Page 31

Chapter Nine

ANOTHER WAREHOUSE,really?

It's my first thought when the disorientation passes, even though my head still throbs with the remnants of whatever gas they used.

I really need to have a word with these mob bosses soon. It's time they be made aware that warehouses are the definition ofpassé.

But for now...

Comment s'échapper? How to escape?

The air in this place feels different.Heavier. And more humid. Also, the walls are of weathered brick, with stone faces peering down at me from every corner, wings arched up as if prepared to swoop down and claw me into death at a moment's notice.

Gargouilles. Gargoyles.

How strange and unexpected. But something about it also nags at me, and something I may have to figure out. Later. Until then...

I sit up slowly, checking myself mentally for injuries. Does anything feel broken?No.Do I hurt anywhere?No.It's good enough for me, and the fact that I'm still wearing the same clothes? I'll take it as proof that no one's raped me.

For now, I'll consider myself as...safe.

But...Sylvain?

His name alone triggers an avalanche of memories, and my heart starts hurting more than my head. I remember him lunging toward me, desperation etched on his handsome face. And now...he'sgonenot here.

Where are you, monsieur?

I take a deep breath.

Focus, Li.

My mind resets, shifting to escape and survival mode, and I start scanning for exits.

First: a metal door without handles.Yeah, good luck with that.Only King Kong could go through it.

Second: windows, two sets, but completely out of reach...unless I'm Supergirl, in which case I can just punch out an exit all on my own. But since I'm neither Kong nor Supergirl...

Ventilation shaft?Too small.

Security cameras?At least none that I can see.

The entire room is Spartan in its simplicity, and the only thing of interest?

A desk.

I check for trip wires and pressure plates.None.

I pull the drawer open...and it's the mistake that's been waiting to happen from the start.

Click.