MAYA

"Oh! Ma'am," she stammered, smoothing her apron with shaking hands. "I was just... checking if the pillows needed fluffing. Just making sure everything was fresh."

She didn't wait for me to answer before scurrying out. I frowned, a bad feeling settling in my gut as I watched her leave. I walked over and turned the lock on the door, making sure it clicked this time. I really needed to remember to do that.

I tried to shake off the weird feeling and relax by thinking about my next payment instead. At least Silas was keeping his word about the bi-weekly salary. That was the only thing going right in...