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 feltifferent 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 caed, 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
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