Page 47 of West (The Moral Compass 1)
“Oh, so where is he?” I challenge.
“He’s gone for a few days. He said he’d left you a letter, sweetheart. Is that not the case?”
“Yes, but—"
“Ah! He didn’t say where he was going, did he? Ah, well, it’s not my story to tell. You will have to ask him when he gets back.” She moved around the kitchen grabbing cups, pouring coffee, and putting toast in the toaster, and I just stood there staring.
“Take a seat at the island, Sutton. We will have some breakfast and then plan your day. There is much to be done, and West will be back before you know it so don’t worry too much.”
She’s practically singing.
“Okay, but I don’t know what you mean about ‘much to be done’. I don’t have anything to do. Do you know where Kara is? She wasn’t in her room, and the door was locked.”
“She’s with North. Those two are getting close, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure. I’ve not had a chance to speak with her since we arrived here. Where have they both gone?” I ask again, trying to get an answer.
“They were in the game room the last time I saw them. It’s down the corridor on the left. She is still here, Sutton. Don’t worry. Neither you nor Kara will be leaving these walls until this whole horrid situation is cleared and you are safe to live your life fully.”
“Sorry, Liz. I just don’t know what’s going on. It’s all happening so fast, and now West has gone and I can’t find Kara. It’s bloody scary.”
“I understand more than you will ever know.” She walked out of the room, leaving me sitting at the island.
I check the clock in the kitchen and realise it's nearly 10 a.m. already. I wander down the hallways looking for Kara. I hear laughter, so I follow it and, sure as eggs are eggs, I find Kara sitting on a huge leather sofa with North.
“Hey, guys,” I say, trying to sound cheerful but failing badly.
“Oh, Sutton, you’re up.” Kara jumps up from the sofa and comes over to give me a big hug. I needed that after the brutal morning I’d had.
“Hey, North? Who are the two gorillas at the bottom of the stairs? They are pretty freaky looking.” I’m trying to sound normal but even I can hear the craziness coming through.
“They are here for protection and are part of the ‘Star Gazers’,” North replied.
“What’s Star Gazers?” I ask, I think I already know but want to be sure. North searches my eyes and then realises I know but need the confirmation.
“They are part of the groups of people who were here last night,” he explains.
“Ah, I see. So, are they here to watch over me and Kara?”
“Yes, they will be here until West gets back, and so will I.”
“Hmmm, can you do me a favour? Can you ask them not to be so stiff and at least acknowledge me or smile when I walk past? Or even just a good morning? It will make them less scary.”
“Sorry, but no can do, I’m afraid. They have to be that way so that they are completely focused one-hundred percent of the time. No lack of focus or distractions. They are on guard, Sutton. Similar to the soldiers you see outside Buckingham Palace, but deadlier. Sorry, but rules are rules, and that’s what will keep you and everyone else alive.”
He talks so flippantly, as if this is just any normal conversation. And what makes matters worse is that Kara seems virtually unaffected by it all. I know she must be shitting herself because I certainly am.
“Can I have a chat with Kara in private, North? Please?”
“Yeah, sure, but don’t leave this room. I’ll be back in half an hour, okay?”
“Thanks,” I reply. He heads out the door and closes it behind him.
“Are you not scared shitless?” I ask whispering but have no idea why.
“Of course I am, but what’s the point in getting all worked up when there is fuck all I can do about it?” Kara snaps. “I’m sorry, Sutton, but I can’t spend the next few days thinking they could be my last because of one of your fucking crazy exes. I know what the deal is. North told me most of the stuff I think, so I’ve decided to treat this like an all-inclusive holiday.”
A fake wide smile grows across her face. “So, let’s go make some shit hot cocktails and find a nice place by that pool to go drink them. There’s not much else to do around here, and since we are like vampires now and not allowed to see the light of fucking day, it’s the best option for both of us.”
