{"title":"Bundle Deals","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"nightterrors1-3","title":"Night Terrors Vol. 1-3: The Ultimate Nightmare Collection","description":"\u003ch2\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1TQ7JnYxxLDqm9r9hfkjNFD23Ps3TDt7Z\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003eIt’s prime time for terror....\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’re all afraid of things that go bump in the night. Shadows in the graveyard, wind moaning through the trees, a creaking door in a sinister old house. There are things hiding in the darkness. And sometimes, what you can’t see can definitely hurt you....\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScare Street is proud to present Night Terrors: Volumes one to three in a single collection. A menagerie of macabre nightmares, featuring 39 tales of supernatural horror for your listening pleasure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrepare yourself for an onslaught of fear and terror unlike any other. Because, when this many nightmares come together to stalk you through the shadows, the light of day seems like a distant memory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the darkness of night may never end.... \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e21 hours and 48 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eJuly 10, 2022\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Old Man’s Neighbor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBy Gordon Dunleavy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey Margie,” Morris, a thin-framed man residing on the back eighth of the bell curve of life, calls to his wife who’s having a snack in the kitchen. “The new neighbor is moving in. You care to watch with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, thank you, honey.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You suppose this one will stay more than a week?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I doubt it, Morry. The last ones didn’t even stay the night.” Marge is ten years Morris’ junior, but anyone who’s met them would tell you it’s got to be at least thirty. Marge has Top Ramen hair and a way about her that makes anyone around her feel special. Morris is always impressed with how she carries herself, both in life and when she walks. Even sitting in a recliner, you can tell she has perfect posture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe U-Haul truck beeps as it backs into the driveway next to Morris’. The old man watches, rocking in his chair. The Monday newspaper in his hands goes unread due to the orange and white truck distraction. He pushes his glasses down his nose to inspect the goings-on. The porch boards creak below him as his blue house with the blue door stands behind him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNeighbors have come and gone over the last forty-odd years. Most have stayed for ten years at a time, but over the last year, none have stayed for more than a month, and more than a handful have left overnight in the predawn hours of the morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHere today, gone tomorrow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMorris has always done the neighborly thing by introducing himself and the love of his life, Marge, for the past six decades to all the newcomers. He always tells them all about the great nearby restaurants over a batch of his family-famous macaroons he has baked for them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarge has stopped the visits nine neighbors ago.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMorris has stopped after six.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen the last three he’s introduced himself to leaves without so much as a head-nod goodbye, Marge tells him to give the new neighbors time to settle before introducing them to the community.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If they last three months,” Morris tells Marge after a neighbor leaving overnight has gotten him riled up, “then I’ll do my due diligence as the community leader. But if they don’t last that long, then I’ll save my time and cholesterol from all those extra macaroons I will make for us.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMorris has watched thirty-two neighbors come and go in the last two years. His macaroons have never left the kitchen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis neighbor is different. There’s something about him that makes Morris think he’ll break the curse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe man sits alone in the truck, nobody there to help him. There are no kids running around yelling, no old friends in athletic shorts and white t-shirts helping with the heavy things. There’s only the driver who sits like a gargoyle in the cab of a truck that’s big enough to hold the contents of a three-bedroom house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMorris never makes eye contact with the man behind the wheel, he can’t. He wants to, but the man won’t take his eyes off the nothingness he’s staring at. The welcome-to-the-neighborhood wave Morris holds at the ready goes unused.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe early-evening breeze cools Morris’ glistening forehead. He goes back to reading his newspaper on the porch when the man finally gets out of his truck and begins unloading. Morris wants to keep watching his new neighbor and catches his eye for a quick hello, but with the truck butting up against the garage, Morris can only listen to the new neighbor moving their things inside.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Morry?” Marge calls from the living room through the screened window. “What’s got you out there on the porch so long? Don’t think anything in that paper can be that gripping. Come back inside and join me for a while.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ll be in soon. Just trying to figure out if the new neighbor is good people or not.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You and those neighbors, Morry. You might be a little obsessed.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just concerned is all, honey.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs the day moves on, the rocking chair rocks slower and slower as Morris’ head bobs with tiredness. The newspaper falls to his lap when the steady, even breaths of sleep take over. He’s almost all the way under until he jolts awake from the noise of the sliding back door of the moving truck slamming shut, and the lock thunking home into the latch. The paper he’s been reading falls to the boards of his porch. His heart beats faster than it has had in thirty years, and the sweat that has been whisked away from the crisp breeze appears once more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen Morris’ mind catches up to reality, the big truck is still parked in the driveway. And as still as a statue, the neighbor sits in the same spot Morris has last seen him. Though this time he stares, not at the nothingness, but directly into Morris’ eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHow long has he been staring at me? Morris isn’t sure if he wants his question answered because seeing the man’s face straight on has him worried for both of their souls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe skin on Morris’ body shrinks with gooseflesh as the glare from the neighbor refuses to relent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOOL AIR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBY PETER CRONSBERRY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEvelyn Holmes worked the crevice in her forehead the way a kid picked away at a scab. This wrinkle was so deep, a mother spider could have laid eggs in it. Or so she thought.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I may be seventy-five, but I’m not going to look seventy-five,” she rasped out at her reflection in her bathroom’s medicine-cabinet mirror.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith gnarled fingers, she gripped the basin as tight as her late husband, George, gripped the steering wheel before he crashed their car and killed himself. Heart attack. Dead before his car hit the bridge abutment. Those business trips all over the country she thought he was on? Casino slot machines had never lost their appetites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe downtown life and that three-thousand-square-foot condo in swish Lincoln Park was in Evelyn’s rearview mirror. She’s been a midtown gal for a few years, now. She’d shared a second-floor rental apartment with a mouse that played hide-and-seek, where paint had curled in hard-to-reach places, where the mechanical groans of her fridge signaled it had reached its best-before date, and where central air had been nothing but a pipedream—cruel punishment on a July day, where a breeze felt like a blast from a hairdryer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe held dear her photos, memories, the illusions of yesteryear’s marriage, and some newly-made friends who knew more about the treasures found in thrift stores than the contents that once filled her Gucci handbag. Strange as it seemed, she accepted her circumstances, part of which would change when she heard the eventual snap of the mousetrap.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEvelyn was always a people person. Her bird’s-eye view of the street directly below was home to a dry-cleaner’s, a fabric shop, and a health food store that cozied up to a gym where she admired the svelte and the chiseled as they came and went through its front entrance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHer pension check covered the rent. There was enough money to put food on her table, buy the yarn for her knitting and the crossword-puzzle books she hoped would keep her mind sharp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut way back when she turned fifty, thoughts of trying to keep Death’s bony hand off her shoulder always filled her head. Now, when she went to the druggist’s for her prescription, she bought what her budget allowed in the way of lotions, potions, ointments, and herbal remedies as she tried to keep her appearance. Too bad that gravity and the calendar had other plans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTo Evelyn, getting old had as much appeal as curdled milk. And as George’s car barreled at a hundred clicks toward that bridge with one hand clutching his chest, she had her hand on the telephone to call Dr. Wilcox, who she’d heard seemed to work miracles with injections, but indecision stopped her dead in her own tracks, so to speak. She also believed in luck, and if there was a pocket in any of her garments, a penny was surely tucked inside. Why, there wasn’t a table, nightstand, bookstand, or countertop in her apartment that wasn’t topped with an acorn or dice or even a wee figurine of an elephant she’d saved from a box of Red Rose tea. All were feel-good objects that helped her cope in the down-market life that defined her days on this rock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSo, there she was, dressed in a white, floral sundress, big sunglasses that shielded her baby blues and her pumps that cushioned her tender tootsies as she strolled along a sidewalk of an old part of downtown where dollar stores, burger joints, and supposed antique stores studded the streetscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe called it luck that she happened upon one of those supposed antique stores. She sidestepped a fallen bird’s nest and cast her eyes up above a mud-colored wooden door and read the paint-chipped wooden sign: Uncle Odds Emporium of Curios and Antiques. Then she looked at the front window of the place, and when she saw a mannequin of a faceless magician, a mottled, slab tombstone, and even a model crypt with a pair of hands that grabbed on to barred doors—from the inside—she knew she had found something special. Intrigue grabbed her by the throat, and she pushed against the door that screamed against warped wooden floorboards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce inside, she was greeted with a scratchy-sounding, “hullo” from the back of the place. She walked over to the front of a broken-tiled aisle and discovered what was behind the disembodied voice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":46616642224407,"sku":"NT1-3","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":46616642257175,"sku":"NT1-3E","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/NT_Bundle_1-3.png?v=1695347817"},{"product_id":"nightterrors4-6","title":"Night Terrors Vol. 4-6: The Ultimate Nightmare Collection","description":"\u003ch2\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1EOidGp5OhkO03_4UbSo85ZqlAvm2AYyn\/preview\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNights of terror that never end…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hands of the clock freeze at midnight, and the witching hour is upon you. Demons shriek in the shadows, and the wind groans through the halls of a haunted mansion. The shadow of death looms over you, and you feel a chill creeping down your spine…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScare Street is proud to present Night Terrors volumes 4 - 6 in a single collection. A ghoulish gathering of diabolical delights, featuring 43 tales of supernatural horror for your reading pleasure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvil children, cursed machines, sinister motels… Each nightmare is more terrifying than the last. You look out the window, praying to see a ray of sunshine, or a distant light on the horizon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut instead there is only the endless darkness of night. And this time, the dawn won’t be coming to save you…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e21 hours and 37 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eJuly 10, 2022\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDown the Stairs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBy Lewis Brett Smiler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEver since Frank and Judy bought the old Victorian mansion, locals had been reminding them that their home was cursed. During the past century, the mansion had been owned by five different families, and they were all victims of burglary. Legend had it that the owners’ valuables would mysteriously disappear without any sign of a break-in. It was as if the mansion itself had swallowed up their belongings. Yet, Frank and Judy had owned the mansion for eleven years and never had one valuable disappear. Judy once lost her keys, and Frank would occasionally lose a sock, but nothing of great importance ever vanished. Frank often joked that he had broken the curse although the locals were not convinced. They continued to insist that anyone who lived in the mansion would sooner or later lose their most valuable treasures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrank and Judy would be spending two years in Japan on business. It would be two years away from their Queen Anne mansion, but they were not going to leave their home unsupervised. Steve, Frank’s best friend since fifth grade, agreed to stay there as the house sitter. He promised that nothing in the mansion would vanish under his watch, but Frank was not the least bit concerned. He and Judy had many wealthy friends whom they played golf and dined with. Yet, when it came to watching their valuables, there was nobody whom they trusted more than Steve. Shortly after moving into the mansion, Steve would hear continual reminders from the locals about its supposed curse. He could not help feeling amused as his life already seemed cursed. The 45-year-old was laid off from his job, his wife had abandoned him, his young daughter barely knew who he was, and his bills were piling up. What could the mansion take from Steve? He had already lost everything that was important. Well, almost everything. He still had his friends Frank and Judy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe couple offered to pay Steve to watch the mansion, but he would not hear of it. As bad as his finances were, he still had his pride. Frank and Judy were the ones doing him the big favor by letting him stay in their home rent-free. Steve told himself that this arrangement was only temporary. Sooner or later, he would have a job again and get back on his feet. The important thing was to be persistent and not give up. Steve was still the master of his own destiny, and no economic forces were going to bring him down.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter spending a few months in the mansion, Steve was feeling very frustrated. Try as he might, he was unable to find a new job. He had sent his résumé out to several employers, but he was lucky to get even one interview. Always supportive, Frank regularly called to check on him. He would ask Steve if he had witnessed any supernatural activity yet, but the question was obviously in jest. At times, Steve wished that the home really were haunted. It would offer some relief from the daily monotony. There was an old sycamore tree in the backyard. One of the neighbors had informed Steve that the tree looked to be dying, and there was a risk it might fall. After consulting with Frank and Judy, Steve contacted a tree service to have the sycamore removed. For one day, Steve had a little excitement watching the tree specialists at work. However, he knew that once they were done, his boring life would resume. At least that was what Steve was expecting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOne of the workers found a wooden box buried near the roots of the tree. Steve opened the box and found a key inside it. It was a vintage key, probably dating back to when the mansion was first built. How long was it buried in the yard? What was it for? Judy had mentioned that many of the mansion’s original locks had been replaced over the years. The key could easily have been for a lock that no longer existed. Steve assumed that was probably the case. Nevertheless, there might still be a few original locks left in the mansion. Steve tried the key in every single lock but to no avail. Why was he wasting his time? Still, he could not help feeling intrigued by the key. Why did someone bury it in the backyard? Was there something the person was trying to hide?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Fish’r Men\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBy David Turton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat in the name of God d’ya wanna go there for?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe landlord leaned away from the bar as he spoke as if to flinch from an unseen assailant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI swigged my ale and grinned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m a writer,” I replied, wiping the froth from my lips. “More specifically, I compile the Great British Fish n’ Chips Almanac. I keep my ear to the ground, and I heard someone—a reliable source—say that’s where they did the best fish n’ chips he’d ever tasted. In a tiny inn on Asunder Island.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Never heard anybody say that mind,” the landlord scoffed. “There’s not much there, y’know? Why don’t I rustle up some fish n’ chips, and we’ll see if that makes it into your annual?” “Almanac,” I corrected. “And I’m sorry, but I always take tips from this source. I need to visit the island. I’ve come a long way.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ll draw a map for yer, but ye’ll regret it. No one ever goes out there anymore. Strange folk down there. I s’pose ye’ll find out for yerself if you take a wander down the cliffs. Now, think here, ask yourself this… is yer source a friend or a foe?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI rubbed my eyes as the landlord walked behind the bar and out of sight. Of course, the source was a friend. Why would he stitch me up? Steve Burley was a chef, a trusted pal for over a year. He’d given me a hot tip in South Devon that turned out to be the best fish n’ chips I’d ever tasted. And now, this recommendation, up to an area I’d seldom been. It had taken me a full day of train travel to reach the Northumberland coast in the wild upper reaches of North East England, and I was getting tired. I’d been busy compiling the fourth edition of the almanac, the 1911 issue, for the past three months. I loved the job, the traveling, the writing, the exploring. Fish n’ chips, the British staple. And my almanac was selling almost as much as that glorious dish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy trips mainly took me to secluded coastal locations, generally the fresher the fish, the better it tasted. But fishing villages were unfriendly, edgy places at the best of times. Gruff locals whose accents I rarely understood. Tough men as rugged as the rocky shores where they made their living.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Here ye go,” said the landlord, returning with a ragged piece of paper. He’d crudely drawn a map in thick lines of pencil. “Walk half a mile from here, toward the sea. When ye come to the cliff top, look for a path. It’s steep, mind, but ye should be able to get down if ye lower yerself. Crawl on yer back if needs be.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI nodded and gestured for him to continue. The landlord traced a stubby, tar-blackened finger across the map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“When ye reach the shore, there’s a path to the island. If ye dinnit see it, wait an hour or two.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI squinted at him. “A path? To the island? So, it’s not a proper island?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Aye and no. If ye dinnit see the path, wait.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Isn’t there a boat I can catch?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, ye can take a boat,” the landlord replied, an eyebrow raised and the beginnings of a smirk growing from the corner of his mouth, “if ye wanna drown, that is.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI laughed and took the scrap of paper. This was turning out to be an interesting trip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ye won’t find it so funny when yer there, son,” the landlord warned, his smile vanished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Rough place is it? Don’t worry, I’ve visited a few parochial, unwelcoming fishing places in the past, my friend.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ye could say that,” the landlord replied, rubbing his chin. “Last warning, don’t go. However nice those fish n’ chips are, I can’t think they’d be worth a trip to the armpit of nowhere.” “What’ve you got against the place?” I asked. “Honestly?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe landlord’s face seemed to darken a little as the light dwindled outside. “Nowt, I can explain. Go down there, ye’ll see. And then ye’ll wish ye followed me advice.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":46617035505943,"sku":"NT4-6","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":46617035538711,"sku":"NT4-6E","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/NT_Bundle_4-6.png?v=1695347313"},{"product_id":"nightterrors7-9","title":"Night Terrors Vol. 7-9: The Ultimate Nightmare Collection","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/15ReG2_lg3Hp6PypxuBSnAfXgT2AQ-eP0\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold\"\u003ePrepare to face the darkest night of all.... \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSomething sinister lurks in the fog. It hides in the night, but you can feel it watching, waiting, following your every move. You run, fleeing through the dark, empty streets, desperate to escape. But deep down you know the truth. Sooner or later, your greatest fears will find you....\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScare Street is proud to present Night Terrors volumes seven to nine in a single collection. A bone-chilling anthology of fiendish fiction, featuring 41 terrifying tales for your listening pleasure. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHaunted houses, vicious killers, insane horrors from beyond... Every nightmare you’ve ever had hunts you through the shadows. You run faster, hoping to find a friendly soul, someone who can show you the way out. But instead, the walls and alleys seem to close in around you. You pound your fists against a cold brick wall, but it’s too late. You’re trapped. You’ve finally come to a dead end. And now, there’s nothing left to do but scream....\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e21 hours and 37 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eJohnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eDecember 9, 2016\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Sinking Feeling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBy Warren Benedetto\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How long before help comes?” Andrei asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe two of us were sitting on a sodden mattress that was semi-submerged under the water. It wasn’t exactly a life raft, but it was buoyant enough to keep us somewhat dry. Without the mattress, we’d be in the water up to our necks. With it, the water was only up to our ribs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI glanced at Andrei. Wet hair stuck to his face in thick, matted strips that looked like rotting seaweed. Beads of water clung to his spiny, rust-colored beard. The chattering of his teeth reminded me of the clicking of Scrabble tiles in a velvet bag.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” I replied. “A few hours? They’ll probably need to wait until the sun is up.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“But they’ll come, right?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI nodded. “They’ll come.” I tried to sound more certain than I was.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe ship had an emergency beacon, that much I knew. When triggered, it was supposed to send a distress signal, along with GPS coordinates and a bunch of other data that could be used to help locate the damaged vessel. If it worked, help should be on the way. If it worked. In the meantime, we were on our own.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI have no idea what hit us. We were asleep when it happened. Both of us were thrown from our bunks, sliding across the suddenly slanted floor and crashing painfully into the opposite wall. I managed to stand and stumble over piles of fallen debris toward the cabin door. Before opening it, I paused to peer through the peephole into the hallway. It was a good thing I did. Otherwise, we’d be dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAn irregular gash, maybe 15 feet long, was gouged through the hull right outside our cabin. A torrent of water the color of graphite foamed in through the breach, transforming the narrow hallway into rapids that roared angrily toward the front of the ship. My stomach cartwheeled when I saw it. The ship was nose-down. It was taking on water at an incredible rate. That could mean only one thing: we were sinking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe descent was quick. At first, I could hear the screams of others in my crew echoing through the ship, overlapping with the sounds of rushing water and rending metal. Some were begging for help. Others seemed to be praying. Others wailed inconsolably. Then, one by one, each of them fell silent. Even after the screams ended, there was still some banging, metal on metal, as if someone was hitting a wrench against a pipe. The pattern was unmistakable: S-O-S. Soon, that, too, subsided, growing weaker and weaker until it tapered off to nothing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAndrei and I called for help until our voices were raw. After a while, we lapsed into silence as well. There was no use wasting our breath. We were too far gone. We both sat quietly on the crooked floor, each of us lost in our thoughts, waiting for the end to come.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI mostly thought about my mother. She was an addict who used to go missing for days on end, taking off with whoever was supplying drugs to her at the time. She’d stumble home for a few days, burn a quesadilla or two in a halfhearted attempt at mothering, then disappear again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNighttime was the worst. I’d sit in the dark for hours, huddled on the filthy mattress in our tiny one-room apartment, waiting for her to return. I always left the door unlocked in case she forgot to bring her keys. As I grew older, her absences grew longer. Hours turned to days, and days turned into weeks. Eventually, I started locking the door again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA few months after I last saw her, I found out she had OD’d in a hotel room in Arizona, 350 miles from home. The police found her with a needle in her arm and a baby in her belly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI was twelve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI guess my mind went there because it was the last time that I remember feeling so scared and alone. I had the same sense of being completely powerless. There were no good options. No good outcomes. No matter what I might do, I was doomed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe funny thing is, I was wrong about that. I turned out all right. I moved in with my grandmother, finished high school, took some community college classes, and ultimately ended up finding a life as a ship’s cook.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI knew being at sea was risky. Intellectually, that made sense. But I never felt like I was really in danger. There were some close calls, sure, some wicked storms that made me puke on my shoes, but I always felt like, ultimately, everything was under control. Until we sank, that is.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen the ship hit bottom, I was sure I was dead. The hull let out a mournful groan that sounded like a whale song. Then, there was a series of bangs, one after the other, like a ten-car pileup on the freeway. A second later, the whole room turned upside down, sending Andrei and me tumbling ass over elbows. It was like being in a snow globe thrown from an airplane.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Metamorphosis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBy Angelique Fawns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeth hesitated before tossing the knife into the suitcase lying open on his antique mahogany four-poster bed. The ornate hunting blade with lamprey eels carved into the wood handle fell squarely in the middle of the overflowing clothes. The artist’s rendition of the jawless fish looked like Stephen King’s version of a leech. Many-toothed monsters. Oil lamps cast a dim light on the sweaters, shorts, t-shirts, and boxers in the well-worn leather luggage. The black bag was enormous, covered in travel stickers from farm shows all over North America, and holding up well for a 50-year-old item. He needed the space for his size 46 pants and XXXL shirts. What was he supposed to pack for an experimental medical treatment?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Better to overpack than wish you’d brought your favorite sweats, eh Charlie?” Seth asked the miniature pig lying on the dog bed in the corner of his bedroom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe’d inherited the knife, the suitcase, and an aggressive form of diabetes from his recently deceased father. Charlie squealed when he zipped the bag shut.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You can’t come little pig, but no worries, I got you a hog sitter.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe picked up a small morsel of chocolate on his bedside table and tossed it to her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I was saving this for a late-night snack, but if I’m serious about kicking this diabetes, I got to kick the sweet treats first.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCharlie’s pink tongue snagged the chocolate. Seth painfully shrugged off his overalls and forced his swollen fingers to undo the snaps on his plaid shirt. He looked at the cornucopia of drugs on his bedside table. Aleve, Advil, Tylenol, CBD oil, even a tab or two of Oxy. He dry-swallowed an Advil and climbed into bed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Time for some shut-eye, pretty pig.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis potbellied pet laid her head down and gave a contented grunt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If this treatment works, Charlie, you and I can start jogging together. We could both use more exercise.” The pig was already fast asleep, her jowls vibrating as she snored.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeth was too nervous to fall asleep. He ran his hands over his belly. Gut fat on a thirty-year-old man was not healthy, even though he hid it pretty well on his six-feet four-inch frame. A year ago, he had moved back to the farm when his Dad died unexpectedly. His Mom had already been gone for years. Someone had to run the piggery farm. But when the time came to send the fattened pork “to market”, Seth couldn’t bring himself to slaughter any of them. The intelligence in their eyes, the way they played with each other—he half-wished he could join them and roll around ecstatically in the mud.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut what kind of pig farmer can’t kill a pig? He missed both his parents. He was annoyed he had to leave his job selling the farm’s produce at the city market, and now, he felt like a farming failure. So, he ate. And ate. And ate. He devoured everything except bacon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTrying to force himself to sleep, he mentally envisioned his pigs jumping one by one over a hay bale. There were fifty pigs on his farm, and he was busy naming them all.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Jump, Esmerelda! Okay, Notorious P.I.G., you’re up. Over you go, Bertha, you need more speed to clear that hay,” Seth mumbled until he was snoring like Charlie.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe next morning, Dolores, his closest neighbor on their remote country road, pulled into his driveway in a beat-up Ranger 4x4. She ran a tanning and mud bath business called Sun \u0026amp; Mud. Seth had yet to see many clients, though. He had no idea how she kept it afloat. His front door banged shut.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Get outta bed, you handsome hunk of manhood! You’se got yer appointment with the diabetic doc today,” she hollered from the bottom of the stairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eScrambling out of bed, he pulled on his overalls and grabbed his suitcase. Charlie followed him down the stairs. Leaning provocatively in the doorway, Dolores was dressed in a thrift store prom dress. Pushing fifty, she wore a cheap pink wig, which matched the lace gown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you going to do farm chores dressed in that?” Seth asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ll take good care of your farm, big man. Just come back to me good ’n healthy so we can have a hot romance already.” Dolores winked one over-mascaraed eye.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe sashayed over to pick up his suitcase sitting beside the front door. Charlie trotted into the kitchen to eat breakfast out of the automatic food dispenser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you sure this doctor knows what he’s doing?” Seth asked, grabbing his wallet and keys off the antique buffet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m tellin’ ya, this healer guy works miracles! My brother had a bad case of them diabetes and he got cured up right quick. It’s a highly experimental top-secret treatment all right! You’ll be thanking me with a deep kiss when y’all get back!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":46685957456151,"sku":"NT7-9","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":46813503488279,"sku":"NT7-9E","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/NT_Bundle_7-9.png?v=1695350222"},{"product_id":"night-terrors-vol-1-9-the-ultimate-nightmare-collection","title":"Night Terrors Vol. 1-9: The Ultimate Nightmare Collection","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eGet 9 books in this amazing deal on the NIGHT TERRORS Short Horror Stories Anthology!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffff00;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eIt's the golden hour for horror...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’re all afraid of things that go bump in the night. Shadows in the graveyard, wind moaning through the trees, a creaking door in a sinister old house. There are things hiding in the darkness. And sometimes, what you can’t see can definitely hurt you....\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScare Street is proud to present Night Terrors: Volumes 1-9 in a single collection. A menagerie of macabre nightmares, featuring 123 tales and 65+ hours of supernatural horror for your reading and listening pleasure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrepare yourself for an onslaught of fear and terror unlike any other. Because, when this many nightmares come together to stalk you through the shadows, the light of day seems like a distant memory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the darkness of night may never end.... \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Absolutely loved these short stories, I kept looking over my shoulder! They must’ve been the authors’ nightmares!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I really enjoyed this anthology - it felt like fresh ideas in each story and that’s what locked me in. I like when stories make me think a little or I’m surprised at the end and this one had both assets. Highly recommend.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Okay seriously. I cannot get enough. I didn't realize I was so close to the end until it said download the next book! Read for free? I had to buy the series based off just the first book.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Offer Is Not Available Anywhere Else!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1TQ7JnYxxLDqm9r9hfkjNFD23Ps3TDt7Z\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eAudio Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e65 hours and 2 minutes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1,939 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThe Presentation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eby Tarphy W. Horn \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBy the time he reached the 22nd floor, he was feeling the effects of his lack of regular exercise. His breath came in wheezy gasps, and colored spots danced through his field of vision. His heart fluttered like the wings of a panicked bird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGulping air as he passed the 24th floor, he leaned forward and half-crawled up the stairs. When he reached the 26th floor, he wondered if he could get to his desk before he passed out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith his eyes watering and still half-shut, his rubbery legs made their way uneventfully through the office to his cubicle. He collapsed into his chair and slid immediately off the front of it. The chair rolled out from underneath him, dumping him on the floor with a graceless \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethud\u003c\/em\u003e. The remaining staples in his pants dug into his skin, and he felt tiny spots of warm blood soak into his underwear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHis computer screen showed that his presentation file was 98% loaded. Swiping at his eyes, he looked at the time on his desk phone’s LED display. It showed 9:15 AM.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThat’s simply not possible\u003c\/em\u003e, he thought. \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI’ve been in this building for at least three hours.\u003c\/em\u003e But the phone, his digital clock, and the computer system all agreed. He hadn’t even been here an \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehour\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLooking again at his expensive watch, he noticed one of the diamonds was missing from its setting. He began to laugh and found himself unable to stop. Melissa, the girl across the aisle, told him to shut up so she could concentrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Wallace! Keep it down over there!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHis supervisor appeared out of nowhere and hovered over him. Sidney began to offer a scathing reply when he noticed the title slide of his presentation appear on his computer screen. It read: “How to Increase Productivity and Avoid Wasting Time on the Clock.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe irony would have sent him into more gales of hysterical laughter, but he envisioned himself standing unprepared in front of all the suits in the boardroom and came back to his senses. His supervisor scoffed and moved on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHe scrolled through the slides, familiarizing himself with the information. “We could increase productivity by 135%, simply by stretching out the length of an hour,” he said to no one in particular. This time he couldn’t stop the fit of giggles until he heard his supervisor’s footsteps heading back toward his cubicle. He quickly cleared his throat and continued looking through the file, until the shrill ringing of his telephone interrupted him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Wallace,” he answered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA deep voice shouted, “You’re late! The Board is waiting! Get your ass down here or you’re fired!” The line went dead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“But that’s impossible!” Sidney howled, looking at the time. It read 3:02. He should’ve had hours to prepare yet. Had he fallen asleep?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNo. He hadn’t. Standing up and looking around the office, he saw everyone diligently working at their computers or talking with coworkers. Why hadn’t anyone else noticed weird things happening?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHe didn’t have the luxury of taking time to find out. Quickly, he resaved his presentation to his flash drive and raced to the boardroom. He pulled open the heavy wooden doors. Twelve sets of eyes stared at him coldly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“I, uh, apologize for my appearance. It’s been a trying day.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“You were late to work, and you were late to this meeting. What do you have to say for yourself?” demanded his boss. He put out a cigarette in the ashtray in front of him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“I’m sorry. Let me get the file upload going, so as not to waste any more of your time,” Sidney said nervously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHe dropped the flash drive on the plush red carpet, and they laughed. He felt an angry flush heat his face as he picked up the tiny device. He inserted it into the laptop on the table and opened his file. The title page of his presentation appeared on the giant screen at the head of the room. He cleared his throat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Today,” he began, “I’d like to present to you the findings of my study on how to increase productivity.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHe clicked to the first slide. Anger swelled in him as everyone in the room began to laugh again. Looking behind him, he saw that someone had tampered with his file. A gory photograph replaced the chart he’d painstakingly created.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Hey! Who changed my file?” he yelped in a high-pitched, panicked voice. “What the hell is that?” He gestured forcefully at the photo displayed on the screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Don’t you recognize it? Look more closely,” instructed a man sitting at the far end of the table. Sidney couldn’t make him out in the dim light, and he didn’t recognize his voice. He looked at the screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Oh god!” Sidney said in astonishment. “That’s the accident I saw this morning! That’s the reason I was late!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Directors laughed harder. A few laughed so hard they gasped for breath. Finally, the man shrouded in darkness spoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Wallace,” the deep voice said, “that accident is not the reason you were late. That accident is the reason you are dead.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\nvar acc = document.getElementsByClassName(\"accordion\");\nvar i;\n\nfor (i = 0; i \u003c acc.length; i++) {\n  acc[i].addEventListener(\"click\", function() {\n    this.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    var panel = this.nextElementSibling;\n    if (panel.style.maxHeight) {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = null;\n    } else {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + \"px\";\n    } \n  });\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":46798935818519,"sku":"NT1-9","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":46799020720407,"sku":"NT1-9E","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/NT_Bundle_1-9_d71eccbb-c13b-4934-9a56-76031fce7b00.png?v=1715673451"},{"product_id":"night-terrors-vol-1-6-the-mega-nightmare-collection","title":"Night Terrors Vol. 1-6: The Ultimate Nightmare Collection","description":"\u003ch2\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1TQ7JnYxxLDqm9r9hfkjNFD23Ps3TDt7Z\/preview\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffff00;\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe stage is set for shivers...\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've all experienced the eerie chill of the night - the unsettling rustle of leaves in a graveyard, the mournful howl of the wind through skeletal trees, the ominous creak of an old door in a hauntingly decrepit house. The darkness conceals unseen horrors that lurk just outside our perception, reminding us that what we can't see can, indeed, be terrifying...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScare Street is thrilled to unveil Night Terrors: Volumes 1-6 in one comprehensive collection. This anthology is a chilling carnival of spectral nightmares, offering 80+ bite-sized tales and over 40 hours of spine-chilling horror for your reading and listening indulgence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrace yourself for a fear-fest like no other. As this multitude of nightmares converge to haunt you from the shadows, the comforting glow of daylight will seem like a forgotten dream.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the face of such terror, the shroud of night may feel unending...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eAudio Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43 hours and 25 minutes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1,298 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLeftovers\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBy Warren Benedetto\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Ma, maybe you shouldn’t go out,” Yuri warned, his voice serious. “It’s too dangerous.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena made a shushing sound and waved her hand dismissively, forgetting that Yuri couldn’t see the gesture over the phone. She switched the handset to her other ear as she opened the refrigerator. It was a vintage metal icebox with rounded corners and a curved horizontal handle made of dulled chrome. Blooms of rust scarred the once-white finish. The door swung open with an anguished squeal. It was dark inside.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “I’ll be fine,” she said. “I’m just going around the corner.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The refrigerator’s wire shelves were stacked with cardboard shoeboxes and dented metal cookie tins. Elena took out one of the shoeboxes and carried it over to the kitchen table. The refrigerator door swung shut and latched with a solid clunk. It sounded more like the closing of a car door than a kitchen appliance.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Yuri tried to reason with his mother. “Why don’t you let me bring you something? I can be there in a few hours.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Oh, you’re coming to visit? Now you have time?” Elena chuckled. “I feel honored.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Come on, Ma. Don’t do that. You know how it is with work.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena sat down at the table. Wisps of her white hair caught the late afternoon sun, framing her profile in a halo of golden light. She had high cheekbones and a strong chin, with eyes that were a striking shade of pale Mediterranean blue. Her skin had the look and texture of finely wrinkled tissue paper. It slid loosely over her bony hands and arms like an old silk garment. She removed the lid of the shoe box. Inside was a kaleidoscopic array of embroidery threads in spools and bundles of every imaginable shade and color.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Have you made partner yet?” Elena asked as she dug through the box. Her tone was casual, but the question was barbed like a fishhook.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e There was a long silence before Yuri replied. “Not yet.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Mmm. Well.” Elena nodded. “Someday.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e There was another long pause. Here it comes, Elena thought.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Finally, Yuri spoke.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Promise me you’ll be careful?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e And there it is. He wasn’t coming to visit. He never had any intention of doing so. His offer was a charade, his concern merely performative. It was a little one-act he put on for his own benefit, one where he could play the role of a dutiful son, while she played her part as the disappointed-but-understanding mother. It was a familiar show, one she had seen thousands of times before. She’d had a front-row seat for years.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e She couldn’t blame him. He had his life: his apartment on Central Park West, his girlfriend from that perfume commercial on television, his job moving money from one place to another. It was a life full of opportunity, full of gallery openings and wine tastings and conversations about Michelin stars and designer clothes.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e There was no room for a lonely old woman with cracked linoleum floors and threadbare sweaters with holes in the elbows. No room for the old neighborhood. No room for the past.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena knew her son was ashamed of where he’d come from. Of who he was. Of who he still is, she thought with a hint of bitterness. No matter how much he tried to pretend that he wasn’t, like it or not, he was still her son. Her blood was his blood. It was a fact. An undeniable, inescapable fact. But she let him pretend that it wasn’t. It was easier than arguing.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Don’t worry,” she reassured him. “I’ll be careful. As always.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Good. Okay.” He sounded relieved. “And if I get off work in time…”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Of course. You’re always welcome.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “So, maybe I’ll see you.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Maybe,” she said, not believing for a second that he would come. “I’ll save you some leftovers, just in case.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e ***\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena gripped the railing as she made her way down the crumbling stairs in front of her apartment building. Broken glass crunched under her blocky, thick-soled shoes. Dumpster water trickled out of the alleys and into the gutter, leaving the air heavy with the stench of urine and rotting food. A vagrant slumped in the doorway of an abandoned storefront, a needle dangling from his arm. His soiled and sodden belongings spilled out of a torn plastic bag printed with the words THANK YOU in a garish red font.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The neighborhood was no longer the place Elena had once known it to be. It used to be a vibrant melting pot, brimming over with the sights and sounds and smells of immigrants from around the world, all striving for better lives for themselves and their families. Elena and her son had fit in well, drawing little attention despite their thick accents and unfamiliar habits. Over time, the two of them had acclimated and assimilated, adopting the language and customs of their new home, and losing most of the vestiges of the old country.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Yuri had found work, first at a local bank, then eventually making his way to the hallowed grounds of Wall Street. It was as if he had been born for the world of high finance. He was self-absorbed and selfish, with little regard for the well-being of others. He wasn’t encumbered by inconveniences like guilt or empathy. He had no conscience. He fit right in.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Before long, he was cavorting with swimsuit models half his age, parading a different one past his doorman seemingly every night as he escorted them up to his penthouse apartment. He ordered call girls like takeout, with the numbers of several local traffickers on speed dial. Discretion was paramount; money was no object. His enablers were happy to oblige.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena, meanwhile, had stayed behind, preferring the familiarity of her cramped, fifth-floor apartment to Yuri’s high-gloss, high-risk, high-rise lifestyle. Nothing much had changed with the place since she first moved in so many decades before. She had the same creaking wood floors, the same peeling, piss-yellow wallpaper, the same leak-stained ceilings. She watched the same analog TV, which still sported the same rabbit-ear antennas despite having been converted to cable years ago.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e While Elena and her apartment had remained constant, the neighborhood had crumbled around her, becoming increasingly infested with drugs, poverty, and crime. It seemed like every day, there was another report of another murder, another person gone missing. Sirens wailed at all hours of the day and night, spilling red and blue light onto the ceiling from the street below. Light posts and metal roll-top doors were wheat-pasted with homemade fliers featuring words like MISSING and IF FOUND, PLEASE CALL, right next to faded ads for HOTS GIRLS and FREE PU$$Y.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e To be fair, it had never been a paradise. There had always been danger since the day Elena and Yuri first arrived. But the danger was of a different nature back then.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e In those days, the danger lurked in the shadows. It would emerge without a sound from the darkness, then would vanish just as silently into the night. Now, the danger operated in broad daylight. It was brazen. Unafraid. It dared people to notice it. To do something about it. To stop it. But would they? Of course not. They couldn’t be bothered. Everyone was too wrapped up in their own lives. Just look at Yuri. He feigned concern, sure. But that didn’t bring him back home.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The truth was, nobody cared about each other anymore. They didn’t even know each other. Everyone was a stranger. The whole city was infected with a terrible anonymity. A plague of indifference.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Violence had lost its power to offend. Another prostitute gone missing. Another junkie drained bloodless in the gutter. Another homeless man found disemboweled in a back alley behind a Starbucks. It didn’t matter. It was background noise. Radio static. People had more important things to worry about. They had selfies to take. Photos to post. Followers to influence. They couldn’t be bothered with trivial things like murder.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e It was all fine with Elena though. She appreciated the invisibility that came with indifference. It allowed her to move unnoticed through the streets, to do what she needed to do, and then to make her way back home undisturbed. The more people ignored her, the safer she would be.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena navigated around a sleeping junkie’s filth-encrusted feet, then rounded the corner onto the main avenue. Down the street ahead of her, she noticed two young men in their early 20s lounging on a stoop next to a boarded-up pawn shop. She had seen them there before. It was their regular spot. Their place of business.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The tall one was named Afsal. He was lanky and lean, with heavy eyebrows and an unruly beard. His hair was shaved on the sides and long on top, slicked back and tied in a small, tight bun. A black Brooklyn Nets jersey with a white number 11 hung loose on his frame. He wore clean white sneakers that looked fresh out of the box.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The shorter man was Leo. His broad shoulders filled out an oversized white t-shirt that came down almost to his knees. Tattoos covered every inch of his arms, from his knuckles, up the back of his hands, over his muscled forearms, and into his sleeves. A flat-brimmed Yankees hat was pulled low over his eyes, with a pair of wraparound black sunglasses perched above the brim. As Elena approached, an emaciated twenty-something dodged his way through traffic and crossed the street to meet Leo and Afsal. The kid spoke briefly to Afsal, then slipped him a wad of cash. Afsal palmed something back to him, a tiny plastic bag of brown powder. The addict fist-bumped Afsal, then hustled off down the street.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Afsal unfolded the money he had been handed and added it to a thick roll of cash from his pocket. Elena gave a short, little sniff of dismay while she passed. Afsal heard it. He shot her a cold look. Elena quickly averted her eyes. She tightened her grip on her purse and quickened her pace.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Afsal stuffed the cash roll back in his pocket, then cupped his hand over his mouth and said something to Leo. Leo nodded. They waited until Elena was a few doors down from them, then casually fell in step behind her.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e From the moment they stepped off the stoop, Elena knew she was being followed. She could sense it.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e She cast a quick glance over her shoulder. Sure enough, Leo and Afsal were behind her. They weren’t too close, but they were close enough. And getting closer.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e As the thugs quickened their pace, Elena abruptly took a quick sidestep into an alley on her left. It was a deft move, surprisingly agile for a woman of her age.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e A few seconds later, Leo and Afsal rounded the corner into the same alley. They stopped dead in their tracks.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena was gone.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “The hell?” Leo exclaimed. “Where’d she go?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The alley was a dead end. It was empty except for a few damp cardboard boxes piled haphazardly next to the back door of a Chinese restaurant. There was a fire escape overhead, but its ladder was still retracted. There was no place for her to run. No place to hide. And yet, she was nowhere to be seen. The only evidence that she had been there at all was her purse, which lay abandoned in the middle of the alley.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “She ghosted you,” Afsal chided.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “She probably went through here,” Leo said, ignoring the dig. He tugged on the restaurant’s back door. It was locked.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Or not,” Afsal said. He laughed at Leo.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo kicked over the pile of cardboard boxes. A large rat scurried out, squealing. It ran straight up the alley wall, ascending vertically, then paused on the windowsill overlooking the fire escape. It peered down at them with its tiny black eyes, whiskers twitching.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “What’re you looking at?” Leo growled at the rat. It hissed back at him in response.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “So?” Afsal asked Leo. “What now?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo noticed Elena’s purse lying on the ground nearby. He looked at Afsal. Afsal nodded.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Do it.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo squatted down, picked up Elena’s dropped purse, and opened it.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Meanwhile, Afsal thrust his hands in his pockets and walked to the end of the alley. He meandered casually out to the sidewalk and looked both ways, checking to see if any cops or other witnesses were around. There were a few neighborhood drunks smoking cigarettes in front of the liquor store down the street. Other than that, there was nobody. Afsal popped a piece of gum in his mouth, then leaned against the wall and started scrolling through his phone, his thumb occasionally pausing to double-tap on an image of a duck-lipped girl in a lurid pose.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e In the alley, Leo shuffled through Elena’s purse. He pulled out a brown vial of pills, examined the label, then pocketed it. He found a handful of crumpled bills and pocketed those too. All six dollars’ worth.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Anything?” Afsal called, keeping his eyes on his phone.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Not much,” Leo replied. He dug to the bottom of the purse. His eyes lit up. “What’s this?” he mumbled. He pulled out a delicately embroidered silk wallet. It was closed with a loop of string around a small black bead. Leo snapped the string. The bead popped off and fell to the ground, bouncing off the concrete and into a dark, oily puddle.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo opened the wallet. Disappointment registered on his face. It was full of… photographs. Seriously? Who carries actual photographs anymore? Isn’t that what phones were for?\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo flipped through the photos. They were old. Like, really old. They looked like they had been taken with one of those antique cameras, the kind where the photographer has his head under a black sheet, with a flashbulb that pops and sizzles like a burger on a grill. The kind they have at Coney Island, where you dress up like your grandparents and pretend to be old. Old Tyme Photos, the place was called. It was stupid, but people seemed to love it. Leo had no idea why.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The woman in the photos was the same one they had followed into the alley. She looked about the same age, too. But the dress she was wearing looked like something out of a history book. She was with a guy who was maybe in his forties. He had close-cropped hair and wore a well-tailored suit with a pocket watch tucked into his vest. He was too young to be her husband unless she was some sort of sugar mama. Maybe she was. Old lady’s still getting the D, he thought, a small grin curling his lips.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo pulled the photo out of its plastic sleeve and turned it over. The words “Elena \u0026amp; Yuri 1871” were scrawled on the back in thin cursive letters. It reminded Leo of the kind of writing you’d see on the Declaration of Independence or something.