Chapter 2 - BEHIND FROSTED GLASS
Julian’s uncle, Richard, frowned and took a step toward the hallway.
“Is someone trapped in there?”
“Go see for yourself,” I invited, leaning back against the leather cushions. “The light switch is on the left.”
Beatrice rushed down the corridor first, her high heels clicking sharply against the hardwood floors.
The rest of the family followed like sheep walking into a slaughterhouse.
I stayed on the sofa, listening.
I heard the sound of the brass door handle rattling violently.
I heard Beatrice gasping as she tried the keyhole, only to realize the lock was turned tight from the outside.
Then came Julian’s voice, raw and raspy from screaming into the thick wood.
“Mom! Mom, is that you?! Get us out of here! She locked the door!”
“Julian?” Beatrice cried out, her hands slamming against the wood. “What are you doing in there? Where are your clothes?”
From inside the bathroom, Mia’s voice rose in a hysterical whine.
“Mrs. Caldwell took everything! Please, we don't have towels! We're freezing!”
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Silence fell over the hallway.
A heavy, suffocating silence.
