Page 38 of Trick or Stalk

I'm doing it again. Watching a woman I've never met through the windows of her house.

Except tonight is different.

Yesterday, I found her by accident.

Tonight, I came looking.

I stare through the window at the woman who has no idea I exist.

Tomorrow, I'll learn her name.

CHAPTER 8

Presley

I stare at the bookstore through my windshield.

“Well, Penny. Here we go.”

She stands with her front paws against the passenger-side door, staring out the window.

“You’re staying here.”

Her head snaps toward me. The betrayal in her eyes is immediate.

“I’m going inside for paperwork. You’ll survive.”

She sits up like a prairie dog, her little front paw extended like she wants me to shake it.

“Don’t do that.”

Her ears droop.

“I said don’t.”

She sits there, unmoving. Her eyes plead with mine.

“Emotional manipulation worked yesterday. It’s not working today.”

A tiny whine escapes her.

“Fine. I’ll ask if you can come in.”

Her tail begins wagging.

“You’re terrifyingly good at that.”

I climb out and walk around to the passenger side.

A few minutes later, Penny and I cross the sidewalk toward The Crooked Spine.

The bookstore occupies one of the oldest buildings in downtown Hollow Creek. Dark brick. Tall windows. A faded wooden sign hangs above the entrance with gold letters spelling out the name.

Books fill the front window alongside pumpkins, black candles, orange lights, and a small skeleton sitting in an armchair with an open paperback resting across its lap. Someone has placed reading glasses on its face.

I smile. “Okay. I really love this place.”

Penny looks up at me.