As quick as the spray hit us, it’s done. The shower is over, if you can call it that.
The guards lead us back inside. I glance over my shoulder at the outside world and the towering metal gates surrounding the property.
Even if I wanted to run and manage not to get shot, the collar was still on my neck, and the fence would be a bitch.
“Move!” the guard who sprayed us bellows out.
We trample through the building. We’re given a towel to dry off and clean our feet. They don’t want mud and dirt tracked through the house.
Ironic.
We’re led around the inside of the building on the first floor. It’s old and still smells musky. I’m grateful they’re not shucking us back into the basement prison.
There’s blue and white damask wallpaper on the walls. The carpet is plush but worn.
It reminds me of an old folk’s home. Worn. Forgotten.
Who lives here?
“Move!” one of the guard’s bark. He shoves the barrel of his gun at me.
I tremble—my heart races.
He laughs, his eyes glint with excitement, and it makes my stomach flop.
Does he know who I am?
Is that why I’ve been taken? Did the Ricci’s abduct me? I don’t know what Dante Ricci looks like, but I suspect he’s behind my kidnapping and imprisonment.
Who else would be such a monster?
Surely if they are looking for ransom, Papa will pay for my freedom. Won’t he?
Or is this a message to hurt my papa?
The girls in front of me shiver and wrap their arms around themselves. The air is still stale, but it’s strangely cooler on the first floor.
Maybe it’s the fact we’re all soaked.
The towels are snatched away.
We’re naked and at their mercy.
The ceiling fans are on high, buzzing and whipping about. It feels good against my skin.
“Girls!” Diamond’s voice permeates the room. “This way!” she leads the parade. I see her now, wearing a red sequin dress that hugs every inch of her body. She’s got a dynamite figure.
It almost makes me jealous.
Right now, I’m only jealous that she’s in control and commanding us to obey.
Diamond leads us into a small room. The windows are open inside, but metal bars have been welted to the inside. There’s no escaping.
The door slams shut behind the last girl who enters.
A lock clicks into place.
The same game another place.