Room 14's Secret novel · Chapter 7 of 24

Chapter 7: Laundry Cart

Giselle stayed with me until four.

She talked about the mountains in Vermont and the little library at the new place, and I stared at the ceiling and drooled on my pillow.

At four she said she was going to bring the car around, and she kissed my forehead again.

I lay still for ten minutes after the door shut.

Then I took the keycard out of the pillow.

The hall outside was empty.

I walked it in the cardigan Giselle had brought me, because it was the only warm thing I owned.

The camera at the end blinked red and went dark.

Zachary had said ten minutes.

I held the keycard to the pad on the last door, and the light went green.

The bolt was already open.

Zachary stood inside by the bed in a white laundry apron, with a wheeled cart beside him piled with gray sheets.

Leanne was sitting up.

He had unhooked the monitor and wrapped her in two blankets, and her small head rested against his arm.

She looked at me with her whole face.

"We're leaving," I said. "I can't tell you it will work. I'm not allowed to promise you anything."

"Not allowed," Leanne whispered.

Her voice was a rasp, but it was her voice.

"Zachary told me the rule. I don't like it, but I understand." I took her cold hand. "I'm taking you out of here anyway."

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