Page 143 of Wrench
After a pause, he decided on a wave rake, a tool that looked a bit like a curvy screwdriver,
and a thin strap of metal called a tension wrench. He stuck them both inside the lock,
holding his breath with focus, jiggled the instruments, and¡ªclick.
With a breath of relief, he looked like he was about to make some remark about his
success, but remembered the baby monitor and instead, gave us a thumbs up and toothy
grin. Archer turned to me with a grave but determined look. With pursed lips, I nodded,
and after a heavy swallow, he returned the gesture. We looked down to Ripper, each
nodding, and as quietly as he could, he turned and opened the door.
Inside, we were overwhelmed by the smell of fumes. We all covered our noses and
mouths with the collars of our shirts. Distinct chatter and laughter were heard from the
basement, but the upstairs was vacant.
¡°That little red-headed bitch at the front desk,¡± one of the voices said. ¡°When I asked
for ketamine, I¡¯m pretty sure she pissed herself.¡±
¡°Yeah, you got to spend time with that hot little blond thing,¡± another said and
instantly my fists clenched by my side. ¡°Shoulda taken off her scrubs in the back, I know
she had a tight ass. Besides, she was down to fuck. Had that look in her eyes, like she
wanted me to take her hostage.¡±
Inside my head, I was screaming. I wanted to go downstairs with my pistol and shoot
him in the mouth, but instead, I breathed deeply through my nose. At my side, Archer
nudged me and narrowed in on my eyes, as if inspecting my temperament.
Shaking my head, I once again raised my fingers to my lips, and motioned to stay put
while I let the rest of the gang inside. The fewer people walking around, the less creaking
of the floor. As planned, the other four waited outside and I unlocked the door from the
inside, sneaking them in.
As we all stood together, blood pumped through all of my muscles, but I knew I
needed to keep calm. Not wanting to risk any of the other men, and Tank had Evelyn, I
headed down the stairs before anyone could protest.
Besides, I thought, I had the best rapport with them.
The burning fumes filled my lungs, but I kept my breath still and refrained from
satisfying the tremors in my throat. Closing my eyes for a second once I reached the
