Chapter 8 - Learn the Rules
"Open this door."
Derek struck the bookcase again.
Emma looked at me.
I mouthed, "Stay quiet."
"Chloe, I know you're in there."
Another blow.
Then Derek laughed.
"You've been busy."
The bookcase moved slightly.
He knew how to open it.
We backed deeper into the service corridor.
It was barely three feet wide.
At the far end, a narrow staircase disappeared downward.
I grabbed Emma.
We ran.
Behind us, wood scraped.
"Stop!"
Derek's footsteps entered the passage.
We raced down the stairs.
Second floor.
Then first.
The corridor ended behind the dining room fireplace.
Emma pushed a concealed panel.
We stumbled into the dining room.
Breakfast was over.
But nearly everyone was still there.
Twenty-two members of Derek's family turned toward us.
Derek emerged seconds later.
"There you are."
He was smiling again.
Public Derek.
Polished Derek.
The one I had married.
He adjusted his shirt cuffs.
"Chloe is upset."
Nobody spoke.
"She's had a stressful morning."
I looked around the room.
Brenda stood beside the window.
Her handbag hung from her shoulder.
The gun was inside.
Derek approached me slowly.
"Why don't we go upstairs?"
"No."
His smile tightened.
"Excuse me?"
"I said no."
A few relatives shifted uncomfortably.
Brenda spoke.
"Chloe, you're embarrassing yourself."
I looked directly at her.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"More than having grease dumped on me?"
"It was an accident."
"And the rag?"
Brenda smiled.
"A misunderstanding."
I turned toward Derek.
"And locking me in the bedroom?"
His uncle Marcus frowned.
"You locked her in?"
Derek's eyes flashed.
"For her safety."
I nearly laughed.
"My safety."
"You were hysterical."
"I smiled."
"You were behaving irrationally."
"I went upstairs."
"You were threatening to leave."
"There it is."
The room became silent.
Derek stepped closer.
"Marriage isn't something you run away from because your feelings get hurt."
"Especially when the marriage may not exist."
His face changed.
Only for half a second.
But I saw it.
So did Brenda.
"What does that mean?" Marcus asked.
Derek ignored him.
"Chloe."
I smiled.
"Allison sends her regards."
Somebody dropped a fork.
Brenda's face drained of color.
Derek grabbed my wrist.
Hard.
"Upstairs."
I looked at his hand.
Then at him.
"Take your hand off me."
He squeezed harder.
I raised my voice.
"I said take your hand off me."
Marcus stood.
"Derek."
Derek released me.
I rubbed my wrist.
Then I looked around the room.
"Since everyone was present when Derek told me to learn the rules, maybe everyone should be present when I learn exactly what those rules are."
Brenda stepped forward.
"This family matter is over."
"No."
May you like
I met her eyes.
"It's just getting started."
