Going Down in Flames (Entangled Teen)

by Chris Cannon

She placed the envelope on her tray table. “A simple thank you doesn’t seem like enough.”

  “It will have to do.” Zavien addressed Medic Williams. “When can she leave?”

  “I plan to monitor her one more night. She can leave tomorrow.”

  Merrick entered the room, and a genuine smile lit his face. “Look at you. You’re awake and eating.”

  Bryn resisted the urge to snarl. For all she knew, he was the anonymous donor who’d saved her months of painful recuperation. “I’m going to be released tomorrow.”

  “That’s wonderful. I brought an inventory list of the items moved to your new room. We wanted to make sure nothing was missing.”

  An uneasy feeling slithered down her spine. “Why would anything be missing?”

  “Someone broke into your room to leave the cake. This is a precaution to make sure they didn’t take anything when they left.” He handed her the list.

  “Who went through my things?”

  “I did,” Ivy said.

  “At first, I believed ‘flamingo underwear set’ had to be a typographical error,” Merrick said.

  Bryn’s face heated as she scanned the page. And there it was, a detailed list of her underwear, sorted by animal, in alphabetical order. Fabulous.

  “How many other people will see this?”

  “Don’t worry,” Merrick said. “I edited the final version. Anyone who comes across it will read a generic description of personal items.”

  Ivy patted her leg. “Sorry. They told me to be as specific as possible. Guess I went overboard.”

  “That’s okay.” Bryn read the list again. Wait a minute. “My mom’s bracelet isn’t on here.” She scanned the items again just to make sure.

  “Describe it for me,” Merrick said.

  “It’s made of six platinum snowflakes connected together, and in the center of each one, there is a diamond the size of dime.” What made it important wasn’t the cost, it was the fact that her mom had given it to her. And she wanted it back, damn it.

  Clint gaped. “Those were real?”

  “An item like that won’t go unnoticed if the thief tries to sell it. I’ll send a description to jewelers and collectors.” Merrick pulled out his cell phone and left the room.

  Bryn thought of her parents. “Did anyone let my mom and dad know I was…hurt?”

  “They wouldn’t have been able to do anything,” Zavien said. “We didn’t want to worry them. You can tell them now if you want.”

  She closed her eyes and sighed. Her parents couldn’t do anything to help. They’d only worry. Her father would tear the Institute apart, brick by brick, trying to find answers.

  “I better not. My dad would end up in prison.”

  Zavien placed a hand on her arm. “I swear, when we find out who’s behind this, I’ll help your father put their heads through a wall.”

  “Tomorrow after class, we’ll bust you out of this place,” Clint said.

  She glanced at her hospital gown, which resembled a large black tank top that came to her knees. While it wasn’t pretty, it was better than one of those hospital gowns that tied in the back.

  “Can you bring me some clothes?”

  “No problem,” Ivy said.

  “Get some rest.” Zavien brushed his fingertips across her cheek before heading for the door. The affectionate gesture gave her some hope that he might think of her as more than a friend.

  Ten minutes after everyone left, Keegan walked in. “You’re awake. The last few times I stopped by, you were playing Sleeping Beauty.”

  “Sorry, I was worn out from all the excitement.”

  He pulled the visitor’s chair to the head of her bed. “You need to live a quieter lifestyle.”

  “This isn’t what I planned for the week. I heard you dragged Jaxon in here for questioning.”

  Keegan ducked his head. “I remembered how mad you were. I didn’t know what the argument was about, and he seemed the most likely suspect.”

  Jaxon’s taunts came back to her. She tried to make a joke out of the uncomfortable situation. “Don’t feel like you have to ask me to the dance because someone tried to kill me.”

  He reached for her hand. “This is awkward. I like you. You’re fun. My intended said I can date until she comes to school. She’s two years younger.”

  “I wondered why you were free to date.”

  “Now you know.”

  Time to change the topic. “How’d you coerce Jaxon into coming here?”