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Damn, Leo thought. This lady is old as dirt. He laughed to himself, then dropped the photo into the puddle at his feet.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Just then, he heard a rustling sound overhead, like a bedsheet flapping in the wind. He looked up. His eyes went wide.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Out on the sidewalk, a gust of warm air blew out of the alley and rustled Afsal’s hair. Still looking at his phone, he called to Leo. “You almost done or what?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e There was no response.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Afsal shoved his phone back in his pocket, then turned and wandered back into the alley.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Let’s go. Speed it up.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Afsal stopped mid-chew with the gum in his mouth.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo’s Yankees hat was on the ground, upside down. It rocked gently as if it had been dropped only seconds before. Elena’s purse was next to it. Its contents were half-spilled out into a puddle. The photo wallet lay face down on the asphalt nearby.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Leo was nowhere to be seen.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Afsal turned around and looked back out toward the street, checking to see if maybe he had missed Leo walking out of the alley while he was scrolling his phone. He hadn’t.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e For the first time, Afsal noticed how much darker it seemed to have gotten all of a sudden. The sun had set behind the buildings, leaving the alley deep in shadows.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Leo!” he called. “Where’d you go?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e He tugged at the door to the Chinese restaurant. It was still locked.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e He walked over to where Leo’s hat had fallen and picked it up. He turned it over, looked inside, then turned it over again.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e This is some Bermuda triangle bullshit, he thought.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Yo, Leo, we gotta go!” Afsal shouted. His voice echoed off the alley walls. “Come on, I’m hungry!” He listened for a response.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Nothing.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “All right,” he called. “I’m out. Leaving your hat, though.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e He dropped Leo’s hat on the ground where he found it. As he turned to leave, something wet dripped onto his face. It hit him above his eye, ran over his eyebrow, then splashed onto his clean white sneakers.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e His first thought was Bird shit. Then, he looked down at his Nikes. They were splattered with dark crimson.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e It wasn’t bird shit.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e It was blood.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Ugh, what the—” Afsal scooped the blood from his eye and wiped it reflexively on his Nets jersey, smearing it across the white number 11. Then, he looked up to see where it had come from. On the fire escape above, a dozen feet or more overhead, Leo was sprawled on his back. Wide blossoms of blood were spreading across the back of his white t-shirt, merging together into a single enormous stain. One of his arms dangled loosely over the edge. A stream of blood ran down its length and drizzled from the tips of his fingers. More blood poured through the black iron grate of the fire escape floor, raining down in long, elastic drops. It pattered softly onto the cardboard boxes below.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elena was perched on top of Leo’s body in a deep squat. Her bony knees were flared out on either side of her shoulders. Her head was lowered near Leo’s chest, out of sight. Leo’s body twitched and jerked as Elena tugged at his torso, doing something Afsal couldn’t see from his angle below. He could hear it though: a wet, squelching sound that reminded him of his pit bull sloppily gobbling down a bowl of canned dog food.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e “Jesus,” Afsal blurted out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\nvar acc = document.getElementsByClassName(\"accordion\");\nvar i;\n\nfor (i = 0; i \u003c acc.length; i++) {\n  acc[i].addEventListener(\"click\", function() {\n    this.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    var panel = this.nextElementSibling;\n    if (panel.style.maxHeight) {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = null;\n    } else {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + \"px\";\n    } \n  });\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":46817990213911,"sku":"NT1-6","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":46817990246679,"sku":"NT1-6E","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/NT_Bundle_1-6.png?v=1695371996"},{"product_id":"bss","title":"The Complete Berkley Street Saga: 9 Books of Action-Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/13vtVTu9S9E8Z9q51E-WL7lDwQlWeRpll\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGet 9 horror-packed books, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn abandoned house. A forgotten evil. Home sweet home...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShane Ryan returns to his hometown of Nashua, and the childhood memories that have haunted him throughout his life. Something sinister prowls the shadows of his family home. And darkness threatens to destroy all he holds dear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty years ago, the dark force took Shane's family. They vanished within the halls of their shadowy old house. Now, more relatives have gone missing. But a childhood memory stirs in his mind - a long-forgotten encounter with a sinister presence that has always lurked just out of sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo confront this malevolent evil, Shane must peel back the secrets of his former home. His investigation will take him on a journey that challenges everything he thought he knew about himself and his past. But can he banish his demons once and for all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr will the darkness consume him…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis digital box set contains the complete Berkley Street series. Nine terrifying novels of supernatural horror guaranteed to chill you to the bone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat people are saying:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Fast-paced, well-written, and genuinely creepy.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Shane is one of the best characters I've ever read. He actually fights back instead of running scared.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Amazing! Stephen King, move over for your successor…\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"This series of books would make a good TV series.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"It’s rare to find horror that actually makes you care about the characters. These books do exactly that, and then they terrify you.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Berkley Street (Book 1)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Lighthouse (Book 2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Town of Griswold (Book 3)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Sanford Hospital (Book 4)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Kurkow Prison (Book 5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Lake Nutaq (Book 6)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Slater Mill (Book 7)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Borgin Keep (Book 8)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Amherst Burial Ground (Book 9)\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 156.8px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e807 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e66 hours and 14 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 1: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane Ryan had never seen a bigger house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTheir new home looked like a castle, with two towers and tall, narrow windows. Shane counted six chimneys. A pair of giant, thick trees stood on either side of the wide front door. A thick stone wall, nearly as tall as Shane’s father, protected the whole property.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you think, kid?” his father asked as he parked the car in the long driveway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is it a castle?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mother let out a pleased laugh, and his father shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, kid. The Andersons, well, they were really wealthy. They wanted it to look like a castle on the outside, but on the inside, well, it’s a regular house.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh,” Shane said, trying not to sound disappointed. “So no secret passages or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who knows?” his mother said, gently slapping his father on the arm. “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Shane’s father said, winking at him in the rearview mirror, “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on,” Shane’s mother said. “Let’s go inside.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis father turned the engine off, and Shane dutifully waited for his mother to open the back door of the Cadillac before he got out. The September air was warm and still smelled like summer. Shane saw the grass in the yard was freshly mowed and all of the windows shined. Each gray stone seemed to glow in the sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How big is the yard?” Shane asked, looking around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well,” his father said, following his son’s gaze, “you could fit eight of our old yards into the front yard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane said, turning and looking at the expanse of grass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“In the side yard there’s a garden,” his mother said, “there’s also a pond in the backyard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane felt his eyes widen. “A pond?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup,” his father said happily. “And you know what else, kid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s full of fish. We can go fishing whenever we want.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane whispered. “Wow.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane’s parents laughed happily, and he followed them up the front walk. His father took out the house key, unlocked the large door and opened it. Shane stepped into the biggest room he had ever seen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA huge set of stairs stretched up into darkness, and dim pieces of furniture filled what he realized was a hallway. Close to where Shane stood, a tall grandfather clock ticked away the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd behind the tick of the second hand, Shane heard whispers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomeone whispered in the walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 2: SHANE, MARCH 20TH, 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fan hummed steadily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up in his narrow bed as the cool air dried the sweat on his body. He took long, deep breaths and looked at the clock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSix in the morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe closed his eyes and forced away the last remnants of his nightmares. He reached over to his bed table, took the bottle of whiskey and glass off of it and poured himself a small shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane drank it quickly and returned them both to their place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy security blanket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought bitterly. He got out of the bed, took the three steps to his bathroom and climbed into the shower. Shane turned on the water and forced himself to stand under it until it warmed up. Finally, with the water tolerable, he scrubbed himself rigorously and then rinsed off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bare minimum to get clean and rid himself of the stench of fear and sweat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce out of the shower, he dried off and looked at himself in the mirror.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThin face. Haggard eyes. No hair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlopecia areata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought, running a hand over his smooth scalp. His pale skin looked sickly in the light of the fluorescent lamp above the mirror. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUnexplained hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePretty sure I can explain it\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, Shane thought angrily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith a shake of his head, he forced himself to focus on his morning routine. He brushed his teeth, went back into his bedroom and got dressed. A pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. Running shoes and a pullover sweatshirt of dark gray. Absently he rolled the wedding band on his ring finger as he walked to his kitchenette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOatmeal for breakfast. Strong coffee. Vitamins. A banana and two pieces of rye bread toasted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo matter how much he ate, though, he wouldn’t get up over one hundred and forty-five pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTall and thin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust like dad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane put his wallet in his pocket, took his phone and his keys, and left his apartment. The noises of the world fell in around him, and he did his best to ignore them. He took his walk alone in the early morning light. The streets were clear of snow, although salt and sand crunched beneath his feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWinter had slipped by New Hampshire and snow had been a rare sight. Ice, however, had visited more than once, and the streets were always treated for it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane fought the urge to stop at the Paki’s corner store for a pack of cigarettes, but he walked by. He reached the top of Library Hill, walked around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and made his way back to his apartment on Locust Street.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce inside, he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and went to his laptop. He powered it up, logged into his work account, and looked to see what needed to be translated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAmong the work emails, he found one from O’Connor Law Associates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOh, Jesus, what now\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e? He thought, opening the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart leaped at what it said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDear Mr. Ryan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, the email began.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe are pleased to inform you the proceedings regarding your family’s home at 125 Berkley Street have finally finished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe house is yours, per your parents’ wishes, and your uncle and aunt have exhausted their financial and legal options.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlease call my office at your earliest convenience so we might sign the appropriate paperwork and give you the keys to your home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSincerely,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremy O’Connor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat back and stared at the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe keys to my home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane leaned forward and jotted the number for the firm down on his notepad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I’ll find them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he told himself, joy and rage twining together in his heart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I will find them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 3: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up and turned on his light. His heart beat quickly, and he looked around his large room. The curtains were drawn on the tall windows. His books were lined neatly on his shelves. Legos were scattered across the floor by the old fireplace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?” the voice asked again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane twisted around in his bed. Neither his mother nor his father was in his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe couldn’t tell where the voice came from. His mouth was dry, so he swallowed, wet his lips with his tongue, and said in a low voice, “I’m awake.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good,” the voice said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt came from behind his dresser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why? Why is it good?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because they don’t want you here,” the voice said. “They don’t want you. Here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart thumped heavily, and he managed to ask, “Who?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t ask,” the voice said. “I want you here. I’m lonely.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane tried to speak but couldn’t. The sound of his blood as it rushed through him nearly drowned out his own thoughts. “Why are you lonely?” Shane whispered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve been here a long time. Such a very long time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bureau started to move, inch by inch, into the room. It swung out slowly from the wall, and a dark shadow appeared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took Shane a moment to realize there was a passage in the wall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA soft scrape slipped out of the darkness, and it was quickly followed by a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe speaker stepped into the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA girl. Perhaps eight or nine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDead, dead, dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe smelled like death, and her skin was shrunken, pulled tight across her bones. Her lips were stretched in a gruesome smile, and long teeth protruded from her yellow jawbone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m lonely,” she said, stepping into the room. Bits of fabric fell from her ragged, gray dress. Her brown hair was tied back with a faded red bow, and the bones of her feet cracked as she walked. “I’m lonely. I want to play.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK","offer_id":49348519919895,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":49361086775575,"sku":"berkley1-9","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47030601875735,"sku":"berkley1-9e","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK + AUDIO","offer_id":51555755819287,"sku":"berkley1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_Berkley_1-9_BSpread_45-_v3.jpg?v=1764756268"},{"product_id":"night-terrors-vol-10-12-the-ultimate-nightmare-collection","title":"Night Terrors Vol. 10-12: The Ultimate Nightmare Collection","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1OHCM3uEhPKHKJ3VzloGUtbTrwZWqhR6H\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffff00;\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe whispers of the night stir madness in your soul…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe haunting voices of children echo through the darkness. Ancient curses, sinister lullabies, dark nursery rhymes fill your ears—no matter how hard you try to drown it out with your screams. You feel your sanity slipping away as you struggle to escape this hellish prison…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScare Street is proud to present Night Terrors volumes 10 - 12 in a single collection. A chilling tome of sinister stories featuring forty tales of nightmarish horror for your reading pleasure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs you pound the padded walls of your cell, the voices in your head grow louder. You feel your fingers wrap around the hilt of a knife. There’s blood on your blade. Is it yours? Or someone else’s?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo matter. Even if you survive this night of terror, who says they won’t be back again tomorrow?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\" name=\"viewport\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  color: #777;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eAudio Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e21 hours and 25 minutes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e643 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca name=\"_Toc64561210\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca name=\"_Toc108464262\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e121 Ash Street\u003cbr\u003eby John Gallant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“What is it, John? What’s wrong?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow could I explain it to him? To the most pragmatic man in the world, someone who put little stock in “feelings”?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“David, listen to me now and trust what I’m telling you.” He looked at me quizzically, impatiently, then started to interject. But I put my hand up to stop him. “No, you must listen to me. There\u003cem\u003e is\u003c\/em\u003e something in this house and it’s malevolent. I’ve known it since I started walking up those stairs. It’s distracting us with the doors, and it wants to separate us. For what reason, God only knows. But we must stay together. You must listen to me about this!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was breathless, shaking. I’m sure I looked the perfect fool. I waited for David to launch into me for my cowardice. But he was clearly confused. He had never seen me so earnest. Finally, David opened his mouth to speak, but before he uttered a single word, the sound of heavy footsteps began to pound above our heads. We heard the solid tread cross the floor and race off. We could hear the footsteps echoing as whatever caused them ran past the second-floor landing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe noise paralyzed me, but it spurred David to action. “It’s time we stopped this nonsense and got hold of this interloper. I’ll run after him and flush him down the back stairway, over there.” He pointed to a narrow doorway and a dark flight of stairs that led up from the kitchen, to what were once servants’ rooms, most likely. “Wait here.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe turned to leave, and I snapped out of my fear-induced stupor. “No, David! Don’t go. We have to leave this house at once!” I grabbed hold of his sleeve, but he yanked it away with a look of disgust and darted off. “Stay here, John. You’ll see our ghost very soon!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a look of relish, he was gone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI heard his footsteps, louder at first than the other steps, which continued to pound throughout the house. I could sense the first runner moving higher up into the house, the sound of steps on stairs, and then a more distant echoing. David was now on the second floor and, as he ran, he shouted out to me, breathless. “Steady John! I’ll drive him down to you in no time!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was at that moment I noticed that I could hear only one set of footsteps—David’s. He pounded up the staircase to the third floor, his tread getting lighter as he rose. Then, for what seemed like an eternity, there was nothing. In the silence of 121 Ash, I could make out the twittering of birds outside, an incongruous sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI began to look around me for a weapon, to confront whoever was in the house when a scream—David’s high-pitched, frantic scream—tore the air. The scream was followed by the harsh, chaotic sounds of desperate combat, David grunting and gasping and then yelling, “No! No!” before, finally, a long wail culminated in a staggering thud that shook the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was immobilized by fear. I hoarsely shouted, “David! David!” but my voice carried a little way beyond the kitchen. I tried to summon my body to move, to get to David, who surely needed my aid. But I was frozen… until I heard the footsteps again. Two sets. One running after the other. And they were coming down toward me. I heard the pounding getting closer and closer, and, finally, from the doorway at the bottom of the stairs, David came flying out, a look of mortal terror on his face. He raced to me and grabbed me roughly, shouting, “No!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstinctively, I swung him around behind me to protect him. As I did, the second set of steps pounded to the bottom of the stairs, and as I stared in dread at the doorway, the footsteps hit the kitchen floor and stopped. I knew that whatever I had encountered in the foyer at the outset of our exploration was with me again. A wave of black enmity passed over me and I felt heartsick. David cringed behind me, cowering at my back. “No,” he whimpered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrangely enough, I believe that saved me. I knew that, for once, I was stronger and that David needed me. Mustering what little authority I could, I spoke to this other thing that waited before me. “Get away from us, goddam you,” I said in a voice husky with fear. “We’ll leave now.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe endured a long pause under the invisible, baleful gaze and then I heard, or rather, felt at my core, an evil chuckle, a laugh of pure hatred that still resonates in my memory. And then, it moved on. No footsteps, no sound. But I knew we were alone again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid collapsed to the floor, softly sobbing, and I knelt beside him. This once-fearless man had been reduced to a near-incoherent state of terror. I pulled him to his knees and turned his head to face me. “What happened, David? My God, what happened?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe shook his head and began to babble. “Him… him. I saw him… and her. He killed her. Chased her. So beautiful… She fell. Oh God, God!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeeing him like this frightened me to my soul. But I knew we had only a little time left. The sun had very nearly faded, and it was imperative that we leave 121 Ash at once. I could not imagine being in the house after dark. I forced David to rise and we began to head toward the front of the house, moving through the drawing room toward the foyer. But as we approached the foyer, which had grown much darker and populated with more shadows, David began to sob and pull away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“For God’s sake, David, we have to leave now!” I yelled as I pulled him toward the foyer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe gibbered and cowered. “No, no,” he moaned, “I can’t go. I can’t look. I can’t bear to.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“You must go—we must go, David. Now!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI succeeded in hauling him to the foyer where I caught sight of a dark shape on the marbled floor. At first, I thought it was our equipment until I recognized the outline of a body. “Sweet Jesus,” I whispered as I leaned closer to examine the form. “David, what is this?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\nvar acc = document.getElementsByClassName(\"accordion\");\nvar i;\n\nfor (i = 0; i \u003c acc.length; i++) {\n  acc[i].addEventListener(\"click\", function() {\n    this.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    var panel = this.nextElementSibling;\n    if (panel.style.maxHeight) {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = null;\n    } else {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + \"px\";\n    } \n  });\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":47235281584407,"sku":"NT10-12","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47235281682711,"sku":"NT10-12E","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/Bundle_10-12.png?v=1697697177"},{"product_id":"night-terrors-vol-13-15-the-ultimate-nightmare-collection","title":"Night Terrors Vol. 13-15: The Ultimate Nightmare Collection","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1rNGqv4O0MbUEFafago0nHiG9dN5XQt07\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffff00;\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Johnny Raven and Stephanie Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAs the cloak of night descends, a macabre dance commences…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0.5\"\u003eAn estate agent is in a race against time to offload a haunted property before it devours her completely. Meanwhile, a youthful pair's tranquil getaway at a camping site takes a sinister twist as an unidentifiable menace lurks in the shadows. Elsewhere, a melancholic tune guides an inquisitive girl towards a poignant story of love and sorrow…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0.5\"\u003eTake your partner's hand and step onto the spectral ballroom with Scare Street’s latest anthology of supernatural horror. This chilling collection is brimming with stories of terror—plenty to keep you waltzing with the underworld till dawn…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0.5\"\u003eThe tempo escalates relentlessly. You're losing ground, feeling your vitality seep away, your body deteriorating. Something unseen is feasting on you, sapping your life force. But despite your best efforts, you can't resist the pull of this lethal rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0.5\"\u003eAnd when the music finally subsides, the only echoes that remain are your own petrified screams...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\" name=\"viewport\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  color: #777;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eAudio Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20 hours and 32 minutes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e588 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eSerenade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eBy Craig Crawford\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“If Grandma and Grandad catch us, we’ll be in trouble.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“We’ll sneak downstairs quietly.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Grandma caught you last night.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScotty had a point. I thought it over. “Okay, we’ll go before. Go to bed, get some sleep. I’ll stay up and when the moon rises over the trees, I’ll wake you and we’ll go. Grandma won’t wake until the violin starts and when I don’t come down, she’ll assume we’re sleeping through it.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScotty stared at me through his muss of brown hair, a perturbed look on his face. I don’t know how long we sat there, but I understood it was a test of wills and if I faltered, he’d back out. Spooky stories didn’t scare me, but having Scotty beside me would take away my imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Fine,” Scotty said. “But when I say it’s time to go, we go.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Okay. Thanks. Get some sleep.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI headed to my room, but instead of going to bed, I propped myself by the window. I watched night take over the farm. The peaceful night sounds lulled me, so I preoccupied my mind with science formulas to prevent sleep from overpowering me. I dozed off more than once and chastised myself each time, shifting to new positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI gauged the height of the moon versus the previous night. Judging the time, I decided it was close. I grabbed my hiking shoes but kept to my bare feet as I woke Scotty. It took a lot of shaking but his eyes finally popped open. Carefully, we snuck out and down the stairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe real issue meant getting out of the house without waking Grandma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bolt proved to be the problem. A head taller than Scotty, I cautiously slid it back, feeling like a cat burglar slipping past security. It took me a long time to quietly slide the bolt and let it dangle before even attempting the door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld farmhouse doors are born to make noise and this one tried to rat us out. Easing the door open, I waited for Grandma to appear, little creaks and squawks killing the quiet with each inch. My eyes continually flitted behind me but no one roused.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe finally escaped and closed the door without Grandma appearing. We slipped off across the yard, me now wearing my boots, not daring to talk until we reached the tree line. I looked upward, expecting to hear the violin at any moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“What are you waiting for?” Scotty hissed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScotty’s eyes darted everywhere. He was already spooked. No breeze accompanied us, and every little movement created sounds. The tree frogs and the crickets partied all around us however, making me feel better. “We’re waiting for the violin. Soon.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“So, let’s go.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The forest is big. We don’t know where he’s at until he starts playing. Just be patient.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I don’t like it, Sam. You know we’re going to be tired tomorrow and they’re going to figure out what we were up to.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“No,” I told him. “We’ll be fine. We can catch up on sleep in the afternoon when Grandma and Grandad take their naps. Relax.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe streak of the bow across strings sounded, and Scotty jumped. I probably did too. It felt like the beginning of a concert as the violin launched into song. The same tune started—it replayed so many times the night before that I started to anticipate the notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI nodded to Scotty and stepped into the woods. The music rose from somewhere off to my right, and I trudged ahead, still not sure why I needed to see this man. The idea of someone being so broken he could only find solace in playing music alone in the heart of the woods brought a sadness upon me. I couldn’t explain it to anyone. Not even to myself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScotty followed right behind me, and more than once, he stepped on the back of my boot. I shot him a look when he did it but I understood: between the dark tree silhouettes and the music, he was creeped out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shift of the trees around us created the illusion that things moved in the darkness alongside us. It didn’t do my imagination any good either. Every snap, as one of us stepped on a stick or crunched leaves, set our eyes alert. Despite having Scotty right behind me, my imagination reminded me of every monster I’d ever watched on TV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe discovered a glade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep in the trees and removed from the sight of Grandad’s farm, it opened up; an offering to the moon. I saw clearly from the light above, the moon full now and beaming. Across the expanse, I saw him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSitting on a stump, I spied the man, his back arched and caressing the strings on his violin. He swayed on his perch, his arms working the violin as if his life depended on it. The song ended, and he began again, picking up the pace, rubbing the bow across the strings more feverishly than before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solid stone’s throw from Pete, we both knelt behind the trunk of a tree. Peering at him from the side, Scotty hunched so close over my shoulder I felt his breath on my ear. I watched in awe, my mind wondering what thoughts ran through his head as he played. Was he reliving the accident over and over? Was he paying tribute to his poor wife, trying to make amends as Grandad suggested?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe few wisps of clouds crossed the moon, and the light faded from above for a few brief moments. It didn’t slow the violin, the man seemingly oblivious to everything but his instrument and his bow. He played his concerto, intent in his own world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching the end of the tune for the second time, he suddenly stilled. I watched in confusion as his head darted back and forth. He tentatively pushed off of the stump. His focus shifted to his right, and Scotty sucked in a breath from behind me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“What?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\nvar acc = document.getElementsByClassName(\"accordion\");\nvar i;\n\nfor (i = 0; i \u003c acc.length; i++) {\n  acc[i].addEventListener(\"click\", function() {\n    this.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    var panel = this.nextElementSibling;\n    if (panel.style.maxHeight) {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = null;\n    } else {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + \"px\";\n    } \n  });\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":47244622364951,"sku":"NT13-15","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47244622397719,"sku":"NT13-15E","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/Bundle_13-15.png?v=1697787050"},{"product_id":"movingin1-6","title":"Moving In (The Complete Series - 6 books)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1TGdhuLaqTLy19kAAXCyu9_74iwS1MEgu\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the Moving In Series paperback with free shipping. We'll throw in the ebook and audiobook for free.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOnly 100 copies available.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrab yours before they're gone.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHe found the house of his dreams and unleashed his greatest nightmare…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrian Roy just wants to get away from the stress of city life. Escape the noise, the crime, and the anxiety of his high-pressure job. So when he and his wife move into a beautiful old farmhouse in the scenic New Hampshire countryside, he can finally relax and find some peace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut Brian quickly finds himself thrust into a terrifying world of the supernatural. Joining forces with others who have faced similar evil, Brian becomes a reluctant ghost hunter, fighting a deadly shadow war against the sinister forces infesting his town. And it will take every ounce of courage and will to purge his neighborhood of the paranormal entities lurking in the shadows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrian’s war against the supernatural has begun. He will do whatever it takes to protect his family and town. Even if it means losing his soul in the process…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis digital box set contains the complete Moving In series. Six bone-chilling novels of supernatural horror guaranteed to keep you reading past the witching hour…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat people are saying:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\"I love that Brian doesn't just sit there and scream like a victim. He loads his shotgun and goes to work.\" - Addy C.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003c\/strong\u003e\"Finally, a horror series where the characters aren't complete morons making stupid decisions.\" - Ben M.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003c\/strong\u003e\"It's like an episode of Ghost Adventures but with real stakes. I couldn't put it down.\" - Emma B.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Moving In (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Dune Walkers (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Middlebury Sanitarium (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The First Church (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Paupers’ Crypt (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Academy (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e821 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e40 hours and 18 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3: Brian and Jenny in the House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What the hell was that?” Jenny asked, looking up from her crochet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian looked up from his book, blinked, and reran the sound through his head. “Sounded like a rifle.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That was close by,” she sighed. She looked back down at the scarf she was making.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Brian said. “Probably somebody poaching on our land. At least it’s not some dumbass doing a drive-by with some cheap SKS on South Willow in Manchester.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“True,” Jenny said. She looked over at him. “Are you going to check it out in the morning?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian shook his head. “In about half an hour. If they did get something, I want to give them plenty of time to get it ready to move. After that, I’ll go out there, make a lot of noise, bring the big LED flashlight. More than likely, they’ll see me and hear me. Should cut down on any more poaching. If it doesn’t, well, I’ll fire off a few shots myself next time, let them know we’re not playing around.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sounds good to me.” Jenny grinned, blowing him a kiss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian grinned and went back to his book, finishing off his second glass of wine and a few more chapters in the Dumas biography he was reading. Thirty minutes later, the mantle clock, which was one of the few items that had been unpacked, struck seven. Brian put his book down and stood up, stretching. He took his phone off of the side table, slid it into his back pocket, and walked to the hall closet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe basement door was open again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrowning, he closed it, calling out to Jenny, “Hey, the basement door was open again. We’ll have to get a new lock or something for it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay,” she called back. “I’ll put it on the list.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian went to the closet, dug his coat out, and took a flashlight from the bug-out bag on the closet floor. “Be back in a little while. See if I can find anything.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Be safe.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I will,” he answered. Brian turned on the porch light, opened the door, and walked out into the cold night air. After he closed the front door, Brian stood on the porch for a few moments, getting adjusted to the cold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt felt good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe could smell the wood smoke from the fireplace, and under it, Brian could smell snow in the air. The sky was clear, the stars sharp and bright. The moon was nothing more than a sliver, but that too shone brightly. From somewhere nearby, possibly the old barn at the edge of their property, Brian heard an owl calling out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI might get used to this, he thought. There was a definite lack of ambient noise but it felt good, in a strange way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNodding to himself, Brian put on his gloves, turned on the flashlight, and walked down the stairs and onto the front lawn. He closed his eyes and once more replayed the sound in his head, remembering where he had been sitting in the house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot the front, he thought. Not the sides. Straight back, towards the woods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith the flashlight illuminating his steps, Brian walked around the side of the house, the grass crackling beneath his sneakers. He kept a steady pace, moving farther away from the house. The tree line was perhaps a thousand yards from the back door, and he suspected he might find the remains of a deer there. It would be the best place to wait. The deer wouldn’t go out too far from the tree line, not since it was still hunting season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe open fields would be too dangerous for them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs Brian neared the treeline, he swept the flashlight from left to right and back again, looking for any indication someone had been around. Then, at the edge of the flashlight’s range, he caught a glimpse of a salt lick and something on the ground. Brian frowned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA deer had been baited and shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs he got closer to the salt lick, though, he realized there were two shapes on the ground, and while one was definitely a deer, the other shape was dressed in woodland camouflage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh shit,” Brian said out loud. He broke into a trot, careful of his footing on the grass, knowing the treads on his sneakers were a little too smooth for good traction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn a minute, he reached the body. The dead man was lying on his side in a mess of congealing blood offal. A rifle hung loosely off the hunter’s shoulder, and a skinning knife was a few feet away from the open right hand. Carefully, Brian took hold of the hunter and turned the body towards him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe look of fear and horror frozen on the man’s face caused Brian’s heart to skip a beat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6: William Engberg’s Place\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe ride to Wells was smooth and uneventful. The town, located between Ogunquit and Kennebunk, was right over the southernmost border with New Hampshire. Brian hadn’t been there for over a year, the last time he and Jenny had decided they needed to wander around the cold Maine coastline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was pretty, though, and it was the off-season. No summer folk, but old school Mainers who barely tolerated the rest of New England and who had no use for anyone beyond the ancient borders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian liked the attitude. It fit right in with his own most of the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe turned right onto Coast Road, following the winding asphalt which, in turn, followed the beach which was on his left. Old, dull street lamps cast their rough light onto the pavement. Most of the homes on either side were closed up, their owners gone south for warmer climates. The Kia rocked slightly with a harsh wind driving in off of the Atlantic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was nothing in the forecast about a storm, but the weathermen were more wrong than they were right as far as Brian was concerned, and he would hate to be caught near the ocean in a storm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDrowning was definitely not on his list of things to try.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSoon he found himself at what he assumed was the end of the road, and he came to a stop. The houses ended on either side and only dunes and grass continued on either side. The last house on the left had the number fifteen, though.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian sat in the car, the heat turned up. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and looked at the dunes, the grass, and the small parking lot up and to the right. Then he saw the road curved slightly to the left, around one of the dunes. A glance at the telephone poles showed wiring continued on to another pole a little further down, and then onto yet another.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDamn, Brian thought. The road keeps going.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTaking his foot off of the brake, Brian drove forward through the parking lot and following the road.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe asphalt followed the dunes, and Brian followed the asphalt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAbout half a mile later he came to the house. White with green trim, a blue pickup in the driveway. Smoke curled up from the chimney into the night sky, and light slipped out around the edges of drawn shades in the windows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA battered green mailbox, leaning haphazardly to the left had a large white ‘11’ painted on its side.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLooks like I’m here, Brian thought. He pulled into the driveway behind the truck, his wheels loud on crushed stone. Brian shut the car down, sent Jenny and Sylvia each a quick text, and got out. In the cold winter air, he stretched. His muscles ached from the drive. He reached back into the car, pulled on his gloves and hit the button to open the trunk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eClosing the door behind him, Brian went and got his gear out, making sure everything on the car was locked and secured before walking up to the house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knocked on the door loudly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who is it?” a voice asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is Brian,” Brian answered. “From the Leonidas Group.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe door opened, and a tall young man answered the door. The man’s black hair was clipped short, and he wore a thick sweater and khaki pants. He had on a pair of work boots with the laces untied, and he smiled tiredly at Brian.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on in, Brian,” the man said. He stepped aside and closed the door once Brian was in the small house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m William Engberg,” he said, extending his hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian shook it. “A pleasure.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Thank you so much for coming up here,” William said. “Can I get you a cup of coffee or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Coffee would be great,” Brian said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good.” William walked around a small sofa and to a kitchenette. “Take a seat in one of the chairs, if you like.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian glanced around, saw two club chairs on either side of a bookshelf and took the one on the right. He put his bag on the floor beside him. Across the room, a low fire burned in the hearth. In a moment, William had water boiling in the kettle and came and sat in the other chair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian took a notepad and pen out of his bag as well as a digital recorder. “Do you mind if I record our conversation?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWilliam shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Excellent,” Brian said. He pressed the red button on the recorder, set it down on a coffee table and smiled at William. “Okay, William. Tell me what’s going on.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWilliam gave him a nervous smile. “This is kind of ridiculous for me, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 9: Introductions are Made\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen hadn’t needed an alarm clock for over thirty years. He woke up every day at four o’clock in the afternoon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe never had to worry about being asleep when night fell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBy four thirty he was finished with breakfast, a shower, and had his uniform on for the night. If he needed to run errands, he did so. If not, he made his way to the Sanitarium’s library. No one had ever bothered to remove the books. A tragedy, as far as Ken was concerned, but a boon at the same time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere were over twenty thousand volumes. A large portion was extremely outdated medical and psychological texts, but there was still a healthy selection of literature. Newer stuff, like Brooks’ zombie book, he picked up at the Middlebury tipping station. A small shed served as a place for people to put things they thought could be used again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen was thinking about the tipping station when the phone rang.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrowning, he walked over to it, took the handset off of the receiver and answered the call. “Hello?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ken, it’s Carl,” Carl said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Carl, what can I do for you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve got a guest at the Factory tonight.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Ken asked, a chill sweeping through him. “Why?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, you know how the Gaiman Foundation is looking to buy the place?” Carl asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Evidently they want someone to check the place for ghosts.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hell,” Ken said, “place is haunted as hell.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“They don’t want our opinion,” Carl said with a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So this guy’s hired by the State?” Ken asked, frowning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“By the State’s real estate agent,” Carl said. “From what I’ve heard the State’s already irate.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How come?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“They wanted this guy to sign off and say the place was fine. Evidently he said he wouldn’t.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen chuckled, smiling. “Okay. Maybe there’s hope. Where is he?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I had Derek put him in the head nurse’s old place.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why the hell did you put him there?” Ken snapped. “Jesus, Carl.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Carl asked, confused. “Where was I supposed to put him?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hell, he could have crashed here with me. He shouldn’t be on the grounds alone. You know better, Carl.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dan’s there,” Carl said defensively.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And Dan’s a good guy,” Ken said. “He can’t handle protecting someone, though, Carl. Damn it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you heading there, then?” Carl asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Ken said angrily. “I’ll be there in a few.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen hung up the phone and shook his head. He needed to get to the head nurse’s house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe took his small ring of master keys down off of the rack, slipped the leather strap connected to them around his belt and snapped it shut. He pulled on his coat and his pipe, tobacco, and matches went into his right pocket. He picked up his two-way radio, turned it on and tucked it into his breast pocket. A moment later he had on his watchman’s cap and gloves, and he closed the door to his house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA sharp wind cut down from the northeast and burned his nostrils, the scent of impending snow heavy in the air.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBad storm coming, Ken thought, glancing up at the dark clouds rolling down from Canada. He had enough food stocked, of course, he was a born and bred New Englander. You didn’t play with Winter. More often than not the Old Man would sweep down from the north and bury you. No matter what the weathermen said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen zipped his collar to the top so it covered his chin and he quickly velcroed the protective flap over the zipper. He followed the brick path from his front door to the sanitarium’s main road and he took it towards the head nurse’s house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe two-way radio squawked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen grumbled and fished it out. He keyed it and said, “Go ahead, Dan.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You on the main road?” Dan asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Going to the library?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not yet,” Ken answered. “Just talked to Carl about the guest.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh. Yeah. You know they put him in the head nurse’s place?” Dan asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen rolled his eyes but kept the frustration he felt out of his voice. “Yup. Keep your ears open, Dan. I’ll be by around eleven, just as always.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, Ken. Base out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen put the radio away and as he followed a curve in the road, his destination appeared. In the stillness, the sound of the generator ripped through the air. Light spilled out from the windows of the dining room and reached for the cemetery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOf all the damned places, Ken thought. He fought to keep his anger down. Carl did some stupid things, but he hadn’t risked anyone’s life before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut does he even know he’s risking this man’s life? Ken asked himself. Does Carl even understand? Really understand?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK","offer_id":49407484789015,"sku":"MOVING IN SERIES","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":49443551412503,"sku":"moving1-6","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47288760926487,"sku":"moving1-6e","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK + AUDIO","offer_id":51555757523223,"sku":"moving1-6ebab","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_Moving_In_Box_1-6_PBM3.jpg?v=1761964799"},{"product_id":"hauntedcollection1-9","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Books of Action-Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e9 Books. 66+ Hours. One Historian Who Refuses to Run.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomeone's selling haunted objects online. And they just mailed death to your doorstep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cursed rifle that forces its owner to kill. A mirror that traps souls in its reflection. A child's toy that whispers suicide. These aren't artifacts gathering dust in a museum. They're weapons. And occultist Stefan Korzh is packaging them up and shipping them to innocent families across America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost men would flee from such evil. Victor Daniels hunts it down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA widowed historian armed with salt, iron, and a lifetime of research into the occult, Victor knows the rules of the supernatural world. Ghosts can be bound. Curses can be broken. And Stefan Korzh can be stopped. Teaming up with his adopted son Tom Crane, Victor wages a cross-country war against the deadliest antique collection ever assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut as the body count rises and the hauntings grow more vicious, Victor discovers that some secrets are more terrifying than any ghost...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories. The plot moves forward and the characters are personal.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I love these series because I love haunted ghost stories. Wish they made a TV series about this. It is an intense series. 5 haunted possessions out of 5\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK","offer_id":49443273179415,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":49443525951767,"sku":"hc1-9","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47308326666519,"sku":"hc1-9e","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK + AUDIO","offer_id":51617823392023,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/1-WEB_HCS1-9_BSpread_45-_v3.1.jpg?v=1766719839"},{"product_id":"hauntedvillage1-9","title":"Haunted Village Series: Books 1 to 9 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #00000;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #00000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00000;\" class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\" data-mce-style=\"color: #00000;\"\u003eWelcome to the ultimate experiment in terror…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProfessor Abel Worthe is brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral. He is an expert in a very particular field: the study of fear and death. Using his vast resources, Worthe has transported a collection of haunted houses and paranormal sites to his hidden village. And kidnapped civilians are forced to confront unknown horrors in the chilling name of research. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMarcus Holt thought his worst memories were behind him. A veteran of the Vietnam War, this old soldier is haunted by nightmares of brutal conflict. But he’s about to discover that his battle for survival has only just begun… \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt first I had a had time understanding the premise of this series... if you are the same way, hang tight you'll understand soon. Professor Abel Worthe is sadistic and easy to detest. Each haunted house they put in the village has its own awful presence, and challenges. Subject B, Marcos Holt, and his friends - fight these ghosts, try and save other subject that they can and thwart the Professor at every turn.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003c\/strong\u003e\"I really wish I could see this series on tv or cable. I really enjoyed reading this series. I wish I could read another series with all characters combined from both of the long series so I could see how they deal with the afterlife of what happened to them to this point. Thank you for writing this series. It was great just like the other series I have read about haunted objects. I will seek out more of this authors work.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003c\/strong\u003e\"Each book has a new house, new ghosts, new challenges for the group.... Professor Worthe is clearly demented, as are those who work for him.