Chapter 3 #3
I wanted to scream out that I was somebody, but any infraction would result in another beating.
I was bruised and aching all over, having endured twenty-four straight hours of interrogation.
I had no idea why I’d been brought here, to this dilapidated building in the heart of the city.
They’d dragged me from the prison cell, easily able to control my weak body, dumping me into a van with no windows.
The first sight of sun had nearly blinded me, but I’d managed to glance at the glorious orange orb, almost forgetting what it looked like.
The warmth on my face had been amazing, awakening portions of my body that had been dormant.
“Yeah, he’s on the list. Take him into the room and chain him to the chair. We certainly don’t want him getting away,” the attendant snarked as he turned over a tablet for the guard to scribble his signature.
“Glad to be rid of this one,” the guard huffed, sliding the tablet back in the young man’s direction. “They’re all pains in my ass.”
“You’re sure he’ll accept the deal?” the attendant snickered as he glared at me.
I had difficulty seeing from one eye, swollen from the incident at the prison. I held back laughter. The guards all enjoyed roughing us up any chance they got. Whatever deal they were talking about had to be better than living in a three by five cell with dirt floors and cinderblock walls.
“Yeah, the fucker will accept. He’s one of the smart ones.” Grinning, the guard nodded at the attendant and dug his fingers into my arm, waiting until the buzzer sounded.
I was jerked toward the door, pushed hard inside, my body slamming against the table.
“You’re a clumsy asshole. Aren’t you?” the guard snickered and wrapped his hand around my neck, forcing me into a steel hardback chair.
I had no idea where I was, except for somewhere in the city.
The room itself was devoid of anything except for what I knew to be a two-way window.
This was an old building from before the crisis.
I didn’t bother answering the asshole as he wrapped chains around my ankles, securing me in place.
“Put your hands out in front of you,” he directed, tilting his head when I hesitated for a mere second. “Do it or this chance will pass you by. And I don’t give a shit.”
I stuck out my hands, fighting the urge to smash his head in. I knew I was far too weak, but the attempt would do my soul some good. When I was adequately shackled, he backed away, grinning in the same manner as he’d always done.
“Good luck, fucker. You don’t deserve this, but what the hell.”
The door slammed and I heard the lock clicking into place. Suddenly I was freezing, the thin coveralls providing zero protection in any manner. After searching the room with my eyes, wincing from the fluorescent lights, I hung my head, trying to remember what a taste of freedom was actually like.
I had no idea how much time had passed but I heard the second door opening, footsteps on the dingy floor.
“Erik Trebold. You have a long and interesting record.” His voice was deep, the tone full of amusement.
I lifted my head, still finding it difficult to focus. He seemed larger than life, thick black hair and a stark white lab coat. “What do you want?”
He was followed in by another guard, only this one wasn’t wearing a gun.
“Your cooperation, Mr. Trebold, and for that, I’m willing to offer you a brand new life.
Would you like that? Would you enjoy spending time outdoors again, free to do whatever you want?
” He motioned toward the guard. “Remove his shackles and for God’s sake, get the man something to drink.
We’ll worry about food later. Jesus, what the fuck did they do to you? ”
The guard immediately responded, removing the chains. I rubbed my wrists, still trying to focus. The light was far too bright.
“What they do to all the prisoners,” I said, scoffing.
“Bastards think this is the right way to reform a prisoner.” He moved closer.
“What do I need to do for this great life?”
“Become a new man.” He laughed and laughed as he tossed a folder across the desk. “I’ll let you take a few moments to read over my offer. One time only. If I leave here today without your signature, then you will go back to prison.”
Shaken, I was pitched out of the vision and stumbled back several feet.
I hadn’t been able to see the man’s face, but I knew he held some importance.
If only I could remember what happened after that, before I’d signed my name and my life away.
I knew that something had occurred in between. Why the hell couldn’t I remember?
I saw the look of concern in Brexin’s eyes given my outcry, but the others remained quiet.
I took gulping breaths, finally glancing at the lovely woman.
A slither of anxiety pulsed through my veins.
For some damning reason, I had the distinct feeling that the female and I were connected, as if she’d been sent here for me alone.
The thought was stimulating yet terrifying.
If that was the case, then her life was in danger. I had no choice but to free her, to make certain that she was found. If not, the war would escalate at the wrong time, but I would be watching, and we would return soon enough.
And with no reservations, we would destroy the compound.