Ordinary (Anything But) by Lindy Zart Read Free Book Online Page A

pain. “ She is not an object. She is a person . I am not just handing her over to you. My orders were to escort her inside. That’s what I plan on doing.” The taller man motioned him forward. Officer Talley nudged her. “Come on, Honor.” He propelled her toward the building.
    She choked back a sob. Tears mixed with rain on her face as she marched to her doom. She slipped in loose gravel and the officer righted her. “Please,” she whispered. “Please don’t do this.” They were almost to the metal door. Where was her courage now, when she needed it most?
    His voice spoke softly into her ear, “You’re going to be okay. I promise. Do as they say.”
    “Why are you helping them?” Honor quietly cried.
    “I’m not. I’m trying to help you .”
    Honor twisted her neck to look at him , incredulous. How was this helping her? He stared down at her with conviction in his eyes and nodded once for an answer to her silent question. She faced forward, having no other choice. She closed her eyes as metal clanked from the other side of the door and it swung open with an eerie sound. Fluorescent lights flipped on and Honor blinked as her eyes adjusted. The room was large and devoid of anything. It smelled like cigarettes and Lysol. She looked at the bare white walls. It felt like she had entered a tomb. It was a fitting analogy.
    Officer Talley released her and she fought to stay on feet supported by weak legs. Honor swayed and put a hand on the cold wall. Three locks slid into place, one resounding click after another. The floor showed scuff marks and she wondered if some of them were from Christian as he’d struggled with the two men staring at her. She turned her head from their scrutiny, swallowing with difficulty.
    This wasn’t a church, it was a mausoleum.
    The short man eyed her. “I’m Agent Burns.” He gestured to the taller man. “This is Agent Nealon.”
    Honor straightened and glared at them. “I don’t care who you are. And I don’t believe you’re agents of any kind. Just…” She looked at her pale hands. “Just do whatever you’re going to do with me and get it over with.”
    Did she really just say that? Did she mean it? Yes. Yes she did. But one thing was for sure: Hono r wouldn’t go without a fight. She pulled her shoulders back and met their gazes with her head held high. If Honor was going to die, at least she could die with dignity; not crying and whining and begging for her life.
    Agent Burns chuckled. “You’re a brave one, aren’t you? A fighter. Good. That’s good.”
    Honor glared at him, but didn’t say anything. They’d see how much he liked it when she was clawing his eyes out.
    “Thank you for your help, Officer,” Agent Nealon said, dismissing him.
    Officer Talley gave them a look and Honor got the feeling he didn’t care for them too much either. So why was he aiding them? Maybe he didn’t have a choice. Honor’s chest constricted as he slowly turned to her. “You’re going to be fine, Honor.” Officer Talley’s eyes drilled into her, like he was trying to wordlessly communicate with her. “You’re going to be fine,” he repeated. He didn’t look away until she gave a short nod. Officer Talley pushed a button on the wall and part of the wall slid open. He walked through and it closed behind him.
    A terrible sense of loss hit Honor as she faced the spot the officer had stood a moment ago. Her last chance of escape was gone. There was no hope for her now, none at all. She was at the mercy of two madmen. Agent Burns put his hand to the wall and another part of it opened, directly behind Honor. She studied his hand. It was wide and hairy and her skin crawled looking at it. Those were ugly hands, cruel hands.
    “Shall we?” He grabbed her arm and held her in front of him. He smelled like garlic and cigarettes. Honor’s stomach churned and she tried to jerk her arm away, but his sweaty grip tightened.
    “Where are we going?” she choked out.
    “To your new