Page 52 of No One’s Daughter

He studied me for a long moment, something unreadable passing through his expression as he rubbed a hand along his jaw. “Don’t make me regret this.”

“I won’t.”

Another pause.

Then he reached in and removed the chains, and I stretched my numb limbs. Relief hit me instantly as the tension released and I rubbed at my wrists, wincing slightly before pulling myself out of the boot.

The ground felt uneven beneath my feet.

We were at a tiny, run down petrol station that looked like it had been forgotten in the late seventies and never quite caught up with the modern day. Two pumps. A dimly lit shop with flickering signage, and a toilet block off to the side that looked… questionable at best.

There was no else around.

“Come on,” he said, already moving, his hand catching lightly at my arm. He wasn’t as rough this time, but firm enough to remind me not to try anything.

He led me toward the toilets, pushing open the creaking door and stepping inside first. A fluorescent light buzzed faintly overhead, casting everything in a harsh, unflattering glow.

He began what I guessed was a quick sweep, checking the cubicles, glancing behind the door, even testing the tiny window above the sink.

“No exits,” he muttered, more to himself than me I think.

Then his attention snapped back to me. “Turn around.”

I hesitated.

“Now.”

I did as I was told and he patted me down.

He was efficient about it, quickly checking for anything I could use as a weapon—as if I’d have even thought to stash something. Once satisfied, he stepped back, giving a short nod.

“You’ve got five minutes.”

Then he left, and for the first time in, I didn’t even know how long, I was alone.

I stared at my reflection in the dirty mirror and grimaced.

Great.

I looked as bad as I felt.

Maybe even worse.

I hardly recognised myself. I felt bare without makeup on and my hair really needed a good brush.

But worse than that, I absolutely stank. I desperately needed a shower and some clean clothes that weren’t stained dark with mud, blood and God only knew what else.

I splashed some water on my face, then proceeded to attempt a quick heads to tail wash.

I looked back at myself afterwards, not feeling much better. But it would have to do.

“Where’s Marlette?” I asked, stepping out from the toilet block, finding Davien exactly where I’d expected—leaning against the wall, arms folded, like he hadn’t moved an inch.

No answer.

“I don’t suppose you have any cigarettes?” I tried, forcing a tight, pained smile. “I could really use one right about now.”

No.”