Mimi trembled and held her breath while Sue opened the door and peered down the hall. Getting safely from Tumble Inn to the service entrance was the most hazardous part of the whole journey. Once they reached the entrance they could run—oh how they could run—if there was danger of being recognized.
“The coast is clear,” Sue announced.
Looking squarely into each other’s eyes, the two silently pledged loyalty and secrecy. Mimi understood as clearly as if Betsy had said aloud, “No matter what happens, we are in this together.”
Not taking any one’s word, Mimi looked both up and down the hall herself. Then grabbing Betsy’s hand she jerked her over the threshold of Tumble Inn to the middle of the corridor. They walked by the second door of their suite as if they had never seen it before.
When they were halfway to the turn, they heard Chloe and Sue giggling behind them.
“Go back, meanies,” Betsy hissed. “Do you want to get us caught?”
“Yes,” Sue hissed back. “If you’re caught before you get out we could say we were playing. Afterwards, well—it’s your funeral, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
Mimi wavered but Betsy walked determinedly ahead and Mimi was soon in step with her again.
If they could get downstairs without being seen, they were temporarily safe. At least Mimi could breathe deeply then. She had to hold to the rail to keep from stumbling in her floppy shoes and heavy skirts. This was harder than high heels and a junior bridesmaid’s dress, only then she couldn’t hold to the bannister. Betsy clutched her arm. She dared not speak. Someone was coming up stairs. They would meet on the landing. It was too late to flee.
“Don’t let it be Mrs. Cole. Don’t let it be Mrs. Cole.”