He too, had put on fresh clothes.
He brushed his hair back bashfully when he saw my reaction.
“Gary gave me some of his clothes.” He tugged on the yellow and green leather bomber jacket. His shirt was black, with GARY written on the front. His new pants were skin tight. The only thing remaining were his black boots.
“You look good,” I said, going to him. I hugged him tightly, and he kissed the top of my head.
“You do too, brat.”
Gary cleared his throat, and we pulled away.
“Well, what next?” Riot asked me.
“We need to find Cal and the others.”
Riot looked at Gary. “Thank you, Gary, for the food, showers, and hospitality. I think we need to start searching for our friends.”
Gary nodded, having read our minds.
“Indeed. Well, take some food and water. The doors to the outside are back in the lobby. The code to the door is 112018.”
I looked at Riot, but my question was directed at Gary.
“I was kind of curious about the levels above. Should we look and see if there’s anything that could help us find them?”
Gary shrugged. “Sure, everything’s open. Just use the code. Although, I’d stay away from floor 23. There’s a woman torturing the last group of people up there.” He shuddered. “She’s been at it for weeks.”
Chapter 64 - Callahan
Have faith in your final ghoul.
Iwoke up again, groggy and my mouth dry. I was exhausted, even though I hadn’t done much since we’d arrived on this floor. Myrtle kept us drugged, only waking us up to give us water. Whatever she was injecting into us must be keeping us from starving to death.
“How long has it been?” I asked after she let me drink.
She crouched down on her knees and patted my cheek.
“It’s only been a few weeks, darling. You’re all so dramatic. You act like I’ve been keeping you here for years. I haven’t even done anything yet.”
“Bullshit.” I coughed and slouched over. “We’re captives. Let us go.”
“You know I can’t do that, Callahan. Or can I call you Daddy?” She grinned.
“Fuck you!” I tried to spit, but I had no liquid to offer. “You don’t get to ever call me that.”
“Oh, is that reserved forher?” She stood, pulling back the water canteen.
“Why do you hate her so much? She’s your daughter.” My body ached, needing to move, to drink—to do something.
“By DNA only. I have no bond with that girl. She was just a tool. Come, let’s get you up. Your body must be stiff from sitting in that position for so long.”
Myrtle tugged me up but refused to let me out of my restraints. Holding onto me, she helped me inch forward. As I walked, I realized that Boone and Soda weren’t here anymore.
“Where are my friends?” I croaked.
“My other men were put in their own rooms. I didn’t want you all talking to each other. You’ll never learn to love me if you continue to plot against me.”
“I’ll never love you.”
