Ruby

Chapter 11

David leads the way. He seems to know exactly where he's going, even when I don't have any recollection of the path we're taking. He's practically sprinting. I have to push myself a little bit to keep up with his long strides.

He suddenly stops. I run into him.

"David!" I hiss out. "What are you doing?"

"It's this way. Follow me."

He goes around a building, and I see it. The place that caused me so much misery. It is an old factory, hidden away from the rest of society. I doubt anyone has ever seen it, and if they have, they probably haven't thought much of it. I see the garbage chute I slid down. Then I remember the rags at the bottom, and a shiver runs up my spine.

It take a deep breath. "Let's go."

And then I walk forward. Toward the place that haunts my dreams at night.

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David takes the lead and walks around the building to a window. He glances around inside, then picks up a rock and hurls it at the window. The glass shatters loudly, and David winces at the sound.

"We're going to have to go quickly. Hurry up." And with that, he crawls through the window. I follow.

As I pass through the window, I realize I'm too short to touch the floor from the window. I let go of the window ledge, but I don't drop. Instead, I feel two hands wrap around my waist and set me down gently.

"I didn't want you to land in the glass and cut your feet," David says. I think I hear a touch of sheepishness in his voice.

"Thanks," I say. "Now, let's get moving. Cinda's cell should be somewhere upstairs."

"I know," he says grimly. "I left her there."

"We don't have time to feel guilty. We have to find her and get out."

He nods. "Follow me." And with that, he yanks me forward into the darkness of the prison.