Page 164 of The Company

“I had to. It’s required. Which is why I’m not upset that didn’t happen.”

“James said you promised me to him.”

“Tet is mistaken.”

“I remember him, though. From the beach party when we turned Six.”

“He said no, Harper. I gave him the opportunity and he said no. That was the end of it for me.”

“But you sent for him every year.”

This makes him hesitate. “Tet told you that?”

“James told me that.”

My father sucks in a breath through clenched teeth. “It would be a very big mistake to mix them up, Harper. James is not Tet, and Tet is not James.”

I get a really sick feeling in my stomach at that comment. “What are you talking about?”

“He’s insane. He’s been this way for a very long time. Years.”

“Then why is he still working?”

My father smiles like he feels sorry for me. “Let’s catch up over dinner. OK? Can you sit up?”

“I’m sure I can.”

“I’d like you to sit up so I can make sure you’re not dizzy.”

I huff out a long sigh and then wiggle around until I prop myself up. I am dizzy, so I close my eyes and his steadying hand is on my shoulder. “I’m OK,” I say. But there’s something poking me in the butt, so I reach around and pull out my cell phone.

I look up at my father and wait for him to take it away.

He shrugs. “You’re a grown woman, you’re not a prisoner here, Harper. If that’s your phone, you are welcome to use it.” He lets that sink in for a few seconds, and then he nods and walks towards the cabin door. “One hour, Harp. Clean up and dress nicely, please.”

And then he and the doctor walk out, closing the door behind them.

I sigh again and look around. It’s my same room. This is my favorite yacht. The sailing ship.

Why is he being so nice? Not that my father was ever abusive towards me, but I poisoned thirteen people when I left. I ran away with no explanation.

It’s true he never paid much attention. He was certainly never this doting. But this whole act right now seems to be one of… concern.

Is it real? Is it possible that Nick led me to believe we were in danger from him for reasons that were unfounded?

Do I need to start questioning my trust in my twin?

I don’t have the energy for it. The drugs might be wearing off, but my head isn’t working right. I feel a little sick. And the slight rolling motion of the yacht is not helping.

I look down at the phone and press the little button to wake it up. There’s a message from James.

I look around nervously. I can’t believe my father would just let me receive messages like this. I mean, I don’t get it. He said I’m not a prisoner, but you don’t drug someone and force them to come aboard your ship if they’re not being kidnapped.

But then again he’s my father and this is… was… might still be… my home. Is it really kidnapping?

I open the message and read it.

I’m sorry.