They Took Everything by Vote, So I Disappeared Chapter 08

They Took Everything by Vote, So I Disappeared Chapter 08

Professor Warren looked taken aback for a moment, then smiled.

“Good.”

“If it’s what’s best for you, then that’s perfect.”

He patted me on the shoulder.

“Go check the equipment in Sector D.”

“You’re the lead controller today.”

“Yes!”

I tightened my grip on the shovel and strode toward the lab.

The wind and snow were fierce.

But I didn’t take a single step back.

Just before Christmas, the biggest fight our family had ever had broke out.

Bryce’s startup had gone under completely.

With me gone, the bank couldn’t get my signature on the collateral documents, so his loan had fallen through.

Not only had he failed to make any money, but he now owed his investor more than $300,000.

Debt collectors started calling the house.

Someone even spray-painted “PAY WHAT YOU OWE” in red across the hallway wall.

Dad’s blood pressure shot up so badly that he ended up in the hospital.

Mom sat beside his bed wiping away tears while Kelsey stood nearby scrolling through her phone.

“Kelsey, can you put your phone down?!”

Mom finally snapped.

“Your brother’s in this mess, and your dad’s in the hospital!”

“Aren’t you worried at all?”

Kelsey rolled her eyes.

“What good is worrying going to do?”

“I don’t have any money.”

“Don’t you have scholarship money?”

“Use some of it to help your brother get through this!”

“Why should I?!”

“I earned that scholarship myself!”

Kelsey shot to her feet.

“Besides, he’s the one who couldn’t make his business work and lost all that money.”

“Why should I have to clean up his mess?”

Bryce walked in from outside just in time to hear her.

He pointed at her angrily.

“Kelsey, don’t forget.”

“The whole family chipped in for your college tuition.”

“So what?”

“Aren’t you all the ones who love voting so much?”

Kelsey gave a cold laugh.

“Erin’s gone now.”

“There are only four of us left.”

“Come on.”

“Let’s vote.”

“Let’s see who votes for me giving up my money!”

The hospital room fell deathly silent.

Without Erin, the one person who had always been forced into the minority, their so-called fair

voting system had become a joke.

At last, they understood how unbearable deprivation and sacrifice felt when they were the ones

paying the price.

if only Erin were here.”

Mom suddenly covered her face and started crying.

“She was always so obedient.”

“She would’ve handed over every paycheck…”

Dad lay in the hospital bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

“Bryce, did you find out where that facility is?”

Bryce nodded irritably.

“Yeah.”

“It’s in the Red Mesa High Desert.”

“More than twelve hundred miles from here.”

“Once Christmas is over, we’re going there.”

Dad gritted his teeth.

“I don’t believe for a second she can hide in that godforsaken place forever and never see us!”

Three days after Christmas, the snow finally stopped in the Red Mesa High Desert.

Someone at the facility had managed to get hold of a small Christmas tree.

Everyone decorated it with whatever little things they had.

The cafeteria even served a special meal.

There were a few whole turkeys, roasted potatoes, and sausages.

Out in a place this remote, it was a rare feast.

I filled a plate with roasted potatoes, turkey, and plenty of sausages, then sat across from Professor

Warren.

“Eat.”

“Have some more.”

“You’re too skinny, kid.”

Professor Warren added a few pieces of the pickles he’d brought himself to my plate.

“Thanks, Professor.”

I picked up a drumstick.

I’d barely taken a bite when a security officer hurried into the cafeteria.

“Erin, someone’s asking for you at the main gate.”

I froze.

This was a restricted military site.

There was nothing but wilderness for dozens of miles around.

Who could possibly be looking for me?

“Who?”

Professor Warren frowned.

“They say they’re Erin’s parents and brother.”

The security officer glanced at my face.

“They don’t have clearance, so we stopped them outside the security perimeter.”

“They’re causing a scene out there.”

“They say they won’t leave until they see their daughter.”

I lowered my fork.

The bite in my mouth suddenly tasted bitter.

“I’ll go take a look.”

I stood.

Professor Warren put a hand on my shoulder.

“Want me to come with you?”

“No, thanks.”

I shook my head calmly.

“Some things need to be settled once and for all by myself.”