Page 183 of Positively Pricked

Chapter 61

As we pulled into the driveway, I stared, dumbstruck, at the place I used to call home.

Squashed was definitely the right word. The roof was caved in, and the exterior walls were slanted inward, like the house had been stomped on by a mythical giant.

Encircling the entire mess was bright yellow tape, like something yanked from a crime scene.

The limo had barely stopped when I lunged for the door handle, intending to jump out for a closer look. But something made me stop. It was a hand on my elbow – Zane's hand.

He said, "Don't."

I whirled in my seat to face him. "Don't what?"

"Don't go out there."

I was nearly frantic. "Why not?"

"Because I'm gonna look first."

"Why?" I demanded.

His mouth was grim. "Because, you don't know what you'll find."

"I don't care. I'm going." I made a move toward the door. Again, he pulled me back. Again, I whirled to face him. "Will you stop that?"

He rapped on the glass that separated us from the driver. When the glass slid aside, Zane told the guy, "When I get out, secure the back."

And then, almost before I knew what was happening, Zane slipped out on the opposite side and slammed the limo door shut behind him. A split second later, something clicked.Damn it.The door locks? It had to be.

I lunged for my door and yanked on the handle. And then, I pushed. Nothing happened. The glass separating me from the driver had already slid shut.

I reached up and rapped on the glass.

When it slid aside, I said, "Hey, unlock the doors."

"Sorry. Can't."

"I mean it," I told him.

"Sorry," he repeated. "Just following orders."

I made a sound of frustration. "Notmyorders."

"I'm terribly sorry."

I spent the next five minutes practically begging for him to let me out.Hespent the next five minutes apologizing, but refusing to open up.

The whole time, I kept glancing at the house, watching as Zane circled the front and then disappeared around the side, heading into the back yard.

He emerged sooner than I expected, and strode back to the limo. He rapped on the driver's side window, and exchanged a few words with the guy before I heard the telltale click of the locks opening.

Immediately, I bolted out of the limo and ran up to the house, not bothering to close the car door behind me. I stopped short at my front door – or rather, what was left of it.

Behind me, Zane said, "That's close enough."

Obviously.

I mean, evenIcould tell that it wasn't remotely safe. I heard myself say, "What happened?"