Split (Split #1) (5 page)

“You’ve never made breakthroughs with, what, people having dreams after taking sleeping pills before!? Could you please explain to me what the hell is so important about me and my sleep schedule? I’ve been racking my brain for hours, on complete sleep deprivation mind you, for what could have possibly been so important about this stupid study that you would have gone to such lengths. Am I on some kind of hallucinogenic drugs? Please tell me. I need to know how to deal with what I’m going though, medically. I have a whole life outside of you and your fucking dream journals. I’d really like to get back to it.”

Tears started brimming in Claire’s eyes, and she tried with all her might to hold them back. She didn’t want to give this woman, who was clearly a part of an evil group of crazies, the satisfaction of seeing her so upset. For all she knew, this was all still being used as part of their bizarre study!

Stacey-slash-Dawn-slash-Crazy-Bitch remained calm through Claire’s entire meltdown, which was even more infuriating. She reached into her expensive-looking handbag and pulled out a small manila envelope.

Claire eyed the envelope like it was a bomb. At this point, that wouldn’t have surprised her at all.

“I wish I could give you more answers, but you’re going to have to see someone else for those. My clearance only goes so high. I did contact my superiors this morning, and they’d like to meet with you.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? I’m not meeting with anyone. You can all go to hell.”

“Would you like to sleep again? They can help you with that.”

“I’m sure my personal doctor, who is going to be hearing a lot about you all, will be able to help me with that.” Claire wasn’t going to budge on this.

Dawn handed her the envelope. Claire tried to give it back to her.

“I want you to all stay the hell away from me, do you understand? I will call the police, I will tell them about you. I’m sure they’d be very interested in any of “Dr. Johns’” associates... this is national news.”

“Claire, we’ve made the news before. You probably even watched the story run. No one remembers things like this a day or two after it happens. Believe me, I’m not worried about myself or anyone else on our team.” She was so confident, it was terrifying.

“Get. Away. From. Me.” Claire started to stand up; she needed to be at least five subway stops away from this woman, as soon as possible.

“Look, I’m going to get out of your hair, Miss Lyons,” as Dawn stood herself, she held up the little envelope and placed it on the bench. “That’s for you. Instructions for the meeting I’ve told you about, where you will get your answers. There’s a little sign of good faith in there that you might be interested in, too.”

“I’m not touching any of that.” Claire knew she was probably full on shaking with rage, but she didn’t care.

“Do what you want.”

“I will.”

Dawn started to walk away, but turned before crossing the street.

“Claire? Just so you know. What you’ve been experiencing in the study? Those aren’t dreams.” With that, she turned and walked away.

For a moment, it was like the whole world screeched to a halt. Claire stood like a deer in headlights, staring at the envelope on the bench.

There’s no way that’s true. These people have lied about everything else, why would I believe a single word out of their mouths? Not dreams, my ass!

Of course, the dream world had felt so real. Luke had felt real. Claire hated Dawn, she hated everything about this. Except that it had given her Luke back. The little voice inside of her, the voice that she often wished she could squash, was still so curious.

She picked up the envelope and opened it carefully. Inside was a single sheet of paper with the address of a hotel in Philadelphia and a date three days from today on it. She folded the piece of paper and stuck in in her jeans pocket. She would just think about it for a few days, and then make a decision. Maybe she’d even tell Dylan and he could go with her to the meeting. Maybe she’d get over her curiosity and not go at all.

She walked to the corner trashcan to dispose of the manila envelope when she heard something sliding around in it. She reached into the bottom corner. The little thrill she felt when her fingers discovered what was there made her hate herself…

One pink pill.

TO BE CONTINUED