I dy scurried to the small window at the far end of the attic and carefully peeked out. The huge wooden gate surrounding the Renards’ property was ajar. Idy felt a thrill. She had never seen it open and often wondered what lay beyond the locked fortress. She strained her eyes to see outside the gate but could see only trees through the small opening. An automobile and two unfamiliar men caught her attention. Worried about being noticed Idy lifted her head ever so slightly to get a better view below. The men were speaking animatedly and Idy wished she could hear what they were saying.
Mr. Renard stood nearby contentedly nodding his head. Then a large sum of money was thrust at Mr. Renard. Idy cringed at the sinister smile on Mr. Renard’s face. The two men climbed into their car Mr. Renard pushed the wooden gate open to allow them passage then slammed it shut and locked the enormous deadbolt once again. Idy watched icicles break off the gate from the force.
A sudden movement above in a nearby tree caused Idy to stifle a scream. Her mouth opened and she quickly clamped her hand over her lips.
Jacob winked and smiled at her from his perch near the top of the tree. Idy’s breathing intensified. Mr. Renard was now directly below the tree. He stopped a moment and glared in the direction of the attic window. Idy shot back her heart pounding. She sat huddled in the corner waiting for the loud angry footsteps she knew would come. Worse than that she was clueless as to what was going on outside. Had Mr. Renard spotted Jacob?
