A/N: Dude, this is what happens when I take three days to write a chapter- it ends up being nine pages long and even then I had to cut it off. I wanted to keep going. Which lucky for you, means an update tomorrow. Yay. Any mistakes I make about police procedure are my own- sadly I'm not a cop- just know what I learned through research and on tv.
Disclaimer: Still not mine. The more I write- the more depressing that fact is.
I stood at my closet door, digging desperately through the clothes – or lack thereof – inside, with my head cocked at an awkward angle and my phone biting into my shoulder. The reception is tinny and filled with slight white noise – which normally I hate but today I am thankful for. I hardly ever use the damn cordless anyway – it's awkward and unclear, but Dad bought it for me, and at times like this – where I can be berated by my mother and try to pack a bag for work at the same time – it's invaluable. I flip through the outfits in my closet , searching for classy junkie- a look I don't exactly just have laying around, and roll my eyes at my mother as she speaks.
"Mom-" I broke off, as she had started another tangent and I can't seem to get a word in edge wise. My eyes light up as I spot a black mini skirt from college – that could work. Yanking it out and throwing it in the bag on top of my hooker boots – the ones I refused to leave at work because I freaking loved them so much, they looked great under jeans – I turned my attention to the tops next, doing my best to ignore my mother's voice as I did so. "Mom – it's not like I had a choice-" I lied easily, flicking through the tops as I did it. Purple- ugh. No, black would be too much black- maybe red? I dug deeper into my closet, shoving clothes aside. Digging is an unfortunate side effect of have a closet the size of a postage stamp and enough clothes to fill a room. Finally I grasped the shirt I was looking for. It was a long sleeved red top – silky and close fitting with a deep vee in the front. I'll need my good bra for this.
"- I mean, they have no right to keep you there for three weeks Lexi- you haven't had a day off in three weeks, and I've half a mind to call someone and complain. I mean who is that Captain of yours?"
"Mom, no! Are you crazy? I'm new- that's why I'm working so much- and you yourself said if I want to get out of here quickly-" Which I really don't - "I have to make the best possible impression. Believe me, I don't want to work today – I would much rather be home -" As if. "But I have to. I can't pass opportunities like this up." All of which sent her off on a tagent about why did all of her kids feel the need to go and try and get themselves killed every single day, and why couldn't she have been a doctor or a lawyer, or someone who didn't sleep with a gun. I sighed softly listening to her, finally finding the really great black bra I was looking for, and exchanging the one I was wearing under my blue shirt for it. A feat not to be unappreciated, especially as I did it with the phone still to my ear and my neck permanently touching my shoulder. Walking over to the kitchenette area, I looked at the clock again – wondering if I should cab it or grab the train. Cab. I wouldn't be able to hoist Mom off the phone quick enough anyway.
"Mom – enough, please." I finally broke through her little rant. "If I had been a doctor or a lawyer, you'd probably see me even less, and believe me you don't have to carry a gun to get shot- just face one. Me carrying one just evens up the odds a little. Mom, I have to go-"
"Well, I'm so sorry that you can't even make time for your mother today. Apparently you're too busy off nabbing drug heads or whatever it is you are doing today – but if you want to go off while your poor mother hasn't even gotten the time of day – fine." She huffed on the other end, and I closed my eyes, trying not to bang my head repeatedly into the counter- or the phone.
"I'm sorry Mom – it's just that you've been doing nothing but yell- I assumed we were done with the two way comversation part of the call." I gritted through my teeth as slowly as possible. I assume she was mollified by this because she started up again – this time going on about Tommy and how he traced his own hand – his own hand, Lexi imagine that – all by himself too. I bit my lip, and searched through my tiny cupboards for my instant coffee. I'll need it for the rest of this, I was sure. A knock comes from my door, and I glanced over in surprise. I hadn't buzzed anyone in – and unless it was the super, or someone at the wrong apartment... I walked over, grabbing my gun from the table by the door- just in case – you never knew. I looked through the peep hole. And then immediately pulled back, an odd smile on my face and a slight tingle in my stomach. Goren- Goren was standing outside my apartment. I stared at the door for a second, the sound of my mother's voice buzzing in my ear, and heard a second knock- this one more forceful. "Just a second." I called out, my hands fumbling with the chains and the phone once again relegated to the crook between my ear and shoulder.
"Lexi- who are you talking to?" My mother's voice burst through and I swung the door open. If possible he looked better in daylight- standing there in jeans and a dark shirt under a beaten leather coat, and holding two cups of coffee – oh my God coffee!
