I pushed the door open slowly, my heart thumping against my ribs. The darkness inside was almost complete, with just a sliver of moonlight filtering through dirty windows. Arthur's hand gripped my elbow, holding me back.
"Let me go first," he whispered.
I shook my head. "No. He won't talk if he sees you. I need to do this alone."
Arthur's jaw clenched, but he nodded reluctantly. "I'll be right outside. One sound I don't like, and I'm coming in."
"Five minutes," I promised, slipping from his grasp.
I stepped into the room, letting the door close partially behind me. The smell hit me immediately—musty, with undertones of something sour and unpleasant. My eyes struggled to adjust to the darkness.
"Uncle Gideon?" I called out, keeping my voice steady despite my racing pulse.
A rustling sound came from the far corner. "You brought my money?" His voice sounded different—strained, almost desperate.
