My hand gripped the flashlight tighter.

Before I could move, my phone buzzed again in my pocket.

I gasped, trying to muffle the sound.

The screen lit up.

It was a text from Daniel.

*The basement door at Cumberland Avenue is open. You need to see this.*

I looked back through the crack at Gavin.

He stopped swinging the crowbar.

He slowly turned his head toward the door, his eyes scanning the dark hallway.

“Who’s there?” he called out, his voice sharp and dangerous.

I held my breath and pressed my back against the cold tile wall of the kitchen.

My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

Gavin took a heavy step toward the office door, the crowbar scraping against the metal safe.

“I know someone is out there,” he muttered, his voice thick with anger and alcohol.

I slid backward into the shadows, my sneakers making no sound on the grease-stained floor.

I reached the back exit, pushed the heavy metal bar with my shoulder, and slipped out into the cool night air.

The alley was damp and smelled of old rain, rotting cardboard, and grease.