PART THREE, CHAPTER 13

Holly Gets Some Answers

In the dark basement, ice formed on the stovepipe chimneys of the three hulking furnaces. Bundled up in three woolen sweaters and two pairs of long johns, Bertram slept on his cot, his big feet poking out of the end of his threadbare blanket, his big toe poking out of a hole in his sock.

A CLANK woke him. He opened one eye, scrutinizing his workbench. A …