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Worthe's Village (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Hell's Hammer (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Butcher's Hands (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Soul Harvest (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Poisonous Whispers (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Brutal Lessons (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Christopher's Blade (Book 7)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Silent Death (Book 8)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Deranged Souls (Book 9)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eJanuary 28, 2020\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2: An Unwanted Conversation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You know, I’m rather upset with you,” Worthe said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus stood at the base of the stairs, wanting to go back inside and get out of the cold, but he knew it wouldn’t happen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot until he has his say, Marcus thought. He took out his pipe, put the stem in his mouth, then quickly lit the tobacco.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Aren’t you even going to ask what I’m upset about?” Worthe asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus looked from his captor to the armed guards around the man, then back to Worthe and the fur-parka he wore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Marcus said, exhaling smoke into the morning air. “I can’t say that I am particularly interested in what pleases or upsets you, Mr. Worthe.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I do have my doctorate, Mr. Holt,” Worthe replied, and for the first time, Marcus felt as though he had touched some nerve in the man. Before, Worthe had always ignored any lack of title.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I think that we would have to debate the subject of your doctorate, Mr. Worthe,” Marcus said, careful not to push the man too far. Someone mad enough to kidnap us and keep us prisoner would certainly be mad enough to have us shot out of hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWorthe’s face reddened for a moment, then he laughed and shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am not particularly upset about the destruction of the taxi station,” Worthe confessed. “I will freely admit that I suspected it might come about. What I am a little disgruntled about is the situation with the Drake house.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m not,” Marcus said. “Now, Mr. Worthe, if you don’t mind, I would like to get inside and warm up before I suffer from any frostbite.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A moment more,” Worthe said, and by his guards’ change in body posture, Marcus knew it wasn’t a request.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes?” Marcus asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have noticed,” Worthe said, “that you have a tendency to see yourself as a protector.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus nodded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Excellent,” Worthe said, grinning. “Well, I would like you to know that in a very short time you will have another opportunity to meet someone and try to save them. Or let them die. Whichever you choose. I suspect it will be the former and not the latter. Regardless, there is another structure coming in, and there is another subject, of course. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this, to allow you some measure of time to prepare yourself both mentally and physically.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You mean,” Marcus said, “you want to see me work myself up and remain in a state of worry until the individual actually arrives.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“However you want to phrase it,” Worthe said with a chuckle. “Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Well, say good morning to your colleagues for me, Marcus. I am sure we will speak together again soon.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWithout waiting to watch the man leave, Marcus turned around and walked into his home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What did he want?” Joyce asked once Marcus was settled in his chair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“To gloat and to antagonize,” he replied, sighing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlex came into the room and sat down beside Joyce. The woman wrapped her arm around his shoulders, an act so natural that neither of them seemed to notice it happen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It would appear,” Marcus began, “that he is once again bringing in a building, and that there will be a ghost attached to it in some way. Also, he fully intends to bring in a new subject. One who will evidently require some sort of protection.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is he telling the truth?” Alex asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus smiled at the boy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am sure he is,” Marcus said. “He wouldn’t have anything to gain in lying to us. If we didn’t believe him anymore, he wouldn’t be able to increase the mental pressure on us. Or possibly enable us to convey that worry to the most recent subject.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“He’s a real sweetheart,” Joyce said bitterly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Did he say when it would happen?” Alex asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus shook his head. “I am afraid not. We need to keep our eyes open and to try and get the other ghosts to do the same.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5: Learning from Past Mistakes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJane wasn’t a stupid person.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe tended not to let on she was intelligent. It didn’t always work out well for her. But one fact she prided herself on was her ability to learn from her mistakes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd transporting the damned greenhouse had been nothing but one huge mistake, she thought grimly. A mistake that will not be repeated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJane sat in Luis’ car, the man asleep in the driver’s seat beside her. His head was back at a slight angle, his mouth agape, and small snores occasionally emanated from him. Beyond the car’s interior, the world was dark. Lights from the security guards’ post at the gate into the lot illuminated the building and the guardsmen who patrolled the area. And while most people, Jane knew, would be disgruntled with Luis sleeping, she wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe knew how quickly he came awake. Jane had seen it in the past, and it was a fearful sight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLuis didn’t awaken to a blind rage or panic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe awoke with the same calm, cold attention and ability to perform violence as if he hadn’t been sleeping at all.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDavid made a good call, putting Luis in charge, she thought.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJane picked up her phone and checked her text messages. As she did so, one came through.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDFC. ETA 15MIKE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe nodded as she read it, then typed back, 10-4.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Was it them?” Luis asked without opening his eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I hate it when you do that,” Jane replied, putting her phone down. “And yeah, that was the Crew. They’re about fifteen minutes out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLuis grunted, although she didn’t know if it was in approval or disapproval.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe opened his eyes and straightened up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You okay?” he asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe looked at him in surprise. “Yeah. Why?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I didn’t know if anyone leaned on you about the last building acquisition,” he said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrom anyone other than Luis, Jane would have been offended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” she answered. “They haven’t said a thing. Well, wait, that’s not true. Shorty from accounting came down and complained about the cost to clean up the mess.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Shorty always complains about everything,” Luis said dismissively.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJane snickered and nodded. “Yeah. That’s the truth right there.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just curious,” Luis said. “How are you moving this one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Two separate steps prior to actual transportation,” Jane said. “Bringing the medium in to see if she can chat up the ghost for us. Second, going to use iron-lined mesh on all openings. I had a crew map them out today, and I had the mesh made after the greenhouse transport.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLuis offered her one of his rare smiles. “That’s why you’re the best there is for house acquisitions, Jane.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe grinned at him. “Thanks, Luis. I appreciate that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s true,” he said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey were quiet for a moment, and then Jane asked Luis a question no one seemed to want to ask.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Luis, you surprised Timmy didn’t get all upset about not getting Suzie’s job?” she asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLuis shook his head. “No. I would have been surprised if he had. He and Amir were pretty tight. Well, about as tight as Timmy can be with anyone. He always thought Amir should have had it over Suzie anyway. But Timmy didn’t want it. If he had, he would have burned down Heaven and cut his way through Hell to get to it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJane grunted her agreement. “That’s true. Timmy’s not exactly someone I’d want to cross.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not even a matter of crossing him,” Luis said, closing his eyes and getting comfortable again. “It’s a matter of whether or not he wants it. He’ll do what he thinks is necessary. That’s what most people don’t realize about him. About why he’s so good at killing people. Timmy just doesn’t care. He doesn’t compartmentalize or tuck those memories away to deal with on a drunken binge. Nope, not our Timmy. Killing someone is as easy as taking out the trash or doing the dishes. He might not want to do it, but that’s because he’s feeling lazy, and not because he thinks there’s a problem with the kill.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 8: Cartography\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe paper was spread out over the kitchen table, pencils and pens of different colors neatly arranged at the top. A cold cup of tea was on his right, and his pipe, the tobacco long since finished, was still held between his teeth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus looked at the rough outline he had drawn and furrowed his brow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Knock, knock,” Joyce said, limping into the kitchen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus glanced at her, took the pipe out of his mouth and smiled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe laughed and shook her head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Marcus asked, wincing as he straightened up in his chair. He wasn’t done healing from his injuries, and he doubted he would ever fully recover from them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You,” Joyce answered. “Your smile. I’m amazed you never married, Marcus. I think you were probably a devil before you mellowed out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I was a devil,” Marcus agreed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want some coffee?” Joyce asked, going to the stove. “Or are you going to nurse that tea for the next hour or so?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Coffee would be excellent, thank you,” Marcus said. He tapped the ashes out of his pipe and onto an old plate scattered with the same. Marcus drew his tobacco pouch out of his pocket and filled the pipe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So, what are you working on in here?” Joyce asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A map to the kingdom of Heaven,” Marcus said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” she shot him a confused glance over her shoulder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“When I went to visit Worthe in his home,” Marcus explained, “I memorized every detail I could. I am hopeful it will be enough when we get out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoyce walked over and looked down at the map. After a moment, she said in a slightly awed tone, “You did all that from memory?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus smiled. “Yes.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Damn, the details are amazing,” she said softly. “You’ve got the entire Village sketched out as well. The fence, the guards. Marcus, are those the times the guards patrol?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“They are,” Marcus said. “And the shift changes as well. Everything is set up in an eight-day rotating pattern, but it is still a pattern. The guards change, of course, but the routine stays the same. One of the beautiful aspects of the military. Everything continues as planned unless something radically alters the plan.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So, when it’s time to leave,” Joyce said, “we’ll know exactly when and how to get out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That’s the theory,” Marcus agreed. “But putting it into practice will be something entirely different. There is a maxim—military, of course—stating all generals enter battle with a plan. Only a fool, however, sticks to it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sounds about right to me,” Joyce murmured. She limped around to the other side of the table, pulled the chair out and sat down. “I have a question.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes?” Marcus asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What are we doing about getting Elaine back?” Joyce’s look was intense.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am hoping I might be able to negotiate with Worthe.” The statement hung in the air between them, and Joyce shook her head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How? What in the hell do you have he would possibly exchange her shackles for?” Joyce demanded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Me.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoyce blinked in disbelief.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” she asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have myself,” Marcus said. “I will offer myself up for some random test. I am certain he will jump at the opportunity to have me willingly isolate myself and be placed in some strange situation to judge my reactions.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Marcus,” Joyce said, reaching across the map and taking his hand into hers. “You can’t do this. That’s too much.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“But it’s not too much,” Marcus replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “She means a great deal to Alex. If we, if I, do not try this, then he will be lost to us. He will not trust us to come through for him, should something happen, because he does not see her as merely a ghost. She is more. Elaine is his friend.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoyce sighed and looked down at the map. Finally, she nodded, slipped her hand out of his and said in a voice thick with emotion, “You’re right.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“There is something else I feel I must address,” Marcus said. “I have spent a great deal of time considering our situation, and I have come to a conclusion.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoyce frowned at him, and waited for him to continue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I will not be able to escape.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe statement hung in the air for a long time between them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMarcus could see the muscles in her jaw working as she struggled to express herself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why,” Joyce said in a low, raw voice, “do you think that?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\" data-mce-style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am old, my friend,” he said, taking her hand into his own. The callouses on her fingers were comforting. “Granted, I am stubborn, and I would force myself to keep pace. You, though, are getting stronger every day. The boy is strong, too, but both of you would eventually be forced to either remain with me, as I dragged us down, or you would be required to leave me.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK","offer_id":51939120906519,"sku":"HAUNTED VILLAGE SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":50112609485079,"sku":"hv1-9","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47851960467735,"sku":"hv1-9e","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-9.jpg?v=1706871540"},{"product_id":"tormentedsouls1-6","title":"Tormented Souls Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003eThe dead speak and one man hears their harrowing cries...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDan Tate survived a heart-breaking tragedy and is plagued by nightmares of his terrifying ordeal. Withdrawing into an emotionless shell, he has driven away everyone who cared about him. Dan is lost, and utterly alone. Until he hears the voices…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Coffin Cemetery, the anguished spirits cry out, seeking a way to move on. But Dan isn’t the only one who speaks with the dead. Janet Ladd, a greedy and corrupt medium, also hears their call. She intends to use these tormented souls to fulfill her own petty desires.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the body count increases, panic and chaos ensue, and the police find themselves at a loss to explain the mangled corpses on the streets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDan and his ghostly allies are the only thing standing between Janet and the innocent citizens of Anger. He’s just one man… scared, broken, and traumatized by pain most can only imagine. But he’ll put his life on the line to defend his loved ones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEven if it costs him his mortal soul…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I would like to see this series as a made for tv movie. I would definitely want to see it. I love the style of writing. Thanks for writing. I ll be looking for more of this authors work. It fits with my reading requirements for books. Sometimes the horror is darker than usual which makes it great for me. I wouldn't recommend this series for immature readers. They wouldn't understand a lot of the writing. I love this writing. I ll read mire when I find it.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Love all Ron Ripley books, this was a really good read from 1st book to the last, master horror writer lots of detail, can't wait to read another\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\"I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. It is definitely horror. Sometimes dark horror which is what I look for. I love the characters and the villains are horrible and I'm waiting for some of them to get their just deserts. I have heard of a childhood story my mother told me about a missing young girl in her neighborhood as a kid. Never thought I d read about the whole family being treated that way. Yes this story is fiction. My mother's story wasn't that's why it really was disgusting. But that's what good horror fiction is. Thank you for writing. Looking forward to reading the rest of the available writings of this author.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Coffin Cemetery (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Anger and Death (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Feast of Fear (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Bloody Anger (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Streets of Anger (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Anger's Ruin (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Offer Is Not Available Anywhere Else!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eJune 30, 2022\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 4: Moonlight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan finished his coffee, put the mug down, and stood up. I’ll check again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had gone through the entire cemetery several times, but he hadn’t seen the ghost of the boy again. Dan understood that ghosts existed. As far as he was concerned, they had to exist. The burden of evidence was with the naysayers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJessica didn’t believe, he thought, then chided himself. Don’t bring her up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was always a challenge to function normally after seeing his ex-wife. It drained him, emotionally, to speak with her. Every syllable uttered was a painful reminder of how he had never spoken enough during their marriage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThen, there was the issue with the children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChildren, he thought. I need to look for that boy again. What help does he need from me?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan shook the thoughts away. He knew he needed to find the boy and help him if he could. Some ghosts, he remembered from television and movies, needed help. Others did not.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo, Dan thought. Others want the opposite. They want to destroy the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan stretched a little to work out the kinks in his back. One more loop tonight. Then I’ll go to bed. I have twenty-five pages to read to keep on my goal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe idea that he would soon be reading served as a pleasant distraction while he prepared for his last walkthrough of the night. He picked his mug back up and carried it to the sink. After rinsing and drying it, he set it on the floor beside the coffeemaker. Dan left the small room, exiting the building by way of one of the front doors. The night was clear, the light of the moon and the stars stunning in their brilliance. Dan smiled at the old headstones, the way some of them leaned, and others sank a few inches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMentally, he marked off the headstones which would require movement or repairs of some kind. He proceeded slowly along the perimeter of the fence, pausing to commit a section to memory. The old urge to write, to research, and to create sprang up within him, and Dan found himself staring at an ancient, slate headstone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe epitaph carved into it concerned returning to the dust from whence the reader came, and he smiled. Yes, Dan thought, chuckling. It would be good to research these people. Get some new information.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThen, his thoughts collapsed upon themselves as the sound of gunfire and screams exploded in his memory. He shuddered, rooted to the ground as reality faded before the onslaught of the past.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA terrible cold swept over him, and Dan closed his eyes, trying to shut down the memories before they became too much for him to bear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBreathe. Breathe. Breathe. Each word was a command, not a suggestion. Hours of therapy had been reduced to a single word. He was unable to do anything other than focus on the most basic bodily function of all—respiration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and he shivered violently, trying to warm himself as he continued to squeeze his eyes shut. His hands balled into fists, and his breath rushed in and out through clenched teeth. Once again, he smelled the heavy, iron-rich stench of too much blood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you unwell?” a soft voice asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan gasped, turned around to respond, and saw nothing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart skipped a beat, his breath caught in his throat and, for a brief moment, he wondered if he had gone mad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI’ve been worrying about this, he thought, feeling detached. Is it possible I’ve driven myself into insanity? Yes, anything is a possibility. If I recognize it as a problem, doesn’t it mean that I’m not insane? Or are there moments of lucidity, like now? Here’s another question: do I care if I’m insane or not?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBefore he could answer himself, a dark shape dashed between a pair of granite obelisks, catching his attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI think that was a person, Dan thought. He cleared his throat nervously and said, “Hello, if you’re there. You have to leave the cemetery. We’re closed from dusk to dawn.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrom behind the obelisk on the left came a child’s mournful voice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I can’t leave,” the child replied. “This is where I have to live now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFear and uncertainty were batted aside by concern for the unseen child.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you mean?” Dan asked. “Did your parents make you leave?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” the child answered. “They’re dead.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 7: Acceptance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dan!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan put his saw down and looked over his shoulder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGarrett Pence, the man in charge of the cemeteries and parks, strolled up the narrow road, his hands in his pockets. Dan picked up his water bottle, opened it, and took a long gulp as Garrett closed the distance between them. By the time Dan had finished his drink and set it back upon the ground, Garrett reached him, offering his hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan shook it. “What brings you out today?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just work,” Garrett responded. “Want to sit down?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan nodded and sat, resting his back against one of the sawhorses. Garrett took out a pack of gum and offered a stick to Dan, who shook his head. They sat in silence for a few minutes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing out here, away from everyone?” Garrett asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Fine.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you see the kids at all?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan shook his head. “No. They don’t want me to.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGarrett frowned. “I thought the judge awarded you shared custody?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“He did,” Dan replied. “I won’t force them to see me, though.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dan,” Garrett murmured, sighing with exasperation. “How are you going to mend bridges if you won’t even talk to them?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan stiffened. “I won’t.” He looked down at the grass, picked a few stems and added, “They don’t like me, Garrett, and I don’t know how to talk to them. They’re too old now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dan,” Garrett began, then stopped. “Too old?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan nodded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGarrett frowned again, then his eyebrows raised. “Are you comparing them to the kids from Clayton High School?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan swallowed nervously.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey man,” Garrett said. “You have to try and work past that. Otherwise, all you’re going to see every time you bump into a teenager is the school.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan slumped as he whispered, “I can’t get past it. I try. I try every day. But I see them. I hear them. Hell, Garrett, I feel them. Do you understand that? Can you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGarrett shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan continued. “One of them, she died in my arms. Right there, she died. I could see her go. Out of her mouth, like someone stuck a hand into her throat and pulled her soul out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Damn,” Garrett sighed. “Have you talked to anybody about this?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not about all of it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Remember Courtney Lee, from high school?” Garrett asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” he replied.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“She runs her own practice in town now,” the man informed him. “You could probably get in and see her. Hell, if you need it, I can give her a call and ask if she can squeeze you in. You look terrible, Dan. You need help. And sooner rather than later, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan opened his mouth to argue, but then he closed it. He had seen his reflection in the small mirror over the sink. He knew how bad he looked. Worse, he knew how terrible he felt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” he agreed finally. “If you could call her, that’d be great.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGarrett clapped him on the back. “There, it’s settled. Now, what are you working on?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Putting in some new boards along the back wall, between my room and the rest of the school.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You sure you don’t want to stay with me?” Garrett asked, looking at the schoolhouse. “Don’t imagine the room’s very big or comfortable.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s big enough and comfortable enough,” Dan assured him. “It’s what I need.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGarrett was quiet for a moment, then added, “Kids can’t see you if you only have a place big enough for a hammock, Dan.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe nodded but didn’t reply.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGarrett sighed. “Do you even want to see your kids?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan looked down at his hands. “No, not yet. They don’t need me. I wasn’t a good guy, Garrett. Before the shooting. I wasn’t a good guy.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSilence fell over them, and they sat there, listening to bird songs and the chatter of squirrels. Beneath the sweet sounds of nature, Dan Tate still heard the screams of dying children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 17: Found\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA hand touched Dan’s shoulder, and he shuddered, scurrying away from it and inadvertently striking his head against a headstone. He swore as stars exploded in front of his eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dan!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe tried to focus and succeeded. Jessica stood in front of him, her car parked a short distance away. Aaron and Emily were in the vehicle, eyes wide and filled with disappointment as they looked upon their father.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShame burned his cheeks, and he looked down at the ground between his legs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dan,” Jessica said again, her voice lower. “What the hell is wrong with you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe never spoke to her about the shooting. Not once. His silence had been too much. The final spike driven between them, the proverbial straw and the camel’s back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis words were barely a whisper when he replied. “Nothing.” Dan reached up, took hold of the top of the headstone and, trembling, pulled himself to his feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJessica looked at him, then shook her head in disgusted disbelief.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have change from the shoes,” she muttered, reaching into her pocket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Keep it.” Dan’s voice was rough. “Buy the kids lunch. I know they don’t eat Happy Meals anymore, but I don’t know, maybe something else.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJessica tilted her head a fraction of an inch. “Dan, what’s wrong?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Clayton,” he managed to utter before his throat closed up and his lips pressed together, his fear rendering him mute.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh hell,” she sighed. “You need to get some help. Believe it or not, the kids, they miss you. As difficult as you were, you’re their dad. I’m not going to preach to you about this. We’ve been over it too often. Maybe, if you can get your act together, you can salvage your relationship with them.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJessica looked at him, and Dan saw the woman he had fallen in love with twenty years earlier. Black hair that fell in curls to her shoulders, olive-toned skin, deep brown eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe nodded. “Okay. Please, tell them I’m sorry. I’ll, I’ll try and see someone. Garrett, he recommended a therapist.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do it,” she said. “Do it and give your kids a call, Dan. I’ll take them out to eat. Tell them it was from you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Thanks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe gave him a tight smile, turned, and left. He clung to the marker as she got back into her vehicle and put it in gear. As the brake lights flashed, Dan raised a hand in farewell and was surprised when both children returned the gesture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThen they were gone, and he was alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor a few more minutes, he remained upright courtesy of the headstone. When he felt strong enough, Dan stepped away from it, bent down and picked up his backpack. He walked on tense legs to the schoolhouse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLater, when he was in his room, his pack forgotten on his chair, he sat in front of the wall with a box of penny nails on the floor before him. With a sigh, he opened the box and took out a handful of the fasteners. He picked out a single nail and set it on the floor, parallel to the wall. A second followed it, then a third.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs he sought some sort of control and peace, nail after nail followed. Ten, then twenty. A hundred and two hundred. Hours passed, and still, he worked on his organization.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis phone chimed, telling him it was six in the evening and time for dinner. Dan had missed lunch, and his stomach growled and twisted. He got to his feet, wavered for a heartbeat, regained his sense of balance, then went about the familiar and comforting routine of preparing and eating dinner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen he finished, Dan sat down in his chair, stared at the wall, and wondered when Garret would return with information about Courtney Lee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDan closed his eyes and tried to take a deep, calming breath, but all he could manage were ragged inhalations. His exhalations sounded like the dying gasps of a steam engine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShould I just kill myself? he thought. It wasn’t the first time such an idea had crossed his mind. Until he actually did commit suicide, he doubted it would be the last.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo. Dan shook his head. That would be too much for the kids. I can’t do that to them. No.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe yawned and considered getting up and going to his hammock. Such an act would require him to move, and Dan felt incapable of movement. I can sleep in my chair tonight. Or at least for a little bit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47854161920279,"sku":"ts1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":50112614531351,"sku":"ts1-6","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6_778713ba-2724-488b-b4ba-57bfbfb9f951.jpg?v=1706873581"},{"product_id":"deathhunter1-6","title":"Death Hunter Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" data-mce-style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eGet 6 horror-packed books, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine with our exclusive Death Hunter Series bundle!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA ghost collector grows deadlier than the spirits he hunts…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShane Ryan knows all about pain and suffering. A retired Marine gunnery sergeant, Shane has seen the worst humanity has to offer. He survived his ordeal, but his soul has been tainted by the darkness, leaving him with a permanent connection to the world of the supernatural.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShane sees the spirits of the dead, he hears their whispered cries of pain. And it’s a gift he plans to put to good use, when he travels to Detroit to investigate the death of one woman who saw through all the darkness in his heart. A woman who became his lover, many years ago.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShane is certain she was working a case, tracking down a deadly collector of the paranormal. And he’s determined to use his abilities to force the spirits haunting the urban sprawl to reveal her killer. But when he clashes with retired police detective Enoch Liddell, Shane realizes he’s not the only one hunting ghosts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe two men soon find themselves locked in a supernatural game of cat and mouse. But it will take more than guts and guns to defeat this opponent, and his sinister ally…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This was a great close for Alex and what he became. I hope to see Shane again in the future. May he achieve the peace he needs after all of this. I also hope to read about his friends as well. A great read. Thank you for writing.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I'm happy to read about the characters I have read about in the past. I'm not happy about how Alex turned out but u understand why he did. I will continue to seek out the work of Mr Ripley. Thank you for writing.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Can't wait to read the rest of the books, Shane is a great character, I highly recommend this series if you like ghosts and kicking ass.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ City of Ghosts (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Moran and Moran (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Thorne's Tome (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Mistress of Death (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Sin's Judgment (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Shadows' End (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Offer Is Not Available Anywhere Else!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eJuly 04, 2022\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 4: Detroit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And you are certain they are both dead?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry turned away from the large picture window overlooking the street and sighed. “Enoch, that’s a helluva question to ask me, isn’t it?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEnoch’s mind raced for a moment, searching the proper response for offending someone. His lack of empathy and his inability to grasp social norms and facial cues made conversations difficult, and he had had to study proper responses for years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEnoch found the applicable reaction, and he offered Harry a tight smile as an apology. “You know I have to ask, Harry. All the boxes need to be checked off.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe dead man chuckled and walked to the rocking chair in the far corner of the room. It seemed impossible that the former fighter could have ever sat comfortably in the chair, and it was strange that he was attached to it. “Yes, I suppose you do. In answer to that, yeah, Enoch, I killed them both. The woman was hard as nails. Fought the whole time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am not surprised,” Enoch conceded. He closed the woman’s file on the computer, keeping it in secure cloud storage. “Anything of interest in the house?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry shrugged and rocked slowly. “Don’t know for sure. There was a safe. Iron and I suppose lead on the inside. Couldn’t figure it out, obviously.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Where was it? Out in the open or any place easily discoverable?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe dead man shook his head. “No. I poked around and saw it in the basement. Looks like it should be part of the old coal-burning furnace, but it ain’t. Why? You thinking of going in after it?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEnoch considered the question and picked up his pipe. He packed tobacco into the bowl methodically and lit it before he offered an answer. “No. I think it would be too much trouble. More than likely, it is being used to confine someone. However, we are nearly at our quota at this time and are merely awaiting a response as to whether or not our client wants more. If he does, then we will entertain the idea of going into the house for the safe.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Fair enough.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs Enoch smoked, the living man and his dead compatriot sat in silence. A large truck passed by on the street, rattling the photographs hanging on the walls and the Waterford Crystal in its cabinet. Enoch shifted his gaze to the crystal and thought of his mother. She had always been kind to him. So, too, had his father. Yet he couldn’t mourn them. He wasn’t certain he wanted to.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey, Enoch, what’s the next job?” Harry’s voice cut through Enoch’s cold, distant examination of his feelings toward his parents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I was thinking of the library,” Enoch answered. “There are quite a few well-documented ghosts in the main building. At least two of them are violent and they will help us to fill the quota. I think it should be easy enough to get in and locate them.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry stopped rocking the chair and looked at him. “That’s a helluva distance.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I know. I was going to try something different, see if it worked or not.” Thinking it a suitable expression, Enoch forced a smile. He inhaled the pipe smoke deeply, enjoying the soft, cherry flavor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What’s that?” Harry asked, interlacing his fingers together on his lap and leaning forward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no mistaking the coiled violence in the dead man, the obvious joy the idea of fighting brought to Harry’s eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIf he was alive, Enoch thought, I would shoot him for asking so many damned questions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHiding his annoyance behind a neutral demeanor, Enoch answered the question. “I will carve a fair-sized splinter out of the back of your rocker. You know, to see if you are attached to any part of the rocker, or if it has to be the whole thing. Anyway, when I have a piece cut off, we will do a test run to see how far you can go, if at all, past the mile mark.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And if it doesn’t work?” Harry asked. “What then?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Then I rent a van, load your rocking chair into it, and we find a place to park within a mile of the library.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry chuckled, leaned back, and rocked gently. Enoch took long, slow draughts from the pipe, and enjoyed the warmth of the morning sun’s light coming through the picture window.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 10: A Little Night Reading\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina Collette liked to work late. It was the only time she could truly be alone with the books at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. More than once, she had stayed the entire night, and she was always thrilled to do so.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere were ghosts in the library, and while she had heard that some of them were violent, they left her alone, for the most part.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce, when she had first started working there, she had been attacked by the ghost of an angry old woman who was, of all things, arguing about the fines of a late book. Gina had managed to escape the ghost’s wrath when she promised to wave the dead woman’s fines and to reinstate her borrowing privileges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe had nearly turned in her resignation after that incident, but as she reflected the day after, Gina had decided that she wasn’t going to let an old, angry ghost stop her from working in a building she had loved since she was old enough to walk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDetermined to remain and to protect herself, Gina had researched the best way to keep herself safe, and that was to bar the door to her office with salt. Several times she had brought salt with her and poured a thick line of it across the threshold to keep herself safe from their harassment. Then, while shopping one day, she had come upon the idea of using a draft stopper filled with salt. It was easier to clean up, less wasteful, and she could keep it in the bottom drawer of her desk without anyone wondering why. The library was drafty in more than one place, and it wasn’t unusual for someone in a back office to have a pair of heavy slippers to warm their feet with when not out on the floor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina turned on her Keurig machine, dropped in a pod with hot chocolate, and when the water was heated, she brewed the drink. As the machine whirred and hummed, the smell of the hot chocolate filled the office and brought a smile to her face. She stifled a yawn and saw it was almost midnight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina had finished the extra work she had wanted to get done earlier in the evening, and she had no desire to go back to her apartment. Her roommate, Ellie, and Ellie’s boyfriend, Nate, were spending a romantic evening celebrating their two-month anniversary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina rolled her eyes. Ellie had a lot of romantic celebrations with a lot of boyfriends.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI need a new roommate, Gina thought, opening the Keurig when it finished and throwing out the pod. She turned off the machine and unplugged it before she picked up her mug. She held the ceramic between her hands, bringing the mug up to her nose and closing her eyes as she inhaled the sweet aroma of the beverage. So good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe went to take a sip when there was a loud, rattling sound from the end of the hallway. Her heartbeat spiked, and she hastily set the mug down on her desk. Gina hurried to the door and closed it without looking around. The noise continued as she locked the door, then took out the draft stopper and laid it across the bottom of the door. On her desk, she had a replica troll-ward from Norway. It was made out of forged iron nails, and iron was the only other object she knew of which could stop a ghost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAll thoughts of her hot chocolate faded as she listened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeveral doors rattled, and there was a clatter as something was knocked down in another room. Clutching the troll-ward in her hand, Gina held her breath, biting back a scream as something tried to enter her office.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt let out a furious shout as the salt rebuffed its entry, and the door shook in its frame as the ghost tried to force its way in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina tightened her grip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who are you?!” a woman screamed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina was about to answer when someone else did.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Name’s Harry, doll. You need to step on back and get to your object now. You understand?” His voice was deep and absent of any kindness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe woman swore at him, and a chill seeped into her room. Gina strained her eyes to peer through the frosted glass of her door, but she couldn’t see anyone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry laughed. “Huh, ain’t no way for a lady to talk. Are you a lady? I mean, you look a little strong. Might ‘n you be a man under all that makeup?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina’s eyes widened at the language used by the unseen woman and the creativity of her curses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Listen,” Harry grumbled, “I want to know what the hell you’re attached to, right? This way, it’ll be easier on all of us when we come to take you outta this place.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe shattering of glass answered his question as the female ghost swore once more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSilence followed, and Gina wondered if the other ghost, Harry, had left, too. She waited and listened. The minutes ticked by on her desk clock and her heartbeat slowed to its normal rhythm. She picked up her hot chocolate, took a nervous sip, and coughed as the liquid started down the wrong pipe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThat, she thought, was terrible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 15: Cataloging a Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCharles Newcomb Hoeffler leaned over his table and wrote in his ledger. Each pen stroke was precise, his arthritis-swollen hands complaining with every movement. Yet Charles ignored the pain as he always did.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKeeping an accurate account of his collection was far more important than the petty annoyances of the flesh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI am working for the sake of posterity, he told himself. As they say, pain is temporary, but glory is forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe finished the line he was writing and straightened up. Holding the pen over a scrap piece of paper, he advanced ink into the tip of the pen, then proceeded to make certain he had not left a “t” uncrossed or an “i” undotted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSatisfied that all was as it should be, Charles cleaned his fountain pen and returned it to its proper stand. Using the same piece of scrap paper, he blotted his ledger, then set it aside to ensure that it dried properly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe backed his wheelchair out from the table, turned, and rolled himself up the ramp and into the kitchen. Passing through the room, he turned off the light, made his way into the dining room, then the television room, and finally into his bedroom. The strong, familiar urge to inspect his collection gripped him, and he could only resist by reminding himself that his alarm was already set for two. When it went off, he would go to the second floor and assure himself of the safety of the items.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCharles brought his wheelchair to a stop beside his bed. Locking the wheels in place, he gripped the bed and pulled himself into it. With a grunt, he found the bedrail and tugged it up into place, locking it firmly before he removed his clothes and changed into his pajamas, a quick process considering he lacked legs below his mid-thighs. He massaged the stumps, kneading the scarred flesh, and then eased himself onto his pillow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePulling the blankets to his chest, he rested his hands on his stomach and waited for his thoughts to return to some semblance of order. The end of each night was difficult. Usually, memories of the accident and being subsequently abandoned by Tessa afflicted him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t exactly new news, Charles, he reminded himself. You’ll be seventy-three this month. Perhaps it is time to move on to some other complaint.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe shivered and then stiffened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis room was never cold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWithout moving, he looked at his clock and watched as the digital readout faded. Silently, he pulled the blankets to his shoulders and slid his hands beneath the covers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who are you?” Charles asked. He knew his pieces were still in their room, locked away.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was silence and Charles frowned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you a Peeping Tom?” he asked. “Come to spy on an old man while he lies in bed?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Heh, I’ve been called a lot of things, but a Peeping Tom isn’t one of them.” The cool, dispassionate voice was unwelcome and unexpected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCharles had collected the dead for a long time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWithout turning to face the direction the voice had come from, Charles spoke.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You had best move on out,” he told the ghost. “I’m in no mood and I’m tired as hell.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was a momentary pause, and when the dead man spoke again, there was humor in his tone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Huh, guess you aren’t afraid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not really,” Charles answered. “Not thrilled with the idea of dying, but that won’t be happening tonight.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How do you figure that?” the dead man asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because you won’t come in my room,” Charles told him. “You can’t come in my room. You don’t know it yet, but you will if you try.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And how do you know that, smart guy?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“There’s salt in the threshold,” Charles yawned. “I don’t know why you’re here, or what you want. I would appreciate it if you go on your way. I’m tired.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe temperature in the room didn’t increase, nor did the digital clock become readable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, here’s the deal,” Charles said. “I know you’re still here. If you try and wait me out, that’s fine. Before you do that, I want you to think, if I have salt in the threshold, where else do I have it? In addition to the salt, I have iron. In fact, I have some here as we speak. Tell me, are you here to rob me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK","offer_id":51991327375639,"sku":"DEATH HUNTER SERIES","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":50112620691735,"sku":"dh1-6","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47854946976023,"sku":"dh1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6_c973c108-5cb8-4c6d-9ef5-d5f989a9def8.jpg?v=1706873760"},{"product_id":"jigsawofsouls1-6","title":"Jigsaw of Souls Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe dead walk. And only one man can end their reign of terror…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor Vincent Donnelly, waking up in a field in the middle of nowhere was just the beginning. Frantic and terrified, he has no idea who he is, or how he got there. Nor does he know the five dead bodies lying next to him. All he knows for sure is that he hears whispering in his head. Voices that are not his own…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith no memories or friends to rely on, Vincent finds himself drawn to the town of Alder Falls. Somehow, he is certain this place is connected to his hazy past. But the local townsfolk urge him to leave before nightfall. For when the sun sets, the dead walk these shadowy streets and prey upon the living.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA chance encounter in town reveals that the voices in Vincent's head are the memories of lost souls, trapped within his shattered mind. Including a powerful necromancer, who has amassed the army of corpses plaguing the town. To solve the mystery of his past, Vincent must exorcise this sinister enemy from the confines of his mortal shell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut setting such an evil presence free could unleash an even deadlier power. A being of pure darkness, who hungers for Vincent’s soul…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This book has a lot of meat on its bones but still manages to move along briskly. You enjoy learning about \u0026amp; spending time with the main characters. There is much more going on in this world than what we get in this book, so I'm very excited to read the next entry in the series.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This story is totally engrossing! I could hardly seem to put it down! It's got so much mystery and intrigue, as well as really great humor! Get it! You will NOT regret it!!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"\u003c\/span\u003eGreat read, could not put it down. Highly evocative storytelling, great character development, and great potential for future installments (I hope). I'm going to look for other books written by this author.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-row a-spacing-small review-data\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-row a-spacing-small review-data\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-a-expander-name=\"review_text_read_more\" data-a-expander-collapsed-height=\"300\" class=\"a-expander-collapsed-height a-row a-expander-container a-expander-partial-collapse-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-hook=\"review-collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"a-expander-content reviewText review-text-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Curse of the Necromancer (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Witch's Wrath (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Blood Bargain (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Darkness Within (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Demon Boy (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Darkness Falls (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eMay 24, 2022\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDezzy was halfway through a turkey club sandwich. Crisp had no meatballs in the house but promised to go buy some later. Dezzy was happy enough to have any sandwich at the moment. He’d already polished off a peanut butter and jelly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So you can feel these threads now—the weaves of Death?” Crisp asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey sat at his kitchen table again. Vincent nodded. Even now there was a pulse all around him. He could feel it in the ground. It was the energy that drew Dalca to this town in the first place. That spot in the park in the middle of town where the energy pooled. That was what Dalca had wanted. It was the same energy that pulsed in all dead things. The remnants of life that flowed through death.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I can. Like an after image on top of the world. Not in you, or Dezzy. But in the ground. And if I look outside, I can sense it. In bundles, almost. I think it’s the strigoi,” he said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What’s a strigoi?” Dezzy asked, his mouth full of sandwich.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s the undead,” Vincent answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s what Dalca called them. You’re using his words,” Crisp said. His voice had a note of caution to it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not like we’re going to call them zombies,” Fix said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I can see something else, though. It’s like the threads but hidden inside of them. Smaller ones. Those I can see in you and in Dezzy. I think it’s what brought him back to life. I think it is Life.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Biomancy,” Crisp said. “I knew a biomancer once, a long time ago. She could coax a dying plant back to life. Heal a wounded bird’s wings. Soothe a burn or mend a broken bone. It was a remarkable skill. The only person I have ever known who could do such a thing.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Could she bring the dead back to life?” Vincent asked. Crisp shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Necromancers bring the dead back to undeath. She could weave Life. But she could not create life. Neither a necromancer nor a biomancer makes life where none exists. There is not a word for what you have done,” Crisp said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, that’s not totally true,” Dezzy said, finishing his sandwich. “When the first Bloodless returned from the Void at the start of the Second Schism, it was accompanied by the Illuminated of the Higher Plane. And, so the story goes, the Illuminated brought life back to the Bloodless who had perished on the Precipice that they might once more make the journey with eyes open to the darkness. Or something like that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What the Hell does that mean?” Fix asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDezzy looked from his uncle to Vincent as he used his tongue to try to get a chunk of turkey out from between his teeth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Life exists, is all I’m saying. Like, sure it’s weird that this guy with his haircut and stuff can create life. But your mom created life. My mom did. Squirrels and fish and llamas do it. Creating life is only miraculous if you think of it out of context. It’s the most natural thing. And Life is a lot more powerful than Death. Death is an empty cup. Life is a full one. It’s always got an edge.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That is curiously insightful,” Crisp said. His nephew smiled and drank from a glass of milk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You try being dead for a few decades. You come up with some stuff that’d make for killer song lyrics.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes, so it would seem,” Crisp agreed. “I am still stunned to see you. I feel like we need to catch up but I don’t even know where to begin.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I know! How is everyone? How is mom? How are Guns N’ Roses? What year is it?