By 10:00 pm, the rain still hadn't stopped. The streets were slick, the pavement gleaming under the lights.The front gate of the Gardner residence suddenly swung open from the inside, and two voices drifted out."Ma'am, it's so late and cold. You shouldn't come out. You'll catch a chill."Eliza's hoarse voice replied, "Julian isn't back yet, and I can't shake this feeling. I need to wait for him out here. Maybe once he's home, I'll feel better."The maid spoke again. "Ma'am, Mr. Julian is grown. He can take care of himself. You should look after your own health."Eliza turned to respond, irritation rising, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a pair of legs extending from the shadows into the light. She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand."Ashley, go check. What is that?"Her lips trembled involuntarily. The maid, Ashley Trotter, turned and saw the legs on the ground as well.Fear gripped her, but she forced herself to approach and crouch to inspect it
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