Eight of Hearts: The Rift Blade - Book 1

Chapter 24

The HDSF was a very powerful organization. That much was obvious to Jonas as he glanced around at the many high walls that surrounded him. Every wall was lined with barred cells, bulletproof glass windows, and the occasional stretch of solid metal. Although everything was completely enclosed, the prison was big enough to be its own city. He, Isaac, and Adriana were being escorted in handcuffs by several guards, each equipped with enough weaponry to handle any resistance they put up.

They were forced to drag Adriana along, and she twisted and fought them every step of the way. Isaac had to be reminded to be quiet regularly, but aside from that he offered no trouble. In fact, he seemed to be having the time of his life...again. Jonas himself was content to bide his time. There was something off about this place, and he wanted to find out what it was.

The guards he had seen were covered head to toe in heavy gear, making it impossible to tell them apart beyond their varying heights. They all stood at attention on either side of the hallway as they passed, and Jonas soon lost count of them. It was like they were making a show of force, which made no sense to do with prisoners.

Unless they were actually short-staffed. He would have to consider this.

They had met the warden briefly on arrival. He was a thin, gangly old doctor with hair that rivaled Isaac's. His long white lab coat covered most of his body, and he wore oversized goggles over his glasses. He barely spared them a glance as he rushed past, on his way to "interrogate" another prisoner. So they were to be held until he had time to deal with them in person.

"The girl can stay here," one of their escorts said, holding open the door to one of the traditional-style cells.

"The girl ain't goin' anywhere until you tell me-"

Adriana was shoved roughly into the cage before she could finish, and the door slammed shut.

"You have been informed of all matters as legally required," said the taller guard, who'd had to deal with her obstinance until this point. "Please be patient and await further processing." With that, they resumed their march.

"I want to speak with your boss!" Adriana shouted through the bars.

"I don't think you want to talk with that guy," Jonas muttered, remembering the glimpse he'd had of the warden.

He was rewarded with a sharp blow to his shoulder with the butt of a rifle. "You will not speak unless explicitly addressed!"

"How will we know when we're being addressed?" Isaac asked, his voice as sincere as always. Anyone who didn't know him would think he was being sarcastic.

The guards certainly thought so, and they responded by hitting him as well.

Jonas tried to shush him, but Isaac was already asking his next question. "Was he answering my question, or is he just wearing his grumpy pants?"

Jonas shook his head as the guard hit Isaac again. If one thing could break the guards nerves, it would be Isaac's persistent enthusiasm.

"Isaac Matthews!" one of the guards snapped, as he held open another cell door. This cell was enclosed in solid metal, with only a small barred window in the door.

"That's me!" Isaac answered cheerfully. When he didn't move, the tall guard shoved him roughly inside.

Jonas grit his teeth to keep from saying anything that would get him hit again. And when the guard indicated the cell opposite Isaac's, he went inside without resistance. It was cramped, with two bunks built into the left and right walls. There was a small toilet on the back wall, and a thin blue light ran along the base of each wall.