Page 102 of Hidden Chance

“When the kids join the militia, they get more than they do from the village.”

She scowled. “Is that what you really think?”

“It’s the truth if you’d just wake up.”

“Does that help you sleep at night?”

“Yeah, actually, it does.”

“And what about Jemi?”

“Is that the lady you’re with?”

“Yes.”

“Is she the one who got you mixed up in all of this?”

“No. I got her mixed up in it. She’ll die because of me.”

“Then that’s on you. You’re the one who pretends to be perfect. I have never led anyone to believe I’m a saint, but you, you think you’re special because your conscience is so pure? You think you’re better than me? You’re going to die here and find out that there is no God, and for what?”

“Or maybe one day, you’ll die and find out there is.” Her voice was low and cold.

He leaned in closer. His breath smelled minty. “Why do you keep fighting so hard? You’re trapped. It’s over. You’ve lost, and we’ve won. The faster you accept that, the easier it will be for you.”

“Get away from me.”

He started to draw back, then stopped. “What if I say no?”

“Don’t touch me.”

He lifted a hand to twist a strand of her hair around his finger, then he ran it down the side of her face. “You’re in no position to demand anything. I can’t save your life, but I can make this easier on you.”

She batted his hand away, and he grabbed her wrist.

“Always so defiant. Every time. Were you this hard on Robby? Or did you give yourself to him because you have similar values, hmm?”

“There is nothing going on between me and Robby. That was to hide the fact that I was snooping around in your office. You’re the reason I’m here. I found evidence of your involvement, and it led us here.”

She tried to move sideways, but he blocked her into the corner. “It led you right to me. That’s for sure. You know, when I came in here, I didn’t know what to do with you. But all this banter has got me thinking. You’re dead anyway.”

“Don’t do this. Please. This isn’t who you are. You have always treated me with dignity and respect.”

“Now we’re best friends, huh?” She tried to wrestle away from him, but he wouldn’t let her go. “Don’t pretend you know me. I treated you the way you wanted because I wanted something from you.”

“I don’t believe it. You’re a good person, Pike. Please.”

“And you’re no different from me. Telling me what you think I want to hear to get something back. Maybe we’re more similar than you’d care to admit.”

His grip tightened, hurting her arms. “Please,” she begged. “You said you wouldn’t do this.”

“There’s something about you, Hannah. You got under my skin, and it hurts to think that I’ll never get ataste simply because of your stupid decisions.” He leaned in and brushed his lips along her face.

She squeezed her eyes closed and prayed.

Jemi was sitting on the mattress when two men entered her room.

“Looks like I’m going to have a busy night.” She smiled and patted the bed beside her. “Who’s first?”

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