Page 36 of Trick or Stalk

I turn away.

Find something else to do.

I tighten a cabinet hinge that doesn't need tightening.

Check the new front lock. Then the back one.

Wilder is watching television.

He glances at me when I grab my jacket. “Where are you going?”

“Out.”

“That's descriptive.”

“I’m going for a walk.”

His eyebrows raise. “It’s almost dark.”

I shrug. “Yeah.”

He looks toward the window, then back at me. “Serial killer.”

“Fuck you.”

His laughter follows me outside.

Cold autumn air fills my lungs. I shove my hands into my pockets and head around the cabin.

I don't need to turn on the flashlight in my pocket. Not yet.

I find the trail easily.

Yesterday, I followed a barking dog.

Tonight, I know exactly where I'm going.

Leaves crunch beneath my boots as I move through the woods. The sky darkens above the trees.

By the time the Victorian appears through the branches, lights glow from several windows.

I stand in the woods, waiting.

When darkness covers the area, I head to the same place as last night.

She walks past the window.

Relief hits me. She’s home.

The reaction irritates me.

I lean against the tree.

She moves around the living room.

Something has changed.

I study the windows, then realize what it is. Halloween decorations.