Page 66 (1/2)

Gretchen aardly pats me on the back Then, in an uncharacteristic ivesaway before I can squeeze back

"I take it you learned so Nick’s unconscious lump "Or did someone else land the punch that knocked hi

"He’s no protector," she says "He was sent by the monster side to watch us, to help us until we open the door"

"And then?" I ask

"Then, I assu her head to the side "Are you certain?"

Gretchen doesn’t respond, but the set of her jaw indicates the end of discussion "How long was I in?"

"An entire week," Greer answers

"We were just about to come in after you," I say At Gretchen’s confused look, I explain, "Greer figured out how to open a portal" I’ into the abyss nearly scared me to death

"Where are we?" Gretchen asks

"In Greer’s basement," I answer

"No one comes down here," Greer adds "Not any I can tie this traitor to while I interrogate him"

I’ain, she doesn’t trust easily, but she was starting to trust Nick She thought he was someone she could rely on, and Gretchen doesn’t rely on many people I’m sure his betrayal cuts deep

"How about a bar stool?" I suggest

Gretchen shakes her head "I want to be able to tower over hiet one"

While Greer goes to get the chair, I ask, "Are you okay?"

"Fine," Gretchen says Then, as if she rery, actually Haven’t had a thing to eat in days"