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I screamed as a shadow darted forward A hand slammed over my mouth “It’s me Raize Stop”

I ceased, gulping in relieved breaths I didn’t want to think about who ht’ve come in

A second later, when I relaxed, he pulled his hand away “I have water and food for you,” he whispered “Can you sit up?”

I nodded I’d gone days before without food and water But I was still a little light-headed He kept his hand on ave me the water bottle A sandas next, but I wasn’t sure I could s that I pushed it away, pulling

“I’m fine Just needed this”

I couldn’t see hi froht fro around in there

I wanted to ask what they’d done, but I could smell sulfur and sweat on Raize I didn’t want to knoho’d been on the other end

A different thought ca, did you?”

He tensed before relaxing, a slight chuckle co downway

“No It’s on your list, not mine”

I grunted “Good”

“You want to stay here?”

“You mean sleep on a bed?”

“Better than a sleeping bag”

“Won’t Cavers get suspicious?”

“I can go back, tell him I have you on a stakeout”

“He’ll still get suspicious I wouldn’t want to stay if you weren’t here Those guys are scary”

“They won’t do anything The door is locked”

“Right” I“Because I’m sure that’ll stop them”

He chuckled again Why did that make my insides warm as well?

“They won’t harm you I know them”

“I don’t, and that doesn’t o back”

Ito the bathroom When I caht A s

I walked past hio

I started for the truck, but hethe car Jake and I had driven a few days ago I got in That had only been three days ago? It seemed like a lifetime

“How long do you think we’ll be down here?” I asked

“I don’t know Why?”

“If we do this, and get everything set up, you think your boss will install you down here permanently?”

Raize glanced over “Why are you asking that?” His voice was rough, the edge was back

“I’ if it’s worth it to ask for mattresses at the house”

I could literally see him relax, onelocations soon”

Oh

Dammit

That bed felt nice