What now?
Climbing down the downspout along the wall would definitely be too loud, and walking across the creaking attic floor might not be a great idea either if I want to stay hidden.
I have to remember that Tanner is an alpha. That means his hearing is excellent. Even if we were in adjacent rooms, he could hear my breathing or my heartbeat. I sprayed myself with apheromone suppressor, but the scent of detergent on my clothes or even a faint trace of sweat could still be noticeable to him.
I press my ear to the hatch in the floor.
Through the vibrations traveling along the walls, I hear the front door slam shut.
When I focus and listen with my eyes closed, I can tell that Tanner is moving around the first floor. The attic is on the third, so one full floor separates us.
I curse silently, irritated by the situation. Damn, I took a risk, and of course bad luck had to bring Tanner home so quickly.
Controlling my breathing, I wait patiently, my ear pressed to the hatch. I hear footsteps. They sound like he is in the kitchen, the noise sharp and hollow, like shoes on tile.
I also hear a slam that could be the refrigerator door closing.
I hear footsteps next, oddly specific ones, as if someone is walking on wooden stairs. He is clearly not coming up, though, because the steps do not get closer. Instead, they grow duller, more muted, as if moving away or downward.
Then I hear a strange sound. It reminds me of some kind of electronic system beeping. What could make a noise like that? A sharp, high-pitched beep, the same sound the entry panel to our unit used to make when I swiped my key card.
But it could be anything, even a ventilation system kicking on, or a battery-backed power strip connected to a computer.
Then there is silence, absolute silence. I hear nothing at all.
Confused, I lie there, unmoving. Maybe ten minutes pass, and then I hear it again, that same beeping sound.
After that, I hear Tanner’s footsteps once more, this time clearly going up the wooden stairs.
And then, finally, the sound I have been waiting for. The front door slams shut, and a moment later I hear an engine start and the sound of a car driving away.
I do not know how much time I have this time, maybe another dozen minutes, but I know I have to go downstairs.
Without hesitation, I open the hatch and carefully look around, searching for cameras, but see none. Fold-down stairs are tucked neatly beneath me. I pull them into place and descend, then fold them back so they hang against the ceiling.
Now, I am standing in the hallway on the second floor of Tanner’s house. I peek into the rooms, but they are almost empty. Single beds, small sofas, a few cabinets and chairs. The place feels bare and impersonal.
Holding my breath, I make my way down to the first floor. I am just as cautious here, but again I do not see any cameras. Apparently Tanner is only afraid of what might come from outside.
Even so, I know I am in the most dangerous zone. If Tanner comes back, there will be no easy way out.
I step into the kitchen. It is fairly modern, and what immediately catches my eye is the enormous refrigerator.
I wrap my hand in my jacket, grab the handle, and open it.
Wow. Tanner lives here alone, but the fridge is packed to the brim. Milk, packaged cold cuts, cheeses, even a large drawer full of fruit. The guy really eats.
Unless he is preparing for some kind of party? Or maybe it is for guests. I have no idea.
I decide to keep looking around.
On the ground floor there is a bathroom and two rooms. One looks like a stark, utilitarian office. The other seems to be some kind of recording studio. White screens stand against the wall, and there is a large bed that is clearly meant for porn scenes. In a cabinet I spot various pieces of equipment, dildos, handcuffs with pink fur, anal beads, gag balls, and similar items.
Well, of course. If he shoots porn, he needs a studio, or maybe it’s just a decoy? Something placed where anyone who visits can see it and think this is all there is.
There are rumors about the Tanners producing illegal content, but I seriously doubt all of that happens here. This place is too clean. There are no lingering smells. I doubt anyone has had sex here in a long time.
There is nothing else on this level. I do not see any door leading to a basement, which is strange, because Tanner was clearly going down wooden stairs earlier.
