FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 11: Resistance

After breakfast and goodbyes, the latter of which included another lengthy hug from Whitney, Jason pulled his dark blue sedan out of the garage, and, with Ellie's direction, they proceeded to Katya's home. The ginger feline's abode turned out to be located in a high-rise that had seen better days: the squarish, broad gray panels were streaked and faded by weathering, and many of the windows no longer fit squarely in their holes. Still, the trees and garden out front were well kept, and everything generally seemed tidy. They parked in the lot out back, and Ellie used the call box to notify Katya.

After a few rings, a feline voice answered, "Hello?"

Ellie responded, "Hello, Katya?"

The voice replied nervously, "She's in the bathroom."

"Oh, she's expecting us, Ellie and Jason. Can you let us in?" "I, I don't know. I'll tell her you're here. Is that alright?" "That's fine."

"What were your names?"

"Ellie and Jason."

The other end hung up.

Ellie glanced at Jason, "I guess she has someone staying with her already," she

remarked. If Katya didn't have room, they would have to stay elsewhere. Besides, Ellie wasn't sure she wanted to trust the unfamiliar feline who had answered the phone. Jason's parents might be the best option after all.

Several minutes elapsed before the door opened to reveal Katya, who was wearing a black cami. Ellie herself was wearing her jazzy rabbit t-shirt while Jason had found an inconspicuous white collar and gray tie.

"Hi, Katya!" Ellie greeted her cheerfully.

Without warning, the cat sprang forward and snatched Ellie off the ground, causing her to yelp.

"Gah!" The horrible thought that Katya--and who knew how many other officers--might be waiting to arrest and return them to the vixen flashed through Ellie's mind. Then Ellie realized the cat was hugging her.

"You're alive! Thank Zeus, the Duchess wasn't lying!"

"It's good to see you too," Ellie piped. "I was glad to hear you were alright after everything that's happened."

"I almost didn't believe it was you when you texted," Katya admitted. "I thought the Duchess might be playing a trick on me after I let her go. I almost put a bullet in her head when we found her!"

"You should have," Ellie stated grimly. "I don't know what she's up to now, but I'm sure it's nothing good."

Katya set Ellie down. "She's planning to hire a bunch more officers, according to Chief Schulz. I assume she wouldn't lie about that."

"The Duchess or Lily?" Ellie asked.

"Both," Katya replied darkly. "I, I know the Chief put her life on the line to save prey during the evacuation, and they're calling the Duchess a hero too. But after what happened with the two of you, I just can't trust them."

Ellie nodded grimly. "I don't know how much you know, but I wouldn't trust either. Lily left us for dead, and the Duchess," Ellie stared into Katya's kelly green eyes to judge her reaction. "She's the serial killer we were looking for."

Katya simply nodded, apparently unsurprised, "I know. I talked to Doctor Fitzgerald. Let's go in. We can talk more upstairs."

They followed Katya to the elevator and up to her condo, which was on the seventh floor. The first thing Ellie noticed as Katya led them from the entryway to the living room was the cardboard boxes and papers strewn over the rose-pink carpet.

"Are those mine?!" Jason yowled.

Katya gave him a guilty glance, "Doctor Fitzgerald and I were looking through them. We hoped we would find your evidence implicating the Duchess, but it was interesting anyway. He has the rest."

"At least it didn't get thrown away," Jason murmured. "What happened to our office?"

"I don't know. Doctor Fitzgerald and I moved your things out. I don't know if they've leased it to someone else now."

"We'll find a new office if it's taken," Ellie consoled.

Jason nodded glumly. Ellie was annoyed by the results of their being declared dead too, but she thought there were more important things to think about.

"So you talked to Tom then?" Ellie prompted.

"Mmhm, I-"

A soft mew interrupted the ginger cat, "Katya? Do you want me to leave?"

Ellie turned toward the mew to see a brown tabby kitten standing in the doorway: like

Jason, she had black stripes. However, her strips were broader, and many were broken, forming lines of spots. In addition, the kitten was only Ellie's size, a bit shorter even given the kitten's stockier body.

Ellie smiled reassuringly and gave a gentle reply, "It's alright. We're only talking. Were you the one who answered the phone? Thank you for letting Katya know we were here."

The kitten slipped part way behind the door frame so that only one half of her face poked through. Her enormous, golden eye blinked at Ellie owlishly.

