Emma stood at the bedroom door. Locked still. But Daniel said they could roam. Said they were free.

Time to test that. Time to start the performance. Time to become what Daniel needed to see.

She knocked. Loud. Firm. Waited.

Footsteps outside. Heavy. Guard footsteps. Key turning. Lock clicking. Door opening.

A man. Large. Armed. Expressionless. "Yes?"

"I need to go downstairs." Emma kept her voice steady. Calm. Not demanding. Requesting. "To the kitchen. I want ...