Chapter 8
The garden was a maze of high hedges and stone statues. Sera pushed Harrison along the gravel path. It was "sun therapy"-part of her cover to get him away from the house's microphones.
Sophia is on the balcony, Sera murmured. She's watching us with binoculars.
Harrison didn't move his head. Is she?
Sera knelt down to adjust his blanket.
I analyzed the pill I stole. It's laced with a hallucinogen. Scopolamine and something else. It causes paranoia. Rage.
Harrison nodded. That explains the 'episodes'. They want to declare me incompetent. Take power of attorney.
We need to give them a show, Sera whispered. Make them think it's working.
Harrison grinned. It was a sharp, wolfish expression. I can do crazy.
Sera stood up. She suddenly screamed.
Harrison! Stop!
She threw herself backward onto the grass.
Harrison began to shout. He swung his cane wildly, decapitating a tulip.
Get away from me! They're everywhere! The spiders!
He thrashed in the chair, looking genuinely deranged.
Up on the balcony, Sophia lowered her binoculars. She smiled. A cold, satisfied smile. She picked up her phone.
It's progressing, she said into the receiver. He's losing it.
Down in the garden, guards came running. They "restrained" Harrison.
As a maid rushed over to help Sera up, she pressed a piece of paper into Sera's hand. Sera's fingers brushed against the girl's and she felt the distinct shape of a small, cold metal pin-a silver wolf's head, the sigil Harrison had told her to watch for. The maid's eyes, though frightened, gave a single, deliberate nod before she fled.
Back in the bedroom, with the door locked, the adrenaline faded.
You're a good actor, Sera said.
Harrison adjusted his cuffs. I learned from the best. What was that paper?
Sera unfolded the note. Her blood ran cold.
Midnight. The old fountain. I know who really killed your mother.
Sera's heart skipped a beat. Her mother had died of a stroke. Or so she thought.
What is it? Harrison asked. He heard the crinkle of paper.
Nothing, Sera lied. Just a receipt I dropped.
Harrison turned his head. He knew she was lying. He could hear the change in her heartbeat. But he didn't push.
Are you going? he asked.
Going where?
To wherever that note told you to go.
Sera looked at him. I have to.
Be careful, Harrison said. The garden at night... accidents happen.
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