Page 59 (2/2)

Ashley started to babble on about so or another to do hat I had missed at school over the past week, now oblivious to the open grave not five feet froe to push her in when Talley appeared atthat I was beginning to burn under the midday sun, and escorted me towards a small crop of trees

The moment we separated ourselves from the masses, a man cut across the cemetery towards us When Talley saw hiuard

He was solidly built, possibly in his forties or fifties He ht have passed for attractive at some point in his life, but now he just looked worn out A scar ran fro his bushy eyebrow as it passed through

"Harper Donovan?" His accent was unusual I thought it could be Eastern European or maybe even Russian

"Yes, Iʼm Ms Donovan"

"Ms Donovan, I am Stefan Vasile" He extended a hand towards ainst around my injured stomach "I understand you were quite close to my nephew, Christopher"

"Christopher? I donʼt know anyone naetful" He recovered fro his hands into the pockets of his suit "When the boys ran away they assumed new names I believe you knew him as Alex"

"I knew Alex" My voice held steady,for his brother The two ran away after their parents died in a house fire, and weʼve been desperately looking for theone" He trailed off, looking forlornly where the funeral service had been conducted Most people had left, only a few stragglers lagged behind "It wouldhis brother hoone?"

I met the dark brown eyes of thein a warmer climate If I was you, I would look south"

"South? Are you sure?"