The Treatment. C.L. Taylor

my photo and put it online I wouldn’t be able to be me. I wouldn’t feel safe.

      I snatch up my phone again.

      ME

      Please,

      I tap out.

      ME

      My brother sent me a message telling me that he’s being brainwashed. I need to know if it’s true or not.

      ZedGreen doesn’t reply.

      ME

      PLEASE!

      I feel sick as he continues to ignore me. What if he only gave me one chance to respond and I’ve blown it? I’ll never find out the truth. If Dr Cobey was killed just for trying to help Mason, God knows what kind of danger he’s in. Mum and Tony are convinced that he’s fine. But what if he’s not? I could never forgive myself if something awful happened to him.

      ‘This had better not be a wind-up, Mase,’ I mutter, as I rip a page out of my journal and write today’s date on it. I hold it under my chin, reach out my arm and snap a scowling selfie.

      A couple of seconds later and I’ve sent it to ZedGreen.

      ME

      There,

      I type.

      ME

      Happy now?

      The message is delivered but nothing happens. Zed doesn’t respond.

      ME

      Hello? Are you still there?

      A sick feeling grips my stomach. Some random stranger has got my photo and I’m still no closer to finding out what’s going on with my brother.

      Ping! My phone vibrates in my hand. A message from ZedGreen:

      ZEDGREEN

      If you want to discover the truth about the RRA you need to meet me. Grab a pen. I will send you details in my next message. Do not screengrab it. Do not tell anyone where you’re going. Meet me alone. If you break any of these rules I will vanish. Do we understand each other?

      ME

      Yes

      I type back.

      ME

      Tell me where and when and I’ll be there.