“Hello, old friend.”
Heath’s eyebrows shot up. “What are you doing here?” Nick had been as fascinated by dragons as him. They’d had conversations about them when he’d visited Helstone. Nick had even funded one of Heath’s investigations.
Nick smiled, the warmth not rising to his eyes. “I run this place. And I’ve been having a friendly chat with Annie. She’s quite something.”
Heath’s fingers flexed and his eyes narrowed. “What have you done with her?”
“We’ve been talking. But I wanted you to see the next stage of her rehabilitation for yourself.” A smug expression slid across Nick’s face. “Witness what we do to people who refuse to follow our rules.”
Heath lunged toward Nick. A guard moved in front of him and shoved him back with the butt of his gun.
“There’s no need to lose control.” Nick brushed the shoulder of his jacket. “You’re lucky to be alive. It’s only because we know each other. I’m not tolerant with rule-breakers, but needed to hear what you had to say for yourself. Why you felt it right to break into my facility and try to take some of my people.”
Heath gritted his teeth. “I remember you before you were brainwashed by the State. You believed in dragons, the same as me.” Overnight, Nick had changed. He’d continued to visit Helstone, but no longer asked friendly questions. He’d also withdrawn his funding from Heath’s research.
“My brain works perfectly. And I want to give you this final courtesy before the end,” said Nick. “Annie hasn’t told me everything, but her father’s rescue has something to do with your intrusion. You’re here to steal information?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” growled Heath.
Nick’s pale-blond eyebrows rose. “Or perhaps it is about this one woman. I remember seeing the two of you together at the university and thinking what a cute couple you made.”
“It’s not like that.”
Nick shrugged. “We will discover what it is like.” He gestured to the guard. “Take him to the lab.”
The guard grabbed Heath’s arm and pulled him out of the cell. Nick walked alongside him, almost as if they were taking an afternoon stroll.
“What are you going to do to Annie?” Heath shot Nick a sideways glare.
“Return her life to her,” said Nick. “Help her get back to where she belongs. Make sure her memories are as they should be.”
A coil of dread wrapped itself around Heath’s spine. “You’re going to mind-wipe her?”
Nick nodded. “She wouldn’t need it, if it weren’t for you getting her hopes up and confusing her reality with yours.”
“Annie deserves the truth.” Heath twisted in the guard’s grip. “Wiping her mind could be lethal.” He knew the statistics. Almost a third of those who had their memories wiped were never the same. Some went mad, some only functioned at a basic level. There were even numerous suicides following a mind wipe, the victims knowing something about the world was wrong, but unable to recall what it was.
“Then you will only have yourself to blame if it goes wrong and she dies.”
“Her mind is already fragile,” said Heath. “She doesn’t remember a time before the State. Giving her a mind wipe is a needless risk.”
Nick stopped and faced Heath, his lips pinching together. “I disagree. She’s having doubts about the world. We don’t need people like Annie questioning things. If she has her mind wiped, she can return to her normal life and be safe. Don’t you want that for her? Don’t you want your woman safe?”
“You’ll kill her,” growled Heath. Nick’s words bit into him. But despite Heath’s protests, the thought occurred to him that this could be the chance Annie needed. If the mind wipe was successful, she’d forget everything about the last few days. She could return to her ordinary life. She’d still have a job at the university, still have a home, and would get her father back. She wouldn’t remember anything about what they’d gone through. Was it possible this was the best thing for Annie?
“I see you understand the situation.” Nick smirked and beckoned Heath forward.
The guard released his hold. Heath walked to the large glass window where Nick had stopped. It revealed a white-washed laboratory on the other side, with rows of medical equipment set on trays, and several examination tables. Heath noticed the leather restraints on the tables.
“What are you going to show me?” asked Heath.
“How good change can be.”
Panic flooded Heath’s veins, as he saw Annie led into the room by a guard and over to an examination table. She was twisting in the guard’s grip, trying to get away, but her hands were tied behind her back.
