Page 183 of Trick or Stalk

I turn and run.

Margaret’s office sits at the back. Used inventory fills several shelves, and beyond them is a cozy little reading area with two oversized chairs, an ancient loveseat, and a wide window overlooking the square.

The window.

People.

I race toward it.

Halloween Week glows beneath me. Orange and purple lights brighten the night. People in costumes roam around the streets. Halloween music blares from speakers running downtown. I see the dog festivities farther down the square.

Gracie is somewhere out there with Penny and Walter.

I reach for the window⁠—

Right as an arm wraps around my waist.

A scream tears from my throat as I'm yanked backward.

My back slams into a hard chest.

“No!”

I drive my elbow behind me.

He grunts.

Good.

I do it again.

His arm tightens around me.

I stomp on his boot. “Let me go!”

He does.

The sudden freedom throws me off balance. His hands catch my upper arms before I fall, then release me again.

I spin around.

He's standing directly in front of me.

I stumble backward until my hips hit the edge of the window seat.

He remains still, staring at me.

My chest heaves.

His doesn't.

Bastard.

I stare at that horrible bone-white mask.

Then my gaze drops to the black clothing covering every inch of him. His hands hang loosely by his sides.

“You chased me.”