The Gift

Chapter 60

Whit

I KNOW YOU'RE ASKING yourself the same question I am. I'm sure Wisty is, too. Could there possibly be any reason not to tell us that our parents are in the room next door? If they really are?

"I… I think they'll hurt you, Wisty," Byron stutters. "They're not safe anymore. Something's happened to them."

That's all just total bull. Has to be. Byron is clearly the first of us to go psycho.

I put my arm around my sister, and she's shaking with dread and fear. "Not safe? They're our parents!" Her voice is becoming shrill. "They're not capable of hurting us. I swear, Byron, if it turns out you're not lying and you can get us to them, I will kiss you over and over. And forgive you for every single awful thing you've ever done. Which is a lot."

That makes it a no-brainer for the weasel. With a sigh, he starts toward the door, and we follow. Could Crossley really have been telling the truth?

"Swain, you're not getting off that easy," I call after him. "If you're lying, I swear you'll regret if for the rest of your days. And if you're not lying, then explain why you think they're dangerous!"

"I can't explain it," he says, and seems about as disturbed as we are. "Some things you just can't explain. But it's true."

"Our parents are good people. They haven't changed," I tell him as we arrive at the door. "Just… do your thing, Byron."

Byron's trembling-in real or acted fear, I don't know or care-but he nods and sticks his piece of wire into the keyhole and starts feeling around.

After a small eternity, we hear a click.