Chapter 7

“Is there a back door?”

“Yes.” Spyros groaned. “The lock on it is broken. It would be easy to get in.”

“Then that’s how we’ll get in.” Barnett-Connelly beckoned Spyros with him. “Come on. And don’t touch anything.”

They ran around to the back door. As Spyros had feared, it was open, almost hanging off its hinges. Glass was scattered across the floor. The kitchen looked like a bomb had hit it. Barnett-Connelly entered first, stepping carefully around the glass. Spyros followed, a little more clumsily. He tried to follow Barnett-Connelly’s footsteps, but he kept stumbling.

Barnett-Connelly headed into the hallway, and then into the living room. He stopped short in the doorway, his body tensing.

“What is it?” Spyros tried to get past him, but Barnett-Connelly refused to move. “Move!”

“No, Spyros.” Barnett-Connelly’s voice was grave. “You shouldn’t.”

“Get out of the way!”