"If one of those is for me, I may love you right now." I stepped back, and he walked into the room with a slight smile, holding one cup out. I snatched it, bringing it closer to my face and inhaling it's lovely coffee scent.
"Love who? Alexandra Coleen Eames you answer me this second!" I lowered the cup, wondering how my mother was capable of killing my 'hot guy brought me coffee' buzz in ten words.
"Mom! Lord- someone just got here, with coffee. That's it, I swear." I waved him over to the left side of the room, that I like to pretentiously call my dining room – since it has a small table with two chairs.
"Who got there?" I could practically hear the slyness ooze out of her voice and I froze. Damn. No way in hell am I telling her it's a guy.
"Mike. She's uh- dropping me off at NEU. So – unfortunately I have to go." I rolled over any protest she might make and ignored the looks Goren was giving me at being declared to be my female boss.
"Lexi – are you-"
"Seriously Mom. I'm sorry I can't make it- but the next few days I have off, I'll stay over night- I swear." I paused- waiting and praying – and finally she huffed slightly in irritation.
"Alright Lexi- just- be careful, and I love you, all right?"
"I love you too Mom. Bye." I hung up the phone before she could yell or ask another question or wonder why exactly my guest has been completely silent. Dropping the phone on the table, I sat down in one of the two chairs. Taking a large sip of the coffee – it's black and sweet and just how I like it. I looked up at him with a smile once I've put it down. "So not that I ever question people who bring me coffee- especially when I'm out – but why are you here, exactly?"
He sat in the chair across from me gingerly. My table and chair set are beautiful and I love them, a mosaic table done in pieces of ivory and rose colored ceramic, but the chairs are tiny wrought iron things you'd normally see outside cafe's that have outdoor seating. Fortunately, it doesn't break – just makes him look ridiculously large in a tiny chair. "Well- I figured you might like a ride. I knew your address, and your neighbor- Mrs. Moesher – was on her way in – I helped her carry her groceries and let her tell me all about her four cats. Your name is listed inside on the buzzer."
"Offering a ride and coffee. And they say you can never meet the perfect man." I laughed slightly, cradling the cup in my hands and taking another sip.
"Hardly perfect." He mumbled slightly, glancing around the room. "Wow – it's-"
"Small? Cozy? Low maintenance? Come on, I've heard them all." I grinned, knowing my apartment is tiny. But it's bright, and has great wood floors and enough room – barely – for my bed, my sofa and desk and my table set.
"Very you." He finished and I looked up in question. "Small – but well put together." I laughed, and maybe blushed a bit – not that I'd admit it.
"Well, I haven't heard that one before." I stared down at my cup and silence reigned for a moment. He seemed fine with the lack of noise- but it made me nervous. I'm not used to quiet. Ever. "And you're here two hours early, why?"
"Well, I figured you'd take the train, and the trip takes 43 minutes, adding in time to get to the station, you would have left at approximately around 2:03 – or 1:42 if you wanted time to get coffee or just leave time to get lost – miss stops, that type of thing. You strike me as a planner so I figured on the earlier time. I didn't want to miss you – so I got here early." I smiled as he spoke, a grin that spread across my face. He stopped speaking, and looked around, almost as if embarrassed by his speech. "Sorry- I – kind of overthink things sometimes." He stared at me a moment, and I almost got the sense he expected something from me, but I'm wasn't sure what.
"It's better than not thinking at all. And you're right – if I was taking the train today I would have left at 1:42 – maybe earlier. I tend to miss stops a lot. Something about the subway allows for deep thinking that lets you forget where you're going." His gaze on my face seemed startled – by what I'm wasn't sure, but a smile crossed his face and he shifted, causing the chair to creak ominously. Suddenly a look crossed his face that is slightly distressed.
"If you were taking the train? Did you actually have a ride- I'm sorry-" he stood suddenly, looking around as though he forgot where the exit was. Which was impossible as everything in my place was ten feet away.
"No." I admonished him, standing too and frowning. "I was going to take a cab. So you're saving me money- so much so that I'll let you drive me somewhere to get breakfast. I'll even buy." I walked the ten feet over to my bed and grabbed my bag. Confusion crossed his face as he took in the bag, and I pulled on my coat with a smile. "My clothes for tonight. What I'm wearing now doesn't exactly scream desperate junkie seeking to trade hook ups for coke." His eyes wandered over what I'm wearing, and I turned to open the door, my skin tingling. He stepped out behind me and I locked the locks, before starting down the stairs with a secretive smile playing around my mouth.
