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“Did you think more about my proposal?” I didn’t look at him I didn’t indicate that I’d spoken at all, just in case the drones atching

Cards was silent for a

“Do you knohat Kaspar would do to uessed there were no recording devices nearby if he illing to respond at all

I felt a flutter in et the chance If , that et me to the Servant Manor, my brother will reward you I’ll make sure of it”

Cards let out a long sigh “Assu with me?”

“I want to get the hell out of here I’d feel extrerateful to the man that was able to make that happen for me”

Another silence I let it sink in and tried not to jostle and show itation I was so close—I could hear it in his voice He needed e payday Of course, he’d have to give up his life to do it, but what life did he have here?

Fro but work Their whole existence was dedicated to their boss, and there were no breaks, no weekends, no off days at all

No families, no money, no life No freedom

Stuck, like me

“Be ready at ht”

I tilted ht?”

“Be ready Don’t talk again Drones are nearby”

I nodded as if toout at the field

Midnight Midnight The hour of my escape

He was going to do it

Really save me

But when I got back ho to do?

I closed my eyes and pictured it Darren would be happy, I had no doubt about that He’d want to lock e, one for ot to it Erin would be livid, but I’d make sure Darren understood she was the one behind what happened to me as much as Kaspar was

I’d reward Cards, of course And I’dwe couldn’t ever trust him

I had soarch in me after all

That night, I ate dinner alone downstairs, then went to bed early I packed a sh for a day or two atand turning, afraid of falling asleep, but also coht rolled around

I sat up, staring at the wall, waiting

A soft knock at the door