Fractured Read Free Page B

elevator doors shut, she hurried to a gray door in the corner.
    The stairwell had a musty smell to it. Amber grimaced as she started up several flights of stairs. Good thing she had not had to walk up the entire thing as the company took up the top floor. As she walked up, Amber reminded herself what she was doing here.
    Kayla Ross had been a royal pain in her ass since the beginning, first trying to make her believe that Hunter was her boyfriend. That had been a lie. Then Kayla had tried to insinuate that Hunter and his family would never accept Amber. That was another lie, especially since Hunter's family had been overly enthusiastic about her once they met in person.
    Amber could only imagine what Kayla's agenda was today. Only a week before, Amber had accidentally seen and overheard Mrs. Ross trying to photocopy sensitive company files while her weak husband, a lead accountant for the company, looked on. When some of the files were missing, Amber heard them planning to return at a later date. That day was today, one of the only days that both of Hunter's parents were safely out of the office.
    A company attendance board kept track of when employees were expected in the office. Amber had made sure that both her name and Hunter's were both missing on today's list. Hunter was planning to hide inside a maintenance closet directly across the hall from the photocopier. This was Amber's previous hiding place the week before.
    Of course, Amber had fantasized that she would be at Hunter's side while they played a high game stakes of spying. That is, until Hunter had swiftly vetoed that idea. Amber bit her lip. She still wasn't sure exactly what she was going to do. But surely Hunter needed to know that there was another player in the game.
    At the top of the stairwell, she hesitated a moment, her palms sweaty. The door had a keypad for entry. This wasn't a hindrance since she had the code as an employee of the company. She just hoped that nobody was walking by the door.  A strange redhead would attract attention.
    Amber quickly tapped in the appropriate code, reached up to adjust her fake glasses, and then gently twisted the handle. She softly pushed the door open wide enough to glimpse inside. She pressed her ear to the edge of the opening, straining to hear. When she heard nothing, she swung the door open all the way and strode inside. Success! She fought an impulse to pump her fist.
    Okay, now she had to get to that supply closet without attracting attention. She was almost there when she heard footsteps in the hall. Damn! She wheeled and darted into the restroom. Her boot heels clicking, she hurried to the stall. She had just slammed the door shut when she heard the swoosh of the restroom door opening. Just in time!
    She peeked out the crack between the stall door and wall and saw Kayla primping at the mirror. She placed a purse on the counter and began to rummage for makeup supplies. Damn! She could be here for a while. Amber felt sweat pool beneath her armpits. She had no idea how much time they had. Maybe Kayla was just here to support her mom. But if she had some other role, Hunter needed to know.
    Without even thinking, Amber groaned out loud in frustration.
    Kayla froze, then looked disgusted.
    Amber realized that the girl must think that she had diarrhea. She smirked. From experience, she knew that if she was in Kayla's position, she would be leaving very quickly to avoid any unpleasant odors. Grinning, Amber moaned again and started pawing at the tissue roller, noisily gathering up handfuls of tissue.
    Kayla grimaced and quickly stuffed her lipstick and powder compact back into her purse. She nearly ran from the restroom, her heels clicking noisily on the stone floor.

Chapter Three
     
    Amber smiled and exited the stall. She headed straight for a large vent in the corner of the room. Hunter's mom had told her that this particular vent led directly into the maintenance closet to allow plumbers access to the pipes.