“Help me,” the voice whispered, sending a shiver down James’s spine. He stayed rooted to the spot, his heartbeat in his throat. Then it came again, louder, more distinct. “Help me.” This time, the words felt like a desperate cry, pulling at something deep within him.
Fear rushed through him like a tidal wave, but something else—the urgency in that voice—made him turn and run back to the house. He couldn’t ignore it. He had to tell his mom. Someone was in pain.