PIPER
As soon as Timofey steps out of the apartment, I spin around and go back to Noelle's room.
"We need to go," I tell her. "Now.You have two minutes to grab anything you might need. Can you do it?"
Noelle is shaking in the middle of the bed, staring down at her own folded up knees beneath the blankets. She looks like a helpless child.
I lean against the edge of the bed. "Can you hear me, Noelle? Do you understand what I'm saying? We need to go now."
If I can get Noelle away from Timofey and get her talking, maybe I can get more information about where Benjamin is. All I know is I won't get anything if I let Timofey drag me out of here and lock me up in his mansion.
"I can stay here. Mom said I can stay," Noelle says. "This is my room."
"I know this is your room, but we can't talk if we stay here. Timofey is coming back and—"
Her eyes go wide. "Timofey will hurt me."
"No, he won't. He won't do that. I promise."
