AS HE HAD THE DAY BEFORE, Sean led me to his house. He parked his car on the block-paved drive, climbed out, and waved me forward to him. When I stopped, he pulled open my door.
I peered up at the house. “Ever feel like you’re running around in circles?”
“I wanted to show you something, Jem. This is the only safe place to do that.”
“Why?” I turned to him. “What is it?”
“I’m going to show you the truth.” Despite my frown, he continued, “I’m going to head into the forest. Give me five minutes, then come find me.”
I opened my mouth to protest, to tell him I had no intention of going anywhere near the forest with him, but he’d already taken off.
From the car, I jogged around the side of the property, spotted Sean nearing the arches. His steps stalled for a moment as his head spun toward
