40
When Jack returned home the next day, frustrated and tired, Professor Bedwen was waiting for him.
"Any news?" he asked.
"I found their second hiding place," Jack said. "Lots of artifacts, evidence of magical security… But no Dana."
The Professor's expression darkened.
"We need to find her soon," he said. "If she hasn't appeared yet, it means she's injured or captured. In this heat, with no water, it doesn't make much of a difference; she'll be dead soon."
"I searched everywhere," Jack said. "The police have gone through the road she was walking, with their best trackers. Even some volunteer hunters joined. No sign of Dana."
The Professor massaged his temples, the stress visible in his features.
That was the moment Stinker appeared and started scratching the Professor's shoes.
"
