The Institute (Falling Ash Chronicles #1) by Kira Lynn Farnsworth Page B

next to her before stepping by her side. I looked through the mirror. Tim was sitting at the single table set in the middle of the room, his hands bound together and chained to the table. I couldn’t see anyone else in the room with him from this vantage point, but I could tell by the way he slumped in his chair that a Neutralizer was in the room with him.
    “Only from Canda’s memories,” I told her, hoping I’d been able to hide my shaking voice.
    “Are you sure?” Meredith asked. I nodded. “He seems to recognize you. As a matter of fact he refuses to speak with anyone but you. Why is that, do you think?” she asked. I didn’t respond, sensing it was more of a rhetorical question.
    “Mr. Murphy is being rather reticent with information, Ms. Carter. If you know anything, it would wise of you to tell us now,” the until-now silent man said, drawing my attention back to him.
    “I don’t know why. I’ve never seen him before today. I swear it,” I said. I was beginning to feel like I had to defend myself.
    “I believe you. We all believe you. But certain precautions must be taken. You understand,” he said. It was then I realized who he must be; the Soothsayer. He was the one the Institute brought in to hunt down the mole. Did they think it was me?
    “I understand. What do you need me to do?” I asked.
    “Would you mind if I read you, Ms. Carter?” he asked, holding out his hand. I hesitated before I pulled my glove from my hand, holding out my naked palm.
    He reached out, his bony hand wrapping around my fingers and gripping tight. I winced, partially from pain, partially from discomfiture. I couldn’t see his history. It was like he was a blank slate. His gaze clouded, a low hum emitting from his throat. My powers uncurled, pushing up to defend me. I could see his power, shuddering at the darkness it emitted. I could feel him pushing past my barriers, prodding into my mind. It wasn’t pleasant; everything in me wanted to fight the invasion, to throw up guards and prevent him from seeing anything. It was a violation.
    He smiled, releasing my hand seconds before I would have given in and torn my grasp away. I barely resisted the urge to wipe my hand on my jeans, settling for pulling my glove back over my hand.
    “You have a great future ahead of you, Ms. Carter,” he said. “Be careful who you place your trust in.” His eyes were cold, belying the smile that crossed his face. What did that mean, be careful who to trust? Did he think I knew the mole?
    “Um… Thank you,” I said.
    “As I told you, Ezekiel. Elsabeth is one of our long time students. I’ve had no reason to doubt her,” Meredith said. Not exactly a glowing review, but some of my tension left me.
    “Of course. Do you feel up for reading Mr. Murphy, Ms. Carter?” Ezekiel asked, his tone changing from suspicious to friendly.
    “You want me to read him?” I asked, stunned. To deliberately leave myself vulnerable, traipsing through his memories trying to get the information they wanted?
    “You’ll be perfectly safe. The Neutralizer will keep him under control. I understand you see history. The fastest way to verify his guilt is through you,” he said. I frowned. It was like they already knew his guilt, only needing me to confirm it. The problem was I wasn’t so sure the man behind the glass was capable of murder.
    “Are you up for it, Elsabeth?” Meredith asked.
    No, my brain screamed. “Yes,” I told her.
    “Good.” She nodded and a small door I hadn’t noticed opened to the left of the mirror. Erik stood just within the doorframe, offering me a wan smile. “Erik will be with you the whole time. If you feel threatened, turn to him. He’ll get you out.”
    “O….kay.” I said. That was less than comforting. I had Erik, a Normal with no powers to speak of. It was like pitting a kitten against a bear. The kitten might have claws but wouldn’t stand a chance. I nearly grinned at the image that provoked. I was fairly