Page 31 of Dolly

“Looks like they were pregaming.” I release her hand and flip open the box. Pepperoni. There’s still plenty of slices left, and they’re warm. “Have a piece.”

She takes a large slice. Dipping her head back, she slides the corner inside her mouth, biting off a large chunk. She hums while she chews, and for a moment, I’m lost in the sound of it.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” she asks before taking a second bite.

I grab a slice and inhale it, not slowing down to even taste the cheese and spice of the pepperoni. My stomach twists at the invasion.

“Not too fast.” I touch Dolly’s arm. She’s almost done with her second slice. Grease from the cheese slides down her chin. “You don’t want to get sick.”

She nods while taking a smaller bite.

If we had time, I’d help her polish off the pizza. But we have to get supplies and get out of here. I have little doubt Bossman and Beardman worked alone in their venture. Whoever else is in their circle might have seen the livestream and could be closing in on us.

The kitchen is void of anything useful, so I search throughout the first floor. Each room empty. They didn’t stay here.

“Ken, I found something.” Dolly finds me in the hallway, two black duffel bags in her grip. “They were in the little room by the garage door. There are jackets too.”

“Did you go in the garage?”

“No.” She pushes her hands out toward me with her bounty.

“Go back upstairs and fill one bag with the clothes you found, okay?”

“Where are you going?” A light tremble shakes her words.

“I’m just going to check the garage and their coats. They could have cash, and I’m hoping there’s a car we can use.” I cradle her face between my hands. “I’m not leaving without you. Together, remember?”

The need to believe me dances in her eyes, but she’s unsure. Now that we’re free, I could walk away at any moment. Telling her I won’t doesn’t cement it for her, so I’ll have to keep showing her. That’s okay. I don’t mind. Dolly is worth the effort.

“Okay. I’ll get the stuff from upstairs.” She drags in a big breath and pulls away from my grasp. “Here I go.” I wait until she’s up the stairs before I rush to the garage.

Three coats hang on the back of the garage door. Rifling through the pockets produces a cell phone, wallet, and a set of keys.Please be car keys.

My heart soars when I open the garage door and find a black Ford truck sitting in the middle of the empty space. I fumble through the keys until I get hold of the fob. The truck fires right up. A knot unravels in my chest. I can breathe easier. We’ll be able to get away from here quickly. We can go anywhere we want.

Turning off the ignition, I climb out of the truck and head back into the house to find Dolly.

“Dolly! Are you done?” I yell up the stairs as I climb them. The house has nothing to offer but memories already scarred into us. It’s time to get away from here.

“All set.” Dolly steps out of the playroom with both duffel bags in her hands. There’s blood on her chin. Her shoes are covered with it as well.

“What did you do?” I lick my thumb and wipe off the small splatter on her cheek. She doesn’t wince at my touch, allowing me to clean her. She’s no child, but she smiles up at me like a little girl who’s been caught stealing cookies.

“I just said goodbye.” She lifts a shoulder.

“Is that right?” My lips tug into a smile. “It looks like you stomped around in there.” I point to her shoes.

She frowns. “I made a mess.”

“Are there new shoes in the bag?” I ask.

“Yes. Only one pair, though.”

“That’s fine. Leave these behind and put the new ones on so we don’t get blood all over the truck.”

Light shines in her eyes. “You found a truck?”

“Yes, now hurry and switch the shoes.”

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