Chapter 13 · Marked Registry - Chapter 13: The Name on the Form

Cain's name is on the file.

Ella's still staring at the screen when he steps back into the lab. She doesn't look up. She keeps her finger on the glass, right over the signature line at the bottom of Mia's transfer order.

"You signed it," she says.

Her voice comes out flat. Dead. She thought she'd yell. Thought she'd throw something. But all she feels is cold.

Cain stops. He's holding a data chip in one hand, a med kit tucked under the other arm. Blood's still dripping from the cut on his jaw where she shoved him into the counter ten minutes ago. He doesn't bother wiping it.

"Ella—"

"Don't." She turns around. The lab lights buzz overhead, fluorescent and too bright. "You signed the order that put Mia in the White Room. Your name. Your badge number."

He sets the med kit down on the table. Slow. Careful. Like she's the one who might break.

"It's not what you think," he says.

"Then tell me what it is."

He doesn't answer right away.