Weber, like the rest of us, knows he’s lashing out because of fear and offers no further comment.
Reeve checks everyone else’s blood type, but only Ali is compatible. If necessary, I’ll steal bags of O negative, the universal donor, from nearby hospitals.
“Get some rest,” Weber tells River after he removes the tube. “I’ll need you again once you’re recovered.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he says, the words slurred. His eyes are rolling around in his head, and I wonder if Weber gave him a sedative, or if the blood loss is to blame.
Reeve shoos away Ali and Cole. “Let’s give the girl some space.”
“I’ll be in the hall,” Bronx says, refusing to stray far from his girl.
She kisses his cheek, then looks me over, her brows raised. “You, too, Frosty. I’ll monitor her and call you if there’s a change.”
I cross my arms over my chest. It’ll take a crane to get me out, and even then it’s iffy. Milla got hurt on my watch. I’m not letting anything else happen to her.
“Well, all right, then,” she says with a sigh.
I’m not sure how much time passes before Milla begins to stir. Reeve and River are asleep, despite the frenzied beeping from the heart monitor.
“Caro,” Milla whimpers. “So sorry. Should have...couldn’t... I’m sorry.”
River’s eyelids pop open and he jolts upright.
Who is Caro?
I reach out to rub Milla’s hand in comfort, but she screams and jerks away, severing contact.
“Don’t touch her.” River rushes over to draw me back. “Not when she’s like this. It only makes the memories feel real.”
Memories, not just nightmares.
Her head thrashes from side to side as she gasps out, “Daddy, no. Please, no. I’ll be good. I swear I’ll be good.”
Sickness churns in my stomach. “She was beaten by Daddy Dearest, wasn’t she?” She’d once alluded to it, but now I know for sure.
River tilts his head sharply. “He used to beat the shit out of us.”
“And Caro?” I ask.
“Milla’s twin, killed by our father. Don’t ask either of us for more details. Just...don’t.”
She had a twin. A sister, loved and lost in the worst possible way. I can’t even... Hell. No wonder she hangs on to River so staunchly, determined to keep the guy alive, whatever the cost. Having lost Kat, I’d do anything to save the loved ones I have left. Things I wouldn’t have considered before.
I scrub a hand down my face. I’ve been the worst kind of hypocrite. Milla deserves far better than what I’ve dished to her.
“Is your dad still alive?”
“No.” River combs a hand through his hair. “I’m going to find out who did this to my sister, and I’m going to make sure the body, when I’m finished with it, is never found. If I’m needed, call me and I’ll return.”
“You have my word. But I expect you to call me if you find the culprit. I’ll help. Or I’ll be your alibi.”
*
Over the next handful of days, we’re treated to many more screaming episodes from Milla and all but one revolves around her father. The other is about some guy named Mace. She sobs over him as if he ripped out her heart and stomped on it with cleats.
I want Mace to occupy the same grave as her attacker.
I hate that she’s trapped in such a terrible past, but at least she’s on the mend.
Cole comes by at least once a day to speak with me. He’s locked up the recruits who weren’t in the gym when the alarm went off. He’s questioned them, but each passes a lie detector test. We have no clues, nothing to narrow the list of suspects. The mystery is driving me to the brink. Who did this to Milla, and why?
During the chase, Milla mentioned “cemetery girl.” How would the girl who’d shot darts into her get inside the mansion without being a recruit? Is she a recruit, or are we chasing the wrong lead?
I trust my friends and no one else. I’ve left Milla’s side only long enough to shower and snack. And only while a guard is stationed at her bed.
Kat has visited me every day, but I’ve been miserable company.
“Do you care about her?” she asked just this morning. “Her life matters to you?”
“I don’t want her dead.” It is the truth, and yet, it isn’t the full truth. I’m not sure how I feel about Camilla anymore. “It’s hard to hang on to anger when you learn the nuts and bolts that make her tick.”
Kat stared at her feet, saying nothing, radiating guilt... Why?
“Her twin...Caro...is she a witness?” I asked.
“No. Caroline chose to leave the holding zone years ago and step into the Rest.”
So. Milla wouldn’t receive any comfort on that front. “What about her father?”
“He didn’t go up.”
“I’m happy to say Milla is going to make a full recovery,” Reeve announces, pulling me from my thoughts. “The drugs will leave her system in a day or two, and she’ll wake.”
I’m in the chair beside the bed, and Reeve is standing on the other side. Sweat is beaded on her brow, and her usually brown skin is chalk white.