Page 135 of Trick or Stalk

I settle beneath the blanket and pull her against me.

For the next two hours, nobody gets stabbed.

Nobody gets murdered.

Or lurks outside a window.

Or wears a mask.

It's wonderful.

The credits roll sometime after eleven.

I yawn and stretch. “Bedtime.”

Penny jumps down.

I turn off the television, make sure the fire has burned down safely, then switch off the lamp.

Penny heads toward the stairs.

I follow.

Halfway across the foyer, I stop.

My gaze moves to the front door. I already locked it. I know I did.

But I feel the urge to check it anyway.

Penny starts up the stairs.

“Keep going. I'm just double-checking the lock.”

She stops.

“Go on. It’s okay.”

Penny looks at me for another second before continuing.

I walk toward the door, grab the knob, and turn it.

It’s locked.

Just as I thought.

“See? You’re being silly.”

I reach for the light switch—and freeze.

Movement catches my eye.

My hand remains suspended beside the switch as I blink at the window.

Something is outside.

No.

Someone.