FoA S3 Chapter 15

A **** cabin is understandably difficult to peek into, but there are cracks in the windows and tiny spots where the newspapers don’t fully cover it. Unfortunately, being able to see inside only brings you bad news: the windows have bars on them.

You are watching as Connell cuffs Vicky and Joey to some of those very bars. The smell from inside the cabin is equal parts damp and stale, but at least it doesn’t smell like decomposing bodies. It’s quiet this deep in the swamp, so you have to be careful about every move you make. Connell will easily hear you out here if you make a mistake.

Once the prisoners are secure, Connell emerges from the cabin to sit in the grimy, plastic chair out front. She kicks back and lights a cigarette, slouching in the chair. She gazes through a gap in the trees at the blue sky without any idea that you’re just twenty feet away.

You can’t get past her. And the back door to the cabin is literally chained shut. The windows are barred. The front door is the only way in. If Connell would just leave, you could get in there and try something. What about the handcuffs? The truck had a toolbox in the back. Maybe there’s a saw or some bolt cutters or something.

You just need her to leave.

She doesn’t. Twenty minutes later you’re drenched with sweat, pickled in the humidity, and being destroyed by mosquitos.

Connell finally sits up as you hear an engine.

A large and no doubt expensive, Silver SUV pulls up and Connell gets to her feet. The woman who emerges is a little smaller than Connell, but more refined and put together. Her beautiful tan and glossy black hair make her striking in jeans and a sporty, white, leather jacket. Whoever she is, she takes care of herself. Those jeans are very flattering.

She follows Connell into the cabin and you return to your spot at the window with a rock in hand. You’ll have to throw it as a distraction; it’s the only thing that you can think of. Rushing in there will just get everyone shot. You have to stall for time.

“Hi, Z,” Joey says, sounding resigned.

“Who is this?” Z asks, speaking with a faint Latin accent. She doesn’t even acknowledge Joey.

“Not sure,” Connell admits, joining Z in looking at Vicky, who is stoically silent. Vicky’s expression betrays nothing. “Found her in a hotel room with another girl. Thought they were turning tricks. I’m not so sure now. She don’t act like a crack whore.”

“What did the other girl look like?” Z asks, frowning at Vicky.

“Looker. A little butch acting, but nice body. Pretty. Color like yours. As tall as me.”

Z shakes her head. “Doesn’t ring any bells. They probably came from out of state. Did you check for their ads online?”

“Didn’t get a chance.”

“Will anyone miss her?” Z asks, looking at Vicky.

“Blonde bimbo in Florida?” Connell shrugs with a snort. “Plenty more where that came from.”