فصل 3

Chapter 3: Bunk Hall

After separating Ostin from his mother, the men checked us for RFIDs, then Sydney Lynn led us inside the main building, which she called the Ranch House. We entered through the front doors—which had handles made from horseshoes—into a large open room with hallways in three directions.

Like the deceptively simple wooden shack we had passed near the ranch’s gate entrance, the outside of the Ranch House looked rustic, but the inside was filled with high-tech surveillance and communication equipment. In a way it reminded me of the Elgen Academy—but with cowboy art.

The main room interior was Western design. It had polished hardwood floors and a high, vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams. On one end of the room there was a massive stone fireplace that rose nearly two stories to the ceiling, tapering off near the top like a keystone.

Sydney Lynn led us to the right. “This way to the bunk hall, please.” We followed her through a doorway and down a long, wood-paneled corridor. All of the doors were numbered.

“I’m sorry there aren’t enough rooms for each of you to have your own, but I think you’ll still find your accommodations comfortable. There are two beds in each room, so pick a roommate. Ladies, let’s get you settled first. Who would like room one?” “McKenna and I can take it,” Abigail said.

“Very good,” Sydney Lynn said, writing on her clipboard. “I’ll have your clothes sent right over. Next?” “Looks like it’s me and Tessa,” Taylor said.

Tessa put her hands on her hips. “Poor you,” she said. “Having to share a room with me.” “I didn’t mean that,” Taylor said.

“It sounded like it.”

“Sorry. That’s not what I meant.”

“Taylor and Tessa, room two,” Sydney Lynn said, ignoring the drama. “And room three is occupied.” “Who’s in room three?” I asked.

“Grace,” she said.

Tessa’s expression changed. “Grace is here? Grace and I used to be buddies.” “Maybe you could bunk with her,” Ostin said.

Both Taylor and Tessa glared at him.

Ostin wilted. “Just sayin’.”

“Michael,” Sydney Lynn said, “who are you bunking with?” “Ostin.”

“Let’s put you in room four.” She turned to Zeus. “Zeus, room five is reserved especially for you and whomever you’re bunking with.” “What’s so special about room five?” Zeus asked.

“You can shower,” she said. “The water is distilled.” Zeus stared at her in wonder. “Are you kidding?” Sydney Lynn smiled. “Why would I be kidding?” “I’ll bunk with you,” Jack said, then added wryly, “Now that you won’t stink.” “Yeah, thanks, man,” Zeus said.

Nothing against Zeus, but it made me a little sad that Jack was paired up with him. Up to that point it had always been a given that Jack would be bunking with Wade.

“Ian, that leaves you with your own room.” “Make that my own suite,” Ian said with a smile. “Comfort over company. I’ll take the privacy.” “And I’ll take a nap,” Abigail said. “See you, boys.” She blew Jack a kiss.

I walked up to Taylor. “What are you going to do?” “I think I’ll take a bath,” she said. “Want to go for a walk later?” “Sure.”

“Great, see you in an hour.” She kissed me on the cheek, then followed Tessa into their room.

I headed toward my own room. I wondered how long we would be here.