Page 30 of Johnny

crimes against humanity these days. But back then they just didn’t know. Hell, back then they didn’t

even know x-rays were dangerous. They had x-ray machines in shoe stores, for fuck’s sake. Little kids

were encouraged to put their foot in the machine and wiggle their toes so their parents could be

convinced that the shoe fit properly.

So of course, now, we know that x-raying the feet of children is a long-term health risk. But back

then…

Who am I kidding? This justification is bullshit and I know it.

These x-ray machines were still around in the late 60’s even though the long-term effects of radiation exposure were known in the 1920’s and dosage regulations took effect in the 1930’s. It’s

just the line I feed myself so I can live with the early days of my family’s role in the Way, not to

mention what we’ve been doing recently.

I’m not going to pretend that I’m pure or innocent or anything like that. I’m not going to pretend that

I didn’t relish—or even take advantage—of my privilege on Osprey Cay. I’m not going to pretend that

the work my father and I have been doing was for the purest intentions.

Those x-ray machines in shoe stores were a gimmick to attract customers and sell shoes.

What my father and I are doing? Well, we can’t even claim money as our motivation.

But this in no way makes me unique. I was taught that we all have a position in life and this one

was mine. I am the daughter of the Mad Scientist of Osprey Cay. The whole thing was practically

preordained.

I am Megan Machette and up until a few weeks ago my life was a wicked fairytale.

Everything about the Way is compartmentalized, meaning everything is need-to-know. I don’t need

to know much. I know that I live on Osprey Cay and I know that people arrive regularly for meetings

or parties. I know we keep girls there in the brothel. I know a little bit about what happens behind

closed bedroom doors. I can, at least, take a good guess.

But I don’t know anyone’s names on that island. I don’t even know their faces because everyone

had to wear a white mask. And the women all wore veils too. I could probably pick out some of the

Way men based on voice or facial hair. But it would just be a guess.

I would not even be able to recognize the brothel girls who work in Osprey mansion and that place

was my home. They weren’t supposed to talk to me and those veils never came off if they were

outside their rooms.

This white mask rule applies to me as well. It’s for our own protection. At least that’s what they