Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 957

Tarquin had already let go of his wrist, descending the stone steps with the aid of the railings.

"Dad…"

"Don't worry about me, stay up here. If anything happens, just call out for me."

Evan's lips quivered slightly, realizing he couldn't persuade his father otherwise. Reluctantly, he handed over the backpack.

"My brother said, once you find the ashes, put this inside with them. He has other plans."

Tarquin took the backpack and descended into the well.

Evan was forced to stay above, to prevent any mishap that might trap both him and his father down there.

Chilled by the cool breeze at the edge of the well, Evan felt an uneasy depth below him.

His brow furrowed in worry, torn between hope and dread. He hoped that what they were looking for—his grandmother's ashes—was down there, yet part of him wished it wasn't.

He felt a deep pang of sympathy for Tarquin...

Suddenly, a gust of eerie wind stirred the courtyard, whipping the leaves into a swirling dance.

Evan frowned, his thoughts drifting back to the scarred man he had seen earlier.

He looked around but saw no sign of movement. Turning to a few monks nearby, he asked,

"Have you seen a man with scars all over his face around here?"

The monks shook their heads in unison, all but the abbot's assistant, whose expression flickered with unease.

Evan crouched in front of him, his tone firm,

"Spill the beans, or it's gonna get ugly. We found this place, which means Gideon's days are numbered. He can't even save himself, how's he gonna protect you?"

The assistant's eyes widened in shock.

"A word to the wise is sufficient."

Evan barely raised his hand when the assistant hurriedly covered his head,

"I'll talk! I know of the man, but I don’t know who he is. All I know is he's one of Gideon's. He lives in the restricted area, just to guard the ashes in the well."

Evan was surprised. How could someone so skilled be under Gideon's thumb?

Impossible!

"I'm not lying, I swear!" The assistant pleaded, fearing Evan wouldn't believe him.