Read Online The Hole by Aaron Ross Powell - Free Book Online Page A

Elliot could understand why. It took help from three of the cultists to get him free, though, and when he popped out of the tight hole his robes were filthy and his hair was covered with dirt and moss. But clutched tightly in his hands was another box, this one much smaller than what they’d had on the table in the circle. It was too far away for Elliot to make out any details but from the way they handled it, he could tell it was valuable or old, or both. The leader handed it back to one of the men who’d helped him out of the gap and that man handed it to the one next to him after gazing for a few heavy seconds at the box’s lid. This second man sat down on the earth, put the box between his legs, and pulled a large knife from his belt. His back was to Elliot, obscuring most the view, but from the movements he could see, Elliot figured he was using the knife to pry the thing open.
    There was a quick cry from all the men when he succeeded and, as he held the now open box above his head in triumph, the light from the torches rippled spectacularly upon the heaped and shiny gold within. Treasure hunters. That’s what they were doing out in the woods, and the one with the hat had somehow been able to point the proper direction, to find with the help of that stone where the chest was buried. If the world hadn’t been so entirely screwed up of late, Elliot would have thought it was all a game or a trick. But now, with what he’d seen and what he’d heard, he found himself readily willing to accept that these perfectly reasonable looking guys-except, of course, for the creepy robes-had scryed the location of hidden treasure in a manner just as bizarre as finding water with a stick.
    Elliot, amazed by what he was seeing, failed to hear the noises behind him. He payed no attention to the footsteps and the chattering, gave no thought to the breathing. Elliot only realized they’d found him when the hand came down on his shoulder and the woman in red screamed into his ear.

19
    She was there with her suited companions and, Elliot saw with some horror as he whipped around, she’d gathered at least a dozen more. They stood in a loose formation behind her, wedge shaped, every last one staring at him with looks that were otherwise blank except for a faint crinkle of regret.
    He screamed back at her, fright and startlement overriding all else, and under it he could hear shouts from the men in robes down below. None of that mattered, though, because he was back with the woman in red and now she’d be able to finish what she’d started, what she’d meant to complete if it weren’t for his fortunate flight.
    Elliot flinched away from her, tried to get up and run, but the two suits were on him, each grabbing an arm and forcing him to the ground. They were efficient this time, making sure to pin him properly so he couldn’t kick his way out. The woman smiled-she actually smiled -and the suits lifted him until he was standing. Two others from the flock grabbed his legs and, as they carried him away, back along the path the group of robed men had taken, the woman’s new companions walked along side, watching him with those same melancholy stares.
    The treasure hunters continued to shout but the sounds grew fainter and Elliot knew they were running away, not interested in coming to his aid. And chances were they hadn’t known he’d been watching them and had merely heard the screaming. What else would they do? With this many crazies in the woods, it was a good bet those men knew about them and had experience with how dangerous they were. Of course they’d run. Elliot would’ve done the same.
    Unless it was Evajean the woman in red had captured. Then he wouldn’t have run. He twisted and writhed, knowing it would do nothing because these men were so damn strong, but he had to get away from them. He had to find her because what if she were out there running away from the crazies, too? What if she’d been captured and needed his