Chapter 88
The Body in the Lake
The mirror carried Claire into the lake.
She saw Lena's body beneath the surface, still wearing the coat. The car rested on the lake floor. Air escaped from a broken window in slow silver strings.
Claire swam toward her.
Lena opened her eyes.
“You promised.”
“I promised not to save you.”
“You are here.”
“I am witnessing.”
Lena smiled.
The water filled with voices from the Mercy.
Families called their dead names. Children called for parents. Mara called Claire back.
Claire reached for the coat.
The missing button came loose.
The body disappeared.
In Claire's hand remained only the coat and a final paper slip.
THE WITNESS MUST RELEASE THE OBJECT.
Claire let the coat go.
The lake turned clear.
Lena's body was gone.
The Mercy appeared above her, sinking through the water like a memory being erased.
Ada reached Claire first. They surfaced in the ship's upper deck.
Mara pulled them aboard.
“The engine has stopped,” Daniel said.
“Then why are we moving?” Claire asked.
The captain's voice came over the speaker.
“We are approaching the last room.”
The ship's bow struck something beneath the water.