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And the last thing I hear is her distressed whimper as she shuts me in the cupboard.
* * *
I lose my balance, wobbling, reaching for Fury’s arm. The monster smiles, as if knowing what I’m thinking, his chest expanding—an inhale of satisfaction.
“Pearl?”
I cough, tearing my eyes away from the man in the chair. “I tripped.”
Fury looks down at the smooth, even floor, and I walk on, feeling his eyes following me. I don’t breathe easy when we make it outside. I don’t breathe easy when we’re in the car. Not even when Fury’s driving me away.
“You sure you’re okay?” He looks across the car to me. “You look really pasty.”
“I’m fine.”
“Is this another panic attack?”
I swallow, feeling at my neck again, my windpipe closing. “Honestly, Fury, please, don’t worry.” I flex my clammy hands. “I’ve not eaten yet today.”
Fury expresses his disappointment, shaking his head, his attention still split between me and the road. Too much on me. “I think Brad might have something to say about that. Breakfast, Pearl. Always eat your breakfast.”
I smile meekly, looking in the side mirror. He’s come out the hotel and is getting in a black Audi. Following me.
Which confirms everything I knew.
He just wants me.
Not Brad, Danny, James, or anyone else.
He just wants me.
“I’ll make you something to eat when we get back,” Fury says, getting his phone out of his inside pocket and checking it. “Since Esther is out with Otto.”
“So you know,” I say, trying not to keep my eyes constantly on the mirror.
“Everyone knows except Esther. Do you think she’ll accept?”
I rub a palm into my chest. “Of course she’ll accept.” I peek at the mirror again, seeing the black Audi a few cars back.
Breathe.
I focus on taking in air steadily, constantly checking the mirrors, making small talk in an attempt to convince Fury I’m okay.
The Audi remains two cars back the entire way to the house. The gates open, and I nearly have a heart attack when I come face to face with Danny, James, Ringo, Goldie, Tank, and Len, all aiming machine guns at us.
“What the hell?” I exhale, pushing back in my seat as Fury pulls through the gates and cuts the engine.
“Stay in the car.”
He jumps out, catches another big gun that Tank throws his way, and all of them move toward the gate. “A black Audi,” Fury says. “Spotted it about two miles back.”
“Oh my God.” I turn in my seat, watching the line of deadly killers move out onto the road, and all hell breaks loose. I cover my ears, watching them fire at the Audi as it picks up speed, screeching away, swerving, tires screaming and burning.
I return forward, staring at the house. What have I done? Why did I lead him to the mansion? I should have told Fury. I should have had him drive away from their home.
I startle when Fury drops back into the driver’s seat. He doesn’t say a word. Just starts the car and drives me calmly toward the house. “Get something to eat,” he orders, getting out.
I open the door and slowly drag myself from the car, looking back down the driveway. The gates are now closed. Everyone is walking back toward the house.
