There was no use trying to stay on this floor. Maybe if she finished up somewhere else, she might be able to sneak back. Either way, Jim wasn’t going to let her do anything but what he commanded her to do.
A light touch on her shoulder let Sophie know she wasn’t alone. I’ll go with you. Two working together will help things go faster.
Fine, Sophie sighed, then turned back to Jim. “What floor do you want me to take now?”
“Well, I guess. You did do a pretty good job. I’ll go back to the main floor. Finish up in the basement, then report to me there.”
At least he wasn’t going to tag along with her. He probably would have, if she hadn’t answered back.
“I’ll expect you by two thirty. That’s close to the end of your shift.” He wrinkled his nose.
Plenty of time. Plenty of time, said Eihpos.
“What?”
Sophie jumped. “I didn’t say anything.”
Jim rubbed the back of his neck. “This floor always gives me the creeps.” Elevator doors swished open. “I’m not waiting.” He walked inside. “It won’t take long for this to get back up here for you.” Inside, he pushed a button, the doors closed, and he was gone.
That was too easy, Eihpos cackled. Come on. We need to get started on the rescue. Now.
“But I’m supposed to go to the basement.” One last chance to escape slid away when the elevator opened and the cart seemed to wheel itself inside. The door snapped closed before Sophie could follow.
“If we don’t gather them and get them out of here the world will suffer.” Eihpos’ words bounced like Sophie’s had before. But these were much more terrifying.
“But they were the monsters of history.” Sophie wouldn’t budge.
Were is the key word. That is it is if you get them out of here. If they stay they will be used to wreak more havoc. The only thing that can stop them is exposure to natural forces.
“But why would they want this?”
It’s not their choice to make. They were twisted by their time and their circumstances. Besides do you really wish them on your world again? Wasn’t once enough?
Disbelief wafted through Sophie and overwhelmed her. Fear was hard to overcome. Even though she had spent little time on studies, there had been stories. “Th…there are so many of them.” How can I get them all out? I don’t even have my cleaning cart anymore.”
The dog was by her side once more. You don’t have to get them anywhere. What you need to do is lead the way.
Before Sophie could think of a way to respond, a crash from the room they’d left rocked the silence.
Eihpos stood at the door, trying to keep it closed. The pressure was too much for her.