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Blushing, I stepped away from the car, my mask falling into place as I approached the guard station. The same man from yesterday stepped out, and I waved, a smile forming.
“Hey, Mark. I hope you don’t mind, but I made some extra cookies today and thought you might like some.”
I held out the container, his eyes going wide at the gesture. The cookies were an easy way for me to soften him and get him acquainted with accepting things from me without question. Then later, I could add something that would buy time to escape. I didn’t want to kill the guards if I didn’t have to, so using Harlow’s method was out of the question, but a little sleeping or compliance potion would do the trick.
Mark’s eyes dropped to cookies, his eyes crinkling at the edges in happiness before he frowned.
“Oh, I shouldn’t. I’m trying to watch my figure.” He patted his abs, not a hint of fat in sight. Was he fishing for a compliment? Were guys insecure about their figures?
“What? You look great,” I said, playing to his ego. He puffed up his chest, confirming my suspicion—time to throw the curveball, making it his choice. “But I’m not one to pressure anyone to eat something they don’t want. Would it be okay to leave them here for the other guards, then? I can grab my container on my way out.”
“Of course. That’s awfully kind of you, Miss Molly.”
“It’s the least I could do. You guys work so hard to keep it safe here, and I just wanted to share my extras as a thank you.” That and the bug Phoenix placed on the container. But we wouldn’t mention that.
He cleared his throat, nodding. “I’ll be sure and tell the guys. You have a good day now. Sean will be down to give you a ride. I alerted him when you were here.”
“Now, who’s the sweetest thing ever? Thank you, Mark.” I handed him the container, touching his forearm as I spoke, giving him my best smile. Thankfully, it seemed to work as he blinked at me, blushing in response.
That or he had something in his eyes and needed to fart. I could never tell the difference.
Stepping away, I headed toward the iron gate as the sound of the golf cart neared. The gate squeaked as it opened, and I turned to wave one more time at Mark, our last barrier before making it safely out of here. Sean smiled at me, his rosy cheeks round as I climbed onto the golf cart.
“Good evening, Sean. How has your day been?” I asked as the golf cart started to move. I needed to learn more about the guards’ outside routines, and I hoped Sean would be my answer.
“Not too shabby so far. Just a normal evening. No bad guys in sight, Miss Molly. You’re safe.” He smiled over at me like he alone was ensuring my safety.Silly boy, I could kill you before you blinked.“You’ll get to meet the new guy. He’s taken Nate’s place for the week. Not much of a talker, though.”
I relaxed at the knowledge Rueben had made it through the first obstacle and had been accepted by the other guards as legitimate.
“I feel so much safer knowing you’re out here. These grounds are so pretty. Do you get to walk them or do you have to stay in one place? It would be a shame if you did.” I frowned like the thought truly upset me.
“Unfortunately, we’re stationary for long bouts, only getting to walk the grounds every four hours. We take turns, so someone is walking every hour. It can get boring at times. As long as I’ve worked here, there’s never been an attempt. I’m not sure why they go to such lengths. But it’s a cushy job, so I’m not going to complain.”
I smiled inwardly, collecting the data like a sponge. “I’m glad you’re not in real danger then. That would be awful!” I gasped. Pleased with how well I was selling this southern belle thing. I couldn’t wait to rub it in Royal’s face that I’d been able to pull off a character for once. Apparently, I just needed to be in the south to woo the gents.
Sean puffed up his chest, pride blossoming out of him. “I can hold my own if needed. But between you and me,” he said, leaning over to whisper, “I’m glad as well. I don’t really like guns.” A grimace marred his face, a shudder running through him.
I mimed, zipping my lips as the house neared. The same mean-looking guard stood at the front door, his eyes watching us.
“Who’s that?” I whispered. “I don’t think he likes me.”
“That’s Commander McDaniels. No one knows his first name. He’s in charge, and I don’t think he likes anyone. He’s like that all the time.” Then he cleared his throat, his friendly smile fading away the closer we neared the steps. Neither of us spoke again, the warning clear.
“Thanks for the ride, Sean. I left some cookies with Mark. Make sure to help yourself if you get a chance,” I said softly, placing my hand on his forearm. He gulped, nodding.
“Sure thing, Miss Molly. I’ll see you at the end of your shift. Have a nice night.”
Picking up my bag, I realized that my distraction with the cookies had kept Mark from searching me. I couldn’t guarantee it would happen each time, but it was something to take note of.
“Good evening, Commander,” I said as I breezed past the angry man. His eyes darted to me, his face impenetrable as he observed me. I didn’t stick around, too worried he’d see beneath my disguise. His eyes were knowledgeable and not like the other guards who were here to do a job and nothing more. This man lived and breathed his post. He would be the hardest hurdle in our escape.
I took my time climbing the stairs, looking in rooms I hadn’t been able to do the day before with Rebecca. The house was mostly empty at this time of night, giving me a chance to snoop without notice. Not that I uncovered a lot. Most contained covered furniture, a few were dusty bedrooms, and one supply closet. But what was the oddest was what I didn’t discover—a room on the blueprints. Where it should’ve been was nothing but a smooth wall. Interesting.
Taking a picture to decipher later, I hurried to the third floor before I was noticed. Rounding the corner, I’d forgotten momentarily that Rueben was here, so used to doing it alone. I paused in my steps when his eyes landed on me. They traveled over me from head to toe, calculating every inch as he reassured himself nothing had occurred to me while I’d been out of his purview. I took a second to appreciate him in the guard uniform before continuing my trek toward the patient’s room.
“Good evening. I’m Molly, the nurse working here this week.”
He tilted his head in greeting, his eyes telling me everything I needed to know.
