Page 32 of Wild Escape

"Think you’re making a difference?"

I shrugged. "I hope so.”

"Does it really even matter? I mean, we’re living in a constant state of decay. There's chaos everywhere. You put one criminal in jail, and another one springs up.”

"Are you advocating for lawlessness?”

She smirked. "Just making small talk. Are you sure you don't want a drink?"

"Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Don't worry, I won't take advantage of you."

"Sorry, but I need to stay clearheaded around you."

"You're treating me like a hardened criminal."

"You are.”

She stuck her tongue out at me.

There was an awkward moment of silence. The clatter of pool balls echoed throughout the lounge, mixed with the sound of chill music and conversation.

Daphne was easy to look at. Another time and another place, who knows?

"If you'll excuse me, I need to use the little girl's room."

She slid across the bench seat and stood up.

"Oh, no. I'm not letting you out of my sight.”

She gave me a look. "What do you want me to do? Go right here?”

"I'll go with you."

She laughed. "If you're into that kind of thing."

I escorted her to the restroom and knocked on the door. "Coconut County. Is anybody in there?"

"Just a minute," a woman replied.

We waited outside until the woman did her business. She stepped into the hallway, giving us a curious look. I opened the door and shouted into the restroom once again. "Sheriff's Department, is anyone in here?"

There was no response.

I escorted Daphne into the restroom and locked the door behind us.

"Do you want to watch?" she asked.

I gave her a flat look.

Daphne slipped into a stall and latched the door. "I can't believe you won't let me go to the bathroom by myself. You’re probably getting off on this."

"Keep dreaming.”

Daphne did her business, then slipped out of the stall, adjusting her skirt. She primped in the mirror, fixing her hair. Her face scrunched with disappointment. "I really need to go by my apartment, take a shower, change, and do my makeup.”

"How is that going to help me find Dane?"