them. I remember the memories of the man I broke into just over a week ago. According to those memories, there should be two prisoners here. And I'm sure they must be Sara and Zac. But where are they then? And I also need to figure out a way to find out about my father's stupid plan to kill Matt, because otherwise it will all be for nothing.

Like a zombie, I appear at breakfast and even though I try to throw everyone off by pretending I'm okay, not everyone buys it.

'Honey, you seem a bit absentminded.' Jenn says when she provides me with a plate with a stack of pancakes on it. 'Is something wrong?'

'Not at all.' I send her my most convincing fake smile. Which doesn't convince her.

'I can see it on your face.' She says, her tone disapproving about the fact that I tried to con her.

'I just had a bad dream.' I shrug. 'That's all.' I have to keep myself from snorting. How ironic, I wish all of this were just a bad dream.

Jenn just purses her lips as if she doesn't buy it but she doesn't ask any more questions. To my surprise I find Tegan joining me at breakfast and she chatters away happily.

'You know, I think you should go and see Wendy.' Wendy is Tegan's cousin and the three of us used to hang out sometimes. 'I mean, that would be nice.' I just nod. Wendy is nice. I guess. She just really likes to poke her nose into other people their business. I'm surprised my dad hasn't gotten rid of her yet.

'Maybe.' I say vaguely.

'Well, if you want, you can come training with me again.' Tegan continues. 'Maybe we could hang out this afternoon and, I don't know, catch up or something?' I wonder how much she has been told. You don't really ask someone who's been to prison whether they want to tell you all about it. My father has probably spread some kind of vague story, too embarrassed about how his own daughter, the one who always had a guard on her tail, ended up in prison. Speaking of guards, I haven't seen my usual guards around and I feel a pang of guilt. My father probably got rid of them, thinking they failed at their jobs.

'If you want to.' Tegan quickly adds when I don't reply. 'I mean, you're not obliged to hang out with me.' She laughs but it sounds weird.

'No, I'll be happy to hang out with you.' I say quickly. I need a distraction anyway. 'Thanks.'

This morning, there are more people around in the training hall. And I can feel the glances they're sneaking at me. I feel like some kind of circus attraction and it makes me feel awkward.

'I need a bathroom break.' I say when the trainer gives us a time-out. Finally I get to escape the stares. I didn't know the longlost daughter of Kendrick Arlana was such an attraction. I feel uncomfortable under their stares, and not only because I hate being stared at in general but in these few days that I'm here, but also because it won't make it easier for me to sneak around to get the information I need and I've already bumped into someone I've encountered before. When I was breaking into his mind, to be exact. I know he won't remember me, because Matt always makes sure that memories of spies are being erased, but it still made me feel uneasy. How many others of my victims are here?

When I want to walk out the door, my way is blocked by someone I immediately recognise. It's like the five years haven't done anything to him.

'Well, well, well.' He shakes his head. 'If that isn't the little Arlana girl.' He leans forward and I automatically inch back. 'Sweet little Zoë. Well you have grown haven't you?' He glares at my cleavage. 'I would almost say that those five years in prison have done you good.' He cackles.

'What do you want, Vic?' I snarl. 'Apparently you haven't lost your ego over the years.'

'Tsk, tsk, be careful there, princess.' He shakes his finger at me and then lowers his voice. 'Don't you think you can trick me. I don't know why you're here, but don't worry, I'll make sure to find out.' Shit. I can't use this right now. Vic is not only intimidating, but he's also a bulldog. If he's onto something, he won't let go. And there's nothing that's going to stop him from getting what he wants. It's hard enough to sneak around here, and with Vic and his best buddies keeping an eye on me, that's only going to be harder, they see everything.

'There's nothing to find out.' I bite back. 'I have no idea what you're talking about.' Vic just laughs and bows mockingly. 'I won't hold you up any longer, Your Highness.' Then he finally steps out of the way and I have to try really hard to keep myself from running away.