Suspicious Minds (Stranger Things Novels #1)(62)

“Of course not,” Dr. Brenner said. And for good measure, he scooped her up. She softened. “I knew you’d come back. Should we get you some ice cream from the cafeteria?” The cafeteria had ice cream on hand for all the kids. Children were the easiest to bribe. Their pleasures were simple, their memories short. He’d punish her later when others weren’t watching, in a way she’d remember.

Eight hesitated. “Are we friends?”

Brenner had no idea what to say. That wasn’t her usual question; he answered what he assumed she meant. “I’m working on your friend. I promise. Soon.”

Eight continued looking at him in a way he didn’t like. “But first,” Dr. Brenner said, “we should get your ice cream.”

“Yes, Papa.”

He could tell by the drowsy blink that followed that she’d be asleep before they ever got there. He’d have to do better about stopping in to see her every day, even if he wasn’t actually working with her…

He’d administer her punishment himself. Then maybe, afterward, she could visit his office. Except he hadn’t kept those sketches. The next ones he would keep. Then he could keep her as nearby as he needed to.





7.


Three weeks had passed and February was almost over. Terry had waited in vain for Kali in the void for the past few sessions. There’d been no big distraction besides when Dr. Brenner left her room that last time she had seen Kali. Terry should’ve gone then. And now they should be planning what their next move was. Instead they were under a perfect sky on an unseasonably warm Saturday indulging Alice in a “fun activity.”

Terry eyeballed the low, sleek, sinner-red version of Alice’s usual muscle car. Flecks of gold paint like wings on the windshield. “Is this yours? And how are we all going to fit in it?”

Alice rolled her eyes. “Yes, princess. We will all fit.” She gave a forgiving look to Ken and Gloria. “Although whoever sits in the back isn’t going to have much leg room.”

“It’s Terry’s trip,” Gloria said. “She gets the front.”

“Terry doesn’t really like cars,” Terry reminded everyone.

Alice rolled her eyes again. “Everyone likes a Firebird except communists. We’re going to the Brickyard. My uncle got us approved to ride up and see some practice laps.”

The Brickyard was apparently a nickname insiders used for the motor racing track that held the Indy 500. An hour away. Joy.

Terry recalled her dad watching it on TV every year. Okay, so maybe you’re being a holy terror right now. Knock it off.

“And this is his car?” Ken asked.

Terry recalled one of the first things Alice had ever told them. “I thought you were going to buy a Firebird for yourself. How much more do you need?”

“I decided to save it just in case,” Alice said.

Ken touched the toe of his dirty white Converse All-Star to the front tire, in lieu of kicking it and bringing down Alice’s wrath. “This is a long drive. I wish pot did anything for me right now.”

“There will be no marijuana smoking in this car.” Alice shook her head. “It’s practically new. And it’s not even mine. It’s borrowed. I have to wash it every week for three months.”

Gloria raised her eyebrows. “Which you probably volunteered for, so you could drive it.”

Alice looked up at the brilliant blue sky specked with fluffy clouds. Terry took that as confirmation.

Her arranging this Saturday expedition was nice, but Terry could’ve used a nap. She’d developed a theory that Alice’s revelation Eight had been to see her that last time was what prevented her from seeing Kali again. Brenner must have found out. She prayed the girl was all right.

And then yesterday she’d gotten the phone call. Andrew was reporting to basic. He’d be coming to say goodbye in two days. Less. Forty hours now from goodbye to the person she loved, and praying he’d ever come back.

Every wall was closing in, and the worst thing was Terry felt powerless to stop them. She’d never felt this way before. Terry Ives was a fighter. It was who she was. It was who her dad had wanted her to be. Who her mom had grudgingly approved of. Becky wouldn’t like any of this but Terry had gone too far to stop now.

“Wipe that frown off.” Alice gave Terry the order with a pointed finger. “Turn it upside down. Get in the car.”

“Fine.” Terry lifted her hand and pointed at her eyes as she rolled them. Then she forced her mouth into a crazed grin.

They piled in awkwardly. Terry shifted around in the narrow seat, trying and failing to get comfortable. The leather creaked.

“I feel like a clown,” Gloria said.

“Do not compare this beautiful piece of machinery, this work of mechanical art, to a clown car.” Alice turned on the car and the engine roared to life. She shouted over it, “Just listen to that symphony!”

“Loud,” Terry groused. Though she had to admit, the car smelled nice. New.

“You’ll see.” Alice jerked the car into gear and reversed too fast for Terry’s taste. It was a trend that continued.

Terry worried about getting a speeding ticket, because Alice clearly did not. They ate up the highway and okay, sure, if Terry had to admit it, somewhere about twenty minutes in, with Alice still grinning at the wheel and the windows cracked as they passed cars with abandon, she started to have fun.