Tarin signaled for Isaiah to lock the door from the outside, then waved him away. “It’s just us now, lass.” He waved his hand at the padded walls. “I thought this room would be perfect in case you decide to toss me like a piece of paper again.”
Kerry shook her head in confusion. “I don’t … did I do that?”
“Aye, lass, you did, and never laid a hand on me.”
“Wow. I’m sorry. I don’t remember doing it.”
“No worries from me.” He unlocked her handcuffs. “Shhh. Don’t tell your loves I did this. It’s foolish to bother with them, anyway.”
Kerry chuckled. “It’s a mind thing. I feel like I’m under control.”
Tarin took a deep breath. “Tell me what you remember.”
She ran her hand along the wall, pushing against the padding. “I don’t remember much of anything.”
His expression darkened. “Quit fucking around, Kerry.”
“What did you say?” She backed toward the opposite wall.
He advanced slowly, his tone low and a little threatening. “I mean, you’re in there, and I intend to draw you out. Now quit fucking around and talk to me.”
She bristled. “I can’t! I barely remember last week! “
“Bullshit!” He pounded his fist against the wall. “You are the strongest woman I’ve ever met. You are not going to let this beat you!” He grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her against the wall. “Now talk to me!”
Kerry lashed out, breaking his hold on her and shoving him away. “Don’t do this!”
“Then answer me! For God’s sake, woman, fight this! Don’t let your brother’s death be in vain!”
Kerry froze. “What?”
Tarin moved in on her again, reciting everything Isaiah had told him. “Your twin brother, lass. John-Erich Sheridan. You called him Erich. You survived your time at the Institute, lass. You lived! He burned out, but they kept him to keep you in line…”
Her eyes were distant, unfocused. “Stop…”
“No. I can’t stop. Lass, he was murdered. Killed because you pissed off the bastard who used to rape you. He was sacrificed. I see it in you, Kerry. Talk to me. You know I’m telling the truth!”
She shook her head slowly. His anger, his pain at having to talk to her this way, radiated through her. “I can’t…”
Tarin took her by the shoulders again. Tears welled in his eyes. “He was hung, lass. Hung above your own bed! He fought to live, fought to breathe, but it was no use. And you weren’t there. You didn’t save him. You didn’t protect him!”
Kerry pressed a hand against her temple. Flashes echoed in her mind; the rope, the sound it made, the feel of the belt around her throat –
“ERICH!”
Tarin flew across the room, slamming against the opposite wall hard. “Kerry!” he shouted, rolling to his feet. “Talk to me!”
Kerry fell to her knees. “He … he was blue. I didn’t know it had happened. He didn’t reach out to me to say he was in trouble. I don’t know if he couldn’t, or if he was trying to protect me, but I didn’t know…” She took slow, deep breaths, fighting off waves of nausea. “I did everything they wanted! Everything they asked! And they still killed him! God, Tarin, end me!”
Tarin went to his knees in front of her. “Kerry.” He reached for her and brushed a strand of hair back behind her ear. “You just called me by name.”
She stared at him. “I did, didn’t I?”
His smile was warm. “Where did we meet?”
“In the alley after one of my fights. You patched me up.” Her jaw dropped. “It’s working. I’m remembering!”
“Aye, beautiful. I may have to keep pissing you off, but we’re making progress. I knew you were still in there.”
“Thank you. And I’m sorry for throwing you again.”
The empath laughed. “Why do you think I chose a padded room?” He helped her up. “Now, let’s go get something to eat and tell your loves what you’ve remembered.”
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