Chapter 20

“I hated the thought of startling you,” he said. “Though it is not quite late night, it is in fact late. Still, I simply needed to speak with you at once.”

“Did you…find out…about Judah?”

“How are you?” Ewan asked.

“Fine. Do you…know any…thing?”

“I spoke with a great many people.”

“Is he alive?”

“I am not certain.”

“How…can…you not be?”

“His family has moved, this I learned. Several I spoke with were reluctant as soon as I mentioned his name.”

“And mine?”

“Look me in the eye, Pennsylvania.”

“It is dark. You…cannot…see me.”

“I can sense you,” Ewan countered.

“What did…you learn…of Judah?”

“I know he was hurt. Savagely. Nearly torn apart, all accounts say. Some think by a beast, others by a human with beastly tendencies.”

“This…I have heard. Yet not…so bluntly,” I said.

“I traveled many miles. I spoke with a girl, just older than you—a young woman—with skin the color of cinnamon, a friend of Judah’s and his sister.”