Page 54 of When You're Safe

He raised aneyebrow, his playful demeanor undiminished. “Oh, is that why we’re here? Ithought it was for the room service. Besides, technically, I am inEngland on vacation.”

She rolled hereyes, chuckling softly. “Try to stay focused, Finn, I’m worried that Sam hasthe upper hand if he knows this place better than anyone.”

Finn nodded,standing up.

Both wereacutely aware of the grave situation they found themselves in. The jokes were away to lift their spirits. A madman, a violent serial killer, was stalking thehallways and secret passages of the castle, and no one knew where he was orwhere he would strike next.

“We shouldcome up with a game plan,” Winters said.

“Yeah,” Finnsaid. “The way I see it, we should get all of the family members to eitherleave the castle or stay in the one hall. Then their security can guard themmore easily. I’d prefer if they just left to be honest, so we could search thecastle room by room.”

Finn’s phonevibrated on the intricately carved nightstand, interrupting the stillness ofthe room. He reached for it, seeing a message notification. The sender’s namesent a pang through his heart: Demi.

Please,Finn. I’ve got something I need to tell you, but I can’t do it over text. Comehome.

His fingershovered over the phone, uncertainty swirling inside him. The pull of themessage, the weight of its implications, threatened to cast an even greatershadow over his mind. This was a side of Demi he hadn’t seen in quite sometime. Whatever she had to say, it was serious.

Winters had alook of concern on her face. “Everything okay?”

Finn pocketedhis phone quickly, attempting to push away the unease that the message brought.“Yeah, just a message,” he replied, trying to sound casual.

Winters tiltedher head, studying him. “From your ex?”

He hesitatedfor a moment before nodding. “Yeah.”

Winters took adeep breath, her eyes searching his. “Are you two…thinking about getting back together?”

Somewhereoutside, the rain increased and a clap of thunder sounded, strong enough tomake Winters jump.

Finn lookeddown, memories of the good times and the bad ones with Demi flooding his mind.He shook his head. “I’m not sure if I’ll get back with her. There’s a lot ofunresolved… stuff between us. But right now, her message has me worried.”

Winters lookedat Finn, sympathy evident in her eyes. “I know it’s not easy, especially whenpast emotions get tangled up with present circumstances. But remember, we’rehere for a reason, and you’ve always been one to stay focused on the task athand.”

Finn sighed,his gaze distant. “You’re right. It’s just… it’s hard to shake off that naggingfeeling when someone you once deeply cared for reaches out like this. I was soused to being the person she came to when she needed something, it’s hard toturn that off.”

Winters placeda reassuring hand on Finn’s shoulder. “I understand. And once we’ve wrappedthings up here, you’ll be able to give it the attention it needs. Just staygrounded, Finn. We’re in this together.”

“I know,” hesaid, putting the thoughts from his mind. “Let’s go and speak with Frau Wolf.Hopefully she’ll see sense and we can get the family out of here. Then it’ll bejust us, the castle, and its unwanted guest needing attended to.”

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

The grandeurof the dining hall was still breathtaking to Finn even on their third visit.Imposing paintings of the DeGrey ancestors gazed down upon them, and themassive table, gleaming under the chandeliers, stretched on seeminglyendlessly. However, this time, the atmosphere was tinged with an edge oftension. Frau Wolf, along with Morgan and Elizabeth, sat regally at the far endof the table, deep in discussion.

Approachingthem, Winters took the lead. “Frau Wolf, we strongly advise that you vacate thepremises for your safety. Given the circumstances, the castle is too dangerousa place to stay in for now.”

Frau Wolf’spiercing eyes met Winters’s, unyielding. “Absolutely not. This castle has beenin my family for generations. I will not be chased out of my own home, and theDeGrey children certainly won’t be, either.”

Elizabethnodded in agreement. “We stand with Frau Wolf. We’re not going anywhere.”

Morgan, everthe diplomat, interjected, “Maybe we should listen to the police, Elizabeth.Their only concern is our safety.”

Frau Wolfsilenced her with a raised hand. “The decision has been made. We stay.”

Sensing the mountingtension, Finn stepped forward, attempting to find a middle ground. “If you’redetermined to stay, then might I suggest consolidating everyone into one room?It’s easier for us to protect you all that way.”

The matriarchconsidered this, her gaze contemplative. After a moment, she nodded. “That’s areasonable request. We can agree to that.”

Finn exhaled asigh of relief. “Great. We can have some servants set up the dining hall forthe night. Bring in mattresses, blankets, make everyone comfortable.”

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