Chapter 198: Chapter 198: Disappearances

I came pounding down the stairs when I heard voices in the kitchen, almost running right into Dad.

"Cupcake," he said. He looked distressed, like he had bad news or something. My heart constricted, but he simple stepped aside. "Please be careful."

Okay, not good at all. I ran into the kitchen with him following, Galleytrot panting beside me, to find Uncle Frank sitting with Mom at the table. He looked up as I entered, normally boyishly charming face grim.

"Hey Syd," he said, going for all casual despite the tension in the room. Sassafras hissed softly from the end of the table, eyes glowing amber.

"What happened?" I looked back and forth between Mom and Uncle Frank while Dad's hands settled on my shoulders and squeezed.

"Nothing," Mom said, while Uncle Frank said, "It's okay, kiddo."

"What's okay?" I was so close to blowing my top I shook Dad's hands off and spun away from him. "Tell me what's going on."