But Arthur’s endless rambling pointed in one direction. They were trying to reproduce whatever caused the superpowers.
Did that mean they’d gotten the answers they were looking for? Or were they trying to isolate the superpower thing because that was what caused everyone to die duringthe incident?Or were they trying to reproduce it so that they could sell the formula to the elites?
Whatever was happening, I didn’t like it. I had to get this information to Eva and we had to set up a meeting with the others. I needed to go after that idiot judge again with a better plan this time.
“You let him live?”
I rolled my eyes, hitting my head against the wall behind me repeatedly.
“I tell you that The Culling is trying to reproduce whatever gave us superpowers and that’s your first question?”
It was 10 a.m., which meant Crossroads was closed and we could talk freely. We were sitting at one of the tables in the back of the room because if I could see the bar I would be forced to relive the three and half hour of pure torture I went through watching Violet with Hemlock. I’d sat in the back while watching the security cameras with Eva the whole night. She was relentlessly tormenting me.
“They’d make such a cute couple,” she said. “Aw! Look at her smile, doesn’t she look like she’s having the best time?” she said.“If she nibbled her lip like that while looking at me, I’d kiss the shit out of her. Wouldn’t you?” she said.
I broke six glasses. Crushed them, shards flying everywhere. Luckily, I healed fast so not a single cut remained by the time I walked Violet home.
“You left here looking murderous. Forgive me for wondering why the guy’s still alive. Especially after he pulled a knife onyour precious Violet.”
I shrugged. “She handled herself fine. Plus, he had good, solid information. Information that we needed. We’ll need to push up the timeline.”
“I don’t know if a timeline push is necessary.”
“Not necessary? Eva, they’re trying to give crackheads superpowers!”
“Exactly. Crackheads. If they were close they’d be looking for normal people to volunteer. Well not normal, but people in their circles. The fact that they’re still working on nobodies means we have time. So why do you really want this rushed?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’ve been distracted all week chasing after this volunteer. I’ve never seen you like this, Matt. What the hell is going on?”
“Nothing. Mild curiosity.”
“Mild.” She scoffed. “Youshatteredsix glasses last night. Because she was flirting with someone. You’re going to sit there and say mild?” She reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Talk to me, please.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. I was curious. She found me in a couple of months, something the police haven’t been about to do in five years. And she wasn’t afraid, she stood in front of me demanding I meet this kid. It was interesting.”
Eva pulled away. She couldn’t stand to touch my skin for more than a few seconds, it was like touching frozen metal. Thatwas why I hadn’t had skin to skin contact sincethe incident.Until Violet.
“That’s—”
My phone rang. I knew before looking that it was Violet, I gave her a special ringtone so I’d never ignore one of her calls. I held up my hand.
“You mind if I get this? You can scold me after.”
Eva rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”
“Hello?”
“Hey.”
I knew I was just giving Eva more shit to throw at me later but fuck, I couldn’t help smiling.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?” I leaned back in my chair, grin growing. “No, let me guess. You couldn’t stop thinking about me? You want me to come visit? I’m flattered, truly.”
She sighed. “Never mind, I’ll just ask Hemlock. You’re insufferable.”
“Whoa, hang on, that was unnecessary. I’m plenty sufferable. I’m just teasing; what do you need?”
