Brain Storm by Cat Gilbert (ebook reader computer .txt) 📕

I WOKE MID-AFTERNOON feeling better. My headache had ratcheted down from blinding to bearable, which was a vast improvement as far I was concerned. The extra sleep had improved my outlook substantially, and although I couldn’t say I was entirely positive about things, at least I wasn’t feeling the ax of doom hovering over me. The lights were still on, which puzzled me until I remembered that Jenny had said they were hooked into the monitors that, fortunately, were no longer hooked up to me.

I rolled out of bed and padded into the bathroom to splash some water on my face in an effort to clear my head. My hair was a complete mess, and the sweatsuit looked like I’d slept in it, which I had. I ran damp fingers through my hair in an effort to tame it, thankful for the shorter length as it fell into some semblance of order. I jammed my feet back into the hospital slippers and quietly opened the door, slipping out into the empty hallway.

“Going somewhere?” I looked back over my shoulder to find Hughes standing behind me. Where he’d come from, I had no idea. He hadn’t been there a minute ago. Now there he was, bigger than life, holding a steaming cup of coffee and waiting for an answer.

“Yes, I am,” I answered him, trying not to let my annoyance show. “I’m going to find Sean and see how he’s doing. You can tag along if you like.”

“I’m afraid that will have to wait until later, Taylor. Right now, arrangements have been made for you to go into town and get some clothes and whatever else you might require during your stay here.”

I’d expected Hughes to make a move, counted on it in fact, but I’d thought I’d have a little more time. Getting me away from the protection of the Agency, small as it might be, would give him all the opportunity he needed. I wasn’t quite ready to ‘disappear’ though.

“Don’t you think that under the circumstances, it would be better for some clothes to be brought out here? Or have you forgotten that there are bad guys out there looking for me? I think I’ll pass on the shopping for now, but thanks anyway.”

I turned around and started back in the direction I’d been heading only to find Lars blocking the hallway. I met his stony gaze and felt my stomach drop. Apparently I was going shopping whether I wanted to or not. He’d changed into a pair of jeans and a turtleneck, along with a leather bomber jacket to conceal the shoulder holster I was sure he was wearing underneath.

I turned back to Hughes, finding he’d moved closer while my attention was on Lars. Caught between them, I felt like a trapped animal.

“Oh, Taylor, you’re up!” Jenny ducked around Lars, the smile on her lips not quite masking the concern in her eyes. She reached out, taking my arm, and guided me around Hughes and past my room, in the direction of the elevators. “Dr. Connors thought you might like to go into town and pick up a few things if you’re feeling up to it.”

“I was on my way to find Sean, actually. I wanted to see how he’s doing.”

“I’m afraid you can’t visit him yet. Here,” she said, shoving a piece of paper at me, quickly changing the subject. “I made a list of things you’ll need while you’re with us.”

We got to the elevators and stopped, Jenny’s grip still firm on my arm. I could feel Hughes and Lars coming up from behind and felt myself tense. The doors opened, and Jenny all but threw me inside. She just smiled and punched the button to send the elevator up, barely giving Lars and Hughes time to crowd in.

“Dr. Connors said to tell you not to worry. You’ll be perfectly safe. Lars will be with you the whole time, and Mr. Hughes will have people deployed in town in case there’s a problem.”

The elevator stopped, and we stepped outside to find a car already parked and waiting. Jenny stepped up and opened the passenger door, hustling me inside, as Lars went around the car and slid into the drivers seat.

“What about money?” I asked, stalling for time.

“It’s taken care of. Dr. Connors called ahead, and the store is expecting you,” she assured me, as I buckled the seat belt. “I’ll see you when you get back.”

The door slammed shut, and I flinched as the door locks snapped down. I looked over at Lars, who stared back at me in silence as he put the car in gear and I prayed she was right.