  “Have you seen the guy who is the size of a house that hangs out in the free weight section of the gym? That’s my cousin, Aiden. I grabbed him, and we went to Jaxon’s room.”

  “Did anyone try to stop you when you entered the Blue dormitory?”

  “No. They all acted like we were invisible. To Jaxon’s credit, he came without a fight. He stated his innocence and told Quentin to call his legal counsel.” He cringed. “It was terrible to see you thrashing around like that.”

  “I don’t remember much.”

  “After Jaxon explained your conversation, Zavien pushed him. I think he was disappointed Jaxon wasn’t responsible. He was screaming for answers. Not that it’s my business, but he seems like more than a friend.”

  “You care about your intended, but she isn’t available. I care about Zavien, but he isn’t available.” She yawned, and her eyes watered. “Sorry. I’m not used to being awake this many hours in a row.”

  “Bryn, listen. We can be whatever you want. If you don’t want to date, I’d like to be friends.”

  “We’ll be friends no matter what.” She took the plunge and asked the question buzzing around in her brain. “Are you going to ask me to the dance?”

  He released her hand. “It wouldn’t be appropriate. I’m sorry.”

  She faked a yawn to hide her disappointment. “That’s okay. I’ll get back to you on the dating thing.”

  “I understand. Sleep well.” Keegan kissed her forehead and walked away.

  Whoever his intended was, she was a lucky girl.

  Either the fried food or the conversation had left a stale taste in her mouth. She glanced around the room and saw a partially open door. A slice of white porcelain showed through the doorway. It must be the bathroom. No one had told her she couldn’t get out of bed.

  Taking great care, she swung her legs to the floor, gripped the metal rail at the foot of the bed to help support her weight, and then pushed to her feet. While she was a bit wobbly, she could stand on her own. Taking it slow, she headed for the bathroom where she rooted through a medicine cabinet above the sink. No toothpaste, but there was a bottle of mouthwash. That would work for now.

  “Would you like a toothbrush?”

  Startled, she dropped the plastic bottle in the sink.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Medic Williams stood in the doorway, holding a small black bag. “I left to retrieve a toiletry kit. I thought your friends would stay longer.”

  “I yawned. They bailed.” Bryn took the kit and unzipped it. Inside, she found everything she needed to shower, brush her teeth, and wash her hair. All of a sudden, she felt grimy.

  “Is there a shower or a tub I could use?”

  “Yes. We have a long-term care room for recovering patients. You could stay there tonight if you like, now that you’re up and about.”

  Bryn followed the woman down the hall and entered a room that resembled a dorm bedroom. “I’d love to stay here.”

  “I’ll contact Zavien and let him know where you are. If he came in and found your bed empty, he’d have a coronary.”

  “He likes to think of himself as my big brother.” Her voice carried a tone of disappointment.

  The woman shook her head. “I don’t believe that’s all he feels toward you. Time will tell. I’ll leave you to your bath. There are fresh hospital gowns in the bathroom and a call button by the bed if you need anything.”

  “Thank you.”

  Bryn headed straight for the bathtub. She tur
ned on the water and added lavender bubble bath. After locking the bathroom door and laying a towel within reach, she disrobed and stepped into the claw-foot tub. The bubbles reached her chin. The scented water was bliss.

  Her mind drifted as the warm water soaked the tension from her muscles. Keegan’s words replayed in her brain. Could she date him knowing he’d never be serious about her? Did Zavien feel more for her than brotherly concern? Even if he did, would he act on his feelings, since he was more than likely promised to someone else? She played twenty questions but wasn’t able to come up with many answers.

  The water cooled. If she weren’t so tired, she’d drain the tub and start over. Better get out and go to sleep. After surviving an attempt on her life, she’d look like a moron if she drowned in the tub. So, she dried off and dressed in one of the clean hospital gowns. As she was hanging up her wet towel, she heard someone moving around in the bedroom. Her heart beat double time.

  “Bryn, are you in there?”

  Zavien’s voice brought relief. She opened the door. “Hi.”

