One Step Ahead

Detention Room—Remote Villa, Afternoon

Consciousness came slowly, like rising from the bottom of a deep pool. Leona felt her head throbbing, mouth dry as sandpaper, and body heavy—the effects of anesthetic not yet fully gone from her system.

Her eyes opened with difficulty. White ceiling. Dim LED lights glowing softly. Not a grimy warehouse like before.

Leona tried to move—then felt something rest