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I think your mother is well. She is still in Phoenix. I have not spoken to her since Dalca cursed this place, however. It has been some time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This isn’t Phoenix?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oregon,” Crisp said. Dezzy nodded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Cool, cool. I guess I should call home? Should I call home? That’d be scary. Oh man, it’ll be scarier if I just show up. I should be old now. And dead. How do I handle this?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That is a question I am not sure how to answer just now. But also, it may not matter for the time being. It is impossible to leave Alder Falls.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Damn. Well, let me ask you this, Uncle. How far is it to the store where we can buy meatballs?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Desmond, don’t be absurd. We are not going to buy meatballs. We’ll buy ground beef and make our own meatballs. I am not so cursed yet that I will eat pre-made meatballs.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCrisp stood up from the table, and Vincent and Dezzy did the same. The older man walked from the room back to the front of the house. He patted his pockets absently and then pulled out a key chain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes. Come on then. Vincent, this will give you a chance to get the lay of the land. We need to get Bogdan out of your head and I hope you have the ability to do such a thing now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCrisp opened the door, and Dezzy took a step out into the sunlight. He took a deep breath.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, you can’t fake that. Beyond the Veil, on the Precipice, you can have sunlight and wind and rain, but it’s not like this. This is so good,” Dezzy said. He spread his arms wide and spun in a circle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVincent sat on the uncomfortable stool in the corner of the room, staring at the man’s back. He’d been waiting here for close to half an hour now. The man was not prepared to handle a meeting like this. But he seemed sincere. And oddly competent, despite his lack of social skills. People in this line of work never had social skills.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe lab was remarkably clean. He kept things organized. Vincent appreciated that. Messiness and chaos were not the same things, and far too often, people conflated the two. Chaos was exceptional. Messiness was lazy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe room smelled of body odor masked by cheap cologne. The man was trying to be impressive and achieving the opposite. His desperation was palpable. His desire was rank. Some men were simple things, even if they were geniuses in other ways. Marcus Graham was such a man.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDr. Marcus Graham had degrees in physics, astrophysics, chemistry, molecular biology, and probably a few things Vincent hadn’t bothered to look into. Once a man had four PhDs, you can just take it for granted he has some idea what he’s talking about. Dr. Graham had some idea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn the popular science world, the one governed by boards of administrators and status quo types, Dr. Graham was not considered a loose cannon. He was not a cannon at all. He was a fool and a danger to others. They had cut off his funding. They wouldn’t even review his work any longer. He was persona non grata. An embarrassment to his former alma mater.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGraham had presented a research paper on transdimensional life. It was his position that antimatter could be used to open rifts in space and time to dimensions of chaos, in which beings that existed in defiance of all known physics could be found. Beings made of primordial powers, for which human science had no names. In this place, consciousness, matter, and energy were all entwined. The scientific community, as a whole, thought he was a complete and utter fool.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVincent had tracked Graham down about a year after the university had ended his tenure and asked him to leave. The man had no more equipment of his own and was somewhat broken by the way he had been treated. Building himself up again, and finding him the tools he needed to continue his research, was not an easy job. One didn’t buy antimatter at the Piggly Wiggly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVincent was not aware of how to create antimatter on his own. Even Razul was useless in figuring that out. If Razul wanted antimatter, it just came into existence. If Vincent wanted antimatter, he had to Google it and then stare at the screen for several minutes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe end result of much research was something of a plan. All they needed was the Antiproton Decelerator that they used at CERN. The whole facility cost around five billion dollars to build. It was a speed bump in the road to success, to be sure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, Mr. Donnelly,” Dr. Graham said suddenly from across the room. He turned around with a small cart on wheels. On top of the cart was what looked like a glass case growing out of a computer. Inside was nothing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is it?” Vincent asked. He got off the stool and walked toward the man. The computer had numerous displays and readouts. The box looked like one of those things people used to store autographed footballs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It is. Contained, secure, and stable,” Graham said proudly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And it’s not empty?” Vincent said, raising an eyebrow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kill him now and be done with it. This is stupid,” Razul said. Graham looked indignant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Empty? Of course not. This is the largest sample of antihelium in the world, Mr. Donnelly. The largest sample ever created on this planet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVincent grunted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s being held securely by an electromagnetic field. Do you know how long the idiots at CERN kept this for when they made some? By accident? Minutes. I can contain it indefinitely. I have already produced several atoms of antilithium. Antilithium! Solid antimatter! They’re not even dreaming of that yet, Mr. Donnelly. Our experiment will work. It will change physics forever,” Graham said. He was working himself into quite a lather over this.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe sun was warm and bright. It was set to be a very lovely day. The grass in the field made a soothing, rustling sound as the breeze passed through it. One of those warm, lazy breezes that keeps a nice day from becoming hot and oppressive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe clearing had been set up to accommodate a large group of people. The altar set before the large wooden pyre was clean and neat and not overly ostentatious. Behind it was a glass case on top of a machine that hummed along as it monitored the conditions inside the case.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA lanky man in a long robe smoked a cigarette a short distance away. He squinted, staring at Vincent and Dalca. His expression was unwelcoming. Everything about him was unwelcoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBeyond the man, a red-haired woman in an identical robe spoke to something she held in her hands. Vincent could not see what it was. Her eyes darted from the hidden object to lock on Vincent’s. She was gorgeous, and her eyes were a deep green like he had never seen before. He could not hear the words she was speaking. After a moment, she returned her attention to what she was doing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA boy was in the field as well. He was dressed the same as the adults. He danced to a song no one else could hear and seemed to be quite amused in his own little world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is this a memory?” Vincent asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes. No,” Dalca said. Vincent looked at him. He was Bogdan again, not the monstrous form of Constantin. He wore the same robes as everyone else. Beyond him, to the left of the altar, was another man. He was restrained, chained to a tie down stake like a dog. The man was curled up in a ball, his back to Vincent and Dalca.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is my memory. Maybe yours. Maybe theirs,” Dalca said, nodding to the others in the field.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is where everything happened,” Vincent said. All of the people here had died. Except him. Dalca, Fix, the woman, the child, and the unsettling man with his cigarette. Fix must have been the man on the ground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is where everything went wrong,” Dalca said. “It was not supposed to end the way it did.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You died,” Vincent said. Dalca spat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I was betrayed. We all were.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“By who?” Vincent asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes, you would like to know, wouldn’t you? Your mind is a wasteland. You are a patchwork quilt of these vile beings, cobbled together like Frankenstein’s monster. You have no idea what you even are,” Dalca said with disdain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Then tell me, Bogdan. Tell me who I am. Tell me why you’re torturing the people of Alder Falls.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDalca laughed a hearty laugh. The man with the cigarette narrowed his eyes. The little boy smiled and spun in a circle while he danced. The woman regarded them both with cool disinterest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Torturing the people? I’m saving them. I’m saving all of them. You truly know nothing,” the necromancer said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You are killing people,” Vincent said. Bogdan rolled his eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You have my power now. You understand Death better than any of these monsters. You know what it means to be dead more than any living thing can. Death is better, Mr. Donnelly. How do you not see that?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Than living? You’re insane,” Vincent said. Bogdan held his own face in his hands, wiping them slowly down his flesh as though wiping himself clean.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not better than living. Better than what we unleashed. It is in your head. You will remember soon enough. And when you do, if you can retain your sanity in the face of what we did here, you will understand. You will wish you never got in my way,” Dalca said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It can’t be worth killing those people. Trapping them in their own town. Turning them into slaves,” Vincent said. Dalca stared at him. His face was flushed red. His eyes glistened and Vincent realized he was holding back tears.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“My father was the most respected man in our village. Did you know that?” he said. Vincent remembered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“He was powerful. I think more powerful than I ever realized. But he showed restraint. I once thought him weak. I thought he squandered his power. Misused and wasted it. But I think perhaps I was wrong. I know now he was trying to do what he thought was right. And that is what I am doing,” Bogdan said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“To bring life after death is a gift, Mr. Donnelly. To be able to say goodbye to a loved one. To be able to end the pain of life with the numbness of what comes after is a thing few will ever understand. I wanted to be respected. And to earn money and fame for my power. And maybe that was wrong. Maybe I was arrogant and stupid. But none of that matters now. I need the power from the Font. I will spread death around the world, I will pull every soul in this world from the jaws of the nightmare we birthed and deny every one of my betrayers the satisfaction of saying they won. That is my gift to the world, Mr. Donnelly. That is what I can do. If you get out of my way,” he said, his voice an intense hiss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47855051931927,"sku":"jos1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6_2e58fbd8-70d2-4ea1-9408-aec9174ded0c.jpg?v=1706874356"},{"product_id":"thebellwitch1-6","title":"The Bell Witch Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Bell Witch is real. And her terrifying game has begun…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Black River, Tennessee, there is a legend hiding in the shadowy trees. The Bell Witch, a vile, vindictive spirit, is said to haunt the dark woods. Driven by rage, she stalks the descendants of four ancient families—cursed bloodlines, doomed to play out her sadistic game for eternity.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUntil four young survivors take a stand, and vow to end the witch’s curse once and for all. Their journey will pit them against death, madness, and demonic forces. But if they fail, the witch’s curse will claim a new generation of souls…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"It was spellbinding, couldn't put it down and stayed up all night reading it. Loved the many twists and turns it took the reader through. I would recommend it to everyone who loves mystery and suspense.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This book has a well described storyline, very intriguing with believable and interesting characters. You are on the edge of your seat in this suspenseful storyline and now you add a dog. I just have to say I don't want to give away too much so you have to read this series, you won't be disappointed. I recommend this series. The narration was great and kept you wanting more.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Fantastic series so far! Clever take on the Bell Witch legend. The characters are well written, they have in-depth backgrounds and personalities. The plot does not always turn out how you think it will. I can not recommend this series enough! I can’t wait to see what happens next!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Harvest (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Sacrificial Grounds (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Witch Cave (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Spring Slaughter (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Leviathan (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Black River (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eFebruary 10, 2020\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Sewall Family\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ozzie?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOsgood Davis glanced up from his phone as his mother opened his bedroom door, and froze, trying to look as innocent as humanly possible. It was hard to make the aesthetic look convincing after having been caught in clear defiance of her order to go to sleep. She arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest, her Manolo Blahnik pumps clicking loudly against the marble hallway floor. It was a clipped sound that had always preceded a grounding. He had always suspected that’s why his mother insisted on wearing them in the house. It was all an intimidation technique.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You were supposed to go to sleep an hour ago.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I had homework,” he declared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe well-used excuse was his only shot, since his education was the one thing she would put above everything else. He could come down with the black plague and she would still be quizzing him on the periodic table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Can’t let that fancy private school go to waste,” he pressed with a smile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHer eyes narrowed. “Osgood Davis, don’t think for a second you’re too old for me to tan your hide.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe blinked at her. It was always a little strange hearing Texas slang with a Korean accent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I swear, ma. I was turning in right now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe tapping continued as she narrowed her eyes. “You better. Or I’m taking away that phone.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Got it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And your Porsche.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Ozzie snapped, springing up to give her an appropriately horrified look. “A bit much, don’t ya think?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe scowled. “Ya? Am I raising a yokel?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You,” he corrected swiftly, barely squeezing the word in before she continued.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve never felt comfortable with you having that thing. It’s too much power for someone just learning.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Everyone else has got one, Ma.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’d rather you practice on the Mercedes,” she dismissed. Releasing a long sigh, she smiled at him, seemingly forgetting all annoyance. “You haven’t heard the scratching tonight, have you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe question instantly shifted the mood in the room. What had started as an annoyance had become something to keep him up at night. About a week ago, he had first heard the scratching, gnawing sound on the walls of the pool house. He hadn’t thought much of it. Dallas, like any major city, wasn’t really known for its abundance of nature. So it was pretty common for whatever wildlife around to make their way onto the Davis property, filling up the lakes and running about the spacious lawns. He hadn’t thought much of it. That was until he had heard it against the living room wall, then just outside his window on the third floor. Then inside the walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey had hired three different pest control companies. None of them had found anything, and the sound had grown worse. Long scrapes that trailed from one side of the room to the other, that crossed above his head while he was trying to sleep.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt probably wouldn’t have bothered him half as much if it wasn’t for his parents’ reactions. Cue a lot of whispering, skulking about, and heated shouting matches with an old family friend, Percival Sewall. That alone was strange; everyone loved Percival.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOzzie shook his head, dread becoming thick in the pit of his stomach as he watched his mother sigh with relief.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. That’s good.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What am I missing?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mother straightened and forced a smile. “Nothing, baba. Nothing but a good night’s sleep.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you think that sounds convincing?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe jabbed one manicured finger in the general direction of his pillow. “Sleep. Now. Or no Porsche.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOzzie dramatically leaped for the sheets. While the antics managed to coax a laugh out of her, she still didn’t give him enough time to get comfortable before turning off the overhead light, leaving him to do the rest of his squirming by the glow emitting from the hallway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So you’re aware, I will be randomly checking on you later. If I find you awake again, you will feel my wrath.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTime didn’t work the same in Black River as it did everywhere else. Nested within miles of untouched wilderness, the farming town seemed content with the simpler way of life. Plentiful crops of corn and wheat saw them through the summer. The winter harvest stood ready for the picking. Stalks with bulbous puffs of cotton, fields of plump pumpkins, and orchards full of crimson apples spread out over the undulating earth. The woods rose up sharply at the edges of the outlying properties. Towering old growths of oak and maple worked together to enclose the town.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe autumn night hung over the area, thick with chill and still as the grave. Basheba knew the instant she entered the town limits. Not by some shift in the forest or the sudden emergence of the crops. It was the moonlight. From Nashville, it had hung low in the sky, drenching the calm world with silver light. The moment she entered Black River, it died away, wilting until there was barely a trace of it left to touch the road before her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBuck hadn’t lifted his head from the crook of Basheba’s arm. He had dozed on and off for the forty-five-minute drive, only stirring to growl softly at the glove box. She didn’t try to move the object. Simply kept her focus locked onto the dark road as she weaved past the ancient homesteads. Her grip on the wheel tightened when she approached the last obstacle that properly separated the town from the surrounding farmlands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere were numerous points where the river that gave the town its name thinned into little more than a babbling brook. Naturally, it was at these markers the first settlers had decided to construct bridges, and the town hadn’t seen any reason to change that. Most of them hadn’t even been upgraded and remained as little more than a few planks hastily nailed together. There were a couple that had been changed into covered bridges. She had purposefully gone a mile out of her way to ensure she managed to cross at one of these points.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA dull overhanging light bulb illuminated the opening and she set her gaze upon it, breathed deep and slow, locked her elbows, and pushed down the accelerator.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe car lurched forward over the gravel road. Her headlights flooded the elongated cave of the tunneled bridge and washed over the dark water. A broken cry escaped Basheba as she put her entire body weight down on the brake. The tires locked and skidded over the loose earth. With a final lurch that threw her against her seatbelt and sent Buck tumbling onto the cab floor, the car came to a halt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sorry, sorry,” Basheba whispered as Buck scrambled his way back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took a concerted effort to loosen her death grip on the wheel. She gave him an apology scratch behind his ears.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sorry,” she breathed one last time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDon’t look. Just don’t look. It was impossible to listen to her own advice. The dark water drew her gaze. It shifted like liquid onyx around the stones that stood out like exposed bones. Her heart hammered painfully against her ribs, each beat rattling her small frame.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s only a few inches deep,” she told Buck. “Only a few inches.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe grumbled, nose twitching wildly as he glanced around. Watching his fruitless efforts to find the source of her anxiety made her feel like an idiot. She gave him another scratch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m okay. You’re with me, right boy?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBuck plopped his butt down on the seat, straightening his front legs, a guard dog at its post. At least, that’s what she liked to think of him as.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“All right. We’re going to just shoot on through. It’ll only take a second.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot trusting herself to see through her conviction on the first attempt, she ordered the Rottweiler onto the floor in front of the passenger seat. Once he was safely stowed away, she put her manual car in gear, took a deep breath, and stomped down. She was forced to shift rapidly as the car picked up speed. Flimsy wooden walls kept the river from her view. Basheba locked her eyes on the end of the tunnel, racing toward it, the process only taking a few seconds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA sudden jerk threw her forward. Her seatbelt tensed, crushing the air from her lungs before forcing her back. Buck yelped, the headlights died, and the roar of the engine was reduced to a hollow rapid clicking. Wincing, Basheba struggled to understand what had just happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVaguely, she was aware that the abrupt stop had sloshed her brain around her skull. Whiplash? The thought was quickly dismissed. All the pain in her body existed in the single bar where her seatbelt had struck her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 10\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMina sat at the small table by the window. Sunlight streamed through the polished glass, giving her all she needed to study the box in detail. It was the first time she had been able to get a good look at it. Tradition dictated the cube was to be instantly sealed within a thick iron box, the kind used for radioactive material. She had always been told the Selected was allowed to take it back out once they were far enough away from the children. However, that didn’t seem to be the case. Her father had refused to even let her near it until they were within the town’s café, curiously named Witch’s Brew. He had disappeared out the back with her other relatives shortly after they had arrived, leaving Jeremiah with strict instructions to keep her from opening the container. That had lasted only as long as it took for her to reach across the booth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter studying each side in turn, she had come to one conclusion; she should have bought that magnifying glass keychain she had seen in the store before. Suddenly, it seemed completely practical, and not dorky at all. Growling in frustration, Mina sat back and thought, then shot a question at her brother.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you have your phone on you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremiah jolted at the sudden address. “Don’t you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s charging in my bedroom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCautiously, her big brother slipped off the distant table and inched his way across the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t you dare take the box,” she warned him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t want to touch that thing.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe fished his phone from his back pocket and held it out with the tips of his fingers, keeping himself as far away from the table as he could without throwing his birthday present. Mina struggled to keep from rolling her eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Can you open it for me, please?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter unlocking it, he presented it in exactly the same way as before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Thanks.” She pulled the phone away and quickly clicked off a few photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What are you doing?” Jeremiah asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need a magnifying glass.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re taking photos,” he said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe stress must be getting to him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So I can magnify them,” she replied.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe still wasn’t getting it. The box held the full focus of his attention, his eyes wide and his breathing shallow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You know, zoom in.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, right,” he mumbled absently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMina picked up the box to shift the angle of her photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you have to keep touching that thing?” He still had enough sense to keep his voice down.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNeither of them wanted to know just how mad their dad would be to learn that the box was outside the container.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I want to get a better look at this pattern. It keeps moving.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What pattern?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“These squiggles.” She zoomed in on one of her photographs to show him what she meant. “See, here? Under the shifting metal bars.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremiah craned his neck to see the screen but didn’t dare come any closer to the box.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, yeah,” he murmured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“At first, I thought they were just decoration. But there’s no repetition. The same symbols, odd spacing, not repeating,” she thought aloud.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What are you babbling about?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe finally looked up. “I think it’s a language.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A language?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A language hidden under moving elements on a box with no seams.” She couldn’t help but feel a bit impressed. “Who would go to this much effort for a prop?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremiah glared at her. “Are you kidding me? You still think this is fake?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not fake exactly,” she admitted. “But exaggerated.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You were locked in a closet with her.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMina threw herself back in her seat, remembering just in time not to toss his phone across the room, even if it would have been dramatically fitting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have claustrophobia. You know that. Being in that closet…” She shuddered under the memories that began to prick at the corners of her mind but forced herself to continue. You need to appear strong if he’s going to take you seriously. “In those circumstances, it would be completely normal for someone with my condition to exaggerate certain things, or even outright hallucinate.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47859088654615,"sku":"bellw1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6.jpg?v=1706872169"},{"product_id":"banshee1-6","title":"Banshee Series: Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen Benton dreams, people die…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenton Bertrand wants to be an ordinary teenager, with a normal life. But when the sun goes down and he falls asleep, he is haunted by terrifying visions of murder and bloodshed. At first, he thought they were just regular nightmares. But he soon learns they are something more. Something much darker…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenton is a banshee, cursed with the ability to see impending death through the killer’s own eyes. And he knows it’s only a matter of time before his dreams become reality. But no matter how hard he tries to stop these ghastly murders, it always ends the same way—with death, and more nightmares tormenting his soul.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs Benton travels across the country, he learns more about his strange abilities, including his greatest power… a supernatural scream than can kill demons and banish the undead. It’s a power he’ll need to master quickly. Because something is stalking Benton and his loved ones — an evil unlike any he has ever faced before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd if Benton can’t stop it in time, his next scream may be his last…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Unheard of,I loved this series of stories.Sara Clancy you write as close to Stephen King as I could imagine.I am now a fan.Going to find more of your books.. Absolutely fell in love with His and Benton.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Forget anything you think you know about Banshee 's. Almost every character you'll either love or dislike. Very few inbetween characters. You keep hoping the main character will start acting half as brave and resourceful as his best friend Nicole. Waiting to see if their saga continues. The stories are not long and you can't complain about the price.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I really liked the series. The first book was kind of slow at first as you had to understand the background of the characters. It got going towards the middle and it was a wild ride throughout the rest of the books. Quite scary. Sara Clancy is really good at this\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Midnight Screams (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Whispering Graves (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Shattered Dreams (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Rotting Souls (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Weeping Moon (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Death Veil (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eJuly 05, 2019\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNicole didn’t have to time to look up as she heard the front door open. The newest batch was due out of the oven and she still needed to clean the mixer for the next recipe. She settled on just calling out a greeting as her mother passed by on her way to the stairs. Her mother returned the greeting and waved one hand around the corner in an exhausted display of affection. It wasn’t until she rushed over to the oven that Nicole noticed her mother lingering, leaning back to get a better look into the kitchen. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Nicole?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe smiled widely and tried to inconspicuously brush the layers of flour off of her hands. “How was work?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not bad.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNicole cringed. That was her interrogation voice. The low crime rate of Fort Wayward and Nicole’s inability to tell a believable lie without a few days of planning stood as a testament of just how effective Constable Dorothy Rider’s interrogation voice was. Nicole plastered a smile on her face and pulled the batch of muffins from the oven like it required the grand total of her focus. It wasn’t until she had the hot tray in her oven-gloved hands, that she noticed there wasn’t any counter space left. The results of dozens of previous attempts ensured that there wasn’t a single flat surface not devoted to tray after tray of cooling muffins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“When is the bake sale?” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh,” Nicole dismissed with a slight chuckle and a wave which, given her grip on the tray, admittedly looked awkward. It wasn’t completely abnormal for her to bake hundreds of muffins on a Sunday night. “All this? No, I was just thinking that it might be nice to have some fresh baked muffins.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Nicole,” Dorothy sighed with a mix of annoyance and fatigue. Nicole hated that combination. It was worse than the interrogation tone. “We’re not going through this again.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you mean?” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Your obsessive search for the perfect recipe,” Dorothy searched for a gap in the counter big enough to lean against. Eventually, she gave up. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s not obsessive.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How many recipes have you tried out, tonight?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Only ten. That’s not obsessive. It’s due diligence.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And how many did you go through the last time?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNicole shuffled on her feet. “Thirty-three.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So, forty-three recipes?” she snapped, her face twisting up in horror. “How are you even affording this? Where are you even finding that many recipes for the exact same thing?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Internet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Pack it up. You’re done.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“But, I’m so close,” Nicole protested with a whine. “One more tweak and they will be perfect.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDorothy’s brow furrowed. “Didn’t you do this years ago?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Maybe,” Nicole mumbled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What changed?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t you think they’re a little dry?” She tried her best to sound casual. A bit too much, apparently, because she didn’t fool her mother for a second. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDorothy heaved a sigh, hooked one thumb lazily around her gun belt, and rubbed her forehead with her free hand. “Who said that?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter numerous attempts to shy away from her mother’s attention, she offered a weak smile. “Benton Bertrand.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead of the teasing she had expected, Dorothy’s attention took on a laser-like focus. “When did you meet the Bertrands?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“When I was coming back from Vic’s place. Their car had broken down so I gave them a lift.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You went to see Vic? How is he?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNicole swallowed thickly as she hurriedly went back to arranging her muffins. “I think he’s still sick. And still really into his girlfriend. I didn’t see his parents, though,” she rushed on before her mother could ask any questions that she wasn’t ready to answer. Even just the memory of the hands made her shiver. “Why are you so interested in the Bertrands?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe second they arrived at the school, Benton threw himself out of the car and practically fled into the building. Nicole had tried to follow, but he was an expert at hiding in small crowds. Even at lunch, she wasn’t able to lay eyes on him. The longer she didn’t get to talk to him, the more the questions crammed into her mind. She tried to sort everything she had learned over the last few days into something that made any kind of sense. But it was as if she was missing the centerpiece that would hold everything together. The problem was, the longer it didn’t make sense, the more her brain refused to make room for anything else.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBy the time the last class of the day came around, she was functioning mostly on autopilot. Leaving the locker room, not at all excited for gym class, she drifted out onto the baseball field and instantly searched for the twins. They had adopted their normal styles once again. Meg with her overabundance of eyeliner and aversion to color, and Danny with her hair slightly curled and more feminine. Both of them looked unbearably smug. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How was your fraud?” Nicole asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you really want to know?” Danny asked softly. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe really didn’t and let the conversation drop. More students filtered out of the gym and, in the absence of a teacher, formed into different groups and began to chat. It wasn’t hard to pick Zack out of the crowd. It never was. He was tall, boisterous, and a massive flirt. He lumbered over to them, winked suggestively at Meg, and slung his arm over Nicole’s shoulders. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are my favorite girls, today?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m good,” Meg smiled. “How’s my least favorite guy?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why hurt me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Have you met Benton, yet?” Nicole asked. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eZack had been looking forward to the new addition for a while, and she was sure that the two could actually be good friends. Her hope dwindled when she saw Zack’s brow furrow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You mean the weird new kid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“He’s not weird,” Nicole said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah, he is,” Zack said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“He did completely freak out this morning,” Meg noted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“He’s just under a lot of pressure. If you haven’t noticed, he’s had it rough the last couple of days. You’d be a little weird, too.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMeg and Zack shared a smirk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So,” Meg said. “You’re admitting he’s weird?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t get her riled up, guys,” Danny sighed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, look who finally showed up,” Meg smiled and glanced over Nicole’s shoulder. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe turned and scanned the crowd. Benton tried to melt into the background, but his gray hood was visible against the brick walls. Apparently, he knew his disguise didn’t work all that well, since he hid behind his sunglasses and hunched his shoulders like he could somehow get rid of his height. They turned to each other, Nicole waved for him to come over, but he somehow managed to vanish in the sparse crowd. An act like that had to take a great deal of effort. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Zack chuckled. “This must be so embarrassing for you, Nicole.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Want to revisit the whole ‘weird’ thing?” Meg said with a smile in her voice. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNicole tried to shrug it off, but the rejection stung more than a little. She had never really had much experience with it and wasn’t about to accept it. The conversation continued and Zack’s teasing laughter drew her back in, despite herself. Then the air shifted. Within the same instant, everyone fell silent, but no one could place why. A nervous anxiety filled the air as the groups absently shuffled closer, closing their ranks. Nicole’s stomach went cold when she spotted Victor stalking across the grass, closing in on them with a ferocious snarl, his body vibrating with restrained energy. He looked to be out for blood, and she instinctively took a step back. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey, man!” Zack greeted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDespite his happy tone, Zack quickly finished putting his shoulder length raven hair into a ponytail, ensuring his hands were free and his chest protected by the time Victor joined them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor didn’t respond. He just silently joined their circle and stood rigid, hands balled. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not that it’s not great to see you,” Danny said hesitantly. “But you look horrible. Maybe you should drop by the hospital.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Baseball today?” Victor’s voice sounded like shattered glass. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eZack cast his eyes around the group, but none of them really knew what to do. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Nicole answered. “But don’t you think you should sit this one out?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor locked his bloodshot eyes on Zack. “You pitching?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eZack once again looked around for help before answering, “Yeah.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor twitched uncontrollably. Still, his eyes were an unwavering force as they locked onto Benton. He acknowledged him with a jerk of his chin before speaking to Zack, “Hit him.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Zack laughed awkwardly. “You want me to hit the new kid with a pitch?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“As hard as you can.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe staircase to the second floor was halfway down a long and annoyingly exposed hallway, with the gift shop at one end and the nurse’s station at the other. A few feet from the bottom stairs was a vending machine that had given Nicole a little bit of cover to creep forward unnoticed. But there was no way she could actually round it to get to the stairs, and consequently Aspen’s office, without being seen. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLeaning heavily against the cool metal side of the vending machine, she peeked around it to check if the coast was clear. There were at least four people milling about the nurse’s station. Apparently, the skeleton staff didn’t have much to occupy their time with tonight because they never seemed all that interested in going anywhere else. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt hadn’t occurred to Nicole until after she had entered the hospital that she would stick out. She knew everyone in town. Anyone who saw here would question why she was here so late. Not to mention that, by now, everyone and their mothers would know what had happened at the diner. Even if she had the world’s most perfectly constructed lie, and managed to execute it flawlessly, word would get back to Dorothy that she had visited. It was the first time in her life that she had actually wished that she didn’t live in a small town. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMinutes dragged on. The nurses chatted, drank their coffee, and while some left to do their rounds, they never left the station unmanned. Do you have to be so damn dedicated? The angry thought was quickly chased by the more reasonable part of her mind that mentioned that dedication in the health industry was a good thing. That reasonable voice was really starting to get irritating. Another minute passed and she knew it wasn’t going to get any better. Either she took her chance or stayed with the ever-increasing risk that someone would walk down the hall behind her. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe snuck another peek, waiting for the right moment when they would all be distracted by whatever it was they were doing. Finally, the opportunity opened up and she took it before she could second-guess herself. The hardest part was to keep her boots from thumping against the tiled floor. She rushed around the vending machine and threw herself into the stairwell. Her knee smacked against the edges of the stairs. The blow sent out a long throb of protest but it wasn’t enough to keep her from scrambling up and pressing herself against the wall. In the shadows of the stairwell, Nicole held her breath and waited for someone to call her name. Once again, it occurred to her much too late that she really should have worked on an excuse. But no one called. No one came. Their conversations and the steady rhythm of clicking computer keys went on, undisturbed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSagging with the force of her relief, Nicole silently pulled her feet back under her and stood up. She crept up the stairs, never taking a full breath until she reached the darkness of the second floor. It didn’t take long for the shadows to shift from comforting to confronting. Since none of the businesses ever stayed open past five, the floor was completely deserted. Each one had large windows that looked out onto the street and matching ones that opened onto the hallway she was standing in. The only source of light was the glow of the streetlamps. They filtered in through the vertical blinds and sliced spurs of light across the hallway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHer feet refused to move. Every time Nicole had seen this place, it had been awash with lights and people. There was something inherently wrong in seeing it so empty. It felt like something was watching her from the shadows, waiting for her to come closer. Her eyes searched every inch of space they could find but there were far too many hiding spots to assure herself that she was alone. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLingering by the top of the stairs, one hand pressed against the wall, she struggled to resist turning on a light. It would be a comfort but was the exact opposite of being sneaky. The sensation of eyes upon her intensified. She tried to dismiss it, to justify it, to reason with the hair on her arms that were beginning to rise, but nothing worked. Memories of her last hiking trip were worth far more than her own assurances. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e She had been hiking for half a day with the cold, constant pressure pressing against her spine. It was only after she had circled back around that she noticed the coyote tracks in the soft earth. Dozens of them. The whole pack must have stalked her for at least a mile and she never saw them. But the most primal part of herself had felt it. Had known the exact moment when she had captured a predator’s attention. It was an unmistakable breed of bone-deep dread. And she felt it now. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAspen’s office stood at the very end of the hall, the last in the long row of identical doors. The minimal light shone off the metal handle, taunting her. Controlling her every breath, forcing them to go slower than her racing heart, she took her first tentative step forward. The desire to run was instant and forceful. She chanced a glance over her shoulder at the staircase. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You came here to do something,” she reminded herself. “You’re not leaving until you get the job done.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47859512738071,"sku":"banshee1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6_df6e2308-ec8b-4bf6-ac5e-350c3cb90920.jpg?v=1707364856"},{"product_id":"nightmare1-6","title":"Nightmare Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThey were searching for ghosts. But what they found was much worse…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTV Producers Matt McKay and Ted Gould are looking for one thing… ghosts. As the creators of a popular paranormal investigation show, they’ve staked their reputation on the existence of the super-natural. But when they lead their camera crew deep into the cavernous interior of Malpas Abbey, they discover far more than they bargained for…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Abbey’s infamous history is marred with bloodshed. With its corrupt walls resting upon a foundation of death and torment, the bleak, decrepit manor house has been avoided by locals for centuries.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the unsuspecting crew ventures into the hell house, they are beset by one problem after another. Strange noises echo through the halls. Their equipment fails, and ominous shadows surround them. And they soon realize they are not alone in this sinister building.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSomething else stalks the dark halls of the abbey. Something that feeds upon their worst nightmares. A force of evil, stronger and older than the devil himself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd it hungers for fresh blood…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Denny the main character is fully personalized and a lovable character with unstoppable bravery! Leaping headfirst into another world to save a friend makes this a truly good read! I love the description of the horrible world igniting my imagination!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Once longhorn has you hooked he doesn’t let you off! Thought this would be the typical ghosts and ghouls but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Twists and turns and great writing keep you totally entertained!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This set is a must for horror fans, although each of the 3 books could be read as stand-alone novels they are far better read in sequence and if you are like me, straight after each other! I love the author’s use of language and he has made some wonderful characters for these books. Each book is fairly short to read and so they are a convenient size if you prefer to read a book at a time. Looking forward to reading more by this author as this was the first books I have read by him.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Nightmare Abbey (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Nightmare Valley (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Nightmare Revelation (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Nightmare Resurrection (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Nightmare Spawn (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Nightmare Rising (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eDecember 17, 2018\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3: The Lady of Mountfalcon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTim Garstang looked back at the wake of the boat. The spreading vee of foam led his eyes up towards the Welsh coast and the village they had just left. Night was falling. He was on the last stage of a journey that had brought him from LanCorp’s headquarters in London halfway across the country. The last couple of days had passed in a whirl of phone calls, emails, packing, and frantic attempts to find someone to take care of his tropical fish. He had not even been allowed to tell anyone where he was going. A confidentiality agreement saw to that. Instead he had been required to simply say he was away on a foreign assignment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhy am I here again?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had been summoned from his mundane job as a sub-editor on a Sunday lifestyle magazine to become some kind of assistant to the Big Boss. He still had no real idea why. Tim had no idea how Sir Charles Lanier, with his tens of thousands of employees, had become aware of him. At first, he had suspected the request to meet Sir Charles was a hoax perpetrated by a colleague. But the expression on his editor’s face – astonishment mixed with poisonous envy – had quickly confirmed that it was a legitimate offer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You should be looking to the future, not the past,” said Murphy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, right, yeah!” said Tim, looking round at Lanier’s head of security.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMurphy had been pleasant enough when he met Tim at the dock in the village, but there was something about the man he did not like. The man had no small-talk about politics, sports, the weather. He also had a very low blink-rate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStill, Tim told himself, people in his line of work are seldom charmers. He’s probably ex-military, or maybe an ex-copper.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“The island is very pleasant,” Murphy said. “The house has been extensively refurbished.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Great!” Tim replied.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd that’s another thing, he thought. The guy talks like a robot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShrugging off the minor annoyance, he did as Murphy bade and looked at Holyhaven. The island had, Tim knew, been a monastery of some sort back in the Dark Ages. But for hundreds of years it had been private property. Lanier had bought it back in the Eighties and had a kind of mini-kingdom of about twenty staff. And for some reason, Tim was about to join the select company.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So,” he said tentatively. “What’s it like? Working for the man himself?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sir Charles is a remarkable man,” Murphy said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTim waited, but the security chief apparently had nothing more to say. The security guard at the controls of the boat had not looked back once, and there was nobody else on board. Tim suddenly had a vision of himself in the middle of the channel, heading towards a mysterious island. He felt nervous, afraid of what might happen next, while having no real idea why.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You see, I’ve never met him,” he babbled. “I mean, I’ve seen him on the telly, of course. Last year, when he told that parliamentary committee to get stuffed, you know? But never, you know, in the flesh.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMurphy looked at him, unblinking. Then the taciturn man gave an odd kind of shrug, which was almost a wriggle. Tim smiled at the thought that Murphy might be wearing ill-fitting underwear. Then he looked ahead of the boat, and saw that they were turning in a wide arc towards a small jetty. Above, looking suitably dramatic on a tall crag, were the lights of Lanier’s house. Tim recalled that it was called Mountfalcon. The name, he decided, suited it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLooming up there like a hawk surveying its territory, waiting to strike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Impressive,” he said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes,” said Murphy, turning his back on Tim and making his way forward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boat slowed as the driver idled the motor. Murphy balanced on the bow, and threw a line to another uniformed man on the jetty. As they came alongside a ladder, the security chief leaped onto the wooden platform. He moved clumsily and nearly fell backwards, arms cartwheeling. The guard on the jetty grabbed him in time, pulled him to safety.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd nobody makes a joke about it, thought Tim. Is Murphy such a bastard to work for? Or do all Lanier’s staff get some kind of humor bypass?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6: Contact with the Enemy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Nice of them to leave the gates open,” Zoffany remarked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Quiet!” hissed Comstock, gesturing for them to follow him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe area around the factory was illuminated by halogen floods that cast a harsh light on the bleak surroundings. Comstock had briefed them on various possible entrances to the building, and was equipped with tools for picking locks or simply breaking in. But as they dashed from one patch of shadow to the next, Frankie wondered if they were biting off more than they could chew.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is it,” Comstock said, stopping by a door with a pane of frosted glass in its upper section. “Check it with your heat camera.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrankie did as she was told, switching to infrared. There was no sign of warmth from the interior, no moving shapes, human or otherwise. Interlopers, she knew, were warm-blooded. But that simply meant that they could not be told apart from humans by heat sensors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Nothing,” she said. “It’s cold in there.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eComstock was already working at the lock, and the door swung open with a muffled click. The security chief drew his gun and darted inside. Frankie followed, finding herself in what looked like a large factory kitchen, complete with ovens, sinks, and cupboards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Gould?” Frankie asked. “That gizmo doing anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Still going up to eleven at intervals,” the scientist replied. “Far stronger response than I got from that school bus.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So it’s a Loper convention,” Frankie said. “Hear that, Comstock? We’ve done enough. You can report back to Trent and ask him to send in the cavalry.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We don’t know enough about numbers and capabilities,” Comstock said, in his usual clipped monotone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, come on!” she protested. “Gould’s detector is off the scale, and you want to go poke the hornet’s nest?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrankie saw the flicker of a torch, the blue beam playing around the handle of an inner door before being switched off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Anybody on the other side of that door?” Comstock whispered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes,” said Frankie instantly. “An unknown number of Code Nines, let’s get out of here!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe door handle rattled, and Comstock moved until he was flat against the wall. If the door opened, Frankie saw, the security chief would be behind it. Gould took out a shock baton and moved to stand opposite Comstock. Frankie joined Zoffany behind a row of cabinets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat one knows, they all know, Frankie thought, as the door opened. So, yeah, let’s attack one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe door opened slowly, and a small figure entered. It was framed in harsh light, and Frankie could not make out its features. Gould raised his baton as Comstock emerged from behind the door, gun pointed up, finger over the trigger-guard. There was a sharp click and the lights came on. A gray-haired woman was standing in the doorway. Frankie recognized Fiona Jones from their briefing on the Moment of Truth charity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJones opened her mouth to speak, but Gould was already bringing the baton down onto her back. There was a crackling noise as the weapon touched the woman between the shoulder blades, and she dropped to the floor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, let’s get her out of here!” urged Comstock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe two men lifted the woman and half-dragged her to the outer door. Jones was writhing, and starting to lash out with hands and feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Make it quick, Harriet!” hissed Gould.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eZoffany moved in quickly. Comstock’s torch flashed again, showing the struggling woman’s neck. Frankie saw a needle glint and realized that Zoffany was injecting something into Fiona Jones’ neck.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What the hell is this?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Plan B,” said Gould breathlessly. “Sorry we couldn’t keep you in the loop. Orders.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrankie stood watching, confused, as the others carried the now inert body outside. She heard running feet, shadows beyond the inner door. She hurried to follow the others while keeping her camera pointing into the building.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You couldn’t just tell me about this?” she said furiously as she caught up with Gould.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Comstock was under orders from Trent,” gasped Gould, who was obviously bearing most of Jones’ weight. “Too close to Denny.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who can’t be trusted,” Frankie put in. “Great. So now we’re running like the Keystone cops.