r said, appearing in th

diately. She stood up, smoo

didn't look up from his la

n't re

ss panels of the front door, she could see the world had turned in

ar for you, Miss?

d smoothly. "My Uber

ing her hoodie in seconds. She walked down the steps and stood near the gate, just out

mber, held it to her ear, and then pulled it a

ously. It sat there for a moment, headlights cutting through th

chimed on Isadore's screen. Pe

w the girl. Ashton was hugging herself, shaking violently, water streaming down

t he refused to have a kidnapping-or worse-happen on

tton. "Let her back in

onnel swarmed the black sedan,

ipping wet. Her wet clothes clung to her skin, outlining h

airs. He looked annoyed.

round herself. "Carter... he was

e screaming, the glass. He pinched the bridge

oice trembling. "Or throw me out. But if he grabs me

u have nerve." He pointed down the hall. "G

le, beige room. "I will bring

rt. "Mr. Grimes does not keep wome

ok it. "T

d shut, she stopped

ssive on her, the hem hitting her mid-thigh. It smelled of cedar and rain-a cold, expensive

ent. The thunder covered the sound

aster bedroom door was ajar. Isad

assive bed, grey sheets. On the nightstand, a

he reached up to her neck and unclasped

step on the stai

ngers, watching it fall into the narrow, dark gap between the mattress and the headboard. It was a place

ust as Isadore reached the landing. Her heart hammered against her ribs l

, letting out a breath she