Page 77 of Trick or Stalk

Wilder would have something to say. He’d probably accuse me of lurking behind a tree like a serial killer.

Which I am.

Except I only kill those who deserve it.

I lean against the trunk and look toward the Victorian.

It's still light enough to see the Halloween decorations covering the porch. The ghosts sway in the breeze. Including the one I straightened.

Movement catches my attention.

Presley flips a light on, then heads toward the back door.

Everything inside me sharpens at the sight of her.

I make my way around the property.

By the time I can see the back of the house, Presley is standing on the porch in front of the back door.

Penny stands inside, watching her.

Presley gives the rug a good shake. Dust and a few leaves scatter into the air.

Penny takes one step forward.

Presley points at her. “Stay.”

The little dog freezes with one paw raised.

My mouth twitches.

“Good girl.”

Penny lowers her paw.

Presley tosses the old one aside, then reaches for the rolled one she brought outside.

She gives it a shake. The rug unrolls. Orange pumpkins cover a black background, with little white ghosts floating between them.

I stare at it.

It's fucking hideous.

Presley apparently disagrees.

She beams. “I know I didn’t need it.”

Penny's tail wags.

“But I saw it through the window of that craft store we passed on the way home and I couldn’t resist.”

She lowers the rug to the porch. “I mean, look at it.”

I am. Still hideous.

Presley smooths her hands over it. “I really like it.”

Something tightens in my chest.