Page 72 of Rescuing Rebel
“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” I keep my voice low and comforting.
The girl hesitates, her small body poised to flee, but unable. She’s a bundle of nerves and clutches a book to her chest.
A book?
“What are you doing wandering alone?” I ask gently.
“I’ve done nothing wrong. I have library privileges and can move about some now that I’m an Angel. It’s better than...” Her voice trails off, a tremor of fear rippling through her words.
“Better than what?” I prod, my gut twisting with what she’ll say next.
The girl shivers, hugging the book tightly. “The—the cages below.” She points toward the floor. “Rebel said becoming an Angel was my best chance to avoid being sold to awful men.” The words spill out, tinged with horror.
My pulse quickens, the world narrowing to this moment. “Rebel recruited you to be an Angel?” It’s the confirmation of Kaufman’s words I never wanted to hear.
“She saved me.” Defiance enters the girl’s eyes, a spark of something unbreakable. “I chose to live rather than die like that. If I work really hard, apply myself, and draw the eye of a buyer—”
“That doesn’t sound like she’s saving you.” None of what this girl says makes sense.
She lets out a deep sigh. “It’s better than the alternative.”
The machinery of my mind whirs, pieces clicking into place. Rebel hasn’t fully turned against us. I still don’t know what she’s doing here, but she’ssavingat least some of the trafficked women from a fate worse than death. I have to believe she’s resisting the evil infecting this place.
Resisting Kaufman.
A faint glimmer of hope stirs within me.
“You shouldn’t be out walking alone.” As far as I know, women aren’t allowed the freedom to wander. I gesture down the long hall, my voice gentle but firm.
She tries to scurry away, her footsteps a soft patter against the unforgiving floor, but the abrupt clatter of heavy footsteps freezes her in place.
The girl’s fear lingers in the air, a tangible cloud of despair. When Kaufman appears around the corner, his eyes narrow, and a deep scowl takes over his hardened face.
The girl cowers under Kaufman’s baleful stare, her body shrinking back as if trying to become invisible.
“Library privileges are granted to get a book and return to your quarters, not to linger in the halls talking to my men. Go. And tell Rebel your privileges have been revoked.” He dismisses her with a sharp clap.
“Yes, sir.” She flees down the hall, tears streaming down her cheeks, her hurried steps echoing the rhythm of a terrified heart.
Kaufman turns to me. “Why are you speaking to that girl?” His demand cuts through the air, sharp and cold.
I spread my hands, the very picture of innocence, my voice smooth and controlled. “My mistake, idle curiosity. I was unaware Angels had privileges to roam freely.”
Kaufman’s eyes bore into mine, suspicion sparking in their dark depths. “They earn certain rewards through proper training and demonstrating impeccable behavior.” His words twine through the air like serpents, sinister and smooth. “Iris just lost those hard-earned privileges.”
“Because she was talking to me?”
“Because shestoppedto talk to you.”
“What’s the difference?”
“They are to go and return. Stopping is not permitted.”
“Wish I’d known. I wouldn’t have stopped her.”
“She knows the rules. It’s none of your concern.”
“As that may be, I have other concerns.”