Pink assaulted my eyes as I entered the room, the floorboards creaking beneath me like bones that were brittle and old. I took in faded wallpaper curled at the edges, dusty ruffled bedding, heavy curtains that had seen better days, and a scratched pink vanity that had probably once been some girl’s favorite piece of furniture.
Fran jumped out of the chair, her wrists red and raw from the zip ties. No doubt she’d struggled to break free.
“Grace.” Her voice hitched, her familiar green eyes swimming with despair and hope.
But hope was a fleeting emotion. Every time I tried to grab on to it, to feel a sense that fate had my back, something or someone shattered my belief in faith, in freedom, in the future.
My stomach hollowed as I thought of Fran’s father until thunder rolled overhead, demolishing my pity party as I focused on Josh licking his lips, his hunger directed at Fran.
“You sure are a pretty thing. I can’t wait to see who catches you first. Maybe it will be me.”
Fran spat in his face, her bravery making me smile proudly.
For a split second, I was envious, though. I’d never had that amount of courage at her age, except when I packed my bags and had left my alcoholic father passed out drunk on the sofa.
Josh clutched Fran’s throat. “Do that again, and I’ll throw you in the basement and let the sharks eat you alive, one by one.”
I kicked him in the leg. “It’s me you want, remember?”
He released her. “You’re right. I have a special place for us.” Then he pinned a glare on Sabine. “Put Grace in that tight red dress in the closet. And let me remind you that if you don’t do as you’re told, I’ll make sure you’re chased through the woods by all those sex-starved men downstairs.” Then he left, locking us in.
Thunder clapped outside the window, breaking the silence filling the room.
I pushed out the air in my lungs and became aware of the skimpy lingerie covering Fran’s shapely body. Her wrists were free, as I’d noticed earlier. “Put your clothes on. We’re getting out of here. Who cut your zip ties off?”
Fran eyed Sabine but didn’t respond.
“Cut mine off,” I ordered her. “I won’t hurt you.”
Sabine shook her blond head of hair. “Do you have a death sentence?”
“My death sentence started ten years ago when I killed Josh’s father. Now, I understand that you’re part of this scheme because you need the money. Is that right?”
Fran began dressing. “What?”
Sabine slumped where she stood by the vanity, seemingly giving in to defeat. “My sister’s medical bills. If I don’t do as Josh says, my sister will be out on the street. She wouldn’t survive.”
“Your problem isn’t mine.” I looked around for anything to cut off my zip ties. “And you won’t live to see her. You do know Josh will dispose of you as soon as his plan is complete. That means tonight.”
“I’ll take my chances,” she said.
Lightning flashed, throwing harsh light across the room. The vanity mirror caught my reflection.Holy cow!I looked like death with my wild eyes and ghostly white face. My white sweater was laden with dirt and blood, and I resembled a wet rat. It didn't matter. I was going back out into the storm even if it killed me.
A towel lay crumpled on the pink comforter, and I snatched it as fast as I could. “Wrap this around my hands,” I ordered Sabine.
“What are you doing?” Her voice shook. “Josh will kill you. Or Drew will, and you don’t want that man coming after you. For all I know, he killed Ryan.”
The mention of Ryan sent Fran’s breath hitching.
“He’s fine,” I told Fran, which could have been a lie. We didn’t have time for meltdowns. If Ryan wasn’t fine, I would apologize.
I dangled the towel in front of Sabine. “Unless you have something to cut these ties off, I’m breaking the mirror.”
“She doesn’t,” Fran said. “Harris cut the ties off me. There are no sharp objects in the room. Sabine, I promise that my dad will take care of your sister’s medical expenses if you help us. Please, Sabine. He will help. He’s a good man.” Fran was begging.
Sabine harrumphed. “I’m sorry, Fran, but I think Josh depleted your father’s bank accounts.”
“Is that why you stole Brian’s folder with his bank statements?” I asked.
