Mind Games - Page 235

“Fuck remorse. I’m out, staying out. And you’re dead.”

He lifted the gun; she lifted her sword. And as he swayed, eyes jittering, she sliced his hand at the wrist.

In the game, he screamed, and his screams echoed off the walls of segregation as he threw himself against the blue door with the narrow window.

In the prison room, Thea let out one shaky breath. “All those choices, all along the way. You always made the wrong one.”

Because they wanted to shake, she gripped her hands together in her lap as she watched his face sag, watched blood trickle from his nose, his ears.

She watched his eyes, those pale eyes, go blank.

“But you made the choices. Now you’re locked down, locked in, mind and body.”

When that body began to convulse, she spoke as calmly as she could. “Guard, I think he’s having a stroke.”

She sat as the guard rushed to Riggs, as he called for medical. She could see Riggs slumped in the bolted chair, and she could see him screaming in his cell.

When they escorted her out, she didn’t look back.

Howard put an arm around her waist. “Let’s get you out of here.”

“Yes, please.”

Musk didn’t speak until they stood outside the walls.

“What the hell happened?”

“He made bad choices.”

“The two of you sat there staring at each other for a solid half hour.”

“Is that all it was? It felt longer. He was given a gift, one he abused, corrupted, defiled. I took it away.”

“Are you okay?” Howard asked her. “You’re white as a sheet.”

“I will be. Thank you for being there. It helped me knowing that. I just want to go home now.”

“Okay, honey.”

Musk started to speak again, but Howard sent him a sharp look, shook his head, and guided her to where Ty moved quickly toward them.

“We’re going to turn you over. You stay in touch.”

“I will. If you ever need my help … anytime you need my help.”

“We’ll both hold you to that. You have a good life, Thea. You deserve one.” He gestured his former partner away.

“Jesus Christ, Chuck.”

“Put it away, Phil. It’s way above our pay grade. Just put it away.”

Ty rubbed her hands between his. “You’re cold. Your hands are cold.”

“I need to get away from here.”

“Okay. I’ve got you.”

He didn’t speak again until they drove away, until the prison walls receded.