Hope's Return by Jay J Falconer & M L Banner

Author:Jay J Falconer & M L Banner
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Tags: Post-Apocalyptic | Thriller
Publisher: Mission Critical Publishing, LLC
Published: 2019-11-18T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Krista waited for Wicks to open the cell door to the brig before she pushed Helena into the bar-lined space. The extra force made the cannibal take an extra-long step for balance. “Let’s see if you can behave yourself for once.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Horton said, standing next to Krista, his hands no longer bound and his face free of the blindfold.

“Oh yes, she does,” Lipton said from the cell next door. “You can see it in her face.”

Krista nodded. “He’s right. We can’t have a Scab running around this facility. There’d be chaos.”

Horton’s face lit up red, his upper lip tucked under. “Jesus Christ! What does she have to do to prove herself? I told you, she’s not who you think she is.”

Krista grabbed Horton by the collar. “You might want to check the attitude, mister. Otherwise, you’ll be in there with her.”

“With all due respect, ma’am, shouldn’t he be anyway?” Wicks said, pushing the cell door closed with a clang before locking it with a rattle of his keychain.

“Misery loves company,” Lipton snarked with a snide look on his mug.

Krista ignored Lipton’s remark, keeping her focus on Wicks. “Be sure the girl gets an extra blanket and something to eat. But no meat. Don’t want her getting any ideas.”

“Right away, chief,” Wicks said, handing the keys to Krista, then turning and heading toward the door to the brig.

“Hey, Mr. No-Neck, why don’t you bring me one of those almond sandwiches while you’re at it? With extra mayo and some of those little sprouts I like,” Lipton said, his face covered in a full-on grin.

Wicks never acknowledged Lipton’s request, continuing his march through the door and out of sight.

Horton put a hand on Krista’s elbow, turning her a few degrees. “We can’t just leave Helena in there all alone.”

Krista pulled away in a twist, aiming her disdain at his hand for touching her without permission. “Sure we can.”

“Then put me in there with her.”

Krista flashed a raised eyebrow. “Are you sure that’s really what you want? You just earned my trust, albeit barely.”

Horton threw up his hands. “Can’t you see she’s scared?”

Krista peered at Helena, seeing the girl sitting on the center of the cot with her arms wrapped around her knees and pulled in close to her chest.

Helena brought her head up from its tucked position and made eye contact.

Krista studied the look in the girl’s eyes, seeing only the feral display of a caged animal. An animal who was used to surviving alone. “She’ll be fine. I think she’s already getting used to it.”

“Open the door! Right now!” Horton snapped, his tone firm and short.

“So now you’re giving me orders? Really?”

“If she’s going to be a prisoner, so will I.”

Krista paused for a beat, then brought the keys up and slid one of them into the keyway of the door. She turned it. “If you insist.” She swung the entrance open, then held out an open hand and invited him to proceed with a wave.

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