Peter relaxed. “You’re to call no one. Pack a small bag, because again, all of your necessities will be covered for the duration of your stay in Deep Echo. Come with me. I’ll drive you to the Complex, get you registered, past main Complex and Deep Echo security, and you’ll be immediately evaluated by doctors. Then, treatment will begin. Once you’re cleared, you’ll start for Deep Echo Fire.”

“You admit you’re just doing this to get me out of the way.”

“Freely.”

I looked down, anger flowing through me. The helplessness itself helped me make the decision. “You’re a bastard, Peter—a real low-life. You want me to just disappear for the next three plus years?”

“You’ll see her at work after you’re well and can explain then.” He crossed his arms. “Take it or leave it, Zeke.”

I stood, Peter’s eye line following me. He scrambled to stand, seeming nervous.

Leaving Naomi without saying goodbye. Every time I weighed what that might do to her, I replayed Peter’s promise that we would still see each other at the Complex. Technically, I’d see her more, and I would be well.

“I’ll start packing,” I said.

“I’ll wait for you in the hall,” Peter said.

The door closed behind him, and I stared at my phone, wishing I could warn Brad and Jenn and my brothers and sisters… Naomi. I knew exactly what she’d think. But I had to get better. Going with Peter was my only chance.

chapter thirty-five

gone

Naomi

T

he Complex felt different. The walls made unfamiliar noises, the water leaking from the walls sounded louder, the smell danker. I hadn’t slept much, but I was alert enough to notice. Trex and I walked the corridors. He yawned, then I would too, both of us tired for very different reasons.

“You okay?” Trex asked, yawning again.

“Yes, quit that. That shit is contagious.”

“You’re not okay.”

I pressed my lips together. I was afraid if I talked about it, I might cry. “Not right now. Maybe later.”

We kept walking, passing the stairs to Peter’s office. Peter stepped off the last step, barely acknowledging me as he passed.

Trex walked until we could no longer hear Peter’s footsteps, then stopped, grabbing my sleeve. “All right, talk. Peter just acted like he didn’t know you.”

I looked toward the end of the corridor, feeling my throat tighten. “Please, not now. Later, okay?”

He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. “Are you gonna cry?”

I frowned then punched Trex in the arm—hard. “No. Fuck off,” I said, walking.

“I know that look,” he said. “And I know that punch. Did you and Zeke get into it?”