Ordinary (Exceptional Book 3) by Jess Petosa Page A

up ‘ere Big Sal and Big Dean,” Big Eli said.
    The men stepped in front of the platform rather than onto it.
    “Since they found ‘em, they’ll collect the bids,” Big Eli said. “First up is dis tiny red head ‘ere.”
    A few of the men booed.
    “Now I know dis red hair might look ugly, but I bet she can cook and clean just like the rest of ‘em.”
    Sabine was shaking against Ally’s body.
    “It will be okay,” Ally whispered.
    They watched as younger, yet still big, men stepped forward and offered items like firewood, food, and cloth. A few even offered work hours. In the end, Big Dean accepted a large lot of firewood and bread, along with two hours of work, in exchange for Sabine. The man, more of a boy, stepped forward and helped a terrified Sabine off of the platform.
    Ally tried to reassure her with a look. It was useless though. Sabine’s eyes were masked with tears, and Ally could feel her own filling up. She couldn’t lose hope that they might be able to escape.
    “Next up is da pretty brunette,” Big Eli pulled Ally forward a little. “Should pull in a nice lot fer Big Sal.”
    “If it’s okay,” Big Sal looked up at the platform. “I’d like ta keep her.”
    There were some murmurs in the crowd but Big Eli hushed them by raising his hand.
    “With the death of Big Sal’s wife Sarah, I say it would be a right time to give him a new wife.”
    Several people in the crowd nodded.
    “Sold, ta Big Sal.” Big Eli said.
    Ally barely had time to blink before she was being led down the stairs by Big Sal. The crowd dissipated at a quick pace. The men walked off in loud, boisterous groups while the women hurried off with heads down.
    Big Sal kept a hand on Ally’s arm while he led her through the town. They walked through dirt streets and past the worn buildings. Ally realized they were walking past homes when she saw women outside hanging laundry, or tending to gardens. They weren’t far from the main part of town when Big Sal led her through the door of one of the buildings.
    Inside the main room was lit by fire, and it seemed as though the living area and kitchen were all in one, open room on the first floor.
    Big Sal pushed past her. “The bedroom is upstairs, as well as the washroom.”
    Ally stepped slowly into the small room, feeling completely lost at what her next move should be.
    “I know yer goin’ to try and escape,” Big Sal turned on her suddenly.
    Ally backed up against the door and shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t try it.”
    “No. It’s okay.” Big Sal grinned. “Imma help you.”
    “What?” Ally stayed against the door, her eyes wide.
    He stepped closer to her. “Imma help you and yer friends escape.”
     
     

     
     

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    [ marnie ]
     
    The soldier led Marnie down the dark hall and into a small, gray room. In it sat the General, along with two other important looking men. They sat at a long table that faced a large window.
    “Ah, Marnie,” the General said her name as if they were long time friends. Never mind the fact that he had called her by her ID number last time he had talked to her. “I’m glad you could join us this afternoon.”
    As if she had a choice.
    “Good to see you again, Sir General,” she responded stiffly.
    The men seated with the General shared a confused look.
    The General’s face turned slightly red and he stood up quickly.
    “Here’s how this is going to work.” He stepped closer to Marnie. “The prisoners will be brought into that room, where I will interrogate them. You will sit in here with my friends and record everything they are thinking.”
    “Will they be able to see me?” Marnie asked.
    The General looked down at her.
    “Sir,” she added.
    He rolled his eyes. “No, the window is one way. You can see them but they can’t see you.”
    “Interesting,” she responded.
    One of the soldiers stepped forward and removed the cuffs from around her wrists. She itched at the sore skin.
    “And no speaking to the