At least an escape room was better than karaoke. Erin was good at them, logical enough that it was the one group activity for which everyone fought to have her on their team.
In the room, they were split into four groups of six; Erin ended up with Shanice, Lia, Cerys, Adrianna, and—thankfully—Alex.
Erin tuned out the usual spiel from their room’s host, whose name tag said Kiera. She’d heard it all before.
“Okay, this room is different to our others,” Kiera said.
Attention piqued, Erin tilted her head.
“I’m going to need two of you to separate off from the rest of the group.”
The obvious choice was Lia and Cerys. The two of them were inseparable, especially over the last few days. Erin supposed she and Alex could go, but she was sure she’d be the most use in the bigger group.
“I think Lia and Erin should do it.” Shanice’s voice rang clear.
Both Erin and Lia turned to stare at her.
“I’m sorry?” Even Cerys was dumbfounded. “You want us to segregate our best team member? And expect us to escape in time?”
“This isn’t about escaping.” Looking Erin dead in the eye, Shanice folded her arms across her chest. “This is about improving team morale and team bonding, and I’ve noticed that you two barely seem to acknowledge each other’s existence.”
By design. Erin couldn’t believe this was happening. Had Shanice chosen this room especially? It wouldn’t surprise her if this plan had been brewing for some time.
“When Erin is fit again, it’s likely you’re going to be playing together, and you need to learn to get along. So you two are going. Together. Captain’s orders.” Shanice had that look on her face—the one that said arguing with her was futile.
Stubborn as Erin was, she’d had that look directed at her on more than one occasion. She’d yet to manage to change Shanice’s mind once it was set. “Fine.”
Shanice didn’t seem to care that Erin’s answer came through gritted teeth.
A meek nod was Lia’s acquiescence.
They both left the rest of their team behind and followed Kiera along a long hallway full of closed doors. Kiera paused at the end before a door with Hostage Rescue written on it.
“There is an extra part to this room.” Kiera reached for a pair of handcuffs hung from a coat hook beside the closed door.
Erin shook her head. “No way.”
“It’s part of the game.” Kiera appeared to be regretting all of the life choices that had led her to be working the late shift. “You have to be bound together.”
“Like hell we do.”
“It’s part of the game, Erin.” Lia already looked tired. “Aren’t you supposed to be good at these things? Think of it as part of the challenge.”
Erin clenched her jaw. Being attached to Lia’s wrist for the whole activity would sour proceedings.
“You’re not scared, are you?” Lia set her jaw when Erin remained silent. “Scared I might also be better at this than you are?”
The look in Lia’s eyes and the challenge of her words were designed to elicit a reaction—and Lia got one. Erin surged forward, expecting Lia to back down, but she stood her ground. “You are not better than me at anything.”
“Then get over yourself and prove it.” Lia extended her left hand toward Kiera. “Or you can stay out here for all I care.”
Reluctantly, Erin allowed the opposite cuff to be placed around her right wrist.
“It won’t be for long,” Kiera assured them, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else. “Well, provided your teammates are quick.”
Erin smothered a groan. She and Lia would probably be joined together for the whole goddamn hour.
Kiera pushed open the door. “It’s going to be dark in here initially—the first thing the rest of your team needs to do is find the light switch.”