  He carried a blue overnight bag. “Ivy suggested I bring your things tonight. She mentioned something about taking you shopping for pajamas because none of yours match.”

  Bryn took the bag and set it on the bed. Inside, she found her gray yoga pants and a navy tank, which she held up for Zavien to see. “These match.”

  “Technically, those aren’t pajamas.”

  She rooted through the bag and found jeans and a T-shirt. “Tomorrow is Thursday. Will the dress code police come after me?”

  “I believe you’ll be granted special dispensation tomorrow.”

  “Good.” She grabbed her pajamas and headed toward the bathroom. “I’m going to change. Don’t leave.”

  She came out to find him seated by her bed. He gave a tight smile. “If you feel up to it, we need to talk.”

  This could be good or bad. She sat cross-legged on the bed and waited.

  “How did your conversation with Keegan go?”

  “He told me about his intended.” She picked at a stray thread on her tank top. “We talked about dating. He’s nice, but it’s hard to think of dating someone who’s promised to someone else.”

  “I believe you’ll run into that problem over and over again.”

  She growled in frustration. “It’s like Noah’s freaking Ark around here. Isn’t there anyone who isn’t paired off by the time they come to school?”

  “There are a few families who wait to match their children until they’re eighteen. They go by the Directorate’s suggestion.”

  Bryn tried to find humor in the situation. “I should form a misfits club.”

  Zavien didn’t laugh. “Are you going to date Keegan?”

  She closed her eyes and took a leap of faith. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t?”

  In her fantasy world, he would tell her not to date Keegan because he wanted her for himself.

  “It wouldn’t be improper. Many couples see other people until they’re engaged.”

  Fantasies were so much better than reality. “Unless there’s something else you’d like to say, I’m ready for bed.”

  He settled in the chair. “I’ll camp out here tonight. It doesn’t feel right to leave you unguarded.”

  “Who stayed with me before?”

  “Medic Williams has a room off intensive care where she sleeps when a patient is undergoing treatment. I spoke to her earlier. She planned to return to the on-call bed, which is a little farther down the hall. I volunteered to stay.”

  Would the Institute have provided someone to watch over her? Maybe. It was nice to know Zavien volunteered. He did care about her. Even if it wasn’t the way she wanted.

  “Thanks, for everything.”

  He nodded.

  Once she was under the covers, she closed her eyes and prayed that she wouldn’t talk in her sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The smell of coffee woke her the next morning.

  She rolled over, expecting to find Zavien. The sight of Merrick drinking coffee made her frown.

  “That is not a happy face.” Reaching out, he pushed a bedside table on wheels toward her. “Perhaps this will improve your mood.”

  A platter of pancakes sat on the table next to a carafe of coffee and a cup. She inhaled the sweet scent of maple syrup. Her stomach rumbled. She reached for the fork and froze.

  “Where’d this come from?”

  “I drank from the carafe. Since I’m still breathing, we can assume it’s not poisoned.”

  “The pancakes?”

  “They’re from the dining hall. Zavien brought them on his way to class.” He pulled an envelope from his shirt pocket. “He asked me to give you this.”

  Don’t hate me. Merrick was the only trustworthy asshat available. The pancakes are safe. See you soon.

  Yours, Zavien

  She grinned. Zavien knew she’d be suspicious, so he’d left a note worded in a way to make sure she’d know it was from him. The “yours” part warmed her heart. The fluffy pancakes drenched in syrup and butter helped lessen her irritation with Merrick. Too soon, they were gone.

  “Would you like me to send for a second helping?” Merrick teased.

  “I eat a lot. Under normal circumstances, I’d flip you off for making that comment. Today you’re in luck because I’m on my best behavior.”

  He laughed. It was a warm, rich sound. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad person after all. If Zavien trusted him, maybe she should, too. As long as he didn’t pull any of that creepy benefactor crap. For now she’d give him the benefit of the doubt and reserve the right to blast him with a fireball later if he ticked her off.

  “How’d you end up on babysitting duty?”

