My eyes water but I wipe them away with the back of my hand. “Don’t fucking let anyone hurt her or the deal is off.”
Things again right with the Almighty, I catch a few hours of sleep but when the nightmares come, I give up, and return to the cube farm. Somehow, somewhere, Sam left us a clue. We just need to find it.
Chapter Nineteen
Sam
Cries of despair strengthen my resolve to save these teens. I want to give them hope but no matter how hard I try, words fail me. Suds would know what to say. Me? I’m the researcher, the wizard of odds, the woman behind the curtain. Shit. Right now, I’m more like Dorothy falling down in a field of poppies.
Where the hell is Glinda when you need her, huh?
Beside me, Sienna hums softly and it gives me an idea. “You know any uplifting gospel songs? Something to give these girls hope? Something everyone will know?”
Her brows crease then her eyes lift to mine. “How about Rise Up, by Adra Day?”
“Yeah.” I give her a big hug. “Do it.”
At first, Sienna sings so softly, I can barely hear her over the roar of the engine. Note by note, she crescendos until music pours out of her like Jesus Christ decided to park his holy ass in the middle of our dirty cell.
By the time we all belt out the final refrain, tears are pouring down my face. Damn, the star can sing. She finishes with Amazing Grace and I’m on my knees, hands clasped in prayer.
“God, keep Suds safe. Help him to find us and help me keep these girls alive until he does. And by the way, while you’re at it? World Peace. And… a pit stop to pee would be much appreciated.”
Jumping up and down, my legs clamped together, I hop toward the oldest girl in the truck. “Is there any place I can use for a bathroom?”
She nods her chin toward a hole in the floor. “There.”
Hands tie wrapped behind my back, I need help to unbutton my jeans and after, much relieved, I pull up my pants. As I do, I contemplate escape. Under the cutout, a pan held by wires catches most of the solid fecal matter while liquid overflows onto the road. Below that, the pavement goes by so fast even if I could squeeze through, I’d die on impact or get flattened by the truck’s massive tires.
Ripping a piece of my shirt, I toss it through the opening and watch it flutter away. It’s probably about as effective as Hansel’s breadcrumbs, but hell, I need to try something.
Sienna finishes doing her business then sidles next to me. “How much longer you figure we’re going to be stuck in here?”
“I have no idea but if we’re lucky, hours.”
“I don’t follow you.”
“See all these blond heads? I’m guessing we’re headed overseas.”
“Shit. The guys will find us though, right?” Her voice sounds so hopeful, I don’t dare share. Statistically, we’re fucked.
I shoot her a reassuring smile and hope she buys it. “We just have to survive until they find us but, it might… you know… get bad.”
She stares at the bedraggled group of young women. “You want me to help explain what might happen?”
“Uh-huh, but try not to panic them. Survival is key.” While working for the FBI, I learned way too much about sex trafficking. The less they fight, the less likely they are to be killed.
Done talking, Sienna leads them in prayer which comforts everyone but me because I’ve just about had it with the Almighty. If He’s so damn powerful, why not give me a sign? On second thought, not hearing Him reply is probably a blessing.
When all the girls shout amen, I nudge my new friend. “You the daughter of a preacher man?”
“Nah. I was raised agnostic but Andy’s mom is a real believer. I guess she’s rubbed off me. The first time we met, she tricked me into singing with her church choir.”
“Well, everyone seems a lot better, emotionally. Thank you.”
We sit with our own thoughts as I wriggle my hands under my ass and bring my arms forward. Inspecting the plastic tie wraps, I nibble as our metal jailhouse heats. Only when my mouth dries and lips crack, do I give up.
Some in the truck cry and some sleep but my mind spins with possible scenarios of escape. It’s all up to me. The longer we drive, the less likely Suds will find us.
