Erin's breathing was labored, and sweat streamed down her face, drenching her shirt and causing her hair to cling to her face. She had ceased her struggle against the restraints, as her wrists were now bloody and likely lacerated.
Trying to sleep proved to be a challenge, as Erin harbored distrust towards Charlie whenever he came to check on her. Her body tensed up upon hearing the door open and the faint creaking of footsteps descending the stairs.
Erin knew it wasn't Charlie, as his gait was heavy; therefore, the individual must be Marie, if she were to hazard a guess. Opening her eyes, Erin attempted to keep her face still, avoiding the brightness that Marie's activated light emitted.
The older brunette looked at Marie with inquisitive eyes as she approached. Noticing a small hairpin in Marie's hand, the younger woman carefully sat on the bed, ensuring that she didn't cause Erin any further harm.
"So?" Erin whispered, her hazel eyes filled with hope, as she looked at Marie. "I have managed to contact Antonio, and they are on their way," Marie whispered, causing Erin to breathe a sigh of relief.
The darker brunette then began to skillfully pick the lock on the handcuffs. "Once we are free, we will seek refuge in the barn for a while, and then attempt to make our way to the woods," Marie explained, sharing her plan with Erin.
Erin nodded attentively, fully listening to Marie. "That sounds like a solid plan. We can remain hidden until Voight and the others arrive," she whispered, despite her growing exhaustion. However, she knew she had to stay awake a little longer.
"Miss Lindsey, I kindly request that you refrain from falling asleep," Marie softly whispered, successfully unlocking the handcuffs. She carefully assisted Erin in lowering her arms to her sides, and gently massaged them. Marie winced at the sight of the deep cut encircling Erin's wrists.
Taking swift action, Marie proceeded to untie Erin's legs. "Alright, it is time for you to stand up," she whispered, providing support as the older woman almost stumbled back onto the bed if it weren't for Marie's assistance.
Marie aided Erin by securing her arm around her neck, allowing Erin to regain her balance and contribute to their ascent up the stairs.
With caution, Marie cautiously inspected the surroundings, ensuring that there was no one in close proximity before urging Erin to remain silent by placing her finger to her lips.
Erin acknowledged Marie's silent instruction, gradually recovering her strength to stand independently. Despite the lapse of time, she accompanied Marie out of the basement towards the back door.
Anxious, Erin clenched her lip upon hearing approaching footsteps. Marie swiftly advised Erin to hasten, leading her outside and gently shutting the door behind them.
Guiding Erin, the fair-skinned brunette proceeded towards the nearby barn, situating it only six feet away. Erin briefly glanced behind her, observing the illumination of lights in the kitchen before refocusing on reaching the barn with haste.
Though Erin's legs threatened to give way, she managed to prevent herself from succumbing to the muddy ground. Expressing her discontentment, she winced as the rain began to fall. "This situation is highly unfortunate," she uttered softly, resenting the absence of her firearm.
Marie acknowledged with a nod as she approached the barn. 'Come on, Miss. Lindsey, we must hasten before Charlie becomes aware of your absence,' she whispered.
Erin nodded in agreement and quickened her pace, but let out a sharp yelp as a sudden, intense pain shot up her stomach. She bit her lip, hoping that the sound wouldn't reverberate across the vacant yard.
"Shhh!" Marie hissed at Erin upon hearing the yelp, swiftly pulling her into the barn as she noticed the back door opening.
Erin glanced weakly at Marie, a glare forming in her eyes, as the younger woman guided her into the barn and instructed her to remain quiet. However, Erin acknowledged that Marie was indeed correct.
Observing from her vantage point, Erin watched attentively as the back door swung open, revealing Charlie emerging with a cigarette in hand. She observed his careful scan of the surroundings, presumably searching for the source of the noise.
Marie gently tapped Erin's shoulder and discreetly suggested, "Let's retreat cautiously, seeking refuge among the hay bales." She whispered, leading Erin towards a sizable stack of hay.
Upon hearing something outside, Charlie proceeded to step onto the porch. Squinting, he nonchalantly took a drag from his cigarette while surveying the area.
In a muttered tone, he speculated, "Perhaps it's just a bird or some other creature." Suddenly, his attention was captivated by a sudden movement as he caught sight of a figure darting into the barn.
Returning inside, he made his way to the basement to check on Erin, exhaling a stern command, "Erin, you had better still be down here." Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, he glanced upwards to discover that the lights were on.
Calling out, he bellowed, "Joey, come down here immediately!" as he proceeded towards an unoccupied bed. He added, "And bring Marie along as well." Frustrated, he kicked over a nearby table.
Charlie promptly retrieved his firearm from the table where it had fallen when he accidentally kicked it. Upon hearing Joey descend the stairs, he inquired, 'What seems to be the matter?' The previously drowsy blond man was now fully alert, thanks to Charlie's shouting.
The dark-haired man scrutinized Joey, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as he noticed the absence of Marie. Slowly piecing the puzzle together, he began to wonder why Erin was not restrained to the bed.
'Where is Marie?' Charlie queried, testing if Joey could discern the issue at hand. He attentively observed Joey's expression.
'I don't know. She was supposed to be in bed,' Joey replied, his memory jogged. 'I found her in the bathroom a few minutes ago, and I heard her conversing with someone.'
Charlie's eyes narrowed further as he inquired, 'Who?' Proceeding up the staircase, Joey followed closely behind. 'She claimed it was her brother,' Joey recalled. They halted at the top of the basement stairs.
'What do you mean her brother?' Charlie pressed, disbelieving. 'Marie has not communicated with him since we apprehended her, and their relationship is anything but amicable.'
Joey then recollected that Charlie was indeed correct, causing a narrowing of his eyes." But I may have an inkling of who she contacted," he stated, receiving a nod from Charlie.
"I concur, particularly if Marie managed to sneak down to the basement and inquire about Antonio," Charlie agreed as they approached the rear entrance.
"Plans have changed; once we locate the girls, we shall promptly depart," Charlie declared, leading the way to the barn where he spotted a woman entering.
Joey trailed behind, posing a question. "How soon do you anticipate the arrival of the CPD?" he inquired, prompting Charlie to contemplate before responding. "Likely not long, but locating this place poses difficulties, affording us some time. Nevertheless, we must hasten," he advised.
The blond-haired individual nodded in agreement as they reached the barn. "Erin, present yourself immediately," Charlie called out to the female detective. "Marie, await your inevitable capture as well," Joey added, scanning the interior of the barn upon entering.