I shuffle forward, but I’m too slow.
The doors start closing.
I hesitate.
I’m all the way at the back of the elevator. Creeping forward now at my snail-like pace will only draw attention to me. And then not only will I be trapped in the elevator with them, but they’llknowI’m here.
I watch in horror as the elevator locks me in with the thugs from the Grave City Crew for a second time.
My watch is beeping steadily.
Get out,each chirp screams.Get out.
My pulse jackhammers in my throat. On the bright side, I don’t have the most memorable face, and I definitely am not much to look at in the shapeless hospital gown. They have no reason to turn around, but even if they do, their eyes will just skip right over me.
It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
In fact, it’s safer to ride the elevator until they get off first. I’ll remain invisible back here until they leave.
“Have you tried calling it?” The thugs are discussing amongst themselves.
“Do you think I’m an idiot? Of course I did. Whoever stole the damn thing turned it off.” The owner of the phone curls his fingers into fists and says in a low voice, “When I find that bastard, I’ll wring his neck.”
His friends laugh and egg him on.
My heart lodges in my throat.
So much for talking myself into a calmer state. My pulse is thrumming even faster now.
“What the hell is that beeping noise?” one of the crew says.
I gasp and slap my hand over my watch.
But it’s too late.
The three large men turn to look at me.
“Is that your watch?” one of them asks.
I lower my head.
“You got an alarm or something?”
Why are they being so friendly? Why don’t they just ignore me? I hold my breath and reach into my purse where I keep the knife that Finn gave me.
The elevator door opens while I hold my breath.
“Hey, Ace,” one of the thugs calls. “Let’s check this floor. Maybe there’s a lost and found or something.”
Footsteps thud.
A shadow falls over me.
“You look familiar,” someone says.
My watch continues beeping.
“What do you mean?” Another guy chuckles. “You know her?”
