When I can finally speak, I ask, “Has anyone ever gotten free of this place?”
She hesitates, and my heart sinks before she’s even whispered a “No.” “I can’t live like this.”
“Just because I’ve never seen anyone get out of here doesn’t mean it won’t happen. I’ve been here less than a year. I ran away from home and when I applied for a job here, I thought it was as a waitress. I’m only seventeen, but I think once I turn eighteen she’s going to force me to do other things.”
I squeeze her hand, promising myself that if I ever manage to get out of here, I’m taking her with me.
“Who are the men who come here? The first man wore a ski mask so I couldn’t see his face, but the others don’t even bother to hide who they are. What kind of man comes to a place like this?”
Mindy gives a disgusted s
