Page 44 of Resolutions

As usual, Michael's right, why didn't she come talk to me. Why did she run? Unless, the note she left was right, and she never cared for me. Unconsciously, I pick up my pace, my hands balled into fists.

Fine! If that was her, and she didn't even make an effort to talk to me, then the note's right. And things are done, for good. Stopping myself from going off the deep end, I shut myself in my office and press my back against the door.

“This is what it's come to. First, I have to have proof.” My family and I deserve to know if it was her. I bring my computer up and click on the security footage.

“I take back what I said earlier. Please, don't be her.”

Melanie

I saw him at the bar, and for one perfect moment, time stood still and everything else fell away. He looked amazing - the blue suit I love so much fitting his athletic frame perfectly. I was lost in memories of happier times when I saw him start searching the crowd, his movements becoming more agitated. When the bartender pointed in my direction, I knew my time was up. Facehim or flee. With no proof against Michael yet, I had no choice but to run.

His quick movements my way caught my eye. Cameron was weaving through the crowd with desperate grace, getting closer with each step.

Shit.

Without thinking, I bolted down the hallway, realizing too late it was a dead end. Desperately, I spun around. What am I going to do? Fate intervened just as I was about to hide in the bathroom. A woman emerged from the housekeeping door carrying a stack of napkins. The moment she turned, I slipped through the door like a shadow. The room was empty, thank God. I pressed my back against the door, trying to control my breathing. I strained to hear anything through the wood. Grabbing a glass from a nearby cart, I held it against the door. A smart old reporter's trick. Cameron's voice came through clearly as he questioned Mrs. Gentry.

Then my blood turned to ice as another voice joined them. My heart doubled its pumping. I placed a hand over my mouth.

It’s Michael.

Nooo. I shook my head, blinking back the tears. Please no.

I forced myself to keep listening as Michael dismissed Cameron's suspicions. Their voices faded, heading for the coat rack, but I remained frozen in fear for a moment. Finally, feeling like I might be okay, I put my hand on the handle of the door.

I heard Michael's voice much closer this time. Super gently I put the glass back against the door. He was on his phone.

“All of you to the Inn now.” A pause that seemed to last forever. “My lost bunny is here.” He growled out orders. “She doesn't get out of here. Short of killing her, I don't care how you stop her. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?” Another pause. “You better be within five minutes.” He hissed.

In my head I saw Mr. Daggers looking at me with those evil eyes that said nothing good was going to happen if he caught me. I realized I'd been holding my breath. I forced myself to exhale slowly, my heart beating so fast. Still holding the door with my other hand, I found the doorknob lock and twisted it with trembling hands. Through the glass, I could hear Michael grumbling.

“That little whore...” Some words I couldn't make out. “What game does she think she's playing...” More unintelligible mumbling. Then, crystal clear: “I'm going to make her hurt.”

I removed the glass and stood perfectly still. The lights in the room shut off, engulfing me in total blackness. I almost screamed until my inner voice boomed, it's okay, it's a timer, they're on a timer.

I waved my arms, but nothing happened. From inside the darkness, I froze in place, watching a shadow appear under the door. Feet blocking the light from the hallway, the only light. My breath caught in my throat, as the doorknob was jiggled, causing my heart t stop. Still grasping the glass, I brought my hands to my chest.

They tried the door again. I swallowed.

Third try, a lot harder this time. I tried to breathe but couldn't.

Please don't faint. Please don't faint. My head repeated in rhythm with my thundering pulse playing in my ears. I watched the shadow move away.

I can't be caught. What the fuck was I thinking? I'm so dumb. Michael's out there, circling, waiting for me to show myself. And I played right into his hands.

I wiped the tears away with the back of my hand. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, trying to get myself under control. I held my breath, then silently, slowly blew it out. I don't have much time to decide what to do, Mr. Daggers and whoever else are on their way. Okay, okay, what am I going to do? I tookanother deep breath and again slowly blew it out. Alright, what are my options? Wait for a bit then hope for a clear sprint to the exit? Or risk it now with Michael and Cameron out there somewhere? Maybe waiting right outside this door.

The thought of that made me take two steps back, away from the door. The motion sensors detected my movement and the lights blazed to life.

Thank God. I huffed out a couple of breaths. I'm normally not one who's usually afraid of the dark, that is until my darkness included a predator. Now, it's terrifying.

I set the cup down and pivoted around. Another door! Another door on the far side of the room. I wiped away my tears. Crossing to it, I grabbed the glass again. Nothing. I don't hear anything. I eased it open just enough to see out. Oh, my gosh, I remember this.

I thought back to the afternoon after Cameron's interview. He told me the original owners were odd about staff being seen. So, they installed several hidden corridors. Just like the one Mr. Daggers escorted me down. This must be how housekeeping avoids the foyer moving from laundry to the guest floors.

Bless those odd people.

I slipped my heels off to avoid the clicking noise. Putting the glass down, I slipped into the corridor, closing the door behind me with barely a click. Small glowing lights spread out along the way, lit it enough for me to see. Avoiding the housekeeping carts, I padded down the hallway. The concrete's cold on my bare feet. At the end, another door. I pause to listen. Nothing.

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