No Easy Way Out by Dayna Lorentz

Author:Dayna Lorentz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group, USA
Published: 2013-06-19T16:00:00+00:00

DAY

TEN

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I

G

H

T

S

ON

Marco was shaken from sleep by fists gripping his arms. He cracked open his eyes and saw the end of a long black stun baton. “Let me guess,” he slurred.

“The senator,” said the guard.

Marco nodded and crawled out of his cot.

It felt like he’d just crawled into it. The pendejo in the IMAX hadn’t let him leave—every time he tried to get away, the guy threatened some breed of violence. Broken limb, broken nose, broken fingers. Marco nearly kissed the security team when they busted the place.

It had been the same as the night before: Everyone was lined up, temperatures were checked, any fever cases were weeded out and the rest returned to their dorms. Marco appreciated the regularity of the business. It was nice when things worked out exactly as you expected. Even this being shaken awake felt like business as usual. And at least the senator wouldn’t break his arm.

Marco had to reevaluate this last notion upon being thrust by the guard into her office.

“It was you,” she said, seething. “You and your two beefcake buddies.”

Marco sat in his usual chair and folded his arms across his chest for protection. Had she found out about Mike’s party, that Marco was running it under her nose? Better not assume anything, play dumb. “It was me what? You asked me to throw another party, I threw it.”

The senator scowled, one eyebrow arched. “It was you who stole the alcohol from the Grill’n’Shake, and elsewhere. Though I’m confused as to why you thought there would be alcohol in Johnny Rockets.”

That cleared things up for him. Someone must have seen him stealing the cups. “I didn’t go into Johnny Rockets to get beer. I went there to get cups. You keep leaving me kegs with no cups.”

“Bull.” Her face was still twisted in a scowl. “Your two buddies are good, keeping their faces away from all the security cameras. But I know it’s you, has to be. You’re the only one with a card key.” She held out her hand. “I’ll be taking it back, by the way.”

Now he started sweating. “No way,” he said, clutching his pants pocket like that would save his card, his freedom. “I swear, I didn’t steal any alcohol. Anything I’ve touched has been stuff you’ve given me. And Mike and Drew, they only had what I gave them.” Her face remained frozen. “I’m telling you the truth!”

She considered him for a moment longer, then relaxed. “Fine,” she said. “If you can prove to me in twelve hours that you did not steal the alcohol, I will apologize for the accusation and let you keep the card. If not, you’re done.”

“How can I prove that I didn’t do something? You know where I was all night, you know that I was setting the thing up all day or working your stupid job like you told me to. What more can I tell you?”

“You can tell me who did steal my alcohol.

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