33

Kristoff

We get to the rundown shack a little after dawn upon Titania's insistence. She's been restless and excited ever since I agreed to let her take some stuff from her place last night. I guess she just misses the place. She misses home. I park my SUV in front of the building, and we both got out, Titania walking hurriedly ahead. I follow her up the dusty stairs to the first floor. When she reaches her door, she freezes, whirling around to face me, her face white with panic. “Oh, my God.”

“What?”

“I think I lost my key. The last time you and your goons came — ”

I roll my eyes, pulling out the key from my breast pocket and holding it out. “Here.”

She takes it with a huff. “Ugh. Of course, you'll have it.” She inserts it into the lock and turns it. “Hope my wallet is safe, as well as my passport, lipstick, and other essentials?”

“Yup. Everything is as you left it with me. Intact.”

She snorts, shakes her head, and gives the door a sharp kick. It cackles, the hinges rusted, a mouse ru