Chapter 35

‘No, no, of course not!’ Selene said on tape, her voice lighter now. ‘My name’s on it, remember? Just a prank, that’s all. To get back at my boyfriend for his stupid practical jokes.’ A snort escaped the doctor. ‘Expensive prank, if you ask me. Not my place to judge, though.’ More typing ensued, then a printer whirred to life. ‘Promise you won’t use this report at any hospital,’ the doctor’s voice warned. ‘I promise. It’s just a prop. I’ll shred it after I show my boyfriend.’ A pause. ‘Oh, this looks perfect! Thank you, thank you so much! Mwah!’ Footsteps receded. The recording ended abruptly, leaving behind a suffocating silence. Dashiell replayed the video, then the audio, then the video again. The pieces clicked, forming a horrifying picture that shattered his world. Selene’s face had gone as pale as her wedding gown. A cheerful voice pierced the room, a clerk’s head popping through the door. ‘Previous couple’s done! Your turn for happily ever after!’ Dashiell’s eyes, glacial and em