Page 115 of Sadistic Retribution

“You can’t think like that,” Jax counters from the front seat. “Think positive. It will eat you alive otherwise.”

“Yeah, I get that... but this is literally life or death! How the fuck do normal people handle this level of stress?”

Trikk barks out a laugh. “Welcome to the club, Brother.”

I keep glancing at my phone, the seconds ticking away. Please hurry, Killer. Get that sexy ass back here!

Phoenyxx

I blow out a long breath as we’re waiting for the elevator doors to open. I turn to Purge, a crooked grin on my face. “You ready to Rage Out?”

“Oh, hell yes, Iskra. If you were underneath me right now, that would be perfection!”

I roll my eyes, my huge grin giving me away.

The doors start to open, revealing yet another hallway. I step out first, seeing an already open door. It's the water barrel room.

“This is the torture area,” I confirm. “We don’t have time to look, so just keep going.” I run to the end of the hallway, frantically looking for stairs, or another elevator. I’m moving so fast, I stumble. Out of nowhere, Synn rushes over to me, catching me.

Sweeping me up, he says “Don’t worry, Pazessca. I'm never going to let you fall again.”

I beat back the emotion filling my throat, concentrating on the task at hand. I try all the doors, and nothing. “Fuck!” I turn and run all the way to the other end. I don’t see an elevator, but I do yank open a door with stairs beyond.

Up or down? Fuck it.

“Go up!” I holler back to the others. We stampede up the stairs, going to what I hope is the right cell block. It seems to take forever for us to find a floor with a door, but I finally spot one on the floor we’re coming up on.

I open the door, looking out into the hallway, and frown when I don’t recognize it. I decide to go out there anyway and see a curve up ahead in the usually straight hallways. I break into a jog, careening around the corner, the others huffing to keep up with me.

My eyes widen as I see the arena door. “Fuck yes! Guys—this is the block I was on!”

Saying nothing, we form a battle lineup. Me in the lead, with the guys flanking me on all sides.

I get to 6’s cell, calling out. “6! It's me—11!”

I hear a squeal, and she rushes to the bars.

“My wifey! How are you here?” She looks past me, seeing all the guys. “Who are they? What's happening?”

“It’s a rescue mission, girl!”

“Wow... wow... I knew you were totes awesome!”

I nod to Purge. “Work your magic; we’ve got to open all these doors!” I look to the others. “Anyone else know how to pick locks? We're running low on time!”

“I do,” Ghost responds.

“So do I,” Razor adds.

“Good! Fan out and unlock all the cell doors.”

“All?” Razor asks.

“Yes, ALL. I can’t stomach the thought of leaving anyone stuck in these cells.”

“Roger that!” Razor salutes me, and him and Ghost run off to open doors.

By the time I tell those two what to do, Purge has 6’s door open. She throws herself dramatically into my arms. “We’re really leaving this place? I've never been anywhere else! At least, I don’t think I have...”