Pushing the Envelope: A Prequel from "The Barter System" World by Shayne McClendon

revirginized.”
    “Weird, Tawny.  You know that’s not scientifically possible and it’s creepy to consider.”
    “Use your vag.  It’s great for stress relief and lowers blood pressure.  That’s my PSA for the night.”
    “You coming for breakfast tomorrow?”
    “Fuck yeah, you like to cook and I’m practically starving to death.  Also, I’d like a play by play on the costumes you’re taking with you to meet these guys.”
    “Costumes…?”
    “Or you can play it totally straight.  That’s an option, too.  I’d have a different persona for each of them.”
    “I’m the control , Tawny.”
    “Yeah, you keep using that word, Miss Jackson.  At the end of this thing, I hope you’re still in full possession of all that control you think you have.”
    Riya was quiet for a long moment.  “Me, too.”
    
    Two months later, Tawny was spinning out from anxiety.
    “Hollow, I will go on a killing spree if these fuckers hurt her.  You’ll have to bust me out of prison.”
    “I have the unmarked van already sitting in the warehouse and we’ve run likelihoods just in case.”
    “Remember to grab me between holding and court.  That’s always best.”
    “Not my first rodeo.”  He went quiet.  “She’s going to be okay, Tawny.  She’s taken a huge leap of faith the last few years with you.  You have to do the same.”
    “I know.”
    “How many times have you told me how smart and grounded she is?  You know she’s got this.  Have her back, I’ll have your back, and let her do the things she has to do to find peace.”
    “I’m scared this will fuck her up.”
    “Then you’ll pick up the pieces and start over.  Believe in your friend, Red.”  She could hear his smile through the phone.  “You’ve trained her better than you think.”
    “I hope to god you’re right.”
    “I am.  By the way, what are you wearing?”
    “Not a fucking thing, duh.  I love naked time.  My neighbors hate me.  What are you wearing?”
    “Tactical gear.”
    “Shit, that’s way hotter.  You guys pulling those kids out tonight?  I thought it was scheduled for next week.”
    “Change of plans.  The mom is in the hospital.”
    “Fuck.  Should I come up?”
    She listened to him give instructions to his team.  “No.  Riya leaves tomorrow.  I might have you handle something in your area.” 
    “Be safe.  Send me details.”
    “Will do.  Hug her tight and let her go, Tawny.”
    They disconnected and she crawled between the cool sheets of her bed.  Staring through the full window wall at the ocean beyond, she wondered how much would change in Riya’s life in the coming months. 
    As long as her heart was still intact, she’d recover from everything else.  It was both her best friend’s strongest and weakest feature. 
    She wanted her back safe and sound, if a little worse for the wear.  It was the only thing she’d ever beg whatever deity was or was not looking out for humans. 
    “Riya is one of the good ones and I’ll lose it without her so…keep your eye on the ball.  Please and thank you.”

Epilogue
     
    August 2012 – Deerfield Beach, Florida
    Watching Riya drive away was not easy.  She stood in the driveway of the duplex and watched the rental until it was out of sight, cursing the tears on her face. 
    Her phone rang and she answered without looking at the caller ID.  “Tawny, I need you to do a job.”
    “Hollow…”
    “You need to keep your mind occupied and this is right up your alley.  Do you remember May?”
    “Of course.”  Memories flipped rapidly through her mind as she wiped her face.  “Oh my god, of course.  How could I forget?  Tell me what you need.” 
    Three years before, a young woman called a women’s shelter from a gas station near Yeehaw Junction in Central Florida.  Certain flags during her conversation with the operator got her routed to Hollow’s people. 
    A team was dispatched to pick her up but she was terrified of the men.