“Shh, Piper,” Caleb says, crouching down beside me. “Let’s see if he gets up.”

“W-What? This isn’t a game.”

“On the contrary, sweetheart. Life is a game; you just have to make sure you’re in control.”

I turn from him, the smell of whiskey strong on his breath. It reminds me of Christmas when my dad would have a couple of whiskeys after dinner.

“You’re sick. Is he breathing?”

Caleb chuckles. “I do admire how you can insult me and ask me to check on your boyfriend in the same breath.”

I ignore his boyfriend comment; there’s no need to address that.

“And I admire your ability to sleep at night after everything you’ve done and continue to do.”

“Thank you, Piper,” he replies.

I don’t look at him, but I can hear the smile in his tone.

“Caleb, check him.”

“Ooh, she’s bossy,” Matt says. He’s leaning against the far wall, his legs crossed at the ankle, holding the gun.

Seriously, we’re tied up, so what’s the point?

“She is getting very bossy,” Owen chimes in. “I like it.”

“We all like you, Piper,” Caleb says. “So I will check Evan for you.”

“He’s breathing,” Owen says. “I can see his chest from here.”

I sigh, my muscles loosening.

Owen is sitting opposite Evan, watching him like a hawk. I don’t know why Owen feels he needs to watch Evan so closely when Evan’s all tied up.

“There you have it, sweetheart,” Caleb says. “He’s all good.”

“Why?” I ask.

Caleb laughs again, and the dead tone to it sends a shiver down to my toes. “Why not?” he replies.

There is no point in me pursuing this. It’s not going to get me anywhere. I’m not suddenly going to get any satisfactory answers. They’re doing this because they can and they want to. It’s as simple as that.

They all need a lot of professional help.

Evan splutters beside me and his back shudders.

“Evan!” I whimper. “Evan.”

He turns his head, and I gasp. His eye is swollen, lip cut, and nose steadily dripping blood.

“I look that good, huh?” he rasps.

“You still look good to me.”

My face is on fire. Why did I say that?

“Well, that’s nice to hear,” he replies. Then he looks at Caleb. “Finished, or do you still have something to prove?”

He’s provoking them, and usually I wouldn’t talk back in this situation, but he’s weak and clearly in pain. He doesn’t need them to start on him again.

“Matt, ensure Evan and Piper get back okay.”

“I don’t think we’ll get lost,” I snap.

Caleb laughs and cracks his knuckles. “See you soon, Piper.”