Avery was done with everything. Even though the danger had passed, she didn’t get up from the floor of the van. In the midst of everything, she had remembered her waiting client. She had missed their appointment to meet. It was the first time she had ever missed an appointment. Never missing an appointment was part of her reputation. Now that reputation had a permanent blemish. And it all these idiots’ fault.

Avery cursed under her breath when the van hit a bump, causing her to hit her head on the floor. The helmet was so heavy that it took an unnecessary amount of effort to pick her head up again. The stupid thing was making her neck sore. She lifted herself to her knees and pulled the helmet off again. Who cared what Fletcher thought? She had had enough of it. She tossed the helmet aside and scooted back to lean against the side of the vehicle.

She drew her legs to her chest and propped her head on her knees, resolving to ignore everyone else until they got to… wherever it was they were going. She didn’t have to wait long. After about ten more minutes, the vehicle came to a halt. Avery looked up, waiting for the others to make a move. She wanted to get out of the darkness of the back of the van as soon as possible.

“Can I leave yet?” Avery asked sarcastically. She already knew they weren’t going to let her go. The question was meant more to pester the guards again and to vent some of her frustration.