Page 189 of Volatile Obsessions

As per our plan, we ducked low and stayed as close to the tall Italian Cypresses surrounding the estate as possible, taking careful steps to the backyard. From the main road it wasn’t visible, but evidently, behind the estate was a small lake. Google Maps showed the security gate had a back entrance as well, one that led out to said lake and appeared to be much smaller in scale than the brawny gates up at the front. Should that image be accurate, it might be our one and only ticket inside.

Once we made it to the back, the tall Cypresses came to an abrupt end, waist-high bushes taking their place along the rear gate. They lined the pathway down to the lake as well. Suki and I ducked lower behind them, peeking over their rounded tops to scan the backyard for any signs of life.

But there was no one.

All I could see was a decently-sized pool and a lavish patio area, all well-kept and fully landscaped.

“Should we try the gate?” Suki whispered, holding tight to the crowbar she’d found in the trunk of the rental before we’d left.

It was our only weapon at the moment.

“I doubt it’s just going to be open, Suk. Gates are meant to keep people out,” I whispered back, dragging my gaze over every window on the estate.

“It’s worth a shot, L. You never know.”

“Then you check it,” I hissed.

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes, passing me the crow bar. “Don’t lose it.”

“Where the fuck am I gonna lose it?” I hissed again, prompting her to flash me the bird behind herself as she inched toward the gate.

Poking her head out around the bushel closest to the pathway, she glanced both ways as if she were crossing a street, and bound right up to the gates. All she did was tug it gently with a single finger and it gave away, falling open slowly.

My mouth popped open in utter shock as she turned to me, satisfied smirk curling her lips. “I told you,” she mouthed, motioning for me to follow her.

I couldn’t believe it.

It seemed way too simple, suspiciously so, but nevertheless, we had a way in.

I scrambled from the safety of the greenery around me and joined her out in the open, gripping the crow bar for dear life.

“That seemed too easy,” I whispered, as we treaded carefully through the patio to the large French doors.

“Agreed, but don’t overthink it. Could be a total lucky coincidence.”

“If that back door is open, this was premeditated.”

“L…” Suki whirled around in a flash and took my face in her hands, shaking me softly. “Stop overthinking and focus. Rome—we gotta get to Rome, babe.”

The sound of his name paired with the urgency of the moment brought tears to my eyes. “How do we know he’s in there?” My lip quivered.

“We don’t, but it’s all we’ve got. I have a good feeling though—I can feel the bastard.” She grinned, prompting me to grin, too, with a little scoff in tow.

“There’s my girl.” She shook me again. “Ready?”

Passing back the crow bar, I nodded. “Ready.”

We made it to French doors leading into the house without incident. There wasn’t a single light on within the estate, but I figured that was likely due to how early it was.

For all we knew, whoever was in there was still asleep.

But not for much longer…

“You remember the plan?” Suki asked as she set her hand on the golden knob.

“Yes—but you’re sure you wanna do that?” I countered, my voice wary and uncertain.

It was a good plan, don’t get me wrong, but it put us both at risk for different reasons.

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