We had breakfast at one of those corner shops that specialize in things that aren't good for you. The conversation was minimal – he seemed happy to just be silent and eat- occasionally telling me bits and pieces about the crew I'd be working with today. Occasionally he would tell stories of busts made in the past, and I would laugh, but not too much. Mostly I sat for an hour, terrified that I would say or do the wrong thing. Which was stupid, I knew – but I swore he made me feel like a sixteen year old on her first date again – which was ridiculous. I wasn't this girl – the one who tried to be quiet and just impress the guy she was with. I hadn't been that girl since my first boyfriend Patrick Doherty had thought I would just smile and nod my way into bed with him. All it had taken was a good left hook and he hadn't thought it again. In fact he had barely looked at me again for the remaining three years of high school. After that I decided it was better to just be me up front- less after date scuffles. My father had cherished that story for years afterward- I think it comforted him when I would go out.
Before I knew it , I was standing in front of a group of men , mostly scruffy looking and as far from what you though of as cops as you could get. Narcotic officers were under cover so often any civilian would have trouble picking them as a cop if they were walking down the street. But overall, they seemed like an alright bunch of guys – I was used to narcs since Sean was one over in Brooklyn North – he loved his job even if it drove Mom nuts and Mindy hardly slept when he was out on busts. So from experience I knew that narcotics was 90 percent planning with 10 percent adrenaline pumping busts. They seemed to accept me at Goren's simple introduction, asking me how I liked Vice and one of them, Smith I think- asking if Sean Eames was my brother. When I replied in the affirmative, they all turned to me with a new look in their eyes – almost all of them, including Goren surprisingly, had worked with Sean.
"Alright girls, enough chit chat – time to get to business." A burly man with low set eyes and a fierce glare entered the room. All talk ceased, and I could only assume this was their sergeant. He stood at the front of the room, an imposing presence, and glowered out over the group. "Alright, as we all know, we're hitting club 321 – the objective is to get the girl in there, have her purchase and try to get into the back- once she does- and we confirm that they're cooking like we all know they are – we can move in. Jack, Sanchez and Smith are on radio ops outside. Goren you're inside and I'll be working the perimeter. Now where's the girl?" He spoke in a rushed tone, and I bristled a bit at constantly being referred to as 'the girl'. I could kick half these guys asses, and it irritated me being referred to by gender alone.
"Eames sir- and she's here." Smith spoke from behind me, and the sergeant's eyes landed on me.
"Kinda scrawny, aren't ya? Ah well – I suppose it'll work for you. Junkies aren't exactly pin up girls are they?" I stared ahead of me coldly, not really looking at him but through him. He seemed to be waiting for a reaction, but when I refused to give him one, he shrugged and looked down at me. "Anyway- did you have any questions?" I was silent for a moment, wanting to just stay silent, but I needed information that he could give me. Finally meeting his gaze, I asked.
"What happens if I get back there and there's no cook house?" My voice was strong and sure, but the mere thought of being trapped back there, unable to blow cover and with no grounds for back up to come in terrified me.
"Goren'll handle it. Just give a signal." I remained stone faced, but inwardly I wondered what the hell Goren could actually do. "And if that's it, I'll see you all out here and ready at 22:00. Got it?" Without waiting for a response, he left the room and I stared after him in disbelief.
"Shit no wonder Mike hates him." I muttered, only to hear Smith laugh behind me.
"Yeah- he and Mike have what I would call a hate hate relationship. Lucky for us though, Mike actually likes Goren. Lord knows why-" I turned in my chair, to see Smith grinning and hanging over the desk portion of the student chairs that were in the room. Goren was sitting one aisle over, slouched down and ignoring Smith's words. "But there you have it. Sarge is just pissed anyway- we're two men short. I mean- normally we're one man short anyway- we have an empty spot in the squad, but George was shot last week in a bust. He's fine, but laid up, and we're short staffed."
"Why didn't he let me take one of our guys then?" I asked, curious – I saw Goren stiffen slightly in his chair and stare straight down.
