She squinted hard against the overhead lights that seemed to be permanently on. “Sit up.” It was the guard, Curtis. He held a tray with a bowl of food and a glass of water. Emily did as she was told, carefully swinging her legs over the side of the gurney so as not to wrench her wrist. Through the narrow window in the corridor beyond her cell she could see night had descended once again. “Good girl,” Curtis said, setting the tray to her right. “How about you unlock my cuffs, so I can actually eat.” Emily tried to hide her surprise when the guard said, “Okay,” and pulled the cuff keys from his pocket, dangling them from his fingers. “Turn around and put both hands on the gurney. I don’t want you trying anything funny.” This didn’t feel right, but what was she supposed to do? The guy was twice her size and she only had one free hand. Emily turned and leaned both hands on the cushion of the gurney. Besides, what was he— The thought was cut short as she felt something slipped over her head and pulled tight around her throat.
