The disarray at home was clearly not the work of thieves, but rather appeared to be an act of vengeance or fury.
Charles' parents were frequently away, engaged in freight business, leading simple social lives that hardly warranted enmities. Charles speculated that his recent killing of Robert and offense towards Thomas during his ordeal might have provoked the two families, though he wasn't sure which was responsible.
"They haven't found me yet, and they won't just let this go," Charles mused, peering cautiously through the window at several unfamiliar figures near the entrance of the complex.
Reluctantly glancing back at his home, now reduced to ruins, Charles clenched his fist, his nails digging into his skin. Although the old house was modest and of little monetary value to the present-day Charles, it held the memories of his childhood.
Now, someone had destroyed those memories.