Gabrielle's POV
The heavy brass handle of the study door turned fully. I had less than one second to move.
Panic exploded inside my chest. I quickly shoved the thick brown medical folder and my blue passport deep into the large pockets of my heavy winter coat. I pushed the heavy steel safe door shut. It locked with a very soft, quiet click. I grabbed the heavy painting of the horse and slid it perfectly back into place against the wall.
The heavy wooden door began to swing open.
I threw myself onto the soft rug and scrambled blindly under Charlie’s massive wooden desk. I pulled my knees tightly against my chest and wrapped my arms around my legs. I pressed myself as far back into the deep shadows as I possibly could.
Footsteps entered the dark room.
They were slow, heavy, and v
