Page 31 of Sadistic Retribution

Regret flits across his eyes. “I know. I hope I didn’t put her in more jeopardy.” He pauses, thinking. “I wonder if it’s a father thing, or a Mafia thing? If it’s a father thing, the others are getting arrangements too. It's not common for the Bratva, but it does happen.”

I chew over his words. “We can’t exactly outright ask. I think you should keep on Destiny’s tail, maybe bug her bag so we can hear the conversations? Ask Purge, I’m pretty sure he keeps those stocked in his room.”

He nods. “Sounds like a good idea. As much as I don’t want to find Harris, I think it’s in Killer’s best interest to get his ass back here.”

“Agreed. Let's go talk to Purge. He may have something by now.”

“The guy needs to sleep. Help me talk him into a short nap, at least?”

“Same page, Brother.”

Bryan

I'm on my back on the cold surgical table, tears streaming unchecked down my face. I don’t move a muscle as the masked tormentors ready an injection. I hope this one kills me.

I don’t bother fighting, just silently lay there like the corpse I wish I was.

“What, no protests?” Demon attempts to antagonize me, but I don’t even blink in response.

“Damn, did we break him already?” Skull questions.

“Nah, he’s not completely lost yet. Are you, Loverboy?” Demon kicks the table, jostling me. I turn my head away, refusing to answer.

“Well, get to it,” Demon snaps to Skull. It's a second, maybe two, until I feel a freezing cold sensation move slowly through my veins. It's painful, but I force myself to just accept it. My eyes blow wide open, and my mouth opens.

“Okay, next one!” Demon orders.

I've never done drugs, but I imagine this rush of euphoria followed by a racing heart, and manic thoughts are what uppers would do. Cocaine, speed, crystal—from what I’ve heard about what they do to you.

My back tries to bow, but I can’t move under the straps.

“Put him in with 9 after free time is over. That ought to be entertaining.”

Skull laughs. “Good idea. This will be fun.”

I'm unstrapped and hoisted up off the table. Skull grabs my upper arm with a death grip, marching me out. Presumably to where patient 9 is—whoever they are. Maybe they’ll kill me.

A guy can hope.

Chapter 12

Phoenyxx

6 and Iget back to the cells, but as I go towards mine, she grabs my arm. “You don’t have to. We get a whole hour outside our cells! But we have to stay in this cellblock, though.”

“Really? How many are in this block?”

“Um, let me see. You, me, 10—for the girls. 9 is here, too—but he’s super-scary. He eats people! Rumor is there’s someone else, but I’ve never seen him.” She shrugs.

“Wait, guys are here, too? Who’s 9? An actual cannibal?”

“He’s a maneater—literally.” She whispers theatrically. “Don’t get too close.”

What? Holy shit!

Before I can respond, I hear voices. I look up to see 10 walking straight to us. “Hey, I’m 10.” She holds out her hand. I'm supposed to shake hands, I remember this. I tentatively take her hand, and she shakes it firmly. “You are?”

“11.”