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Chapter 54

Jon turned at the sound of the girl's voice.

"Help me get the pipe loose, Mister," she said.

His eyes adjusted to the light. The pile of rags had eyes. The cloth shifted. Annie Butler's face looked older than ten.

"My God! Annie Butler!" Jon rushed to help her to her feet. She swayed. A thin chain went from her wrist to the wall. He took the metal clasp at her wrist and twisted it, worming fingers from both hands beneath. He'd seen this type of manacle before. It was cheaply made and could be pried apart. "Annie, this may hurt a little." He squeezed his fingers around the clasp and pulled. The metal clinked apart.

He held her steady. "Are you able to walk?"

She wiped her eyes and took an unsteady step, reeling sideways. "Hurry. My mum. He plans to kill her."

He caught her. "I'll carry you."

"No! I can do it." She managed to get to the doorway and pull aside the mat.

"I'll lead," Jon said. "Don't argue! The ledge is too narrow."