The guard shoved Annie. She crashed into the table.
“No!” Heath slammed his shoulder against the window. He knew he had to get her attention, make her realize he hadn’t given up on her. He would fight for her until the last breath left his body. Any other path would be meaningless, he knew that, now.
Annie turned towards the noise. Their eyes met, and she staggered toward him. The guard wrenched her backwards and away from Heath.
“You can’t do this,” he spat at Nick.
“I can. And I will.” Nick tapped on the glass. “And know this is all your fault. Your dangerous beliefs are destroying Annie.”
Heath watched through the window, his throat tight, as Annie screamed and struggled. He slammed into the glass again, knowing he would never let her go. She would always be his, no matter what happened. This incredible woman was his everything. Without her, he was nothing.
THE DRUGS THE DOCTOR had given Annie made her see double. But her pounding heartbeat had nothing to do with the medication. Heath was on the other side of the glass, watching her, fighting to get in and help.
A doctor walked into the lab and freed her hands. “Are you ready for your treatment?”
“Keep away from me.”
“Be a good patient and I’ll give you a lolly afterwards.” The rat-faced doctor gestured to a desk in the corner. “But they’re only for well-behaved subjects.”
She shoved him in the chest, pushing away from the table as he attempted to strap her to it.
Annie staggered away, landing on her knees. Everything wobbled and shook as if she were on board a ship. She crawled toward the window, intent on getting to Heath. Once they were together, they would get free from this prison, go home and be safe. She just needed to get away from the cold, gloved hands of the doctor who was dragging her back to the table.
“If you keep fighting, I’ll have to knock you out. The procedure is much riskier when a patient isn’t conscious.” The doctor glared at her.
“This isn’t a procedure, it’s torture. And I’m not your patient. I’m a prisoner.”
The doctor shrugged. “All the same to me.”
Hot tears slid out of Annie’s eyes, as she turned to see Heath smashing his shoulder against the glass. She glowered at Nick, who looked on with amusement as Heath tried to reach her. Two guards hovered behind Heath, their weapons poised, ready to shoot if he got out of control.
“Get off me.” Annie pulled her wrist out of the restraint and received a sharp slap across the face.
“The more you resist, the harder this will be.” The doctor gestured to the guard who stood by the door. “Shoot her if she keeps on resisting. I have three more mind wipes to get through today.”
The guard nodded and raised his weapon, his hard gaze on Annie.
Annie’s breath caught in her throat, but she refused to stop fighting. “How can you do this?”
“It makes people better and removes their dangerous delusions.” The doctor wheeled over a tray of medical instruments. “It’s for your own good. And if you resist this mind wipe, you will have permanent brain damage.”
“I don’t need a mind wipe,” growled Annie.
“The orders say otherwise.” The doctor strapped Annie’s hands down. “Just relax. You might even find you enjoy yourself when your delusions va
nish.”
“What’s wrong with you? This isn’t enjoyable.” Annie strained against the restraints but they held. Her gaze returned to Heath. There had to be a way to get to him.
“Any last requests?” The doctor raised a syringe and tapped it with a finger to collect and release any air bubbles.
“Let me speak to Nick.” Annie’s gaze remained on Heath. Her heart ached as she saw how hard he fought to reach her. “He’s made a mistake. We’re friends, he can’t want this to happen.”
“Commander Falmouth has made his orders clear,” said the doctor.
“Tell him I’m willing to trade,” said Annie. “If he lets Heath Ember go, I’ll stay here. He’ll want me. I can work with him on the new treatments for patients.”
The doctor’s brow wrinkled, before he turned to look at the window. “Commander Falmouth is a busy man.”
“He’ll be interested in this.” Annie bit the inside of her mouth so hard she tasted blood. “That’s my last request. See if he wants me here.”
The doctor sighed. “Keep an eye on her,” he said to the guard, before placing the syringe down and walking away from the table.
