Page 69 of Veil of Silence

“I think he was too. But he didn’t drift around the house. He came downstairs, opened the door, and walked straight toward the trees.”

“You think he knew where he was going?”

“Not consciously. But something in the dream seemed to give him a destination.”

Nora glanced toward the hallway. “The last time Wren found him, he was digging beside the barn. I’ve found him in the kitchen and near the back door, but he’s never gone beyond the yard before.”

Austin looked at the empty place on the table where the hymnal page had been.

Nora crossed her arms. “Say whatever you’re thinking.”

“I think you need alarms on the doors tonight.”

Her posture stiffened. “You think he’s going to run away?”

“I think he walked outside barefoot at eleven o’clock and headed toward the woods. I don’t want him making it past that door again without someone waking up.”

“I don’t want him to feel like we’re trapping him.”

“Then don’t lock him in. Hang something over the doorknobs that will make noise and sleep downstairs.” Austin glanced at the dark window. “This is about keeping him safe until we understand what happened.”

After a moment, she nodded. “I can do that.”

Austin checked the time. Nearly midnight. He should return to his motel, call Luke, and try to get a few hours of sleep.

Instead, he carried his mug to the sink and rinsed it.

Nora watched him. “You’re staying?”

“For a while. At least until I’m sure he’s settled.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know.” Austin set the mug in the sink. This time, Nora didn’t argue.

Chapter

Twenty-Five

NINE YEARS AGO

The boy woke to someone singing.

At first, he thought the voice was part of a dream. Then he opened his eyes and saw the thin strip of light beneath the door. Beside him, Christian was already sitting up.

A man sang softly in the hallway, the words too low to make out. But the boy recognized the tune.

“Trust and Obey.”

His stomach tightened as Christian swung his feet to the floor.

“No,” the boy whispered.

Christian looked at him. “You have to. You know the rules.”

The singing stopped, and three knocks sounded against the door.

The boy’s heart began to pound. He tried to take a breath, but his chest felt tight, as if something heavy had settled on top of it.