Golden Box Book Publishing GBBP Magazine, July, 2017 | Page 13

I pointed to the body of the man lying in the bed next to him. It was neatly wrapped in bed linen. The man was already dead when Praxus and I brought him to the club’s infirmary. “We know his story,” I said. “But before he died, he told us that he saw you take something from the witch. He thought it was some kind of key. What did he mean by that?” Kribble gave me a sly grin. “It’s a secret.” I was a knife’s edge away from losing my patience, but I knew that wouldn’t do us any good. “Look, Kribble. Children’s lives are at stake here. We’ll keep your secret safe. We promise. But we don’t have much time, do you understand that? Please, help us—tell us about this key.” He stared at me, then he stared at Praxus, then he stared at his lap. “My hands,” he moaned. I glanced at Praxus. “What about your hands, Kribble?” “If I tell you what I know, will you promise to help me?” he asked. “Help you? How can I help you?” Kribble held up the stumps of his bandaged wrists. “Find my hands, please.” I gave him the best smile I could muster. “I’ll do whatever I can.” “Promise?” “I promise. And so does Praxus. Right, Praxus?” My satyr friend gave Kribble a friendly wink. “Aye, that I’ll be doing.” https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Shadows-Weird-Tales- Dowser/dp/1450276156 13