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey had reached the gate before the first pursuers appeared. A group of people, hard to make out clearly in the harsh floodlights, emerged from the factory. Comstock fired his pistol over their heads, and the small crowd seemed to hesitate. Then, moving fast through the milling adults, small figures appeared. Two, three, then four figures with pale faces bounded after the Task Force team.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Lopers,” Frankie said flatly. “They’ll catch us.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 9: Nightmare Visions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDenny was looking through Zoffany’s eyes, hearing the manic echo of her thoughts, feeling her emotions. The biologist was working with frantic speed, surrounded by laboratory equipment. Zoffany noted that the room had portholes, and realized that it was a cabin on the yacht Fulmar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnother person entered carrying a tray of food. The meal was basic, chicken and some vegetables, along with a glass of water. Zoffany ate and drank hastily, barely acknowledging the man who brought and took away her tray. The scientist was thinking about DNA, her theories and conclusions suddenly clear to Denny.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen I’m in her head like this, I know what she knows, Denny thought. Cool.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTime passed, days and weeks melting away as Denny roved along the timeline of Zoffany’s memories. At first, nothing seemed wrong. The kidnapped scientist had a symbiont urging her to work against the human race. But Zoffany had devised a way to hide her true self, a shield against the weak and bickering minds of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKind of convenient, Denny thought. Okay, Harriet is very smart and mature, and human adolescents are notoriously erratic. But the juvenile Queens aren’t human.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDenny began to search for signs of inconsistency, evidence that Zoffany’s memories might have been tampered with. She tried to find the same true memories lurking within false ones that she had first detected in Gould. But she detected no evidence of Nomad-like tampering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs far as Denny could tell, Zoffany had produced a small amount of a human-killing virus. This had been tried out on a few unfortunate individuals, to convince the Queens that their weapon was effective. But in fact, the biologist had sabotaged that virus, making it incapable of surviving for long outside the lab. Meanwhile, she had perfected a virus that exploited the unique qualities of Interloper DNA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMaybe Zoffany is right, she thought. Perhaps she really did fool them. Nemesis could be real.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDenny moved forward, approached the time when Zoffany staged her escape. She saw the scene in the luxurious lounge of the Fulmar, with the unsuspecting harbormaster about to be replaced. She saw Zoffany attack Gamma, driving the injector into the creature’s neck. Then came the confused escape as the Queen thrashed around, vomited. The other Interlopers and controlled humans lost control, sharing their leader’s confusion and distress.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomething wrong here, Denny thought. Zoffany was hardly affected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe examined the scientist’s memories more closely. Zoffany was convinced that her tricks had shielded her from the suffering the virus had supposedly inflicted upon Gamma. It was hard to credit that improvised mental defenses, such as nonsense rhymes, would work so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut Zoffany had to get away, Denny reasoned. Which means she couldn’t collapse and writhe around on the floor. The escape was rigged. I’m almost certain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDenny went back along Zoffany’s timeline, checking times when the scientist had supposedly shielded herself most effectively. Now that she was focusing on particular moments, she spotted the first deception almost at once. Zoffany created her human-killing virus, put samples carefully into a small fridge. Shortly after, Zoffany began to work on the Interloper-destroying variant. Or so she thought.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAppalled, Denny watched as Zoffany’s hands systematically disobeyed her mind. The scientist labeled containers as if they contained a new virus, but in fact, they were simply fresh cultures of the original. All the routine acts of a professional scientist, things Zoffany did automatically, were hijacked. Often it was as simple as mislabeling a glass vial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey weren’t weak or divided among themselves, Denny thought. The three were always nudging Zoffany in their chosen direction. They let her think she was free of them, at least sometimes, so that she would work harder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile the biologist was thinking of complex, theoretical problems, her body had always been under subtle, near-total control. Denny was shocked and dismayed to see that the three Queens were very knowledgeable about scientific methods. And Gamma, it seemed, was also a good actor, one who could apparently puke on command.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We have many hidden talents,” said a cool, clear voice in Denny’s head. “Come, link with our minds. Now that you know the truth, you must decide what your response will be.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47859638894871,"sku":"nm1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6_62254d2b-e032-4996-907a-bcbd7fa40c4d.jpg?v=1706874514"},{"product_id":"cultoftheendlessnight1-6","title":"Cult of the Endless Night Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe world’s greatest ghost hunter has finally met his match…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShane Ryan has faced supernatural evil beyond imagination. As a ghost hunter and retired Marine, Shane is no stranger to violence. But when his own home is invaded by a sinister force, it sets him off on a path straight into the heart of darkness itself…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFollowing the lead of an old fortune teller, Shane discovers that a powerful ghost named Thomas Coulson was responsible for desecrating his home. And this spirit has left a trail of clues, leading Shane on a breathless cross-country chase.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut as Shane closes in on his prey, he quickly discovers that Coulson is no ordinary ghost. In life, Coulson was a skilled ghost hunter himself. His vast knowledge and powerful abilities make him a foe unlike any other. And Shane is forced to admit that this time, he may be in over his head…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Shane Ryan defeat an enemy that knows his every move?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"It's always good to spend assume time with intrepid ghost puncher, Shane Ryan. Especially when he's doing something impossible alongside allies he would claim to not need. The pages just melt away in this series, up through the end. Enjoy!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Shane Ryan faces his most powerful and lethal enemies yet, his companion an immensely powerful ghost beyond all human control and unbound. Humans and ghosts hunt the unlikely pair across the nation. A rip roaring action packed story that rushes headlong to a very satisfying conclusion.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Ron always leaves you wanting more of the story at the end of his books. I can't wait until the next story comes out. Shane and his companions feel like friends that always have great adventures to tell about when they return home.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ House of the Dead (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Shadows of Deceit (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Night's End (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Echoes in The Night (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Death Dealer (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Endless Night (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 4: No Man’s Land\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere were no lights beyond the door. Shane pulled out his Zippo and lit it, exposing a small, sparse room. It looked like there had once been equipment within, based on a discolored spot on the wall and capped wires. Now, there was just scrap metal and a pair of rusted-out old lockers on the far wall next to another door.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane approached. It was in much worse condition than the first and no one had bothered to replace the lock. He turned the handle, and it moved slowly, rust flaking off on his hands before the stiff, corroded hinges finally gave way under his efforts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold air rushed toward Shane, stale, and unpleasant. The flame from the lighter flickered before settling down once more. Beyond was a new tunnel. It was as black as night, and only a few feet ahead was visible in the faint light of the Zippo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you know where we are?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A tunnel,” Jaker offered unhelpfully. Shane held the lighter high, looking in both directions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe could be headed south. Tremont goes a little farther north before it has to turn lest it hit the river, Shane thought. He was trying to keep a rough idea of directions in his head, but the subway didn’t follow the street maps from above, which made judging distances and directions hard, especially in tunnels that had been sealed off and unused for ages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is this even Tremont anymore?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe could see no signs on the walls in the new tunnel. The walls were covered in ancient tiles that had grayed or yellowed with age depending on how damp they were.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I honestly have no idea,” Jaker replied. The ghost seemed on edge now, looking up and down the tunnel like he was spooked by the idea of being there.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“See anything down there?” Shane asked, holding the lighter higher.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A tunnel,” the ghost said again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sighed and started walking. Wherever he was, he was at least near Tremont, where Martin had said his location was. Even if the young man was gone, if there were others around, someone would have to know him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How come you can see ghosts?” Jaker asked as they walked, his version of small talk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just something I can do,” Shane answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You ever get scared?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of ghosts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah. Ghosts are scary, right? That’s what I always thought when I was a kid,” Jaker explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you scare yourself?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You know what I mean. Some ghosts are bad news.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah, some are,” Shane agreed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe air shifted now and then as they walked. The Zippo struggled to stay lit, and Shane scanned the tunnel as far as the light allowed, but there was still nothing to see. The only sounds were muffled and distant, things like trains in other tunnels. Sometimes, they passed grates and pipes that allowed the faint sounds of the city above to filter down. No voices, though, no footsteps or signs of movement. Not even a rat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane paused in the center of the tunnel, looking behind them and then forward. They had traveled far enough that they had rounded another curve and even with proper lighting, he wouldn’t have been able to see the door through which they’d entered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Jaker whispered, looking back as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“There’s no rats in here,” Shane pointed out. The ghost looked at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Isn’t that a good thing?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s a ghost thing. When’s the last time you saw a rat near you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJaker looked thoughtful for a moment, considering Shane’s question.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Most animals don’t like to hang around ghosts,” Shane clarified, moving on once more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe air was chilly, but it was an abandoned subway tunnel, so there was no reason to expect it to be warm. It could have indicated the presence of a ghost, but not necessarily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 8: Baiting Traps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRegardless of what had happened to Martin and the help he might have needed, he had been right about one thing. The ghost in the tunnels would keep killing if no one stopped it. In conversing with Hamlin, it was clear that the ghost had been down there for years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane’s initial plan was to help an old acquaintance and eliminate a threat. But Hamlin’s tale added a twist to what he had been presented with. Though the old man didn’t know who these strangers were, flashing money around while using humans as ghost bait, Shane had an idea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe Cult of the Endless Night might have dried up in Boston after Randall West’s death, but the description was them to a T. Rich, stupid, careless, and looking to catch a ghost. Shane couldn’t imagine it was anyone else.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAn individual ghost hunter would have been one thing, but organized groups were scarce. And something as obscure as a killer subway ghost in Boston would only be known to locals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThat people had come in search of Switchyard more than once meant he was well hidden. If he had been in the subway for decades, he might have died in the abandoned tunnels years before anyone living there now had arrived. His haunted item could have been lost to time, hidden, or even buried. The cult would have no way to find it without the ghost’s help, and Switchyard did not sound like the helpful sort.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe allure was also right up the cult’s alley. A killer, a boogeyman in dark tunnels. He didn’t speak, and he didn’t have any motive that anyone knew, he just killed. People like Randall West would have loved that. Another showpiece for the collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“When was the last time these well-funded hunters showed up looking for the ghost?” Shane asked Hamlin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe two had shared most of his pack of cigarettes by that point, and the sergeant had loosened up, seeming to trust Shane enough to share stories without suspicion. Others were not so welcoming. At least half of the platform’s population had made themselves scarce while Martin and Connor sat at Martin’s tent, not far off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Can’t say for sure,” Hamlin said. “Five weeks? Not so long, anyway.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane nodded. That was after West had died for sure. After the Boston cell of the Endless Night was supposed to have been destroyed. If it was the cult, and it sounded like them, then James’ information was not reliable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I will say they were a different lot that last time,” Hamlin added after a second of thought.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How so?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not as slick. Less gear, but more cash. Asked a lot of the same types of questions the other fellas had asked a long time ago. Where does it haunt, what does it look like, all that basic stuff.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Like they were new at it,” Shane said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Like that,” Hamlin confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe man’s eyes had narrowed again and, though his mustache and beard were good at obscuring the lower half of his face, he had that tone in his voice like he was smiling. There was something about it all that he found amusing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Shane asked. The other man shrugged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I just mind my business. I never wanted their cash, had a stink to it from day one if you catch my meaning. But that last crew, weren’t but one fella who came out of that tunnel alive. He tore out of here covered in blood that wasn’t his own. They went in a lot cockier than the original fellas.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And this survivor? What happened to him?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Gone. Ran off. No one been back since.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No cops?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis time Hamlin did laugh, which led to a fit of coughing before he stopped.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Jarheads. You got the look of a man who knows when he’s asking a stupid question, but you asked it, anyway. Wonder why you might do that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just curious,” Shane replied. Hamlin shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, you’re not. Can see it in your eyes. You got cards you ain’t showing me. But if we were sitting and throwing chips on the table, I’d wager you know who these fellas are I’m talking about.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I probably know them,” Shane answered honestly. “Sounds like some people I had dealings with.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dealings, huh?” the old man said. “That’s a polite word.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 13: Grasping in the Dark\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConnor had an incessant need to make small talk. He spoke as though he and Shane were friends. Even with a broken nose, he was undeterred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I remember when I first found out about you. There was an expense report from some guy who needed money for miscellaneous gambling expenses at this Iron Tournament thing…”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe looked expectantly at Shane. Shane said nothing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Anyway, West had sent him there to scout for new ghosts. We had a whole Iron Tournament file. Anyway, long story short, he filed a report about you and how he wanted to expense a million bucks to hire a team to kidnap you from your room one night. It was very detailed, down to the cost of shoes that wouldn’t squeak on tile floor.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Great,” Shane said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Point is, he was writing about your fights like he’s ringside in Vegas. So, I pulled your other files. Some field agents can’t write to save their lives, but other guys got into it. There’s stuff back to your parents going missing in your house, and this ghost in a pond, and man… it was a hell of a read.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Glad I’ve been entertaining.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why do you have to make everything feel so negative? All I’m saying is you’ve led a cool life and I think we can help each other.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane felt the handle of the ax in his hand, solid and cold and powerful. No one would have known if he just took Connor’s head clean off. He knew it wasn’t a good idea, at least not until he was sure he could escape the tunnels. He probably would not kill the man, but the thoughts were persistent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A cool life,” Shane repeated. Those were not the words he would have chosen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Very cool. The things you’ve seen and done. Plus, you’re a Marine! It’s crazy.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Were your parents rich?” Shane asked, glancing at Connor. He was still young. He had a look about him that made him seem like he should play baseball in a semi-pro league and hit on women with bad pick-up lines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Did you ever have anything bad happen to you? You seem like someone who stops to watch car accidents.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor a change, Connor had no quick reply. He just looked at Shane, an unreadable expression on his face in the glow of his lantern light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Everyone has their story,” he said after a moment. Shane had to laugh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m sure you believe that when you’re not salivating over murder victims and ghosts that tear people to pieces.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m helping people even if you don’t want to believe it. You want to be a martyr, and that’s awesome for you. You’re such a tough guy, such an 1980s action hero. You always have to struggle. Good for you, Rambo. You save lives at the cost of your fingers, your friends, and the woman you love. I want to save lives and get stinking rich. You’re not better than me.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If you’re implying you’re some kind of hero—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Connor said, cutting him off. “I’m saying that I can save people’s lives. It’s a fact. If I have a ghost sealed in a box, that ghost isn’t killing Martin or Sarge or anyone else.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sure,” Shane agreed. Connor was heated now, angry beyond what seemed reasonable. He had touched a nerve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If I can sell that ghost to a billionaire in Malaysia and make more money in one afternoon than most people will see in their lives, that’s my business. It’s not wrong. It’s not bad. It’s me getting what I can. Better than selling oil or coal. Better than polluting the oceans or exploiting workers for pennies. You’re just pissed because you think this is your thing. You’re the ghost hunter, and you want to carry that burden alone.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane had to laugh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConnor replied with a childish, mocking laugh. “You think I’m wrong?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I think you’ll say whatever makes you feel better,” Shane said. “And I don’t care.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If you didn’t care, you’d help me catch Switchyard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, I wouldn’t.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConnor scoffed. His nose had started bleeding again, and the lower half of his face was coated in a smeared, uneven layer of blood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47877670633751,"sku":"hod1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6_cf6f9bc2-8414-430e-bea2-3e017d0df735.jpg?v=1706875025"},{"product_id":"solderofdeath1-3","title":"Soldier of Death Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #ffff00;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #ffff00;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA dark force is rising. And only Gray Brooks can sense its power…\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor Gray Brooks, death was only the beginning. Once a Marine, his life took a turn for the worst, and he found himself wrapped up in a robbery gone wrong. Shot and left for dead, Gray was revived in the hospital. But he was forever touched by the land of the dead, cursed to see the sinister spirits stalking this realm…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter surviving yet another deadly supernatural encounter, Gray finds himself contacted by a man who desperately needs his help. The man’s daughter lies in a coma, trapped between life and death. And her condition is caused by something not of this earth…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGray soon realizes a diabolical creature is using the girl as a source of energy, slowly draining her soul dry. And feeding off her life force is only the beginning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCan Gray stop it before it’s too late?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOr will he end up being the demon's next victim...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I had just finished reading another supernatural book by Ron Ripley and others and decided to try this book. I loved it! A little long winded, but I guess this is necessary to the storyline. Try it and you will like!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Different than Ron Ripley's other books but definitely worth the read. I really enjoyed this book and the paranormal creatures Grey fights.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I like the stories where an individual gets thrown into the supernatural world and must fight it! This is the second installment and had a good time reading about the motley crew put together to fight monsters!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Soldier of Death (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Mask of Death (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Shadows of Death (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter Three\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Where the hell am I?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray’s vision came back into focus as if he were emerging from darkness into light. He looked around, feeling disoriented and confused, and saw he was in Afghanistan, standing among buildings that had been bombed out, their walls pocked with bullet holes. In the street around him were burned-out cars and chunks of debris. But the world around him was silent. There wasn’t a sound to be heard, or a breath of wind upon his skin, or a soul to be seen. He was completely alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello?” he called out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray expected to hear his voice echo along the empty street, but it was as if something were swallowing all sound. The sun was high overhead, but Gray didn’t feel the heat beating down on him. He wasn’t cold, but he didn’t feel warm either. And if there was one constant in Afghanistan at daytime, it was the damned heat. As he looked around, Gray realized the light had an eerie quality to it. The colors were sharp and vivid—more so than before. But his vision had a fuzzy quality around the edges. He shook his head, trying to understand what he was seeing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomehow, everything just seemed… wrong. Gray couldn’t explain it to himself in any way that made sense, but there was a strange quality to the world around him. It almost felt like a façade, like a studio set in a way. It made no sense, and it was a poor way to explain it, but Gray felt like he was in a movie.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello!” he called out again. “Is anybody there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe looked down at himself and saw that he was dressed in his digi-cammies—his desert combat utility uniform. Gray realized he had his pack and helmet on and carried his M-16. It added to his confusion because he was sure that hadn’t been the case just a moment ago. But when Gray tried to think back and remember what came before, where he’d been before, he couldn’t recall. He racked his brain, trying to recall what he’d been doing—and how he’d ended up here—but came up empty. He couldn’t remember anything before waking up, for lack of a better term, there on the street.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello?” Gray yelled once more. “Is anybody out there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What’s up, Snowman?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray turned around, M-16 at the ready. A choked gasp passed his lips when he found himself face to face with his old squad leader, Marcel Reeves. A hard man with a strong, square jawline, Reeves could be meaner than a rattlesnake but had a heart of gold underneath it all. He was 5’11” with close-cropped dark hair, dark eyes, and built like an NFL linebacker.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray shook his head, feeling like he was being battered by waves of disbelief. “Sarge, how are you here? You’re—you’re dead.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eReeves grinned. “Am I, though?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray lowered his weapon and rubbed his eyes. The feeling of confusion welling within him thickened and deepened, and Gray felt like he was walking through a dream. That had to be it. He had to be dreaming. He ran a hand over his face and tried to gather his wits about him, sure he’d lost them at some point.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is a dream,” he said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is it?” Reeves replied.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It has to be. I watched you die, Sarge. I held you as you died—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray bit off his words as the reality of the situation set in. Gray turned and looked around the bombed-out street again, finally recognizing it. This was the neighborhood where he’d seen his first action on his very first tour out of boot camp. This is where he’d cut his teeth in the war.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe’d had three confirmed kills that day, and because he’d shown no emotion—and truthfully, he’d felt nothing about killing three enemy combatants—Reeves, his squad leader, had dubbed him Snowman. It was partly because of his white skin and partly because of his cold, icy demeanor. It was a name that stuck with him until he rotated home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How’d I get here?” Gray asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You tell me, brother.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray racked his brain but still couldn’t remember anything before showing up on that street. It was like all his memories were behind a wall, and no matter how hard he battered at it, he couldn’t break through. But he’d appeared on that street out of nowhere. He knew he wasn’t in the Corps anymore. Knew he wasn’t in Afghanistan. He knew that everything felt—wrong. That place felt wrong. It left him with only one real conclusion to draw. He didn’t know how it happened—the memory was locked behind that wall—but it was the only thing that made any sense to him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m dead, aren’t I?” Gray asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eReeves shrugged. “Are you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why are you answering questions with questions?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, am I?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray growled in frustration, making Reeves laugh. “You were always wound a little too tight, Snowman.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If I’m dead and this is heaven, I feel like I got screwed big time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter Seven\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took Gray another week before he felt well enough to go back to work. It wasn’t that he felt well enough really, he was just tired of sitting at home watching daytime television. That and obsessing over the things he’d seen. It seemed like every time he went out, he saw some nightmare vision that chilled him to the very bone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray had no idea what was happening to him. He didn’t know if they were hallucinations brought on by—he couldn’t even guess at what—or if he was losing his grip on reality. But every time he stepped outside his front door, he was confronted with a creature that looked like it had walked straight out of a Stephen King novel or something. The only positive to this unraveling in his brain was that it convinced him to get rid of all the booze and pot he enjoyed on a daily basis. Oftentimes a little too much.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray figured by removing those, he’d at least eliminate two possible reasons that could be making him see things. But so far, it hadn’t had any effect. He was still seeing them wherever he went. After the incident in the alley with that tall, freakish creature, none of the ones he’d seen had approached him. None of them had tried to harm him in any way, nor had they given any indication they even cared about him. Whenever he passed by, they just stared at him like he was an exhibit in some circus freakshow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe array of absolutely freakish creatures he’d seen were terrifying. Or at least they had been, at first. Gray got so used to seeing them around that he’d quickly become kind of desensitized. They still freaked him out but because they kept their distance, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. He just didn’t know why they watched him the way they did. That was the most unsettling part of seeing them. For the most part, Gray did his best to ignore them, to pretend they didn’t exist. It seemed to be the only way he could maintain his hold on sanity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe day was sunny but cool. A stiff breeze blew in off lake Michigan, making him pull his flannel around him tighter. Gray was hanging some drywall, doing his best to take it as easy as possible and not overdo it. But he had a lot of pent-up energy from having laid around for the last month and was anxious to get some of it out. Not to mention the ocean of nervous energy that had built up inside of him after he started seeing… ghosts? He didn’t know what to call them, but in lieu of something better or more accurate, Gray decided that’s what he’d call them. He thought it was just easier to put a name to them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You doin’ all right, brother?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray looked up and saw his work buddy and crew supervisor, Derek, coming through the doorway. He handed Gray a cold bottle of soda. He nodded, then opened it and took a long swallow, relishing the feeling of the cool liquid on his throat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Thanks,” Gray said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Anytime,” Derek replied. “Just checkin’ to make sure you didn’t keel over on me in here or anything. Can’t afford to have you die before the job is done.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Appreciate your concern, man,” Gray replied with a grin. “But I’m good. A little stiff and sore but good so far.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDerek chuckled. “That’s because you’ve been sittin’ on your ass and loungin’ around on your couch for a while.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re not wrong.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray took another swig of his soda, almost choking on it when he saw the woman standing behind Derek. She was dressed in a dark blue pantsuit with a cream-colored blouse beneath the jacket. Half her face was covered in blood, and there was a long, jagged gash across her neck. Blood marred the front of her blouse and jacket, and her skin was pale. Her once blue eyes were dull and milky. She had crimson splatters in her golden hair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey, you all right, bud? You just got pale all of a sudden,” Derek said. “You look like you seen a ghost or something.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray almost choked again. If only Derek knew how right on the money he was. But he wasn’t going to say anything about the dead woman standing behind him. He’d learned pretty quickly that although he could see them, other people couldn’t. Gray didn’t know why that was or what that meant, but it was a fact that he had to puzzle over—one of many recent facts that were keeping him puzzled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah. No, I’m good. I’m good,” he said. “Just overdid it a bit today.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe’d been seeing ghosts out here on the worksite since he came back, and none of the other guys had ever reacted to them, which told Gray they couldn’t see them. He’d managed to keep himself in check and avoided flipping out in front of everybody, at least, so far. But there were times one would pop up in his face unexpectedly and freak him out. They seemed to enjoy doing that to him. He guessed there wasn’t a whole lot of entertainment to be had when you were a ghost or whatever these things were.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Damn, how long are you gonna milk this thing, man?” Derek teased.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“As long as I can. If it gets me out of work, I’m going to get myself shot again.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You do that, I’ll come by and shoot you myself. Only this time, you ain’t gettin’ up from it,” Derek fired back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter Eleven\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe first thing Gray did when he got home was take a shower so hot it bordered on scalding. His skin was an angry shade of red when he finally climbed out. He stood in front of the bathroom mirror and stared at himself for a long moment, replaying what had happened in that alley. There were dark purple bruises on his cheeks, an abrasion on his forehead, and a split on his lower lip. That thing, whatever it was, had gotten a few good licks in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray was still trying to wrap his mind around the idea of demons and monsters walking among humans, and now he was faced with the fact that he’d killed one. The beast had been strong. As well-trained as Gray was, there had been several points in that fight when he thought he might lose. He could still feel the creature’s hands—they were like leather, stretched tightly over hard bone. The feel of those cold and dry, almost skeletal hands touching him, despite how brief it had been, still made him shudder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTrying to push the unpleasant thoughts out of his mind, Gray toweled off then got himself dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. He needed a beer to settle his still racing nerves. Hell, maybe he needed two or even three beers. His heart was still racing and his head was spinning just as fast. Gray wanted to settle onto the couch, power down some beer, and watch some senseless, pointless, and vapid as hell television.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. Gray twisted the cap off then threw it into the trash can before taking a long swallow. He’d just walked into the living room again when he stopped dead in his tracks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSergeant Marcel Reeves sat on Gray’s couch watching TV, which was currently tuned to SportsCenter. He looked over at Gray and grinned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What are you doing here?” Gray asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Came to check the scores of tonight’s games and watch the highlights,” Reeves replied, motioning to the TV. “Had fifty bucks on the Knicks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Shut up,” he replied but couldn’t help laughing. “And if you put money on the Knicks, you deserve to lose.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray sat down in his beat-up, old recliner and took a long swig of his beer. Reeves was silent as he did. He just sat there watching Gray drink his beer. There was something about a ghost sitting on his couch staring at him that unnerved Gray even more than fighting that beast in the alley had.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, this is getting creepy,” Gray finally said. “Why are you just sitting there staring at me like some kind of freak?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t you know? That’s what ghosts do most of the time, man. They watch you. I’m watching you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah, that’s not disturbing or anything.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey, at least I wasn’t watching you in the shower,” Reeves said with a grin. “Some of these folk aren’t that considerate. I’m convinced some of these dudes refuse to cross over just so they can watch people in the shower.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Great. Paranormal perverts.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I ain’t gonna lie. There are some perks to being dead,” Reeves said with a laugh. “Speaking of which, I’ve got a list of celebrity showers I need to go take a peek at.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray laughed despite himself. “That is so wrong on so many levels.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Some things never change, huh?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray drained the last of his beer then got up to retrieve another one. He felt after the night he’d had, he deserved to have a few. Or as many as he wanted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Man, I miss beer,” Reeves said. “I miss havin’ a cold one while watching the game. I miss wings and beer.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t they feed you in the afterlife?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eReeves chuckled. “Yeah, things work differently on the other side of the veil, brother. You don’t need the same things you did when you were alive,” he said wistfully. “But that doesn’t stop the cravings—or the memory of those cravings is probably more accurate to say. It’s like a residual feeling. They say it’ll fade over time but damn, what I wouldn’t give for a plate of wings and a pitcher right now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, if you could eat and drink, I’d make sure you got ’em.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Appreciate that, brother.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray took a short swallow of his beer, suddenly in no hurry to get himself all blotto. It was still unnerving and taking some time to get used to, but he liked having Reeves around. It wasn’t the same as when his old friend was alive, but Gray took some comfort in having Reeves popping in to check on him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Seriously, what are you doing here?” Gray asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Came to talk.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray grinned softly to himself. “You know, for a little while, I convinced myself that you were just part of some fever dream I had while I was out,” he said. “Something my brain cooked up because it was all screwed up—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“News flash—your brain is all screwed up. Always has been.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGray shot him the finger and laughed. “I thought you were like a hallucination I was having when I was in a coma or something.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878047138071,"sku":"sod1-3e","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":54669616972055,"sku":"sod1-3","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_8da6d97a-d565-466c-8e53-8640d1842c43.jpg?v=1706875146"},{"product_id":"mortlake1-6","title":"Mortlake Series: Books 1 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWerewolves, ghosts, and the undead are only the beginning....\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe eccentric Professor Marcus Mortlake seems like an unlikely candidate to battle the supernatural. Despite his scruffy exterior, this paranormal investigator has faced deathly horrors and risked his life countless times to defend humanity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut no matter how many supernatural menaces he defeats, it is never enough. Haunted by his past, and tortured by the present, these horrific adventures bring Mortlake face-to-face with an evil beyond his wildest imagination....\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Great book! I t is very different from the first book in the series, but the characters seem to have a life of their own. No recycled plots here! The ending absolutely took my by surprise, i can't wait to read the next story! It will certainly hook your interest!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This is about two entities, Animals and Humans. I love how the story starts out combining the two in the same chapters, separating them as the story continues, and the end joins the two entities back up. An exciting book in this series and I recommend this to everyone.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This was not my usual type of book... I am usually more into ghost stories. :-) But this story was well laid out and written by Mr. Longhorn. At the beginning of the book, it details a group that is clearly at the very least harboring a werewolf. But the facts are even more bizarre and horrific as you go through the book.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Wolfsbane (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ House of Whispers (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Bloodlust (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Soul Taker (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Eyes of Death (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Death Hunt (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMarch 31, 2023\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust over a week had passed since her first meeting with Marcus Mortlake. He had sent Tara a series of emails, asking questions and offering snippets of information. Then, he invited her to a meeting with what he termed “an old sparring partner”. Tara guessed it would be some kind of investigator—maybe a journalist or a cop. The venue was a café in North London, not far from a Tube station. She walked straight past the place, checked her phone, found that she was expected to go into an establishment called The Greasy Spoon. She paused outside the large window and saw Mortlake sitting opposite a heavy-set man. The stranger looked like a cop—dark-suited, serious, clean-shaven.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInside, it was not clear if the place was supposed to be an amusingly retro take on a shabby eatery or a bold affirmation of terrible British cuisine. Tara decided to err on the side of caution and ingest nothing. She nodded to the girl behind the counter and joined the men at a small table. Mortlake introduced the stranger as Detective Inspector Rob Westall. The name rang a bell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“People bursting into flames?” she said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“My fame precedes me,” he said affably. “Yes, that was when I met the prof here. Haven’t been able to shake him since. We’re like Mulder and Scully, only I’ve got longer legs than Gillian Anderson.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want a cuppa?” asked Mortlake, gesturing at a small, stainless steel teapot. As well as the inevitable British “cuppas”, the two men had had a full English breakfast. Two nearly empty plates were swimming in grease and egg yolk. Tara shook her head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m good.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWestall was pleasant enough, but he clearly expected to go over the attack again. Tara bridled at this, pointing out that she had given Mortlake all the details.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah, I know it’s tedious and irritating,” Westall conceded. “But it’s also a very common practice. If a person makes up a story, they tend to say the same detailed stuff over and over with little variation. An honest recollection is always going to be incomplete, messy, even contradictory in some ways. Just the opposite of what you might expect, in fact. Honest people are much less consistent than practiced liars because memory is a bit treacherous. So, will you tell me what happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTara was mollified and did her best to recall her ordeal. Westall focused more on times and places, and she got the impression he was well up on the area where it happened. Then he focused on her escape, going over and over why the beasts had taken down Josh but somehow let her go.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know!” she said several times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have a theory about that, if it might help,” Mortlake said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe produced his phone and showed her a picture of a blue flower, asked if it looked familiar. Tara took the phone, peered at the picture, then shrugged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Could be. I remember some wildflowers, they were blue… Yeah, that looks like them. Why?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake looked from her to Westall. The detective sighed and leaned back in his chair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, I know I won’t like this,” said Westall. “Tell me it’s a magical herb, straight from the realm of the pixies.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not exactly,” Mortlake said. “It’s actually a very poisonous wild plant called Aconitum or monkshood. But it does have another name.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe paused, obviously for dramatic effect. But he paused just a heartbeat too long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wolfsbane,” put in Westall. “Sometimes called the Queen of Poisons, or Plant Arsenic.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeeing Tara’s expression, he laughed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“History of crime—one of my little hobbies, if you can call it that. Poisoning was a popular crime in the old days, I’ve read a few books about it. Before modern medical science, aconitum was a good way for a wife to get rid of a troublesome husband—or vice versa. Brew up a few plants, slip it in his porridge. Nowadays, very few people try it—march of progress and all that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake looked deflated at having his dramatic revelation stolen from him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wolfsbane indeed,” he said. “I forgot your fascination with the crimes of the past.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe turned to Tara.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Try this working hypothesis—you fell into a patch of the stuff, and that wildflower protected you. According to folklore, it’s far more toxic to lycanthropes than people. You got a rash that cleared up in a day or so, they would have suffered far worse.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That makes sense, I guess,” she said, handing the phone back to Mortlake. “But I’ll bet the Inspector here doesn’t believe in werewolves running amok in England.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Better to say I don’t want to believe in them,” Westall corrected her. “Apart from anything else, how can you charge somebody with a crime committed while they were transformed into a different species? The Crown Prosecutor wouldn’t touch that and he’d be quite justified. It’s my job to catch criminals, so I’d rather believe we’re dealing with hunting animals of some kind, and that makes their owners guilty of any number of serious offenses.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You think Tara saw some kind of exotic hunting animal?” Mortlake demanded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey did not wait for the ambulance but instead bundled their patient into the family SUV, Tim protesting all the time that he didn’t need it, that “Sonia fixed it up.” Sonia and Tara agreed that the nail had not severed a blood vessel and the damage was superficial. But all of the women and Carl insisted on Tim going to the hospital.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“None of us is a doctor,” Tara added. “Seriously, you need to get to the ER or whatever it’s called in England!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was a brief kerfuffle over who would go with Tim. Sonia took charge and decided that she would drive her husband into Berwick and that Anita should come too. Tara guessed that Ellie might be calmer without her aunt around. Ellie was red-faced and crying quietly. But Anita had gone into a virtual meltdown when Carl had rushed down the stairs, calling for the first aid kit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Your daddy will be fine,” Tara said firmly, hugging the little girl as they waved the Garland’s SUV goodbye. “You know he’s big and strong, and doctors will patch him up, and he’ll be home for bedtime.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt suddenly occurred to Tara that she had no idea when bedtime was, but she pushed the thought aside. Ellie wouldn’t be able to sleep. Carl, pale-faced and clearly in mild shock, was at a loose end. Tara suggested tea for them, and juice for Ellie, and then they could all make something nice to eat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“With ice cream for dessert,” she added, leading the girl back inside. “That much is clear. But first, refreshments.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEllie sniffled a little and was clingy but agreed with the plan. With a little coaxing, she was soon back at the kitchen table, drawing Daddy in the hospital being healed by doctors and nurses. There was a surprising amount of blood, but Tara was careful not to comment on this. Instead, she beckoned Carl outside the kitchen door, where they could keep an eye on Ellie but were beyond the range of small ears.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re sure the nail gun rose off the floor?” she whispered. “It couldn’t have been an accident? He didn’t kick it, say?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarl shook his head emphatically.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I just snapped out of this—I dunno, this weird daydream, in time to see the thing rise up. It was almost funny, like a conjuring trick or a crappy special effect, you know? Then it fired…”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe shuddered, and Tara patted his shoulder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Tim’ll be fine. But we need to do something about all this. It’s getting worse. Nothing this bad has happened before, right?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarl shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay,” Tara went on, “I’ve already called this expert I know, a professor at Cambridge. He’s really brilliant—if anyone can figure this out, he can. I thought we’d be fine on our own, but the more I think about it, the less sure I am. I’ll call him again and ask him to come up. Meantime, you keep an eye on Ellie, okay? And I’ll have some of that builder’s tea, milk, no sugar.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter she had brought Mortlake up to speed on what happened to Carl, Tara asked if he had any advice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“My advice is: seek professional help,” he replied. “Would you like me to come up after all?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah.” She sighed. “I was kinda hoping you might offer again. As I told you before, the family will probably say they can’t leave unless it gets a lot worse. And there’s a little girl in the case. We need to bring up the heavy artillery.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake chuckled at that. He explained that he would fly to Newcastle the following day then rent a car and drive up. Tara felt intense relief, and for the first time, realized how tense she had become. But something else was bothering her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You sound kind of tired, Prof,” she said. “You been sleeping okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m fine,” he insisted. “Just a little insomnia, it happens to us old folks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter the call ended, she went into the kitchen to find Carl discussing plesiosaurs with Ellie while two mugs stood steaming on the counter. Sipping her tea, she thought back to her first encounter with the paranormal in England. It had been utterly unexpected, a direct onslaught by lycanthropes that could have killed her. She thought of her then-boyfriend Josh, how he had died in pain and terror while she fled. She had had no choice—flee or die. But it still felt wrong, cowardly. This time, there was no living monster, and she would not flinch in the face of whatever evil lurked in Haslam House.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe Alhambra Theater in the south coast town of Bognor Regis had seen better days. Everything about the foyer spoke of faded grandeur. From the worn carpets to the leprous features of what had been gilded cherubs, the décor was shabby and depressing. But the people milling around, waiting for the doors to open, were full of excitement. Most of tonight’s crowd were women and the majority were ladies of a certain age. Mortlake had never seen so many blue rinses in a confined space, and this made him slightly jumpy. It was a little like being surrounded by Maggie Thatcher clones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Busy tonight,” he remarked to the girl in the ticket office as he pushed his five-pound note across to her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes, it’s marvelous,” she replied brightly. “You’re lucky to get a seat, we just had a couple of cancellations. Last time we were fully booked, it was the Panto season. And we had Mickey Rooney in Cinderella!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake grinned and couldn’t help himself. He tried to be witty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How did he fit into those tight frocks?” he asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe could almost see the weak joke sail over her head and hit the wall of her booth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sorry,” he said, “must have been magical. Just like tonight.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake took his ticket, glanced at it, and saw he was not far from the front—row D. That was lucky. He stood away from the counter to let people who’d booked by phone collect their tickets. He was not that interested in the paying customers. He was scanning the crowd for someone else. Probably two or even three people, in fact. It wasn’t easy because he was wearing a pair of thick-framed spectacles with plain glass. It was an attempt at a disguise along with the oversized leather jacket he’d borrowed from a younger colleague. It took him a while to spot the person he knew must be there, but when he did, it was obvious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA youngish woman in glasses was mingling with the crowd, chatting with individuals and small groups as she worked her way through the foyer. She wore an earpiece, which a casual observer might have assumed was a hearing aid. Mortlake was almost certain it was not. He sidled over until he could hear what was being said. One of the blue rinse brigades was talking about her father in the past tense. Another woman, clearly a friend, reassured her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I hear she’s very good,” said the friend. “My sister-in-law saw her in Margate and she was spot-on about their budgie.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake stifled a titter. Then he felt angry, knowing how trivially easy it was to fool people who wanted to hear reassuring things. He took out the flyer that advertised tonight’s show. It was quite lavishly printed, in full color, showing just how successful the performer was. The photo on the flyer showed a well-preserved woman in her early fifties, with dyed blonde hair in a neat bob. Beneath her, in bold letters, was her name and her claim.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSally Strode, psychical medium, will reach your loved ones!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe ticket prices were in much smaller print. Finally, the doors were opened and the eager audience filed into the theater. Mortlake took his seat as the sound system began to play a Hammond organ rendition of Auld Lang Syne. For a moment, Mortlake wondered if this was an attempt at mockery by a member of the theater staff. But then he reasoned that getting in touch with old acquaintances was the point of the exercise for the people around him. Certainly, nobody near him seemed to find the music incongruous.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen most of the seats were filled, the sound system crackled and the music stopped. The house lights dimmed slightly but not all the way. Then, following another crackle, a very hearty male voice bled out over the speakers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ladies and gentlemen, seekers of the truth, please put your hands together for Sally Strode!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe ripple of applause was uncertain at first, but as soon as the medium appeared on stage, it became a storm of clapping. Mortlake had encountered presold audiences before, but this one was very enthusiastic. Sally Strode herself was a rather dumpy woman, wearing a pair of horn-rimmed glasses on a chain around her neck. Her ensemble was somewhere between lay preacher and doctor’s receptionist, formal but not too forbidding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878124962071,"sku":"ms1-6e","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-6_faa762ba-ef03-481e-996a-16bcd8f8b0dd.jpg?v=1706875307"},{"product_id":"bookofdeath1-3","title":"Book of Death Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA new chapter in terror begins…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParanormal investigator, Professor Marcus Mortlake, has faced darkness beyond imagination. He still bears the scars of his battles against supernatural evil. And he is still haunted by nightmares of the terror he has faced. But despite his weakened state, when a friend comes to him for help, Mortlake is ready for action once more…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis investigation into the eccentric behavior of a village priest quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. A dark presence lurks in the fog-shrouded hills of Norfolk. The local animals sense it. Even the villagers can detect it in the air. And Mortlake is certain that this is only the beginning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSinister voices chant in the darkness. A blight spoils crops on the outskirts of town. Something is awakening beneath the sleepy village streets. A dark being not seen since primordial times. An evil presence unlike anything Mortlake has faced before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA being that will sacrifice the innocent souls of children to gain the power it desperately craves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnless Mortlake can stop it in time…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Even a quiet weekend in the country turns into chaos when Mortlake and Lynn go to visit old friends. Just unreal! This one had to be the best one yet.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I'm a big fan of David Longhorn's Marcus Mortlake Series (several), featuring that intrepid folklorist and Cambridge professor, with his inexplicable talent for understanding and attracting the Paranormal, and his overweening passion to achieve justice.