Jenna pops her head into the training room and strides purposefully toward me. She grabs me into a fierce hug. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Of course. Pull up a pew.” I tip my head back and guzzle my water.
“I’m scared.”
“Of Dante?”
She nods tersely.
“Did he do this?” It’s all I could think about last night. Vin had explained the alarm sounded at the exact moment Odie breached the facility. While they have yet to replay the security tapes, he’s convinced Odie had taken the elevator to the top floor and flung himself off the railing into the body of water below.
But I can’t understand that. Why on earth would Odie commit suicide? Especially at this juncture in his life—when he was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? It’s nonsensical, and I don’t buy it. While I have no proof, I suspect Dante has had a hand in this. If Jenna is jumping to the same conclusion, then I must be on the right track.
She vigorously shakes her head. “Dante didn’t leave my side all night, so he’s not responsible, but I can’t help worrying that this was all my fault. For pushing him away, and favoring Dante, and that somehow I drove Odie to do this.”
“Listen to me, Jen.” I hold her arms tight. “This is not your fault. I didn’t know Odie all that well, but I find it difficult to believe that he’d do this because you chose to spend your time with another boy. No offense or anything.”
“None taken.” She rubs the back of her head. “I don’t want to be with Dante, but I can’t stay away from him either. I think the air down here is definitely jerking me around. Either that or I’m going crazy.” Expelling a lungful of air, she’s on the verge of breaking down, and I feel for her.
“I can relate,” I admit truthfully, “because I’ve felt like that myself. But there’s something about Dante that I can’t put my finger on. And it’s more than just him being a creep.” I drag my lower lip between my teeth to stop myself from saying any more. I’m not sure that I trust Jen to speak completely honestly in relation to Dante. If it’s as she says—and she has no impulse control when she’s around him—the last thing I want is her sharing my suspicions with him. I don’t want to draw a big, fat target on my head. So, I shut up. For now.
“Will you do me a favor?” she asks.
“Anything. Shoot.”
“Can you stay by my side and don’t let me go anywhere near him? Please.”
The painstaking look on her face kills me. Not confident in my ability to successfully keep them apart, I agree nonetheless. I’d be a pathetic excuse for a friend if I didn’t at least try.
***
Leaving Jenna in the training room, I head out in search of Vin. I’m taking a huge risk confiding in him, but I believe it’s worth it. If anything happens to Jenna because I was too afraid to speak out against Dante, then I’d never forgive myself.
Though I realize I sound a bit deranged, I outline my worries to Vin as succinctly as I can.
“I understand your concern, Sadie, and I’ve already raised issue with his conduct to my superiors. While Dante most definitely has shortcomings, he wasn’t involved in Odie’s accident.”
Am I missing something here? “It was an accident?”
“We’ve reviewed the video footage. While Odie appeared upset, we don’t believe he actually meant to commit suicide. The recording clearly shows hesitation before he tripped and fell over the rail. Unfortunately, it was a tragic accident.”
I want to believe Vin because up to this point I’ve always felt like he’s told me the truth. But I can’t expunge the sense of inherent distrust taking root inside me. Self-preservation kicks in, and I act cool, like Vin is. “Poor Odie. Now I feel awful that I spoke out about Dante. Forget I said anything, will you?” My muscles are corded with tension.
Vin slings an arm around my waist and fixes a lingering kiss on my cheek. His nose grazes mine, and I jolt back at the unexpected contact and the inappropriateness of the gesture. As his fingers weave through my hair, my stomach floods with raw panic. “Already forgotten,” Vin says, smiling.
“’Kay.” I scramble to my feet, knocking the chair over. “I’ll, um, see you later.”
My face is the color of an over-ripe tomato as I stumble toward the door. I skid to a halt when I notice Dante slouching against the doorjamb. Wordlessly, he stalks me with his eyes as I run the length of the corridor, my heart thudding dangerously against my ribcage.
Skidding into the dorm, I slam the door closed with the heel of my boot and flatten my back against the wall. My lungs scream for air and butterflies dive-bomb in my stomach. I’m trembling all over.
