chapter 51

The family sat in stunned silence as Rafe's father finished his story, each of them too terrified to make a sound. He had come home to tell them of the dire news that Mr Jones Vones had visited a witch doctor to harm Rafe if he did not bring back Ivy. Rafe's father had been worried, and now they all were, but there seemed to be no solutions.

Raymond, Rafe's older brother, was the first to speak. "What can we do?" he asked, his voice trembling with fear. His father shook his head, the worry evident in his eyes.

Rafe's mother spoke next. "We must find Rafe," she said urgently. "We must find him before it's too late." But nobody had any idea of where to look or how to find him.

Rafe's father rose from his chair, his face grim. "I will do whatever I can to find our son," he said determinedly. "I will leave tonight and search until I find him."

The family watched silently as he prepared to depart, their hearts heavy with fear and dread. Rafe's mother e