  He poured more coffee for himself and topped off her cup. “I took care of some Directorate business this morning and then came to check on you. Zavien asked if I’d stay until you woke. He didn’t want to leave you alone, but he needed to attend class.”

  “Thanks for helping.” She finished her pancakes and frowned at the empty plate.

  “Zavien must know about your appetite.” Merrick passed her a Styrofoam box. Inside, she found four blueberry muffins. She took one and then held the container toward Merrick.

  “Want one?”

  He picked a muffin from the box. “You just want to make sure they aren’t poisoned.”

  “You figured it out.” She grinned, broke off a piece of muffin, and dipped it in the maple syrup on her plate.

  He looked at her like she’d licked the floor. “What are you doing?”

  “Don’t you like blueberry pancakes?”

  “A muffin isn’t a pancake.”

  “It’s close enough.” Once she’d eaten her fill, she wasn’t sure how to proceed. “Do I need to see Medic Williams before I leave?”

  Merrick pointed at the call button. “Ask and find out.”

  Feeling stupid, she pushed the button.

  “Bryn, is everything all right?” The medic’s voice sounded concerned.

  “Yes. I wanted to know when I could leave.”

  “I need to do one last checkup. I’ll be there in about thirty minutes.”

  “All right.” Bryn climbed out of bed. “I’m going to clean up. You don’t have to wait for me.”

  “I told Zavien I’d escort you to your room, and I am a man of my word.” Merrick pulled an attaché case onto his lap and leafed through a file.

  “I won’t be long.”

  In the bathroom, she pulled the jeans and T-shirt from the overnight bag. They were beyond wrinkled. Why hadn’t she hung them up last night? There wasn’t anything she could do about it now.

  Merrick glanced at her when she emerged from the bathroom. “You can’t go out in that.”

  While she realized her clothes weren’t in the best shape, she didn’t appreciate his tone. “I can go out however I like.”

  “That outfit doesn’t send the correct message.”

  The fact that he wa
s right irked her. “It’s all I have.”

  He pulled out his cell phone and dialed. “Celia, it’s Merrick.”

  She didn’t hear the rest of his conversation because Medic Williams came in.

  “I need to scan your bones and make sure they’re fused together.”

  Bryn expected to be taken to an X-ray machine.

  “Stand still. You’re going to feel a warm sensation. Let me know if it’s uncomfortable.”

  Medic Williams placed a hand on Bryn’s forehead. Heat coursed through her skin and flowed down her face and neck. It felt like someone was pouring warm honey over her body. When the warmth hit her forearm, she was aware of the location of the fracture. The heat seemed to zone in on that spot and spread inside her bone.

  “Doing all right?” the medic asked.

  “This feels bizarre.”

  “I’m probing your body to find areas that might still need to be repaired.”

  The heat continued down her arms and legs. By the time it reached her feet, she felt claustrophobic.

  When the medic removed her hand from Bryn’s forehead, the heat disappeared.

  “You’re ready to go. Don’t exert yourself. You’re healed, but it takes time for the bones to fully mend.”

  “I plan on hiding in my room.” She turned to Merrick. “I’m ready.”

  “You’re not,” he said. “One of my secretaries is flying over a suitable wardrobe. Perhaps Medic Williams can burn that outfit after we leave.”

  Just when she was starting to warm up to him. “There is nothing wrong with what I’m wearing.”

  A beautiful redhead walked in. “There are many things wrong with what you’re wearing.”

  Bryn clenched her fists. “One more insult, and I’ll walk across campus in a hospital gown to spite you both.”

  “You need to project a confident image,” Merrick chided. “The individuals who did this need to see a strong young woman, not someone who slept in her clothes.”

  “Fine. What do you have?”

  Merrick unzipped the hanging bag, pulled out several items, and laid them on the bed. There were three different blouses, a simple, black knee-length skirt, a package of panty hose, and a pair of black heels.

  Bryn examined the three blouses and picked the red one with a black pinstripe, because her blue bra with goldfish would show through the other two. Without another word, she retreated to the restroom to change clothes.