Page 106 of Camera Stays On

“Who do you think?” Using the key to unlock the door, he yanked it open. “My big brother, your best friend.”

Chapter 48

Andi

THE DOOR SLAMMED shut behind Sawyer, and I noticed he didn’t lock it. It didn’t matter, however, because it all hit me once that door snapped shut. I dropped to the floor of the shower and sobbed.

Why hadn’t I kicked him in the groin and ran for it? I’d known the key was in his pants. I could have grabbed it and been out of the bathroom and bunker altogether before he could even get off the floor.

Maybe.

If I’d hit him hard enough. He’d have to be on the floor for a while with my limping pace.

Anger and frustration over my stupidity flooded my mind, making me cry harder. Wrapping my arms around myself, I let the water run over me until it turned cold. Even then, I stayed until my teeth began to chatter and my thigh ached.

Eventually, I stood, sniffling, and turned the faucets off. I grabbed a towel and dried myself. My mind was as numb as my body—confused, upset, and dead inside. I stared at the dress in the corner, feeling every bit resentful as I had when I took it off the day of my wedding. I wished I could burn it. Maybe, after this was over, and I managed to get out alive, I would do just that.

Every fiber of my being begged me not to put it back on, but I knew I had no choice. Once I was dry, I reached for it and tugged it on. The gown, once soft and thrilling, was now a constant reminder of my situation. My skin was so dry and the fabric so rough, I felt disgusting.

I was being held hostage by my insane, serial killer ex, hellbent on getting me back. In his twisted mind, he really thought that could happen. He’d almost raped me.

Some broken part of him thought that I would see all he’d done and want to be with him again. How could anyone in their mind—their sane mind—think that anyone would want this? I just wanted to go home. But what was home anymore?

I left the bathroom in my dress, with my hair wet and hanging down. As I took in the confines of the bunker, my stomach rumbled. I’d only gotten a few bites of summer sausage and cheese before Sawyer had found me. I needed something to eat, however, much like the first time, the pull of the cameras drew me toward them. Forcing myself to the kitchenette, I found supplies for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and quickly prepared one. Shoving it down my throat, I returned to the screens.

Where was everyone now?

I saw Mick first. He and I must have had the same thoughts, because I found him on the monitor labeled “Real kitchen.” He was rummaging in the fridge, and I noted the large kitchen knife peeking out of his back pocket.

So, stay away from Mick, got it.

Juliet was MIA. I searched all the cameras but couldn’t find her on any of them. There were so many, if it wasn’t so chilling, it would be impressive. In another life, one where Sawyer hadn’t shot me, murdered his best friend, covered up another murder, and then tried to rape me, he would have made a fantastic found footage movie.

Sawyer and Asher were also not on any monitors, but I wasn’t shocked at that, as one of the monitors was filled with static. Tentatively, I used the keyboard and mouse, looking to see if I could rewind or turn it back on. I found that it was disabled, but I was able to look back at what it had recorded last. It was, in fact, the basement. Asher was looking around frantically, searching for me, when Sawyer stepped into frame.

My skin grew goosebumps as Sawyer slowly turned to the camera and walked toward it. He reached his hand up, and the camera flicked off.

I shook my head as I stared at the dark screen.

He broke his own rule.

The camera always stays on.

And then suddenly, something hit my head. A sharp pain rattled through my skull, and everything went black.

“ANDI, HOW YA feeling?”

A voice called to me from my groggy fog. I groaned and tried to open my eyes, only to see darkness. I’d been blindfolded.

“What’s going on?” I bolted upright, and I realized I wasn’t in my wedding dress anymore. Someone had taken it off me, leaving me naked. Reaching back to feel why my mask was so heavy, I felt a metal lock. A chill of fear slid down my spine, and I reached out into the darkness, trying to figure out where I was. “Why is this on me? Where are we?”

“Sawyer tried to hurt you, but I’m here now. You’re safe.”

I paused. “Asher?” His voice was scratchy, as if maybe he’d been screaming and lost it at some point.

“I’m here, Andi.”

I relaxed only slightly, but continued to root around, realizing I was on a bed. “Why am I naked? Asher, I’m scared.”