Page 95 of In the Shadows

“You’re bleeding!”

She shrugged, grimacing. “The mussels. They’re nasty sharp

beasts.”

This, of all things, filled him with so much rage he was certain

he would kill Alden with his bare hands if he saw him again, no

matter the consequence. But now he had to focus on survival. He

followed Minnie around the edge and let her grab his waist and, in

a jumble of flailing limbs, help him to the pier.

They pulled themselves out of the water and collapsed next to

the others, shivering and out of breath. The heat from the build-

ing next to them was almost pleasant, but they needed to get away,

and fast.

“Daniel’s at the station,” Cora said in a breathless pant. “We

need to tell him what Alden did.”

Arthur shook his head, trying to clear it of the smoke, water,

and pain. “Daniel, then,” he said, his voice coming out far lower and

angrier than normal. Cora put her arm around Minnie; Thomas

supported Charles; and Arthur walked behind all of them like a

shadow.

He didn’t want to hold that spot anymore, he found.

Arthur was grateful for the shield of twilight around them.

Otherwise their appearance would have attracted more stares and

curiosity than he could handle at the moment. It was nearly full

dark by the time they reached the sheriff’s office.

Cora and Minnie charged ahead, moving toward the door, but

Arthur heard voices inside.

“Wait,” he hissed. He moved against the still-warm bricks of

the building and motioned for the others to do the same. Crouch-

ing next to the propped-open window, they heard Daniel.

And Alden.

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