“That would be great.” With her crutches, Gillian followed the young woman outside. “Let’s shut the door so Queenie won’t be able to get inside.”
“Good idea,” Melanie said, and Gillian smiled. Paul made a mistake yelling at the dog as he had.
“Paul doesn’t like animals … in the house,” she added as she sat at the table, then plopped a strawberry in her mouth.
“Queenie is the cutest dog I’ve ever seen.” Melanie smiled at the puppy.
“Isn’t she?” Gillian leaned down and picked Queenie up and nuzzled her face against her. “Good job, sweetie pea,” she whispered, then put her in her lap and pet her.
Paul opened the door, watching them, a look of suspicion in his eyes.
“Are you going to join us?” Gillian asked him, adding a touch of hope in her voice, wondering if he knew what she’d done and hoping her mother didn’t try to call back.
He smiled brightly. “Sorry, babe. I would love to, but I have a meeting in a few minutes. What would you like for dinner? I’ll order in.”
“Oh, can we go out?” she asked. “I’ve been cooped up too long and would love to see the town.”
He shook his head. “Sorry, sweetie. I have a really busy night. Maybe tomorrow. How do you like your tea?” He looked at the glass in front of her she still hadn’t touched.
“It’s great.” She smiled at him and kept the smile on her face until he shut the door and disappeared into the house.
She hoped her mother realized Gillian was in trouble and would call Nick or Agent Morris. What if she didn’t? What if she tried to call?
Melanie stood and grabbed her bag. “I’m heading out. Is there anything else you need?”
“You are? Paul said you were going to stay awhile and swim. I’d love the company.”
“If you’re sure it’s okay. Mr. Barnes said you usually sleep in the afternoons after your sessions.”
“He did?” She looked at the tea he’d handed her and thought about the many times she would get foggy after a meal. Had he been drugging her?
Of course. Why hadn’t she figured that out sooner?
“He’s asked me if I could stay with you while he goes on a business trip in a few days. I hope that’s okay with you. I could really use the extra money.”
Business trip? “Yes. Absolutely. Maybe then we can go out to eat. The walls in this house are starting to close in on me.”
Melanie laughed.
“Just don’t tell Paul. He’s super protective,” Gillian said, trying to gauge how much she could trust the woman.
Melanie grimaced. “Let’s play it by ear. Mr. Barnes was pretty clear he didn’t want us leaving the house. He’s worried about you. You’re really lucky to have a husband who loves you so much.”
“Yes, lucky,” she repeated as Melanie dove into the pool. Gillian poured her tea into the bushes.
So Paul was going on a business trip. This might be her best chance to escape yet.