Page 408 of Coal Hearts

His gems all nodded obediently.

“Good.” Slipping his hand into the pocket of his linen shorts, he held up a familiar black device.

Every jewel tensed. Some even dropped to their knees, anticipating a shock.

“No, no, it’s okay.” Victor soothed in a sinister sing-song voice. “Today, you have no need to fear electricity, my pets. See?” Stabbing his thumb into a second button on the remote, he pointed it at each jewel for a few seconds, slowly working his way down the line.

No one convulsed.

No one fried.

Only once he’d finished did he slip the remote back into his pocket and clasp his hands again. “Your collars have been deactivated.”

Instantly, the jewels looked at one another, sensing a trap.

Victor chuckled. “I’m not lying. For today only, your collars are completely useless in making you compliant. You can run, fight, go wherever you please. The invisible fence is shut off and you have my absolute word as a gentleman that you will not get shocked if you get too close to it. In fact.” He side-stepped on the drawbridge, drawing everyone’s attention to the lush landing strip outside. The tail of his private plane could just be seen peeking from the left. “I’ve decided to give you all a sporting chance.”

Jewels shrank back, bumping into one another as Masters bristled with eagerness.

“Here’s what’s going to happen, my sweetlings.” Victor marched toward the edge of the drawbridge and dropped every poise and mask. “You have all disappointed me, upset me, and shown me that I have been far too lenient with you. You are spoiled, lazy, and frankly...I would not be distraught if a few of you decided not to return tonight, after all.” He shrugged. “The cliffs are right there if you wish to use them. Jump for all I care. End your life. The life I so painstakingly nurture and tend. If you don’t appreciate everything I fucking do for you, then fine. You’re free.”

A jewel dared step forward, her strawberry-blonde hair looking almost pink in the sun. “A-And if we don’t. If we come back like you request...will we be forgiven whatever transgressions we’ve committed?”

Ily sucked in a breath.

Peter chuckled.

Rachel seemed to sway.

Victor took his time answering. “You know how precious you are to me. Some of you have been here close to a decade and some of you are new. You know how kind I can be; you also know how strict I can be when that kindness is abused.” He smiled and placed a hand over his heart. “You have my word that after today, I will judge your transgressions paid, and we can go on with fresh purpose. How about that?”

“Yes, Sir V. Thank you, Sir V.” The girl backed up and returned to her spot in the line.

Another girl squeezed her hand; they shared a look I couldn’t decipher.

Merde, how many of them would be missing by roll-call tonight? How many would take the leap? And why did that fucking wrench at my heart?

I felt responsible.

Like I’d failed even though their lives were not my responsibility.

Ily’s life was the only one I was in control of.

No one else’s.

“Q would disagree,” that angel on my shoulder muttered obnoxiously.

Q can bite my ass.

“Right, someone hand me a gun. Actually, Henri. Come up here and join me.” Victor beckoned, his greying blond hair twinkling like tinsel. “Don’t be shy.”

Jesus Christ.

He had to pick me.

Giving him a tight smile, I stepped around a few of the other Masters and joined Victor on the drawbridge. “What’s up?”

“Shoot one.”