CHAPTER 14
“Help!” The sting of the icy rain shocked Jeff’s body as he ran. “Help!” The mushy lawn sank beneath his feet as he darted across the yard and up Mr. Crawford’s porch. “Someone, help! Please.” Dammit. I can’t knock with these things. When the storm drowned out his scraping claws, he kicked the door. “Mr. Crawford open up! Please, my mother’s hurt.” Stupid old man. Why doesn’t he answer? He gave up and crossed the street as Mr. Drake stepped from the Pritchet’s house and into the yard. I’ve got to keep trying, Jeff thought, leaping up the steps to another home. “Mr. Brando! Mrs. Brando!” The door rattled from his kick. “My mom is hurt. Can you please help us?”
Across the way, Mr. Crawford cracked his door and stuck his head out, watching Jeff run from place to place. He opened the door further and stood beneath the roof’s overhang.
Please, please let her be home. The widow Leery’s house was the next closest. The doorframe splintered under the force of his foot, which he ho
