Page 22 of All The Way Under
“I think,” I add on.
“We don’t let assets walk around and pretend they’re guests at a resort,” Raza says, opening the same door he came through to let other men in to clean.
I count them, cataloging their faces to memory. I grab some more food before it’s whisked away on primitive wooden trays and try to save as much as I can without anyone knowing.
“We let you out today to talk to you about asset twelve. Because she’s going to be here for a long time, it would be better if we could trust her out and about.”
“And her mother is crazy,” someone says under their breath.
I think about Bianca Wyndham’s information and try not to laugh. Of course she’s pulling strings from the other side of the world.
“If asset twelve can be free during the day without causing harm to our men, it would be better for everyone.”
Nery still has his weapon aimed at me, unsure of what I’m going to do next.
Raza doesn’t look phased by my presence any longer.
“You have size on your side. If you agree to help keep her under control, you get this”—he waves his arm to the tables—“and freedom during the day. We will keep two guards for you every day as well.”
How is this all falling into place so effortlessly? Without a challenge.
“She’s too much for you?” I question, moving toward a plate that hasn’t been cleared yet.
There were twenty-two plates. I counted them seconds after I entered. If I agree quickly, they’ll question me more than they already are.
Raza looks at me in that knowing way, and I stand a little taller—a challenge I subconsciously take.
“She killed two of my men.” She wasn’t bluffing. I’m impressed. “They have placed different rules for this asset due to her social standing. I’m merely giving you a better way of life in exchange for another set of eyes on her.”
So…no one wants her harmed. This must be humbling for these motherfuckers. They kidnapped a woman, and not only can’t they harm her, but they must also give her things to satisfy the ransom guarantee. If they don’t, some of the money will be held back. This isn’t how my ransom will work. Not at all.
“Yes. Fine,” I say.
“Put the food back. We will feed her a proper meal,” Raza says, eyeing my sleeve. “Unless you’re still hungry.”
I nod, embarrassed they caught me red-handed.
Ravelo comes back with a meal and motions for me to exit. Nery follows me with the always looming threat of sedation.
The sun is up, igniting the tropical landscape surrounding us. I don’t hide my appraisal. The dirt paths converge to a pebbly road in the distance. The ocean is through the trees, perhaps two hundred yards from the trail we’re following back to the cage. There’s a grouping of motorbikes and two vehicles. One was the one we used to get here from the beach. Others are lingering, barefoot, watching curiously as they lead me. Not only do they not let assets walk free, but it also seems to be unheard of. I swallow down the uneasy feeling of being somewhere foreign and dangerous.
When we get back to the cage, Saylor is up, clutching the bars. She’s not screaming, though. Sheiswearing my sweater. It falls to her mid-thigh. When she sees me, she sneers.
“You got out and left me,” she says, when I’m close enough to hear.
Nery appears from behind me, and Ravelo slides her a sack of food.
“Let’s calm down,” I say, hoping she doesn’t go full feral and make things more difficult.
It’s a new day. One in which I don’t have to be a sarcastic prick if I don’t want to.
“I have good news,” I add, flaring my eyes so only she can see.
Saylor takes the food and backs up so they can let me back into this damn hole. After they lock it behind them, I see the tears. Fuck. I do not know how to deal with any emotion, but this is the kind I’ve run from in the past.
“I’m so tired of being in here. You could have woken me up,” she whispers, eating the oatmeal-looking slop in a dish.
My stomach rumbles in hunger. I won’t be able to eat even a fraction of what I’m used to.
