CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX – HOUSEHOLD OF THORNE

A low whistle, barely audible above the rustling leaves, was their prearranged signal. Moments later, a faint creak announced a window opening high on the church wall. A hunched figure emerged, casting a nervous glance around before beckoning them closer. "Quickly," the vicar rasped, his voice raspy from sleep. "Get inside before someone sees you." They scrambled through the window, adrenaline surging through their veins. Inside the dimly lit church, the vicar ushered them towards a hidden chamber tucked behind a towering bookshelf. "I understand your anger," the vicar began, his weathered face etched with guilt. "But you must understand, Mr. Crawford holds considerable sway in this village. He… he has ways of making people cooperate." "Fear doesn't excuse betrayal," Scarlett spat, her voice laced with a dangerous edge. The vicar flinched, his shoulders slumping. "I know, I know. But what could I do? He threatened my flock, my very livelihood." Shame hung heavy in his voice. Clar