“Let me guess. A medical examiner?”
“Well done. My doctorate was in forensic pathology.”
“You cut open dead people.”
“Correct again. Makes sense now, doesn’t it? So you don’t need to worry about an inadvertent overdose. I know the precise dosage needed to produce the results I desire. Here, have another spoonful of stew. You’ll need to keep your strength up. I have so many delicious plans for you...for us. Perhaps you won’t find all of them...unpleasant. There was a reason I faked my suicide back in the warehouse, you know. I thought it might soften your feelings toward me. Every now and then, even a woman like me finds herself needing...gratification...of a carnal nature. What can I say? I’m a victim of biology,” she added, an odd tone in her voice.
He suppressed a full-body shudder at her words, then focused on the dancing flames in the ancient stove as he chewed his food. Forcing himself to analyze his physiological and mental state wasn’t as hard as it had been a few minutes ago. His brain felt slightly clearer. The food may be helping; a filled belly could often mitigate adverse effects of pharmaceuticals.
Still, his thoughts felt like they were slogging through petroleum jelly. Escape was essential to survival, but formulating a plan would have to wait. His brain was simply not up to the task of tackling complicated logistics at that moment. The warmth of the fire, the oddly cozy ambiance, and the drug-induced comfort lulled him into a state of complacency.
Yes, he must escape. Later.
Chapter 16
Willadean
“You think she plans to kill us, like the tree people?” Willa used her stealth-voice. There was no telling if their abductor, whom Fergus called Lizzy, could hear. Willa had come up with a more suitable name for the woman...
Witch.
“I honestly don’t know,” Fergus whispered. “She’s capable of anything. But I suspect she’s dealing with us differently than those other people, considering we’re holed up here instead of in the woods.”
Willa appreciated the candor. Most grownups tip-toed around violent topics when they talked to children.
“When Mama finds us, it won’t end well for the witch.”
That was the thought to which she had been clinging ever since she’d woken up in bed at home with a hand covering her mouth — a female hand that wasn’t Mama’s. After a sharp poking sensation in her neck, there had been nothing but blackness. Then, a couple of hours ago, she’d awakened in this creepy basement with Mister Fergus.
He’d filled in the blank parts as best he could. He didn’t actually know how the witch had gotten into her bedroom. Maybe she used magic? And what about Harlan? He wasn’t in the basement with her and Fergus, so had the witch put him somewhere else? Or was he still safe at home?
“Your mother is indeed a formidable woman, a quality that grows exponentially when it comes to matters of her children’s safety, no doubt.”
“That’s a good word,” she whispered.
“Formidable or exponentially?”
“Exponentially. I learned formidable years ago.”
Mister Fergus chuckled from behind the metal bars in the corner of the basement. He looked like a hobbit in a canary cage.
“You’re a shining star, young lady.”
“Pops calls me that sometimes. I sure do miss him and Mama and Harlan. I wish I was back home with them.” She kept her voice steady when she said that last part. Mister Fergus did not need to know how scared she felt.
“Willa, do you feel brave?”
Had he noticed anyway? Damn.
“Always. I’m Anne Bonney, remember?” There. That came out formidably, just like Mama.
Only one of her hands had been chained to a wall next to the bunk. Apparently, it was a kindness gifted by the witch so that Willa would be able to lie down comfortably. Anne Bonney would do her best to make the witch regret that kindness.
“Check the floor as close to me as you can get. I’m almost certain I heard a pinging sound when Lizzy removed my jacket.”
“I thought you said you were groggy when she brought you in here.”
“I was, but I know what I heard.”
“I believe you. I’ll look again.”
A nightlight next to the door provided minimal illumination. She scooted off the narrow bed and crawled toward the metal cage on two knees and one arm.
“Feel all along the floor as you go. Under that cabinet, too.”
“I’ve done that already.”
“You might have missed it.”
“What kind of a person happens to have a handcuff key in his jacket?”
“The kind of person who has found himself in dangerous situations in the past.”
“Interesting. That only confirms my theory about you.”
“What theory is that?”
Willa puffed a strand of hair away from her face. “You were no college professor. I’m sure Mama knows it too, but for some reason she trusted you anyway.”
“Indeed? Well, if you find that key, I’ll grant you a boon. I’ll answer exactly three questions pertaining to my former life. No stonewalling or prevaricating.”
“Words like these are exactly why I like talking to you.”
“Right. Hurry, child. She could return at any time.”
“Still not finding anything. Wait...”
Her fingers, stretching as far as the chain allowed, brushed against something beneath the cabinet. She couldn’t reach any of the drawers, but her hand disappeared up to the wrist between the two rolling wheels. Anything under there was obscured by the bulk of the cabinet, a type used for storing garage tools. The tip of her middle finger encountered an object. She must be careful not to push it farther away.
“I don’t think it’s a key, but it does feel metallic. It kind of feels like a nail file.”
“Can you slide it out?”
“That’s what I’m trying to do, Maximus Impatientus.”
A quiet chuckle came