I want out. I need out. I need away from the craziness of this facility. Or I need my head assessed. Or a bit of both. I’m scared. Of Dante. Of losing my mind. Or losing my life.
Being cooped up in such a confined space has done nothing for my paranoia. I’ve always been borderline claustrophobic, so it’s a natural reaction to want to escape. But I can’t lose sight of my end goal, and Thalassic City is only a couple of days away.
I can grit my teeth and bear it until then.
***
Vin calls me out after dinner. “I owe you an apology,” he says, the minute we step into the corridor. “My earlier behavior was extremely unprofessional. I can assure you that nothing like that will happen again.” Earnest eyes meet mine.
“It’s okay.” I swallow nervously.
“Can you forgive me?”
I tilt my chin up. “Sure.”
“Thank you. I’d hate you to feel uncomfortable approaching me. And I meant what I said about Dante earlier. My superiors will deal with him. However, if you feel threatened or you witness any unacceptable conduct, please report that to me immediately.”
“You want me to spy on him?” My face displays my surprise.
“Absolutely not. I’d prefer if you stayed as far away from him as possible. But if you notice anything out of the ordinary, please inform me.”
“Of course.” I’d been afraid to say anything earlier in case Vin concluded I was swinging off the crazy tree, but now that he appears to share some of my concern, it’ll be easier to confide in him.
***
Neve and I spend the remainder of the evening in the library reading. We don’t talk much, but the silence is amicable. Now that she’s told me the truth, I’ve decided to give our friendship another try. At least I’m no longer in the dark about Logan, and I’m glad I found out before I got too attached to him. I can’t believe he already has a girlfriend. I feel nothing but sympathy for her, as I’m sure she’s ignorant of his wandering eye. I’m sickened to the pit of my stomach that he would say such things to me when he’s already in a relationship with someone else.
Maybe if I’d confided in Neve at the outset, I could’ve saved myself all this grief. However, I’m no longer lovesick. Furious anger has replaced any sadness or longing I felt, and for that, I’m at least grateful.
It’s close to midnight when we call it a night. The corridor is empty, and the only sound is the strange gurgling in the pipes. Neve heads straight to her dorm, but I’m thirsty so I stop in the kitchen to get a glass of water.
Two heads swivel in my direction as I walk into the room. The temperature drops to massively awkward and heart-chillingly terrifying. Dante whispers something indecipherable to his companion. Unfamiliar inquisitive eyes meet mine. The distinguished-looking man sitting alongside him has dark hair threaded with gray that curls neatly around his ears.
No introductions are sought or made.
Snapping out of it, I walk to the sink and fill a glass with water. I stride quickly out of the room, refusing to look at the two of them despite the sense their attention is firmly fixed on me.
That must be Vin’s superior, I guess, and I’m assuming Dante knows I’ve made a complaint about him. Of course, he does. I recall his earlier eavesdropping. Damn. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, but I can’t reverse that now. At
least if Dante tries anything, I can report him to Vin. That’s of some comfort, even if it’s minor relief.
I’m forced to endure Dante’s presence at breakfast the next morning, and my appetite vanishes into thin air. Having promised Jenna that I wouldn’t leave her side, I have no choice but to sit there and bear witness to her disgraceful lack of self-control. Despite my insistent whispering in her ear, she allows him to maul her the entire time. My heady dislike of him intensifies with each passing second and every disgusting comment. Practically every word out of his mouth is something lewd or suggestive, and that’s when he isn’t being downright controlling. Concern for Jenna converts into disbelief and then anger as she allows him to praise and insult her in equal measure.
I’m wondering if her joke about being under his spell isn’t such a joke after all.
Neve approaches as I stand awkwardly in the corridor, trying not to spew at the gruesome sight of Dante and Jenna. Seriously, how anyone could call that enjoyable is beyond me. He’s devouring her mouth as his hands sneak under the hem of her shirt. I shake my head.