"It's okay, Bree. These are friends. They're the private inspectors I told you about, the ones everyone thought were dead."

After another moment's hesitation, the kitten stepped into the room. She crept over to Ellie and held out her hand, "Hi, I'm Bree." She said it with a musical trill, a bit like a rolled R but farther back in the throat and with an increase in pitch.

Ellie wasn't sure how to reproduce the sound, so she said it how Katya had, "Hi Bree, I'm Ellie. Are you staying with Katya?"

The kitten gave Katya a look, asking her to reply.

"Bree was just spending the night. She has her own apartment on the other side of town," Katya explained.

"With relatives or?" Ellie prompted puzzledly. "By myself," Bree finished.

Ellie frowned in confusion, but then she suddenly remembered Katya mentioning her black-footed cat girlfriend who, at adult size, was no bigger than her. "Oh! Katya mentioned you!"

The cat smiled shyly, "I hope what she said was good."

"Of course it was," Katya reassured her affectionately.

Ellie honestly couldn't remember what Katya had said, but she nodded anyway. Bree

sauntered over to the crimson microfiber couch and sat on the edge with her tail curled around in front of her legs and her ears pricked attentively.

"Hi," Jason greeted her awkwardly.

She gave him a perfunctory glance and flipped the tip of her tail, "Hello."

"As I was saying, I've been working with Doctor Fitzgerald to recover the evidence

against the Duchess. But anything we had is just gone, or Chief Schulz has it where I don't have access. Doctor Fitzgerald should have had access before he quit, but now, obviously-"

"Fitzie quit?!" Jason interrupted.

Katya nodded solemnly, "He resigned the day you two disappeared. That's how I knew I should ask him what happened."

Jason seemed disheartened at the news.

"I'm sorry he lost his job," Ellie stated. "But I wouldn't keep working with an organization that protects a murderer either."

Katya flipped her tail self-consciously, and Ellie embarrassedly realized the way that must have sounded to the officer.

"I understand staying and trying to fix it too," she added hastily.

"Katya's not at fault for the way things are," Bree squeaked angrily. "She still helps people every day!"

"I'm sure she does," Ellie conceded. "Sorry, Katya."

Katya shook her head embarrassedly, "If I could, I'd quit too. I can't just take on more hours at the hospital like Doctor Fitzgerald."

"You could work with us," Ellie offered.

Jason gave her a skeptical look, but Ellie ignored him. They'd reestablish their practice, and after all of the publicity of returning from the dead, they'd probably have more business than ever!

"I'll consider it," Katya replied politely. "For now, we could use any of the evidence you have against the Duchess."

Ellie glanced at Jason embarrassedly before replying, "We were kind of relying on the police to keep most of the evidence. Everything we had was on the tablet the Duchess took when we were captured. We could question the witnesses again, but without physical evidence, it won't be enough."

Katya sighed resignedly, "I was afraid of that."

"We don't have to arrest her though!" Ellie consoled. "We only have to tell people what a monster she is. If enough people know, the King will have to do something."

Katya didn't seem convinced, but she gave a slight nod. "How are you planning to tell people?"

"I assume a lot of the prey will be returning the way they left. Is there some way we could get the message to them then?"

Katya shook her head, "The tram's already been bringing them back. Chief Schulz is overseeing everything. There's no way she'll allow you to tell your story. I wouldn't let her know you're back at all."

"We'll have to go door to door then," Ellie decided.

"I wouldn't do that either," Katya warned. "What are you going to do when someone decides you're slandering Maplesburg's heroes and calls the police? Obviously, I'll let you go, but you can't expect anyone else to."

Ellie crossed her arms frustratedly, "What do you think we should do then?"

"Honestly? I think you should leave. Go back where you were or somewhere else safe until this all blows over. Doctor Fitzgerald and I will do what we can."

"That's not an option!" Ellie shot back. "We won't hide while that witch murders innocent prey!"

"I understand how you feel, but it's too dangerous!" Katya insisted.

"What if we found a way to get our message out without exposing ourselves?" Jason cut in.

Katya nodded urgently, "Post something online! A video even!"

Ellie scowled, "We could have done that from Willowdale. Besides, why would anyone believe a random video any more than a random phone call?"

"Some will believe it," Katya argued.

"Not enough!" Ellie returned. "They might call the entire thing a hoax!"

"What about channel five?" Jason asked.

Katya pricked her ears in surprise, "You want to get on Maplesburg news?"

