Chapter 16: Uncovering the Past

I returned to the car for the other tools and had Lisa bring Megan over. Hearing I’d really found it, Lisa didn’t know whether to be happy or afraid, trembling all over. But she was strong, holding her daughter tightly as she got out.

The sun was nearing its peak, painting everything with a harsh, white light. The heat made sweat bead on my brow, even though the air was cool under the trees.

When I grabbed my tools, I saw the peach-wood whip again. For some reason, though it had been coiled on the seat, now it was stretched straight, all eleven sections tightly linked, the tip pointing directly at the willows outside the window.

It was as if the thing had a mind of its own. I hesitated, then wrapped it around my waist like a work belt, feeling its strange weight settle against my hip.

I took it out and tucked it at my waist.

Megan clung to her mother, eyes huge, as I motioned for them to follow. The air felt electric—charged with fear and something else, too.