Neve gags. “Come on.” She tugs my sleeve. “I don’t want to witness this.”
“Wait.” I dig in my heels. “I’m not leaving her alone. I promised I’d watch out for her.”
Neve stops trying to propel me along the corridor. “I don’t think there’s much you can do to stop this.”
“I know,” I admit with resignation, as I watch Jenna cling to him as if she can’t tolerate separation. He must be an amazing kisser because there’s nothing else I’ve seen that in anyway explains the attraction.
Jenna only snaps out of it when Dante leaves her to go to the gym. Rooted in place, she trails a finger over her trembling lip.
I’m by her side in a split second. “I tried to stop you.”
“I know. I didn’t want to stop,” she admits all too readily.
Neve quirks a brow at me and I shrug, totally at a loss to understand what’s going on.
***
Later, I’m in the training room when a shadow darkens my desk. I remove my earphones as Vin materializes with a strange guy. “Sadie, I want to introduce you to Jarod. He’s a last-minute arrival, and I was hoping you’d agree to look after him. Help him catch up before we leave.”
We’re traveling tomorrow to Thalassic City, and I’m itching to leave this cooker-pot environment behind.
Jarod extends his hand as I twist fully in my seat. He hesitates, and a startled look fleetingly skitters across his face. Quickly composing himself, he shakes my hand and graces me with a wide grin. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too.” I tuck my hair self-consciously behind my ears. “Have a seat.” I motion with my hands.
Jarod pulls up a chair as Vin wanders off. I smile reassuringly.
“So, what’s it been like here?” He rests his elbows on the desk.
“You genuinely only got here?” I fold my hands in my lap.
“Yeah. What’d I miss?”
“Not much to be honest. It’s been kinda boring.” That’s only partially true, but I’m not dissecting the personal reasons why some of this experience has been enthralling, especially considering those memories are tainted now.
“I heard someone died,” he says quietly. I swallow my anxiety. “That’s the reason I’m here. They needed a replacement.”
“Oh, that’s—”
“Awful. I know,” he interrupts me. “It certainly wasn’t the way I hoped to earn my place. Did you know the guy?” His dark navy blue eyes are sympathetic as they probe my face.
“Yeah. He was sort of dating one of my friends, though I didn’t know him all that well.” I pull at my earlobe. “I discovered him,” I admit a minute later.
“Hell.” He rakes his fingers through his short bleached blond hair. “That must’ve been rough.”
“It was.” I shift uneasily in my chair. “I can still picture his face.” I close my eyes as a powerful shudder rocks my body.
My eyes dart open as a warm hand covers mine. “Maybe you should talk to someone about that when we get to Thalassic City.” He looks concerned and I’m touched.
“Maybe.” I switch my focus back to my screen as the virtual tour resumes its route through the underwater city. I’ve practically memorized it at this stage, and I’m salivating at the prospect of seeing the real deal soon. “Will you be traveling with us tomorrow, or do you have to stay here to acclimatize?”
“I’m heading with you guys. I had to sign a waiver, you know, in case I implode or turn blue or some such nonsense.” He flicks his hand through the air.
I grin despite myself. “It actually hasn’t been that bad, to be honest. I’ve had a few headaches, and I’ve definitely felt more tired than normal, but apart from that, I haven’t experienced any other side effects. And I’ll bet it’s easier in Thalassic City with more open space. It feels claustrophobic here because it’s such an enclosed facility. I for one will be happy to leave.”
I’ve an abundance of reasons to think that.
“I empathize. I don’t do well in confined spaces either.” A wrinkled groove furrows his brow. “I’m glad I got the fast track.”
“Provided you don’t turn into a Smurf in a few days,” I joke.
“Yeah. There’s that.” He laughs and I catch a glimpse of slightly discolored teeth.
Something pricks at my memory, but I can’t pinpoint it. Shaking it off, I set about showing Jarod how to access the separate jobs and education portals, explaining how he needs to go about choosing his options.
A few hours later, Jarod lets out a low whistle and leans back in his chair.
