He forced himself to step away, palms slick, and every instinct screaming that proximity alone was a risk. The shed, the fence, even the grass felt suddenly treacherous. He backed toward the porch, mind racing, unsure whether moving too quickly might trigger disaster. After all, the weapons were seeing daylight and air after so long!
Marie appeared in the doorway, confusion shifting instantly to horror when she saw his face. He pointed to the open chest without speaking. Her scream cut through the yard as she grabbed his arm, dragging him further from the pit. “Walter, get away from that—now! Something could be live!”