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"To me, this book was an allegory about the folly of following false messiahs and self-important charismatic leaders. It exposes the bleak residue left behind by these petty tyrants. Mortlake is able to resist the power of the entity but his lover and most of the residents of the village are soon brought under its spell.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis has all the earmarks of a great series. I'm looking forward to the next entry.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Shadows of Redemption (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Whispers from the Deep (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Book of Death (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIreland was beautiful and a little strange. Beautiful because of the landscape that offered so many subtle shades of green, here and there ornamented by the blues and yellows of wildflowers. Like Mortlake’s native Yorkshire, the Irish countryside might seem drab to the outsider. But after a while, an observant visitor would see the different varieties of plants and trees that made this rainy country special. But Ireland was also strange because the closer you looked, the more you saw how it differed from its larger neighbor. Even without road signs in Gaelic giving distances in kilometers, a careful observer would have known they were not driving down a British country road.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd that, Mortlake mused, is one reason why Irish history is steeped in innocent blood. Too many Brits came here, didn’t look closely enough, and assumed the place could be run like their homeland.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Penny for your thoughts, Prof?” Keegan asked. “Looks like you’re dropping off back there.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe ex-corporal had opted to drive the second leg of their journey. Mortlake had taken the first stage, from Dublin to the middle of the island. Nobody had suggested that Lynn take the wheel, including Lynn. In fact, she had spent most of the time dozing and kicking back, as she put it, and not speaking much.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m fine,” Mortlake replied. “Just thinking about history.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That’s the spirit,” Keegan said. “Getting in the mood for our major motion picture, eh? Any particular style you’re aiming for? Do you favor the Werner Herzog approach, or are you more of a James Cameron kind of guy?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake had to laugh at that. Keegan, for all his working-class directness, had a keen mind and a fund of knowledge on almost everything. What he didn’t have—as he had complained loud and long—was a gun. It was lunacy for anyone to try and bring them into Ireland and then transport them across the country. Terrorism was still a concern in the north and here in the Republic. The Irish police, the Gardai, were not on high alert at the moment. But random stops were still possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I think I veer more towards the John Betjeman approach,” Mortlake said, testing Keegan with a TV presenter from well before his time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who? Oh, the poet guy. He snuffed it years back, didn’t he?” Keegan said. “Bit old-fashioned for a modern documentary.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yes, but my father was a huge fan, and we had to watch videos of his documentaries on English churches, that kind of thing.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Right,” said Keegan. “So, you’re going to adopt a kind of eccentric old boffin persona?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Like he needs to adopt it,” Lynn put in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKeegan’s laugh seemed slightly forced. Mortlake couldn’t see her face as she was in the front passenger seat. But the remark had a slight edge to it, more barb than joke.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So, what do you reckon to this legend?” Keegan asked. “Is it a monster, local cannibals, another bloody demon—or something else?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake gave Lynn a couple of seconds to reply. When she continued to stare out at the landscape rolling past them, he spoke.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“All we know is that a detachment of redcoats was called in because of some unspecified trouble and found the remains of the priest on or around his own altar. There was an investigation by the British authorities. But in those days, there were no detectives that far from Dublin. And, of course, during the great famine, the police were very unpopular, so nobody talked. The whole thing was put down to some wandering maniac with a grudge against the clergy.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKeegan snorted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah, that’s always happening ’round our way. You can’t move for the disemboweled vicars on some nights. But what happens if the present locals don’t want to talk about their grisly past? I mean, it’s a small town, and they might just clam up on us. Give us the cold, hard stare, that sort of thing. Because if they refuse to serve us in the pub, I’m quitting and sod the pension plan.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“There’s a pension plan?” Mortlake asked. “Nobody told me.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey spent a few minutes discussing financial matters. Lynn and Mortlake were, in theory, on sabbatical from St. Ananias College, Cambridge. But that would eventually end. They would be too vulnerable in the normal world of academia. He hated the idea of sticking with the Shadow Trust, but it seemed they had no option. Only the Trustees could offer them the protection they needed from mortal vengeance and supernatural dangers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eExcept, he thought, the price of that protection is to put ourselves at risk when they order us to. What a nice little paradox.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe Shadow Trust team went to the village in full documentary mode. They’d had a brief discussion, with Mortlake and Lynn a little hesitant to stroll into the middle of a police investigation. But Keegan had swung the debate with a straightforward argument.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If we’re going to convince the locals we’re making a film, we can hardly fail to get something on this disappearance. It’s what they’d expect. Every doc has one—the ‘while we were filming’ bit.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSince Keegan had to carry the Steadicam, the two professors walked ahead of the ebullient Scouser as he filmed them heading into Clongarron. A small police car marked GARDA was parked outside the village pub. A small knot of people was gathered around two officers—one man, one woman. The police were chatting in a relaxed way. Heads turned as the strangers approached. The male officer, who’d been leaning on the hood of the car, straightened up at once and looked confused. His female colleague walked a few paces to meet the team.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Can I ask you what you’re doing?” she said, looking up at Mortlake with a smile, “Are you with RTE or some other lot?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake recognized the name of the Irish equivalent of the BBC.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If only,” he replied with a smile of his own. “No, we were here to make a documentary about local folklore and history. And this case… well, we could hardly overlook it, given the nature of the disappearance. But we won’t use any footage if people object.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe purposely used the word “people” and not “you” to keep it ambiguous. As far as Mortlake was concerned, the police had no veto over anyone filming them, but he didn’t want to be confrontational. The local cops might prove valuable allies, and even if they weren’t, he didn’t like to alienate anyone in authority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ah, a documentary, is it? For the BBC?” asked the male officer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis began a short discussion of Mortlake’s position at Cambridge, with him emphasizing his professorship and academic honors. Keegan, however, chimed in with remarks about the paranormal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“He’s a world-famous expert on ghosts and witches and that!” he called out from behind his viewfinder. “Don’t be modest, Prof!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is that right?” said the woman cop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake played down his activities in the realms of the occult, but Lynn joined with Keegan in extolling his triumphs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Werewolves, vampires, you name it, he’s given it a paddling.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe officers seemed bemused, and there was some nudging and grinning among the villagers. But Keegan, Mortlake felt, had been right. People were almost always more willing to talk about the supernatural than mundane matters. Villagers who had looked distrustful before now seemed more positive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt’s more comforting, in a way, he thought. Like children scaring themselves with campfire stories. It’s the people who’ve had truly bad experiences who never talk about them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am naturally interested in anything… ahem… of that kind,” he conceded. “But I must emphasize we’re focusing on history and legend. I’m not spook hunting today.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe cops seemed satisfied with this and moved on to asking the team a few questions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You arrived last night. Did you see anything out of the ordinary on the way here?” the male officer asked, an old-fashioned notebook in hand and pen poised.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just a young couple, looked like backpackers,” Lynn said at once. “We passed them a mile or so up the road. They were heading along the coast. Or maybe toward Ballymachen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake, who’d forgotten the brief encounter, was impressed. But Lynn had always had a more methodical memory than him. The policeman made a note. Mortlake couldn’t resist trying a question.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“The person who vanished, might he have fallen from the cliffs?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Very possible, sir,” said the female officer. “It rained that night he went missing.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake nodded as he looked up at the cliffs. He could just make out the pale brown thread of a path winding through the grass. “I only wish we could be more helpful.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, now,” the female officer said, “you’ll be around here for a few days, I assume? Yes, well, if you come across anything a bit odd, as I’ve said to these good people, we’d be obliged if you reported it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake suppressed a smile as he took a card from her. If the Trust’s information was correct and the Book of Death was nearby, “a bit odd” wouldn’t begin to cut it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We’ll certainly let you know, officer,” he said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMeanwhile, Keegan had been having a great time filming the whole scene, swinging the Steadicam back and forth to take in the onlookers. Some of the villagers smiled shyly back at him, one or two pulled faces, but in a good-humored way. Mortlake found himself studying the small crowd, wondering why there seemed to be something missing. They were a handsome lot, rather pale, with large eyes and pointed chins. That suggested some inbreeding, but there was nothing very strange in that.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLunch was awkward, with Lynn frostily polite as she helped Keegan prepare a simple meal. Mortlake carefully introduced the topic of the merrow and the possibility of some alliance between them and the Book of Death.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If these merrow even exist,” Lynn said. “Are we blaming evil mermaids for the disappearances? Because that sounds kind of lame.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake pointed out that sea beings are often seen as mischievous, seductive, and sometimes dangerous. The sirens of Greek myth were the best-known example. And the events of 1846 remained puzzling. Rumors abounded at the time that the people of Clongarron had made some kind of deal with the merrow in return for abundant catches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A bit like that town, what’s it called? Yeah, Hartlepool,” Keegan commented. “The legend that they hanged a monkey thinking it was a French spy.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThat one took some explaining to Lynn, and Mortlake sat back and let the ex-soldier do it. The jokey story lightened the mood a little. Then, they returned to their objective. The main problem, as Mortlake saw it, was how to locate the Book of Death without entering every home in the village.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Keegan said, “but isn’t it really down to the priest or the teacher lady? They seem like the only educated ones. I mean, educated in the kind of weird stuff you guys know.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had a point. How could the book have arrived in Clongarron except via some dealer or, more likely, a chain of dealers, shady or otherwise? Finding that connection between Ireland and the U.S. was probably impossible. But perhaps, Mortlake mused, there was another way. The last time he had seen the book, it was bleeding from a gash he had inflicted with an iron blade. It would presumably have healed itself by now. But that piercing wound must have left some psychic residue. It was a link between himself and the demon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So, how do you exploit that link, assuming there is one?” Lynn demanded when Mortlake had told them his ideas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If it’s nearby, I might find it through scrying or some other divination method.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLynn said nothing but looked almost contemptuous. Keegan was more enthusiastic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey, I’ve got confidence in you, Prof. Anything I can help with?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake outlined what he wanted. They had brought a portable psychomanteum among their more orthodox supplies. Together, the two men brought the items in from the SUV and set it up in a corner of the living room. The psychomanteum was essentially a large, windowless box with a door. An angled mirror in one upper corner was designed to reflect only darkness. A comfortable seat and a very weak LED light source completed the setup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Originally, it was designed to communicate with the spirits of the dead,” Mortlake explained as they surveyed their handiwork. “But it can provide contact with other supernatural beings. All things being equal.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLynn had been looking on, not offering to help. Now, she spoke up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If you contact the book, you’ll be giving us all away.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It probably already knows we’re here,” Mortlake said. “And we have to confront it sooner or later.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLynn didn’t reply, just announced she was going to get some air and left.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t need to be psychic to see you’ve had a falling out, Prof,” Keegan said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s complicated,” Mortlake replied. “But the simple version is, I did something stupid, and I’m paying for it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKeegan grinned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That’s literally every relationship in the history of the world. Okay, you gonna give the old psychobilly wotsit a go?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMortlake shut himself in the box and waited for his eyes to adjust to the faint glow of the LED. The mirror was a black square above and to his right. There was no hint of light intruding from the outer world. He heard faint movement from Keegan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You all right in there, Prof?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m fine. If you hear me screaming or making any alarming sounds—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah, I’ll yank you out pronto, no worries.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSilence fell again. Except that silence, like darkness, was never truly perfect. The rush of blood in his ears, the sound of his own breathing, and the faint creak of the chair as he shifted his weight—all conspired to remind him of his location, his captivity in time and space. It was best to banish the everyday, the normal, and lose himself in the process.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTime passed. He repeated a simple mantra silently in his head. It was, as Lynn might have said, quite on the nose.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhere are you, Book of Death?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878200819991,"sku":"bod1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_b0eb6c1a-4b7b-4077-a339-8e7dc8623df2.jpg?v=1706875519"},{"product_id":"hellbound1-3","title":"Hellbound Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen you cheat the devil, there’s hell to pay…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWren, Shrike, and Lark Rose are three very special siblings with one unusual calling. Raised by a father gifted with the ability to sense impending death, his visions allowed them to save people’s lives. But they never imagined meddling with fate would have horrific consequences…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Fantastic book following the siblings journey trying to correct there father's mistakes. Who will win the demons or the siblings. Can't wait to finish this series.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Really great horror series by Scare Street author Sara Clancy. One of the best of the scare street authors and this series is one of her best. Highly recommended.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I wasn't sold on it at first and got confused with so many main characters but I got hooked pretty quickly and had a hard time putting it down. I like the plot and the pace. The emotional parts of the story were captivating as well. I liked it.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Hellbound (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Claws of Death (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Hellfire (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMarch 31, 2023\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark’s breath misted as it passed her chapped lips. Rubbing her hands together, she stretched her neck just enough to peer over the back of the seat before her. The cold didn’t bother Trent as he pulled the bus into the next stop. People exhausted from their workday shuffled onboard. Each one complained about the cold, demanded he turn the heater up, and glared at him when he just shrugged. Trent kept his smile despite the growing resentment of the crowd, and Lark wondered if that was a sign he wasn’t possessed. It was hard to imagine a demon being so cheerful. A shadow passed over her, and she stifled a yelp. A woman standing in the aisle heaved a sigh and gestured to Lark’s feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’d like to sit down.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, sorry.” Lark pressed her back against the side of the bus and drew her knees tightly against her chest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You could just put your feet down,” the woman said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s warmer like this.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark exaggerated her shiver and slightly widened her eyes, making herself look as vulnerable as possible. The woman scowled but eventually dumped herself into the free end of the bench seat. Lark still took it as a win. After a day of numbing cold and boredom, she was ready to relish anything resembling a victory. Peering over the seat again, she used the rearview mirror to glimpse Trent’s face. He whistled a happy tune as he pulled the bus back onto the street. Suddenly, his reflected eyes flicked up to meet hers. Lark breathed on her gloved fingers to cover her face and sunk deeper into her hooded coat. Being able to hide within layers of clothing was the one upside of the bus being so insufferably cold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey passed through an intersection, and Lark craned her neck to check the street names. Then she picked her phone up from her lap and typed out a quick text to Wren. The battery was struggling to keep a charge in the cold. The incoming call from Shrike almost killed it. She hurriedly answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I was just about to text Wren,” Lark said. “I was barely two minutes late—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShrike cut her off, “Plans have changed. Get to the hotel, now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wren—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe phone call cut off. Lark cursed under her breath and looked at the dark screen. The battery was completely dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe woman sharing her seat tried to subtly avoid Lark’s gaze.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to bother you, but would you mind if I borrowed your phone?” Lark asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’d prefer not,” the woman said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, sure I understand.” Lark fiddled with her phone and worried her bottom lip. “It’s always that way, isn’t it? The one time you leave your charger pack at home is the one time your mom…” She cut herself off and shook her head. “Sorry, I babble when I’m nervous.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe woman watched her for a moment out of the corner of her eye. “What happened to your mom?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“The phone cut off before my sister could tell me. It’s okay. It’s not much longer to the hospital, right?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe woman huffed and rummaged in her purse. They had gone a few more blocks before she pulled out her phone. Instead of handing it to Lark, she cursed under her breath, got to her feet, and hit the bus call button.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is my stop.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“But you just got on,” Lark said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve got three more transfers before I get home.” The woman shoved her phone back in her purse and gave Lark a quick sympathetic smile. “Good luck with your mom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe was moving to the doors before Lark could respond.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, that sucks,” Lark mumbled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUnfurling a little bit, she peeked over the seats, scanning the crowd for someone else she could approach. All the people crowding around the exits blocked her view. She decided that it would act as enough of a cover and stretched out her aching legs. Sitting upright, she took a proper look around. They stopped and the doors opened with a hiss. Most of the crowd had filed out before she realized that she was the only passenger not moving. Tension gripped her chest. Lark stood up and darted for the exit. But between her heavy snow boots and her numb legs, she couldn’t move quickly. She lumbered into the aisle and followed the last person to the back door. It snapped shut in her face and the bus lurched forward, throwing her off-balance. She staggered across the narrow aisle and dropped onto a seat. Bracing herself, she hurriedly looked around. The bus was empty. She was alone with Trent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe sweat-drenched sheets clung to Shrike’s legs as she rolled over. She had barely fallen asleep before the first rays of sunlight had cut across the ocean. The glass walls allowed it in and trapped the growing heat. Squirming, her eyelids fluttered, and she glimpsed a dark shape looming over her. She kicked wildly at it, one hand blindly searching for the fishing knife she had hidden under her pillow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What on earth do you think you’re doing, young lady?” the shadow chastised her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShrike squinted into the morning glare. “Doris?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, who else would it be?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe scent of coffee caught Shrike’s interest. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she watched Doris shuffle across the room with a tray of assorted breakfast foods and steaming mugs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know how you managed to get any sleep in this sauna. Three bright young kids and not one of you could figure out how to open a window? And I thought we agreed that you wouldn’t put up the garlic. It’s either going to roast or rot. Either way, I’m the one stuck getting the smell out of the furniture. I trust that you lot will be taking them down this morning.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShrike left the knife hidden, sat up, and rubbed her face again. “What?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, you’re not a morning person, are you, dear? Well, that won’t do in this town.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDoris slid the back wall open and welcomed the sea air with a contented sigh. The beach looked a lot closer in the daylight. It was hard to see the sand through the sea grass, but the water sparkled like sapphires. Shrike shivered as she remembered what might have washed up on the golden shore overnight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How can anyone lounge around on a day like this, hmm?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShrike took a deep breath, trying to keep a grip on her temper as the older woman bustled around the room. She wanted to go back to sleep. To pretend for a little while longer that last night hadn’t happened. She wanted to escape her crushing guilt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What are you doing here?” Shrike snapped.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s a bed-and-breakfast, dear. This is the breakfast part.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I can’t handle this. I’m going to get the others.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDoris arched an eyebrow. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You should really cover up a bit before they come down.” Doris purposefully trailed her eyes over Shrike. “It’s okay to sleep in your underwear but—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShrike glanced down at her running shorts and crop top. “What are you on about?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, it’s okay when it’s just us girls, of course, but boys will always be boys and—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you talking about my brother? What the hell is wrong with you?” She flipped her head back and screamed at the ceiling. “Lark!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDoris jumped. An instant later, footsteps thundered across the second floor. Lark and Wren almost toppled off the stairs in their rush to get down.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWren fumbled with his glasses. “What’s wrong? What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay?” Lark asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You can’t come down yet, sweeties,” Doris called out. “She’s not decent.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Huh?” Wren and Lark asked in unison.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey hurried the rest of the way down. Lark made a beeline for Doris. She used pleasant conversation to lure the older woman as far away from Shrike as the small space would allow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWren leaned against the back of the sofa and whispered, “Why did you let her in?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I didn’t.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe turned to look at him and noticed their duffle bags. They had left them lined up on one side of her wide bed. Their father had raised them to always pack their things away before going to sleep, so the open zippers were instantly noticeable. She nudged Wren and motioned to the bags.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“She went through our stuff,” Wren spoke too softly to be overheard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Can I hit her now?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We agreed to let Lark handle her.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Mrs. Brown, we do appreciate all the trouble you’ve gone to—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s no trouble at all,” Doris cut Lark off. “Have you heard from your friend Barsotti?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No.” Lark hid everything she was thinking behind an easy smile, but she couldn’t resist nervously tucking her hair behind her ears. “He’s not actually a friend. We don’t really know him that well.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I swear, this is not a prank.” It didn’t matter how many times Lark repeated the promise. No one believed her. “Please, I can explain. If you just let me—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEveryone tried to shut her down.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt made the laptop speakers squeal and crackle. The videos began to lag, twisting the women’s faces into grotesque deformities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSitting with her back against the bed’s headboard, Lark ignored the chaos on the screen. Instead, she looked for her brother. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWren had started pacing as much as the makeshift barbed wire would allow. The repetition helped him. After checking that they hadn’t missed a text, he’d stare out the peephole for a few minutes. Then he’d creep across the room to the balcony door.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark wasn’t sure how he saw anything when he barely moved the curtain. He’d stay there, frozen in place, before starting the process over.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Lark,” Circe snapped, drawing her attention back to the screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile the witches online insisted that there wasn’t any hierarchy, Circe was the one that hosted these calls. And that gave her the ability to mute everyone else.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark refocused her attention back to the screen and met the woman’s stern gaze. Circe styled herself after the witch from Greek mythology.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark didn’t know how historically accurate it all was, but the dramatics suited her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Circe, this isn’t a prank,” Lark said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You want me to believe that it’s all a coincidence? Do you often have encounters with satanic covens?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No. But we are in trouble, and you know that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How would we know?” Circe snapped.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark struggled to keep her voice low. “I’ve been trying to ask you about demons for hours. Why did you think I wanted to know about them?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCirce dismissed that with a snort. “Why did you pick Okobach? Did you just Google search demon names?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I didn’t pick it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCirce studied her for a moment before sneering. “So, this is all your friend’s doing? She decided to mock us all by herself. And it just so happened—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“My sister isn’t a liar,” Lark snarled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA distant scream made Lark’s head snap up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWren was back at the door.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark raised her eyebrows in a silent question. Did you hear that?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIlluminating his face with his phone screen, Wren nodded once. Then he turned to the balcony door. Carefully, he started back across the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am being very patient with you,” Circe said. “And I’m willing to listen to your explanation. But don’t think that I’ll endure this disrespect.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark stopped listening when she heard the soft metallic squeaks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey came randomly, sometimes lost under Circe’s voice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWren paused and turned to her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe nodded. I hear it too.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe squeaks grew louder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIlluminating his face again, Wren frowned. Where is it coming from?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe shrugged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe next squeak was longer, louder and made them both turn to the balcony doors. The thick curtains blocked out everything but the faintest trace of patio light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLark silently placed the laptop on the bed beside her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCirce kept talking, her annoyed voice little more than white noise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAll of Lark’s attention was on the balcony doors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHer socks and the carpet muffled the sound of her tiptoeing across the room. She weaved around the clotheslines and joined Wren by the door.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe tucked his phone into his pocket as they listened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCirce demanded she come back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe Crock-Pot bubbled and steamed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAn owl shrieked somewhere in the distance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEverything else was silent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThen the squeaking started again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwallowing thickly, Wren hooked a fingertip around the edge of the curtain. He lifted it just enough to peek outside.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey watched as the hooked lock flipped open.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWren and Lark lunged forward and blindly grabbed the handle. The door had only slid open an inch before they slammed it back shut. With the curtain bunched up around their fingers, Lark struggled to find the lock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhoever was outside laughed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, there is someone still in there,” a woman cooed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhy isn’t the garlic keeping them out? Lark thought wildly. They shouldn’t be able to touch the door!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878238306583,"sku":"hb1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_b250f0e8-d80f-483d-92a5-a40d77be2e48.jpg?v=1706875630"},{"product_id":"slaughter1-3","title":"Slaughter Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn the small town of Melington, there is an evil lurking in the darkness, and no child is safe\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix months have passed since Alan Carter woke up from the coma Copper Tibet had put him in, and much has changed in Melington. A new Chairman, a power hungry Sheriff, a spineless son who struggles with the absence of his father. And children still going missing while the monster taking them roams free and unrestrained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the small town of secrets, what had once been hidden is now slowly coming to light, and few rest easy, including Alan Carter. He is plagued by nightmares. The visions haunt him the minute he closes his eyes, and his dreams are clad with images of darkness, corridors lined with doors, and a woman in red who tells him he can never leave.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd somewhere in the distance, Alan’s sister calls for him, begging him to save her and to take her home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This is one the best I've gotten. The horror story in this small town has historical and modern aspects. The characters are well fleshed out, like able and interesting. Carter returns to Millington after years of psychological scrutiny determined to find his sister, who was taken in front of him. What he confronts is a conspiracy of horror. Great read!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I read a lot of horror... Nasser brought his characters to life you get wrapped up into each person's life story. I have become a huge fan of his work and will continue to follow his writing. Don't pass on this series from the first book to the last will keep you wanting more.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This was such a creepy read. It's definitely horror, but a tame horror with a lot of mystery thrown in. The plot takes a while to fully come together but when it does it was awesome. It was well written and developed, and the pacing was perfect, but the best bit for me was the mystery and trying to figure out what was happening and why.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Children To The Slaughter (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Shadow's Embrace (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Copper's Keeper (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e491 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrincipal Rachel Adams sat quietly in the small study, a room that had been reserved for private meetings with the Chairman. She shifted in her seat, constantly looking at the time and cursing the fact that she had been waiting for almost half an hour. She was accustomed to a certain level of respect, and was always annoyed when she was treated with any less. She was not a woman who liked to be kept waiting.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nThe door to the study opened and Chairman Daniel Cole stepped in, flashing Rachel his best political smile. He opened his arms wide in anticipation as he confidently made his way to her. Rachel stood up quickly, scowling at the man and raising a hand to stop his advance.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“This is ridiculous, Daniel,” she spat. “I have obligations, you know. I can’t waste time playing games with you.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel’s smile didn’t falter. “Rachel, I assure you, if I could have been here sooner, I would have.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nRachel scoffed and sat back down. “Let’s just get this over with.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Do you have somewhere to be?” Daniel asked, walking to a small mini-bar and setting two cups out. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured a shot into each, taking one back to Rachel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Unless you’ve forgotten, I have a school to run,” Rachel replied, taking the drink and putting it on the small table beside her without even looking at it.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel smiled, raising his glass in a mock toast before downing his own drink and replacing his cup at the bar.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“What do you have for me?” he asked, immediately taking on a more serious tone as he sat in the chair behind his desk.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nRachel opened her bag, pulling a file out and tossing it in front of the Chairman. Daniel raised his eyebrows and tapped the file with a long finger.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Does anyone know about this yet?” he asked.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Do I look like I’m an idiot?” Rachel asked, infuriated that he would even ask. “We all know the rules.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“You haven’t even talked to the Sheriff?” Daniel asked. “I know the two of you are close.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nRachel eyed Daniel Cole, imagining her hand around his tie and suffocating him in his seat. She hated the way he talked down to her, as if she were his subordinate. She wanted to remind him who had put him in his chair, but decided against it.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“It isn’t my place to tell the Sheriff,” Rachel said, reluctantly accepting the hit to her ego. “That’s your job, isn’t it?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel smiled. “I just wanted to make sure we all remembered our places in this matter.” He slid the file closer to him and opened it, looking at the sheets of paper within that Rachel had spent the last few weeks compiling.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“The boy’s name is Blake Collins,” Rachel said. “They’re new to Melington. Mother’s dead, father’s as useless as they come. I had my secretary call the garage he works at. Apparently he’s one mistake away from being fired.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel nodded. “We wouldn’t want that to happen, now would we?” his voice was low, menacing, enough to make even Rachel shudder. “We should make sure Mr. Collins hands in his resignation with dignity and finds his fortune somewhere else, don’t you think?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“I don’t think about these things,” Rachel said. “You know my conditions. I don’t want to know anything more than what I have to.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel nodded quickly and gave her an annoyed wave. “Relatives?” he asked, sifting through the papers.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Don’t worry,” Rachel said, standing up. “He won’t be missed.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel Cole watched her adjust the purse on her shoulder, her tall frame and curves accentuated by the two-piece suit she was wearing. Rachel could see his eyes undressing her, and immediately felt her stomach turn. She couldn’t understand how his wife tolerated him.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“If that’s all, I have more important matters to attend to,” Rachel said.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel’s eyes found hers and held them. “Nothing is more important than this,” he said. “That is, as long as you hope to have grandchildren, Rachel.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nRachel smirked. “I think you’re more worried about your own than any of our children, Daniel.” She turned and walked to the door, opening it slightly before stopping and turning to look at the man behind the desk.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Alan Carter is back,” she said.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel’s head snapped up from the file. “What?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nRachel nodded with a smile, amused at how worried Daniel Cole suddenly looked. “He’s applied as an English teacher at the school.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nDaniel sat back and looked at the woman, frowning in confusion. “What are you going to do?” he asked.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nRachel shrugged. “That’s Deborah’s decision,” she said, knowing well what the outcome of the interview would be. It was one of the reasons she hadn’t wanted to be involved with Alan Carter’s application. She didn’t want the Council members blaming her for the man’s return to Melington.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“That was not a very wise decision.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“I can’t imagine why?” Rachel asked, playing the fool and adding to Daniel’s discomfort. “I wonder if he’s anything like his father. What do you think Alan would do if he figured out the truth?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\nvar acc = document.getElementsByClassName(\"accordion\");\nvar i;\n\nfor (i = 0; i \u003c acc.length; i++) {\n  acc[i].addEventListener(\"click\", function() {\n    this.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    var panel = this.nextElementSibling;\n    if (panel.style.maxHeight) {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = null;\n    } else {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + \"px\";\n    } \n  });\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878295617815,"sku":"ss1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_d73e0a17-2ab1-4a24-982a-32118ed4354a.jpg?v=1706875802"},{"product_id":"wrathandvengeance1-3","title":"Wrath and Vengeance Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #ffff00;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDeath was his destiny. Until vengeance intervened…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA ghost town, isolated from civilization by miles of scorching desert, has become a killing ground. Blood taints the sand and the stench of rot hovers on the humid air.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt’s a small patch of hell that Aleksandr Sokolovsky was born into. The son of the world’s most prolific serial killers, he yearns for a freedom he’ll never have. He comforts himself with the knowledge that death eventually comes for everyone. But he had never considered the Furies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSummoned by years of pain and rage, the three demonic sisters have descended upon the ghost town. The creatures of Greek legend are real. Consumed by their desire for blood and vengeance, they rain down a reckoning. They delight in ripping their victims’ minds and bodies to shreds before offering a merciful death.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor most of his life, Aleksandr has been ready to die. But he’ll fight to his last breath to spare his younger brother and sister the same fate. Unable to battle the hellish creatures alone, Aleksandr is forced into an uneasy truce with Evelyn Figueroa, the woman his parents chose to be his first female victim.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I can't decide what is the scariest part of this series. The family of serial killers? The kidnapping of Evelyn, a champion kickboxer, to be a worth while \"fight\" for Allexander's birthday. The run for their lives. The furies. The hiding. Is everyone in this book crazy? Be read for a crazy ride.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. Solid characters, great action and just the right amount of gore (at least for me). Highly recommend.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I’ve read all three books in the series, and all I can say is impressive. The standout is all three elements of a good story; the well developed characters, the unpredictable plot, and the realistic scene settings. Plus it was an easy read, with short chapters, making stopping points frequently. I read the series straight through; but taking breaks when I wanted to savor the moments. I would read more by this author.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Pound of Flesh (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Devil's Playground (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Scorched Earth (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e455 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Evelyn!”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHearing her coach’s shout over the noise and clatter of the gym, she furled herself until her back pressed against the punching bag. Heavy bag sit-ups weren't new to her exercise routine, but she still couldn’t grow to the disorientation of hanging upside down. More precisely, seeing the flipped version of the gym while blood rushed to her head as the punching bag she was latched onto swung slightly. Her thigh muscles trembled as she forced them to squeeze the bag a little harder. There was still the threat that they'd give out and drop her onto the padded flooring. Still, it was a nice rest for her aching stomach muscles.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHer coach waved an arm over his head to grab her attention. “You’re up,” he called. “Show some hustle!”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eContracting her abs, she hurled herself against gravity to grab the top straps of the punching bag. The chain rattled as she gripped it, released her legs, and dropped to the mat. It was strange to be upright again. Even stranger to walk. She was halfway across the gym before she had worked the wobbly feeling from her legs. She relished the sensations. The pull and throb and twitch of well-worked muscles. It was proof that she was pushing herself.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLike the others who would be sparring today, her kit was set out on a folding table near the boxing ring. Ankle brace, headgear, mouth guard, and gloves. She strapped them all into place with practiced ease. Even so, her coach wasn't above looking put out and annoyed by the time she was set. There was no real anger in it. Coach Wallace kept his praise rare but heartfelt. No shallow appreciation or coddling. Evelyn liked that about him.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCoach Wallace pulled up one of the middle ropes as he stomped down on the other, giving her enough room to sweep inside the ring. The mat gave a little under her feet. A slight, passive resistance that was familiar and welcoming and always enticed her to bounce on her toes. Her opponent for the night was already inside. Evelyn and Judy shared a smile that was all excitement and anticipation. There were a good few women who worked with Coach Wallace, but not many wanted to turn kickboxing into their profession. So, even though Evelyn and Judy were dancing on the edges of different weight classes, they were often put together for training. That was fine by Evelyn. Judy was always fun. She was fast, dedicated, and fierce.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Tired?” Judy teased.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“I can still take you down.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Prove it.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“You know, we really need to get better at trash talk,” Evelyn said.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJudy chuckled and turned to Coach Wallace. “Yeah. Aren’t you supposed to teach us that or something?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“You’re both idiots,” Coach Wallace dismissed. All he needed was a wave of his arm to get the women to focus.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThey exchanged a smile, tapped their gloves, and waited for the bell. Evelyn loved this part. When adrenaline heightened the anticipation. When her muscles twitched with the barely contained desire to throw itself into the fight. Before the ding had faded, Judy was already taking advantage of her extra height. Her roundhouse kick snapped straight towards Evelyn's head. There was a little time to block the blow, but the impact still hurt. It made Evelyn stagger to the side, but she quickly regained her footing enough to jab at Judy’s exposed inner thigh. That got her to back up a little bit. They danced around the ring, exchanging strike for strike, both reveling in the contest. The pain and motion and the way their bodies came alive. It was addictive.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCrouching to avoid a right hook, Evelyn spun on her toes and slipped behind Judy. The world passed by in a blur, but one figure caught her attention. A man she had never seen before stood by the far wall. Spending most of her time at the gym, she knew everybody by sight at least. But she’d never seen this man before. Stranger still, he was dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and slacks instead of workout gear. What stuck out the most was that he was staring at her. Unwavering. Unblinking. A smile slowly curled his lips, provoking a chill to creep down her spine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878395855127,"sku":"wv1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_e3b5d403-0af6-4d1c-9969-328cb05a13ac.jpg?v=1706876010"},{"product_id":"thedollmakerscurse1-3","title":"The Dollmaker's Curse Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEvil lurks behind a doll’s porcelain eyes and painted smile…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiona Garris never believed in ghosts or evil spirits. A loner by nature, all she wants to do is complete her latest freelance assignment and retreat to her city apartment. But when she suddenly inherits the sprawling estate of an uncle she barely knew, Fiona soon discovers that the supernatural is all too real…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep within her uncle’s mansion, a vault has been hidden away from prying eyes, built to hold a very special collection of dolls. But these are no ordinary playthings. Each one is a vessel for a lost soul, an evil spirit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiona finds herself caught in a struggle between good and evil, as a sinister dollmaker seeks to gain control of these vile toys. One night, while the house is still and silent, one of these creations—a maniacal clown doll—creeps through the dark halls… eager to spread terror as it once had.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Fiona survive long enough to discover the secret to stopping this abomination?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOr will the murderous doll make her its next victim?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Oh my goodness I have been reading a few books written by Ron Ripley and Ian Fortey. And I really have enjoyed them. Of course my favorite ghost hunter Shane. And now truly enjoyed this book. Keep up the good books.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Very good read. This is the first Ian Fortey book I've read. I am really looking forward to reading more.. The characters in this first book were interesting and well written. Fiona, Uncle Henry and Vera will be exciting to follow.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Starting off on a well worn narrative path (Fiona, our hero, finds herself in possession of a fortune, but at a price), this story spins off into a wildly creative and suspenseful tale. A few surprises along the way put this first installment of Fortey's new series on its own rails, and his very visual and visceral writing style help make this book ridiculously fun and oddly terrifying.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Clown in the Dark (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Whispers in the Dark (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Shadows in the Dark (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e596 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLights flickered to life on their own as Fiona entered the vault. She didn’t know what she had been expecting, but the vault was not it. There was a narrow aisle laid out before her with floor to ceiling wood paneled walls on either side. She could see illuminated windows set at regular intervals into each side of the wall, and branches in the hallway to the left and right after several yards.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nShe walked to the first of the windows and stopped. It happened to be a display case, a doll held within. It was a Victorian style porcelain doll with thick, curly black hair and a ghostly white face. It was set upon a raised dais, illuminated overhead by a small bulb. The doll wore an elegant dress, the style Fiona imagined royalty might have worn a hundred years ago.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nThe face of the doll made her pause. The red lips against white porcelain were set in a sneer. The black eyes were oddly detailed, painted by a skilled hand to look almost real. The expression was cruel, which seemed at odds with the soft look of the rest of the doll. A tiny placard beneath the doll read ‘Renata of Blades’.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nOpposite Renata was another display case that held a dirty looking rag doll with lemon yellow hair and silver button eyes. The mouth was stitched with red thread that made it look like it was bleeding. The name on the doll read ‘Cracklin’ Rose’.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nFiona continued down the aisles. There were marionette puppets, plastic action figures, and even a doll that seemed to be carved from a single piece of wood. Some looked hundreds of years old and others looked like they could have been placed in the vault that very morning. But each one had something that seemed off about it. Whether it was Renata’s cruel expression or a little bride cake topper that was holding a kitchen knife in a menacing fashion, they all seemed like the sort of toys a responsible parent would think twice about giving to their child.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nThe aisles led to more aisles. There seemed to be about one hundred dolls, if she had to guess. Each case had a small control panel before it, a combination lock that opened it to gain access to the dolls within.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nNear the middle of the room, she stopped again. One of the cases was open. The glass panel looked like it had lowered into the wall, rolled down like a car window. There was no doll in the case, only a name placard that read ‘Krov the Clown’.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nFiona touched the little dais inside the display case. It was glass and felt cold to the touch. The light in the case was off. She didn’t know where her uncle had put Krov the Clown, but his case was clean and ready for his return.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nThe sense that she was being watched slowly crept its way along her back. She felt her chest tighten and her anxiety rising. She tried to shake it off because it made no sense, and she knew it. There was nowhere for anyone to hide in the vault without her seeing them. But the feeling persisted.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nShe turned and looked down the aisle the way she had come. There was nothing. Nothing in the other direction, either. But the feeling persisted.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nThe light behind her drew her attention then, and she turned around completely. The display case opposite the empty one housed a squat little Russian nesting doll. It was shaped more like a bowling pin than a traditional doll a child might play with. No arms or legs, just smooth wood that was wide at the midsection and narrower towards the head.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nThe doll was painted with a bright palette of colors, splashed with red and green and yellow with heavy black accents. The design was made to look like a plump Russian lady, her head covered by a scarf. And within the scarf, a small but detailed face.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nFiona stared at the doll. The sense of unease within her grew. The doll’s tiny blue eyes seemed to connect with her own. The pit of her stomach twisted, and she felt an acrid taste bubbling to the back of her throat. She was anxious and jittery and couldn’t account for why.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\nvar acc = document.getElementsByClassName(\"accordion\");\nvar i;\n\nfor (i = 0; i \u003c acc.length; i++) {\n  acc[i].addEventListener(\"click\", function() {\n    this.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    var panel = this.nextElementSibling;\n    if (panel.style.maxHeight) {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = null;\n    } else {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + \"px\";\n    } \n  });\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878408077591,"sku":"dmc1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_9a94a0e8-48a0-4df7-b31a-65d4e940bfc8.jpg?v=1706876130"},{"product_id":"asylum1-3","title":"Asylum Series Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #ffff00;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #ffff00;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSomething sinister lurks within Rookwood Apartments…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmerican History lecturer Paul Mahan was looking for a little peace and quiet. A place to recover from his personal demons and pursue his academic career. But when he moves into the newly refurbished Rookwood Apartments, he soon finds himself trapped in a living nightmare.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep beneath the old apartment building, the stones of its foundation have been infused with decades of pain and bloodshed. A dark legacy hangs over Rookwood… a curse Paul cannot escape, no matter how hard he tries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd as Paul is forced to confront one terrifying event after another, an ancient presence stirs in the darkness. A slumbering power begins to rise, manipulating events and dragging Paul deeper and deeper into its web of shadows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow it has awakened. And it hungers for human souls…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This series was definitely a great one written for people who enjoy reading scary stories like these. If you're interested in them go ahead and start reading them!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Got your attention right from the beginning and kept you anticipating the next corner.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"An intriguing storyline. Very well written and one that keeps you wanting to read. Once I started to read I found it hard to put down.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Rookwood Asylum (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Palmer Entity (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Dark Deity (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Offer Is Not Available Anywhere Else!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMay 18, 2020\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello!” said Mike. “I think one of your neighbors is checking you out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaul thought of Liz, and almost dropped the boxes he was carrying. It was not the pale girl, but an actual child Mike was talking about. The girl had ginger hair, huge blue eyes, and was wearing a dark school uniform. Paul realized she was the child who had been peeping at him earlier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m Mike, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe girl looked up at Mike with a disapproving expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Children are not supposed to talk to strange men,” she said. “You know that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMike looked abashed, but only for a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m not strange,” he protested. “Just a bit peculiar at times. And my transatlantic friend here is as respectable as they come.