Golden Angel licked my face. I sensed she knew what we were doing. I’d already snatched a couple extra bottles of water and some bread and cheese. I’d gather other items after I figured out what I was dealing with.
If the man was a prisoner, the stranger had to be held somewhere on the property. There were few locations as my father had never disciplined anyone here that I knew of. Yet now that he was retired, maybe he was still moonlighting for the Cosa Nostra. The thought brought another wave of anger.
My only guess about where the stranger might be held was one of several maintenance buildings. I doubted the newerfacilities would be used, but there were three older ones, small cinderblock buildings that could be considered perfect prisons.
Another wave of anger tore through me. How could anyone treat a human being so badly?
I had a small bag that was perfect for carrying the items, which also including some tools to try to pick a lock. Another talent I’d picked up along the way, using the internet to teach myself certain skills that no one else would provide. I double checked I had a working flashlight as well, finally glancing at myself in the mirror one more time before heading off.
I had on jeans and a shirt plus a light jacket, and tennis shoes as well so as not to make any noise when walking through the house. I’d pulled my hair into a ponytail. “Merda,” I cursed. I looked like a little girl and the stranger was much older, a real man. He had to be at least thirty. Or maybe not. Suppressing a giggle, I yanked the ponytail holder from my hair, fluffing my soft curls.
The main thing was to look natural in case I was caught. At least my excuse was plausible enough. Golden Angel’s tummy wasn’t feeling very well.
With Golden by my side, I peeked around the door, ensuring there was no one in the hallway. One good aspect about the house being so large was that my parents had a full wing of their own, the staff another. While there were guards positioned outside the house and all throughout the grounds, there were none inside.
Plus, given that the outdoor space was my haven, over the years I’d learned routines. Every month they were changed likeclockwork, to avoid enemies being able to surprise the soldiers and gain access to the house.
I moved to the kitchen door, turning off the alarm. There was no mechanism to tell my father that it had been turned off or how long it would stay that way.
But I had to get back and reset the system before anyone discovered I was gone. We left the house heading for the garden and an area that wouldn’t be patrolled for another fifteen minutes. I scampered along, my pulse racing from the thought of seeing him again. There was also a rush of adrenaline and a dash of fear.
If my adventure was discovered…
No, I’d prepared for something of this nature. My father had even put me through training for how to handle if someone attempted to kidnap me. Yes, I was prepared.
Or at least determined.
Once I was away from the house and the majority of outdoor lights, I grabbed my flashlight, keeping the beam low to the ground. Now it was a matter of figuring out which building he’d been locked in.
“Come on, girl. Let’s see what we can find.”
Her single snort was the only sound she made.
The first location was a bust, the old building not only dark and terrifying but unlocked and mostly empty. The second showed more promise, a light on inside, but when I was able to open the door easily, my hopes were dashed once again. Someone had obviously left the light on.
When Golden’s backside wiggled like crazy the closer we came to option number three, excitement built.
“Is this it, baby girl?” Leaning over and whispering, my question was rewarded with her tongue sliding down my entire face. She always knew when I needed a little levity. “Good girl. Let’s hope you’re right.”
The third and what I considered to be the worst option was the oldest maintenance building on the property. Many years before as a little girl, I’d accidentally gotten myself stuck inside, the door closing behind me. I’d remained there for hours in the sweltering heat while every inch of the property had been searched.
By the time my father had found me, I’d been dehydrated and close to a heat stroke. I’d been in the hospital for several days. My God. I also remembered several people had been disciplined for the incident. As if my running away had been their fault.
As I approached the building, I suddenly remembered my father had placed a padlock on the door. I swung the flashlight up and down, remembering how terrified I’d been. I’d never even been close to the location since. A lock was in position, but there was no way it was the same one. Not after all these years and the fact there was no overhang to keep the rain from pelting against it.
From what I remembered, there was one tiny window, not large enough for even a child to slip through, barely enough to bring any air into the building. Thankfully, with it being toward the end of April, the days were warm, but the nights were still chilly. But there was no way to tell if anyone was inside.
To ensure my antics weren’t discovered, I’d need to pick the lock. I was glad to see it was a typical padlock found at any hardware store.
With the flashlight aimed at the lock, I pulled out the special picks I’d ordered online. After a few attempts, I shoved the flashlight into my mouth so I could have both hands available. Beads of perspiration trickled down my cheek and my breathing was increasingly more labored.
I worked on the lock for several minutes, almost giving up. Then I heard a slight click.
Golden also sensed success, whining while nudging my leg.
“I know, sweetie. Just give Mommy a minute.” I was shaking as I put my tools away, my hands clammy from apprehension. This was crazy. What if this man was a horrible criminal and he hurt me?
While my father had never cared about taking me to school or being in the audience for my recitals, he’d taught me several basic skills to try to remain alive. Including following my instincts. If the situation felt off or wrong, get out.
