Without Mercy - Lisa Jackson [16]
And yet Shay knew, deep down, her sister was her only chance of salvation. The one person who would help her get out of this creepy institution.
No one she’d met here was going to be much help. The first person she’d come into contact with was the pilot, Spurrier. Around forty or so, with dark hair and eyes that forever scanned the horizon as he’d steered the plane. At least he’d been quiet, his headset in place, only making a little bit of small talk every now and then. From their brief conversation, she’d found out that he not only flew the seaplane but also was part of the teaching staff.
She’d also seen some of what she thought of as “the inmates” looking out windows as she’d passed through the campus. Then there were two guys in the clinic, around twenty years old, who had special privileges. One was Asian, the other Hispanic, and they seemed to work here. Through the glass wall separating the reception area from her “lockdown,” she’d observed the Asian guy working at a laptop, all business. His friend, who looked Hispanic, wasn’t quite as focused on work. He’d caught her eye a couple of times, even smiled slightly, but that look was quickly hidden whenever anyone else showed up. Nurse Ayres, the bruiser, was definitely the authority of the clinic.
Shay picked at the tiny scab on her arm and wondered if she could enlist the Hispanic boy’s help. He’d definitely been interested in her. She needed an ally, and he was the first potential friend she’d seen.
She considered the others she’d met here, mostly members of the staff, but cast them all aside until she remembered the guy who was going to be her “pod” leader, whatever that meant.
His hair had been a little longer than that of the others, his skin dark from hours in the sun, though it was still frickin’ winter. There was something about him that bothered her. What was his name?
Mister Trent?
Huh. The name Trent rang distant bells, but she was pretty certain she’d never met him. She would’ve remembered, because he was kind of hot.
Who was he? She sat on the arm of the couch, crossed her legs, and absently drummed her fingers on her thigh.
He was kind of sexy in that rugged, cowboy way so many women went for, but he was old. Definitely over thirty. Maybe thirty-four or thirty-five.
And then the youth minister. McAllister. She wondered where he was…if she’d see him soon. There was something about him that was at odds with his clerical collar….
The glass door to the living area opened suddenly.
Startled, Shay looked up to find Dr. Williams and her big smile sweeping through. With her was Nona, a pale girl with big doe-eyes and stringy brown hair that was so thin, the top of her ears parted the strands.
“Hi, Shaylee,” Dr. Williams said in that syrupy friendly voice Shay already hated. “I thought you and Nona could get to know each other a little better.”
“Hi,” Nona said with one of those ingratiating grins Shaylee de tested.
Shay didn’t respond.
“Nona’s from Indianapolis,” Williams continued.
Big whoop.
“She’s been here, what, ten months?”
Ten months? No way! Shaylee shriveled inside. She would die if she had to stay here that long.
“Almost eleven,” Nona corrected, fingering a slim silver cross dangling from a chain around her neck. Though she had a shy way of turning her head, there was something in her expression at odds with her meekness, a glint in her eyes that bespoke of a strong per son beneath the church-mouse facade.
Shay asked, “So why are you still with a roommate? I thought everyone here moved up to a private room. Isn’t that what you told me?” Shay turned her gaze from Nona to their counselor.
“Nona’s considering staying on as a TA after she graduates,” Dr. Williams said proudly.
“Why?” Shay could not imagine staying on campus one millisecond more than required.
“Opportunity,” Nona answered. “Here at Blue Rock Academy, I’ve found incredible opportunities, a new way of life. A new faith in God and country.