24. Tess
TESS
Considering how anxious I was, I slept fairly well. The looming threat of another Fright Night had made it difficult to calm my restless night.
And so had being stuck inside all day. The Freaks had refused to let me outside, wanting time to set their traps. Whatever the fuck that meant.
I’d stayed in my room, closing the door and only opening it when I heard Butch’s gentle paws scratching at the metal door. He’d gotten comfortable at the end of my bed. Far enough away to pretend like he didn’t want me there but close enough to feel included.
Reaching into my nightstand, I pulled out the faded, folded park map I’d nicked off a brochure stand on one of my walks. I studied it, trying to memorize my path to my hiding spot in the Colossal Kitchen.
I knew that it would be harder in person. Remembering the layout in the dark after the haunting image of the three clown masks was going to make my nerves vibrate.
I’d almost forgotten what the masks looked like, that these three handsome women would conceal their model-esque faces just to scare the shit out of me.
Closing my eyes, I tried to force myself to remember the masks. Then it wouldn’t be as much of a shock, maybe I could get over it faster.
I sucked in a breath and went back to studying my wrinkled map. Some of the details had been washed away with years out in nature — water damage crinkling the pages and heat making it hard and crackling.
With any luck I’d be able to navigate my way through. Because I needed that twenty grand. And what was becoming more urgent was my need to escape Cyrus’ clear disdain for me.
I smoothed my hair back, the tight ponytail containing as much of my blonde hair as possible. I’d managed to scrounge together an all black outfit from the dresser drawers, most of it athleisure wear that would make the running easier.
Better than daisy dukes.
My eyes caught on the pair of black sneakers resting by my bedroom door.
Blade had brought them for me this morning. Brand new and fresh out of the box, they were the nicest shoes I’d ever seen. My feet had gotten used to thrifted sneakers that were a size too big, or too small with pre-worn out soles.
Once Blade left, I took a good ten minutes to inspect every inch of the shoe. I doubted that my Freaks would be cheaters — putting any trackers on me would defeat the purpose of the game.
But I needed to make sure. Especially since Cyrus seemed like she had a vendetta against me.
I only decided to wear the new shoes after my thorough inspection, not a seam out of place.
I knew one thing for sure, I would be fine tonight. I could handle whatever Blade or Nash had in mind, even if I would be disappointed to lose.
All I had to do was outrun Cyrus.
Soft footsteps approached my door, making Butch’s ears prick up.
I shoved my wrinkled map into my nightstand, unsure if I was allowed to study it or not. But I wasn’t going to risk losing it to my captors prying hands.
Nice to stay somewhere with storage.
Despite the strange circumstances, the loft was the nicest place I’d ever stayed. And I was getting more used to it than I wanted to admit.
A gentle rap at the door drew my eyes to the door. Nash pressed it open. “It’s time for us to begin.”
Looking over my shoulder, I watched the sun setting over the mountain. It would be dark soon and my twelve hour timer would start. I couldn’t afford to lose any time dicking around.
I got out of my bed, slipped on the fresh sneakers and gave Butch’s head a gentle pet — the most he’d allow for now.
All I could do was hope that my prep was enough to secure my win.
That $20k would change my life. And after yesterday, I wasn’t sure what would happen if I lost.