I pat his head. “Let’s go, Bruno.”
Bruno follows me into the bathroom and settles in the tub on his own.
I ruffle his head. “Such an intelligent puppy.”
I glance at my bandaged hand.
“How am I supposed to wash you with this hand?”
“Well, let’s see.” I grab the shower handle, and turn on the water—holding it in my bandaged hand. I guide the spray over his body, scrubbing awkwardly with my left hand.
“It’s not my best hand. Don’t judge me, okay?” I chuckle.
A knock sounds behind me. I turn and see Bruno’s master in the doorway, his jacket now off.
“Leave.”
He steps inside.
What is he doing here? Didn’t he just order me to wash Bruno?
I turn off the water and rise. He takes the handle from my hand and turns it back on. I step back but don’t leave as ordered. I want to see how this man handles this task. I’m more curious whether he’ll take off his gloves. I’ve never seen him without them, and it does look strange—someone wearing gloves all day.
He turns his head, watching me from the corner of his eye.
“Do I have to repeat myself?”
I roll my eyes and leave the bathroom, heading for my room. But when I reach the door, I don’t go in. Instead, I turn and walk across the hall, open the other room’s door, and slip inside.
Since my captor is occupied elsewhere, I can use this chance to look around—search for a phone. The chances of finding one unlocked are slim, but even if the odds are one percent, I can’t give up.
I scan the area around the bed. The bedside table is empty.
I open the drawer—empty. Then the lower one—also empty.
What is with this man? Nothing to put in his drawers? He has no life. I wonder how he’s even alive.
I circle the bed and reach the other nightstand, sliding open the top drawer. Inside is a knife, something etched into the blade—a date. I pick it up, but the door behind me opens. I drop it and spin around, shoving the drawer closed.
He steps into the room with deliberate strides and stops in front of me.
“What is this?” he asks, his voice flat.
I force a chuckle. “I got lost.”
His expression doesn’t flicker at my pitiful lie.
“You won’t find anything useful. Don’t waste your energy.”
“I was looking for a first aid kit. Nothing else,” I lie, my voice earnest.
He takes another step closer. I lean back as he invades my space.
“Like everything else, you don’t know how to lie.”
“You can’t say I don’t know anything.” I bristle.
“I can. I’ve seen enough of you fumbling through things.”
