Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter) novel Chapter 382

I rose to my feet, my fingertips tracing the walls with deliberate care, tapping lightly in search of hollow spaces or hidden compartments to no avail.

The hallways still echoed with sobs, screams, and curses.

Some people couldn't keep their cool, but I knew I had to.

As I gently knocked against the wall, hoping for a sign of a secret passage or loose panel, the lights in the room began to flicker, dimming as if the electricity was unstable.

I searched frantically but found nothing.

Just when I felt utterly hopeless and sank to the floor,

"Click." The sound of a metal door unlocking reached my ears, followed by footsteps in the hallway.

My nerves instantly tensed up. Had someone already found the key and made their escape?

Who was it?

"Who's out there? Who got out? Help us, where did you find the keys? Help us," the voices outside grew frantic as everyone shouted for help.

The footsteps slowed, as if listening intently.

Then, suddenly, someone outside began tapping on the metal door with a stick, silencing everyone. We all strained to hear what was about to happen.

When everything fell silent, a voice spoke up. "Phoebe..."

The voice was raspy and panicked.

It was Colin!

He was looking for me.

I pounded on the door with all my might. "Colin! Colin, I'm here!"

I heard him running towards me, his footsteps echoing in the panic.

"Click." Another door unlocked.

"Dang it, cut the crap. Don't freaking delay my SATs," a voice cursed loudly. It was Bran.

I was both relieved and terrified, crying and banging on the door. "Colin, I'm scared."

"Phoebe... don't be scared," Colin's anxious voice came from the other side. "Phoebe... take a deep breath, listen to me, don't be afraid, calm down."

I did as he said, took a deep breath, and tried to stay calm.

"Is she still not out? How dumb can you get?" Bran approached, his voice shaky, as if he was worried but trying to sound disdainful and indifferent.

"Click." Another door unlocked.

"Caleb." The person emerging called out Caleb's name, then scoffed. "What, still looking for that fake? Do you think... if it were me, I'd fail to see through such a simple trick and find a way out?"