“What?” I inquire.
“I’ve been reading about the construction of Thalassic City. It’s pretty damn impressive. I didn’t know our government had the resources and the knowledge to build something like this.”
“I know. That was my first thought too, but clearly they are investing heavily in technological and scientific research.” I spin around in my seat so I’m facing him head on. “From what I’ve read, the dome that encloses the city will be invisible to the naked eye, and an artificial sky will be projected in rotations of day to night to give the illusion of a normal skyline and a normal twenty-four hour pattern. I can’t fathom it. It’s definitely something that has to be seen to be believed.”
“I’m with you. If they’ve managed to pull it off, it seems like it’ll be easy to forget we’re actually in a manufactured city at the bottom of the sea.”
“Do you think it’s really safe? The dome, I mean.” I flip a leg across my knee.
He shrugs and it’s far from comforting.
“That’s the part of the construction I’m struggling with the most.” I drop my leg to the floor and lean in toward him. “Apparently it was built with layers upon layers of corrugated steel sheets and coated internally and externally with an invisible impermeable casing of smooth shimmer-steel, which is something I’ve never heard of before. Where do you think they got something like that?”
“That’s something I’d love to find out myself.” The pulse in his neck throbs, and there’s an obvious undercurrent to his tone. “Better get back to it.” He gestures toward his screen. “I’ve still got some decisions to make.”
***
The next twenty-four hours crawl by in mind-shattering frustration. At least I’m not the only one who’s antsy. Neve is as hyper as I am, and we bounce off each other like two live wires. We’ve welcomed Jarod into our lair, and the three of us are sharing the window seat in the library as we discuss our impending trip underwater.
“What are your plans once you reach Thalassic City, Neve?” Jarod asks.
“I’ve applied for a job in the research lab.”
She’s already shared her plans with me, so this isn’t news to my ears.
“Doing what?” Jarod tilts his head to the side.
“Cataloguing marine life. I’m a student at the University of New England in Maine, majoring in
marine biology. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the underwater habitat up close and personal.”
She says all this in a deadpan voice, and I’m waiting for some measure of enthusiasm. Each time she talks about her future career plans, I sense the same apathy, and I don’t understand it. If I was a bullion, and I could choose to do whatever I wanted with my life, I wouldn’t waste it on something I’m clearly not that interested in.
Briefly, I wonder if this is something else that’s being forced on her, and why. I’d pose the question if we were alone, but I don’t want to ask something so personal with Jarod in the vicinity. Neither of us knows him well enough yet.
“What do you think you’ll do?” I ask Jarod, deflecting the attention from Neve.
“I’ve applied for a few technology jobs. Hopefully, I’ll secure one of those.”
There’s a defined glint in his eye. That’s what I’m talking about! A genuine spark. A passionate yearning. I’ve never seen anything remotely resembling it in Neve.
My eyes naturally flit to his wrist. A star tattoo stares back at me and I’m confused. How would he have the requisite technical skillset to land a job in technology?
Jarod expertly reads my expression. “I’ve taught myself over the years. While there wasn’t any prospect of an IT career, I couldn’t dampen my natural inclination. My dad procured some equipment and books, and I’ve learned it all myself. Actually,” he says, quickly scanning the room, “that’s something I’d prefer to keep between us.”
“Ooh,” Neve rasps. “I love a man with secrets.”
Jarod’s face pales and she falters, the smile slowly wiping off her face. “Did I say something wrong?” She looks quizzically from him to me.
“No. It’s just …” His Adam’s apple jumps in his throat. “I don’t want to get my dad into trouble. Technically what he did was against the law.”
“Our lips are sealed,” I promise.
***
Finally, the time comes to depart, and we line up in the corridor as Vin quickly outlines our travel plans. I introduce Jarod to Jenna, and he eyes her appraisingly. Jenna moves to stand beside Dante, clutching tightly onto his hand. I sigh. It feels like I’m losing my best friend before I’ve properly had time to cement her status as such.
Saven Deception Page 12