cel

ng my fingers together to stop the shaking. Of all the things I'v

il

hen that this was turning into something else. Something I woul

g more than an awkward encounter. "If you have concerns about my conduct as your doctor, you

d for my purse, careful not to rush or look at him. He di

t I couldn't just disappear without saying a word to Corey. So instead of searching for the near

weaving past bodies until I reached the door. The moment I was inside, I l

was n

is-undone, uncertain, and on the verge of losing contr

ter, trying to slow my thoughts. He had heard enough. That much was clear. Not everythin

to leav

inished. Not just tonight, but completely. Taking one last breath

men stood directly in my path. They were big, muscular,

oors. They didn't move or speak at first. They jus

aid, trying to s

locking my way. "You n

ammed again

ied quickly. "I don't hav

voice flat and emotionless. "When the b

bo

wled up

I said, forcing a tight s

d, strong fingers wrapped around my arm. I gas

voice cutting through the mu

ned. Then

despite my protests. I screamed again, but

rs slid shut. The man finally released my arm, but neither of

vator descended, the numbers dropping lower and lower. Each

I said, my voice shaking

anced at me. "

aid without any a

can

tled over me

to was beyond sirens, and handcuffs, and jail time.

ept in. Who were these men and why did they come f

on like that poss

s slid open and they guided me out with one of their hands back

walk on my ow

idn't

saw where we

It was darker, wider, and dirtier. The air felt

ifferent types of dangerous weapons were laid out in

weighed and sealed by women who wore nothin

alone made my stomach twist. Beside them stood a long steel table buried under stacks of ca

ed, something ill

a differe

around my che

th had I jus

opped walking until one of

movi

time, I didn't fight them. I didn't pull my arm away or threaten

ger in the n

e rules, laws, came

, there w

I didn't know what happened to people who resis

wal

ler here, quieter. The lighting was brighter too. The hallway was wide and

. It looked private, Important. And deep down,

ge black door. One of them knocked once. Just once but

it second, I thought about running. About turnin

I wouldn't

retched like an eternity. But then the door opened an

ffice. Like something you would find in a law firm or a corporate buildi

st made my

gined everything outside. That maybe this was jus

behind me shattered that lie. I turned quickly only t

. And alone

d wrapped my fingers around the handle. Before I could twist it,

able sound of a loc

rt ski

eeded to leave

o fast