Because the arrogant character who'd taken over the house believed that Diana and Veronica had learned a difficult lesson, he generously released them from the hogties. Still bound hand and foot, the tape-gagged pair waited for the right moment, then quietly edged out of the room where they'd been confined. Their progress was slow but steady as they squirmed on their bottoms across the carpet, then step-by-step down a steep stairway. When they reached the first floor, however, a familiar figure was waiting.