Page 5 of One of Six

Instead of heading home, he stops in front of the sheriff's office. I frown. "Why did we stop?"

"I work here. Enjoy the scenery. I'll be back...eventually." He climbs out and enters the office without looking back.

What! The! Hell!

I reach forward and slam the gate between the front and back of the car. I lean back in the seat and kick the door. I can't believe this is happening. My heart is racing as I realize I may be in more trouble than I thought. I must get out of here. Not only am I scared, but it's so hot. The air is stifling. In a panic, my hands slide along the inside of the door, trying to find a way out. I shout in frustration, then scream in terror as a hooded figure appears at the window. I put a hand over my mouth to muffle the scream.

The door opens. “Essex?” I mutter.

He glares. "Go! Now!"

I scuttle out of the car, dragging the stupid milk with me. I don't hang around to find out where Essex went. I crouch down and sneak past the sheriff's office, then dash along the street.

There will be so much trouble when Uncle David finds me gone. I hope no one saw Essex free me.

Sweat soaks my clothes as I run through my yard. My face is flushed, and I feel overheated. Entering the house through the kitchen door, I drop to my knees and roll onto my back. Panting, I give Evelyn—our maid—a thumbs up so she knows I'm okay. I'm in doubt, mind you, because my heart is pounding in my chest.

"What on earth happened, Beatrice? Have you been running in this heat?"

Tears fall. "Uncle David locked me in the back of his police car. I couldn't get out. He left me there." I cry, not caring if Evelyn sees me.

"Oh, dear." She walks away and I hear the faucet turn on and a few seconds later turn off. She crouches down beside me and presses a cold, wet towel over my eyes and forehead. "Calm down and you'll cool off faster."

"I feel like such a baby."

“You are not. What your uncle did was cruel. He knows that confinement in small spaces scares you."

"He parked in front of the sheriff's office." I sit up and move so I'm leaning against a cabinet. "He left me there. It was so hot, and the air conditioning was off. I couldn't get out, Evelyn."

"He obviously came back and set you free."

I shake my head slowly, my eyes holding Evelyn's. "He doesn't know I'm gone yet. At least I don't think he does."

She frowns. "Then?—”

I lean forward and put a hand over her mouth. I whisper, "Essex Redd showed up and opened the door."

Her eyes go wide. "Are you sure it was him? I can't tell the younger boys apart."

“I’m sure it was." Wasn't it? He didn't look like someone who would help me. He'd rather stand there and watch me suffer.

"You mustn't mention his name to your parents. I'm not only thinking of him, but also of you."

"Don't worry, I won't mention the Redds at all."

"Good, now why don't you clean up while I pour you an iced tea."

"I'd like that, Evelyn."

As I get to my feet, the older woman pulls me into her arms. "At least you haven't seen the other boys in town. Your daddy would go crazy."

I flinch, which she catches. "I can't tell you. I promised."

"Beatrice, I fear for you if anyone finds out."

"It's okay." I put my arms around her. "I won't see them again, so don't worry.

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