Page 54 of Trick or Stalk

My gaze snaps toward it.

I hurry over, Penny following at my heels, and try the knob.

It’s locked.

I unlock it and push the door open. Nothing looks disturbed inside.

I step into the foyer. “Hello?”

Silence.

Why the hell did I say that?

If someone answers, I'm moving. Immediately. Possibly to another country.

Penny moves past me and heads into the living room, grabbing her toy.

No growling.

No barking.

Nothing unusual.

My shoulders relax.

I step into the living room and look around. The house looks exactly as I left it. Blanket still on the couch. Remote on the coffee table.

I turn and head into the kitchen.

My mug is in the sink. The little construction-paper ghost is still on the refrigerator.

Nothing is missing or out of place.

I check the back door. It’s still locked.

So are the windows.

Everything is fine.

I join Penny in the living room.

“This is stupid.”

Penny moves in front of me, her plush bat hanging from her mouth.

“Someone didn't trespass to straighten a Halloween decoration.”

The absurdity of saying it aloud makes me laugh. A nervous laugh, but still.

“That would be the weirdest burglar ever.”

Penny's head tilts.

“Very considerate, though.”

Her tail taps the floor as she moves in front of the fireplace and lies down on her belly, her back feet kicked out.

“Maybe next time he or she can clean the gutters.”