Jason nodded, "Mr. Gamboa knows us. We talked to him about the disappearance of

Mr. Potter the day we were captured."

"He seems awfully enamored with the Duchess," Ellie muttered darkly.

Jason nodded in acknowledgement, "It might be a critical interview, but they'll be able to

verify who we are. And we can give the interview without putting ourselves in too much danger." "I still don't like it," Katya responded. "But at least you can leave after the interview. I'll

help if you need me."

"Thanks, Katya," Ellie replied. "We were wondering if we could stay here for a while

actually, but we understand if you don't have room."

Katya flicked an ear and her tail awkwardly, "Er, well, I suppose there's room. I'm not

used to having guests except," she glanced at Bree.

"We have somewhere else we can stay," Jason replied. "Especially if people won't know

we're back until after we give the interview."

Katya looked relieved, "Alright, let me know if you need someplace to stay after, but like I

said, I'd leave at that point if I were you."

"Thanks for your help," Jason meowed. "Say hi to Fitzie for me." With a final glance at

Bree, he headed for the door.

"Bye, Katya. It was nice to meet you, Bree," Ellie concluded hurriedly. She quickly

bounded after Jason who was almost to the apartment's exit. She followed him as he trotted to the elevator.

"What's the rush?" she queried as the sliding doors closed behind them.

Jason gave her a sidelong glance, "You didn't want to trust Fitzie, but you would have trusted that cat we'd never met?" he asked testily.

Ellie blinked, "Bree seemed nice."

"She seemed interested in what we were talking about."

"She was just curious."

"Too curious."

Ellie huffed. "Are you really concerned, or are you just upset about Fitzie?"

Jason turned to face her fully, "He gave up his job, Ellie!"

"I know, but-"

"He loved that job! I didn't want to be the reason he gave it up!"

The doors opened, and Jason stalked out to his car, Ellie following close on his heels.

She climbed into the passenger's seat. Jason plopped into the driver's and crossed his arms sullenly.

Ellie put her hand on his arm. "It wasn't your fault, Jason," she soothed. "I'm sorry I said he couldn't be trusted. I'm sure he's done what he felt he could."

Jason turned away, "'What he felt he could,'" he repeated irritatedly.

"He still left us to die!" Ellie shot back. "He never came back! He didn't know whether we were dead, but he assumed we were and moved on!"

He turned back irately, "What else was he supposed to do?!"

"If he'd been the one captured, I would have come back armed to the teeth to get him out!" Ellie returned. "If he'd been dead already, at least I would have gotten revenge!"

Jason sighed and shook his head wryly, "Why don't we just storm City Hall and bring down the Duchess ourselves?"

"I'm not joking! I would have! If I didn't think innocent people would get in the way, Iwould go fill that witch with lead!"

Jason's whiskers twitched amusedly, and he smirked slightly, "I believe you. But I think you could forgive him for being a little less fearless."

"Fair enough," Ellie conceded. "If he says he's sorry, I'll forgive him."

"I'm sure he will."

Jason started the car and drove back to his parents' house. The garage was closed, so

he parked in the driveway. Whitney's orange SUV was gone. Jason rang the doorbell, and after a few minutes, Blake appeared at the door.

"You're back!" he meowed in surprise. "Did everything go okay?"

"Yes, we just decided to stay here after all," Jason replied.

"Your mother will be happy to hear that," Blake stated. He turned to give Ellie a friendly

smile, "I'm glad to hear it too." He returned upstairs, presumably to his office. Ellie turned to Jason, "Well?"

"Well what?"

"How do we get that interview?!"

He blinked, "You want to do that today?"

"As soon as possible! You heard Katya: prey are already coming back! We have to warn

them!"

"Do you have Mr. Gamboa's number?"

"No, and I doubt they put it out online. We could probably phone the station, but who knows who we'd get?"

"So what do-"

"We need to go talk to him! Now!"

Jason looked hesitant, but he nodded, "Okay, I don't know if we'll get an interview today,

but we can try. What do you want to say?" "The truth!"

"About the Duchess or-"

"Everything!"

Jason frowned, "It'll be even harder for people to accept Lily is involved too," he replied

worriedly.

