Eric’s face purples and his hands curl into fists. “Is there anything my son didn’t tell you?”

“I’m sure there’s plenty he never got around to sharing. His life got cut short, after all.”

Lynell watches Eric push his lips into a thin line before he leaves without another word.

It takes her a few minutes to gather her thoughts. When she does, she lets out a breath and looks up at the two guards, John and Lee.

“What was I saying?”

They listen closely and a few hours later, when Lee is switched out with another guard, she feels he is on her side.

The new guard wears a suit in a lighter shade and a badge with the Elysian seal. His dark curly hair sticks out from under a hat and he brings cold oatmeal and water with him.

“Thank you,” Lynell says, accepting the food and smiling up at him. The guard frowns, pausing before walking to his position. “What’s your name?” she asks. He doesn’t answer. “Come on, John here told me his.” John stiffens, gaze darting back to Lynell. “Don’t worry about it. I’m going to die soon, so I might as well get to know the only company I have.” She stops to take a bite of the oatmeal and tries not to frown at the bland taste. Chasing the swallow with water, she tilts the bowl to the new guard. “Want some?” He doesn’t respond so she shrugs and takes another bite, talking around the food. “Eric doesn’t want me to be comfortable or talk to you guys, but I say, to hell with that.” She swallows and takes another sip of water. “You’re prisoners in here as much as I am; we might as well get to know each other.”

“I’m not a prisoner,” the newcomer says.

“A prisoner is someone confined by an enemy and not allowed to leave,” Lynell says. “I’m not saying you can’t leave this house, but Eric is your enemy, and you can’t leave his service.”

The guard looks at John who shrugs before looking back at the door. “Mr. Elysian is not—”

“An enemy,” Lynell says, “is someone who is actively hostile to someone else. Eric is an enemy to everyone but himself. That includes you. And I’m willing to bet my life, which I concede isn’t worth a lot nowadays, that he wouldn’t be too happy with you quitting and searching for new employment. You know too much, don’t you? You’re forced to be loyal. You’re a prisoner.”

He grips the butt of his gun and sniffs loudly, neck tightening with tension.

“I’m really sorry about that. But it’s the situation we’re in now and it’s the situation he likes. I, on the other hand, am all for freedom.” Lynell sets the bowl to one side and stands up. “So, prisoner to prisoner . . .” She holds out a hand. “I’m Lynell Elysian. You are?

He looks at her hand and lets the moment stretch before taking it.