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"Rightio," Andy answers coolly. "And we established the issues with the files I was told about?"
Damon looks at me, leaning forward on his hands. A dark smile crosses his face, making me hold my breath.
"Yes. While we are aware that Christopher provided the society with the incorrect key, the files were nonetheless broken into. Upon review of Jillian's footage, we were able to ascertain that Capello leaked the file."
My eyes widen. "What?" I blurt out, causing everyone to look at me. "Vivian was the one who stole my file?"
Chapter 9
Avery
Grey stares at me, and for the first time, I don't look back. I'm stuck staring at Damon in disbelief.
"That's right," he answers casually. "She was the one who broke into the office and took your information. I believe it was Arthur's printer she used. Is that right?" he pauses, looking at Jillian.
Jillian nods. "Yes. With his staff access card."
I gawk at Damon. "When was this information going to be relayed to me? I thought we had a deal. I told you I had a right to have a say in how this was dealt with."
Tension rises in the room, a few people sucking in oxygen sharply as Damon stands from his seat.
"Wedid nothave a deal, Avery. I told you I would consider having your input, however you broke that trust in the society. Everyone here is aware of your actions."
No one says anything, an uneasy silence filling the room. My eyes flicker to Grey, who has turned away from me once again. Anger washes over me, but I control it, keeping my voice low.
"Regardless of how you perceive me and myactions," I murmur. "This situation still involves me. I did nothing wrong. And if you would like my assistance, then the very least you can do is stick to your word. I figured that a man of your standing would at least honor that."
It's so quiet you can hear the pipes in the wall creak and groan. I'm doing my best to stay composed, strong. I deserve at least some information—and if they want to use me, then it can be on my terms.
Damon tilts his head up, eyes narrowing on me as he processes my words. "I would watch your tone with me. My mercy can only be stretched so far. You were advised that I would take your suggestions under consideration. Given you were detained by the police, we only had a short window to look into this and deal with it. We are giving you the courtesy of notifying you now of our findings. Be grateful that you are here at all."
"Here at all? I was arrested because ofyou."
He laughs, moving away from his chair as he heads toward me. I don't run though, straightening my posture. When he's behind my seat, I stiffen. Snickering again, he puts his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it harshly.
"Consider this a warning, Avery. Don't make allegations that you know nothing about. You know what they say about assuming things."
I resist the urge to tell him he's already an ass, staying quiet instead.
Pleased with my silence, he continues walking around the table, looking at the other members. "As you may have already guessed, the society dealt with the situation—at least with Capello and Hallman. Which brings us to our next point in the meeting."
He pauses when he reaches his seat again, but doesn't sit down. There's a smile lurking on the corner of his lips, and everyone waits for him to speak.
Damon looks at Grey, nodding.
Grey stands up, placing his hands in his pockets. "At present, we have reason to believe that those two have been aptly sorted. However, it is our understanding that Arthur is attempting to gain leverage from the patients. We believe that he has asked Avery to report back to him on inside information."
My eyes widen as everyone looks at me in surprise. I guess that answers my question about how much Damon knows.
Gray eyes meet mine, his face stone cold. "Avery, are you able to elaborate on that?"
I can only make a dumb 'uh' sound as Grey waits for my answer, everyone's eyes on me. They have me cornered—they know it, I know it.
I could lie… but really, what would that achieve?
It's obvious that Damon and his society have more control over Lilydale than the staff do. If I'm smart, I'd pick sides. I'm more protected in this circle than I am banished on the outside.
It's a cold reminder that Iwasbanished—only nowwelcomedback because of these stipulations from Arthur.
