One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

39. Essex

39

ESSEX

Violet is sleeping in Ridge's arms, which is a surprise. I knew he wanted her, and the way he's been touching her ever since he got here, I guess he's done pushing her away. I knew it was only a matter of time before they ended up together. He'd deny it, of course.

My hands twitch with the need to touch Bea. I know she's all right because Ridge told me. It kills me that those assholes showed up when they did. Thank fuck they didn't show up sooner.

The place where we are being held is underground with a wooden shack above us. I don't understand how no one knows about this place. Then again, maybe that's why there's a list of missing or dead people.

They would have needed heavy machinery to build this underground bunker. From what I've seen of the place it would have cost a fortune. I didn't think Lincoln had that kind of money. I hadn't thought about it until now. He can't be the one behind whatever this is. He's part of it for sure. But what the hell is this place being used for? If I didn't know better, I'd say I was in a big house with excellent housekeeping. Although the room I'm in with my brother and his girl smells musky and damp. I don't think this part of the structure is too far down because I was taken down a few hallways and then up a partial staircase to get here.

I look up as I move slowly around the room. My eyes have adjusted to the darkness, but I can still barely make out the outlines of the scattered furniture. The shape of the sofa is easy to make out, considering Ridge and Violet are sitting on it. Everything else seems strange and unfamiliar. Inhaling, I search the ceiling again, and this time I'm sure I see a square cutout in the far corner. I move closer to get a better look, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I reach the corner, I realize that the square cutout is there, barely visible in the dim light. I wonder where it leads.

My eyes pull away from the corner and look toward the door, where muffled voices are the only sound breaking the silence. The voices pass when I'm so attuned to the sound that I hear a scuffle. I frown and look around, moving silently towards my brother. I nudge him with my foot, the whiteness of his eyes telling me he's awake. "Listen."

We both look up at the same time, my eyes straining to the corner where I'd spotted the cutout in the ceiling. My vision seems to go blurry, and then I realize it's not my eyes; the cutout is moving.

"Essex, you better be fucking in here?"

The muffled curse startles me, especially since I could have sworn its Uncle Jesus cursing.

"Essex! Ridge!"

Fuck! It is Jesus!

"We're here. What are you doing here?" I whisper loudly, moving to look up at him.

He shines a small flashlight in his face, and it gives him a strange look. I wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley.

"How did you get here?"

"Long story."

Ridge and Violet join me.

"Hand me the girl."

"Who are you?" Violet asks, clinging tighter to Ridge.

"Jesus."

Violet snorts.

"He's our Uncle Jesus, Jailbait. You're safe with him. Let me lift you up to him." Ridge reaches out to take Jailbait in his arms. "You have to get on my shoulders."

"I don't like this," Violet mumbles.

With my help, she gets on Ridge's shoulders and reaches up with her arms. Jesus grabs hold and pulls her up and into the dark void where he is. "These are friends. Don't be afraid." I hear him say to Violet, not sure who he's brought with him.

"Okay, we need to hurry. There's a lot of activity out there," Jesus says. "Is there anything to stand on?"

"A table." The table I suggest is small, but I'm sure it will hold our weight. "Ridge, you go next."

"Hell no, little brother." Ridge gives me a little nudge and I reach up and grab the ceiling. With the help of Jesus, I drag my ass into the void.

"Move it, Ridge!" I hiss as I hear voices outside the door to the room. Frustration builds as I catch my brother looking at the door. "Ridge! Don't you fucking dare—" My words are cut off as my asshole of a brother reaches up and pulls the cover over the hole in the ceiling. I curse silently.

"Go! Take care of Violet."

"What the—" I slap a hand over Violet's mouth.

“I don’t like this either, Violet. But he's buying us time to get away. We'll be right back with Ed and the others. I promise."

Tears fall down Violet's face as I slowly pull my hand away.