Page 249 - Demo

CELEBRATING GOD%u2019S GOODNESS 249With a deep breath, he pressed the doorbell and waited. Seconds stretched into minutes, but there was no answer. Just as he was about to turn away, the door creaked open, revealing Mrs. Drew standing in the doorway, her smile as warm and inviting as ever.%u201cThomas, dear, what a pleasant surprise,%u201d she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. %u201cWould you like to come in for some cookies?%u201dThomas fought to keep his composure, his mind racing with suspicion. %u201cNo, thank you, Mrs. Drew. I%u2019m actually here to ask you about Bubber. Have you seen him?%u201dMrs. Drew%u2019s smile faltered for a moment, but then she composed herself. %u201cWhy, no, dear. I haven%u2019t seen your little brother since yesterday. Such a shame he%u2019s gone missing.%u201dThomas narrowed his eyes, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. He knew, he knew deep down. that she had done something to him. He didn%u2019t believe her for a second. %u201cI know you%u2019re lying, Mrs. Drew. What did you do to him?%u201dBefore she could respond, a voice interrupted from behind. It was his mother, her expression grim as she approached. %u201cSister,%u201d she said, her voice cold and emotionless.Mrs. Drew%u2019s eyes widened in surprise, but then she smiled, a knowing glint in her gaze. %u201cAh, dear sister. I was wondering when you would come to visit.%u201dThomas watched in horror and confusion as his mother and Mrs. Drew exchanged a knowing glance. A rush of emotions overwhelmed him%u2014 betrayal, disbelief and a strange sense of clarity. His mother%u2014his stepmother, really had been working alongside Mrs. Drew, her sister, all along.As the scene shifted, Thomas%u2019 mind was flooded with images of the sisters%u2019 dark deeds. He saw them prowling the streets, their eyes gleaming with malice as they sought out unsuspecting children.