Page 73 of Longing for Liberty
“He admitted to traveling by foot along the outskirts of Community One and sneaking into a State Force barracks to look for food.”
“Why are random dog tags lying around in a barracks?”
“I’m looking into that, sir.”
“And how is it possible he wasn’t spotted by cameras or drones?”
“He claims to only move at night when it’s overcast.”
Amos pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyebrows high as he shook his head. “I’m not buying it. You said he’s of Korean heritage?”
“His mother was Korean, yes.”
“Have someone find a Korean person from Community Five, or any Asian descent, preferably a woman—bribe her with something if you have to—bring her in to be tortured in front of him. Some people won’t talk because they have nothing to lose, but they won’t let someone else be punished in their place.”
Holy shit.It felt like my stomach literally fell out through my ass. I leaned against the wall of the kitchen out of his sight as I tried to calm my heart.
“That’s genius, sir, but, well, unfortunately, the prisoner succumbed to his injuries.”
Long pause. “You let himdie?”
“One of the cuts went deeper than intended.”
Amos grumbled something that sounded like, “Moses, help us,” and then his voice was crisp and sharp. “Who made that cut? Was it you?”
“No, sir.”
“Give me a name.”
My heart wanted to explode. I pressed a palm to my chest.
Charles paused. “Lieutenant Anderson.”
I heard Amosclackinghard at the keyboard. “Lieutenant Anderson will do two months in the C1 work camp number three. Have him on the bus there this evening.”
“Yes, sir.”
Thebleepsound of the disconnected video made me push off the wall and continue mopping the floor. Amos grumbled something else and sighed, continuing to type aggressively. I was thankful for the level of dissociation I’d achieved last night and its sticking power. Without it, I might be crying or vomiting right now.
All of the feelings I’d had while safely lying there in bed would have put me in grave danger if I’d had to feel them right this moment. Perhaps the strange sadness I’d experienced was a prelude to what would happen today. Had a higher power prepared the way for me to see this side of Amos without falling apart?
Or maybe deep down I’d known. After hearing what I’d heard on his calls lately, and then seeing what I’d seen last night, it was only a matter of time before more unsettling things came to light.
Jeremy had warned me not to romanticize Amos Fitzhugh. I’d been offended at first, but he was right…I had romanticized him and held out hope that he was good. But I couldn’t be mad at myself, because it was the only way I could make myself go through with what I’d had to do.
“Liberty?”
Oh, God. I leaned the mop against the island and went quickly around the corner. He stood there as dapper and handsome as ever, but the familiar tug of lust I usually felt was gone.
“I have to go into the office.” He stood expectantly, so I forced my feet to move forward and go to him, rising onto my toes to kiss him. “I liked having you in my bed last night.”
No, no, no…please.
I smiled up at him. “Me too. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
He held onto me around the waist as if reluctant to let me go, and I let out a little laugh, gently pushing off his chest. “I’d better get back to work.”
Amos smirked and sighed, giving me an up-and-down glance before walking out of the penthouse.
