What do you mean? What happened?
The response comes fast.
MARE
Someone broke into my apartment. I swear it wasn’t Landon. I had to run. I’m in a hotel. Ellie, I need someone I can trust right now. There’s no one else. Only you. Please come.
I read it twice, my gut twisting into deeper knots.
MARE
We can get out of this together.
Shit. This is all my fault.
I want to bury my face in my hands and scream. But that won’t do any good. So, I huff and stare down at the screen.
Landon went after her when he couldn’t get to me. But if this wasn’t Landon, who could it be? Someone he hired?
Or someone who works for Rolan.
I don’t know which answer is worse.
I think about it for a long time before I pick up my phone.
It’s not going to be easy to leave. I haven’t been completely honest with you about the situation here. I’m not sure I can just walk out.
MARE
What do you mean you can’t walk out? Ellie, what’s going on?
The family I work for. It’s complicated. I don’t think he’ll let me go.
A pause.
MARE
He won’t LET you? Ellie.
I know.
MARE
That’s literally more reason to run. Oh my god. Are you okay?
I swallow, trying to let the worry crawl out of my throat.
It’s complicated in ways I can’t explain in a text. But yes. I’m okay.
MARE
Come find me. As soon as you can get out. We’ll figure it out together like we always do.
It’s okay, I’ll fix this, I promise.
I put the phone face down on my chest and stare at the dark ceiling.
I need a plan. Rolan won’t let me leave, and trying to flee ahouse with this much security without a plan isn’t going to work.