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMike indicated Paul, who smiled at the girl. Now that he could see her more clearly, the child he had caught watching him when he had been viewing the apartment before looked a little skinny, undersized, her expression wary. The school uniform seemed slightly shabby, with traces of what might have been oatmeal on the black-and-green plaid skirt. The girl was standing on the landing peering at them, and behind her the door to an apartment was open. A woman’s voice called out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ella? Who are you talking to?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just some men,” Ella replied. “They’re moving boxes. One says he’s peculiar.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Just moving in, upstairs,” Mike called. “Nothing strange about us, honest.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe woman who emerged from the flat was plump, with flaming red hair braided into what looked like a copper cable hanging down her dark jacket. Her manner was harassed, her expression slightly hostile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut Brits often look like that when you first meet ’em, Paul thought.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMike, always garrulous, introduced them both. The woman still looked sour, but had no option but to reciprocate. She was Neve Cotter, her daughter was Ella, and they were running late. There was a meaningful pause as Neve waited for the men to get out of her way. Then mother and child were gone, with just a perfunctory ‘Good Morning’ from Neve. Ella gave Paul a long, appraising look just before she turned the corner of the stairwell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You could be in there,” Mike said. “Overworked single mothers, they can’t afford to be picky when it comes to dating.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaul shook his head in mock despair. Since Paul had split with Mari, Mike had spent almost every waking hour telling his friend to get back into the dating scene. Paul had repeatedly pointed out that he had no intention of doing anything of the kind. Mike ignored him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Seriously, mate,” Mike said, as he dumped his boxes in the middle of Paul’s new living room. “You need to get back on the pony.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t you mean the horse?” Paul asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Baby steps,” Mike shot back. “Start small. Get to know the redhead on the first floor, try out a few lines, maybe invite her round for dinner.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to actually move in first,” Paul pointed out. “And since there’s no working elevator, that might be difficult. What with me needing a bed, and so forth. In the meantime, let’s at least get the rest of the stuff out of your car.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe ambulance arrived just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, its piercing siren rendering all talk impossible. Declan was standing in the foyer, hands covered in blood, standing by a flustered-looking Kate Bewick. The siren cut out, paramedics rushed in, and the manager proceeded to lead them towards the East Wing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Has there been an accident?” Mike asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDeclan looked at the Englishman, pale-faced, clearly confused.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I went after him,” he stammered. “I thought the lad was looking upset, a bit out of it, so I went after him. If I’d been a bit quicker—”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDeclan looked at his hands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We should get you cleaned up,” Paul said, speaking gently. “Is there a washroom?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs Declan washed the blood off, he tried to describe what he had seen. Paul gathered that a building worker had seriously injured, or maybe killed, a colleague. Paul, standing in the doorway of the washroom, peered out as the paramedics carried out a stretcher. The figure on it had its head covered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Guess he’s dead,” Paul said quietly. “Jesus, that’s awful.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Too right,” Mike replied, craning to see. “But look who’s coming now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Impressive!” said Mia. “Well done, Laura. And you, too, Paul.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaul looked around at the team, trying to find the right words. Lucas was mildly interested in his self-absorbed way. Joe seemed slightly annoyed at having to shoot yet another scene with Paul, who had not impressed him earlier. Laura and Mia were, as usual, full of enthusiasm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“None of you seem to get it,” he said, wearily. “Here’s an actual dead guy, killed by Palmer, saying we should destroy the place. It’s not just a good soundbite.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMia shook her head in a rather exaggerated show of patience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s okay, Paul,” she said soothingly. “We’re not staying here long. We only have to spend the night. That’s always vital, people associate night-time with spooks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaul tried to explain that most of the incidents at Rookwood had happened by day, so far as he knew. But he could see the team was just going through their usual routine. Despite his best efforts, Mia saw this as another day at the office. Joe seemed a little unhappy but not inclined to protest. Lucas was keen to finish up and get paid. Only Laura showed some doubt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve never recorded anything like this before,” she said to Mia. “I’m not saying we’re in danger, but it is—well, it’s weird. Kind of eerie.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMia seemed to muse on that for a moment. Then Lucas emitted a guffaw.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on, people,” he said, making full use of his trademark ‘wood alcohol’ voice. “We’ve done dozens of these shows, and the most dangerous thing that ever happened was when Joe fell on his arse in a muddy puddle.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe cameraman did not look pleased to be reminded of the incident, but the other team members smiled at the memory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And now,” Lucas went on, “we’re worrying about an old building where a few bad accidents have happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeeing Paul’s expression, the actor held up a hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I know, Paul, your experiences were traumatic. I don’t doubt that. But we are professionals who have faced many unusual situations. And all it takes is a positive, can-do attitude. Like that exemplified by our estimable leader, Ms. Callan.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMia gave a little bow to acknowledge the tribute.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I second that, of course,” she said. “But let’s strike a compromise, Paul. If anything, anything at all, that you find remotely threatening takes place, you can leave and still receive your full fee. How about that?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s not about the money—” Paul began, but Mia shook her head decisively.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I know you didn’t want us to do this,” she said, “but here we are, and we’ve got a show to make. So far, it’s gone well. Now we’ve set up the cameras and mics around the place, we don’t have to go wandering up and down the hallways. We can just get a few mood shots outside and then wait.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Or go to the pub first, and then wait,” put in Lucas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis prompted a discussion, and Paul found himself sidelined as Lucas and Joe argued strongly for ‘having a swift pint’ before nightfall. Mia insisted they remain to do more background shooting, with Lucas walking around the building, talking about its history. The light, she pointed out, was right.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOutside, everyone found their phones were not working. Joe suggested they were in a blind spot where the local cell tower was blocked in some way. Laura commented they were on top of a hill, about a hundred yards from a tony residential area. Mia insisted they get on with the job in hand, and shooting began. After Lucas had reeled off a few remarks about Rookwood’s history, Mia asked Paul to record another brief interview.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“But we’ll do it outside the East Wing,” she added.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaul’s heart began to pound in his chest as the team moved off, camera and sound tracking Lucas as the actor strolled confidently forward. The East Wing was all too familiar. Paul noted plastic sheeting covered the doors and windows, and some scorch marks were evident on the brickwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe recording went reasonably well, but as before, Paul felt uncomfortable. His back was to Rookwood and his spine crawled as he wondered what might be observing him and the others. However, he held it together as Lucas recited his scripted questions about the hideous ‘accident’ during the attempted refurbishment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And I understand there was a message on the wall, in the poor chap’s blood?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaul nodded, explained as best he could about the clue, his research into Rookwood, the findings about Miles Rugeley Palmer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And this undead doctor is now haunting the place, commanding some kind of legion of ghosts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey found Ella curled up on the sofa in her grandmother’s living room, wrapped in a blanket, and clutching a cup of hot milk. The girl was looking at a nature documentary, the soothing voice of David Attenborough turned low. Paul remembered that, in happier times, Ella had loved natural history, and had been a keen observer of birds, insects, flowers, and the like.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” said Ella, her voice weak, as she tried to smile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNeve took her mother into the kitchen to try and explain the situation while Mike and Paul chatted with the girl. As expected, she explained Liz had been ‘reaching up’ to her from the bad place where the long-dead girl dwelt. Paul asked tentatively if he could see Ella’s arms. The girl reached out one hand, and the sleeve of her pink dressing gown fell away to show a red welt circling her wrist. He looked down and saw a similar red ring around the girl’s ankle. She quickly pulled her bare foot back under the blanket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRestraints, Paul thought, examining the mark. Barbaric, old-school asylum methods. I can even see the mark of the buckle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe let go of Ella’s hand, but the girl suddenly clutched at his fingers. Her strength surprised him. It was, he realized, born of desperation. Her eyes seemed huge, pupils dilated, as she peered up at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Help me, Paul,” she said quietly. “She wants to live, escape from the bad place with all the mirrors. Because she saved me once, she thinks I owe her my life. That’s not true, is it?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe girl looked from one man to the other as Paul and Mike struggled to find the right words. Neve reentered the room and Ella let go of Paul’s hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve tried to explain to mum,” Neve said. “She knew something was up, but she never expected something like this. That said, all the weird stuff that’s been going on has convinced her that Rookwood—well, let’s just say she’s suspended her disbelief. And she won’t object, she just doesn’t want to get involved.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePaul looked past Neve and saw Ella’s grandmother pouring herself a glass of wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWish I could join her, he thought, hunkering down next to the couch. Mike went into the kitchen and started to talk in a low voice to Mrs. Cotter, closing the door behind him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay,” said Paul. “I think we’re connected, Ella, because of Liz. So if we both concentrate hard, like we did last time, I think we can get in touch with her. And then…”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe hesitated and looked up to Neve, who was hunched forward in her armchair. Paul chose his words carefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“If we work together, we can get her out of the bad place, and lift her up, help her move on. I think I’ve come close to helping her escape, lately. We just have to be positive, and brave, and not let anything that happens scare us. Okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eElla nodded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That was quite a good pep talk, Paul,” she said. “You’re doing your best, I know. But I think we’ll both be scared, won’t we? It’s only natural.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had to smile at her commonsense approach and reminded himself that a bright twelve-year-old sometimes saw things more clearly than a so-called adult. He reached out both hands this time, and she once more clutched at his fingers. Paul closed his eyes, took a breath, and tried to focus. He could not hypnotize himself, but he knew the essence of suggestion was relaxation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Close your eyes, Ella. We’ll go together.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWithout vision, the small sounds around him became louder. He could hear Mike still talking to Ella’s grandmother, his voice reassuring, no doubt stressing how competent Paul was, describing him as a real-life hero. He could also hear Neve Cotter’s breathing, fast and shallow, a mother stressed to an almost unbearable degree by a stranger leading her child into a dangerous place. And he could hear something else, now, a restive whimpering that must be coming from Ella. The sound was faint, and somehow remote, as if coming from a vast distance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAn illusion, he thought. Mind playing tricks again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSuddenly there was light, his inner eye opening to a vista of the purgatory Liz had inflicted upon herself. The vast labyrinth of grotesque, funhouse mirrors spread below. As in previous sessions with Doctor Blume, Paul descended toward the maze, and waited for Liz to become visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAt first, he saw nothing but shining corridors, over-bright and crazily chaotic in their layout. Then he glimpsed a small figure, dressed in the familiar stained cotton robe of Rookwood Asylum. He got closer and felt something was wrong. The mirrors around him showed nothing, none of the distorted and vile images of Liz he had seen so often before. He scanned them as he drifted ever nearer, waiting to glimpse the sore-covered plague bearer, the murderous whore, the pious hypocrite. But none of the twisted variants of Liz appeared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Liz?” he said, turning to the huddled figure in the corner of the cell at the heart of the maze. “Liz, does this mean you’ve stopped condemning yourself? Because that means we can go now, leave this place.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878421217559,"sku":"as1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_0a579cb4-bd13-47f5-a70f-facc113f1657.jpg?v=1706876296"},{"product_id":"devil-ship-series-books-1-3-horror-series-bundle","title":"Devil Ship Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSomething evil lurks in the waters of Sainte Isabel Island…\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor as long as she can remember, Sara Hansen dreamed of living in paradise. Sinking her family’s savings into the Pirate Cove resort, Sara and her husband relocate to the beautiful island of Sainte Isabel. But shadows cloud the island’s pristine shores. And Sara quickly finds herself plunged into a legacy of evil and bloodshed…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA legend of a sinister death ship with a brutal captain—and an unholy fleet of ghostly pirate vessels—plague the tropical island. At first, Sara thinks it’s all just a silly local myth. But one by one, guests begin to go missing, and soon, Sara’s husband joins the ranks of the death ship’s victims.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorse, Sara suffers terrifying visions of the past. She hears the wailing cries of the undead, calling to her from the windswept seas. Something is trying to possess her. Something ancient. Something evil… and if it succeeds, it will unleash a force of darkness unlike anything the island has ever seen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA storm is brewing over the churning ocean waves. Death follows in its wake.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd only Sara can stop it…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Another great David Longhorn with a great location and spooky characters. A pirate ghost story that has plenty of suspense, mystery, and paranormal events. Very enjoyable read that I highly recommend!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This series was truly awesome! Once I started reading it, I didn't want it to end! I was completely lost in the Pirate Cove.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Loved it. Was exciting and was hard to put down. Was happy it ended good. Loved the series. Would make a great movie..\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Devil Ship (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Dark Soul (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Death Fleet (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.accordion {\n  background-color: #000000;\n  color: #FF0000;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  padding: 18px;\n  width: 100%;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: left;\n  outline: none;\n  font-family: \"MetalMania-Regular\";\n  font-size: 22px;\n  transition: 0.4s;\n}\n\n.active, .accordion:hover {\n  background-color: #ccc;\n}\n\n.accordion:after {\n  content: '\\002B';\n  font-weight: bold;\n  float: right;\n  margin-left: 5px;\n}\n\n.active:after {\n  content: \"\\2212\";\n}\n\n.panel {\n  padding: 0 18px;\n  background-color: white;\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  transition: max-height 0.2s ease-out;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003ePrint Length\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e558 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eRead A Sample\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChapter 3: Lies and Visions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I am sorry,” said Laplace. “I had hoped to have better news. But since the… since Mr. Hobart’s death, things have become very difficult.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nJoe and Sara were sitting with Laplace in the living room. Keri had tactfully dragged Ryan away for a scuba dive on the reef. The islander was about forty, slightly paunchy, with a shaven head. He was very well-dressed in a lightweight suit and fancy loafers. His watch looked expensive, but Sara thought it might have been a knock-off.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nShe thought the manager was handsome, albeit in a smooth kind of way. In other circumstances, she could imagine him being quite charming. But not at the moment. Now, Laplace looked sweaty and evasive under direct questioning.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Every time I contacted you from the States,” Joe was saying, struggling to keep an even tone, “you said things were going well. Or at least okay. When I came over for a couple of days you made out like there were no major issues, like the lack of progress was entirely normal and the work was about to speed up. Now, we find the resort is weeks behind schedule, and a lot of basic stuff—like plumbing—has barely gotten started. I see heaps of pipes and half-built walls where there should be luxury tourist accommodation. Philippe, why all the bullshit?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nLaplace held up his hands in a defensive gesture.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Before he—before his accident, Mr. Hobart told me to tell the other investors—your good selves, of course—that things were on course. I… I admit that until a couple of weeks ago, I thought I could turn it around, but I underestimated the problem.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Is this problem something to do to with les boucaniers?” asked Sara.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nLaplace looked startled and was at a loss for words. Sara was irritated but still wanted to think the best of the man, despite his failure. Laplace was certainly not a very good liar. They might be dealing with a weak man, she decided, not a slick con artist with an answer to everything. Either way, though, the situation was bad.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“We’ll take that silence as a yes,” Joe said, his annoyance with the site manager now becoming more obvious. “Just tell us what happened, Philippe, for God’s sake. Did you do something to offend those people?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nLaplace looked down at the coffee on the table in front of him. He sighed and Sara felt, for a moment, that he might be about to come clean. But she wasn’t sure. She had worked in real estate for years and had learned to read people fairly well. Laplace seemed devious as well as weak, fundamentally untrustworthy beneath his superficial likeability.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Yes,” said the manager, “les boucaniers, they did make a fuss. This cove, the reef, they see it as part of their heritage, you know? There was some vandalism, sabotage. Some workers left because they felt threatened. At first, I just employed security guards at night to safeguard the machinery when nobody was working here, but then the guards—they quit, either formally or they just stopped coming. Local people don’t like to antagonize les boucaniers. Then I… I tried to make a deal with them.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nIt took Sara a moment to grasp what he meant.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“You paid them?” she said, aghast. “You let them blackmail you? That’s never smart. They’ll just keep coming back for more.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nLaplace nodded, and Sara saw an inadequate man forced to confront his failure. Joe, she could see, was furious again, and she put a hand on his arm, felt the tension.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Did you skim money that should have been paid to the workers?” she asked. “Or for building materials? I’m guessing you didn’t dip into your own pocket.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nLaplace nodded, eyes downcast.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“How much?” Joe snapped. “How much of our goddamn money did you pay those people?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“Three thousand dollars—I mean East Caribbean dollars.”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nAfter a quick mental calculation, Sara felt some relief. It was not so bad as the raw figure sounded.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n“That’s over a thousand dollars American,” she said. “Too much, especially since they’re still harassing us. And why didn’t you simply come and tell us this straightaway?”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\nLaplace glanced sideways, then, out of the living room window, then looked straight at Sara. She recognized the direct stare as a standard liar’s tactic, a way of asserting ‘I’m an honest man who just made a mistake, this is the real me.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"accordion\"\u003eHow to Download\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"panel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready for chills and thrills! Once you've made your purchase, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from BookFunnel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInside, you'll find not only your download link but also some nifty instructions on how to transfer the book to your favorite device.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAnd that's it! You're just a click away from diving into a world of frightful excitement.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee you in the shadows! 👻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\nvar acc = document.getElementsByClassName(\"accordion\");\nvar i;\n\nfor (i = 0; i \u003c acc.length; i++) {\n  acc[i].addEventListener(\"click\", function() {\n    this.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    var panel = this.nextElementSibling;\n    if (panel.style.maxHeight) {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = null;\n    } else {\n      panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + \"px\";\n    } \n  });\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878434816279,"sku":"ds1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_6dd9c5e8-978c-41e9-ad5d-b17b30ae95ca.jpg?v=1706876407"},{"product_id":"sin1-3","title":"Sin Series: Books 1 to 3 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet 3 horror-packed books plus a FREE bonus book, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine with our exclusive Sin Series bundle!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eClaim this frightfully good deal now! 👻\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce you check in, the nightmare begins…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePatrick Lahm is down on his luck. Late for his book signing, out of gas and stuck in a storm. He hitches a ride to the Kurtain Motel where he is forced to spend the night. The small motel seems harmless enough at first, but as the night drags on, Patrick and the other guests slowly begin to realize there is a lot more to their temporary lodging than meets the eye.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSomething evil is at work at the Kurtain Motel; something that creeps into the deepest, darkest corners of your mind and tugs at the chords of sanity until they finally break. On the longest night of his life, Patrick soon finds out that there is a reason why skeletons are kept in closets. He realizes that your sins always find a way to catch up with you, no matter how hard you try to run.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"You will run fast to try to check out of Kurtain Motel and then follow Patrick and Jimmy on to Refuge and on to Connecticut. With wild characters like Reverend Clancy seeking your confession you will devour this series almost as fast as the soul eater will devour you!! Highly recommend!!\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King move over!! Talk about a creepy fabulous storyline. I will think twice about staying at a motel from now on! And it doesn’t end with this one…\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This was such an amazing story. I honestly was not expecting to like it that much. It surprised me. The author has given us multi-layered characters. They all have different personalities and this is a noteworthy achievement considering the length of the story. Yes, there are multiple perspectives and I am not a fan of them in usual but I feel they were highly necessary for this story. The multiple POVs did not feel convoluted which was a great thing.\" - Reviewer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Kurtain Motel (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Refuge (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Purgatory (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ BONUS BOOK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Offer Is Not Available Anywhere Else!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMay 18, 2020\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJason Collick stood motionless in his motel room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mouth was curled in a disapproving frown, and his eyes twitched as they darted back and forth between various corners of the room. He rubbed his hands together, feeling the uncomfortable sweat in his palms as he tried to control the shudders racing through his body. He had stood in the same position for almost an hour, bag resting gently against his leg, the suit he was wearing forcing beads of sweat down his nape and back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt’s filthy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe single light above his head did little to hide what his eyes were quickly picking out. There, in a corner, a discarded napkin just below the left leg of the bed. Above it, a light stain that had not been properly washed out of the sheets, strategically tucked under the pillow to mask its presence. The small bathroom reeked of a mix of bleach and something a little more pungent, just below the surface, but enough to make his nose twitch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe quickly reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small bottle of hand sanitizer. He continued his scrutiny of the room as he squeezed the cold liquid into one hand and returned the bottle back into its designated place. He rubbed his hands together, squeezing the liquid in between his fingers as if this would somehow also clean the room around him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI can’t sleep here.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJason took a step towards the bathroom and immediately recoiled when he saw the specks of dust bursting into the air around his foot, small particles that threatened to invade his lungs and clog his breathing. His frown deepened into a disapproving scowl. He took off his suit jacket and folded it carefully, placing it on top of his carry-on as he slowly undid the buttons of his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe forced himself to cross the room and into the bathroom, quickly turning on the water. The faucet coughed sprouts of brown water, forcing Jason to gag, before a stream of clear liquid rushed out and into the porcelain sink. Jason covered his mouth with the back of his hand, closed his eyes and tried to stop himself from heaving. He took a few quick breaths before feeling his muscles relax a bit, and hurried back to his bag. In the outside pocket, he pulled out a small towel and returned to the bathroom, rinsing it out before using it to clean the faucet and sink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBeads of sweat collected on his brow as he worked, his teeth clenched as he wiped off every surface of the bathroom, eyes watering at the strain caused by the fluorescents above his head. When he was finally done, he switched the lights off and sat down heavily on the edge of the small bathtub, breathing deeply, letting the surrounding darkness soothe him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eYou can’t sleep in the bathroom. Get to work!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJason walked out of the bathroom and methodically began wiping down the small table and chair pushed up against the large motel room window. He had pulled down the drapes the minute he had walked in. He had wanted a room on the second floor, away from the prying eyes of the other guests. The man at the front desk—the disgusting man that smelt like cigarettes and alcohol—had told him that this was the only one available, and although Jason had accepted it, he wasn’t happy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust one night. You’re only here for one night.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJason heaved his bag on top of the table, unzipped it and pulled out the spare sheets he kept for emergencies like these. In a side pocket, he grabbed a pair of surgical gloves. Within seconds, he had stripped the bed of the filth that had been covering it, and replaced it with his own sheets. He continued to work, wiping down the small commode and bedside table, and hesitating before deciding to clean the mirror as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA loud thump sounded from above, and Jason hissed at a cloud of dust that freed itself from the ceiling lamp as it began to sway gently. His eyes watched the small particles diffuse through the air, cursing as they slowly fell on top of the furniture he had just wiped clean. A second thump followed, and more dust blew out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We can’t keep doing this!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOwen Little threw up his hands in exasperation, face flushed and eyes burning. He stormed to the far end of the living room where a small cupboard stood, his own private stash of whiskey, and began to pour himself a drink. The conversation with Janet was going south quickly, and the more he pushed, the more stubborn she became. At this point, it was almost as if he were talking to a wall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJanet watched her husband patiently, holding her knitting close to her chest as she fiddled with the threads, her newest project laid out before her in a splendid mix of red, blue, and yellow. She had already chosen a spot for it, the large coffee table she had recently bought and placed in front of the television, much to Owen’s dismay. It seemed that any time she spent money, the result would be the same. She was slowly growing tired of the fighting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Honey, I really think you should look at the long-term benefits,” she said, trying to keep her voice calm as she fought back the urge to kick him out of the apartment and force him to sleep in the front office.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJanet had always known this would eventually happen. Ever since their marriage, Owen’s obsession with her money drove a wedge between them. It hadn’t been this bad at first, slight comments here and there, a joke that would seem to insinuate something more, but that was basically it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEver since they had opened the motel, though, his money-monitoring passion grew to the point where it was unbearable. Her insistence to keep the establishment under her name had driven him crazy, and the fact that he had little say in what she did with it and with her hard-earned riches only added to the tension. Still, fifteen years was enough for any woman to truly understand her husband, and Owen was like an open book to her. There was little chance she would leave the decision-making to him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s a motel, Janet,” Owen said, pointing at her with his glass and spilling half its contents onto the rug. “We’re not running the friggin’ Hilton!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I never said we were,” Janet said, deciding to return to her knitting and ignore the newest of outbursts. “I am merely suggesting we increase the value of what we have to offer.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s going to cost a fortune!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJanet nodded and winked at him. “True, but it will bring in double what we paid for in less than three years,” she said. “I worked the numbers. We’ll break even within a year at the most, nine months if business is good.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And until then, we’ll be eating scraps and living on candles,” Owen hissed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJanet almost laughed at that. Deep down, she knew that wasn’t what bothered him. She knew that if it were up to him, he would probably have them living like that anyway. What was really pissing him off was that he wasn’t in control of the renovation project and couldn’t rip her off in the process. She knew that Connor’s involvement with everything was annoying him more than the money that would be spent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We’re going to have to shut down the entire motel,” Owen said. “Then what?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, don’t be ridiculous,” Janet scoffed. “Business will be the same as always. Besides, we’re starting during the off-season anyway. We won’t be bothering anyone who actually decides to stop and spend the night.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOwen stared at his wife in anger, already imagining the many different ways he could throttle her until her eyes popped out of her sockets and rolled in bloody streaks across the floor. He took a long sip from his drink, his eyes burning holes into her, his anger apparent across his face. He watched her fingers move swiftly as the needles in her hands added more patterns to her already ridiculous looking placemat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“At least have Sal work alongside Connor,” Owen said. “Four hands are better than two.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJanet looked up and eyed her husband warily, already lining up a list of reasons why she didn’t want Owen’s right-hand man involved in the renovations. She knew how Sal always went back to Owen with any news, how his eyes were like a vulture’s as he watched her every move and kept an ear to the ground about all things happening. She didn’t trust Sal, and if it weren’t for her husband, she would have fired him a long time ago.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Watch out!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarl Stern brought his foot down on the brakes and braced himself as the cruiser swung dangerously left, then right, then left again. It came to a screeching halt only a few feet away from the woman who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the headlights finding her between the torrents of rain as if she were a ghost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoanne Pullici slammed her hands down on the cruiser, using it to guide her way around to the driver’s side as she felt a breath of relief escape her at the sight of the Sheriff. Carl rolled down his window and stared in shock at Joanne as she stood topless by his door, the look of fear in her eyes enough to make him anxious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Get in!” he cried out to her, not waiting for an explanation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoanne opened the back door and slid into the cruiser quickly, repeatedly slamming her hand against the wire mesh between the driver and the backseat. “Go, go!” she yelled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Joanne, what’s going on?” Jack Stern asked, his shock mirroring his father’s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not now!” Joanne screamed, looking past the boy sitting next to her and out at her building. In the dark, she could see shadows moving. “Just go!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarl pressed down on the gas and shot forward, briefly glancing at the woman in the rear-view mirror before looking to his son for answers. Jack only shrugged and readjusted himself in his seat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoanne looked out the back window as the car sped away, half-expecting to see Victor Fanning race after her in the rain, screaming for her confession. The street was empty, though, the falling rain obscuring her vision as thunder bellowed above her and lightning flashed in the skies. She turned back around and slumped in her seat, her eyes meeting Carl’s for a moment before she looked away. She recognized the boy from the bar sitting beside her, his eyes locked on her as if he knew what she was running from, and a thousand questions sprung to mind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot now. If I start talking, they’ll start asking, and I have no idea what to say.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoanne sighed loudly and pushed wet strands of hair out of her face. It was then that she realized she was sitting half-naked in the back of a police cruiser with two men and a teenage boy, and she quickly wrapped her arms around her chest. Her bra was wet and heavy against her skin, and she scanned the backseat quickly for anything she could use to cover herself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“On the floor beside you,” Carl said from the front. “There’s a blanket.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Thanks,” Joanne muttered as she reached past Jimmy’s legs and found what she was looking for. She spread the blanket out, her eyes briefly looking to the front again, and stopped midway when she saw Jack Stern staring at her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Up here, Jack,” she said, a small smile spreading on her face when Jack stammered an apology and quickly turned back around. “You wouldn’t happen to have a spare pair of boots or something back here?” she asked Carl.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCarl shook his head. “But we’re heading to our place. You should find something there.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoanne nodded and glanced at Jimmy, a bit taken aback by the way he was staring at her, and gave him a weak smile. “Didn’t think I’d bump into you so soon,” she said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJimmy didn’t answer, and that only made the way he was staring at her seem even creepier. She wondered where the man that had been with him was, and decided to push the thought away for the time being, her mind preoccupied with more pressing matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoanne pulled the blanket higher and around her neck as Carl drove down one empty street after another, heading further away from the town center. Joanne looked out her window, realizing that they were headed towards the opposite side of town. It was where the first ever cluster of Darville houses stood with their colonial architecture and the endless stretch of woods behind them. Joanne had rarely been there, her route usually limited to the few hundred yards between her apartment complex, the bar, and Darville’s small shopping center. Still, she was familiar with the area, enough to know that she would be a safe distance away from the ghost of Victor Fanning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThey rode in silence for almost fifteen minutes before Carl turned onto a small uphill road towards the Stern home. He parked by the curb, pulled the handbrake, and sat silently for a few more seconds before finally turning around and looking at Joanne.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We should get out of the rain,” he said softly. “Then you can tell me what the hell you were running away from.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJoanne didn’t answer and watched Carl and his son climb out of the cruiser and open the back doors, letting their passengers out. She followed silently, walking up to the front porch behind Jimmy where she was sure he couldn’t stare at her. The rain blew hard against them, and she could feel the sting against the scratches on her arm. It was like a cruel reminder of how close she had come to …\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTo what exactly? What was going to happen to me?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":47878445433111,"sku":"sin1-3e","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/FF_1-3_710c557a-b353-48db-a1bd-8270f6244299.jpg?v=1706876853"},{"product_id":"berkleystreet1-3","title":"Berkley Street Series Books 1 to 3: Action-Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1CtEk0xyVeEAPHO2nYdVToyZltv_lmOyO\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA haunted home. A buried terror. Step inside…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShane Ryan returns to Nashua, the place where his childhood nightmares began. Lurking within his family home, a sinister force waits in the shadows. Darkness threatens to consume everything he cherishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo decades ago, this dark power stole Shane's family, their disappearance echoing through the haunted halls. Now, with more relatives missing, a buried memory resurfaces—a forgotten encounter with a lurking evil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo confront this malevolent force, Shane must unearth the secrets of his past. His journey will challenge his understanding of himself and his history. But can he conquer his demons once and for all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr will the darkness claim him…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis box set includes the first three books in the Berkley Street series. Three spine-chilling novels of supernatural horror that will leave you breathless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/scarestreet.com\/products\/bss?variant=49348519919895\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUNLOCK THE COMPLETE 9-BOOK SERIES — 50% OFF TODAY!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat people are saying:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"This haunted house story is more slasher flick than suspense—the ghosts are physical and violent.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Amazing! Stephen King, move over for your successor…\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"This series of books would make a good TV series.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"It’s rare to find horror that actually makes you care about the characters. These books do exactly that—and then they terrify you.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Shane is one of the best characters I've ever read. He actually fights back instead of running scared.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Berkley Street (Book 1)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Lighthouse (Book 2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Town of Griswold (Book 3)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e667 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e21 hours and 18 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePART OF SERIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFirst 3 Books in This 9-Book Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 1: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane Ryan had never seen a bigger house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTheir new home looked like a castle, with two towers and tall, narrow windows. Shane counted six chimneys. A pair of giant, thick trees stood on either side of the wide front door. A thick stone wall, nearly as tall as Shane’s father, protected the whole property.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you think, kid?” his father asked as he parked the car in the long driveway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is it a castle?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mother let out a pleased laugh, and his father shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, kid. The Andersons, well, they were really wealthy. They wanted it to look like a castle on the outside, but on the inside, well, it’s a regular house.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh,” Shane said, trying not to sound disappointed. “So no secret passages or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who knows?” his mother said, gently slapping his father on the arm. “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Shane’s father said, winking at him in the rearview mirror, “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on,” Shane’s mother said. “Let’s go inside.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis father turned the engine off, and Shane dutifully waited for his mother to open the back door of the Cadillac before he got out. The September air was warm and still smelled like summer. Shane saw the grass in the yard was freshly mowed and all of the windows shined. Each gray stone seemed to glow in the sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How big is the yard?” Shane asked, looking around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well,” his father said, following his son’s gaze, “you could fit eight of our old yards into the front yard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane said, turning and looking at the expanse of grass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“In the side yard there’s a garden,” his mother said, “there’s also a pond in the backyard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane felt his eyes widen. “A pond?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup,” his father said happily. “And you know what else, kid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s full of fish. We can go fishing whenever we want.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane whispered. “Wow.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane’s parents laughed happily, and he followed them up the front walk. His father took out the house key, unlocked the large door and opened it. Shane stepped into the biggest room he had ever seen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA huge set of stairs stretched up into darkness, and dim pieces of furniture filled what he realized was a hallway. Close to where Shane stood, a tall grandfather clock ticked away the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd behind the tick of the second hand, Shane heard whispers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomeone whispered in the walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 2: SHANE, MARCH 20TH, 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fan hummed steadily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up in his narrow bed as the cool air dried the sweat on his body. He took long, deep breaths and looked at the clock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSix in the morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe closed his eyes and forced away the last remnants of his nightmares. He reached over to his bed table, took the bottle of whiskey and glass off of it and poured himself a small shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane drank it quickly and returned them both to their place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy security blanket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought bitterly. He got out of the bed, took the three steps to his bathroom and climbed into the shower. Shane turned on the water and forced himself to stand under it until it warmed up. Finally, with the water tolerable, he scrubbed himself rigorously and then rinsed off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bare minimum to get clean and rid himself of the stench of fear and sweat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce out of the shower, he dried off and looked at himself in the mirror.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThin face. Haggard eyes. No hair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlopecia areata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought, running a hand over his smooth scalp. His pale skin looked sickly in the light of the fluorescent lamp above the mirror. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUnexplained hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePretty sure I can explain it\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, Shane thought angrily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith a shake of his head, he forced himself to focus on his morning routine. He brushed his teeth, went back into his bedroom and got dressed. A pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. Running shoes and a pullover sweatshirt of dark gray. Absently he rolled the wedding band on his ring finger as he walked to his kitchenette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOatmeal for breakfast. Strong coffee. Vitamins. A banana and two pieces of rye bread toasted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo matter how much he ate, though, he wouldn’t get up over one hundred and forty-five pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTall and thin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust like dad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane put his wallet in his pocket, took his phone and his keys, and left his apartment. The noises of the world fell in around him, and he did his best to ignore them. He took his walk alone in the early morning light. The streets were clear of snow, although salt and sand crunched beneath his feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWinter had slipped by New Hampshire and snow had been a rare sight. Ice, however, had visited more than once, and the streets were always treated for it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane fought the urge to stop at the Paki’s corner store for a pack of cigarettes, but he walked by. He reached the top of Library Hill, walked around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and made his way back to his apartment on Locust Street.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce inside, he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and went to his laptop. He powered it up, logged into his work account, and looked to see what needed to be translated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAmong the work emails, he found one from O’Connor Law Associates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOh, Jesus, what now\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e? He thought, opening the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart leaped at what it said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDear Mr. Ryan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, the email began.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe are pleased to inform you the proceedings regarding your family’s home at 125 Berkley Street have finally finished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe house is yours, per your parents’ wishes, and your uncle and aunt have exhausted their financial and legal options.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlease call my office at your earliest convenience so we might sign the appropriate paperwork and give you the keys to your home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSincerely,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremy O’Connor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat back and stared at the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe keys to my home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane leaned forward and jotted the number for the firm down on his notepad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I’ll find them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he told himself, joy and rage twining together in his heart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I will find them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 3: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up and turned on his light. His heart beat quickly, and he looked around his large room. The curtains were drawn on the tall windows. His books were lined neatly on his shelves. Legos were scattered across the floor by the old fireplace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?” the voice asked again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane twisted around in his bed. Neither his mother nor his father was in his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe couldn’t tell where the voice came from. His mouth was dry, so he swallowed, wet his lips with his tongue, and said in a low voice, “I’m awake.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good,” the voice said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt came from behind his dresser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why? Why is it good?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because they don’t want you here,” the voice said. “They don’t want you. Here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart thumped heavily, and he managed to ask, “Who?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t ask,” the voice said. “I want you here. I’m lonely.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane tried to speak but couldn’t. The sound of his blood as it rushed through him nearly drowned out his own thoughts. “Why are you lonely?” Shane whispered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve been here a long time. Such a very long time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bureau started to move, inch by inch, into the room. It swung out slowly from the wall, and a dark shadow appeared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took Shane a moment to realize there was a passage in the wall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA soft scrape slipped out of the darkness, and it was quickly followed by a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe speaker stepped into the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA girl. Perhaps eight or nine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDead, dead, dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe smelled like death, and her skin was shrunken, pulled tight across her bones. Her lips were stretched in a gruesome smile, and long teeth protruded from her yellow jawbone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m lonely,” she said, stepping into the room. Bits of fabric fell from her ragged, gray dress. Her brown hair was tied back with a faded red bow, and the bones of her feet cracked as she walked. “I’m lonely. I want to play.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK","offer_id":49473954971927,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET 1-3","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"AUDIOBOOK","offer_id":49473955037463,"sku":"berkley1-3","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK","offer_id":49473955004695,"sku":"berkley1-3e","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK + AUDIO","offer_id":51561647341847,"sku":"berkley1-3ebab","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_Berkley1-3_3Books_v3.jpg?v=1764762869"},{"product_id":"berkleystreet4-6","title":"Berkley Street Series: Books 4 to 6 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThree haunted places. One relentless fight against the dead. Are you ready for the terror?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Sanford Hospital, Shane Ryan faces his deadliest adversary yet: Nurse Ruth Williamson, a merciless ghost determined to end lives. With the help of new allies, Shane must put a stop to her twisted reign of terror once and for all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKurkow Prison finds Shane and his comrade Frank battling time and a horde of vengeful spirits after a foolish mistake unleashes them on Gaiman, New Hampshire. In a desperate fight for survival, they uncover a chilling secret close to home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Lake Nutaq, Shane's fight becomes a battle for his own life. Stranded and unarmed, he confronts a terrifying Micmac ghost army. As Frank races to his aid, the two face a malevolent force bent on their destruction. Will they survive, or will the darkness finally claim them?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree chilling tales. One relentless battle against the undead. Prepare yourself for a supernatural war like no other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Sanford Hospital (Book 4)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Kurkow Prison (Book 5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Lake Nutaq (Book 6)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e20 hours and 31 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePHYSICAL COPY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e670 pages\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e6 x 0.5 x 9 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e9609204000055\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eJuly 27, 2018\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3: At the Manchester Veteran’s Hospital\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShane Ryan sat in the main waiting room of the VA Hospital in Manchester. He had his arms folded across his chest and his head bent down. Around him, people talked, a television played, and he did his best to stay calm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn his back pocket was a folded and creased letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The message inside had informed him that as of the first of September, he could receive treatment for his burns at the newly reopened Sanford Veteran’s Hospital. Since the VA was able to offer him treatment, the letter had continued, the government would no longer pay for any services obtained through private doctors or institutions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Son, are you alright?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShane lifted his head and was caught off guard. A man in a monk’s robe stood in front of him. The man was short, his head was shaved, and he looked like he had endured a hard life. His face was etched with wrinkles. One eye was cloudy, the other was clear, the iris a bright blue. Several small scars worked their way up the side of his face and into the scalp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Yes, Brother,” Shane said, gathering himself. “I am. Thanks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“May I?” the monk asked, nodding to the chair beside Shane.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Sure.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe man sat down and offered his hand to Shane. “Dom Francis Benedict.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Shane Ryan,” he said, shaking the hand. He looked at the monk and said, “Never thought to see a monk in here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Well,” Dom Francis said, smiling, “part of the rules of my order require that we reach out to those in need. And since I’m a veteran too, I figured this was a good place to be. Plus, my Abbot gave me permission.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“You’re a vet?” Shane asked, unable to keep the surprise out of his voice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDom Francis nodded. “Army. What about you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Marines,” Shane replied. “Career man. Legged it for a while. Too long, actually.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe monk chuckled. “Yeah. It’s definitely not easy on the knees or the back. What’d you do after you were infantry?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Linguistics,” Shane said, “mostly Pashto and Arabic.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn Pashto, Dom Francis said, “I’m impressed. Not too many can speak it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShane laughed, shaking his head and saying in English, “Okay, I need to know, how did \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eyou\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e learn Pashto?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“I was an 18 Delta,” Dom Francis said, smiling softly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Special Forces?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDom Francis nodded. “Fifth. Spent a little bit of time in Afghanistan.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Damn,” Shane said appreciatively. “Yeah. I did a few tours there as well. What made you shift from the Army to religion?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Combat,” Dom Francis said. “I was weapons. I got hit pretty badly on my last rotation through. I decided if I made it out, I was going to join the Benedictine monks. I went to school at St. Anselm’s in Manchester before I enlisted. What about you, how’d you learn Pashto?