"Did Mike offer one of your guys? Hmm.. she musta been in a great mood. Anyway Sarge hates when other guys get the bust- if one of your guys were in with you and they actually do the arresting, it counts as a Vice arrest- not NEU. And he don't like that." I rolled my eyes, not quite believing that a superior officer would put arrest rate above the safety of his guys. I made a mental note to have Sean ask around about this guy. After that, everyone seemed to scatter to their own desks, concentrating on last minute tasks. I didn't really have much to do, except stand around by the coffee pot, consuming cup after cup.
At one point, after an hour or three, I wasn't exactly watching the clock, Sanchez walked up next to me. He was a short guy – only a few inches taller than me, but he was thick and looked like an ox. His hair was long- longer than mine now, and pulled back in a ponytail. He also had a full beard, and you could see several tattoos peeking out from under his plain black shirt. Leaning against the counter beside me, he watched as I drank yet another cup of coffee. "Are you nervous? You shouldn't be- we won't let anything happen to you." I could tell he was trying to be reassuring but it made me snort slightly.
"Why would you think I'm nervous?" I asked mildly, pouring another cup of coffee.
"I dunno- maybe the fact that that's what? Your ninth cup of coffee in two hours? Or maybe because you keep watching all of us- some more than others, of course." he grinned at me as he spoke, and I found myself smiling back- despite his appearance he seemed to be one of the more level guys around here. "For instance I notice you keep eying my partner a bit. Not that you'd be the first- seems like Goren picks up fans wherever he goes." I didn't flush, or look away from where my eyes actually were watching Goren- if I looked away now, it'd be as good as an admission.
"Well- he's an interesting guy. Nice too- and polite. Two reasons women would be interested right there. It goes a long way." I remarked in an offhand manner. I could feel his eyes watching my face and I looked over at him finally.
"Hey- I'm nice too. And I can even be polite- but somehow the girls- they don't really see past the- the-"
"Looking like you'd stab them aspect?" I laughed out loud and he laughed with me. "Well – true you don't really look like someone you'd bring home to Mom, but you're NEU. It's kind of part and parcel. You need to look the part. So is the missing guy from the squad the other under cover?" He looked at me with a surprised face, shaking his head no.
"Goren is. He didn't tell you? He's a bastard- really – I have to grow a mane and a beard to fit in, but Goren- man when he gets going, no one would know he isn't a junkie. He's got it all down pat- the shakes, the tremors, the wildness. Like once, we were cornered by this group of dealers- and Goren – he just went insane man. He was running around, acting like a raving lunatic- he didn't even have a weapon, not a knife, not anything on him. But he scared the shit outta those guys, and they ended up running from him- it was some crazy shit man. Goren- he's not easy to get along with- especially if you stumble across a scene with him- but I gotta tell ya- he's saved my ass with his actions alone more times than I can count." I smiled as he told the story, my mouth twisting up and my eyes watching as Sanchez spoke in a quiet tone.
"Guess his fans aren't all female huh?" I spoke wryly, and Snachez stopped, staring at me for a beat, before laughing out loud- the sound surprisingly deep and rumbling. I grinned and he slapped me on the shoulder, almost causing me to loose my coffee.
"I think I like you girly. Let me tell you something. Usually the girls Goren does date- I don't like. They're – I dunno- transitory, never permanent if you know what I mean. They're also usually too tall for me, but I gotta say- if he doesn't ask you out- I may do it myself." Sanchez laughed, grabbing a mug from behind me on the counter, and continuing to chuckle as he glanced at me and poured his own coffee.
"What are you two conspiring about over here?" Goren had walked up, refilling his own mug and eying us warily.
"I was telling Eames here, she's more than welcome to a ride on the Mexican stallion, man." I laughed at this, and Sanchez grinned at his partner's glare.
"It may be too much for me to handle." I spoke dryly, and Sanchez laughed again.
"You know it baby- but I'd go easy on ya- you're worth it." He leaned against the counter, clearly not going anywhere and Goren stared at me in shock.
"Carlos- stop that. You don't need to scare off the one Vice girl that can tolerate you." Goren's tone was light, but Sanchez stood straighter and looked at him.
"Jealous Bobby?" He snickered, looking back over at me. They stood face to face and it looked dangerously close to escalating into a school yard fight. I rolled my eyes.
"It gives me the shakes." I interrupted and they both turned to me in surprise. Confusion was written on both their faces and I sighed. "The coffee- you asked-" I spoke to Sanchez and indicated my cup. "Short of actual drugs is gives you the best impression of the shakes." Sanchez grinned, nodding and saluting me with his cup before winking at Goren and leaving. Goren was staring at me with respect.
