Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(86)

Through gritted teeth, she said, “Have you lost your mind?”

“I know you’re not on the friendliest terms with your grandparents—”

“Not on friendly terms? They refuse to acknowledge my birth. They haven’t spoken to my mother since she left. When I ran into my grandmother at orientation, she said I wasn’t her granddaughter.”

Merrick pulled onto the shoulder and put the car in park. “Do you honestly believe your grandparents could be behind the attack?”

“They’d be happier if I didn’t exist, so yes.” Her hands trembled with rage as fire burned her stomach and smoke shot from her nostrils. They’d probably be relieved to hear she was dead. Dealing with her grandparents on top of everything else was too much.

“Think of snow,” Merrick instructed.

Bryn punched the button to roll down the window and exhaled sleet onto the pavement. Afterward, she took slow, measured breaths until her heartbeat returned to normal.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’d no idea you felt this way.”

“Can you call and ask them to have the meeting someplace else?” Maybe she wouldn’t have to face her grandparents.

“Security measures have been taken. We can’t relocate.”

“Is my grandfather on the Directorate?”

Merrick nodded. “I thought you knew.”

An ugly thought occurred. “Zavien knew my grandfather was on the Directorate, didn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“Did he know about the location of the meeting?”

“No.”

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the headrest. Zavien would’ve known how distressed she’d be about meeting her grandfather. He should have warned her. Hell, he should have let someone else deal with the stupid camping trip and come with her.

“My life sucks.”

Merrick pulled the car back onto the road and continued toward their destination.

Hoping for a distraction, she opened the bag Zavien had packed for her. What was inside? Snack cakes and wrapped sandwiches labeled PBJs, which she could eat without fear of being poisoned. It wasn’t as good as him sitting there holding her hand, but it reminded her he cared.

The scenery outside the car didn’t change much. They drove through a dark, forested landscape. Since there was nothing new to see out the windows, she reclined her seat and closed her eyes. The hum of the tires was hypnotic. She drifted on the edge of sleep.

When the car stopped moving, her eyes snapped open. Afraid she might have drooled, she wiped her hand across her mouth. Thankfully, her lips were dry.

“Awake?” Merrick asked.

“If we’re at my grandparents’ house, it feels like a nightmare.”

“We’re checking in at the front gate.”

Trust her grandparents to live in a gated community.

After the guard checked Merrick’s license plate and personal ID, they were allowed to drive up the small hill. When they crested the top, a monstrous stone building came into view. It was at least five stories high. Wings jutted forward so the building was shaped like a U. As they drove closer, she realized how mammoth the structure was. With its pale gray stone and manicured shrubbery, it resembled a museum she’d visited in sixth grade.

“This is a house?” she asked.

“It’s an estate,” Jaxon corrected her from the backseat.

No wonder Ferrin had called their apartment a hovel. Jaxon’s home probably resembled this one. Her mother must have hated Ferrin a lot to give this up.

Of course her mom also loved her dad. Living a simple life full of love had to be better than living an extravagant life full of hate.

Merrick parked the SUV in a circle drive, which led to the house.

“I don’t suppose I could wait here while you go in and straighten this out?” she asked.

“You’ll be safe here,” Merrick said. “Your grandparents are excellent hosts. They wouldn’t let anything happen that might tarnish their reputation.”

It took a moment for her to realize he was joking. “That’s not funny.”

“Just trying to lighten the mood.” Merrick unbuckled his seat belt and reached for his door handle. Bryn did the same. “No. Wait for me to open your door.”

“Another joke?” she asked.

“No,” Jaxon said. “Proper manners.”

She wanted to tell him where he could shove his proper manners, but losing control over a snide remark made no sense when there was someone trying to kill her.

Merrick walked around and opened her door. She exited the vehicle. Jaxon fell in step beside them as they walked toward the massive front door. Another guard checked their IDs and took Merrick’s keys.

The door swung open on silent hinges. She expected it to creak open like the door of a haunted house. She didn’t expect the first face she saw to be her grandfather’s. She recognized him from the awards ceremony at school. He stood tall and imposing in the entryway. His rigid posture and the down-turned corners of his mouth did nothing to make her feel welcome.

Squaring her shoulders, she stepped into the foyer. Her grandfather’s gaze passed over her like she was invisible. He nodded to Merrick and Jaxon.

Seriously?

She opened her mouth to call him out on his behavior when Merrick placed his hand on her lower back and propelled her forward. “Not now.”