Page 72 of Irreversible

“Elaborate.”

“This friendship bracelet Roger gave me. The yarn is held together by a thin wire. Seems sturdy, though.” Pure elationsweeps through me, and I can hardly catch my breath. “A wire. We can use that, right?”

“Shit.” His voice is strained. Eager. “The cuff… I need you to find a way to get that wire to me.”

“Get it to… I don’t—” Mind whirling with possible scenarios, I glance at my lunch plate. It was delivered an hour ago, meaning Roger will bring me supper in about four more hours. “Okay. I’ll figure something out.”

“Work your flirty mojo on the ogre. Slip it in his pocket somehow. He brings you your food first.”

I pull to my feet and start to pace.

How can I get close enough to him?

Is this even possible?

“Right.” I bob my head, frazzled yet buzzing with new conviction. “Okay. I’ll try. I can do this.”

“You can.” His voice sounds closer, like his lips are a hair’s breadth from the wall. “Get that wire on Roger and I’ll take it from there. I’ll get us out of here.”

Wetness streaks my cheeks.

I’m crying.

I’m crying because…

I believe him.

Not once have I ever believed any of them. I’d always disregard their gallant words and false promises.

“I’m not sure how long it will take me to pick the ankle lock, especially since I’ll have to be covert about it,” he continues. “But I will. Then I’ll tear the bastard’s head off and snatch his keycard.”

A new thought strikes me, and I halt my pacing feet. “Isaac…you need to get out fast. The cameras. You won’t have much time before someone sees.”

“I’m aware.”

“I’m serious. You can’t…” My ribs ache from the weight of what I’m about to say. “You can’t try to save me, too. Run. Get help. Tell them to come back for me.” More tears. More choked-up words. “For all of us.”

Isaac doesn’t speak for a while. Twenty-two harrowing seconds.

And then…

“I know.” Voice dipping with a trace of regret, he clears his throat. “I’ve already thought this through.”

Of course he has. He’s smart, resourceful.

Trying to take me with him would be suicide.

I nod through an ambush of conflicting emotions, even though I want to shake my head, slap the wall, scream until my throat is shredded raw, and reject every word I just purged. I want to take them all back.

Bring me with you, Isaac. I’m begging you.

But I can’t.

Hecan’t.

All I can do is believe that he’ll send help, and soon, I will see the other side of these walls.

Because, somehow, despite everything…I trust him.

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