"Where did you- I mean if you've never done under cover for us-"
I shrugged it off. "My brothers mostly- and common sense." I leaned back against the counter, and he stood there for a moment, before nodding awkwardly and heading back to his desk. Once he arrived I could see him exchange remarks with Sanchez, both leaning across the desk and speaking heatedly. I shook my head, and decided to take a walk around the building – I was getting way too bored here.
Several hours later and what I'm sure was several liters of coffee- I was standing in front of the bathroom mirror- the guys had agreed to let me use the bathroom while they used their locker room – applying mascara heavily and with a slightly unsteady hand. My eyes were slightly wild and the pupils had long since shrunk thanks to the large amounts of caffeine in my system. Stepping back, I observed the look I had gone for. My skirt was short- a hell of a lot shorted than I remembered, barely skirting the tops of my thighs. It did have the advantage of making my legs look really long – probably the reason I had bought it in the first place. In combination with the boots that zipped to below my knee and had wicked heels, my legs looks endless for maybe the first time in my life. The shirt was deeply cut and the bra I had the foresight to wear lifted and pushed everything up where it was prominently on display. It was trashy looking – but I was still completely comfortable, because in comparison to my hooking outfit, it was practically nun like. I ran my hands through my hair one more time, making it appear tousled and a bit crazy. Satisfied, I stepped out of the room, to be met by claps and cat calls from the men standing there.
"Hot damn Eames-" Sanchez stepped up beside me with a wolf like grin. "No wonder you have a hot rate over at Vice- hell, I'd offer to pay for you if I saw you on the street." I laughed slightly, noting that Goren wasn't among the group, and Carlos noticed my interest. "He's already gone ahead- didn't want to arrive all at once. So we're gonna wire you up baby- and send you on your way. If you can't get back there looking like that then we may as well give up trying to get these bastards."
An hour later, I was sitting in a cold van around the corner from the club- nervous as hell and feeling like I was ready to throw up. I never felt like this walking the streets with Vice- I was almost never alone with the johns- and if I was for even a second Dick would bust in there, exchange or no exchange. For a brief moment, I wished he was here. He had partnered me for the most part- despite Conner's attempts to get assigned to me, Mike still usually put me with Dick and I appreciated it. He was like a solid second presence, unseen but still there.
"Alright, so if you get back there and see something, the signal is 'Holy shit'. Simple right? If not, no drug activity and just you and the dealer- Goren said to get nervous- say something about your boyfriend. He'll come in if needed. Got it?" I nodded nervously at Carlos- who had insisted I call him that on the way over – now that he had seen all my bits, as he put it- while taping me up. "You'll be fine Eames. Knock em dead." Carlos winked at me, and I stepped out of the van into the cold dark night. I didn't take time to look back, but instead walked steadily down the street and around the corner, heading for the pumping of music across the street. I could feel the excitement that hung heavy in the air, and my eyes scanned around me, watching everything in high speed thanks to the copious amounts of caffeine traveling through my system.
The doorman took one look at me and barely blinked before opening the door for me. When I went inside the heat hit me in a wave, and the smell of stale smoke and sweat hit me full in the face. The music was pumping like crazy- and a sea of bodies twisted and writhed on the dance floor like a giant orgy. I stumbled slightly as I stepped over the threshold, but most people brushed it off as another drunk. I went to the bar and hollered for a shot of tequila, holding it gingerly in my hand as I walked across the sea of tables. My blood was pounding and my eyes were scanning the crowd- searching for the mark that Carlos had given me earlier. Emilio Cruz. Finally I spotted him, standing by a back door, and watching the crowd. He was big- but not huge, maybe five eleven or so. You could see clearly that he was carrying, and he observed the crowd, standing in front of a door and his eyes narrowed. Taking a deep breath to calm my heart rate, I stepped into his line of sight.
Downing the shot- I dropped it on a table and began to walk around, plainly stumbling into people, begging for help. I went over my spiel- how I just needed a small hit and did anyone know who could help me, please? I felt disgusting as I ran into one guy or another who didn't have a hit to score, but had no issues with their hands grazing the back of my skirt and trailing down my thighs. I swallowed the nausea and continued on, the liquor burning in my stomach and my breathing shallow and rapid. I could feel the tension in my shoulders, and I grabbed the next guy- again repeating my lines. Over his shoulder I finally got a glimpse of Goren- sitting in a shadowed corner- a drink in front of him and his eye son me. He was still in the leather coat- and I briefly wondered how the hell he could wear it in this heat. He shifted in his seat slightly and I saw him leaning forward, his fingers running down the glass as his eyes never left me. It gave me an odd sort of comfort, and I was dimly aware of the guys discussion in my ear piece, as Goren was reporting what was happening. Finally after what seemed like the tenth guy- I felt a hand on my arm and I looked over to see Emilio at my shoulder, his hand touching between my shoulder blades intimately and leaning forward.
