The original plan was to get Regina to my house and hide her in the basement. But I quickly talked them outta this shit. Imagine my dear cop-friends would come 'round and stumbled over her and golden boy! Nah, no deal. So the only other place we could think of was the one place I never wanted them in again. The fuckin' cave. Almost lost my mind there and the little that was left of it was poisoned by meth. I've always been aware of how that shit had changed me, no need to tell me. Fuckin' so called friends. Well, no changin' that I thought while I scratched the black spots across my chest.

While I drove to the familiar way out to the cave, I used that little left-over of grey matter in my brain to think about my next step with Regina. This was the chance for sure. I just had to be careful with what I did and what I said. Shoulda gotten myself some fun last night to get some frustration off, tho. Felt a bit...well...uneasy. Nothin' to do about it now. I reached the cave and got outta the truck. Wouldn't drag that stupid box inside now, tho. Instead I climbed on the truck bed and opened it. Let the bitch walk herself. "Get out" She squinted into the sun as she stuck her head out. Confused and clearly in search of something, or rather someone, she looked around. "Devon's not here yet. Take that fuckin' gag outta your mouth and talk. And get outta that thing, I won't carry you. No need to tell ya what's happenin' when you try shit."

Awkwardly, she stumbled outta the box and crouch-walked over to the edge. Bein' the gentleman I am, I held out my arms to give a lift. An eyebrow up, I waited while she just looked at me confused. Had enough of this shit already, I reached for her gag and she stumbled back, fallin' onto her tiny ass. "Dammit, bitch. Come on!" I grabbed the gag and pulled it outta her mouth and then dragged her off the truck. Pushin' her infront of me, I made sure to watch her every step. With tense shoulders and uncertain legs, she moved towards the entrance. Suddenly she stopped. I almost didn't her her when she said "I don't wanna go in there" "Don't have a choice, Regina" I made sure to pronounce her name really hard. Slowly, she turned, her arms now wrapped around herself. "Why?" "To hide you. Golden boy will come soon. Happy couple reunited" The sarcasm in my words or just the words itself made her wince. "Why can't I stay in the hotel?" "Cops lookin' for ya. And for your sweetheart" Took a smoke outta my pocket, lit it and gestured towards the entrance "Don't make me drag you in there. Dev's gunna hate me if I damage his toy. Even more" Laughed a little and saw her shudder.

But she turned and walked on. Made sure to follow her close by. Pretty sure she felt my breath in her neck. That kinda amused me. Stumbling over rocks, I didn't need to tell her where to go, she knew the way pretty well by now. We reached the main cave and she stopped. She looked around, the hairs on her body standing up everywhere. "Go on" I pushed her into the back "over there to the left. Ain't gunna have ya right next to all the shit" Yeah, in a little other cave I had set up the dirty mattress and some supplies. She walked in and looked around. Turning, she measured the whole place wide-eyed. "No bathroom" I just glared at her and she got the hint. "I'm supposed to tie ya up, ya know" Her eyes widened even more and she backed up. Her whole body language pleaded for mercy. Hunched shoulders, slightly bowed forward, head a little down. "Please..." she whispered. With two big steps I was at her, grabbing her chin and forcin' her to look at me. "Please what, Regina? YOU and DEVON are the reason my life is such a fuck up. Why the fuck should I be nice to you?" Pattin' her cheek with my fingers, I watched her shiver and tear up. Damn, her skin was soft and despite it all, she was still pretty. And her brain behind her eyes was workin'. Again. Finally.

Feeling his fingers on her face, remembering all the pain he had caused her, Regina's brain snapped back into action. She felt warmth flood through her numb body, became aware of a toe-nail that had ingrown, felt her head being a bit dizzy, the dry, warm air around here. Smelled the dust from the cave and the remnants of meth. And she saw him. Staring at here, waiting, calculating, enjoying it. She took a deep breath "Yes, I do wanna get out of here" Surprised how her own voice sounded, strong and with purpose she went on "You said that to me for a reason. So, what is the deal" Her determination crept into her face as she waited for him to answer.

A grin replaced the hard lines on his face. "Ya wanna get away. I'm in for payback. Dun give a shit if you die, just to be clear. Just gunna be more fun" Removing his hand from her face, he took a step back, For some time, none of them spoke. Her brain was running crazy. Surely, Mac had something planned. And he didn't really need her for it. But it would make things easier for sure. "We can't hurt him. Please...we can't" Again, her eyes lost water and Mac groaned in aggression and annoyance. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he shook her and her arms hurt from the pressure "Dammit! Are ya really such a stupid bitch?!" His voice became a hissing menace "Either way, I'ma gunna get what I want" He placed a rough kiss on her mouth, laughed and turned to go. "If ya ain't here when golden boy and I get back, better pray for a quick end" He called over his shoulder.

I was almost back in the car when I heard her following behind. "Mac, wait..."