He took a photograph from his pocket, glanced at it, and quickly returned it.
Then he walked to the bedroom door.
I heard the unmistakable click of a lock.
I jumped to my feet.
“What are you doing?”
Richard slipped the key into his pocket.
My heart began pounding.
“Open the door.”
“Emily, please.”
“Open it now.”
He turned toward me.
“I have no intention of hurting you.”
“Then unlock the door!”
He glanced at the grandfather clock visible through the open doorway of the adjoining corridor.
“Because tonight, something must finally be brought to an end.”
He approached me slowly.
“Take off your shoes. We’re starting now.”
I backed away until my legs struck the chair.
“What?”
“Your shoes, Emily. Please take them off.”
I clutched my handbag against my chest.
“You bring me to a locked bedroom, refuse to explain anything, and now you’re ordering me to take off my shoes? I’m leaving!”