Page 321 of Trick or Stalk

“That sounds suspiciously like a loophole.”

“It isn't.”

“How long?”

“Twenty-three minutes.”

I blink. “Twenty-three fucking minutes?”

“Yes.”

“You're insane.”

“Yes.”

“It's freezing.”

“It is.”

“You could've come inside.”

“I wanted this.”

I shake my head. “Psychopath.”

His head tilts again. “Little bookworm.”

My stomach flips.

I step closer. “You know, this isn't very scary anymore.”

“No?”

“No.”

“That's disappointing.”

“Maybe you're losing your touch.”

He goes very still.

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.

I probably shouldn't antagonize the masked stalker.

Except—

Why not?

I take one slow step backward.

He follows the movement.

Another.

Something changes in the air.

“How much of a head start?”