“Get the boy,” I told her.
She walked over to the sink. I followed her. We stood side by side.
“Kaiden, bring me the girls’ laundry.”
He didn’t respond.
“Kaiden!”
“Do what she says,” the guard growled.
Kaiden slid off his bunk, went over to the wicker basket in the corner, picked it up, and carried it to us, looking like he wanted to punch somebody.
“Bring it over here,” she told him, pointing at a spot between us.
He set the basket down with a sour look on his face.
“Don’t react,” I whispered.
He glanced at me.
“Show me your left hand.”
He glanced at Clover. She made big eyes at him. He showed me his left palm. Good. He knew right from left.
“The last latrine by the wall has a hole behind the board,” I murmured. “I’m going to make some noise. When I scream, Clover will kick the board. You’ll crawl into the hole. There is a loose stone at the end. Push it open and crawl out into a tunnel. Turn left and run until you find a door. Open it. Nod if you understand.”
He nodded.
“Remember, turn left. If you see the stairs, you’re going the wrong way, straight to Derog. Open the door and come right back. If they notice you are gone, they might kill the lot of us. You’ll have to be very fast. Do you understand?”
He nodded again.
I washed my hands under the water. There was a child’s blood under my fingernails. I shook my hands, wiped them on my dress, turned, and walked into the room. My heart was beating so fast, it actually hurt a little.
I needed to draw attention, and then I would need to hold it for at least three to four minutes.
I crossed the room and stood in front of the guard. This was a stupid plan. I would regret this.
I stared.
The guard looked at me.
I stared some more. Most people didn’t like to be stared at.
“What the fuck are you looking at?”
I stared.
“Are you fucking deaf?”
I stared.
He kicked the trunk out of the way, jumped to his feet, and started toward me. Well, that was easier than I thought.
“So, you’re gonna eyeball me now? Is that it?”
I opened my mouth.
