Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter) novel Chapter 406

Finding our way out in record time...

"Follow us," Melody warned, her gaze fixed on me and Robin.

I trailed behind Melody, scrutinizing her every move. How had she managed this transformation? In her effort to impersonate 'Phoebe Caldwell,' had her IQ shot up as well?

"This way." True to form, Melody had a knack for uncovering secrets quickly, leading us from room to room towards escape.

"Why did you guys split up?" Robin asked Dexter, probing for insight.

Dexter glanced at me. "I was worried they wouldn't find their way out."

Melody snorted but remained silent.

Finally, she led us to a ventilation shaft in record time. "The floor's made of wood, not very stable. If we break through, we might be able to drop down to the fifteenth floor." Melody inspected the floorboards, which were clearly a later addition and not part of the original structure.

Dexter and Robin set to work, creating a hole just big enough for one person to slip through. But below was pitch-black, the situation uncertain.

"It's an elevator shaft. If we twist our clothes into a rope, we can slide down to the fifteenth floor," Dexter said, tossing a glow stick down the shaft. It appeared they had found new gear on this level.

The glow stick took its time falling but eventually revealed that there was indeed a landing on the fifteenth floor we could aim for.

"Who's going first?" Dexter asked, looking at me anxiously. "Can you... you know, handle it?"

"Idiot," Melody couldn't help but insult, showing no care as she stripped down to her undershirt and handed her top to Dexter.

Dexter followed suit, binding the shirts tightly together. Robin got the hint and did the same.

James looked at me with ill-disguised reluctance, making no move to undress.

I stepped forward, pressing my knife against his throat. "Take it off. We need the length."

"What are you playing at..." James grumbled, reluctantly removing his shirt.

Dexter tightened the makeshift rope, looking at Robin. "I'll hold it. You go down first."

Melody glanced my way, seemingly suggesting I go first.

Considering what Annora had told me, I certainly didn't trust Melody. "You first. Show us how it's done."