Chapter 16: Who to trust?

"How do you know this Lucy" I asked Lauren, as we sat by the fireplace that evening. I just couldn't wrap my head around everything.

"Some business a few years ago. Nothing major"

I could feel she didn't want me to push it, but this was about my health and I wasn't about to let it slip.

"What type of business. What did you want with someone who 'enhances humans'. Sounds a bit shady if I'm honest. I don't trust that woman. Not at all. The way she acted earlier is just like Lena's mother."

"She's your only chance y/n. She heard about your case a few years back. She..."

"She what? It wasn't public so how? Don't tell me she was involved Lauren. If it is I'm not going through with this bullshit."

"Calm down y/n, she's the only one that can help. She will meet up with Lena soon, but she will give her a false lead."

"She knows Lena?!"

"Y/n... please she's on our side."

"Ok, if you say so."

We didn't continue the conversation. The rest of our evening we made small talk, and Lauren made a few calls. It was unsettling how much she was involved in this whole thing. I came to Lauren for help as a last minute decision, and in less than 24 hours she found someone who knew about what has happened to me. Lauren just told me she knew... which means she kept that a secret at least. Lauren who was supposedly clueless about the whole thing, found a scientist in a very short time and was aware that this woman knew about me. This would be too much of a coincidence, and it didn't add up at all.

I left to go to bed early, before Lauren was going to make another one of her awfully long calls. However I was waiting for a moment like this. On the way up I passed by her bedroom, and I didn't hesitate before slipping in.

In the centre stood a beautiful canopy bed, and the walls were almost fully covered by bookcases. At the far left stood an antique desk, with all kinds of documents sprawled over it. Maybe there was a clue in there? I was aware Lauren used physical people as messengers, because she didn't trust using technology for her illegal business stuff. At least she could burn a letter.

 On top of the desk lay a few letters towards her about whatever business she was involved in. Nothing interesting at first sight, but knowing Lauren, it was probably hidden behind a hidden layer or under a one of the three shelves. 

While searching, I tried to stay alert for any sign that Lauren might be headed up here. However I still heard her talking on the phone downstairs. 

I tugged at the first two shelves, but nothing inside caught my eye. The last one was stuck, so I tried to pull as hard as I could, but underestimating my power the shelf came out and the whole desk moved forward a little. 

"fuck" I muttered under my breath. My heart jumped as I couldn't hear her talking anymore. She must've heard the noise, but luckily she continued after a bit. As I was fumbling with the shelf to get it back in the closet I saw why it had been stuck. An old envelope that must've sat at the top of the overfull shelf must've fallen into the side. I picked it up to put it back but my eyes panicked as I saw the stamp on it. That logo...

I suddenly felt nauseous, however I was alarmed when I heard Lauren climb the stairs. I made sure the desk didn't look off, and slipped out of the room with the letter crumpled in my pocket.

I wouldn't have time to make it up the staircase to my room, so I slipped into the bathroom in that hallway. 

As I ran in there I opened the tap on the sink, making it look like I was doing something at least. My head was spinning, Lauren and Lillian? What did they want from each-other?

I heard a knock on the bathroom door.

"Come in." I muttered.

"You ok y/n? I thought you'd be up in your room already." As she entered I closed the tap.

"I..I'm just feeling a bit dizzy and was scared I'd get one of those attacks again. I just splashed my face with water hoping it would keep me aware. Didn't trust myself and waited here for you. It might be something different though" I spoke.

She walked up to me and studied my face as she cupped it. "It doesn't look like you'll get an attack or anything. It'll be fine, you'll get help  from Lucy soon. Maybe it's the stress. I know how you get when you're nervous. About that... Lucy called again, Lena will only be there in the morning, so we can go to the lab in the afternoon. It's close to the botanical garden, maybe we can go there afterwards, so you'll have something nice to look forward to at least."

 "Yeah might be and oh... good I'll be glad when this is over." 

"You want me to help you get upstairs, or are you fine?"

"It's ok Laur I can do it alone, you're right. This whole thing has been stressing me out, and it's getting to me. It must be that, I just hope Lena won't find us." I lied. 

After saying goodnight and giving her a quick hug I made my way to my room. As soon as I was there I opened the letter.

After reading the letter a lot of emotions shot through me. Fear, confusion, repulsion, anger, sadness... How could I not see this coming? Dinah and the others had warned me about her. I didn't stand a chance. Compared to Lena, Lauren maybe didn't have guards hanging around, but she knew me. She knew the way I thought, and she probably knew loads of people around the city.

If Lauren wasn't on my side, maybe Lena was? This whole thing was incredibly confusing, and I didn't know what to do at all. Or maybe I did, but maybe I didn't want to see it.

I had to find Lena. 

I had this gut feeling I had to. It might have been idiotic for me to go all this trouble fleeing, but I had to hear her out. 

If I interpreted this letter right... Lauren had payed for Cadmus, specifically for me. After all I told her... and she just wanted to continue it now? After all that pain? How could she lie to me like that? Did the others know? Lena, Mikaela?

It broke my heart. Those people used to be like family to me. Even though I left, this was no excuse at all.

I knew Lauren would be fast asleep around 2am. Still 2 hours to go. I opened my closet and put together an outfit. Combat boots, black cargo pants, shirt and a jacket.

I tried to open the roof window in my room. Lauren had locked it since I had tried to flee, but she didn't know the things I had learned working with Dinah and the rest. This was a piece of cake.

Eventually it was 2am. I climbed out and looked back one last time. Goodbye Lauren, hopefully for good this time.