Page 83 of Hidden Ascent

“They told me you were beautiful.” He swung the keys around his fingers to show off the power he had over her. “Your angles are a little sharp for my taste, but you’re pretty in your own way.” He stuffed the keys in his pocket and wrapped his fingers around the bars, pressing his face against them. “We don’t get many women in here.”

“You don’t get out much?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Being uncivil with him wasn’t going to get her anywhere. She didn’t like using her looks to get what she wanted, and she wasn’t sure if she could pull it off, but these were desperate times.

“I’m sorry.” She bit her bottom lip to look cute but then released it. She probably looked like she was grimacing. Jay would laugh—no. He wasn’t the man she’d thought he was.

“Sorry for what?” The guy had greasy hair and a sallow face. He was also not much taller than her. If she could get him to open the door, it would be easy to overpower him.

“That you don’t get many women in here. It would soften the place up a bit. It can’t be easy being cooped up in here all the time with no entertainment.”

“What are you playing at?”

“I’m not playing at anything. I’m just making conversation.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m—lonely?” Now shedidgrimace. She really was terrible at this, but greasy-hair didn’t seem to notice.

“Yeah, well, I’m only here because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

“Now you’ve seen. What’s your name?”

“Why?”

“It’s smart to be cautious, but I’m locked up in here. There’s nothing I can do to you. I’d simply like to know who I’m talking to.”

“Tag.”

“Tag. Is that your real name?”

“No. Nickname.”

“Okay. It’s nice to meet you, Tag.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

“What?”

“Trying to make friends with me.”

“What’s wrong with being polite?”

He squinted at her. “What’s your deal?”

“My deal? I can’t have any in here. I told you, there’s nothing I can do.”

He shook his head and turned to go.

“Wait,” she said. She’d have to come up with another plan. “I don’t know how you usually treat prisoners in here, but could I get a drink? Are you allowed to do that?”

“What’d you mean, am I allowed?”

“I don’t know where you are on the totem pole. You can get permission if you need to, but I’m really thirsty.”

“Permission?” He spat. “To get a cup of water? What do you think I am?” He dangled the keys in front of her. “I have the keys to your cell. What do you think about that?”

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