Page 34 of The Deal

If Idie, what chance will my father have?

I move back to the bed, using every ounce of strength I have. It takes a few good shoves before the solid timber frame finally shifts.

I’m a sweaty mess when I get it into position by the window. I quickly strip the bed and tie one corner of the king-size flat sheet to the bedpost.

I tug on it a few times, ensuring the double knot is secure, before dropping it over the edge. The sheet ends about halfway down, which is a free fall that seems less daunting. I’m starting to think this plan is not foolproof.

It works in the movies, but does it work in real life?

I guess I’m about to find out.

I hoist my leg over the windowsill, say a silent prayer, grasp the sheet, and let myself drop. A small squeak escapes my lips as the front of my body slams against the side of the house.

For a moment, I’m frozen with fear as my knuckles turn white from the death grip I have on the fabric. Doubt floods my mind, but it’s too late to turn back. I fill my lungs with air and loosen my hold slightly, letting out a little yelp as gravity pulls me downward. The palms of my hands burn from the friction, but I continue descending nevertheless.

My heart is in the base of my throat when I reach the end of the sheet and begin my free fall, bracing myself to hit the ground.

Surprisingly, I land on my feet, but the jolt of the impact as it radiates through my body is jarring.

I stand there in disbelief for a second. I can’t believe I did it, and survived in one piece.

I glance from side to side before tilting my head back to look at the window above. I’m still in the clear, not yet discovered, so I quickly duck around the side of the house and scurry behind a perfectly manicured hedge.

My chances of getting out through the front of the property are slim at best. The rear seems like a better option.

I take a moment to scope out the surroundings. I haven’t seen the rear of the house before.

Like the rest of this estate, the backyard is sleek and sophisticated, with an open layout. A stunning infinity pool stretches across the space, its water seamlessly blending with the horizon. The poolside is lined with smooth, dark stone tiles reminiscent of the house’s contemporary aesthetic. Plush lounge chairs with charcoal-coloured cushions are arranged around the pool, offering a place to relax and enjoy the sun.

I wish I’d had the chance to spend my time out here instead of cooped up inside.

At one end of the pool, a built-in hot tub with gently bubbling jets is tucked into a raised platform. Nearby, a fire pit with a modern, sculptural design is surrounded by comfortable seating. It is perfect for evening gatherings—not that I can imagine Mr Grumpypants entertaining. The man barely tolerates the presence of others, let alone hosting a social event.

I start moving again, my body low and quick. I duck behind obstacles and weave through shadows, staying as quiet as possible. My eyes dart around constantly, scanning for any sign of movement as my breathing remains shallow but steady.

Every step is calculated as I try to stay unnoticed. I avoid the open spaces, hoping to reach the brick wall surrounding the property without drawing any attention.

When I finally reach the rear of the property, I plaster my back against the dark bricks and gulp some much-needed air into my lungs.

I can see some taller trees further down, which will bemy best chance—this wall is too high for me to scale without assistance.

Crouching back down, I head in that direction.

Minutes later, I smile triumphantly as I hit the groundoutsideAlexander Mancini’s compound with a heavy thud. My chest heaves, winded from my landing, and pain shoots through my wrist, but the rush of freedom overwhelms it all.

I did it … I actually did it.

I’m fucking free!

Chapter 12

Alexander

“What do you mean she escaped?” I bellow down the line.Someone is going to lose their job over this.Incompetent fucking fools.

“Carmella opened the window in her bedroom. She said Chloe wasn’t feeling well and didn’t eat any of her lunch. She thought the fresh air would help.”

She’s sick?

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