I won’t go back. I can’t live another moment as someone’s property. I will make my way to the ocean tonight and find freedom one way or another.
—The diary of Megan Jean
As Grant had said it would be, the door at the bottom of the Rook was unlocked. Mia took a breath as she walked inside. There were no lights, but the elevator door was open at the bottom. Mia stepped inside and the small closet doors closed. She thought back to Saint Louis. That was the first time she had ridden in an elevator. Back then she had never heard of such a contraption and was momentarily mesmerized when they moved up and down. Now Mia was prepared. She knew what to expect and the ride took less time than she anticipated.
The door opened and Mia stepped outside onto the small glass platform. She looked down and regretted her decision. But now was not the time for fear. She walked forward toward the open door. There was a set of six wooden steps that led upward. Mia started the climb. She took a breath before using her arms and popping the hatch open. The night air sent a chill down her spine and Mia wished she had taken the time to change out of her formal dress.
“Come up and join us,” Grant said.
“Mia,” Andrew said. “Run. Get away from—”
She heard a smack and was sure Grant had hurt Andrew again. She ran up the steps. The two were on the roof. Mia made it all the way outside and let the metal opening fall with a loud clang.
There was Andrew on his knees; his hands were behind his back and Grant stood behind him with a gun pointed at his head. This was not the first time she and Grant had faced off against each other in odd attire. His red velvet suit matched her flowing red and gold gown. They looked like a bride and groom.
“Did you bring a weapon?” Grant asked.
“You said not to,” Mia said.
“I’ve informed Andrew that if he opens his mouth I will put a bullet through yours,” Grant said. “So I recommend not asking him any questions.”
“I don’t care if I die,” Mia said. “You promised if I came you would let him go. Kill me and get it over with.”
“No,” Grant said. “I promised if you followed my every instruction I would let him go. If I have to shoot you that means you failed at listening and that means I get to shoot him too. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Mia said.
“There is that submissive attitude I was hoping to bring out of you,” Grant said. “I would have made you a wonderful wife.”
“The Registry is destroyed,” Mia said. “Women are no longer for sale.”
“So I’ve heard,” Grant said. “But we were legally married, and the rest of the laws are still in place, so that means you are and will be mine until the day I die.”
“I’ve heard enough of your speeches,” Mia said. “You said I have to follow your instructions, so instruct.”
“You’ve proved too difficult to kill,” Grant said. “So I want to see you take your own life. It’s simple. Jump.”
Mia looked at Andrew. His eyes were about to bulge out of his head. Even with Grant’s gun pointed at his head he continued to struggle. Mia looked away. She walked toward the edge. The higher points of the building came to her chest, while the lower parts were at her waist. She glanced down as she circled the outer edge.
“If I refuse?” Mia asked.
“Then I will shoot Andrew and you next,” Grant said. “Take your pick. Jump or I will kill both of you.”
Mia stopped walking. She turned around to face Grant, trying her hardest not to make eye contact with Andrew.
“I do this and he lives?” Mia asked.
“Yes,” Grant said.
Mia turned away and climbed onto one of the lower ledges.
“No, Mia!” Andrew yelled.
“If you say another word I will shoot her,” Grant said. He cocked his weapon.
“It’s okay, Andrew,” Mia said. “I promise.”
She spun back around to face Grant and Andrew again. The wind blew across her and Mia felt her dress rise up again.
“Any last words?” Grant asked.
Mia kept her hands at her sides. She smiled at Andrew before she bent her knees and jumped up in the air, forcing herself back right beyond the ledge.
“Mia!” Andrew screamed, his voice echoing in her ears.