"You looking for something baby? I may have what you need." I turned fully toward him, pressing myself closer against his body- so close I could smell the musk of him, thankfully not laced with alcohol or anything else. Just the scent of him and perhaps tobacco hitting my nose as I leaned in, practically rubbing up against him in my eagerness. Running a hand up over his arm to his chest I looked up at him with my wide wild eyes.
"Do you? I just need a bit- just a little bit- I was trying- trying to quit but I can't . I can't do this- it's so hard." My voice was shaky from nerves, but it worked and I clung to him, pushing my desperation on him like a live aphrodisiac.
"Aw baby- I know it's hard. I'll tell you what- I'll just give you a bit- and then you'll be fine right? Come on." He lead me down a side hall, and I could see a door marked Employees Only ahead of us. We entered it, and I saw we were in a bathroom, with four stalls. "What's your weapon of choice sweetness?" His voice was soothing and his hands were still traveling up and down my back, pulling me against him, reaching down to slide my skirt up slightly. I resisted the urge to throw up right there, steeling myself as I looked at him.
"Coke." I whispered slightly, bringing a hand up and touching my nose in what could be taken as an unconscious touch. He grinned, pulling my hips tightly against his for a moment. Nodding he pulled a small baggie out of his pocket, and holding out a hand. I handed him a compact mirror and he cut a line out on it, handing it to me. I held in reverently and he nodded. Shit. I pulled some money out of my tiny purse, shoving it in his hands, not counting, knowing it would look odd if I did. I stepped into a stall and he laughed, allowing me privacy, thank god.
"You don't like being watched while you do the nasty, huh pretty? That's alright. You have your taste." His laughed echoed as I pulled an evidence bag from my purse, emptying the drug into it. I made a loud sniffing noise- wincing at the ridiculousness as I did so- and stepped out of the stall. My walk was calmer, and I effected a steady smile as I stepped nearer to him. Wrapping my arms up around his neck, I swayed slightly, leaning against him as he laughed. "Needed that did you girl? How was it?" His voice was heavy and suggestive as he whispered by my ear. His breath was hot and heavy, almost panting and I shuddered involuntarily. He took it as a sign of pleasure though, and ran a hand up against my ribcage, his hand clumsily fondling one of my breasts as I fought to stay still. Grabbing me against him again, he pulled me back into the club.
"Anyone can get in there Red. I'm gonna take you somewhere more private and you can show me just how much you loved it. Maybe then you'll get some more, huh? Would you like that little girl?" I nodded numbly, allowing myself to be pulled along behind him, tripping in my heels as they dragged across the sticky carpet. He chuckled and headed towards the door in back, and I saw Goren's face briefly as he cut across our path. He didn't look at me, but he was close enough for me to reach out and grab and for some reason that made me feel calmer, my breathing slowing to a steady pattern. I barely had time to blink before I found myself being shoved through a door into a dark room beyond. The door barely clicked shut behind us when I could feel his hands pulling at me, running down my ass and slipping under my skirt. I could barely breathe he was pressed so close, and it was so dark it felt like being smothered. The concrete wall bit into my back and I pushed him back with an unsteady hand.
"Wait." I managed to gasp out, and he fell back, his mouth o longer hovering over my skin. My stomach rolled and I looked around- deciding that now would be a good time to have a bit of a terror attack. Breathing harshly in the silence, I built up a sense of panic until I was practically hyperventilating. "Dark. I don't like the dark." He pulled off me, pulling me down the stairs there, and I almost tripped. At the bottom he hit a light switch- and the room illuminated suddenly. At first all I could see was concrete and gleaming white tiles, and then I saw the cot in the corner, and the room beyond with it's gleaming tubs and clear plastic bottles. The acrid smell of chemicals hit my nose and I almost sagged in relief.
"There , there baby- it'll be okay. See? Light- all better. My boss left me in charge tonight- you like it?" He took in my shocked gaze as I stared at the expanse of what must be the basement.
"Holy shit."