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I start looking through everything. There’s such a difference between this home and the one we found Mr. Garfield in. He was clearly living here. There’s food in the kitchen, books spread out in the living room, and his belongings are everywhere.
Still, there aren’t any clues. There’s no mention of other houses, even in his home office. We can’t find a bank account or phone number to trace.
Disappointment settles in my gut. We had a lead, and it’s gone.
Once the entire mansion has been searched, we all stand together in the living room.
Aksel startles me by abruptly punching the wall. He turns around, straightening the cuffs on his shirt and ignoring the blood dripping off his knuckles.
No one comments on it.
“He said he has a prisoner here. We need to find where he would be keeping them. It’s probably another secret room,” I remind them all.
It’s our last hope.
We all start searching the room over again. Paying special attention to the walls. Blaze inspects the bookcases, pulling them all away from the walls. There’s nothing behind them.
Griffyn comes up next to me, wrapping an arm around my waist. He grabs my fist, prying my hand open. There are little indents from my nails and how hard I was squeezing.
“I know you’re upset. I could help you relax. Might help you find the door.”
He presses me into the wall so I can feel every inch of him, pressing a small kiss against my cheek.
There’s a small click that draws my attention. I push both of us away from the wall, watching as it swings open. The door was hidden in the wall.
“You’re right. You did help me find it!” I hop up, kissing his cheek.
Everyone comes closer to see a hallway and not stairs this time. Does he build these, or is it a requirement in the houses he steals?
Felix whistles.
Blaze goes first, with Aksel quickly following him. Griffyn and Felix follow behind me. This secret passageway is less creepy and well lit. A long runner rug lays down it.
There are a couple of doors lining the hall. I try one of the handles and find it locked. Griffyn opens the next door to find an empty, sparse bedroom. There are three of those and two locked doors.
Blaze moves to the first locked door, kicking it open. It breaks on impact. The person inside sequels.
There’s a younger boy inside, hiding in the corner of his bed. It’s hard to know his exact age, but I would guess ten.
I brush past the others and get his attention. “Hi, it’s okay. We are going to get you out of here. What’s your name?”
Tears are streaming down his face.
“M-M-Michael.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Michael. I’m Anna. Do you know why you’re here?” I’m speaking softly, trying not to scare him further.
How long has he been down here?
His voice is scared and weak as he asks, “N-N-No. Where is Grandma?”
I double check the room but no one else is in here. That’s a terrible sign for this poor child. She could be in the remaining locked room. I really hope so.
I can only assume he kept these people to ensure the wards on the house stayed. Like he did to Mr. Garfield. But this time, he brought a young, frightened boy into it.
Anger burns through every inch of me. All he does is ruin lives left and right. Someone has to bring him down, and it’s going to be me.
“I don’t know, but we will help you,” I say gently.
