Chapter 42

“Whoa there, ma’am. What the Hell do you think you’re doing? You can’t take my hair gel or dental floss.” I look between Klay and a counselor who is overseeing my luggage search. “I use those every day.”

“Don’t worry, Mister Mason. There is a fresh package of dental floss in the bathroom of your suite and we can’t allow the hair gel because it contains alcohol. We have a personal care pantry where we can find you an alternative.”

“Ma’am, I promise you, I’m not drinking my fucking hair gel.” I argue with her. “This is bullshit.”

“We’ll give it back to you when your stay here is complete, Mister Mason.” She looks at me solemnly. “The rules are in place for everyone’s safety and there are no exceptions.”

“Okay, fine, but my dental floss?!” I feel my eyes growing wide. Did they send me to rehab or prison?

“Yes. Even your dental floss.”

This woman is too calm, and it’s irritating me. I rub my hands over my face in frustration and lean back in the chair with my arms crossed, tapping m