It was deep night now. The shop seemed to glow mysteriously, making me feel more certain of my earlier theory. I didn't care about the risks: I had to find Alan, no matter what, and William would assist me.
"Grell said there's a tower nearby. Back door was open, s' maybe it's through there?" I said.
William grabbed my wrist. "That doll looks like Alan"
I looked through the shop window and my heart thumped as I looked at the little doll. He was right: it did look like Alan, every detail, from the suit to the glasses. I tore my eyes away and entered the shop. William followed.
"This is definitely suspicious" he said.
"Ya know wha' Grell said 'bout turnin' 'em inta dolls?" I said, looking round the shop at all the many dolls on the shelves. "D'ya think it's possible?"
"It's a possibility. Grell is quite an eccentric character but he does not lie, not about such serious matters. The case itself sounds familiar, though I cannot quite put my finger on it" William answered. "Come, we have no time to waste: let us locate the tower"
We found it fairly easily. From the outside it looked like some sort of prison, and the doors were locked tight. Nevertheless I knocked on it, or more like pounded on it. William stepped forwards to grab my wrist when it opened. There was no one there but at least now we could get inside.
"Over here" William said, gesturing to a staircase.
I nodded and rushed after him, desperate to find Alan as quickly as possible.
We came to a singular door at the top of the stairs. I opened it and stepped into the room. My eyes immediately rested on someone sat on a chair.
"Alan!" I rushed over and hugged him tight.
It didn't feel right. His eyes were closed and his body stiff, and when I touched his cheek he felt like a wax doll. Oh hell.
"Alan? Alan! Alan, please; wake up!" I begged.
I took hold of him by the shoulders, giving him a shake, pleading with him. William touched my shoulder.
"Eric. It's too late"
I shook my head, refusing to believe him. He had to be lying. This had to be a dream.
"ALAN!"