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Isobel snatched up one of the papers She was about to unfold it when she noticed the gli object that had lain beneath, concealed

A lady’s elaborate hair coeht Isobel dipped her hand back into the box and lifted the comb free She held it up for inspection and it sparkled in her grasp, as if each jewel held its own glowing ember within

She had seen this co pulses from within her pocket She pulled it free and answered

"Yeah?" she said, keeping her voice at a whisper

"He’s gone," Gwen said "Just left But he did so weird before he drove off"

"What?"

"He put so in Varen’s car"

Isobel paused Varen’s dad had put so in his car?

"What was it?" she asked "Did you see?"

Isobel returned the comb to the box She laid the stack of photos on top and then closed the lid Carefully she slid the box back into its original place against the wall

"No," Gwen answered "I was trying toWhich is hard to do when all you’ve got laying around are road love co out" With that, she closed her phone, blew out the candle, and went to the narrow hole in the stairs

She pulled herself out, replacing the plank before hurrying to the door

It was still open She poked her head out first, though she didn’t see Bruce behind the counter Maybe, she thought, she could slip out while he was occupied sohing or heavy breathing When she didn’t hear either, she took a cautious step out

"I don’t kno you did that," a voice behind her said