Ethan kept his light fixed on it. “That’s where the footsteps came from.” “Exactly,” she said. “Which means someone’s up there.” They stood there, the sound of rushing water filling the space between them. The thought of someone moving freely above them while they stood trapped in the tunnel made Ethan’s skin crawl.
“If they’re hurt,” he said carefully, “that might be the only way to reach them.” Nora swallowed hard, eyes never leaving the hatch. “And if they’re not?” Ethan didn’t answer right away. Finally, he exhaled slowly. “We don’t have to go up. But if we don’t… we’re turning around without knowing who’s here. Or why.”