Part 60 (1/2)

Joey shrugged. ”I guess we take a chance and head on inside.”

”Just like that?” Jenny asked. ”We're not even going to see if it's all clear?”

”I did the best I could,” Joey said. ”We'll just have to risk it.”

Annja nodded. ”Okay. I'll lead the way this time.” She rose on her haunches and stalked up the back steps. The screen door opened easily and she was glad it didn't squeak.

Inside the back pantry, shelves lined with all sorts of foodstuffs loomed over them as they kept close to the ground. Annja could hear voices ahead of them in the main kitchen area.

She recognized Tom's deep voice. But whose voice was the other one? It seemed somewhat familiar but then she couldn't be sure.

She peered around the stainless steel cabinet and spotted Sheila. A wave of relief washed over her. All she had to do was stand and call to her.

Annja held her hand out behind her to signal Joey and Jenny to hold their positions. Something strange was going on.

She heard Sheila speaking clearly. But the tone of her voice was very different. And she wasn't addressing Tom as if he was her husband at all, more like he was her slave.

”I don't care if you don't want to make it, I said just do it!” And then she spun and marched out of the kitchen through the swinging door that led to the dining room.

That exchange didn't sound like the Sheila she'd met, Annja thought. What was that all about?

She peeked around the corner, but Tom's back was to her.

Good.

She darted out from her hiding spot and raced to the swinging doors. Small porthole windows were cut into each door. Annja rose and looked through one of them.

Out in the dining room, she saw a surprising scene.

Sheila sat at a table nursing a cup of coffee.

Across from her, holding her hand, was David.

Chapter 31.

Annja pulled back from the window. What in the world was going on? David was with Sheila? But how? And why?

”Hey.”

She wheeled around and found herself staring at Tom. He looked her up and down and frowned. ”Aren't you one of the girls who came in here yesterday?”

”Annja, yes.”

He nodded. ”What are you doing here in the kitchen? You look like you're sneaking around.”

Annja smiled. ”You wouldn't believe it if I told you.”

”Try me.”

Annja gestured outside to the dining room. ”I thought you were married to Sheila.”