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There’s only one way to find out.
But I need to wait a little and give Ruby time to settle in somewhere. If she was looking for the keys in the middle of the night, she must have needed them. Which also means she’s up doing something.
Which also means I need to give her time to do said thing.
So, I slide on top of the desk and wait. Take a deep breath as I pointlessly scan around me and hope my eyes can somehow adjust.
I thought I was going to have to try and outrun her and wake up Jake. He would be my only ally in that scenario…I hope.
Doubt pings inside at the prospect. Would he, though? Would he be my protector? Or, when it comes down to it, deep inside he knows the capabilities of the women in this family so he’d do whatever it takes to stay out of trouble with them. To avoid their wrath.
Like Rose.
I sigh a shaky sigh and pull my legs onto the desk. Sit cross-legged. Close my eyes and breathe. Try to forget I’m locked in the creepiest basement of all basements. And one that belongs to Magnolia Mitchell.
The shit I get myself into.
When I’m certain a good twenty minutes or so have passed, though it could have been way shorter (time flies when you’re locked in a creepy medical room), I pull my big girl panties up and feel my way to the stairs with my good hand. Only suffer one tiny toe stub. Surprisingly.
The adrenaline rush must have burned up whatever alcohol was left in my blood.
My heart stops as I reach the top of the stairs and listen for movement. But thankfully I don’t hear any, so I feel around for the doorknob, and the air comes rushing out of my lungs when my fingertips rest of the tiny stub of the lock. I can unlock it.
Thank God.
I push it quickly, the lock releasing, and I wait a couple seconds to see if someone happened to hear it. When no one comes, I carefully, surgically, twist the knob and step out into the hallway. Gently close the door behind me but of course leave it unlocked.
Once I know for sure the house has settled, I’ll go back down there and search the desk.
With my phone this time.
As I make my way to the bedroom, I notice a light glowing from around the office door.
My feet halt, and I and listen.
Someone is shuffling papers around. Fingernails clack against the screen of a phone.
Ruby.
She’s still up.
I hurry to the bedroom and quietly close myself in. Slide back into bed with Jake. Looks like I might be waiting awhile.
But I will. I’ll wait and see what else I can find.
I’ll be seeing Claudia in the morning.
I awake with a start,sitting straight up in bed. A dreadful feeling swallows me.
Something isn’t right.
What time is it? It’s already light outside, a dusty shade of grey coloring our window.
My eyes settle on the clock on the bedside table. It’s six o’clock.
I breathe.
It’s okay. I still have time to get ready and for Jake to take me to work.
