The car paused in front of the gate, and it opened a beat later. Maybe there was a code for the gate? I could escape and use that to get out? But no. The other two followed behind him as the car pulled away. The guard picked me up and carried me to the front door. He reached around the door and grabbed my arm as another guard rounded the back of the vehicle to help him. Wetting my lips, I started to get back in the car. I shivered again, and a sick feeling formed in my stomach. “You work for Cole Mauricio?” I asked them. I couldn’t scale it, and I didn’t think I could climb over the wall either. A brick wall surrounded the house, and a thick wrought-iron gate had closed at the end of the driveway. It was like they were robots.Īt that thought, a shiver went down my spine, but I was locked in. The guy closest to me was still holding the car door, but he stared straight ahead. They wore black winter coats and stoic expressions.

Three large men now stood by the car, waiting for me to enter the house.

Two large, white posts flanked the front door, stretching all the way to the roof. I stared up at a three-story brick mansion. But when I got out, I wasn’t at Carter’s place. I couldn’t keep the tears at bay anymore. I got in, huddled in the corner, and bent my head down. I had no idea how I made it downstairs and into the waiting car. And I didn’t think I could talk anyway, so I turned and went.

I felt a tear slipping down my face again, but I had to leave.

Carter reed 2