I started having flashbacks again, this time so severe.
Flashback
Adrien's voice on the courthouse steps.
"Be happy."
His last words. His dying wish.
I'd failed him. Failed everyone.
I wasn't happy. Wasn't even alive, really. Just existing in pain and fear.
Time passed. Hours, maybe.
The door opened again.
Not Brighton this time. The scarred man from before.
He was carrying a tray. Food. Actual food.
"Boss says you need to eat. Can't torture a corpse."
He set the tray down. Came around behind me.
I felt the zip ties on my wrists loosen. Then release.
My arms fell forward. Pain shot through my shoulders as blood rushed back into my hands.
"Don't try anything stupid," he warned. "Your ankles are still tied. And I've got a gun."
He showed me. Tucked in his waistband.
"I won't," I said. "I just want to eat."
"Five minutes. Then the ties go back on."
He stepped back. Watching.
I picked up the sandwich on the tray. Some kind of deli meat and cheese. Stale bread.
