I could tell them the truth.
Yes.
Of course, I could.
I could say I was looking for the room where I was supposed to work.
Cool.
And how could I explain the secret vault?
This makes me look like a thief.
My window of opportunity narrows quickly as someone pushes the door open.
Without pondering much, I slip inside the vault and desperately try to slide the bookcase shut.
I wish I could credit my ingenuity for accomplishing just that, but it was merely luck.
I must’ve pressed something by mistake and closed it.
My heart is just beside itself, jumping up and down in my chest. There’s not a smidgen of light in here, and the room looks like a frozen grave.
And I have nothing on me to help me with that.
Wait… My phone.
I slide my hand inside my pocket and pull it out. The bluish light of the screen is not a lot, but it’s still something.
I shouldn’t use it now, though.
I need to stay put until they leave before I look for that switch, open it up, and get out of here.
What a terrible turn of events.
I put my phone back into my pocket, spin around, and press my spine against the sealed entrance, listening to their voices.
They’re in the other room.
All men.
Heavy steps, baritone tones.
They don’t sound like customers or employees.
Hopefully, they’ll finish their business quickly so I can get out of my spot.
I swear I’ll never do this again if I get out of here unharmed.
Stupid, stupid move on my part.
Someone barks orders in the other room, and I straighten at once, tense.
My hair stands up as what sounds like an altercation unfolds outside.
And then, out of nowhere, laughter fills the room as it’s one of those crazy situations when you never know which way things go.
I barely breathe a sigh of relief when a loud noise makes me jump away from the wall.