Page 106 of Secrets and Lies
West: what do you mean by that?
Anthony: you’re not mad that I told you about M or about the screenshots or even me calling you out for acting like a brat
West: then how about you tell me what I’m mad since you’re such an expert in what I’m thinking and feeling
Anthony: you’re not actually mad about anything. you’re horny and you’re trying to pick a fight with me so I’ll come to your room and teach you a lesson
West: you’re wrong
Anthony: I don’t think I am
West: it doesn’t even matter
West: it’s not like you could sneak in here again anyway so I don’t know why we’re even talking about this
Anthony: that sounds like a challenge
West: it’s not a challenge it’s just a fact
Anthony: that’s not making it sound any less like a challenge
West: it’s not a challenge
Anthony: so you’re saying you’re not trying to goad me into coming to your room and giving you exactly what you need
West: yes that’s exactly what I’m saying
Anthony: okay
Anthony: but there’s one problem
West: what’s that?
Anthony: I don’t believe you
Anthony: see you soon
Instead of waiting to see if he has anything more to say, I put my phone down. Excitement and anticipation fill me in equal measure as I open my bedside table and pull out the mask I stashed in there a few weeks ago, and the supplies I’ll need for what I’m planning.
The mask is almost exactly like the one I wore last time, but instead of being plain black, the lower part of it has a white skeleton print on it. The image is sharp and detailed, but more importantly, it’s intimidating as fuck, and I can’t wait to see West’s reaction to it.
Feeling way too giddy, I tuck the mask and the other supplies into my hoodie pocket and open the app I got from Xave.
I’ve always known that there are hidden doors all over the building, but I had no idea just how extensive the corridors are and how many ways there are to move around the house without being seen. Thanks to the app, I’ve learned that every dorm room has a hidden door in its closet, and it’s surprisingly easy to move from room to room when you know where you’re going.
West’s room is at one end of the hall and right next to the stairs, while mine is at the other end of the floor and close to the elevators. His room is directly across the hall from mine, which you’d think would make things complicated, but thanks to the app, it’s not a problem at all.
Once the app has loaded my route, I go into my closet and feel around on one of the shelves until I find the release button that opens the hidden door built into one of the wall panels, then slip into the dark and dusty corridor behind it.
I have to use the flashlight on my phone as I navigate the route, and some parts of it are a tight squeeze, but I get to West’s room with no hiccups. I’m practically vibrating with anticipation when I carefully pop open the door in his closet and slip out of the corridor.
His closet door is closed this time, giving me some extra cover as I shut the hidden door behind me. Once I’m sure it’s secure, I slip on my mask and pull up my hood.
Moving as silently as possible, I press my ear against the closet door and listen for any clues that will tell me where West is in his room. I wait a few seconds, but don’t hear anything helpful, so I’m extra careful as I twist the knob and crack the door open.
His room is mostly dark, with only his desk lamp and bedside table light on, and I find him standing in front of his bookshelf with his back to me. Being as careful as possible, I slip into his room and silently close the closet door behind me.
I can’t tell if he’s looking for something on his shelf or if he’s disassociating and just happened to be in front of his bookshelf when it started, but he doesn’t move as I creep toward him, taking slow, sliding steps so I don’t hit a weak spot and give myself away by making the floors creak.
