“You need to buy a real camera, not rely on a device that does everything badly.”
“My phone is the newest model. I bet the pictures I take kill yours.” He snapped several pictures of the table, then of the outside of the prison. “I’m a master at this.”
“Except for the fact that you can’t take it inside the prison, I might take you up on that bet.” Estebe patted his camera case. “I guess I’ll have to share my pictures with the group so we can all have memories of this exciting outing. Thanks for setting it up.”
Matt started to say something, then swallowed his words. He’d lost the battle, everyone at the table could see that. But if he moderated his response, he might come back harder another day to win the war.
Angie rolled her eyes at Ian who just laughed. “They’re your children, not mine.”
“And that’s exactly what they are – children.” She glanced around the table. “If everyone’s finished eating, let’s pack up the coolers. Put them in my vehicle and I’ll stop at the shop and clean up in the morning.”
“Hold it,” Felicia called out. She pointed to the dark SUV at the end of the parking lot. “Just put everything into Estebe’s Hummer. He has to drop me off at my apartment anyway so I might as well take care of the cleanup. That way Angie can just go straight home without coming into River Vista.”
“You don’t have to,” Angie started but Felicia shook her head. After throwing away her paper plate, she walked over and stood next to Angie.
“I know I don’t have to, but I am a full partner, right?” When Angie nodded, Felicia continued. “Then that means I clean up at times too. Besides, you’ll probably need to hurry home to feed Precious and Mabel.”
“Actually, Erica’s coming from across the street for tonight and tomorrow morning’s feedings, so I’m good. But I’ll let you clean up. Especially since Estebe and I cooked.”
With many hands, the dinner mess was cleaned up in no time. Ian stood next to her, looking at the prison. “It’s formidable. Can you believe that most of it was built with prison labor? No construction crews here.”
“They hauled a lot of rock in from the river for that front.” Angie glanced at the other buildings. “Most of these are made out of rock. That’s crazy.”
“It kept the prisoners in. Although if I was incarcerated and forced to build my own jail, I might just build some secret escape hatch, just in case my parole didn’t come through when I needed it.” Ian pointed to the door that was opening. “Looks like the fun is beginning.”
Four people in guard uniforms walked through the front door. They waved everyone closer. One of the guards was the young woman who’d come by their table earlier. The other three looked so much alike, Angie wondered if they were related.
Hope stood by her side. She glanced up at Angie with a small smile on her face. “I hope this isn’t scary. I hate scary movies. I’d triple hate being in one.”
Angie put one hand on Hope’s shoulder and squeezed. “It’s team building, not scream building. Relax, it’s just a play. A theater of sorts. Everyone’s just playing a role.”
As they walked to the four guards who were motioning them inside, Hope sighed. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t want to play a role in this crazy play. I just want to get out alive with my friends by my side.”
Angie felt the change in temperature as soon as she walked through the doors. The stone walls kept the building cool, even in deep summer. Which tended to last for less than a week. Goosebumps prickled her arms.
“Isn’t this the coolest?” Matt asked.
Hope shook her head. “This is crazy, that’s what it is. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
Hope looked like she was about to bolt. Angie met Estebe’s gaze and he nodded, stepping closer to the young woman. “Just stay by me. Nothing is going to hurt you. I won’t let it.”
She smiled up at him. “That’s kind of you, but I’m not afraid of real people.”
He held up a St. Christopher’s medal. “My mama told me as long as I wore this, nothing on earth or heaven or hell could get me. I have faith. I know you do as well, so let’s just focus on our faith and have fun with our friends.”
“In the lion’s den.” Hope shook her head. “You’re right. I’m being a baby. Let’s get this party started.”
A male guard stood on a podium. “Go ahead and grab a locker. The keys are on lanyards so you can keep them close at hand. Just in case you need a quick getaway.”
Another guard jumped up on the platform. “Just don’t be thinking you’re actually going to get out of here. You’re ours until we release you in the morning. No whining, no back talk, and especially, no crying. I hate crybabies.”
Hope’s eyes widened as she stepped closer to Estebe. Even Matt swallowed a bit as he watched the guard slap a night stick in his hand.
“Visit a prison, it will be fun, they said,” Felicia muttered loud enough for the group to hear. Angie smothered a laugh as the prison guard stared at their group.
“If the comedy act is done back there, let’s get your belongings and valuables in a locker. Keep your key close by, you never know when you might have to leave unexpectedly. You can have cameras and a small notebook, but nothing else.” He grinned but the action held no warmth or no humor.
“I’m beginning to think we stepped back in time.” Angie said to Ian as she made her way to a locker. He put his wallet and phone in the same locker and took the one key. He tucked it into his shirt.
“We’ll be fine. It’s all an act.” Ian put an arm around her waist. “Come with me and see my new digs, doll. I’ll be home in five to ten.”
“Not funny. I don’t date convicts.” She glanced back to make sure the others were close by.
“Then we may need to have a little talk when we get out of here.” Ian stared into her eyes. “I’ve got a small confession.”
Chapter 2
Angie stared at him. “What are you talking about?”
He shook his head and pointed to the guard. “Better we talk after we get out of here. I’d hate for that guy to think I was a serial offender. He might not take a liking to my melodious British accent.”
“You’re messing with me, right?” Angie tried to push the question, but Ian just stepped away and stood by Estebe. “Men. Go ahead and avoid the question.”
Felicia stepped closer to Angie. She leaned close and whispered. “Are you two fighting? You never fight.”
“We’re not fighting.” Angie started to tell Felicia what happened but then the lights went out.
A woman screamed behind them. Angie could hear rustling as people tried to find out who had screamed. The lights came back on and Angie saw Hope’s bright red face.
“Sorry
