Flawed (Flawed, #1)(53)

Because that is taking everybody’s attention, nobody notices me. I buy a cap from the tourist shop, making sure not to cover my temple in case I’m caught, and push my way to the front of the crowd. I get there in time to see a man and a woman, holding hands, making the walk from the Clock Tower to the court. The woman is crying uncontrollably, and they are clinging to each other. There are two guards on either side of them, but I don’t recognize the guards at all. This is good. It means I can go to the Clock Tower while the court is in session and speak with Tina. Hopefully, after all I went through, she will give me Carrick’s address.

The gathered crowd is nothing like the scene I had during my trial. I look up at Pia’s filming location, and there she is, live on air sharing her prejudiced thoughts on more innocent victims.

“You’re disgusting!” the woman beside me shouts as the couple passes, and she spits. Her phlegm flies through the air and lands on the woman’s shoe. This makes me flinch, and the woman walking by cries even harder, tucking herself under her partner’s arm even closer.

“Did you see her face?” The woman beside me laughs, as do a few other spectators.

“Should have aimed for her face,” a man says angrily.

“What did they do?” I ask.

“Have you not been reading the news?” she asks, surprised. “They’re all over it.”

I shake my head, and I can tell she enjoys having the opportunity to tell me the story herself, as though her disgust with people is the only thing keeping her going.

“She and her husband took their dying son out of the hospital, without permission, because they didn’t agree with his treatment. Flew him across the world, were on the run for weeks; poor fella could have died. They took him to Spain. To get another treatment.” She rolls her eyes. “Sure, what’s wrong with our hospitals? They just can’t play God like that.”

“But … did the treatment work?” I ask.

“They flew back this morning. The Whistleblowers got them before they even got off the plane. The little boy is back in the hospital. He’s grand. They’re going to let him continue the alternative treatment. The Spanish police interrogated them but let them go. Nothing illegal, apparently, but it’s wrong. That boy could have died getting there.”

I shake my head, and she’s satisfied by my response, but I’m not in agreement with her. I know now that I am totally and utterly against any Guild decision. The woman looks down and sees the F on my sleeve. Her eyes widen and her mouth drops and her face twists in disgust. Before she alerts anyone, I push my way back out of the crowd and hurry to the Clock Tower.

The receptionist greets me.

“I’d like to speak with Tina, the guard,” I tell the receptionist.

“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” she says.

I take off my cap to reveal my identity. “I know her. I was in custody here two weeks ago. I just wanted to ask her something.”

“I know who you are,” she says politely, unfazed by me, or my sleeve, as she sees it every day, “but Tina no longer works here.”

“Oh.” My heart drops, and I scramble for another plan. “What about Bark?”

“He’s no longer here, either, unfortunately.”

I have a sinking feeling. “What about June?”

She shakes her head.

“Funar?” I ask reluctantly. I don’t expect I’ll get anything out of him, but I have to at least try.

“He is no longer employed here, either.”

“What? Well, um.” I think hard. “There was another security guard. I don’t know his name. Red hair. Um…”

“Tony,” she says quietly. “He no longer works here, either.”

I stare at her in shock, totally speechless.

I can see that she’s uncomfortable. She looks up at the corner of the room, and I see the security camera. “Is there anything else I can help you with?” she asks gently.

“I need to see Mr. Berry,” I say urgently. If the guards are all gone, who were my witnesses, and I can’t contact Carrick to help me, then I realize I need to get to Mr. Berry myself. I need that video now.

She looks relieved that she can help me with something. “I haven’t seen Mr. Berry for some time. I believe he took a vacation, but let me see if he’s back.” She dials his number, then, disappointed, hangs up.

“Unfortunately, he’s out of the office. Would you like me to pass on a message?”

“Can you tell him to call me? It’s urgent.”

“Of course.”

“Could I have Tina’s contact details? A phone number? Or e-mail address? Anything. I just want to ask her something. I won’t bother her in any way if that’s what you’re worried about.”

She bites on her lip. “I’m not really supposed to…” but I can see doubt there somewhere. “Just one moment.” She stands up and makes her way into the room behind her, and I wait, still in shock that they’re all gone.

I drum my fingers on the countertop, watching the clock. Mom will be collecting Juniper soon. She’ll flip when she finds out I’m not going home with them. I need to make this risk worth it. When the door opens, I expect to see the receptionist, but Crevan steps out. My heart hammers wildly. I haven’t seen him since the Branding Chamber, and it brings it all back to me, the lunatic look on his face as he shouted at me to repent, as he ordered the unbelievable pain on my skin. He’s wearing his red cloak, ready for court. My breathing becomes heavy. I’m afraid of him. I don’t see Art’s father anymore. It’s another man, an evil man, and I understand how Art can’t stand to be near him anymore. Neither can I, so my body shivers from head to toe.