"Maybe it will, but they need to know the truth! We can't let them trust her either!" Jason nodded slowly, "Alright, we'll tell them everything. After that, it won't be up to us." "Someone will have to do something," Ellie insisted. She hoped that was also the truth. They told Blake they'd be back in an hour or two and drove across town to the studio,

parking as they had before on the opposite side of the street. They didn't have any trouble crossing; whether it was the time of day or still a result of the evacuation, the traffic was minimal. A female fisher was standing outside of the heavy black metal door of the red brick edifice. She squinted as they approached then jumped in surprise.

"I know you! You're the investigators! The ones who went missing!"

Ellie nodded briskly, "We were here before. If you remember, we-"

"About poor Bartholomew, I remember. The police said the killer got you too."

"It's a long story," Ellie stated warily. "We'd like to tell it to Mr. Gamboa. We're hoping we

can get an interview. Everyone needs to know."

The fisher blinked her dark eyes in surprise but then nodded, "I'll see if he has time to

see you."

She lifted the walkie-talkie from her belt, "Hey, Steve, tell Gamboa we have visitors. You

won't believe this: it's the investigators from before, the ones who came about poor Bartholomew."

The staticky voice came back, "I thought they were dead!"

"So did I, but they're standing right here." She paused and regarded them a moment before finishing, "Don't look like ghosts to me."

"I'll talk to Gamboa."

The fisher put away her walkie-talkie. "So, where were you then?"

"What the police said was partially right," Ellie stated. "The serial killer caught us; she

just didn't kill us. We were lucky."

"I'll say!" the fisher exclaimed. "Did you escape or?"

"Escaped, but the point is, we know who it is, who killed Bartholomew and Danny and all

the others." "Who?!"

Ellie glanced at Jason hesitantly. She didn't want to get turned away before they even got a chance to have their interview. Jason shook his head ever so slightly.

"We want to discuss that with Mr. Gamboa," Ellie replied. "It might not make sense unless you hear the whole story."

The fisher looked like she wanted to press further, but her walkie-talkie cut her off. "Gamboa says he has time. Bring them up."

The fisher turned to open the door, "I guess I'll hear everything when they air the

interview. It's this way."

She led them up the varnished brick staircase to the third floor. The plump long-furred

black and white cat was waiting in the hall and waved them into what turned out to be the conference room they'd visited before. Ellie and Jason sat next to each other in the rolling green chairs, and Mr. Gamboa sat across from them at the light gray table.

"You're alive!" he began. "The police said you were dead!"

"So we've heard," Ellie returned. "I guess you remember us from the other day then." He nodded, "I do."

"We're sorry about Bartholomew," Ellie continued sympathetically. "We did what we

could, but we couldn't save him."

The cat's yellow eyes drifted down to the table, and he sniffed wetly. "Poor Bartholomew.

S-so many terrible things have happened, but, but if only he'd been alright," his voice trailed off. "I'm sorry," Jason murmured.

Ellie heard more than sadness in his meow; guilt also cracked in his voice. She placed her hand on his.

"We want to tell you about what happened to us," Ellie went on. "We'd like an interview. We know who the murderer is. Everyone needs to hear this."

The cat stared back at her anxiously, "If you know who it is, you need to tell the police!" he urged.

Ellie sighed resignedly, "We would. We tried that. There, there's really not a lot they can do."

Mr. Gamboa blinked, baffled, "Huh? What do you mean they can't-"

"It's easier if we tell our story. Can you record it? We'd rather not tell it twice."

He nodded hurriedly and glanced at the fisher, who was standing in the door, watching

them with an expression of concern. She turned and disappeared down the hall.

"We have a room for interviews," the cat explained. "Do you want it to be anonymous?" Ellie started to shake her head, but Jason cut in, "I think that would be best."

Ellie turned toward him sharply, "She's going to know it's us, Jason! What difference

does it make?!"

"Everyone else won't know. There are things I'd prefer people didn't know when they see

me on the street," he replied grimly.

Ellie squeezed his hand comfortingly, "You're right, Jason. I'm sorry. Of course it should

be anonymous." She turned back to the new anchor. "You can refer to us as escaped victims. Some people might figure it out, but at least they won't have video to prove it."

Mr. Gamboa nodded grimly, "You really were captured by the killer then? Did you see their face or-"

"We know exactly who it is," Ellie emphasized. "We didn't just experience our own captivity. We were there when she killed Bartholomew!"

The cat's ears paled, and his eyes widened. His expression became drawn and a little queasy, "I'll wait to hear it in the interview. I don't think I can handle it more than once. T-try not to go into anything too gruesome if you don't have to," he pleaded.

