Page 56 of Trick or Stalk

Nothing moves.

Still, I close the curtains.

Just in case.

CHAPTER 11

Presley

I stare at my reflection in the mirror. “You look like someone who works in a bookstore.”

Penny is reflected behind me on the bed.

“You don't agree?”

Her head tilts.

“Rude.”

I turn sideways and study my outfit. Black leggings. An oversized rust-colored sweater that falls off one shoulder. Brown ankle boots.

Comfortable. Cute. Appropriately autumn.

And most importantly, nothing I can easily trip over. I've learned things over the years.

Penny jumps off the bed. She's wearing a little orange sweater. Very festive.

“You're trying to upstage me, aren’t you?”

Her tail wags.

“I knew it.”

I grab my bag and follow her downstairs.

Morning sunlight pours through the windows, making the house feel entirely different than it did last night. In the daylight, it feels safe and normal.

I deliberately don't look toward the ghost when I step onto the porch.

I make it halfway down the steps, then glance over. The ghost is still straight.

Dammit, I looked.

Penny reaches the bottom and turns back to me.

I’m standing there, gripping the railing. “It was the wind.”

The explanation hasn't improved overnight.

I practically run to my car with Penny on the leash beside me.

Today is my first day at The Crooked Spine.

I'm not letting a Halloween decoration ruin it.

The bell over the bookstore door chimes when I walk inside.

Margaret looks up from behind the counter. “Good. You're early.”