The trouble was, no matter how much I wanted to run for my life, those two men were blocking the only path back to the convent.
Another sound broke the silence, but this time, it was a dragging noise. Like... like they were hauling... hauling that body!
Everything inside me clenched with terror. What if they’re dragging it here, to the cliffs? What if they see me?
And sure enough, the heavy footsteps and gruff exchanges grew closer and closer.
The gray twilight wrapped everything in a dim haze—it gave me a sliver of courage. The waves roared relentlessly. If I slipped into the water quietly, almost silently, I could hide behind the rocky outcrops and wait them out!
Peeling off the hated dress, I wedged it between the rocks and, before I could second-guess myself, scrambled up higher. Then, with a running start, I dove into the dark, churning water.
Surfacing, I swam to an outcrop and clung to its smooth edge, holding my breath.
The voices were clearer now.
So, they really are dragging the body here.
Why? Do they plan to dump it?
All the saints in heaven, why do I never listen to advice?!
The thought of a dead—or maybe even still alive—person being thrown into the water right beside me made my stomach churn.
Anything but that!
But, as if on cue, through the crashing of the waves, I heard an irritated voice:
– “Man, he’s heavy as hell! You think we should’ve tied a rock to his feet, just to be sure?”
– “And where am I supposed to find a rock around here right now? He’s already gone! And if he’s not, the sea will finish him off. Come on, hurry up, I’m starving just standing here.”
– “You’ll eat soon enough. Help me push him over! Should we just shoot him to be sure?”
– “No. No holes!”
Pressing myself as hard as I could against the outcrop, I froze, waiting. Please, don’t let them see me!
Suddenly, something heavy crashed into the water nearby, sending up a million splashes.
Even though my mind knew exactly what it was, I couldn’t bring myself to believe it.
I just couldn’t!
For the love of all that’s holy, this can’t be happening to me! I’m not in some thriller novel, am I?
Still, I could hear the men’s voices. They exchanged a few more meaningless words, and then everything went quiet.
Did they leave? Or are they still there?
Please, let them be gone!
Just let them be gone!
Out of nowhere, something grabbed my leg and yanked me down so hard that I was pulled under, head and all.
I swear, I screamed, but of course, it was useless. My mouth filled with water, and as I instinctively gasped, I felt it—this was it, I was drowning!
Drowning!
With every ounce of strength, I thrashed upward. I’m a great swimmer! I’ve always been a great swimmer! Whatever was holding me, I wouldn’t go down without a fight! I wouldn’t!
But then, whatever had gripped me suddenly let go, and, finally free, I broke the surface.
Coughing and gasping for air as deeply as I could, I felt... I felt hands on my hips... my chest... and in a split second, a man surfaced right beside me, mere inches away.
Instead of a scream, all that escaped my lips was a weak, croaking sound, but it didn’t stop the stranger from thrusting a hand forward and clamping it over my mouth.
– “Shut up! Shut up, or I swear, I’ll snap your neck, got it?” he hissed right in my face.
Frozen with fear and panic, I nearly forgot that turning to stone in the water was especially dangerous.
– “I’ll take my hand off, and you’re not gonna scream, understand? Nod if you do.”
With no other choice, I nodded.
– “Good. What’s around here? Where am I?”
– “C...”—my tongue wouldn’t cooperate from the fear, and my lips trembled—“C...convent... there’s... a convent... n-nearby...”
– “A convent? Then who are you, a nun?”