Page 114 of Sadistic Retribution

I nod in appreciation, climbing in after Valley and Frost. “I’m Jax,” the big guy introduces himself, putting out his hand to shake. He motions to the driver. "This guy here is one of my military guys, Trav.” The other guy gives a small wave. He seems tall too, with messy hair and glasses.

“This vehicle has bulletproofed glass, steel reinforcements, and everything needed to make it a fortress on wheels. You'll be safe in here,” Jax informs us.

“Good,” Frost replies on a soft exhale. “How much time do they have?”

Jax checks his watch. “About twelve more minutes. They just got to the fence when the timer started. Don't worry, we have eyes on them.”

“Twelve minutes?” I gulp oxygen, fighting past panic. “How the hell can they even stand a chance?”

“Remember, they’re getting only Bryan, 3, and 6 out of there. If they hustle, they can make it.” Jax says.

Harris shoots me a sympathetic look. “Have faith. They will all get back here in time. Our girl has enough motivation to get it done by herself.”

I nod in agreement. I just sure as fuck hope so!

Phoenyxx

I break into a sprint when I see the cells ahead. I can hear whimpers. I lurch to a stop when I see Bryan in the original cell we were held in together.

“Thank God! Bryan—it's me, Phoenyxx. I'm with Synn, Ghost, Razor, and Purge. We're getting you the hell out of here.”

He looks up slowly. Shaking his head, he says, “Don’t bother. I have nothing to live for anymore.”

Synn marches right up to the cell door. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Purge approaching the lock, working on getting it open. “Your girl is alive, idiot!”

His head jerks up, eyes widening. “Don’t lie to me, man! I saw her!”

Synn jaw works. “She. Is. Fucking. Alive. Tell him, Pazessca!”

“She is, Bryan,” I say. “I've been with her. She made me promise to bring you back to her.”

He breaks down into tears. “My Valley... my God... thank you, thank you!”

Purge gets the lock open, throwing the cell door open wide. Bryan scoots out, taking a spot next to us. He has clothes on, though he’ll still be cold. I start to shrug off my hoodie, but Razor beats me to the punch.

He hands his over. “Put this on, man. You need to keep warm.”

Wow. Razor just did that... I smile at him, blowing him a kiss. He beams back at me.

“We’re getting two more out, Bry,” I explain. “Just stick to us like glue.”

“Okay,” he says on a shaky breath.

We push forward, and I know I have to find the old cell block. These hallways make no sense, and I also know there are elevators somewhere.

We trudge on through the hall. I check every door I see. I see the elevators up ahead and turn back to tell the guys where I think we’re at.

“We were taken on this to go to the torture rooms. I'm pretty sure the cell block is in a different part of the building, though.” I chew my lip, trying to think. “Let’s just take the elevator to the torture rooms. Maybe I can track from there.”

We all crowd in, and I lean forward to press the “down” button. My stomach lurches, but my spine is steel. I know time isn’t on our side, so I plan to fucking run.

Frost

I'm supposed to be the voice of reason, the calm in the storm. I am anything but right now. I’m shaking my knee, twiddling my fingers on the seat next to me.

“Bro, you good?” Trikk turns to look at me, noticing my anxiety. Yes—anxiety. Me.

“I’m nervous,” I admit. “What if the time runs out, and they’re not out of there? Or if they get caught?”