Lady Lucrezia explained that she was taking care of her drunk husband.
Coraline had expected as much.
The only reason she sought out Lucrezia first was out of concern. The kindly old woman was distraught... and she'd likely never encountered such a violent death. While they interviewed, her hands still shook and her voice cracked.
Coraline's hand holding onto hers was probably the only thing keeping her together.
She recommended that her new Aunt keep her door locked and to not open it for anyone until morning.
Afterward, she walked down the hallways, trying to ignore the conversational squeaking of the rats in the walls.
Lone followed close behind her.
"Hey, you," She frowned.
"Y-yeah?" Lone smiled, idly rubbing the back of his head.
Her heart softened upon seeing the boy's innocent, naive look.
What was she doing, dragging him around?
