Page 27

We stared around in the gloom, trying to see where we were. Once again, we faced row after row of cells.

“No!” Jazz gasped as she saw something. She bent down and picked up a broken lock. “We’re right back where we started.”

I sat down heavily. This entire shitstorm was wearing on me, and I was fed up. Hatton and Wylde went upstairs as Poker sat next to me.

“I need a drink so bad,” she muttered.

“Yeah, me too. I don’t know what the hell this is about, but I’m done with it,” I replied.

“If someone’s having a joke, it’s a terrible one. I mean, why include the townies? All they’ve done is whine,” Poker remarked.

“Can’t argue there.”

Boot’s stomped, and Wylde appeared.

“We’ve got an exit; everyone move before we lose it,” he said.

Well, I didn’t need telling twice. I scrambled up and dragged Poker with me. We headed upstairs and spotted Hatton holding a door open.

“That was bricked up!” I gasped.

“It ain’t now. Get through it before some other shit happens,” he ordered. We didn’t hesitate.

We stepped out into fresh air and breathed a sigh of relief.

Sapphire

I kept count as all my sisters, old men, and acquaintances left. Hatton counted the townies, and we swapped a glance.

“Harlots accounted for.”

“Town people too. Come on, Sapphire, let’s blow this joint.” A tired smile crossed his lips, and I nodded. We headed out into the cool air and let the door bang behind us.

“We’re in Maine, miles from home. Are we calling for Ubers?” Lantern quipped, and I laughed.

“No signal,” Hatton said and moved around. Soon we all had our phones in the air, and not one of us got a single bar.

“Seriously?” I bitched. I’d had enough of tonight.

“The parking lot is in that direction. Let’s see if we can find something,” Hatton suggested.

“Like a prison bus?” Nun quipped.

“That’s surely something you’re used to,” a woman said.

Nun spun around, ready to fight, and Priest caught her.

“Beat her ass later, babe; let’s get home. Brielle’s got to be panicking,” he stated, and the worry was clear in his voice.

Nun nodded and glowered.

“Where is Brielle?” Birdie asked.

“She stayed with Gramma and Pops, thank God. Priest wouldn’t be so calm otherwise,” I replied.

It was freezing, and our Halloween outfits did little to keep us warm. We hit the parking lot and laughed.

“Damn, someone give that woman a medal.” I chuckled, staring at the two prison buses.