Chapter 94
Lirael
The door clicked shut. I counted to thirty, then sat up slowly, my gaze going to that false smoke detector.
If I'm going to test something, now's the time.
I reached for the water glass, deliberately fumbling it so that it tipped and spilled across the tray. Water cascaded onto the floor with a splash.
I counted. One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Miss—
The door burst open. The nurse rushed in, eyes going immediately to the spill.
"Oh dear," she said, already reaching for towels. "Don't worry, I'll clean this right up."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine, perfectly fine." She mopped up the water, then disappeared into the bathroom.
I looked back at the camera, suspicions confirmed. Sebastian wasn't just watching—he had someone monitoring the feed in real-time, ready to respond within seconds.
Which means any escape attempt will be detected immediately. Any contact with the outside world will be intercepted.
The nurse returned with fresh linens. "There we go. All better. Now, can I get you anything? Mr. Blackwood left very specific instructions about your care."
"I'm sure he did," I murmured, then caught myself. "I mean—no, thank you. I'm fine."
She smiled, but there was something assessing in her gaze. "You know, you're lucky to have such a devoted husband. Mr. Blackwood barely left your side while you were unconscious."
Devoted. Right.
But I pasted on a smile and nodded while my mind raced: How was I supposed to contact Elwin if every move was being watched?
The answer came as the nurse adjusted my pillows. I caught a glimpse of her phone, tucked into her uniform pocket with the screen facing out.
If I could get my hands on that phone for just five minutes...
"Actually," I said, letting my voice come out weak and plaintive, "I am feeling a bit restless. Would it be possible to take a walk? Just around the floor? I think the fresh air might help."
The nurse hesitated, glancing toward the camera. "I'll need to check with Mr. Blackwood first—"
"Please?" I widened my eyes, channeling helpless amnesia-stricken wife. "I just feel so trapped in this bed. And if he really is my husband, surely he'd want me to be comfortable?"
She wavered. "I suppose a short walk couldn't hurt. But you'll need to take it slow, and I'll accompany you."
"Of course." I swung my legs over the side, testing my weight. The cramping had faded to a dull ache. "Thank you so much."
The nurse helped me into a robe and slippers, then supported my elbow as we made our way to the door. I caught her phone shifting in her pocket with each step.
Not yet. Be patient. Wait for the right moment.
We reached the hallway, and I had to suppress a smile. Four guards in black suits lined the corridor, positioned at strategic intervals. Onyx Guard, from their bearing and the telltale silver pins on their lapels.
He's taking no chances.
One guard stepped forward. "Ma'am. Where are you going?"
"Just a walk," the nurse said quickly. "She needs some movement—"
"Mr. Blackwood's orders were very clear. She doesn't leave that room without his explicit permission."
I let my shoulders sag. "But I just wanted some fresh air—"
"I'll call Mr. Blackwood and ask." The guard pulled out his phone.
This is it. This is my chance.
"Actually," I said quickly, "I really need to use the restroom. The one in my room—there was a spill, and it's still being cleaned." A complete lie, but delivered with enough embarrassment to sell it. "Could I just—"
The guard's expression flickered with discomfort. Bathroom emergencies were the one thing even dedicated security couldn't reasonably interfere with.
"There's a public restroom just down the hall," the nurse offered.
"Fine." The guard waved us forward. "But make it quick, and I'm stationing someone outside the door."
Perfect. I let the nurse guide me down the corridor, noting camera positions, exit signs, the layout. The bathroom was small and functional.
"I'll wait right here," the nurse said, positioning herself by the door.
I nodded and moved into the furthest stall, mind already racing. The phone was still in her pocket, tantalizingly close. I needed a distraction—
The iPad.
I'd seen one on the nurses' station as we passed.
"Excuse me?" I called out, making my voice small and anxious. "I'm feeling really dizzy. Do you think you could maybe get me that iPad I saw at the nurses' station? I think some calming music might help."
A pause. Then: "Of course. I'll be right back. Just stay there, alright?"
Her footsteps retreated. I counted to five, then emerged and moved to the door, cracking it open. The guard outside had his back to me, attention fixed on his phone.
Now or never.
"Excuse me," I said softly, and he glanced back. "I'm so sorry, but could you help me? I think I dropped something..."
He turned fully, lowering his phone to look where I was pointing. The moment his gaze dropped, my hand shot out, fingers closing around the phone in the nurse's pocket as she came hurrying back with the iPad.
"Here you go—oh!" She nearly collided with me, and in the confusion I slipped the phone into my robe pocket with smoothness that would have made Ethan proud.
"Thank you so much," I said breathlessly, accepting the iPad. "I'm sorry for being such trouble."
"No trouble at all." The nurse guided me back to the bathroom. "Take your time."
I locked myself in the stall, hands shaking as I pulled out the stolen phone. The screen was locked, but I'd watched her enter the passcode earlier—four digits, muscle memory making the pattern obvious.
Please let her be the type who never changes passwords...
I entered the sequence. The phone unlocked.
Yes.
My fingers flew across the screen, navigating to the phone app. Elwin's encrypted number was burned into my memory from three years of covert contact. I entered it, heart hammering as the line connected.
One ring. Two rings. Three—
"Hello?" Elwin's voice, cautious.
"It's me," I breathed, barely above a whisper. "Don't say my name. I'm on a borrowed line."