Officer Perez stood and stared me down with her hands on her hips. “You going to cause me any more trouble?”

I hoped not. I didn’t want to make my situation any worse than it already was. “No, ma’am. I’m sorry about this.” I thought about telling her that it wasn’t my fault, but I was pretty sure she wouldn’t care.

“Good. I don’t feel like cuffing you.” She waved me out. “This way.”

I almost smiled. Almost. Maybe she realized I wasn’t a bad girl. I was just in a totally crappy situation.

We went into another corridor. The noises of people yelling to be released, arguing with their cellmates, and more than a few people muttering to themselves filled the hallway. “Why is this one so packed and mine was empty?”

“You were in temporary holding. That’s why there were only three cells there. After your blood processed, you would’ve been moved to one of the cells here, but now you’re going to solitary.”

We took a few more turns and the noise of the prisoners faded. I chewed on my lip as we walked.

If Jason Murtagh knew who I was, why wouldn’t he turn me in?

We stopped at a solid door. This one had only a tiny barred window and a covered slot in it.

Officer Perez opened the door. “It’s only for a little while. I hear your trial’s getting fast-tracked.”

That was something. At least I wouldn’t have to wait long before I found out what my fate would be, but she still hadn’t said anything about the lab test. The question begged to come out, but that would be dumb. A human wouldn’t ask about the results. They’d just assume it was fine. So I bit my tongue and stepped into my new cell.

It was the size of a tiny closet. Only one metal pallet stuck out from the wall. This mattress was marginally more inviting than the last one. In the corner was the same type of metal toilet, although noticeably cleaner. My jumpsuit was a little dirty now from the fight, but I didn’t care. It seemed like a superficial worry. I didn’t care how dirty I was, I just wanted to get out of here alive.

“I’ll be back to bring you some food in a couple hours.”

Food? It must’ve been a long time since I’d eaten, but I wasn’t hungry. Not even a little bit. I nodded at Officer Perez as she closed the door and slid the bolts in place. A second later, it gave three deep beeps, and I knew I was stuck.

Time ticked by and I stayed paralyzed on the pallet. Perez came with dinner, but I didn’t even bother getting up. Whatever was on the tray stank like moldy greens, and I had bigger issues than hunger.