SAGE
I tucked myself onto the bottom bunk with my back against the wall, my knees drawn up to my chest. Only then did I feel the extent of my exhaustion as the entire day played through in my mind.
The ear bud was so small, I was afraid it would get lost in my ear. I pressed the bud deep into my ear and was immediately submerged into a conversation between Jack and another male voice that I assumed was Caesar.
“I’ve found him. Screen 37. They’re headed to lab A,” Caesar said.
Jack cursed. “How much time?”
“It looks like they’ve changed him into the loose-fitting clothes. They are still another ninety seconds from the lab. Two doctors already in the lab prepping. Make that three. Your dad just walked in.”
Jack cursed again. “C, just take me straight there. I don’t need any pretenses. There’s no time for anything else.”
“Let me guide you through some empty halls, at least it will attract a little less attention,” Caesar replied.
“There’s no time!” Jack said, his voice more intense than I’d heard it before. “They’re taking him to a lab. It’s obvious what they intend. They’re going for a modwrog, C. They want to push Cunningham.”
What was Jack talking about? Going for a modwrog? I wanted to scream into the earbud, shout dozens of questions that were spinning through my head.
The line remained silent until Jack spoke again. “I’m going straight there. After I make it to him, and we’re out, unlock Sage’s dorm room. And Imogen’s.”
“What happens then?” A female voice pierced the silence. “You know this decision gives you up. Your dad will know where you stand.” It was Imogen. I slammed my pillow against the wall, fuming. How come she had an earbud? Was everyone allowed speaking rights besides me?
“You do like we talked about,” Jack said, the sound of his footsteps padded in the background. “C, you’ll unlock the girls’ rooms. They’ll meet in the bathroom, take the air ducts, and go out the side fence and into the forest.”
Improvise my ass.
“You never talked about any of this to me,” I said out loud. To no one.
“We’ll meet at the spot and then hide until the helicopter comes in a few days,” Jack said, breathing heavy.
Neither Imogen nor C responded. I couldn’t tell if it was a sign of resignation or hesitation at Jack’s orders.
“I know it’s not ideal,” Jack added, his breath rhythmic. Obviously jogging now. “But it’s what we’ve got to work with. Imogen’s right—my dad will know where I stand.”
Everyone was silent for another few seconds.
“They’ve made it to the lab,” C said. “They’re directing Finn in now, moving him to the table. Jack, you’ve got company around the next corner. Slow down.”
My breath stopped, and for the next several seconds, the line was laden with heavy silence.
“Sims, Tattler,” Jack called out greeting.
Another few seconds passed by.
“You’re clear,” Caesar said. “You’ve got sixty seconds. They’re laying him down. Strapping wrists.”
Jack cursed.
“You’ll be there in thirty. You’ve got this.” Despite his reassurance, Caesar’s voice was unmistakably tight.
My own hands had wound tightly around the pillow in my lap. A tight ball in my throat blocked the air from moving through it. I felt frozen, waiting to hear that Finn was safe before I could move or breathe again.
After what seemed like forever, Jack whispered, “I’m here. My dad sees me. He knows it’s not good. I’m going in. Everyone hold position and wait for more direction.”
“10-4,” Caesar replied.
“10-4,” Imogen said.
“C, shut her off until it’s over.”
There was no reply, and it wasn’t until I couldn’t hear anything at all that I realized Jack had meant me.
He’d cut me out.