Page 69 of Caged

“Does it work?” she sounded skeptical.

“It worked for me. Worst case it doesn’t; but you’re no worse off.”

“True. I wonder if I remember the Marine’s Hymn?” she mumbled.

“Of course you do.” I sang, “From the Halls of Montezuma.”

“To the shores of Tripoli.” She joined in, surprising me with her soft soprano singing voice.

We kept our voices low while we sang. We didn’t get to the end before the alarm started. I went back to reciting the creed. When the strobes started, I could see Maxwell’s lips moving as she sang to herself.

I hope it helps.

I lost track of how many times I repeated the creed before the noise stopped and the room was dark again. Slumping against the wall, I asked, “How’d it work?”

“I feel less crazy.”

“Good.”

Chapter 27

Jay

Afoghorn blaring snapped me awake. I was on my feet before the upstairs door opened, once again flooding the basement with light.

Its a warning. Every time the foghorn blasted, the door opened and we had visitors.

Maxwell stood and we walked to the front of our cell, just like last time.

Four rifleman flanked Roman. When he saw the bags on the floor he tsked. “I see you failed to appreciate my generosity.” He kicked the bags out of his way. “Did you not like the selection, or is it because you don’t trust me?”

“What do you think?” I asked, crossing my arms as I stood near the cage door. I moved in front of Maxwell, but she shifted beside me.

He laughed. “I suppose I can’t blame you, but you really should’ve eaten your breakfast when you had the chance.” Henodded to Franks. “You’ll need your strength for the day’s activities.”

Breakfast?Was it morning already?

Franks stepped forward, pointed at the far corner, and ordered, “Stand in the corner.”

Fuck. I figured they were here for one of us, but hoped they’d take me first. I took my time, glaring as I walked backwards, following his orders.

He stared back at me the entire time. His sick smirk did nothing to calm my already frayed nerves. When I was where he wanted me to be, he said, “Put your hands on your head.”

Having no other choice, I laced my fingers and put my hands on the top of my head.

“Move, and we shoot your partner.”

I had zero doubt he was bluffing, so I bit my tongue and stood perfectly still. Every cell in my body wanted to say something, to test my limits. But knowing Maxwell would pay the price forced me to be on my best behavior.

He pointed at Maxwell. “Face the back wall and put your hands behind your back.”

She complied, her jaw clenched and her hands fisted.

“Remember, if either of you move, we’ll shoot your partner.”

“Sir, yes, sir,” I barked. Maxwell didn’t answer.

I expected him to tell me to turn around, but then again, Roman would enjoy forcing me to watch Franks cuff Maxwell. She stood stock still while he did it. When he grabbed her arm and pulled she didn’t move, saying, “You told me not to move.”

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