Page 95 of Caged

“Just don’t tell Jamie,” Jack fake-whispered.

“I’m the one bringing your clothes.” Jamie reminded me.

“Steak trumps clothes,” I teased.

He didn’t miss a beat. “Unless I forget them.”

Ma cut our banter short. “Do you think it’s a good idea? There’s a reason the doctor ordered this food for you.”

Her fear was unfounded. Just because I hadn’t had a real meal in four days didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy a nice, juicy, tender steak.

“Mary, let the boy eat,” Dad said.

Thanks, Dad.

“I’m starving, not sick.” I comforted her as I tore the top off the green jello, and sucked the sweet, jiggly glob out of the plastic cup.

My brothers laughed and Dad pretended he didn’t see it while Mom reminded me she’d raised me better.

When Paul returned with more salt and pepper, I thanked him and sent him on his way. “Anyone want some bland as fu- some bland chicken?” I asked, shoving a spoonful of the potatoes in my mouth.

Even Ma said no. Ten minutes later AJ snuck in with my steak.

“You’re a life saver,” I said as I opened the to-go container—the rich scent of beef invaded my nose, making me drool. “Now that smells like food.”

I cut the steak into tiny bites and forced myself to eat slowly, savoring every bite.

I should take Cate out for steak when this was over.If she’ll let me.

After eating half my steak, and most of the toppings off the loaded baked potato he’d gotten as a side, I dozed off. Much to my irritation I was told I couldn’t see Cate when I woke up.

Visiting hours were over. A fickle rule, since my visitors were still here.

“I checked on her while you were sleeping. She’s stable,” Dad assured me. “You can see her in the morning.”

I huffed and dropped back to my pillow.

Chapter 35

Cate

Beep. Beep. Beep.They changed the alarm.

I wanted to block out the incessant beeping noise stabbing into my brain like an ice pick, but I couldn’t move.

Franks must have given me another drug, because I couldn’t feel anything, not like when yanked my head back and slammed his mouth over mine.

I can’t hear Jay.Panic set in.

What’d they do to him? What was in the syringe? Had Franks already killed him?

I wanted to open my eyes and check, but my muscles ignored the command. Maybe unconscious was better, so Jaden wouldn’t have to watch Franks rape me.

Beep.Beep.Beep.If I die, at least I’ll never have to hear another alarm.

A crash sounded. Suddenly, everything happened in slow motion.

Franks shooting Jay. I couldn’t move to save him.

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