CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“Michael?”
No answer.
Clarence searched the cave. “Where’d you go?” He hobbled around to see the whole cave.
No Michael.
Sure. Dump me off and then leave.
Clarence peered into the water.
It had seemed the right thing to do back in his room. But now … well, the pool had lost its appeal.
But he had to know its secrets, its mysteries. Even if … if he didn’t return to Hillcrest.
Flashes of dear Mrs. Hatly played through his mind. Her twinkly eyes.
Katty.
And Bea.
Something touched his back and he turned in time to see Michael.
“Michael, no! Help me. Don’t let me … ” Clarence fell into the pool with a splash. Had Michael pushed him?
He gulped, swallowed. Gagged. The water tasted like sewer.
He thrashed his arms and legs. His head broke the surface and he roared
