Redhawk Caldera born to run

"Monther ook Uthy!"

Lagan's lisped response rang clearly in Elwood's ears, and his stomach dropped all the way to his feet. He was so acquainted with his son's speech that he could interpret it easily -- and he realized with dread that the boy was referencing a monster. Immediately, Elwood's mind began to race; he needed to take Lagan back to Finley and then begin the search for Lucy. But what would he tell Finley? Would she somehow blame him for the loss of their daughter?

The boy was still choking out misshapen words, his panic evident. Elwood took a deep breath in an attempt to calm his own nerves, but he felt his grasp around Lagan begin to tremble. "Okay," he said breathlessly, then repeated himself in a slightly stronger tone. "Okay. What did the monster look like, Tiarnach?" he asked, looking his son square in the face. Once he knew that much, he would try to decide on his next move.