Page 9 of Burn For Me

“I mean, that on some level buried deep inside me, I don’t want to kill dozens or maybe even hundreds of people, but on the other hand, I crave to see them burn and smell their charred flesh smolder off them as they scream. So I’ve stayed, but believe me when I tell you, I could’ve left a long time ago because if I had—”

As I stepped close to the desk, the sweat on his brow and the terror in his eyes were there even though he was trying his best to cover it up with a calm façade.

“Your house will be the first I find on Marigold Lane.” A smirk tugged at my lips as his eyes bugged out. “You will experience firsthand what I’m capable of.”

“You’re bluffing.”

Staying quiet, I rolled out my shoulders and cracked my neck. The tremble in his arm and the sweat on his upper lip told me that he was not just scared, he was terrified.

“I don’t believe you, Mr. West. If you could’ve left, you would have. You’re not the type to stay someplace simply because—”

“Who said I don’t have a reason for staying? Maybe that reason is you.”

He sucked in a sharp breath before his finger jabbed down hard onto the button to summon an orderly. Jim opened the door so quickly it banged into the wall like he expected me to have the doctor down on the ground killing him.

“Jim, please see that Mr. West makes it back to his room. Our session is done for the day.”

I gave the good doctor a wink, a warm gleeful excitement flowing through my body as he shivered. Turning my attention toward the door as Jim grabbed my arm, I felt pretty damn superior to that arrogant, fucking douche.

The television was blaring, and those inside the social room were cheering loudly at whatever show they were watching. I glanced at them as I passed and realized that I’d never fit in—not at home, not a school, and not here. Predictably, Jim gave me a shove inside when we reached my door, but I had no intentions of fighting tonight.

Once inside, I stripped my shirt and got down on the floor to do my workout. Every day, it was the same thing, two hundred push-ups, and squats followed by as many burpees as I could manage until I wanted to throw up and then finished it off with either an ab workout or some Pilates.

Panting as I stood from my last burpee, there were two new books on the small corner seat in my room, and I knew Adalyn had left them for me. I’d read every book that the library had to offer, but the book I lifted up was one I’d never seen.

Bringing it to my nose, I breathed in the scent of the new book and smiled. I’d read everything from how to complete relaxing workouts, meditation techniques, and cooking recipes. But most importantly, I learned all the different ways that one could start a fire or create a bomb.

I’d memorized the exact ingredients needed to create a combustible explosive, and out of all the ingredients in this hospital, there were plenty at my disposal. I’d also learned a great deal about architecture and engineering, which not only made me an arsonist and a passionate one at that—I was one that was armed with all the knowledge I needed to get myself out of this joint.

Adalyn really was amazing, and I may have fucked it up.

“Shit,” I mumbled, putting the book down and wiping the sweat from my eyes. Why did I let my anger get the best of me? Why did I have to push Dr. Wallace’s buttons? It had felt so good to get under his skin and reveal what a snake he was and that I knew it, but a man backed into a corner in fear was dangerous. There was no doubt in my mind that I terrified the good doctor.

I took a small whore bath using the sink in my room and then laid down to plot. There were still a few minor issues I needed to work out, but I could almost taste my freedom. I hadn’t lied to the man, I had three different scenarios planned, and each one was more devastating than the next. Smiling, I closed my eyes.

My door clicked, and my eyes snapped open. The sweet scent of Adalyn filled the room before she quietly closed it and rushed to my side.

She ran at me, and I grabbed her shoulders. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Take this. You need to get out of here,” she said, grabbing my hand and slipping one of the key cards into my palm.

“Is this?”

“Yes, and you have to get out of here tonight. They’re planning on hurting you and then shipping you off to the prison as soon as your hearing is complete. I don’t know how long this card will be good for, they keep changing the code on them.”

She was shaking as she spoke, her words blending together.

“I heard them, Derek. They are going to try and break you. Please, you have to hurry. I left a bag for you at the end of the hall with a change of clothing inside. A new guy that was supposed to be on this shift called in sick. His name is Mark. Just say you’re him and keep the side of your face hidden. The guards won’t know you either way.”

Adalyn looked at the door as we heard voices approaching.

“No, they can’t be coming now. They said midnight,” she whispered and looked at her wrist, the little numbers glowing.

I quickly stuffed the security pass under my mattress and turned to face the door as it was pushed open. Four of the orderlies walked in, and even with my size and strength, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to get through them.

“What the hell are you doing here,” Jim asked, his glare fixated on Adalyn.

“I came to give Derek his meds.”