Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 77265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Seth parks at what appears to be the back of the building. He steps out and opens his umbrella. Then he opens the door for Kaitlyn behind his seat before coming around to my side. The three of us huddle under the umbrella as we make our way to the door.
He swipes a keycard and then the lock makes a clicking sound. A blast of chilly air rushes out as the door opens. We step into what looks like a break room. An older female nurse with gray hair sits at one of the tables, poking at a microwaved meal.
“Dr. Portman,” she greets, smiling. “Lovely to see you and the family this dreary day.”
“Nurse Janet.” He nods and then nudges Kaitlyn. “Say hi, angel.”
“Hi,” Kaitlyn murmurs, voice trembling.
This place unnerves her too.
Keep it together, honey.
I stroke my palm over the top of her head. “It’s okay.”
She gives me a wary look and then follows Seth out of the room. I don’t blindly follow him. In fact, I study every exit sign, every nurse we pass, every hallway and door.
Maybe someone will help me escape?
Doubtful. They’re all monsters, gleefully experimenting on people who never gave them their consent. At least that’s the case with me and Kaitlyn.
Seth takes us to a room. There’s an exam table in the center of the room and a row of chairs. Me and Kaitlyn choose to sit on the chairs while Seth rummages around in a cabinet. He pulls out a gown and tosses it at me.
“Put that on, love.”
I’m not his love.
Kaitlyn picks up the gown that’s fallen to the floor at my feet and hands it to me. I take it from her, desperately trying to school my features.
“Change in the bathroom,” Seth says, “while Kaitlyn helps me get my supplies ready.”
I don’t want to leave her and I certainly don’t want to change out of my clothes, but if I don’t comply, I’m not sure what he’ll do. Playing along is my best bet right now until I see my opportunity.
While Seth shows Kaitlyn to one of the cabinets, I walk to the bathroom in the exam room. He is gentle and kind as he explains all the supplies and equipment he plans to use. Once inside the bathroom, I’m disappointed to discover there’s no window or doors. Just a toilet and a sink. I change out of my clothes and tug on the gown. I’m tempted to keep my shoes on but know that won’t fly. Finally, I exit and find Seth showing Kaitlyn a blood pressure cuff.
“Get onto the exam table,” Seth tells me. “I’m going to take Kaitlyn down to visit Nurse Ella. She has new stickers.”
Kaitlyn brightens at the mention of stickers. My stomach twists at the thought of being separated from her. She casts me a look over her shoulder, smiling happily at me. It’s a stab to the heart.
“Maybe she should stay,” I blurt out.
Seth ignores me, tugging her by the hand out of the room.
I start after them, unsure exactly what I plan on doing. The door reopens but instead of Seth, another man walks in. His nametag says Doc Junior.
“Going somewhere?” He arches an eyebrow and flashes me an evil grin.
I deflate and wonder if I’ll be given an opportunity to be alone for three minutes to make my escape.
“Feeling sick,” I rush out, waving a hand in front of my face. “Crackers? Sprite? I need something so I don’t puke all over the place.”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll grab some stuff for you. Sit down before you pass out. You’re looking a little pale.”
I take a seat near the door, lean back, and close my eyes. His stare bores into me, probably looking for sincerity in feeling ill. When he deems me to be telling the truth, he leaves the room. I force myself to count to ten before rising to my feet and then slowly pulling open the door.
When I peek my head out, he’s nowhere to be found. I may only have minutes, or even seconds, to slip from their grasp.
I have to find Kaitlyn.
Her giggling can be heard around the corner to the left, but I see an exit sign to my right. If I go after her, I’ll encounter Seth. I’ll be right back in the same boat. But if I take my exit while I can, I can escape.
I can’t leave her.
I have to.
Seth is a monster, creating false memories in the minds of his false family, but I know he won’t hurt her. If I can safely get away, I will come back for her as soon as I can.
It’s my only option.
Still, my legs don’t want to work.
My motherly instinct screams at me to grab my little girl and run.
Reality smacks me in the face when I hear a clatter somewhere nearby. I have to go. Now.