For once in my life, I did what I was told. It was as awful as I thought it would be.

Studmuffin and I hovered inside room four's doorway, waiting and listening for the detective. Lights snapped on in Cass's room, and some rummaging noises filtered out.

"Why didn't you tell me, pet?" Studmuffin asked, still attached to my face.

"Because I didn't want to hurt you."

"Not telling me hurt me worse."

"I'm sorry," I said, wincing. "I was trying to find a way ...