Chapter 2 - The Grey Tape
CRACK.
The center of the white pine lid collapsed inward, revealing a dark, hollow cavity.
A middle-aged man in a tailored black suit bolted out from the front row, his leather soles skidding on the wood.
"She's alive!" Richard screamed, his hands reaching forward toward the ruined pine.
Toby dropped the iron hammer.
It hit the floorboards with a dull THUD, rolling two inches before stopping against a pile of splinters.
Toby thrust his small hands into the dark opening, his fingernails scraping against white satin lining.
A slender, pale hand shot up out of the box, its fingers clawing wildly at the air.
Toby pulled with all his strength.
A young woman with disheveled blonde hair and tear-streaked skin broke through the broken wood.
A strip of thick grey duct tape was stretched tight across her mouth, sealing her lips.
Toby’s thumb caught the frayed edge of the adhesive.
He ripped it off in one swift, ruthless pull.
The woman’s chest surged as air rushed into her lungs, a sharp, ragged gasp tearing from her throat.
"Don't!" she shrieked, her voice raw and bleeding.
She pointed a shaking, pale finger straight at Richard’s face.
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"Don't trust him!"
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