Page 209 of Bitter’s Sweet

Exactly like Razor wants.

I look at my phone.

Two minutes, Doll.

My blood turns cold.

Another message follows.

Then Mama flies.

No.

I know better.

I know exactly what this is.

I also know Hyde’s men are already moving toward the murder hole from both sides. If Razor sees them before they get into position, he drops Mama.

I could buy them time.

Not rescue myself.

Not confront Razor.

Just make him think I am obeying long enough to keep his attention on me instead of the men closing in around him.

I could go only as far as the coffin booth where there are still families, vendors, and witnesses. Let him see me. Keep him watching. Then yell and get back inside the crowd the second Hyde’s men are in place.

It is a terrible plan.

That does not stop it from sounding reasonable for the first ten seconds.

Mercy unlocks the side door just enough for Junie to drag the bleeding vendor inside while Mercy keeps her own body in the gap. People surge past outside. Someone bumps the door, and Mercy swears.

With Crypt outside, Junie becomes the closest thing we have to medical authority, and suddenly everybody needs her at once. The bleeding man groans. Petal grabs towels. Lark is still on the phone.

Nobody is looking at me.

For one second.

Only one.

My phone buzzes.

Behind the coffin booth.

I look toward the rear hall.

There is an employee exit there.

Locked.

I know the code.

Mercy gave it to me on my first day because students come and go with supplies.

I should not.