Chapter 20
Absently, Jesse rubbed the marks on his throat and listened as the melodic doorbell echoed through the house. It sounded silent inside—like a tomb, he couldn’t help but think. The chimes faded, and he counted to ten before trying again. It wasn’t like John to leave a person standing outside. It was rude. John was coy, maddening at times, but he was never rude.
It occurred to Jesse that John might have gone out, but John had been weak enough four days ago. Jesse doubted he would be up for an excursion now. He leaned over the railing of the porch and tried to peer through the window, but as always, the heavy curtain was pulled tight. He shifted uneasily, considering his options. There weren’t many. He could leave. He could pound on the door until John opened it. He could break i
