Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(93)

“I plan to petition the Directorate to be allowed into medical classes.”

“Why do you want to work?” her grandmother asked.

“I have to support myself somehow. A career as a medic would be rewarding.”

Her grandfather entered the room. “What did I miss?”

“Your granddaughter wants to become a medic.”

“That’s an interesting goal.” He sat at the head of the table. “But why?”

“I can manipulate Quintessence. Medic Williams suggested the idea. I’m aware the Directorate will have to approve my course of study.”

Her grandfather sipped his drink. “Show me what you can do.”

Bryn colored her hair blond and then switched it back.

“That’s impressive,” her grandfather said. “Impractical, but impressive.”

Why didn’t her grandmother make him apologize for being rude? The woman probably knew when to choose her battles.

“I don’t understand why you feel you have to work.” Her grandfather glanced at Merrick. “I assumed you had the situation settled.”

Merrick shook his head. “I asked. She declined.”

Bryn could feel the heat of Jaxon’s stare. She wanted to crawl under the table. “Could we please not talk about this now?”

“I don’t understand.” Her grandmother plowed ahead. “You two seem fond of each other.”

She hoped Merrick would step in and help her explain. He didn’t. The last thing she wanted to do was insult the man she’d come to depend on.

“Let’s start with the age difference. I’m sixteen.” She poked Merrick’s arm. “How old are you?”

“I’m twenty-six.”

“He’s ten years older, and he’s married. It’s my understanding if you’re married, you aren’t allowed to date.” She didn’t think she could be any clearer. For emphasis, she added, “I don’t want a benefactor.”

“You don’t want a benefactor?” Her grandmother acted like Bryn was speaking a foreign language.

This was getting her nowhere. Bryn looked to Merrick. “Would it help if I performed an interpretive dance while I said the words?”

Jaxon laughed.

Her grandparents glared.

Merrick laughed and tried to cover it as a cough.

Bryn rubbed her temples. “I want a career so I can support myself. If I can’t become a medic, I’ll become a chef or a baker because food makes me happy.”

“You want to be independent.” Her grandfather nodded. “I respect that, but I don’t know if you’re considering the long term.”

Bryn fantasized about running screaming from the room. Instead, she stabbed her chicken with excess force.

Her grandfather continued speaking. “I convinced the Directorate to strengthen security on campus. Cameras will be installed in various locations, including outside Bryn’s room. Which reminds me, why do you live with the Black dragons?”

“I started with the Green dragons. After I was poisoned, I moved in with my friends so they could help me recuperate.”

“Do we have any leads on today’s incident?” Merrick asked.

The corners of her grandfather’s mouth turned down. “When we decided to place the witnesses in the library, we called a plumber to make sure the facilities were functional. It’s not a room either of us spends much time in. Whoever came to the estate this morning was an imposter. The actual plumber was found dead in the back of his van.”

Oh my God. Someone was dead because of her. Tears flooded her eyes. “What is wrong with these people? What do they want?”

“They want you dead,” Ferrin stated from the doorway.





Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Ferrin, have a little tact,” her grandfather said.

Bryn glared at the man she thought responsible for the attempts on her life. “Like you wouldn’t love to see me blown to bits.”

“You think I was behind this mess today?” Ferrin looked at her like she was insane. “Do you honestly think I’d plant a bomb that would endanger my son?”

“If it meant getting back at my mom, you might.”

“That’s enough.” Her grandfather smacked the table top, rattling all the dishes. “Bryn, you’ll apologize for making such a ridiculous statement.”

She dug her nails into her palms. “Sorry, I might be a bit irrational because someone keeps trying to kill me.”

Ferrin walked over to sit by his wife. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating the first incident. You probably had a bad case of food poisoning.”

Flames crawled up the back of her throat. With effort, she pushed them down. Her control wouldn’t last long around Ferrin. Best to relocate. “May I be excused? I’ve lost my appetite.”

Her grandmother opened her mouth, but was cut off by her grandfather.

“You’ll stay here. Ferrin will keep his absurd opinions to himself.” He smiled. “Abigail, we won’t wait for everyone to finish eating. You can serve dessert.”

Was it too much to hope Ferrin choked on his food?

Abigail set a large piece of coconut cream pie by Bryn’s water glass. The tips of the meringue were golden brown. She took a bite. The meringue melted in her mouth. The coconut flavor was sublime. When it was gone, she sighed.