Stuck in the Elevator!

Chapter Twelve

“Janelle! Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She covered her mouth and a giggle escaped. “Just startled, that’s all.”

         “That makes two of us.” Ben helped her up, hoping she wouldn’t notice his hands shaking. “I wonder what floor we stopped at.”

         She pushed the open button and the doors rolled to the same three inches where they were positioned before. But instead of an open hallway, they saw a dark wall with dried mortar oozing out between the blocks of the elevator shaft. A warm breeze swept through the car.

         “Oh, no,” he moaned.

         To make matters worse, the lights flickered and went out.

         “Great!” Ben put his face in his hands as he felt the darkness press on him. They had lost the Russian roulette game.

If only he didn’t embarrass himself by fainting.

         He felt Janelle’s hand on his arm. “Take a deep breath, Mr. Thorne. You’ll be okay.”

         “Huh?”

         “You’re claustrophobic, aren’t you?”

         “Well, yes—as much as I hate to admit it.” How did she know?

         “That’s nothing to be ashamed of. At least we have air coming in.”

         In the darkness Ben took a deep breath. Janelle didn’t seem bothered that they were stuck in a pitch-black elevator. He took off his suit coat and dropped it to the floor. “It’s getting hot in here.”

         “Did you ever find that repairman’s number?”

         “No.”

He heard a scratching sound—like rats gnawing at the elevator cables—but it must have been Janelle rummaging in her purse.

“Here’s my cell phone.” A greenish light lit up her eyes.

         “Wow! That thing puts out a lot of juice.” Ben gazed at Janelle’s face. He’d never seen such a beautiful sight.

         “When it’s totally dark, just a little light helps.” She handed the phone to him. “Here, you can call the repairman.” She went back to rummaging. “I think I have—yes! Here it is.” She pulled out a thin flashlight and switched it on. A circle of soft light filled the car.

         “Hey, you’re prepared for anything!” What a woman!

         “I use this flashlight when I need to unlock the door of our house at night. Locks can be hard to find in the dark.”

         “I’m sure it’s dark out in the country.”

         “The country?” She looked confused.

         “Don’t you live out on a farm somewhere?”

“No, I live with my dad on Evergreen Road. Uh, you’d better call that repairman.” The last few words were said in a rush. “I hope he’s still available. It’s after five.”

         “Right.” He handed Janelle her phone. “Here, I have my own cell. Shine that flashlight on these cards.”

         Aware of Janelle’s nearness, Ben finally found the right card.

If he must be stuck in an elevator, at least it was with Janelle Weaver, not Corrine or Helga. And he was glad he wasn’t alone.

Of course, if he had been alone, he would have taken the stairs.

* * *

         We’ll see what happens tomorrow.

         Until then, God bless!