Whisper (Whisper #1)(25)

“Ward spoke with you?” Enzo had said to Vanik, who nodded tightly in response. “If you think he wasn’t serious, you’d be wrong. I’m here to make sure you know that.”

Vanik had audibly gulped at that, and I’d been left staring at the two of them, tossing Enzo’s words around in my mind and wondering what Ward had said to my greasy-haired tormentor. It sounded as if Ward had threatened Vanik. But why would he do that — and for me?

Whatever words Ward had used — or whatever threat Enzo’s presence provided — they were enough that, for the first time ever, I left Vanik’s session that day without even the slightest headache. He’d treated me like cotton wool and spent most of his time glancing nervously at Enzo, who stood flexing his muscles and scowling for the entire two hours.

I hadn’t been able to contain my smile when we exited the laboratory. The grin was still on my face when Enzo escorted me directly to Ward and left me with him. I didn’t care that I wasn’t filtering my reaction; I was simply too happy that my brain was still intact. And I felt that I owed it to both Enzo and Ward to let them know how grateful I was, in the only way I could. My smile said all the words I couldn’t. And they’d known as much.

Since that first day, Enzo has continued with the new schedule, joining me for lunch, hanging out in the suite and supervising all my sessions with Vanik. The scientist has been barely able to control his frustration. Over the last couple of days, he’s looked almost ready to crack, but he still manages to keep up the cotton-wool charade, being overly gentle with me. I can’t remember a time when I’ve felt so good, physically and mentally — not at Lengard, anyway. I have both Ward and Enzo to thank for that.

Cami and I don’t get to see each other much — only during breakfast and after I finish my readathon sessions with her brother at the end of the day — but our moments together have been highlights of my past twelve days. Never before have I met anyone so full of life and so willing to share it. I have no idea how I can feel so connected to her after such a short time, but I do. And I know that’s dangerous.

“Time for a change of plans,” Ward says, jolting me from my thoughts and bringing me back into the library room. “We’re doing something different for the rest of our time today.”

I close my book and look up at him in question. We’ve never done anything new during our sessions, not even in the days that have passed since things changed. I’m curious — and apprehensive — about what he’ll say next.

“It’s a good thing you wear normal clothes now, Chip, because otherwise you’d look really out of place where we’re going.”

I blink at him and mentally replay his words: Where we’re going?

“Come on, Esther’s waiting for us.”

Ward opens the door and motions for me to follow him into the corridor. I’m hesitant, uncertain and not just a little bit wary. I’ve seen Esther only once since our lasagna dinner, and I haven’t seen her children since they fell asleep on me. I’m not thrilled about the possibility of running into her husband today, not when I only have three days left until my time runs out. But it seems I don’t really have a choice. Some things haven’t changed.

“Tick-tock, Chip.”

Ward’s words mirror my thoughts perfectly, even if he’s just trying to motivate me out of the room. He jerks his head in a “hurry up” gesture, so I let out a quiet breath and move past him into the hallway.

When we reach Esther’s door, she greets us both warmly. The kids come running, full of smiles, their bright faces easing the tension within me. There is no sign of Falon.

“Are you guys ready?” Ward asks. “Got your shoes? Coats?”

Esther catches my wondering gaze and aims a raised eyebrow at Ward. “You didn’t tell her?”

He shrugs, smiling. “I thought she might appreciate the surprise.”

“You’re terrible,” Esther says. “Put the poor girl out of her misery while I get the kids organized.”

She follows her children, calling out instructions as she goes. I’m still waiting for someone to explain why we’re here — why I’m here — and I tap my foot on the ground, an indication to Ward that my patience is waning. His smile only grows. But he does take the hint.

“My position here at Lengard allows me to come and go at will,” Ward tells me. “You’ve been down here for a long time — too long — so I thought you might like to take a trip topside. A change from our normal routine.”

He looks uncomfortable, as if his thoughtfulness is something to be embarrassed about. Or perhaps he’s just reacting to the shock I can feel plastered all over my face. I can’t help it. He might as well have just announced that the Easter Bunny is real.

Topside.

As in outside.

I haven’t been outside for nine hundred and fifty-one days, eight hours and fifty-four minutes. I haven’t seen the sky in that time, breathed fresh air in that time, felt the sun’s warmth on my skin in that time. My heart is beating rapidly; my breath is shallow. I’m not sure if I’m excited or terrified at the thought of leaving the safety of these walls. Of leaving my prison.

“The kids don’t get out that much, so I told Esther we’d take them with us,” Ward continues, scratching the back of his neck. “I — I hope that’s okay.”