Page 97 of A Violet Obsession

“We’ve left you some garments and foot wear,” Nora says, from the doorway. “There wasn’t time to pack your belongings.”

That’s one way to put it.

A neatly folded pile of cream and pale gray fabric rests on the end of the second bed.

“Thank you,” Lily says quietly.

“I’ll show you to your room,” Nora says, turning to me.

“I’m staying with her.”

“That’s not possible, I’m afraid.”

“Non-negotiable.”

Nora’s serene mask flickers. “Other than married or committed couples, we don’t allow coed rooms. It can interfere with the energy. Mr. Tate wants Ms. Jenkins’s energy clear.”

“I don’t give a fuck about your rules,” I say, voice flat. “She’s not staying here without me.”

Nora straightens, winding up for another speech about energy, or whatever pretty word they use here when they mean control.

Then the bracelet on her wrist pulses a faint green.

She stops mid-breath. Her gaze flicks to a camera tucked high in the hall corner where wall meets ceiling.

“If you’ll excuse me for a moment.” She steps back, leaving the door open, and walks down the hall with one hand pressed over the glowing band.

I wait until she rounds the corner. Then I move.

Lily opens her mouth, but I lift one finger to my lips. Don’t talk. I work the room methodically. Under the nightstands. Behind the framed print. Along the underside of the desk, the lampshade, the base, the cord. The seam where the headboard meets the wall. I lift the pillows, peel back the mattress corners. Bathroom next—cabinet hinges, behind the mirror, the basket of towels. I step up onto the toilet seat, brace a hand on the wall, and check the vent. My shirt pulls tight across my back; the bruised ribs scream at the stretch.

Nothing.

“I don’t see any surveillance equipment,” I mutter.

“Of course not.” Nora’s voice comes from the doorway.

Lily flinches. I turn slowly and shift so I’m between them without making a show of it.

Nora stands just inside the open door, holding another stack of folded clothes.

“We would never invade someone’s privacy.”

Lily presses her lips together.

I’m less inspired toward restraint, but I keep my mouth shut. Barely.

Nora says, “Mr. Tate has approved you to stay with her.” She sets the second pile of clothes beside the first. “Your food will be here soon.” Her eyes linger on Lily, then shift to me. Whatever she sees in my face makes her back out without another word.

The door clicks shut behind her.

I exhale through my nose, slow and controlled, and finally look at Lily. She’s still holding Hera like a lifeline, eyes wide and exhausted.

There’s no lock on this side of the door.

“What do we do now?” Lily asks.

I don’t move. “Now I come up with a plan. I got a message out on the way back to the cabin after the alert went off. Vincent and Brady will be looking for us.”