his attention back to the screen. “Right… about… now.”
As if on cue, the doors to Paul’s rooms burst open. Three uniformed staff members rush in. They move with practiced efficiency. Two grab Paul and lift him to the bed. He fights them, but he is no match. The third takes out a single-use injection pen and jabs it hard into Paul’s thigh.
Paul’s movements slow. His eyes droop shut, and he goes still.
The staff members wait a moment to make sure the sedative is in full effect, and then file out the room, leaving my father comatose and alone on the bed.
“The collar is a gift given to Cedar Woods from Stonehart Industries,” Stonehart explains. His voice is smooth and gives absolutely no hint at any underlying emotions. “It’s quite an ingenious device, really. An invention of Zigtech. Inside, it contains a tiny system of gyroscopes that continuously give it power. Movement of any sort recharges it. It never needs to come off. Which makes it very valuable to the staff at Cedar Woods.
“They believe that it informs them of Paul’s current condition. When he’s had one of his…” Stonehart stretches his neck from side to side, drawing out the sentence, “…unfortunate fits, a small alarm goes off to tell them they must come. The sedative is for his own good, you see. So that he does not hurt himself when he’s upset. And he gets quite upset, naturally, following one of his fits. He starts rambling about secret watchers and electrical currents, but, you know.” Stonehart shrugs. “Those are just symptoms of his mania.”
“Monster,” I breathe. “You’re… inhuman.”
“I am neither one, nor the other, Lilly. I am simply a man who knows what he wants.” The screen turns off. “You mustn’t worry much, though. Your father’s condition has been dramatically improving. Why, this is the first fit he’s had in nearly a year.”
“You electrocute him for fun,” I say. “Just like you do to me.”
“No, Lilly.” The words come out harsh and uncompromising. “That’s where you’re wrong. I take no pleasure in causing pain. But bad behavior must be eliminated, and this is the best way I know how.”
“You’re sick.”
“And you were infatuated with me just a few short hours ago.” He examines his fingernails beneath a smile. “Tell me, which one of us is really twisted, here?”
The limo stops in an unremarkable alley in the heart of downtown. I hadn’t even realized we were in the city already.
“Ah.” Stonehart looks up. “It seems we’ve finally arrived. Remember what you just saw, Lilly, and know that your behavior with me now affects more than just you.”
Chapter Eleven
Dinner is a tense, strained affair. The excitement I had before over being out among people has been eliminated by everything that’s happened earlier.
Stonehart was right when he said he took precautions to prevent temptations. The hostess greets us and quickly ushers us in along the far wall, away from the other occupants. We climb a set of stairs that were roped off, and emerge on the second floor.
This is clearly the more expensive part of the restaurant. The décor screams luxury. Low lights and soothing music provide a perfect atmosphere for secluded lovers.
Except, every single table on this floor is empty. I should have figured.
Of course he bought out the second level tonight , I think sourly.
We sit down at an elevated table close to a massive window. I can see the river below and the clear sky speckled with stars above. If I were in an even slightly better mood, I would be in awe of the natural beauty.
Stonehart speaks to the waiter. I don’t listen. A glass of wine is set before me. With bitterness, I remember what happened the last time I accepted a drink at a restaurant with Jeremy Stonehart.
“So.” Stonehart looks at me after the waiter leaves. “This has been a very productive trip for us so far. Wouldn’t you say?”
I glare across the table. “I hate you,” I
As if on cue, the doors to Paul’s rooms burst open. Three uniformed staff members rush in. They move with practiced efficiency. Two grab Paul and lift him to the bed. He fights them, but he is no match. The third takes out a single-use injection pen and jabs it hard into Paul’s thigh.
Paul’s movements slow. His eyes droop shut, and he goes still.
The staff members wait a moment to make sure the sedative is in full effect, and then file out the room, leaving my father comatose and alone on the bed.
“The collar is a gift given to Cedar Woods from Stonehart Industries,” Stonehart explains. His voice is smooth and gives absolutely no hint at any underlying emotions. “It’s quite an ingenious device, really. An invention of Zigtech. Inside, it contains a tiny system of gyroscopes that continuously give it power. Movement of any sort recharges it. It never needs to come off. Which makes it very valuable to the staff at Cedar Woods.
“They believe that it informs them of Paul’s current condition. When he’s had one of his…” Stonehart stretches his neck from side to side, drawing out the sentence, “…unfortunate fits, a small alarm goes off to tell them they must come. The sedative is for his own good, you see. So that he does not hurt himself when he’s upset. And he gets quite upset, naturally, following one of his fits. He starts rambling about secret watchers and electrical currents, but, you know.” Stonehart shrugs. “Those are just symptoms of his mania.”
“Monster,” I breathe. “You’re… inhuman.”
“I am neither one, nor the other, Lilly. I am simply a man who knows what he wants.” The screen turns off. “You mustn’t worry much, though. Your father’s condition has been dramatically improving. Why, this is the first fit he’s had in nearly a year.”
“You electrocute him for fun,” I say. “Just like you do to me.”
“No, Lilly.” The words come out harsh and uncompromising. “That’s where you’re wrong. I take no pleasure in causing pain. But bad behavior must be eliminated, and this is the best way I know how.”
“You’re sick.”
“And you were infatuated with me just a few short hours ago.” He examines his fingernails beneath a smile. “Tell me, which one of us is really twisted, here?”
The limo stops in an unremarkable alley in the heart of downtown. I hadn’t even realized we were in the city already.
“Ah.” Stonehart looks up. “It seems we’ve finally arrived. Remember what you just saw, Lilly, and know that your behavior with me now affects more than just you.”
Chapter Eleven
Dinner is a tense, strained affair. The excitement I had before over being out among people has been eliminated by everything that’s happened earlier.
Stonehart was right when he said he took precautions to prevent temptations. The hostess greets us and quickly ushers us in along the far wall, away from the other occupants. We climb a set of stairs that were roped off, and emerge on the second floor.
This is clearly the more expensive part of the restaurant. The décor screams luxury. Low lights and soothing music provide a perfect atmosphere for secluded lovers.
Except, every single table on this floor is empty. I should have figured.
Of course he bought out the second level tonight , I think sourly.
We sit down at an elevated table close to a massive window. I can see the river below and the clear sky speckled with stars above. If I were in an even slightly better mood, I would be in awe of the natural beauty.
Stonehart speaks to the waiter. I don’t listen. A glass of wine is set before me. With bitterness, I remember what happened the last time I accepted a drink at a restaurant with Jeremy Stonehart.
“So.” Stonehart looks at me after the waiter leaves. “This has been a very productive trip for us so far. Wouldn’t you say?”
I glare across the table. “I hate you,” I
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