Page 112 of The Darkest Note

My footsteps thud. It feels like my breath is bouncing off the walls. I wonder where everyone is until I notice an under construction sign.

That explains it.

As I approach the pool, alarm bells start ringing in my head. I never learned to swim, so I keep a healthy distance from this death trap.

Giving the water a wide berth, I glance around. Pale blue reflections dance on the walls. The bleachers are empty and a fine hint of dust lingers in the air. Dutch is nowhere to be seen.

I turn in a circle. Something doesn’t feel right. Deciding to listen to the voice screaming in my head this time, I don’t linger.

I take a step toward the door when a shuffling sound comes from behind me. Before I can turn around, two hands slam into my back. I scream and tumble forward.

On instinct, I throw my arms out, struggling to keep upright.

But I can’t regain my balance.

I hit the water with a smack, sinking fast. Panic fills my body. I claw my arms through the water, fighting to reach the surface.

My kicking and thrashing produces a ton of bubbles, but it doesn’t push me up. Instead, it feels like I’m sinking faster.

Deeper.

Deeper.

I can’t breathe.

My lungs are burning.

Save me. Someone save me.

But there’s no one around. All the signs would keep people from even venturing near this place. I was the idiot who believed Dutch. I was the one who put myself in the middle of his dangerous game.

Please.

The fight in me starts to weaken. I’m feeling more and more exhausted. Although I’m putting all my effort into flailing my arms and legs, it’s just not working.

The truth hits me in the face.

I’m going to die.

Here.

At Redwood.

Alone.

My only thought is of my sister and who will take care of her when I’m gone.

I’m sorry, Vi.

I wish I’d never come to Redwood.

Darkness steals over my vision, robbing me of my anger and the last of my breath.

* * *

DUTCH

“Move!” I yell, blasting through the crowd that’s scattering in front of me. Kids turn and give me wide-eyed stares.