Chapter 78: The threat.

"Master, have you seen Merri?"

The old man cringed with resentment at the name as he helped Thomas carry the hay into the barn with the other men who were working tirelessly and enthusiastically to impress Mr. Cunningham. He insisted, he loved working as well. Not only watching people work. Removing his straw hat, he rubbed his bald head feeling how sweaty he was.

"Not since the day they announced their foolery and disrespected me in my own home." He responded walking away but Thomas followed. Removing his hat as a manner of showing respect, he lowered his head as he spoke to Mr. Cunningham.

"I'm concerned Master. She hasn't been at the commune for nearly two days, I assumed she was back in the house."

The old man stopped in his tracks putting his hands on his waist. He looked around callously not being able to hide how upset he was. "Austin..." he muttered after a while, under his breath. "Austin, she is with him, those fools."

"You think so, Master Cunningham?"