Emilie walked down the hall as quietly as she could. Slow, even steps were the key. Truth be told, it wasn't that difficult, the carpeting in the hallway was plush. As they neared the kitchen, she stopped, glanced behind her to check where Ciaran was, and peered into the doorway briefly. They'd have to pass the open door to get to the exit, and she didn't want to catch anyone's attention.

Her mother and the live-in maid were at the far end of the kitchen, looking away. Turning toward Ciaran with a finger to her lips, she nodded toward the kitchen door. She then pointed in the general direction of the front door, and signaled for him to follow her.

Kitchen passed. Everything was fine. She turned the corner, only a couple of yards from the front door. It was easy, really. Or she thought it was easy.

Farther down the hallway, past the front door, her father was just exiting the bedroom he shared with her mother. He looked suspicious already and they weren't even at the door yet. Could have been their coats. "Where are you going?"