Page 132 of Trick or Stalk

I didn’t hear him leave.

I turn back to Gracie’s truck and walk toward it.

She puts the window down as I approach. Penny immediately begins licking my hand, while Walter makes a grunting sound, tail wagging.

“He’s excited to see you, too.” Gracie smiles at me.

“I wondered what that sound was.” I look at her. “How did she do?”

“Amazing. She ate some treats. Played with Walter’s toys while he chewed on a skeleton hand.” She rolls her eyes.

“He still does that?”

“That’s one habit that’ll never be broken. He stole his leg, too. Darius took it and put it back on Mr. Bones. Walter chewed up his hat.”

A laugh bursts free.

“Walter. Are you naughty?”

He shows his three teeth at me in what is his attempt at a smile.

I grab Penny from the car seat. “Were you a good girl?”

She licks my face.

“An angel,” Gracie says. “I’ll wait here until you’re in your vehicle.”

“Thanks again, Gracie.” I give Walter a scratch on the ears. “I’ll bring your friend for another playdate soon."

As I carry Penny to my car, my chest tightens.

Hades disappeared like a ghost.

And he didn’t even say goodbye.

I put Penny in the car, then slide in beside her. I wave at Gracie and Walter as they leave.

For a moment, I stare toward the darkness where he disappeared.

For some reason, I already feel less safe without him.

CHAPTER 19

Presley

By the time Penny and I get home, I've decided I'm never watching another horror movie.

Ever.

I unlock the front door and push it open. “Come on.”

Penny trots inside like she hasn't spent the last few hours cheating on me with Gracie and Walter.

I close the door behind us and lock it. Then check it once. Because I'm not going to be weird about this.

My thoughts flash back to what happened in the bookstore.

The storage-room door stuck. That's what old wooden doors do.