Free The Butterfly Code by Sue Wyshynski Page A

legs. I press my body as close to the wall as I can get. My phone has a flashlight. The beam is powerful. I point it downward.
    A bottomless hole drops away.
    All that’s keeping me from falling is this eight-by-eight grill. Closing my eyes, I swallow.
    "Please insert your card."
    The polite voice rips a small scream from my throat.
    On the wall directly to my left, a panel has slid upward. An ATM-style machine blinks in the semidarkness.
    "Insert card?" I whisper. "I’ll insert the card all right."
    Shakily I replace the phone in my pocket and get out the key. On the monitor, the words please insert now blink in blue block letters. At least I’m getting somewhere. If only back out the door from where I came. In fact, that’s exactly what I want.
    To get out, back in the truck, and away from here.
    There’s a recessed hole beneath the monitor. I bend and see the slot located at the back. Sticking my hand in there is not exactly inviting, but I do it, holding the key straight. Blindly I jab it until it meets the insertion slot and slips inside.
    A whirring sound makes me whip my hand back.
    Not fast enough. A metal bar clamps over my wrist. My hand, still inside the hole, is manacled in place. Then a red light begins to flash.
    Uh-oh.
    "State your identity," the robotic female voice says.
    "My . . . I’m . . ."
    "State your identity."
    "I’m here from—"
    The band tightens. It presses painfully into my wrist. My fingers are turning numb.
    "State your identity."
    "Aeris Thorne!" I shout.
    "Processing."
    I try to wrench free.
    "Name not recognized."
    "Jack Thorne’s daughter!" I cry. "Thorne Country Supply. I’m making a delivery, for god’s sake. Just a delivery." I’m almost sobbing. It’s pathetic and infuriating and terrifying.
    "Processing. Please wait."
    Like I have a choice?
    Tiny metal gears sound under my hand. I think I’m being released. Instead, a needle jabs my index finger, drawing blood. A spray that smells of disinfectant follows.
    "Still processing. Thank you for your patience."
    Patience? This is insane! It’s checking my blood? For what? Proof I’m related to my dad? That’s not possible, is it?
    "Identity accepted."
    With a pop, the manacle releases my hand. Behind me, the door slides open.
    "Please exit the booth. You have sixty seconds to drive your vehicle onto the property."
    I stumble backward, rubbing my wrist. Unbelievable. No wonder everyone hates this place. Was that even legal? On the pavement, I put my injured index finger in my mouth. I start walking to the truck, fast.
    The giant gate begins rumbling sideways, opening.
    I’m angry and frightened.
    Inside the truck, the warm leather seat is a welcome comfort. I turn the key, and the engine roars to life. Then I shift into gear. If I’m going to make a break for it, now is the time to leave, to get out of here. Fast.
    Instead, I aim the front wheels toward the compound and rumble through.
    Behind the truck, the gate slides closed.
    No turning back now.
    The lane winds through pristine stands of pine. On the far side, a white post-and-board fence springs up next to the road. A stunningly beautiful horse gallops into view.
    Hunter has horses?
    Of course. Why didn’t I put that together from the items he ordered?
    Black mane and tail streaming, the stallion tosses his head, matching my speed. Under his pounding hooves, a puddle explodes in a glistening spray. I watch him move, imagining I’m riding rather than sitting inside this enclosed cab. Finding the buttons, I roll down both windows. The hoof beats are music to my heart.
    Cantering alongside the truck, the stallion seems to share my goal.
    I doubt we’ll get equal reception, though, from whoever’s waiting ahead.
    Rolling grassy hills run to the distant cliff. Off to the right, the fence leads to a sprawling, well-tended barn, white with an emerald-green roof. To the left, far away, I spy a grand manor house. It stands on a rise, looking so magnificent my breath