Chapter 9Karl had told his story with a curious lack of passion. And his last question, the one directed at me, chilled me to the bone. I turned to look at him once more, and he simply stared at me, with little expression. The room had grown darker as he spoke, and it added to the dread I felt.
Should I try to stand and walk quickly to the door? Did I have anything on my person with which I could defend myself if he tried to, um, silence me? Phrases such as “leave no witnesses” and “dead men tell no tales” ran through my head, almost making me erupt in giddy, near-hysterical laughter.
He must have noticed my fear. Or maybe he smelled it seeping from my pores. He gave me a sad smile.
“I’m not going to hurt you, if that’s what you’re thinking. I couldn’t hurt a bug, let alone a full-grown
