Ford and I looked at each other then quickly moved to where the other two were.
There, under the window where Royce and Connor were huddled, was a small hatch that matched the one we’d found last night.
“So it’s true,” I whispered, moving closer to it.
Connor’s eyebrows shot up. “You knew?”
“It’s why I wanted to come out here. I just wanted to see if there was a chance the two connected.” I didn’t want to tell them I’d told my mom, because they’d probably get mad at me and call me a snitch.
Ford crouched and placed his hand on the silver handle. “You ready to see what’s under here?”
Royce backed up the smallest bit. “I still think maybe we aren’t meant to know.”
“The wood is newer than the original floors,” I pointed out, running my hand over the smooth surface.
Ford followed my gaze. “So?”
“So, whatever this is…it’s been made recently.”
Royce stared at me, then the hatch. “So nothing super old and haunted then.”
“Probably not,” Connor mused, before pulling on the silver handle. But the hatch wouldn’t budge.
“Maybe we aren’t strong enough?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at the frustrating door. Why hadn’t my mom warned me that we wouldn’t be able to open it?
Royce shook her head. “I’m taking this as a sign. Let’s check the other closet for decorations.”
I actually agreed with her this time. Whatever the door was, maybe it was better if we just left it alone. Right as I stood up, Connor pulled once more on the door, grunting as he went, until suddenly he was gasping, and Ford was muttering a curse word his mom told him not to say.
The hatch was open.