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“Yeah, some dude we caught casing the perimeter of this place. A big dude.”
“And why the hell did they put him in with Katelyn?”
“There was no place else to put him. We weren’t expecting him.”
My hands curl into fists.
“He hasn’t hurt her.”
“He damned well better not.”
“I think he’s a good guy.”
“And you, Cardinal. Are you a good guy?”
“If I weren’t, do you think I’d be trying to help you?”
I nod. “Good enough. Get back here as soon as you can. I need more information. And if you can sneak anything in here that I can use for a weapon—something they can’t foresee—I’ll gladly take it.”
“I don’t think that will help. They frisk me every time I go in and out.”
“Got it. I understand.”
Then he winks. He’s going to do something.
“I’ll be back to get your tray in a bit,” he says. Then he shuts the door behind him.
I eat my dinner or lunch whatever the hell it is. And wait.
About twenty minutes later, as far as I can tell, Cardinal returns to take the dishes.
He doesn’t speak this time. When he leaves, he closes the door very carefully.
The lock does not click.
Eureka.
He’s given me a chance. A chance to escape. He didn’t do it before because he knew he’d have to come back shortly to get the tray and then report.
This way I have more time. He won’t have to report that I’m missing until the next time he comes in.
Already I know guards are perched outside the window. Already I know they’re prepared for the pen, the razor blade, the nail file.
I also know that no one is watching the door at this moment. If someone were, they would know it’s not shut.
This is my window of opportunity.
I know King. He has many minions stationed here.
I don’t bother taking the razor blade, the file, or the pen.
Much better to leave them here, to let them think I’m unarmed. All I have is a toilet tank tablet in my pocket. I’ll have to rely on whatever chemicals are in it, which means I’ll have to make direct contact with someone’s eyes.
The hallway is well lit, and there’s another door.
Katelyn could be behind that door. I rush toward it. Key in the numbers that I’ve memorized. There’s not a huge chance that this the same combination, but I have to try.
No luck.
But then a voice. A man’s voice. “Who’s there?”
“Do you know the combination?” I ask. “I’ll get you out of there.
Whoever is in there may have memorized it, like I did, when Cardinal opened the door.
“Yeah,” he says, “it’s 7947.”
I key in the combination quickly, and the door clicks open.
Katelyn stands in the background, and she lets out a gasp. “Luke!”
“You,” the other man says.
His punch comes quickly to my left jaw.
In a flash I’m on the floor.
“No!” Katelyn yells. She runs toward me. “Luke!”
“You fucking son of a bitch.”
I move my jaw. It’s not broken, but damn it hurts. I know this man. Emily’s brother. Buck Moreno. The guy who shot me.
“I’m here to help.” I stand. “You can beat the shit out of me if you want, if it makes you feel better. They’re going to kill me anyway. But I’d much rather you get her the hell out of here.”
“No,” Katelyn says. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”
“Katelyn, baby, please. Let this guy take care of you. I’m the one they want. The only reason you’re here is because of me.”
“I don’t care. I won’t leave you.”
“Please. If you love me, do this. Do this for me. I can’t…” I shake my head. “They’ll hurt you, Katelyn. They’ll hurt you to get to me. You’ve been hurt enough. I’m so sorry. Please… Just go.”
Buck turns to her. “He’s right. I’ll try to get us out of here.”
“No.” She shakes her head, tears glistening in her eyes. “I can’t. I can’t lose you, Luke. I just can’t.”
Time for me to get stern. “That’s not my name.”
“I don’t care what your real name is. You’ll always be Luke to me.”
Time for some tough love. Time for her to think that she needs to leave no matter what. Time to call on my untrustworthy friend.
“Go,” I grit out. “I’m not Luke. My name is Lucifer. Lucifer Raven. I’m the fucking devil, Katelyn. Go.”
“I can’t.”
I turn to Buck. “Get her the fuck out of here. Now.”
Buck grabs her hand. “Come on.” He drags her out of the room.
She looks over her shoulder at me.
And I know what I have to do.
“It’s over,” I say, hating myself for the words. “You and I aren’t going to happen. Ever. Now go.”
He drags her up the stairs and through a doorway.
Will they make it out? I don’t know, but I pray to a God I’m not sure exists that they do.
Take me. Do whatever you want to me. Just let her live. Let her have a happy life. Please don’t hurt her anymore.