Horror gripped Annie as she realized what she was bargaining with. There was no way she’d work here, but if it meant Heath could leave she’d do it.
She watched through drug-hazed eyes, as the doctor left and spoke with Nick. She winced as she heard Heath roaring in protest and slamming against the glass again.
The doctor returned a few seconds later, Nick by his side.
“You have a proposition for me?” An amused glint shone in Nick’s eyes.
Annie nodded. “I’ll work for you. Do whatever you want. Just let Heath go.”
“How thoughtful of you.” Nick tapped a finger against his chin. “Your expertise has value.” His gaze ran over her body. “And you’d be willing to do anything?”
Annie swallowed, her teeth sticking to the inside of her mouth. “Whatever it takes. Heath was only following my orders. I paid him to do this.”
“Did you, now?” said Nick. “You’re admitting you gave credits to a wanted criminal?”
“That’s right. I insisted he help me.”
“Which makes you a criminal yourself.” Nick sighed and shook his head. “And I don’t employ criminals.”
“Please! I was desperate,” said Annie. “I had to make sure my father was safe. I didn’t know what he was doing in here.”
“You’re lying,” said Nick. “But that’s coming to an end.” He looked at the doctor. “Continue with the mind wipe.” He walked away without a backward glance.
Annie screamed in desperation as the doctor approached. Where were the others? Would they be able to help? If not her, then Heath. Get him out of here, keep him safe.
She kept staring at Heath, committing his face to memory, remembering how hard he was fighting for her. She’d get back to him, they’d be together again. This mind wipe wouldn’t work. She’d never forget him and what he’d done for her, or all the promises held in that kiss they shared.
No matter what the doctor did, Annie would never forget Heath Ember.
Chapter 16
A muscle popped in Heath’s arm, but he kept on raging. He slammed his head into the face of one guard, bringing him to his knees, a spurt of blood flying onto the floor as the bones in his nose shattered. Heath’s feelings for Annie were stronger than any drug he’d ever taken. As the emotions coursed through him and pumped his muscles with energy, he knew he could fight forever to keep her safe and out of the hands of the State.
Heath landed a side kick on the other guard’s leg, shattering his knee bone. He kicked the gun out of his hand, but it was no use to him until his own hands were free. Heath dropped onto the guard’s back, pinning him to the floor, preventing him reaching the gun.
“Enough!” Nick stepped back into the corridor. His cold gaze went around the chaos Heath had created. “What you’re doing is a waste of time and energy. The mind wipe has begun. Your Annie will soon be lost to you.”
Heath rolled off the guard and onto his feet, flinging himself toward the door, but Nick shoved him away and then raised a gun, pointing it at his head. “No more fighting. You have your execution to attend. And I’m looking forward to watching it.”
“I will destroy this place if you’ve hurt Annie,” gasped out Heath. “She doesn’t deserve this.”
“Annie told me this was all her doing. Said she’d paid you to break into here. Even said she’d sacrifice her own freedom so you and your gang of criminals could get out.”
“She’s lying,” said Heath, grinding his teeth together, hating that Annie had tried to bargain for his freedom. She was worth a hundred of him.
“One of you is,” said Nick. “But I don’t care which one. The Annie you know will soon be gone, and you’ll be locked away with everybody else until I can find a time to air your public execution. It will be a warning to anyone stupid enough to believe the same things as you.”
Sweat ran into Heath’s eyes, as he turned his attention back to the lab. Annie’s head was covered in electrodes. Her eyes were closed. A doctor stood by a screen, monitoring her brain activity, before twisting a dial and checking on the levels.
“Say goodbye to Annie,” Nick whispered into his ear.
Heath pressed his forehead against the glass, ignoring the grunts from the guards as they struggled with their injuries and spat threats at him. He didn’t care what they did to him now. With Annie gone, he had nothing left to fight for. His thoughts shifted to Lincoln, Arlo and the others. Were they still in the prison? He’d hoped they’d gotten out. At least some of them could be free from this place. He didn’t want them hiding out, trying to get to him and Annie. It would be too risky for them. If they were all caught and killed, this would have been for nothing.
