Page 129 of Trick or Stalk

I finally pull back, swiping at the tears. He grabs my hand, and I still.

Gently, he wipes the tears from my cheeks.

“I’m here now. You’re safe.”

I nod dumbly, lost in his eyes.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.”

The crazy thing is, I believe him.

Hades stands by the counter, looking down at the empty dog bed.

“Where's Penny?”

“With Gracie.”

He nods.

“What time do you close?”

“Ten.”

“I’m staying right here.”

I should tell him to go. That I’m fine now.

But I don’t.

I can’t.

His presence here is calming. Reassuring.

“Okay.”

“What were you doing in that room?”

I shudder at the thought.

“Getting a box for Margaret.” I stare down at my boots. “It spilled all over the floor.”

“I’ll go get it.”

I want to protest, but I can’t.

The thought of being back in that room again...

He’s already heading down the hallway, his boots thudding against the wooden floor.

I grab my cell phone and shove it in my back pocket as I follow him.

I don’t intend to set foot inside it right now... but I don’t want to be alone, either.

“This box?” He points at it.

I nod. “Yes. And that stuff was inside.”

Without a word, he kneels. I bite my lip, then decide that even if the door shuts again, Hades can get us out.