The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1)

by Freida McFadden

“Relax,” I say. “I’m going to let you out.” “Good.” “Just not yet.” “Millie…” he growls. “I did exactly what you said. Three hours.” “Three hours?” I raise my eyebrows even though he can’t see them. “I’m sorry if you heard three hours. I actually said five hours. So I’m afraid you’re going to have to start over.” “Five…” I love that the full-color display allows me to see the way his face blanches. “I can’t do that. I can’t do five more hours. Come on. You’ve got to let me out of here. This game is over.” “This isn’t a negotiation, Andrew,” I say patiently. “If you want to get out of this room, you’re going to keep those books on your junk for the next five hours. The choice is yours.” “Millie. Millie.” His breathing is jagged. “Look, there is always room to negotiate. What do you want? I’ll give you money. I’ll give you a million dollars right now if you let me out of this room. How about that?” “No.” “Two million.” It’s easy for him to offer me money he has no intention of ever giving me. “I’m afraid not. I’m going to go to bed now, but maybe in the morning I’ll see you again.” “Millie, be reasonable!” His voice breaks. “At least I left you with some water. Can’t I have some water?” “I’m afraid not,” I say. “Maybe next time, you should leave the girl you lock in the room with more water, so some will be left for you.” With those words, I walk down the hallway as he screams my name. As soon as I get down to the bedroom, I google: How long can a person live without water?