Page 32 of The Truth Between

I needed to find a way out of here right now.

“I could try leaving at night, but which option would be the best? Through the kitchen and the terrace or through the front door?” I whispered, weighing my options out loud. Based on what I’d seen, it would be easier to leave through the front door, but the chances of it being guarded in some way were high. The terrace would be less protected, and I’d found myself studying the landscape while I’d eaten breakfast out there.

It made the most obvious choice. The terrace made the most sense in the dark.

The fact that I had a small plan forming gave me some newly found determination. I walked to the closet in the guest room and found a book bag that had been stored there. With shaky hands, I began gathering what few belongings I had as I thought about what could happen after I left the mansion.

It would take me some time to gather everything I thought I might need, but it would be well worth it.

I waited a couple of hours before I made it down to the hallway just outside the kitchen. I waited to see if I heard someone in the kitchen, but when I didn’t, I quickly entered. I didn’t know how much time I would have.

I walked over to the pantry, my eyes darting from shelf to shelf in search of nonperishable food items that would sustain me when I left. I hastily stuffed packages of crackers, a couple of water bottles, and a small jar of peanut butter into my backpack. I also grabbed a can of vegetables and fruit just in case too. I didn’t want to grab too much and risk making Molly suspicious, but hopefully, this would be enough to sustain me. I prayed that it wouldn’t take much for me to find a neighboring home or town and to call the police.

My next stop was the kitchen drawers, where I searched for anything that could be used as a weapon. My heart raced as I searched, but I only found silverware and cooking utensils in the first two drawers.

But in the third drawer, I found what I had been looking for. A sturdy kitchen knife with a wooden handle and what looked to be a sharp blade.

I snatched it and tucked it into one of the pockets of my backpack before leaving the room.

I quickly made my way up the stairs and back to the guest room, closing the door a little louder than necessary and resting my back against the now-closed door.

I’d made it.

I almost ran over to the closet and stuffed the bag into the farthest corner away from the door in hopes that it would conceal it more.

With that, I was another step closer to getting out of captivity.

* * *

Two days later,I found myself staring up at the ceiling in the guest room, watching the shadows that danced along the wall. One deep breath and then another was the only thing that was keeping me somewhat calm as I prepared myself mentally for the hurdles that lay ahead. It would all end tonight. I just had to be patient.

My backpack of supplies was tucked away in the closet, away from prying eyes and ready for me when I decided to make my move. I’d been waiting for everyone in the house to go to bed before Operation Get the Fuck Out of Here was a go. I’d already mapped out a way to get out of here and there was no room for me to fail. If I did, I didn’t know what Soren would do to me, and I didn’t want to find out.

I pictured the route in my mind once more, and I knew I just needed to get to the woods, where I would have no issue disappearing, hopefully.

I turned over to my side as I tried to quiet my mind. I needed to conserve all my energy for the hurdles ahead. The anticipation of what was on the other side of this imprisonment was almost too much to bear. I knew my life as it was had ended, but at least I wouldn’t be trapped under his thumb any longer.

With a deep sigh, I just reminded myself of what was at stake here. Impatience was starting to win, but I just had to wait a little longer to throw my plan into action. I was only minutes away from being free, and I couldn’t wait.

Not having access to the time made this extremely difficult to plan, but I was determined that wouldn’t stop me. Sometime later, I moved as silently as possible as I slipped out from under the sheets and the comforter. I dressed myself in layers, making sure that all the clothes were dark so it would be easier to blend into the night. The pair of sneakers I’d been wearing to eat breakfast outside or walk around the grounds were broken in now, perfect for when I needed to run.

I walked over to the closet and opened it.

My backpack of supplies was ready and waiting. I threw one of the straps on my shoulder and walked over to my door. I rested my ear against it, straining to hear any noises in the mansion. All was still and quiet, just what I’d predicted.

Cracking open the bedroom door, I looked out cautiously before leaving my room. My pulse pounded as I slowly crept down the hallway, praying that I didn’t step on a wooden plank that would creak under my weight.

Finally, I reached the top of the grand staircase. With a deep breath, I slowly made my way down, one step at a time.

When I reached the foyer undetected, I let out a shaky breath. My exit from this house was only feet away. Soon, I would feel that cool winter breeze on my skin as I took off into the night.

I continued to walk slowly toward the dining room and, from there, into the kitchen. No looking back now. I was getting out of this mansion tonight, even if it killed me.

As I walked through the dining room and into the kitchen, I mentally checked off another piece of my plan. Once again, there was no one. I debated with myself about whether I needed to stick more food into the bag but decided not to. It would only serve as a distraction and lead to me spending more time here than necessary.

I reached the screen door that would lead out to the terrace. With trembling fingers, I unlocked the door and slowly eased it open. I peeked outside to see if I spotted anyone, but the only thing that greeted me was the sounds of nature.

I slipped through the gap that I’d created and eased the door shut behind me. The breeze that caressed my face was more than welcome, cooling down my already warm face. With one final mental push, I shoved my fear aside and took off running.

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