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Dane nodded his approval I moved past them as they wrapped up their conversation I opened the heavy door and stepped into the stairwell, trying to getunder control before Ime all flushed and excited She wouldn’t knoas because of Dane, granted But still A five-second conversation with him had me all hot and bothered, so that I was—

I drew up short on the fifth step down and let out a bloodcurdling screa, all the papers scattering in the air

On the landing not more than six or seven steps fro

“Oh, shit,” I choked out “Oh, God!”

Terror besieged me The snake started to uncoil and move Toward me I took very s It slithered to the first step I turned and raced the rest of the way up and grabbed the handle on the door It didn’t budge

Fuck!

I swipedthat I had to in order to unlock the door The light re happened

I stole a glance down the stairway The rattler inched towardin and out of itsoff in the middle of summer

I screaain Pounded on the door “Dane! Amano! Someone!”

I pulled harder on the lever Then ain

Suddenly the electronic reader chimed and the door flew open I jumped back

Dane took one look at rabbedme to him

“Jesus Christ,” he said

“Snake” I pointed “Don’t let the door close!”

“What the fuck?” He ushered ht around me