Page 99 of Hidden Chance

“That’s not a bad idea,” Jemi said. “I know I’m not as young as I used to be, but I’ve still got moves.”

Hannah stared at the floor, trying not to react. Jemi must have a reason for saying it, but it sent a shiver through her.

“You said you house soldiers here. They must get lonely. Why waste our talents by torturing us?”

“You are agreeable to this?” Zin said.

“Why not? I’d rather that than torture.”

“The torture will still come—although, if you perform well, we may take it easy on you. Still, you’d only be delaying the inevitable, and these men can be rough.”

“Delay is not as good as freedom, but if it’s the best you’re offering, I’ll take it.”

“We have a group coming in soon. I’m sure they’d appreciate a warm body in their beds.”

“It’s settled then.”

“Pike?” Zin said. “You want to save the young one for yourself, or should I put her out for whoever?”

“I won’t let those men touch her.”

“Whatever soothes your conscience. Just don’t forget we’ll still kill her in the end. Don’t get too attached. And don’t get all sentimental and try to break her out ofhere, or you’ll get yourself killed. I’ll personally make sure of that. That goes for you too,” he said to Jemi. “If you think this will give you an opportunity to escape, you are gravely mistaken.”

“Do I look like I know how to escape?”

“I’ve learned not to underestimate anyone in this line of work. Desperation pushes people to do stupid things. Don’t be one of them.”

“I won’t.”

“Good. Then we’ll leave you and get everything arranged.”

“I know you said to trust you,” Hannah said after the men left. “But why did you do that?”

“Because it will either give us a chance to escape if one is possible, or it will ease your suffering. I could see on Pike’s face he wouldn’t let you be with anyone but him. Because you are a captive, he considers you to be his personal possession. I expect your suffering will be minimal.”

“Do you really believe there’s any chance of escape? I don’t think Pike will hurt me, but I can’t imagine—Jemi, don’t do this. If you can’t get away…I don’t even want to think about what they’ll do to you. You can’t let them defile you like this. Not when you have a choice.”

Jemi frowned, and it was the saddest Hannah had ever seen her.

“It’s not the first time.”

“What?”

“I was kidnapped a long time ago, along with several other women. We were held captive in Iraq, and wewere mistreated. I used the men’s affection for us to finally escape. With Peter’s help in the end.”

“Peter was there?”

“It’s how we met.”

“How have I never heard this story? So they—you’ve had to endure this all before?”

“Use Pike’s guilt against him, and he may not even touch you. If I can get to you, I will.”

“Jemi.”

“It will be okay.”

Hannah licked her lips. “But what if he does…something?”

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