He watched, his heart twisting in his chest, as Annie jerked on the table before her arms fell to the side.
A hand rested on Heath’s shoulder and he flinched.
“Let me introduce you to the new and improved Annie,” said Nick.
Heath ran his tongue across his teeth. “It won’t have worked.”
“Let’s see if it has.” Nick’s tone was smug.
“She’s better than you,” growled Heath.
“Don’t be so sure about that.” Nick guided Heath toward the door and unlocked it, before shoving him through.
Heath staggered forward, watching as the doctor removed electrodes from Annie’s head. His heart thudded in his chest as he clung to the hope she was okay and the mind wipe hadn’t damaged her.
The doctor looked up as they approached. His eyes widened as he saw Heath.
“There’s no need for alarm,” said Nick. “Our friend just wants to meet Annie. They haven’t seen each other for some time.”
Heath glared at Nick as he closed the distance between himself and Annie.
The doctor removed the last electrode from Annie’s forehead, his nervous gaze shooting to Nick. “She’ll be groggy.”
Heath grunted at the doctor as he backed away, his attention on Annie’s pale face, sweat staining her hairline a darker color.
“Remember to behave yourself,” Nick whispered to Heath as he moved to his side. “Don’t scare her. Seeing you will be a surprise if the wipe has worked.”
Heath growled in response, his gaze intent on Annie, who was blinking slowly and staring at the ceiling. Let her be okay. She had to get through this. He’d serve time in whatever hellhole the State wanted to lock him into, if he knew she was unharmed. He’d even face execution calmly once he knew she was fine.
“Annie.” Nick brushed her arm with his fingers.
Heath had to stop himself from breaking Nick’s fingers for daring to touch her. He sucked in a breath. “Annie. Can you hear me?”
Nick glanced at him. “Give her space, so you being here isn’t a shock. Remember, she has been given a clean slate.”
Heath’s hands balled into fists behind his back
, but he moved away. He didn’t want Annie’s already-fragile mind to have any more stress.
Annie turned her head and gave Nick a lopsided smile as she slowly sat up. “Doctor Falmouth. It’s been a while.”
“I’m glad you remember me.” Nick smirked at Heath before turning his attention to Annie. “Do you know why you’re here?”
Annie rubbed her forehead, wincing as her finger touched one of the electrode burns. She cleared her throat and looked around the room. “The doctor was telling me about an illness.”
“That’s right,” said Nick. “We were worried about you.”
“He said it would take me a while to recover. I don’t remember coming here. I must have been out of it.”
“You will be fine,” said Nick. “And when you’re fully recovered, you can return to your duties at the university.”
Annie’s gaze moved to Heath and her eyebrows shot up. “Heath! You work here with Nick?”
“I don’t.” Heath took a step closer, but Nick raised a hand in warning. “How do you feel?”
Annie blinked again. “Tired and sore. And my memory is hazy.”
“It’s the illness,” said Nick. “Short-term memory loss is common.”
Heath ignored Nick and his lies. “You know why you came here?”
“For my treatment,” said Annie. “Is that right? It’s what the doctor said.”
“What about your father?” asked Heath, his fingers bunching the fabric of the sheets on the examination table.
“My dad?” Annie gave Heath a quizzical look. “Has he been to visit? I don’t remember him coming. He’s probably in the middle of nowhere by now on one of his crazy dragon hunts. You remember what he’s like.”
“He’s here.”
Nick frowned at Heath and shook his head. “Let’s leave Annie to recover. We don’t want to tax her after she’s been so unwell.”
Annie continued to watch Heath, her expression puzzled. “Why are you here?”
Heath stared into her eyes, desperate for a sign she remembered what they were doing. But there was nothing other than polite interest reflected back at him.
Heath (Ember Quest Book 1) Page 16