CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Natalie POV

I had just pushed the door shut, and shaken hands with Hailey when the knock came. No time to call it, the door opened as the hinges gave a small hideous groan, followed by the entrance of three men in black suits–big, imposing, the lot of them. Not unlike the sentinels of Alice Rutherford. Their faces were stern. Features are all business.

"Mrs. Martinez?" came the one in front, a low, fearsome voice.

Stunned for a moment, I blew air inside my mouth. Hailey beside me seemed to be shocked, at least that was what her mouth-open but mute reaction meant. "Yes that's me, can I help you."

"We are here to escort you home," he said in such a matter-of-fact intonation as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"You're walking me home?" I said again, feeling disbelieving. "But — why? Who told you to?"

"Mr. Martinez," he answered. "He was very insistent that we see you home safe and sound."

My stomach twisted; thank God no one could see my face. The little voice in my head we