Chapter 20: Freedom

The guard's cursing grew louder as his search drew nearer. The door shuddered but stood firm. Next thing a face peered through the window. John stared back, unblinking, while placing small morsels of bread in his mouth.

'Why you little... just you wait,' a gruff voice threatened. 'And if I find out you had anything to do with those two, well... you and your mother will realise we're not such friendly neighbours after all.'

'I am sure I don't know what you mean.' Although the words were innocent enough, the young boy's eyes twinkled with mischief.

'Argh, you need to be taught a lesson boy, but you will keep until later.'

Scratching and scraping noises penetrated the wood near Dominic's head as Thalia's captor continued to hunt for his missing charge. While they waited for the man to leave, he took the time to survey their hiding pace, and came to the conclusion John's family had fallen on hard times.