Hell's Eyes

BRIANNA SHAFFERY

that may not be true. The young Miller may be of some help in this matter…” He trailed off with his thoughts, wondering just how he could safely procure the evidence needed (the evidence being the existence of a cerbertes in the woodland surrounding Halberry), and what he could worth risking in order to get it. “I’m afraid it will have to the two of us, Miss Hyacinth,” Mr. Basil finally concluded. “I fear I would incur Ms. Miller’s wrath if something were to befall her son.” Elsie couldn’t stop the laugh from bubbling up past her lips. “Pardon me. I don’t mean to find humor in such a dour affair, but I imagine Ms. Miller would run you out of town or worse if something were to happen to poor Dudley.” “Wouldn’t that be a sight?” Mr. Basil smiled almost wryly. Elsie dropped her gaze to her clasped hands sitting in her lap. “I suppose it would be.” “It’s getting rather late, Miss Hyacinth. We’ve done all we could for Mr. Noblémyn tonight. What is the latest you have to be back to the bakery?” Her brow scrunched. “The latest? Well…I would say early in the evening, preferably, so I could get a proper night’s rest. Why?” “The best time to catch a cerbertes would be just after dark or before the sun rises in the morning.” “Oh,” Elsie said, blinking. Forcing herself to meet Mr. Basil’s wizened eyes, she asked, “When would it be at its weakest?” Mr. Basil sat back in his chair with a creak. Loosely folding his arms over his chest, he turned contemplative. “Now that’s the million-libac question…”

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