Ignoring the voice in the back of my head telling me this is like looking for a needle in a haystack, I trudge out to the edge of the pond, hoping to get a better vantage point from its shore. After all, no one would build catacombs too close for fear of it getting waterlogged, so it has to be somewhere on higher ground.
By the time I make it to the shore, my toes are freezing and I curse myself for not changing into winter boots. At the water’s edge, it’s oddly quiet. Which is a stark departure from the bustling sounds in the fall when the geese and swans are still nearby.
Turning around to face the manor, I hold my breath, hoping to spot something to guide me. I start by looking closely at the left side of the house, the wing mostly designated to Dad—or at least, it feels that way because I never go that way unless it’s to see him. I sweep my gaze to the center courtyard, but the entire space seems flat, with the exception of the landscaping and trees. However, more to the right, and the way I came, the ground does begin to slope upward.
“Who in their right mind would put catacombs here?” I say out loud, shaking my head. “The whole house is practically at the waterline.”
A flash of black against the white backdrop of the snow catches my attention and I twist around to get a better look. However, as I turn, whatever it was disappears. Tugging my eyebrows in, I take a tentative step forward, trying to see if I can spot it again.
Farther along the tree line, I catch the darkness again, but this time, it looks like a hooded figure is moving away from me. Picking up speed, I rush forward trying to gain on whatever—or whoever—it is.
“Hello?” I call out, hoping my voice will make them stop. “Who’s out there?”
I push my way past low brambles and mid-height branches, trying to get closer. Again, the flash of darkness moves through the trees and this time, I know it’s a person. The movements and height are all too familiar.
“Cat? Is that you?” I call out.
If it is, that would be spectacular. Cat’s family has been in Windhaven for nearly as long as my own. Plus, the Gilberts definitely know about some of the strange things that have gone on in my house. Maybe, just maybe, she’ll know about the catacombs.
“Hey, Cat—come back, please,” I call out again, hoping to get her attention so she’ll stop.
Slowly, the hooded figure turns around and drops their hood.
Cat’s dark hair flies wildly in the winter breeze. Remnants of her exhalation swirl around her nonexistent expression. I take a step closer and her lips press into a thin line, but she doesn’t make another move.
“Cat? Is everything okay?” I say, rushing forward as I push my way past a few more branches and trees to make it to her. “What are you doing out here?”
She looks directly at me, but doesn’t say anything, and it instantly puts me on guard. It reminds me of the strange vision of her I had after Wade’s grandpa’s funeral. I’d nearly forgotten all about that. Goosebumps flash across my skin and I pull up short, not sure I want to get any closer.
The two of us stand facing each other in a virtual stare-off, until finally, Cat’s demeanor shifts.
“Autumn—I, uh… sorry. Did you say something?” she says, clearing her throat and wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
I take a tentative step forward and nod. “Yeah, I was just wondering if you’re okay. You’re on my property.”
She glances over her shoulder, as if completely out of sorts. “I’m—I guess I lost track of how far I was walking.”
“Is everything all right?” I say, taking another step toward her.
“Yeah, yeah…of course. I just wanted to get some fresh air,” she says, her voice gruff and scratchy. Almost as if it’s the first time she’s used it for the day. “Wha—what about you?”
I glance around and nod, unsure how much I really want to discuss with Cat now. “Yeah, me too, I guess. It seemed like a nice afternoon to get outside for a bit. It’s chilly, but not too cold.”
“Yeah…” she nods, again glancing over her shoulder.
“Well, I guess I better get back. It’s starting to get dark and I’m not entirely sure I want to be roaming the woods when the sun goes down. I bet it gets a lot colder,” I say, jabbing a thumb over my shoulder and taking a step back. “Are you good to get home? Or…”
“I’ll be fine. I know these woods like the back of my hand,” she says, twisting toward her family’s property.
“Okay, well…guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?” I say, narrowing my gaze and trying to smile, though I’m pretty certain, if she’s paying any attention to my face, it looks more like a grimace.
“Yep,” she mutters, turning all the way around and trudging through the snow.
I watch her deliberate steps as she meanders away. She veers around trees and small mounds of snow, but with the way she moves, if I didn’t know better, I’d think she’d been drinking.
When she’s far enough away that I can barely make out her form, I turn back the way I came and start walking to my house.
Cat and I haven’t been as close this semester, partly because of the amount of time I’m spending with Wade. There’s been so much crazy and he’s needed some grounding to help him adjust. Just like with my parents, I should do a better job checking in and being a good friend.
God, I suck.
But Cat’s been good. She’s been herself and normal.
I shoot another glance over my shoulder, unable to shake away the uneasy feeling settling in my
