A BACKWARD KICK OF my foot sent the bathroom door swinging, and I’d lifted the hem of my soiled T-shirt before it even slammed shut. Next, off came my jeans—underwear, too. I carried them all like something diseased, opened the bathroom window, and dropped them outside for later disposal.
At feet hitting the stairs, my head tilted.
The steps reached the landing.
I really hoped whoever had come up would head into one of the bedrooms.
One long stride became two. Three.
I spun.
According to Sean, there hadn’t been a lock on the door in years. Four more strides, and I’d be too late.
A fourth step.
“s**t!”
Two left.
I dived for the door. As my hand grasped the inner handle, a downward tug from the other side dragged it farther.
As the door burst open, I stumbled back.
Sean barged hi