Ellie nodded, but people needed to know what the witch had done! She wouldn't let the fox seem like anything less than the monster she really was!

The plump, fluffy cat stood and straightened his light blue jacket awkwardly. He motioned to the door, "The room is this way."

He led them to the back end of the hall and into a room on the left. Inside, there was a faux leather armchair and couch situated across from each other at a small coffee table, all were finished black. They walked by an otter handling the camera on their way in, and Mr. Gamboa pointed to a mesh screen on the right side of the room, which a weasel quickly rolled into place in front of the couch. Mr. Gamboa took his seat on the armchair, and Ellie and Jason took the couch.

"We'll alter your voices as well," he assured them.

They waited a few minutes while the camera crew got everything in place, and then the female red-winged black bird they had briefly spoken to before--Ellie didn't remember her name--waved her wing to let them know to get started.

Mr. Gamboa looked at the camera and announced in a grave tone, "We all remember the terrible murders from before this past week's harrowing events. Whether the same terrorists who attacked Maplesburg were responsible has not been clear. Today we have with us two animals who say they were captured by this killer and escaped to tell the tale. We are concealing their identities for their safety." He turned toward them and continued in a stoic tone, "So, tell us about what happened. You say you know who the killer was. Can you share that information with the rest of us?"

Ellie stared him in the eye and responded as evenly and clearly as she could, "The murderer who killed Bartholomew Potter, Danny Planter, the squirrels, and who knows how many other innocent prey is Rita Belmont, the Duchess of Gooseberry."

The cat's yellow eyes stared at her in stunned disbelief, his mouth slightly ajar. Awkward silence dragged on until Ellie could hardly sit still. Finally, he responded, "Are you sure?"

"We're absolutely certain," Jason answered. "We saw her kill Mr. Potter. She tried to kill us."

"H-how did you escape?!" Mr. Gamboa stammered.

"Luck," Ellie replied. "When the terrorists took her hostage, we were able to get away." The cat shook his head slowly, his eyes wide with concern, or even--Ellie thought--with

terror. She could almost hear his mental protests, his mind racing for some way to explain what he'd heard.

Finally, he spoke again, "But that must have been almost two weeks after you disappeared. When did she catch you? How did you survive so long?"

"She caught us the same day we talked to you before. The day after Mr. Potter went missing," Jason answered. "We survived because, because she took a liking to us."

The black and white cat just stared at them wordlessly, visibly disturbed.

"That was only after she tortured us for a week," Ellie clarified. "She would have killed me on the spot, but because Ja-er, my friend here isn't prey, she decided to torture us instead."

"W-what did she do?" Mr. Gamboa whined.

Ellie glanced at Jason; people needed to know, but it had been his torture. It was his to tell. He glanced back at her hesitantly. Ellie grasped his hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

"You can say it, Sweetheart," she murmured.

"She, the Duchess, she tried to force me to eat my friend," Jason answered softly.

Mr. Gamboa choked violently, gagging as if he were going to throw up. The red-winged black bird leapt into the air and swooped across the room. Perching on top of the armchair, she vigorously fanned him with her wings. After a few moments, he waved her away.

"Th-thank you, Sarah." He turned back to them, speaking carefully, "These are all terribly serious accusations. You're aware of what Her Grace has done recently for Maplesburg, yes? Why would someone like the person you've described risk her life to save others?"

Ellie frowned. She'd known this would be an issue, but that didn't mean she appreciated the question any more. "You'll have to ask her," she replied sharply. "If you ask me, her 'heroics' are probably a fabrication. She wouldn't do anything that wasn't to save herself. Either way, it doesn't change what she did. She's a vicious murderer. She's killed prey, and now she's killed predators. Maybe she just likes killing people."

"The predators Her Grace killed were terrorists who ate prey!" Mr. Gamboa responded in shock. "Are you saying she was wrong to kill them?!"

"Of course not! I just meant she's a killer! If it served her to kill someone, she'd do it!"

"But you agree that what Her Grace did with the terrorists was a good thing," Mr. Gamboa pressed.

"They were evil too, so either one who killed the other would have done a good thing," Ellie growled. "It's just a pity they didn't kill each other."

"But-"

Jason cut Mr. Gamboa's protest off, "The terrorists were a threat to all of Maplesburg. I'm glad the Duchess eliminated that threat, but she's a threat too, mostly to prey. The most important thing we want to get across is that no prey should trust her. Whatever her intentions, she can't be trusted around prey."

