Page 48 of Hidden Raphael
No button, but the box had to be the router.
She picked up her computer and dragged it closer to the source.
Her heartbeat increased. The computer read "internet found." One bar was almost nothing, and it flashed off before she finished smiling.
She opened her email and tried to compose a letter,
Dear Mom,
The internet then went to the "no signal" sign.
Kimberly bit her lip and hit refresh.
This time, she opened up a Word document and jotted down her letter there.
Dear Mom,
I was in a plane crash. I'm all right, but stuck on an island in Maine until spring. In April, I will be home to tell you in person the following. I love you. I'm sorry I ran off. I was stupid, and I'm coming home. I hope you'll see me.
Love you,
Kimberly
She wiped a tear out of her eye and sniffled. There was so much to say. And she had no idea what words would be enough.I'm sorry for being a rotten teenager? Reading that wouldn't be right. Kimberly copied what she had so she'd have one second to paste and hit send, if she found that bar again.
Then she shook off her head and tried the internet again.
No signal.
Kimberly heard a bell chime. Raphael or Meg? Were they looking for her? Would they stop her?
Kimberly's heart raced, and she said a little prayer. Once done, her computer found a low signal again.
She bit her lip and opened her email. She opened a new message and pasted. She saw her short letter appear on the screen. Then she hit send as fast she could tap the button.
A moment later it said sent. Then it flashed to the "no internet" sign again.
Had her message gone?
She hoped so. She covered her mouth and prayed the message went through. In April, she hoped to be home.
Satisfied, she closed the computer and let her unease go. She was certain she saw the sent screen. The "what if" questions in her head had to be ignored. She had seen it. She tucked the computer under her arm and headed out of the room.
She heard footsteps in the hall. She turned around and saw no one.
The shuffling of the steps sounded close. Did Raphael want to talk about that kiss now?
He’d enjoyed kissing her too. She’d felt it.
She listened closer. It seemed as if the sound was coming from behind the wall. She left her computer on a side table in the hall and traced the wainscoting. Was there a secret door? Adrenaline coursed through her. If no secret door, then she'd find an adjoining room. She crossed her fingers. A secret door would be fun. Especially if it led to Raphael.
The stones were all solid here, though, and nothing had any levers that swung a door open. Secrets like that might only be in the movies.
She left her computer and picked up her candelabrum. This time, she lit the candles. The rooms were darker now, so the storm must have hit.
On the walk to the next room, she again heard people. It might be a woman. Meg? Instantly the air became frosty. Her ears were usually sharp. She opened the door, but no one was here. The blackness of the room lightened as she held the candelabrum. What was this place?
Unlike the rest of the spotless castle, this room was dusty. Like the room next to the kitchen, boxes were everywhere. She held the silver candelabrum closer, and took stock of the furniture.
