Don't Look Behind You Read Online Free

suddenly been handed a part in a B-grade movie, I did as directed and went upstairs to my bedroom. The carry-on I used for sleepovers was in my closet, where I had stowed it after my last overnight at Sherry’s. When I hauled it out and opened it, I discovered it had never been unpacked. It contained some pajamas and an old issue of Entertainment Weekly, a stamped envelope with my magazine subscription payment, my favorite purple hoodie I’d been searching the house for, and a pair of jeans I had thought I would never see again.
    The clothes smelled moldy from having been closed away so long. I carried them into the bathroom and dumped them into the hamper. Then I went back to my room and stood staring at the carry-on bag, trying to figure out what I ought to put in it. I wondered if we would be staying at the Colonial Inn. If so, I should be prepared to dress up for dinner. The inn had a formal dining room where people ate by candlelight while a woman in an old-fashioned tea gown strummed on a harp.
    I knew I should be frightened, but somehow I wasn’t. The truth was, I couldn’t believe this was really happening.
    I took a dress down from its hanger and put it in the suitcase along with my good high-heeled pumps and a pair of tights. Then I packed my good jeans, an extra blouse, a changeof underwear, pajamas, and my toothbrush. As I was getting ready to close the bag, another thought struck me, and I rooted through my dresser for my swimsuit. The public pool in Norwood had not yet opened for the summer, but the pool at our town’s best hotel was sure to be heated.
    After I’d finished my packing, I carried my bag downstairs. Everybody else was gathered in the hallway. Mom had a suitcase, and Bram had his backpack. A stranger looking in on us at that moment would have thought we were setting off on a family vacation.
    Bram had experienced one of his characteristic mood swings and gone from fear and bewilderment to nervous excitement.
    â€œWhat about Porky?” he demanded, tugging at Max’s sleeve. “Can Porky come with us? He’s never stayed at a hotel!”
    â€œDogs aren’t allowed in hotel rooms, Bram,” Max told him. “I’m sure, though, that your grandmother will look after him for you.”
    â€œLorelei doesn’t like Porky,” Bram said. “She says he barks too much. I’ll ask my friend Chris if Porky can stay at his house.”
    â€œI don’t want you contacting anybody,” Max said firmly. “This is a secret getaway, like you see on TV. No one can make even one phone call. We don’t want a single person to know where you’re going.”
    â€œBut Porky can’t stay in the house by himself!” Bram objected.
    â€œI’ll see that he’s taken care of,” Lorelei assured him. “There’s a nice little kennel right down the street from my aerobics class. I’m certain Porky will have a wonderful time there.”
    Mom made a trip through the house to see that the doors and windows were locked, and then we went outside and got into Max’s car. Porky tried to jump in after us, but Bram shoved him out.
    â€œYou have to stay here with Lorelei,” he informed him. Porky let out a sound that was half moan, half whimper. He was no more fond of our grandmother than she was of him.
    â€œCall me tonight so I’ll know where you are,” said Lorelei.
    Mom shook her head. “You heard what Max said.”
    â€œHe didn’t mean that you couldn’t call me!” Lorelei protested. “For the love of heaven, Elizabeth, I’m your mother!”
    â€œI’m sorry, but Liz is right, Mrs. Gilbert,” Max told her. “She and the children are not to make calls to anyone. In fact, if you kids have cell phones, please hand them over. I promise to keep them safe until you’re home again.”
    â€œBut I use my cell for everything!” I objected. “I’ll die