Page 33 of Kill Me Sweetly

Aziza met my eyes briefly. “Like the boy on the table?”

He nodded. “That happened a lot, but the punishments were decided based on the error.”

“Can you explain it to me?” Aziza’s voice was soft, caring.

“Whipping was one they did most. This was if you didn’t follow the rules as they were laid out. Even if the job was done correctly. It had to be done according to plan. If you failed the task completely, you were whipped and put in isolation for a week at the mercy of the Disciplinarian.”

I swallowed the bile threatening to come up. How was Aziza just sitting there and able to form sentences?

“Did any of you ever disappear?”

Four’s cheek twitched. “Sometimes.”

There were so many questions that Aziza had on her list to ask, but Four’s mental health was paramount to her, and she said she’d not rush it. Noticing Four was in need of a break from the heavy questions, she diverted.

“How are you sleeping here?”

“In a bed. It’s nice.”

“A great mattress is vital.” She chuckled. “How many hours would you say you sleep?”

“I don’t really. Just rest. Need to be ready.”

Ready for what? I was dying to ask, but Aziza shook her head at me.

“How can you be ready if you don’t sleep?”

Four furrowed his brows. “I am trained not to sleep. I can go days.”

Well, that wasn’t at all concerning.

“Sleep is important for your health. Are you finding it hard to fall asleep here?”

“It’s quiet here. Peaceful.”

“You like this place?”

“Yes. It’s been nice.”

I just watched silently while Aziza did her best to maybe not break down the walls, but peek in through little fractures in the structure.

“I think JJ likes having you around.” Aziza smiled.

“JJ…he’s nice to me.”

My heart…yep, that was warmth radiating from my chest.

“You know you’re safe here,” she said. “Do you feel safe?”

“For now…it won’t last.”

“Why is that?”

He looked at her, and for the first time he met her eyes. “They’ll find me. I can’t be forgotten; I must be dealt with.”

I wanted to stand up and scream, “Not on my watch.” But I stayed planted on the couch, stewing in my anger.

“I think these guys are going to do everything in their power to keep you safe and make sure you’re taken care of. Do you feel you can trust them?”

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