Page 222 of Vameer

Chapter 132

The Volunteer

Istand from my chair and tilt my head.

Did I hear something?

I take a step toward the stairs.

A buzz slices through the air, then the bulb hanging from the ceiling goes out.

I stagger to the wall and try the switch. On, off. Nothing.

The room is pitch black. No window. No light. No electricity.

A faint vibration rolls through the ground around us.

Then another.

This isn’t good.

Fear flows down the stairs as I scramble up them.

Just get out. If someone wants the creature, they can take it.

I turn the door handle and push.

It doesn’t move.

I try again. Nothing.

The lock.

Closing my eyes and focusing on the feel, I find the right buttons to press for the code to unlock the door.

But the numbers don’t light up.

And the pad doesn’t beep.

And the door doesn’t unlock.

The keypad is electronic.

“Hey!” I pound on the door. “Hey, let me out!”

I press my ear to the surface. But I don’t hear anything.

I pound again.

Either they aren’t there at all, or they don’t care that I’m stuck down here.

“Fuck.”

Hand on the wall, I make my way back down the steps into the room.

My breaths are too loud in the small space.

I clench my jaw. I’ve been in scarier situations.