“Cough… cough… COUGH!”
The sharp sound sliced through the tension. Byron froze, his sharp instincts kicking in as he quickly shifted, shielding Claire and setting her gently back on her feet.
Claire’s head whipped around, her heart sinking. Standing at the top of the staircase was Benjamin Grant—the Old Grant—his wide eyes practically bulging out of his head.
“I… I didn’t see anything!” he stammered, his face flushing crimson. Covering his eyes with one hand, he looked every bit the flustered grandfather caught where he shouldn’t be.
Benjamin hesitated, clearly debating whether to stay or flee, then blurted out, “Little Bell’s hungry! Once you’ve, uh, handled this… situation, don’t forget to check on her!”
With that, he disappeared back up the stairs as fast as his legs could carry
