Chapter 33 Escape Plan

Chapter 33 Escape Plan
After finishing breakfast, Andrew and Lucy got ready to go to the office. And I happily saw them off because if they weren't there, it meant I was free to explore the entire side of this house.
Lucy sat beside Andrew at the wheel; they looked good together. Like a truly mentally ill couple, waving as Andrew's car carried them away from this house.
I hesitated for a moment before taking the first step. I need to know the break times of Andrew's men, so maybe the holding cell area won't be guarded by too many people. I started observing from a distance, and when the female maid arrived, I asked what time Andrew's employees usually took breaks and whether they took them together or in shifts.
And I was a little disappointed when the female maid said that every employee on security duty would be given break time in shifts, for the sake of keeping the house safe.
It seems like I'll have quite a bit of trouble, but compared to the first time, this is better because it minimizes the chances of me being caught.
"Do you know which side the detention room is on?" I asked the maid. This maid's face is new to me, and I'm sure she wouldn't suspect that I know someone who is being held there.
"Straight down this hallway, then turn right; that's the holding cell. However, that room is the only one equipped with technology here. So, anyone can't just enter without permission." The information from the maid was quite helpful to me. It turns out that besides being protected by the crew, the room has a door that can only be opened with technological access.
"Thank you." The maid then left, and I thought about how I could get in there.
There should be at least some rooms in there with windows for me to peek and see what the situation is. Let's go outside and find a window that connects there.
I walked out with my usual stride, not wanting to arouse suspicion from anyone because I was worried someone might be secretly watching my every move.
Walking toward the back of the house where all kinds of flowers are planted, I was momentarily mesmerized. At the end, there's a fairly tall maze, making this house truly feel like a palace. Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy it for long. I need to get back on track with my goals.
Slowly, I peeked into each window, hoping to find the room. Until I suspected a window that seemed to have been deliberately closed. There should be a window here, as evidenced by the lines forming an uneven window that was re-bricked over. This must be the holding cell, which surprised me because it turned out to be located directly below my own room.
I walked beside, looked toward the window, and saw some of Andrew's men guarding it. I peeked carefully but looked in detail until I found a room with access using a membership card. That means this room with intentionally closed windows is truly the detention room I've been looking for, and to get inside, I need a membership card.Alright, let's give it a try. I took a deep breath, filled with determination and hope. Waiting for their rest time until only a few people entered there.
And right at noon, five of Andrew's men went outside to rest, leaving three people there. One of Andrew's henchmen walked to the back of the house to smoke. His not-too-tall and rather thin build made me think I might be able to disguise myself as him, steal his membership card, and get into the room.
I crept up to him from a direction he couldn't see. He was too busy smoking and daydreaming, and I quickly stabbed him from behind. The man fell, and I took his membership card. Luckily, I had already found Andrew's men's changing room and snuck in to get a piece of clothing that fit me. So now I just need to steal his membership card.
With a black hat on my head, I hid my long hair underneath it. Then disguise yourself as perfectly as possible. She strolled into the house without anyone suspecting a thing. I seem to be quite lucky; even though my hands were shaking as I swiped the membership card, I was finally able to get into that holding cell.
It turns out there are many doors inside here, not formed like a cell in a prison. But I'm sure there's no ventilation in there.
Now my task is to find the room where Collin is. Above those doors are small iron bars, which are the only way the guards can see into the prison cells and talk to the inmates.
Three empty rooms, and three more with men I didn't recognize. They even gasped when they saw me coming here. I apologized and asked them to be quiet and not make noise. Until I reached the room in the farthest corner, Collin was really in it. He wasn't silent, daydreaming, or asleep; he was actually practicing martial arts.
"Collin." I whispered to him.
"Matilda," Collin looked surprised; he approached me with sweat dripping from his face.
"How did you get in here?" Collin asked.
"That's not important. What about you here? Does Andrew feed you well? The holding cell looks stuffy; how can you practice in there? Is there a bathroom in there? Are you not lacking anything?" My questions seem to be too many, so Collin can only smile now.
"I'm fine. They feed me, and there's a bathroom here so the prisoners can still clean themselves. Don't worry, I'm thinking of a way out. Meanwhile, take this." Collin pulled out a book through the small iron bars above the door.
"What book is this?" I asked.
"That's my summary book of the self-defense techniques Anthony taught me. I think you should learn more about it too. While I'm not by your side, I hope you can take care of yourself." I fell silent, quite touched by this.
"Thank you, Collin," I said, my voice trembling slightly.
"Yesterday Anthony came here. He managed to sneak into my room. He said I should find your room while he figures out a way to get you to run. Go with Anthony; please don't be stubborn and stay here. Because if you stay here but your place is in prison, then there's nothing you can do." I'm trying to commemorate Collin.
"I won't stay here while I figure out how to escape. You also need to find a way to help me. Please listen to me this time," I continued, and Collin seemed to be weighing things.
"Alright, I have an idea for Anthony. Tell him this when he comes later," Collin said.