All By Myself

Chapter 18

My phone beeped, and I looked down at it to see that, firstly, it was nearly six in the evening, and secondly, it was a message from Tabbi.

"Dinner at seven, see you soon." I sighed, knowing I had better get back there. I locked up, checking I had everything I needed in my car, got in, and drove back to the Thompson residence. I arrived just before six thirty, so I went in, intending to go upstairs with my things, but a door opened to my right and Brad peered out.

"Come into my office." He said. I paused, then followed him in. He shut the door, then moved to his desk chair. I stood still, not wanting to sit down.

"You left early this morning. Did you go swimming?" He asked. I nodded.

"I went for a dip in the early afternoon." I said. He nodded.

"Would you care to tell me what else you were up to today?" He asked. I looked at him, eyes narrowed.

"No. I don't care to tell you what else I did today. Since you have me tracked, why don't you tell me?" I said, defiantly, arms across my chest. His gaze darkened, but he stood up.

"You left here early, went to a shopping centre, made a phone call then went to your home, went for a swim, only thirty minutes, that wouldn't have sustained you much. Then you drove to Lowestoft and had a lengthy lunch with a man, then home, and obviously here. Who was the man? I thought you knew no one anymore." He said, moving closer to me. I moved back slightly.

"No one of importance to you." I said, and reached for the door handle, but Brad grabbed my shoulder firmly, turning me to face him.

"Be that way. If they are of importance, we will find out." He said. I pulled away from him.

"Did you tell the others about our chat this morning?" I asked, wanting to change the topic. Brad moved back.

"I did, yes. They too are most curious to learn how you knew. Remember,Cassi. You may not be locked up anymore, but we are still in control." Brad said. I wrenched open the door and hurried upstairs, my laptop banging against my hip. I got to the top of the stairs and leaned against the wall, feeling out of breath and weak. I moved into my room and shut it quickly behind me, and locked it. I knew Brad had a key for it, but at least it would deter him for a few moments. Long enough for me to make a run for it. The thought crossed my mind and I strode over to the window after putting my laptop down on my bed, but my idea was thwarted in an instant when I saw the escape route was hindered by a window that barely opened, and a flyscreen. I sighed and sat on the bed, head lowered.

A few minutes later I heard the doorknob jiggle, then someone knocking.

"Cassi?Dinner's ready. Are you awake?" Tabbi said. I stood up.

"Yeah, I'll be right down." I called out. I heard her footsteps fade away, moved to my mirror and brushed my hair, then unlocked my door and followed her slowly downstairs, leaning against the rail. I sat down at my place at the table, but felt my stomach twinge slightly as the smell of fish hit my nostrils.

"What's for dinner?" I asked. Brad, who had entered, smiled.

"Just Cook's specialty pasta." He said, putting some garlic bread on the table. Tabbi beamed, but I frowned slightly. I could smell the fish, and I didn't want to be rude to Cook, but I had a feeling I couldn't eat it. Jenny came in and said hello to all of us.

"Did you all have good days?" She asked as she settled on her chair. I nodded, as did Brad, and Tabbi spieled off about this class and that boy, and how horrid the food had been in the cafeteria. I half-listened, but watched as Cook brought the bowls of pasta out,placing them on our place mats. I almost recoiled at the strong hit of fish I could smell. I looked up at Cook.