I refuse to let that happen.
My mind travels briefly back to twelve hours ago, remembering how Grace’s body felt in my arms, so pliant and soft with the sedative coursing through her veins. I had placed her in bed, covering her body so it looked like she was sleeping, then hid Corey’s body in the bathroom. Just like I thought, a hotel employee arrived shortly after, wanting to make sure everything was okay. After a glance inside the room and astern warning about keeping the noise down after midnight, the employee left, satisfied.
It took several hours, but I eventually cleared the room of any incriminating evidence. The police will eventually find Corey’s body in the bathtub, but by then, it will be too late. Grace and I are here in Moriton, on the other side of the country, and unless something goes terribly wrong, they will never figure out it was me who killed him.
I take one last look at Grace’s sleeping form, making sure the blanket I placed inside her cage is still wrapped snugly around her. Satisfied, I leave the room, closing and locking the secret door behind me.
I’m keeping Grace in one of the modified basement rooms in the apartment building I own. It’s not the most secure place in the world, but it’s the best spot I could take Grace on such short notice. Luckily, I had finished renovating the white room and installing the holding cage just before we went on the work trip, but my living space is still in a state of disrepair.
It will be a few days before it’s worthy of Grace’s eyes, and though I want to get to work right away, there are more important matters at hand.
I take the stairs up to my apartment, heading into the bedroom where I left Grace’s purse. I grab her phone, scanning through the slew of notifications she’s received in the past twelve hours. She’s gotten a few messages from coworkers and friends, but the only ones that worry me are from herbestfriend, Saffron.
Several texts are asking where Grace is and why she hasn’t answered her phone. The very last one she sent says that if Grace doesn’t contact her soon, she’ll report her missing to the police.
Weighing my options, I realize the best course of action would be to text SaffronasGrace. With any luck, I can assuage Saffron’s worries, and all will be as it should once more.
Grace
Hey! Sorry I didn’t text. I’ve been… busy…
I press send and hold my breath, hoping the text sounds enough like Grace so that Saffron will fall for the ruse. Within a few moments, the text bubbles appear, followed by a message from Saffron.
Saf
I’ll forgive you if you give me details. Especially if it has to do with your hot boss.
As I read, my chest squeezes with a foreign emotion.Grace has been telling her friends about me…
Before I lose focus, I type out a quick response to Saffron.
Grace:I’ll tell you all about it later. I’m actually going away with him for the weekend. Out of the country.
Saf
That’s so romantic! I can’t believe you’re leaving the country!
Grace
I know, right!
Satisfied, I’m about to shove the phone back in Grace’s purse when another text comes through, stopping me in my tracks.
Saf
Hey, Grace?
I frown, typing out a response. What could she possibly want now?
Grace
What is it?
Saf
I don’t want to keep you, but I have a super quick question.
Grace
