Page 47 of The Captive Missing

Back in her uniform, Val beeped her way out of Room 115, but didn’t even hear the sound. She coasted along in the steady stream of traffic heading for the cafeteria. It was the early dinner phase and hundreds of bodies were shifting to line up to eat. Val recognized a few faces, gave a little wave or stopped to chat for a moment when beckoned. All the while, a solid close-lipped smile had settled into her vacant face.

Tonight’s dinner consisted of cauliflower mashed potatoes, that actually contained no potato, baked fish, green beans and a slice of lemon. There was no salt, no pepper, no butter and certainly no sauce. Carrying her full tray with one hand, Val stepped to the drink station and filled an opaque plastic cup with water. There was no ice and no soda. She could have tea, but fearing it would keep her awake, she passed it over.

Rotating around, Val’s eyes swept over the crowded tables, seeking an empty spot to sit. At the far end, she spied a few benches that had not yet been filled and headed for them. Eyes straight ahead, she didn’t glance down at the people as she passed so was surprised when she heard her name called.

Looking to her right, she saw Charlie waving her over. Mandy sat beside him, arms wrapped around his shoulders, chest pressed against his side. Hesitating a moment, Val was reluctant to join them. She had missed Charlie well enough, but Mandy’s sharp tongue was not easily forgotten. When Amber came up behind her and gave her a friendly nudge, the decision was made.

“Don’t you look fancy,” Charlie commented as Val and Amber wedged themselves down at the table. Mandy made a sour face.

“Thank you kindly,” Amber answered him with a knowing wink that made him laugh.

“Is that a southern drawl I detect?” Charlie shifted a little, trying to gain a bit of space.

“Hmmm, yes.” Amber picked at her fish with her fork. “New client.”

“Oh, I hate fantasy clients,” Mandy piped up. “I have one that makes me dress like a maid.”

“I’ll bet you make a pretty cute maid.” Charlie flashed a smile before picking up his glass. “Oh, man I’m out of water. Excuse me ladies-”

“I’ll get it.” Mandy shot up and snatched at his nearly empty glass.

When she was gone, Charlie rolled his eyes and sighed. Amber shook her head and looked conspiratorially at Val.

“That’s what the man gets for going there.”

“Except I didn’t,” Charlie corrected, shoveling in a bite of green beans. “I’m trying to be nice and everything, but a guy can’t hardly breathe when she’s around.”

“Well then that might be the problem. She wants what she can’t have. Maybe give her a little taste and see if she goes away.”

“I thought you just said she was clingy because I went there.”

For the entire time it took Mandy to refill the glass, Amber and Charlie debated the predicament at hand. He wasn’t interested, but Mandy was. They all had to live together, like it or not, so what should he do?

Val listened disinterestedly for a beat before tuning them out completely. These sort of relationship problems were common among captives, especially long-term agency owned ones. Sleep with enough people and eventually everyone you lived with was your ex.

The second Mandy returned, the conversation died.

“So, how did your first appointment go then?” Amber addressed Val in an attempt to break the awkward silence.

“You saw a client today?” Charlie’s eyes narrowed.

“Not exactly.”

Val shoveled in her food with impolite abandon. Skipping lunch had made her ravenous. Not only that but the portions were much smaller to begin with so any bite you missed made a significant impact.

“Well don’t tell us all at once,” Amber complained.

“I guess I just don’t know what to say.” Val paused to take a sip of water, noted Amber’s frown and the worry that played in Charlie’s eyes.

“Because you only say what you’re told to by someone else,” Mandy supplied, anxious to make a point. “If you’re not Jason Riggs’ personal puppet, then you’re Cambric’s.”

“That’s not fair.” Charlie leaned away from Mandy with a scowl.

“But it’s the truth. You just can’t seem to see it.” Mandy pointed to Val. “She’s not here to help you get out. She’s not here to help anyone, or find the missing. She didn’t even know about them. She’s just here.”

“Mandy. Shut. Up.” Charlie’s voice rose, drawing the attention of a few tables around them.

“Why are you defending her? Is it because you want her? Do you have feelings for her or something?”

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