The Remedy (The Program 0.5)(48)

“Is it okay if I go back to bed for a while?” I ask. “I’d love to sleep off this headache and be fresh for the day.”

My mother nods, seeming to think that’s a good idea. “Of course, honey,” she says. “You have some time before Isaac comes. Can I get you anything else?” She looks worried.

“No,” I tell her. “I’m good. See you in a bit.” This forced happiness is leaving a terrible taste in my mouth, but I take the extra step to put my dish in the sink and head back toward my bedroom. My hands are shaking.

The minute I close my door, I scramble to get my phone out of my pocket. I’m growing disoriented and I am pissed.

“Quinlan,” my father says immediately upon answering. “Are you okay? You know calling me is against protocol.”

“Did you advise Mr. and Mrs. Barnes to drug me?” I demand. He sighs, and I can imagine him in his leather chair, annoyed that I’m asking questions because he thinks he knows what’s best for me.

“Are you under the influence now?” he asks parentally.

“Are you f*cking kidding me?”

“Quinlan,” he warns.

“Don’t even,” I say, shaking my head. “They thought I knew that the doctor had prescribed me something to help with my anxiety. Guess what, Dad. You must have forgotten to mention it.”

“I understand you’re upset,” he says in his therapist voice. “And we can talk about it. But let me first explain that this a safety measure due to the length of the assignment. I see now that I should have given you the pills directly, but I anticipated you not taking them, even if you were in trouble. Please, Quinn. You know I’m looking out for you.”

I groan, running my hand through my hair. The world has soft edges, fraying and growing fuzzy. “You should have told me,” I say, and sit on my bed. The blanket is warm and inviting. “This assignment is a mess, Dad.” I lie back against the pillow, the phone resting on my cheek. Normally I wouldn’t tell my father that I’m having trouble, but the pills have made me a little more pliable.

“I know,” he says sympathetically.

I laugh. “How could you know? You’re not here. Nobody’s here but me.” I let my eyes close, and find it’s tough to reopen them. “All you ever do is send me away, Dad,” I murmur. “Sometimes I’m not even sure if you love me anymore.”

“What?” he snaps. “Of course I do. Don’t ever question that. I have and will do anything for you.”

I smile, comforted by the validation I would never ask for under normal circumstances.

“It’s just that you don’t always know what’s best for you,” he continues in a quieter voice. “I want to protect you. Make you the best closer possible.”

My stomach turns as his comforting words turn toward work once again. Always reminding me of any responsibilities. I roll onto my side, the phone pressed to my ear.

“You know, Dad,” I say, my voice trailing off. “Sometimes you’re a real *.”

He sniffs a laugh, probably realizing that I’m drugged, and also realizing I’m kind of right. “I’m proud of you, Quinlan,” he says softly. And then the line goes dead.

CHAPTER SEVEN

THERE’S A VIBRATION CLOSE TO my face. I try to swat it away, but reality crashes in on me and I sit up, looking around the room. I’m a bit hazy, but the drugs have worn off enough for me to focus. I think I called my father an *.

I look down and see my phone ringing, and when I turn it over, I find Aaron’s number on the caller ID. It’s about damn time.

“I’m going to murder you,” I say the minute I answer. Aaron chuckles in response, and I’m already grinning and hating him at the same time.

“Dang, girl,” he says, sounding amused. “You knew I was gonna call you back.”

“How could you leave without telling me?” I ask, and then check around when I realize how loudly I’m talking. “Seriously, Aaron.” I lower my voice. “What if Marie found out?”

“Who do you think sent me away?” he asks.

“What?”

“Yeah. I’m on assignment. Something crazy—just like what happened to you. Your dad called me in, said it was an emergency from Arthur Pritchard. Look, I’m in Lake Oswego too.”

“Speaking of my dad,” I say, climbing out of bed. “I just found out my father drugged me.”

“Whoa, what?” Aaron asks, incredulous.

“Yeah. He gave the family pills and told them to give them to me if I acted stressed out. Isn’t that nuts?”

“Uh, yes,” he says. “Did they give you one?”

“They gave me two. Really messed me up.”

“Are you stressed?”

“Of course I’m stressed. This entire assignment is a disaster. I’ve had a few small breakthroughs, but nothing like I usually do. Everyone’s acting weird. That’s why I need you.” I stop, realizing I’ve been ranting, ignoring the fact that Aaron is just as screwed as I am. “Damn,” I say apologetically. “They sent you out too? I mean, what’s going at the grief department? Two closers on back-to-back assignments? I’ve never heard of that.”

“Me neither,” he says. “And girl, you should have seen Myra. She’s been hysterical, saying I’m going to lose myself. That I’m gonna skip town without her.”