Ruthless King

“Come on, we have to go.”

“What about Scott?” Dan cried.

“Shh. We’ll go back for him.”

It might have been Scott coming for them. But somehow, she doubted it. Jilly didn’t know how long they had until Patrick found the entrance, so she hustled them along. Her mother had made her go through them so many times that she knew these tunnels like the back of her hand. Or, she had when she was younger. She was just hoping that gave them enough of an advantage.

Jilly took them down a side tunnel and then paused, trying to decide which way to go. There were several ways she could choose, but she didn’t know whether to go to Regent’s house.

And there was no reception down here so she couldn’t call him.

“I need to turn off the light,” she whispered. “There’s a ladder up here that leads to a sealed exit. I might be able to get reception at the top.”

“I’m scared,” Dan whispered.

“Just hold on to Mrs. Yards, and I’ll lead her.”

She took them to the ladder, moving as quickly as she dared. “Wait here.”

“Ohhh, Jilly. What have we here? Where do these tunnels lead? You can’t escape me. Come out, come out wherever you are.”

Fucking asshole. She moved up the ladder.

Yes! Reception.

A few texts came through. She checked the last from Regent.

Regent:Jilly! Answer my calls. I can’t get hold of Henri. What’s going on?

So he knew something was wrong. Good.

Jilly:Patrick found us. Henri, Scott, and the others need help. We’re in tunnels hiding. Don’t call me.

Regent:Head to the house. Right. Now.

Jilly chewed her lip as she moved back down the stairs.

Then, she took Mrs. Yards’ hand and led them farther into the tunnels. But it wasn’t long before the older woman started to slow, her breathing becoming labored.

“I can’t go on,” Mrs. Y whispered. “Leave me.”

“No.” That wasn’t happening. They’d already lost Henri and Scott. No one else was being left behind.

Her heart couldn’t take it, especially not after her other recent losses. Sasha’s betrayal and Kimmy’s death were still so raw.

“Come on, Jilly!” Patrick called out. “Give yourself up!”

Jilly had to fight the urge to scream back at him. To tell him to shut up.

“Don’t you want to save your friend? He was still alive when I left, but he was bleeding badly. We could go back and save him.”

Dan made a choked noise.

Jilly put her hand over her stomach, feeling ill.

Oh God, Scott.

What was she going to do if something had happened to him? What would Dan do?