Chapter 35

“Yes.”

“Is there a…base…ment or cellar? A large…hidden room, perhaps?”

“No. A pantry is all I remember, with shelving, leaving little space for a man.”

We were headed in that direction, even as we conversed, taking the silent word of this unknown simpleton. What did that say about me? He was involved, and possibly regretted his actions. That was my hope—my only one. This sole collaborator was the only one from whom answers might be forthcoming. Three corpses could obviously offer no aid. This lad, far too young upon further rumination to be my brother, was the only one who could save Ewan’s life.

“Oh my God!”

The other and I, we both stopped a split second following Abel Mobley upon his interjection. No time dared we spare to be still, however, and we all moved faster right after, as dark smoke billowed from the hills up above us. As we climbed closer to it, I panicked. “If the place…is on fire…and Ewan…is inside…he will not…survive.”