Vernon drove far beyond the city limits, where the roads turned narrow and the forest swallowed the last traces of civilization.
Finally, the car stopped in front of an old house hidden beneath tangled trees and overgrown vines. From the road, the place was almost invisible.
Rotting wood.
Broken windows.
Dead silence.
Vernon stepped out and opened Eleanor’s door.
“Get down.”
Eleanor’s bound wrists tightened against the rope as she looked up at the house.
“What is this place?”
“You’re staying here,” Vernon said flatly. “It’s safe. For now.”
A dry laugh escaped her lips.
“Safe?” She looked at the collapsing structure again. “This place looks like it was abandoned decades ago.” Her eyes narrowed. “It looks haunted.”
“Whatever it is,” Vernon muttered, “it’s yours now.”
“I’m not st
