Cole doesn't know if it could or not, but he isn't going to risk it. And he isn't going to risk it affecting Them either.

He can feel Ben's concerns, flickering thought fast and whisper thin. He doesn't like killing, he's never liked it, it's simply that sometimes, it's the only kindness that's left. "She didn't hit me," he says, but he knows that's not what Ben's asking.

He squeezes Ben's hand and tugs softly. "This way. We're near the tunnel up."