4
The group rushed out onto the lawn and turned around to survey the house. The flames beneath the stairs had now completely engulfed the steps and traveled to the second floor. The below-ground windows in the wells that led into the basement shattered and flames, egged on by the sudden influx of air, burst outward. Ruthven’s face was a picture of sorrow as he watched the house be consumed by the fire.
Adam, however, was near panic as he looked around the yard. “Cate! Cate!”
Sarah eased Amand to his shaky yet stable feet and hurried over to him. She set her hands on his shoulders, and he whipped his head around to face her. His expression was a grotesque mix of panic, anger, and confusion.
“She’s not here,” Sarah insisted.
He shook his head. “But she has to be! She wouldn’t j
