“We have to go,” he said.

“Before the board formally votes to terminate my contract next week.”

“If we can find those papers, we can stop Eleanor permanently.”

I nodded, a cold resolve settling in my chest.

“We will leave tonight,” I said.

“We can slip out through the woods behind the estate.”

“The reporters will not see us.”

We quickly packed two small duffel bags with warm clothes.

My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked out at the dark woods.

We walked quietly down the back stairs, avoiding the main hallway where Eleanor’s bedroom was.

Just as we reached the kitchen door, the lights suddenly flashed on.

We froze.

Eleanor was standing by the refrigerator, holding a glass of water.

She looked at our bags, then at our boots.

“Running away?” she asked, her voice dripping with pity.

“That will only make you look more guilty, Nathan.”

“We are not running,” Nathan said, his voice firm.

“We are just taking some time away from the circus you created.”

Eleanor smiled, a thin, cruel line.

“Go ahead,” she said.

“The police have your passports, Nathan.”