Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter) novel Chapter 405

Melody was playing a dangerous game, and I knew it. It wasn't just a hunch that Robin wouldn't abandon us, and that he'd find me and Stella—it was a calculated guess. So, Melody's decision to stay hidden was a trap to lure me in? To take me out when I least expected it?

The thought sent shivers down my spine. Melody wanted to take over my life, and the only way to do that was to get rid of me.

"Something's off about Melody," Robin began, but before he could finish his thought, the staircase beneath us trembled.

"Watch out!"

"Phoebe!"

In a split second, the staircase shattered, leaving a gaping, dark void that seemed to lead straight to the basement of this 17-story nightmare.

Colin, panicked, tried to rush forward but was luckily caught by Bran, saving him from tumbling into the abyss.

"Colin!" My heart clenched, and I yelled his name as I teetered on the edge of the broken floor.

Colin nearly fell through, his feet dislodging pebbles that took an age to echo back up to us, a terrifying testament to the depth below.

Looking up at me, Colin's eyes were filled with a mix of panic and hurt, as if despite our proximity, an insurmountable gap lay between us.

He stood perilously close to the void, his eyes reflecting his fear and vulnerability.

"We'll find another way out. Wait for me on the 15th floor," I said, trying to inject a note of calm into my voice.

"Hey, get away from the edge, will ya? If you fall, your wife’s gonna have my head," Bran muttered, pulling Colin back from the brink.

Colin's gaze hardened at Bran's words, a silent reprimand for not bringing Dexter and Melody back safely and allowing them a chance to exploit the situation.

Bran averted his eyes, guiltily looking away. "There's gotta be another way out."

"We need to find a way in," I said, glancing at Robin. There was no turning back now—we had to save them.

Robin nodded and tapped on the wall, an indication that James was still trapped inside. But the fool wasn't making any progress with the door.