(Begin)
Descending from the attic, Howard found his companions pleased with his success.
"Good work, Howard. You just saved our lives."
"What she said, pal."
"Emmet, can I talk to you?"
"Sure. Michelle, this guy's gonna need a shower. Mind getting the water ready?"
As soon as she left, Howard pulled Emmet into the pantry, out of her sight.
"Can I show you something?"
"What is it, Howard. You got me all nervous?"
"Michelle told me her father died two years ago."
"Michael, the guy in the picture?"
"What do you know about him?"
"Well, I do know that guy's not Michael."
"What do you mean?"
"His name's Peter. He used to work for Michael back when the farm was still running. Bit of a father figure for Michelle, if you catch my drift."
"What happened to him?"
"Don't know. He vanished around the same time Michael passed away."
"Did he wear a gold crucifix around his neck?"
"Every day. Why?"
"I think Michelle kidnapped him. I found his cross in the attic. He tried to escape, but the skylight was bolted shut. Best he could do was scratch "Help" into the pane and hope someone passed down. Apparently, no one did."
"He starved to death?"
"Or she finished him off. Either way, we need to escape."
"But what if-"
"Who wants cookies?"
The two did their best to hide their feelings of terror as Michelle walked by with a bowl of dough in her hands. "You boys like chocolate chip?"
"Fine by me."
"Thanks, Michelle."
(Stop)