Chapter 23

Shaun was escorted to the club by the same guards who'd escorted her to the shops the day before. She smiled warmly at Karl as he held the door open.

Before going inside, she stopped to ask him anxiously, "Did you get in trouble for my escape attempt yesterday?"

He looked surprised at her concern. "No, ma'am. Your attempt was just that, an attempt. It was expected that you would try to leave us, so we were prepared for anything."

She nodded sadly. "I see, so I was always doomed to failure."

He patted her arm and tipped his head toward the vehicle, indicating that she should get inside. Before he closed the door, he said, "Don't let it bother you. The family surrounds themselves with more security than the Queen of England. Not even Houdini would be able to get out."

The door closed on his words and Shaun was left wondering if she felt comforted or even more terrified. She'd only been with the family for a few days, but already she was realizing that,