The Hallway

Back in the hall, Emma was deciding who's room to hit next. Since James' room was right across the hall, it seemed the logical choice.

Emma was just slipping into the second room when she heard the telltale creak of the old staircase. Swearing under her breath, Emma backed out of her cousin's room and changed course to the bathroom. She was closing the door behind her just as Uncle Edward came into view. Their eyes met, and they exchanged smiles.
Then Emma closed the door completely.

Her heart was racing and she was smiling. She had to admit that she got a bit of a jolt of excitement from almost being caught. Though she also admitted to herself that she probably wouldn't have been facing anything other than an awkward conversation, had someone actually seen her in James' room.

Ignoring the severity of what her punishment might have been, Emma decided that was a bit too close and she was done snooping for the day. She flushed the toilet so Ed wouldn't suspect anything, then she washed her hands. She could have just ran the sink and pretended, but it seemed like the same amount of effort and this made her feel less silly.

Then Emma left the bathroom and decided to head back downstairs, fleeing her uncle, and the bit of guilt in the back of her mind.