Page 15 of Daddy’s Protecting

“You’re not alone,” he reminded her as the officer led her away.

She didn’t know how to answer that. That was exactly how she felt as she walked through the barred gates that would prevent her from escaping. Practicing the calming breaths he’d taught her, Cynthia focused on the fact that one person at least had her back as she entered a room labeled ‘processing area.’ Two female guards wearing gloves waited inside.

“First step, take off all your clothes and jewelry and put them in this basket,” the older woman instructed.

Wanting to get this over as fast as possible, Cynthia stripped off her clothing. When she folded her T-shirt neatly, the other guard laughed.

“Don’t worry about that. We’ll have to go through everything.”

Nodding, Cynthia stepped out of her shoes and slid her jeans off.It’s just like you’re in a bikini at the pool, she reminded herself.

“Everything!” The impatient reminder was tossed her way.

She exhaled and pushed her panties down and shrugged out of her bra. Cynthia shivered in the cool air of the room. Staring at the floor, she wrapped her arms over her breasts and waited for the next instruction.

One guard pulled the basket of clothing toward her and methodically started checking for any contraband while the other stepped closer to Cynthia and barked commands.

“Raise your arms over your head to show me your armpits.”

“Brush your fingers through your hair.”

“Open your mouth.”

“Stick out your tongue.”

“Squat low to the floor.”

“Stay there and cough.”

“What?” Cynthia didn’t understand. She stood up, arms still crossed over her head.

“Cough. Otherwise, we’ll have to check you internally for anything you’ve placed inside yourself,” the guard explained with a weary expression.

“I wouldn’t do that,” Cynthia whispered, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Are you choosing the internal exam?” the guard asked.

“No, of course not.”

“Then squat and cough.”

The other guard searching through her clothes muttered under her breath, “First timers.”

Quickly, Cynthia followed the woman in charge’s instructions. Forcing herself to cough, she waited until she heard the next order.

“Stand up.”

She rose, trying to control her shaking. The women on duty weren’t mean—this was simply overwhelming to her.I never even got sent to the principal’s office in school!

“Turn around.”

“Lean over and spread your buttocks.”

“What?” Cynthia stared at her, appalled. What were they going to do to her?

“You’ve cooperated up to now. Don’t give me any problems,” the guard suggested.

Out of the corner of her eye, Cynthia saw the other guard set her clothing aside and move closer, as if they anticipated shewould cause a problem. “Sorry. I just didn’t understand. This is embarrassing,” she reassured them as she turned around.

---