Page 79 of Illicit Heir

Me: You're scaring me.

Devin: Just do as I say, and you'll stay safe.

"What did he say?" Emily asks.

"He said to go into the bathroom and stay there."

Her eyes widen. "Bathroom? Why?"

"I don't know. Let's just do what he says."

We go into the bathroom. I shut and lock the door. We sit on the floor, taking up the entire space.

"What's going to happen?" she frets again.

I still have no answers, so I only shrug, feeling helpless and panicky.

Within minutes, gunshots ring through the air.

My heart races faster.

Emily looks at me in horror.

We clutch each other, both of us shaking.

The gunshots continue and it sounds as if we're in the middle of a war. Shouts, screams, and more gunfire seem to go on forever.

But it's not. In all reality, it's only a short time span before the shouting grows quieter and the gunshots lessen. Suddenly, there's deafening silence.

Emily and I stare at each other in fear, unsure about our safety.

My phone vibrates.

Devin: Tell me you're still in the bathroom.

Me: We are.

Devin: Who's we?

Me: Emily and me.

Devin: What about the others?

Me: I sent all of them home hours ago.

Devin: That's my smart angel.

My heart swells, but I'm still shaking as I text.

Me: What just happened down there? There were gunshots.

Devin: Delete this text chain. Someone will be up there soon. Ya don't have to be afraid of them. They have strict instructions not to hurt ya. I won't be contacting ya anymore.

My heart sinks. No more contact from him. Of course, that's for the best, yet why do I feel so sad about it?

Me: Why did ya warn me?

Devin: I told ya to delete this chain. No more messages. It's for your safety.