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

happened. Is there anything you saw that could shed some light on this for us?” she asked.
    “It was all a blur,” I said truthfully. Then I did something I’d never done before: I lied. “It all happened so fast. One minute he was chained, the next second he was dead.”
    “That’s disappointing,” Meredith said, her shrewd eyes studying my face. “Were you able to get anything from him?” she asked. I raised my head, catching her gaze. I needed to watch her expression, see if she revealed anything. See if there was any reason I should doubt the Institute.
    “He didn’t do it,” I said. Anger flashed in her eyes, then disappointment. She wanted him to be guilty, or she wanted me to believe he was. I didn’t know which. I wrapped my arms protectively around myself.
    “If he didn’t, did he know who did?” she asked impatiently.
    “No,” I lied. He thought he did. I didn’t dare voice what Tim had told me. Not until I had a chance to process it, decide what I believed. Meredith nodded shortly.
    “I’m sure you understand the degree of sensitivity this situation must be handled with. Can I trust you not to say anything?” she asked. Why did I get the feeling that whatever I said next would define my fate? I met her gaze straight on, adapting an innocuous gaze.
    “Of course. I won’t say anything.”
    “Good girl. You should get back to class. Cho, I will need your report on my desk within the hour. We’re going to make sure this can never happen again.” She spun on her heel, marching back towards the room.
    “Does this have to do with the mole?” I called after her, then bit my lip. Meredith tensed, then slowly turned back around toward me.
    “Excuse me?” Ice slid down my spine, but it was too late to take back my question.
    “The mole,” I repeated.
    “Where did you hear about a mole?” Meredith asked.
    “Chardonnay and Sarah were talking....” Meredith mumbled under her breath. I was almost certain she said “Jeremy”.
    “You shouldn’t take such stock in foundless rumors, Elsabeth. Am I understood?”
    “Yes, ma’am, but….”
    “No buts. That is the end of this conversation. Go back to class.” She waited until I bowed my head to turn away again, disappearing through the door. Erik laid his hand on my shoulder.
    “Get some rest, Ells. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. We’ll talk again in the morning.” I nodded, shoulders slumped as I shuffled towards the door. By the time I glanced back Erik had already disappeared.
     
    I should have made my way back to the class, instead finding myself in the library. I knew the minute I went off course it was noted by one of the sentries that monitored the cameras. There was no such thing as playing hookie here. I only hoped that they’d have pity on me and let me be. I desperately needed a moment to clear my head.
    I idly perused the shelves, not really noting any of the titles. I was preoccupied by my thoughts. By the time class ended I was no closer to deciding who or what I believed. I left the library, trying to blend in as I followed the rest of the students towards the cafeteria.
    My stomach rumbled, reminding me I had missed lunch again. It was starting to get into a bad habit. I stood in the back of the line, ignoring the curious glances of the students around me. News traveled fast. I grabbed my tray and walked unobtrusively towards the back of the cafeteria.
    For once I was glad for the fact that I normally kept to myself. I wasn’t in the mood to socialize, to face the questions I was sure people were dying to ask me. I knew something they didn’t and that, to their perception, meant I was ahead. I ducked my head, poking at my meal. Hungry as I was, I couldn’t eat.
    Mike set his tray down across from me, awkwardly folding himself onto the bench. I grimaced. With everything that had happened I’d forgotten about Mike, my new found friend. I slouched over my food as he sat down, pushing his glasses up his nose