aring engine feeling strangely loud. Atlas stretched, then opene

was endless. Is she still back there?" He didn't even l

lder. I'm Elsie. Your wife. The one who died in your trunk. The one

she exclaimed, throwing her arms wide, oblivious to the tragedy that had just unfolded mere feet behind her. "I

load the luggage. Should I have them... retrieve her?" he asked, his eyes

she stays there. I don't want her wandering around and causing a scene. She's supposed to be re

e glanced at Kacie, who just shrugged, her attention alr

load the luggage. The ski equipment, the bags, the boxes. And me. My bod

e grand space. They were a picture of wealth and happiness, completely unaware o

Atlas. "And a little sad, still, about... you know."

ssed a soft kiss to her forehead. "I have something for you." He pulled a small, velvet box from his pocket.

as! It's beautiful! You're the best." She threw h

l things. A painted rock. A shiny button. She said they were tokens of her love. Momma's love was warm an

worst things. Not just the loneliness, but him. The man Thorne sometimes brought with him to the house. The one with co

would cry, silently, because Atlas had told me to be quiet. "Good girls

ellar, it was just like the darkness of the cargo hold. Except there was no one to hear m

ause my words sometimes came out tangled and wrong? I loved him. Momma said I had to

e. "Shouldn't Elsie be here by now?" Kacie asked, a sly smirk playing on her lips.

er Thorne put her. She's not my problem anymore. She's a caretaker's problem now. Or a faci

n their door. "Mr. Forbes, we've finished unpacking the SUV. B

an, 'can't find'? She's supposed to be in her room. And all the

ehicle thoroughly. Some of the smaller bags are missing. And... there was no one i

ing one of her silly games. Hiding somewhere. Trying to get attention." She rolled her ey

belly hurt. You made it hurt! But the words were stillbo

o the room. Now she's probably wandering the halls, making a spectacle." He dialed a number, his fingers punching the

"Damn it, Elsie, answer me!" he roared, his frustration boiling over. He looked around the luxurious su

Thorne. Atlas glared at the screen, then answered, his voice curt. "Thorn

for me, the spectral observer, to hear. "Boss... there's a problem. A big problem

at the phone, his eyes wide