Page 152 of Trick or Stalk

“You brought up Hades.”

“You said he opened the door.” She stares at me. “And then?”

“And then nothing.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Seriously.”

Her grin widens.

I point at the sign. “Pumpkin carving, huh?”

“Oh, now you want to discuss that.”

“Yes.”

“Fine.” She gestures toward Walter and Penny. “These two can stay here with me.”

I look down.

Penny is currently trying to shove her head beneath Walter’s ear. Walter just stands there, appearing resigned to his fate.

“You’re working tonight.”

“Until eight. The carving starts at five. Vendors, food, music. They close off half the street.”

“I don’t know.”

“You like Halloween.”

“I do.”

“You like pumpkins.”

“Yes.”

“You like food.”

“That’s offensive.”

“Accurate.”

I sigh.

Gracie leans across the counter. “Go. Have fun for a few hours.”

My gaze drops to Penny. She looks perfectly content.

Maybe Gracie is right. Sitting alone in Grandma’s house tonight sounds considerably less appealing than it did twenty-four hours ago.

“Fine.”

Gracie beams.

“But if I carve the ugliest pumpkin there, I’m blaming you.”

“Deal.”