20. Tilly

20

TILLY

T he moment he leaves, I spring into action. Frantically, I pull at the loosened ties binding me and rush to the bathroom. My heart is pounding as I stick my fingers down my throat, willing myself to vomit and rid my body of the drugs he’s forced on me. I don’t want that poison in my system any longer.

Nausea washes over me, and I heave into the toilet bowl, my body convulsing as I force myself to purge the toxins. A sense of relief hits me as the drug’s hold on me begins to lessen. My mind clears, and I know I have to act fast. I need to escape this trailer and this madman.

My gaze lands on my dress, and I rush over and pull it on. It’s the first time I’ve dressed since this man took me. And then I spot a thick black hoody belonging to Phoenix. The desire to cover up and keep warm wins out over putting something belonging to him on. Grabbing it, I pull it over my head, shivering as his scent wraps around me.

I glance at his computer, knowing it might hold some answers, but the security will be insane. I don’t have the skills or the time to try and hack it. The desire to smash it to slow him from tracking me is strong, but I decide against it. There could be crucial information related to him faking my death, and I don’t want to destroy any potential evidence.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s to come. Time to get out of here. And I have to be smart about it.

I scan the trailer, checking every window and door, but they’re all locked tight, as expected. Phoenix isn’t taking any chances when it comes to keeping me trapped here. But then my eyes land on the skylight, and a glimmer of hope sparks within me.

Quietly, I drag a chair over and climb up, testing the skylight. Surprisingly after my first attempt, he didn’t fix the lock on it, as it’s busted. Too confident he’d never allow me to slip free again. I waste no time hoisting myself up and through the narrow opening. The cool night air caresses my face as I pull myself onto the trailer’s roof, and I have to stifle a joyful cry.

I’m out! I’m finally out of that hellish prison.

Carefully, I inch my way toward the edge of the roof, peering down at the ground below. It’s a drop, but I’ve had worse falls rock climbing before. Taking a deep breath, I lower myself over the edge and drop down, my knees bending to absorb the impact.

I stumble, but I’m free! I did it!

A grin spreads as I straighten up and take in my surroundings. The carnival is quiet and still, the neon lights dimmed for the night. But I don’t have time to waste. I need to figure out where I am and how to get home.

Determined, I start walking, keeping to the shadows if Phoenix is nearby. I will make it out of this nightmare and then find a way to expose Phoenix for the monster he truly is.

My heart is pounding as I make my way through the carnival. I’m on the lookout for anyone who can help me. Once out of the carnival grounds, I approach a group of young men, their faces illuminated by the glow of their cell phones as they huddle together, laughing and enjoying the night.

“Excuse me,” I say, my voice sounding strange to my ears. “Do you know where we are? What town is this?”

They stare at me as if I’ve sprouted a second head, and I realize how much of a mess I must look.

“You’re in Greenvale,” one of them finally answers, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Why? You lost or something?”

I’m hit with a wave of relief. Greenvale. It’s a few hours from Oakridge, but I know the area. I can find my way home from here.

“Thanks,” I mutter. “Could I borrow one of your phones?”

The taller of the four men steps toward me. “Why are you lost?” He repeats.

A predatory glint ignites in his eyes, and instantly, I know these guys aren’t going to help me. Instead of replying, I turn around and walk in the opposite direction.

“Where are you going!” He calls out.

I break into a sprint, too spooked by everything that has happened to me to linger. My feet carry me in the direction I know will lead me toward the main road out of here. I need to distance myself from the carnival and Phoenix.

As I walk, my mind is racing. I need to find a phone so I can call the police, my parents, someone. Let them know I’m alive and that Phoenix is dangerous and faked my death. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and suffering he’s put my loved ones through with his twisted plan.

The weight of what I must do settles on my shoulders, and I walk with a new sense of purpose. I have to get to a phone but keep a low profile or get out of here first then find a phone, whichever comes first. Phoenix will look for me when he realizes I’m gone.

I quicken my pace, a sense of urgency fueling my steps. I need to get help, and I must do it now.