LITMIR.BIZ

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      “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 everyone, I overreacted. I’m fine.” Hope called out to the crowd.

      “Well, that’s a relief,” Bridget said but her tone seemed mocking. She let the group settle. “First we’ll take a tour of the facility. We have a large gun collection in the gallows room. I think you’ll be impressed. Then we’ll do the general population quarters and finally, we’ll take you to your cells. You can hang out there, or we’ll be having coffee and dessert in the dining room at the end of the tour.”

      “See, Hope, nothing to worry about. We’re just touring a building.” Estebe patted her back like an inexperienced father trying to burp a baby.

      “I have to admit,” a dark-haired man standing near Estebe grinned at Hope, “I’m a little nervous too. Did you know that there were over 13,000 prisoners in this place during the time it was opened, but only ten executions? I think we’re fine. Unless there’s a killer in our midst.”

      “Tad, you always know how to make people feel comfortable. Please excuse my brother. He has a sick sense of humor.” An older woman took Tad’s arm and leaned into the group. “I’m Tamera Johnson. We’re from Boise but have never taken the time to tour the prison. Our uncle, Thaddeus, is here from Utah and he suggested we take a family field trip.”

      Angie stepped forward. “I’m Angie Turner and this is my crew from The County Seat. We’re in River Vista.”

      “I’ve been to your restaurant. A very nice setting for such a small town. It was a surprise when my husband got us dinner reservations. You have quite a following in the area.” Tamera looked around the group. “I don’t think I’ve ever met so many chefs before.”

      “I just started.” Hope explained.

      “Hope is our newest addition to the kitchen. She just graduated from the Boise State culinary program.” Angie smiled at the girl who, apparently, felt uncomfortable being called a chef. “And this is my boyfriend, Ian. He runs the Farmers’ Market co-op in River Vista.”

      “We’re surrounded by food experts. I may just have to bend your ear on this recipe I’ve been trying to figure out. I can’t get it to work like it does at my favorite restaurant.” She smiled and nodded to the guard motioning them into the next room. “Looks like we’re getting started. See you on the inside.”

      Ian moved over so the family could follow the guards. Angie noticed a few couples behind them, but they didn’t seem in the mood for chatting. In fact, it looked like they were waiting for the lights to go down to get a little closer.

      Ian fell in step with Angie. “I think this is going to be an interesting evening.”

      “I think ‘interesting’ is an understatement.” Angie shivered a little as they went through the open iron gate. When they were all in the large hallway, the guard that brought up the rear pulled the bars closed and clicked the locks shut. The sound echoed in the stone room.

      “You

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