"If Her Grace is the murderer you say she is, then don't you think the police should arrest her?" Mr. Gamboa responded.

"They should," Ellie shot back irately. "But they're in on it! At least some of them are! Lily Schulz was there when we were captured! She could have saved Mr. Potter, and she didn't!"

The cat stared at her again in disbelief, but this time it was less shocked and more doubtful. "Lily Schulz is also a hero," he replied a bit angrily. "Hundreds of prey can tell you personally how she saved their lives! She wouldn't work with someone who kills them!"

"We were there! She made sure the Duchess wasn't brought to justice! I could have shot the witch if-"

"You could have shot who?" the cat cut her off sharply.

"The monster you call 'Her Grace'!" Ellie snapped back.

By now, Mr. Gamboa was shaking his head resolutely, "I don't believe a word of it! I

don't know why you have such hatred for Her Grace and the Chief, but I don't care to listen to this disgusting slander anymore!" He turned to the camera, "Shut it off!"

"Wait!" Ellie yelped. "We can tell you more! We have details to prove what we're saying is true!"

Mr. Gamboa shook his head all through her protest, "I won't listen to another minute!" He turned toward the camera again, "Sarah, have them escorted off the premises! If they don't leave, call the police!" He turned back with a growl, "You're lucky I don't call them right now! Get out and don't bring your lies here again!"

The fisher and bull terrier guards stomped into the room and, each seizing one of them, yanked them up from the couch. Ellie glanced at Jason in dismay as the fisher frog-marched her toward the door. He looked away and didn't speak as the guards marched them down the stairs and shoved them out the door, slamming it behind them.

"What kind of journalist is he?!" Ellie exclaimed in disbelief. "He wouldn't even hear us out!"

Jason sighed wearily. "I told you mentioning Lily was a bad idea," he replied sharply.

Ellie winced and turned to him in disbelief, distressed by his accusatory tone, "I-I tried, Jason! I tried to explain what happened! People need to know!"

"You made it easy for him to dismiss," Jason responded harshly. "You knew this information would upset him; you could have tried to be gentle."

"There's no 'gentle' way to describe what she did!" Ellie protested.

"It's about tone," Jason snapped. He sighed wearily again and shook his head. "I suppose we did what we could. Hopefully, they'll choose to air it. Either way, I think we should take Katya's advice and leave while we can." He started across the street to his car.

Ellie hurried after him, feeling chastised. But we can't give up! People have to know!

Slumping heavily in his seat, Jason sighed again and turned to her, looking disheartened, "Do you suppose your parents will have us back?"

"We can't give up yet, Jason!" Ellie protested.

He shook his head exhaustedly, "What can we do?"

"We can still go door-to-door! We can find people who will listen, who can spread the

word that she's not safe!"

Jason slowly shook his head. "It's not worth the risk, Ellie. People won't believe us, and if

we get arrested, we'll end up back with her. We did what we could. Katya will take care of it now. She's a police officer; this is her job."

"What can she do?!" Ellie protested.

"More than we can," Jason replied simply. "We can post a video, try making calls, but not from Maplesburg. We need to leave until she's gone."

Ellie stared at Jason desperately, silently pleading for him to change his mind. She didn't want to do this alone, but she couldn't put Jason at risk if it was a risk he wasn't willing to take.He'd never let me take it on my own. If I stay, he'll stay, but how can I force him to do that? A terrible thought occurred to her, What if she sees the interview and she tries to starve himagain? Ellie shook her head and sighed sadly. "Alright, Jason, if you think it's too dangerous, we'll leave."

Jason reached over and put his hand on her leg, "We'll do what we can from Willowdale," he soothed. "Katya will help warn people, and maybe Flora and Pete will too. People will realize she's dangerous eventually."

"How many prey will die before then?" Ellie asked softly.

Jason hesitated before responding, "I don't know. Hopefully none. Hopefully, there are enough responsible people around her that she won't be able to get away with murder. She's not hidden away on her estate now, she's living in the middle of Maplesburg. Someone's sure to notice if she tries to kill anyone."

"I hope so," Ellie muttered.

Jason started the car, and they returned to his parents' house. The next morning, they visited Jason's house with the key they retrieved from his father, packed a pair of bags, and made the long drive back to Willowdale.