Page 68 of Caged

“Franks said they want us conscious for what’s coming.” Despite her attempts to sound nonchalant, I could hear her fear. “Whatever that might be.”

“I think we can assume it’ll be unpleasant,” I said, making the understatement of the year. “And there are lots of drugs that would render us immobile but leave us conscious.”

“I know.” Her voice fell flat.

I dropped the chips in the bag and tossed it out the bars, removing all temptation.

“Better safe than sorry.” I’d never suffered through being conscious while unable to move, but heard it was the worst form of hell.

That’d be a hard pass from me.

“Better safe than sorry.” Maxwell’s bag followed mine out of the cage. “I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway.” She chuckled.

I disagreed, but now wasn’t the time to pick a fight about how perfect her body was.

“Cheers,” I said, holding my bottle up before realizing how stupid it was. “Nevermind.”

“Is it just me or is the temperature dropping?” she asked.

“It’s dropping.” We could expect the strobe or alarm to come back on again soon.

Or maybe we’d get a special treat and they’d both come on.

We sat back down, but this time Maxwell joined me along the back wall.

In what could only be considered a blessing, the basement stayed dark and quiet long enough for us both to fall asleep. And to dream.

I expected nightmares, but instead, I dreamed of Maxwell curled up next to me.

Because of the fucking alarm, I woke with a start. So did Maxwell. She pulled away quickly but not before it registered that she’d been leaning against me, her head resting on my shoulder.

I didn’t mind, but I’d never tell her that.

The alarm shut off as abruptly as it started.

“Guess they don’t want us to sleep.”

“Guess not,” she said. “I’m surprised they even let us fall asleep.”

I wasn’t. Roman would take great pleasure in letting us fall asleep only to scare us awake.

“Me too, wish they’d let me have a little more,” I said. “I was having good dream.”

“I wish mine was. Tell me about yours, it’ll take my mind off mine.”

“I was on a warm sandy beach with a beautiful blond serving me a tropical drink with a pink umbrella in it,” I lied.

But it worked, making Maxwell laugh. “Of course you were.”

“The strobe and alarm will probably start again soon. How’d you manage the last time?”

“I was okay with the strobe, but the alarm made me feel like I was going crazy.”

“Can I offer a suggestion?”

“Please,” she practically begged.

“I recited the Raider Creed in my head. Is there something that brings you pride or joy that you could recite, maybe a song?”

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