Page 30 of On Your Life

It seems like he needs an escape from reality, even if it’s only for a few hours at a local dive bar.

“Not it!” he says with a laugh as he runs out the front door.

The last time I had to be our designated driver I had to carry his big ass into the house because he was so out of it. This time, he’s sleeping in the car. I’m sure this will be an eventful night.

Chapter 16

Kira

My arm is still sore from the IV they used to give me the antivenom. The jumpsuit scratches against the small wound, a dull reminder of the night that could have broken me. Instead, it gave me an epiphany. The vile guard didn’t realize he was handing me the keys to my revenge.

The phone rings loudly in my ear, the static growing louder with every passing second. She has to answer. And hopefully, if I can just get the words out without someone overhearing me, she’ll figure out what I’m trying to say.

The guard sits over at the desk across the room, unmoving as usual. At least I don’t have to worry about the lazy ones.

My gaze drops to his shiny black shoes, watching the light reflect across them as he bounces his foot. Then the line clicks. My head snaps up.

“Hannah!” I nearly yell her name.

“Kira I thought I would never hear from you,” she whispers.

Her husband thinks I’m guilty like fucking everyone else. I never liked the bastard. As soon as I get out of here, he’s going to know exactly what I think of him.

“Sorry, I had to go to the garage. Kyle would flip if he knew I was talking to you,” her voice levels out, returning to normal.

“Please leave that piece of shit. You know I didn’t do it.”

“He’ll come around. The news only shows the bad things, but I think I’ve started getting him to doubt it,” she says.

I squeeze my eyes shut and inhale deeply. As much as I want to catch up with her, my time on the phone is limited. There is so much I need to say but that stupid limp dick having guard has pushed me to my limit.

“I need a favor,” I rush out. “I’ll owe you so big. Please.”

We’ve been friends since high school. The most destructive time in our lives. When we were young enough to think we were invincible and life would bend to our will. Somehow through all of the disasters, all the secrets, and petty drama, our bond had survived. It’s unshakeable. At least, I need it to be.

“Yeah, anything. What do you need?” she asks eagerly.

“Do you know that thing that your husband had on your vacation? You had to go get it in the middle of the night. You were so pissed.”

“Um…” she ponders.

Confusion fills the line. We don’t have time for confusion.

“I need it. Can you come visit me?” My voice drops to a plea. “I will owe you my life. Please.”

“Kir, I don't know. That’s a big ask. How do I even visit? When do I visit?” she asks.

This may actually work. Butterflies do backflips in my stomach so violently I think I might puke. I swallow hard to force the nausea back down.

“I’ll ask the guard today and I’ll call you soon. I’ve seen people going for visits already so I know it’s a thing. Thank—.”

The line goes dead before I can finish. Please understand what I was asking.

Please.

Eyes and ears are everywhere here. I don’t know much about prison, but I know enough to understand that privacy is a fantasy. They listen to calls and they watch every move you make. There are cameras everywhere. We can’t even shower in peace.

The thought of a shower makes my heart kick against my ribs. I have been washing off in my sink since it happened. It’s humiliating, but humiliation is easier to swallow than the alternative.