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Honestly,” Shane said, “I just picked it up listening to some of the interpreters speak it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDom Francis raised an eyebrow. “Can you do that with any language?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShane nodded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Are you sure?” the monk asked in Chinese.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Of course, I’m sure,” Shane said, answering in kind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDom Francis smiled. “Did the Marines know about your special ability?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“No,” Shane said, shaking his head. “And I was perfectly happy with them not knowing either. They would never have let me out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“I’m surprised they let you out anyway,” the monk said. “There aren’t too many who can speak Pashto. Even when I was medically discharged, they gave me a hard time. They wanted me to stay in at a desk.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Not for you?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“No,” Dom Francis said. “Definitely not for me. I joined Special Forces to get out and see the world. Free the oppressed. All the good stuff. Not to sit there and teach.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“What do you do now?” Shane said. “When you’re not here?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Teach,” he answered, with a wry smile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShane laughed until his sides hurt, and he was still laughing when his name was called. He wiped a tear from his eye as he stood and held out a hand to the monk. “A pleasure, Dom Francis.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe man shook it as he stood up. “I’ll be around. If you ever need to talk, you can leave your name here, or call up to the college. Ask for Dom Francis. Don’t ask for Benedict. There’s got to be ten of us who took the name.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":49502476730647,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET 4-6","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":51607454646551,"sku":"berkley4-6ebab","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/BerkleyBox4-6_PBM_1.jpg?v=1725517830"},{"product_id":"berkleystreet7-9","title":"Berkley Street Series: Books 7 to 9 Bundle","description":"\u003ch2\u003eShane Ryan is out of time and out of options. The dead are rising, and this time, they won’t rest until he falls.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Slater Mill, Shane Ryan, scarred and weary, faces his deadliest battle yet against a ghostly killer on a murderous rampage. The clock is ticking, and Shane must destroy the brutal specter or die trying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorgin Keep plunges Shane, Frank, and Marie into a castle of nightmares, where flesh-eating undead and faceless demons lurk. With deadly secrets hidden in every corner, Shane must annihilate the sinister forces before more innocent lives are lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Amherst Burial Ground, Shane's relentless hunt for a lethal ghost boy, Samson, and his battle with the Watchers reach a fever pitch. As darkness closes in, Shane’s obsession could lead him to victory—or doom him forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree deadly missions. One ghost hunter pushed to the brink. Can Shane Ryan survive the horror, or will the darkness claim him?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Slater Mill (Book 7)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Borgin Keep (Book 8)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Amherst Burial Ground (Book 9)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" width=\"100%\" data-mce-style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e24 hours and 27 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePHYSICAL COPY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e730 pages\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e6 x 0.5 x 9 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e9609204000062\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\" data-mce-style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\" data-mce-style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eJuly 27, 2018\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" focusable=\"false\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 4pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 4pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 5: Visiting with Brian and Jenny\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 8pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 8pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You look terrible,” Jenny said after she had let Shane into the house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane grinned. “What, you don’t think the one-eared look is in this year?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe slapped him on the shoulder, shaking her head. “You better not be here to try and convince my man to go on a little ghost adventure.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Shane said. “I’d like him to stay alive. Nope, I just came for some research help. Nobody’s better than you two.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“See,” Jenny said, grinning, “flattery will get you everywhere.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrom the den, Brian called, “Don’t sweet talk her, it just makes it worse for me.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJenny rolled her eyes and said, “Come on. Let’s go see Mr. Congeniality.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChuckling, Shane followed her into the den where she went and sat down beside Brian on the couch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Damn,” Brian said, his eyes widening. “You look like you’ve been worked over.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A few times,” Shane admitted, dropping into the chair across from them. “How have you two been?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Evidently better than you,” Brian said, his tone serious. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“A lot,” Shane said. “Too much. I don’t know. It’s been pretty rough.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Looks like it,” Brian said. “Anyway, tell us what you need. All you said over the phone was you wanted information.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That’s pretty much it,” Shane agreed. “I didn’t know if either of you knew anything about the Slater Mill in Nashua?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian shook his head, but Jenny’s eyes narrowed. A heartbeat later she said, “Yeah, yeah, I think I do.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe got back up and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane looked to Brian, but his friend shrugged, saying, “Man, I don’t even know what she has for information anymore.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJenny’s footsteps rang out on the stairs and then moved across the hallway of the second floor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“We have a few minutes,” Brian said, chuckling. “She went into her library. Place is chock full of books, and articles. I swear she’s got way too much on ghosts up there.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“More power to her,” Shane said. “I definitely need some help on this before I poke my nose in there.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Brian said. “Tell me what’s going on.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Have you read the Telegraph?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Brian said. “Thing’s a rag. I stopped reading it a year or so ago after I found spelling errors in their headlines.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Understood,” Shane said. He settled back in the chair and told Brian about the two murders, and what he had seen in the photograph.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Seriously?” Brian asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane nodded.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Damn,” Brian muttered. “Well, you definitely came to the right place. Jenny’s got a ton of stuff on both Nashua and Manchester. Not so much on the little towns around the cities.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Fine by me,” Shane said. “All I need is info on the Mill right now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAbove them, a door closed and a moment later, Jenny was on her way back down the stairs. She appeared carrying in her hand a slim, dark blue book. With a smile, she handed the volume to Shane, and then returned to her seat beside Brian.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was nothing written on either the book’s spine or cover. When Shane opened it, he found he had it upside down and had to turn it around before he could read it. The title page stated the book’s name was “Mishaps at the Slater Mill.” It had been published in 1911.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That’s a list of all of the deaths that occurred in the Mill,” Jenny said. “Both when it was being built, and when it was in operation.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane flipped through the pages. The book was arranged by year, starting in 1841, and continuing until the year of publication. In each section, the deaths were arranged alphabetically by surname, with information on the individuals and their manner of death concisely described.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe book was a litany of horrors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOn one page alone, Shane saw three men who had died after having an arm torn off by “Machine Number 5” on the third floor. Blinding was common, as were the loss of fingers and toes. More than one child was listed as a fatality as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":49602694086935,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET 7-9","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":51607464771863,"sku":"berkley7-9ebab","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_BerkleyStreetBox7-9_PBM3.jpg?v=1725543809"},{"product_id":"hcs1-3","title":"Haunted Collection Series Books 1 to 3: Action-Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThree Books. Three Cursed Objects. The Beginning of Victor Daniels' War.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomeone's selling haunted objects online. And the first three just claimed their victims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA demonic teddy bear glowing with hellfire. A rifle possessed by a blood-thirsty specter. A mirror that reveals family secrets no one should see. Occultist Stefan Korzh isn't just inheriting these cursed antiques. He's mailing them to innocent families and watching them die.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Victor Daniels' wife becomes the first casualty, his grief turns to cold, hard rage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVictor Daniels never planned to fight ghosts. But when his wife is murdered by a cursed toy, the mild-mannered historian becomes a hunter. Armed with salt, iron, and a researcher's mind, he wages war on the supernatural. But as Victor races to stop the killing spree, he discovers that the Collection is far larger than he imagined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the worst is yet to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. I immediately dove into the next book after finishing the previous one. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Buy the box set and start a series you won't want to put down! The plot moves forward and the characters are personal. I've read many of Ripley and Scare Street and will continue to be a fan of the books.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Getting next book ASAP! It is an intense series. The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Bundle Includes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Collecting Death (Book 1) - The blood-soaked teddy bear that started it all\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Walter's Rifle (Book 2) - A weapon that craves massacre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Blood in the Mirror (Book 3) - Secrets trapped in glass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWant the complete nightmare?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/scarestreet.com\/products\/hauntedcollection1-9\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGet Books 1-9 for 45% off and experience the full war against Stefan Korzh.\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e 518 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e22 hours and 46 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePART OF SERIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eFirst 3 Books in This 9-Book Series\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK","offer_id":51656773271831,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION 1-3","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK + AUDIO","offer_id":51656773370135,"sku":"hc1-3ebab","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/1-WEB_HCS1-3_3Books_v1.2.jpg?v=1766720974"},{"product_id":"haunted-collection-series-books-4-6","title":"Haunted Collection Series: Books 4-6","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA deadly collection of haunted antiques has been unleashed…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cursed rifle. A possessed mirror. A demonic child’s toy. Dark relics with a bloody past are unleashed by a sadistic occultist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStefan Korzh’s desire to destroy the lives of everyone around him knows no bounds. His haunted antique collection continues to spread and turn his diabolical plans into reality. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVictor Daniels and Tom Crane are the only ones who can stop the madness before it’s too late.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut as Victor and Tom track down the man responsible for this deadly game, they come face to face with secrets that will change the course of their lives forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. I immediately dove into the next book after finishing the previous one. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe plot moves forward and the characters are personal. I've read many of Ripley and Scare Street and will continue to be a fan of the books.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I love these series because I love haunted ghost stories. Wish they made a TV series about this. I do not give spoilers away and lets just say it is an intense series. 5 haunted possessions out of 5\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class, by itself.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Hank’s Radio (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Burning Girl (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Knife in the Dark (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e6 x 1.46 x 9 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e960-9-20400-003-1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMarch 06, 2019\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":51702519857431,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION 4-6","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":51702519955735,"sku":"hc4-6ebab","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_Haunted_Collection_Box_1-9_PBM3.jpg?v=1726465894"},{"product_id":"haunted-collection-series-books-7-9","title":"Haunted Collection Series: Books 7-9","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA deadly collection of haunted antiques has been unleashed…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cursed rifle. A possessed mirror. A demonic child’s toy. Dark relics with a bloody past are unleashed by a sadistic occultist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStefan Korzh’s desire to destroy the lives of everyone around him knows no bounds. His haunted antique collection continues to spread and turn his diabolical plans into reality. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVictor Daniels and Tom Crane are the only ones who can stop the madness before it’s too late.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut as Victor and Tom track down the man responsible for this deadly game, they come face to face with secrets that will change the course of their lives forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. I immediately dove into the next book after finishing the previous one. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe plot moves forward and the characters are personal. I've read many of Ripley and Scare Street and will continue to be a fan of the books.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I love these series because I love haunted ghost stories. Wish they made a TV series about this. I do not give spoilers away and lets just say it is an intense series. 5 haunted possessions out of 5\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class, by itself.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Last Breath (Book 7)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Ticket to Death (Book 8)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Death Rattle (Book 9)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT DIMENSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e6 x 1.46 x 9 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e960-9-20400-003-1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANGUAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePUBLICATION DATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMarch 06, 2019\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":51702552756503,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION 7-9","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":51702552854807,"sku":"hc7-9ebab","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_Haunted_Collection_Box_1-9_PBM3.jpg?v=1726465894"},{"product_id":"hcsboxv3","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Books of Action Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the paperback box set. That's over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e9 Books. 66+ Hours. One Historian Who Refuses to Run.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomeone's selling haunted objects online. And they just mailed death to your doorstep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cursed rifle that forces its owner to kill. A mirror that traps souls in its reflection. A child's toy that whispers suicide. These aren't artifacts gathering dust in a museum. They're weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd occultist Stefan Korzh is packaging them up and shipping them to innocent families across America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost men would flee from such evil. Victor Daniels hunts it down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA widowed historian armed with salt, iron, and a lifetime of research into the occult, Victor knows the rules of the supernatural world. Ghosts can be bound. Curses can be broken. And Stefan Korzh can be stopped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeaming up with his adopted son Tom Crane, Victor wages a cross-country war against the deadliest antique collection ever assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut as the body count rises and the hauntings grow more vicious, Victor discovers that some secrets are more terrifying than any ghost...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories. The plot moves forward and the characters are personal.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I love these series because I love haunted ghost stories. Wish they made a TV series about this. It is an intense series. 5 haunted possessions out of 5\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52303918989591,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52303919087895,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_PB_EB_AB_Image1_v4.jpg?v=1772190214"},{"product_id":"bss1-3v1","title":"Berkley Street Series Books 1 to 3: Action Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1CtEk0xyVeEAPHO2nYdVToyZltv_lmOyO\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA haunted home. A buried terror. Step inside…\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShane Ryan returns to Nashua, the place where his childhood nightmares began. Lurking within his family home, a sinister force waits in the shadows. Darkness threatens to consume everything he cherishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo decades ago, this dark power stole Shane's family, their disappearance echoing through the haunted halls. Now, with more relatives missing, a buried memory resurfaces—a forgotten encounter with a lurking evil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo confront this malevolent force, Shane must unearth the secrets of his past. His journey will challenge his understanding of himself and his history. But can he conquer his demons once and for all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr will the darkness claim him…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis box set includes the first three books in the Berkley Street series. Three spine-chilling novels of supernatural horror that will leave you breathless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/scarestreet.com\/products\/bss1-9v2?variant=52438495461655\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUNLOCK THE COMPLETE 9-BOOK SERIES. 70% OFF TODAY!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat people are saying:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"This haunted house story is more slasher flick than suspense—the ghosts are physical and violent.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Amazing! Stephen King, move over for your successor…\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"This series of books would make a good TV series.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"It’s rare to find horror that actually makes you care about the characters. These books do exactly that—and then they terrify you.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Shane is one of the best characters I've ever read. He actually fights back instead of running scared.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Berkley Street (Book 1)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Lighthouse (Book 2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Town of Griswold (Book 3)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e667 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%;\"\u003e21 hours and 18 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePART OF SERIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFirst 3 Books in This 9-Book Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 1: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane Ryan had never seen a bigger house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTheir new home looked like a castle, with two towers and tall, narrow windows. Shane counted six chimneys. A pair of giant, thick trees stood on either side of the wide front door. A thick stone wall, nearly as tall as Shane’s father, protected the whole property.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you think, kid?” his father asked as he parked the car in the long driveway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is it a castle?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mother let out a pleased laugh, and his father shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, kid. The Andersons, well, they were really wealthy. They wanted it to look like a castle on the outside, but on the inside, well, it’s a regular house.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh,” Shane said, trying not to sound disappointed. “So no secret passages or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who knows?” his mother said, gently slapping his father on the arm. “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Shane’s father said, winking at him in the rearview mirror, “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on,” Shane’s mother said. “Let’s go inside.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis father turned the engine off, and Shane dutifully waited for his mother to open the back door of the Cadillac before he got out. The September air was warm and still smelled like summer. Shane saw the grass in the yard was freshly mowed and all of the windows shined. Each gray stone seemed to glow in the sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How big is the yard?” Shane asked, looking around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well,” his father said, following his son’s gaze, “you could fit eight of our old yards into the front yard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane said, turning and looking at the expanse of grass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“In the side yard there’s a garden,” his mother said, “there’s also a pond in the backyard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane felt his eyes widen. “A pond?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup,” his father said happily. “And you know what else, kid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s full of fish. We can go fishing whenever we want.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane whispered. “Wow.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane’s parents laughed happily, and he followed them up the front walk. His father took out the house key, unlocked the large door and opened it. Shane stepped into the biggest room he had ever seen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA huge set of stairs stretched up into darkness, and dim pieces of furniture filled what he realized was a hallway. Close to where Shane stood, a tall grandfather clock ticked away the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd behind the tick of the second hand, Shane heard whispers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomeone whispered in the walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 2: SHANE, MARCH 20TH, 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fan hummed steadily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up in his narrow bed as the cool air dried the sweat on his body. He took long, deep breaths and looked at the clock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSix in the morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe closed his eyes and forced away the last remnants of his nightmares. He reached over to his bed table, took the bottle of whiskey and glass off of it and poured himself a small shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane drank it quickly and returned them both to their place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy security blanket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought bitterly. He got out of the bed, took the three steps to his bathroom and climbed into the shower. Shane turned on the water and forced himself to stand under it until it warmed up. Finally, with the water tolerable, he scrubbed himself rigorously and then rinsed off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bare minimum to get clean and rid himself of the stench of fear and sweat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce out of the shower, he dried off and looked at himself in the mirror.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThin face. Haggard eyes. No hair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlopecia areata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought, running a hand over his smooth scalp. His pale skin looked sickly in the light of the fluorescent lamp above the mirror. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUnexplained hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePretty sure I can explain it\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, Shane thought angrily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith a shake of his head, he forced himself to focus on his morning routine. He brushed his teeth, went back into his bedroom and got dressed. A pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. Running shoes and a pullover sweatshirt of dark gray. Absently he rolled the wedding band on his ring finger as he walked to his kitchenette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOatmeal for breakfast. Strong coffee. Vitamins. A banana and two pieces of rye bread toasted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo matter how much he ate, though, he wouldn’t get up over one hundred and forty-five pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTall and thin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust like dad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane put his wallet in his pocket, took his phone and his keys, and left his apartment. The noises of the world fell in around him, and he did his best to ignore them. He took his walk alone in the early morning light. The streets were clear of snow, although salt and sand crunched beneath his feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWinter had slipped by New Hampshire and snow had been a rare sight. Ice, however, had visited more than once, and the streets were always treated for it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane fought the urge to stop at the Paki’s corner store for a pack of cigarettes, but he walked by. He reached the top of Library Hill, walked around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and made his way back to his apartment on Locust Street.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce inside, he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and went to his laptop. He powered it up, logged into his work account, and looked to see what needed to be translated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAmong the work emails, he found one from O’Connor Law Associates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOh, Jesus, what now\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e? He thought, opening the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart leaped at what it said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDear Mr. Ryan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, the email began.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe are pleased to inform you the proceedings regarding your family’s home at 125 Berkley Street have finally finished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe house is yours, per your parents’ wishes, and your uncle and aunt have exhausted their financial and legal options.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlease call my office at your earliest convenience so we might sign the appropriate paperwork and give you the keys to your home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSincerely,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremy O’Connor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat back and stared at the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe keys to my home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane leaned forward and jotted the number for the firm down on his notepad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I’ll find them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he told himself, joy and rage twining together in his heart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I will find them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 3: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up and turned on his light. His heart beat quickly, and he looked around his large room. The curtains were drawn on the tall windows. His books were lined neatly on his shelves. Legos were scattered across the floor by the old fireplace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?” the voice asked again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane twisted around in his bed. Neither his mother nor his father was in his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe couldn’t tell where the voice came from. His mouth was dry, so he swallowed, wet his lips with his tongue, and said in a low voice, “I’m awake.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good,” the voice said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt came from behind his dresser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why? Why is it good?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because they don’t want you here,” the voice said. “They don’t want you. Here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart thumped heavily, and he managed to ask, “Who?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t ask,” the voice said. “I want you here. I’m lonely.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane tried to speak but couldn’t. The sound of his blood as it rushed through him nearly drowned out his own thoughts. “Why are you lonely?” Shane whispered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve been here a long time. Such a very long time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bureau started to move, inch by inch, into the room. It swung out slowly from the wall, and a dark shadow appeared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took Shane a moment to realize there was a passage in the wall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA soft scrape slipped out of the darkness, and it was quickly followed by a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe speaker stepped into the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA girl. Perhaps eight or nine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDead, dead, dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe smelled like death, and her skin was shrunken, pulled tight across her bones. Her lips were stretched in a gruesome smile, and long teeth protruded from her yellow jawbone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m lonely,” she said, stepping into the room. Bits of fabric fell from her ragged, gray dress. Her brown hair was tied back with a faded red bow, and the bones of her feet cracked as she walked. “I’m lonely. I want to play.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52438423339287,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET 1-3","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52438423437591,"sku":"berkley1-3ebab","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_Berkley1-3_3Books_LIMITEDTIME_v3.7.jpg?v=1773743251"},{"product_id":"bss1-9v2","title":"The Complete Berkley Street Collection: 9 Books of Action Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/13vtVTu9S9E8Z9q51E-WL7lDwQlWeRpll\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the Berkley Street Series paperback with free shipping. We'll throw in the ebook and audiobook for free.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOnly 100 copies available.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrab yours before they're gone.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn abandoned house. A forgotten evil. Home sweet home...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShane Ryan returns to his hometown of Nashua, and the childhood memories that have haunted him throughout his life. Something sinister prowls the shadows of his family home. And darkness threatens to destroy all he holds dear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty years ago, the dark force took Shane's family. They vanished within the halls of their shadowy old house. Now, more relatives have gone missing. But a childhood memory stirs in his mind - a long-forgotten encounter with a sinister presence that has always lurked just out of sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo confront this malevolent evil, Shane must peel back the secrets of his former home. His investigation will take him on a journey that challenges everything he thought he knew about himself and his past. But can he banish his demons once and for all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr will the darkness consume him…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis digital box set contains the complete Berkley Street series. Nine terrifying novels of supernatural horror guaranteed to chill you to the bone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat people are saying:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Fast-paced, well-written, and genuinely creepy.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Shane is one of the best characters I've ever read. He actually fights back instead of running scared.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Amazing! Stephen King, move over for your successor…\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"This series of books would make a good TV series.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"It’s rare to find horror that actually makes you care about the characters. These books do exactly that, and then they terrify you.\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Berkley Street (Book 1)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Lighthouse (Book 2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Town of Griswold (Book 3)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Sanford Hospital (Book 4)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Kurkow Prison (Book 5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Lake Nutaq (Book 6)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Slater Mill (Book 7)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Borgin Keep (Book 8)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Amherst Burial Ground (Book 9)\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 156.8px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e807 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e66 hours and 14 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 1: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane Ryan had never seen a bigger house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTheir new home looked like a castle, with two towers and tall, narrow windows. Shane counted six chimneys. A pair of giant, thick trees stood on either side of the wide front door. A thick stone wall, nearly as tall as Shane’s father, protected the whole property.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you think, kid?” his father asked as he parked the car in the long driveway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is it a castle?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mother let out a pleased laugh, and his father shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, kid. The Andersons, well, they were really wealthy. They wanted it to look like a castle on the outside, but on the inside, well, it’s a regular house.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh,” Shane said, trying not to sound disappointed. “So no secret passages or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who knows?” his mother said, gently slapping his father on the arm. “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Shane’s father said, winking at him in the rearview mirror, “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on,” Shane’s mother said. “Let’s go inside.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis father turned the engine off, and Shane dutifully waited for his mother to open the back door of the Cadillac before he got out. The September air was warm and still smelled like summer. Shane saw the grass in the yard was freshly mowed and all of the windows shined. Each gray stone seemed to glow in the sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How big is the yard?” Shane asked, looking around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well,” his father said, following his son’s gaze, “you could fit eight of our old yards into the front yard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane said, turning and looking at the expanse of grass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“In the side yard there’s a garden,” his mother said, “there’s also a pond in the backyard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane felt his eyes widen. “A pond?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup,” his father said happily. “And you know what else, kid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s full of fish. We can go fishing whenever we want.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane whispered. “Wow.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane’s parents laughed happily, and he followed them up the front walk. His father took out the house key, unlocked the large door and opened it. Shane stepped into the biggest room he had ever seen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA huge set of stairs stretched up into darkness, and dim pieces of furniture filled what he realized was a hallway. Close to where Shane stood, a tall grandfather clock ticked away the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd behind the tick of the second hand, Shane heard whispers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomeone whispered in the walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 2: SHANE, MARCH 20TH, 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fan hummed steadily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up in his narrow bed as the cool air dried the sweat on his body. He took long, deep breaths and looked at the clock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSix in the morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe closed his eyes and forced away the last remnants of his nightmares. He reached over to his bed table, took the bottle of whiskey and glass off of it and poured himself a small shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane drank it quickly and returned them both to their place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy security blanket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought bitterly. He got out of the bed, took the three steps to his bathroom and climbed into the shower. Shane turned on the water and forced himself to stand under it until it warmed up. Finally, with the water tolerable, he scrubbed himself rigorously and then rinsed off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bare minimum to get clean and rid himself of the stench of fear and sweat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce out of the shower, he dried off and looked at himself in the mirror.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThin face. Haggard eyes. No hair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlopecia areata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought, running a hand over his smooth scalp. His pale skin looked sickly in the light of the fluorescent lamp above the mirror. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUnexplained hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePretty sure I can explain it\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, Shane thought angrily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith a shake of his head, he forced himself to focus on his morning routine. He brushed his teeth, went back into his bedroom and got dressed. A pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. Running shoes and a pullover sweatshirt of dark gray. Absently he rolled the wedding band on his ring finger as he walked to his kitchenette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOatmeal for breakfast. Strong coffee. Vitamins. A banana and two pieces of rye bread toasted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo matter how much he ate, though, he wouldn’t get up over one hundred and forty-five pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTall and thin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust like dad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane put his wallet in his pocket, took his phone and his keys, and left his apartment. The noises of the world fell in around him, and he did his best to ignore them. He took his walk alone in the early morning light. The streets were clear of snow, although salt and sand crunched beneath his feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWinter had slipped by New Hampshire and snow had been a rare sight. Ice, however, had visited more than once, and the streets were always treated for it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane fought the urge to stop at the Paki’s corner store for a pack of cigarettes, but he walked by. He reached the top of Library Hill, walked around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and made his way back to his apartment on Locust Street.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce inside, he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and went to his laptop. He powered it up, logged into his work account, and looked to see what needed to be translated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAmong the work emails, he found one from O’Connor Law Associates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOh, Jesus, what now\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e? He thought, opening the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart leaped at what it said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDear Mr. Ryan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, the email began.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe are pleased to inform you the proceedings regarding your family’s home at 125 Berkley Street have finally finished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe house is yours, per your parents’ wishes, and your uncle and aunt have exhausted their financial and legal options.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlease call my office at your earliest convenience so we might sign the appropriate paperwork and give you the keys to your home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSincerely,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremy O’Connor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat back and stared at the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe keys to my home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane leaned forward and jotted the number for the firm down on his notepad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I’ll find them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he told himself, joy and rage twining together in his heart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I will find them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 3: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up and turned on his light. His heart beat quickly, and he looked around his large room. The curtains were drawn on the tall windows. His books were lined neatly on his shelves. Legos were scattered across the floor by the old fireplace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?” the voice asked again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane twisted around in his bed. Neither his mother nor his father was in his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe couldn’t tell where the voice came from. His mouth was dry, so he swallowed, wet his lips with his tongue, and said in a low voice, “I’m awake.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good,” the voice said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt came from behind his dresser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why? Why is it good?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because they don’t want you here,” the voice said. “They don’t want you. Here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart thumped heavily, and he managed to ask, “Who?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t ask,” the voice said. “I want you here. I’m lonely.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane tried to speak but couldn’t. The sound of his blood as it rushed through him nearly drowned out his own thoughts. “Why are you lonely?” Shane whispered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve been here a long time. Such a very long time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bureau started to move, inch by inch, into the room. It swung out slowly from the wall, and a dark shadow appeared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took Shane a moment to realize there was a passage in the wall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA soft scrape slipped out of the darkness, and it was quickly followed by a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe speaker stepped into the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA girl. Perhaps eight or nine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDead, dead, dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe smelled like death, and her skin was shrunken, pulled tight across her bones. Her lips were stretched in a gruesome smile, and long teeth protruded from her yellow jawbone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m lonely,” she said, stepping into the room. Bits of fabric fell from her ragged, gray dress. Her brown hair was tied back with a faded red bow, and the bones of her feet cracked as she walked. “I’m lonely. I want to play.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52438495461655,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52438495494423,"sku":"berkley1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_BSS_Image1_Hero_v2.3.jpg?v=1773743210"},{"product_id":"hcs1-3v4","title":"Haunted Collection Series Books 1 to 3: Action Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\"\u003e Description \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\" height=\"75\" width=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThree Books. Three Cursed Objects. The Beginning of Victor Daniels' War.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomeone's selling haunted objects online. And the first three just claimed their victims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA demonic teddy bear glowing with hellfire. A rifle possessed by a blood-thirsty specter. A mirror that reveals family secrets no one should see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOccultist Stefan Korzh isn't just inheriting these cursed antiques. He's mailing them to innocent families and watching them die.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Victor Daniels' wife becomes the first casualty, his grief turns to cold, hard rage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVictor Daniels never planned to fight ghosts. But when his wife is murdered by a cursed toy, the mild-mannered historian becomes a hunter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmed with salt, iron, and a researcher's mind, he wages war on the supernatural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut as Victor races to stop the killing spree, he discovers that the Collection is far larger than he imagined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the worst is yet to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI immediately dove into the next book after finishing the previous one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRon Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Buy the box set and start a series you won't want to put down! The plot moves forward and the characters are personal. I'm a lifelong fan!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Getting next book ASAP! It is an intense series. The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Bundle Includes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Collecting Death (Book 1) - The blood-soaked teddy bear that started it all\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Walter's Rifle (Book 2) - A weapon that craves massacre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Blood in the Mirror (Book 3) - Secrets trapped in glass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWant the complete nightmare?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/scarestreet.com\/products\/hcsboxv4?variant=52798034772247\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGet Books 1-9 for 70% off and experience the full war against Stefan Korzh.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e518 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e22 hours and 46 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePART OF SERIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eFirst 3 Books in This 9-Book Series\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" type=\"button\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan role=\"presentation\" class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#000\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\" id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"BOOKS 1 - 3: PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52798033461527,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION 1-3","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"BOOKS 1 - 3: EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52798033559831,"sku":"hc1-3ebab","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"COMPLETE 9 BOOK SERIES: PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","offer_id":52799045140759,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"COMPLETE 9 BOOK SERIES: EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52799045173527,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/1-WEB_HCS1-3_3Books_v1.2.jpg?v=1766720974"},{"product_id":"hcsboxv4","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Series: 9 Books of Action Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the paperback box set. That's over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e9 Books. 66+ Hours. One Historian Who Refuses to Run.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomeone's selling haunted objects online. And they just mailed death to your doorstep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cursed rifle that forces its owner to kill. A mirror that traps souls in its reflection. A child's toy that whispers suicide. These aren't artifacts gathering dust in a museum. They're weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd occultist Stefan Korzh is packaging them up and shipping them to innocent families across America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost men would flee from such evil. Victor Daniels hunts it down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA widowed historian armed with salt, iron, and a lifetime of research into the occult, Victor knows the rules of the supernatural world. Ghosts can be bound. Curses can be broken. And Stefan Korzh can be stopped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeaming up with his adopted son Tom Crane, Victor wages a cross-country war against the deadliest antique collection ever assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut as the body count rises and the hauntings grow more vicious, Victor discovers that some secrets are more terrifying than any ghost...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories. The plot moves forward and the characters are personal.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I love these series because I love haunted ghost stories. Wish they made a TV series about this. It is an intense series. 5 haunted possessions out of 5\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52798034772247,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":52798034805015,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_Image1_HeroImage_v2.1c_5e610417-ccea-4a15-bec8-963afac3ca30.jpg?v=1772193531"},{"product_id":"hauntedvillage1-9v1","title":"The Complete Haunted Village Series: 9 Books of Action Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1TGdhuLaqTLy19kAAXCyu9_74iwS1MEgu\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the Haunted Village Series paperback with free shipping. We'll throw in the ebook and audiobook for free.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOnly 100 copies available.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrab yours before they're gone.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00000;\" class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003e9 Books. 67+ Hours. One Veteran Who Refuses to Die.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00000;\" class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfessor Abel Worthe is brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral. He is an expert in a very particular field: the study of fear and death. Using his vast resources, Worthe has transported a collection of haunted houses and paranormal sites to his hidden village. And kidnapped civilians are forced to confront unknown horrors in the chilling name of research. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarcus Holt thought his worst memories were behind him. A veteran of the Vietnam War, this old soldier is haunted by nightmares of brutal conflict. But he’s about to discover that his battle for survival has only just begun… \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,800+ pages of iron, salt, and houses that were never meant to be moved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat people are saying:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\"Professor Abel Worthe is sadistic and easy to detest. Each haunted house they put in the village has its own awful presence, and challenges. Subject B, Marcus Holt, and his friends fight these ghosts, save the subjects they can, and thwart the Professor at every turn.\" - Missy C.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003c\/strong\u003e\"I really wish I could see this series on TV or cable. I really enjoyed reading this series... It was great, just like the other series I have read about haunted objects. I will seek out more of this author's work.\" - Annie L.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003c\/strong\u003e\"Each book has a new house, new ghosts, new challenges for the group... Professor Worthe is clearly demented, as are those who work for him.\" - Tony B.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Worthe's Village (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Hell's Hammer (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Butcher's Hands (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Soul Harvest (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Poisonous Whispers (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Brutal Lessons (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Christopher's Blade (Book 7)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Silent Death (Book 8)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Deranged Souls (Book 9)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,875 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 53 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16pt; font-family: 'Tenor Sans',sans-serif;\"\u003eChapter 3: Confusion and Disorientation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003ePeter Murphy groaned as he sat up, his head throbbing and his blood pulsing painfully behind his eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eWhat in the hell did I drink? he wondered, rubbing at his eyes with the palms of his hands. His mouth was dry, and he reached out instinctually for the water he kept by his bed. The glass was cool against his fingers and the liquid sweet and refreshing as he drained the glass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eTequila? He fumbled for the light switch and turned on his lamp. Must have been. Hell, that girl could put it away though. Never would have thought a thin kid like that could drink like a fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eHopeful, Peter glanced at the other side of his bed, but it was empty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eOh, well, he thought. Peter stood up stretching his arms, but quickly stopped.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eHe wasn’t in his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eAll his belongings were there. His bed, the lamp, the bedside table, his dresser. Even the old, broken rocker he used to keep his work clothes on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eEverything.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eExcept, it wasn’t his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eHis mind raced, and he felt dizzy for a heartbeat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eSitting back down, Peter racked his brain, trying to remember the previous night. He looked at the bedside table and saw his keys and his wallet, but his phone was gone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eAnd so was his knife.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eHis heart thundered against his chest, and as his eyes darted around the room, they fell on a small headset with a neatly labeled card that read, Put me on, Mr. Murphy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eWith his breath catching in his throat, Peter stood up, staggered across the room and put the headset on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003e“Mr. Murphy,” a man said, his voice gentle and pleasant. “How are you feeling, sir?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003e“Um, confused,” Peter said, fighting to maintain control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003e“My apologies,” the stranger on the other end said with sincerity. “I must dispense with the pleasantries, however. You see, while the batteries in this particular headset are powerful, they won’t last long. Not if I’ve judged my newest acquisition correctly.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003e“What?” Peter asked. Then, angrily he said, “You know what? Never mind. Just get me the hell out of here. I don’t know who you are, or what you think you’re doing, but I am going to beat you seven ways to Sunday if you don’t get me out of here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003e“But Mr. Murphy,” the stranger said, “you’re not locked in. You’re absolutely free to go. And once you’ve made your way out, why, I’ll even return your possessions to you, and a fairly healthy amount of money as well. If that sounds agreeable to you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003e“The only thing that sounds agreeable to me,” Peter snapped, “is getting out of here now.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe man started to reply, but his voice cut away, dying in a fit of static before silence filled Peter’s ears.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif;\"\u003eFurious, Peter ripped the headset off and threw it against the wall, and it was then that he saw that the door to the bedroom was indeed open.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54719111135511,"sku":"HAUNTED VILLAGE SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54719111168279,"sku":"hv1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/1-ProdPage_HVS_Image1_Hero_v4.2.jpg?v=1787638482"},{"product_id":"bss-a1","title":"The Complete Berkley Street Saga: 9 Books Where the Dead Get Into the Room With You (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/13vtVTu9S9E8Z9q51E-WL7lDwQlWeRpll\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time: Get all nine Berkley Street paperbacks with the complete ebooks and audiobooks included FREE. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShane Ryan fought to get back into his childhood home. The dead never left.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA retired Marine, Shane returns to 125 Berkley Street to uncover what happened to his missing parents. He knows the house is haunted. He grew up inside it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a boy, Shane watched his bedroom dresser slide away from the wall. A dead girl stepped out of the passage behind it and told him she was lonely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow he’s back, and the house has more waiting for him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe isn’t stepping into a standard haunting. Hidden servants’ passages web behind every single wall, meaning the house’s secrets are never more than a few feet away. Maps lie. Floors appear out of nowhere. And deep in the pond, something has been patiently waiting for Shane since he was fourteen years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine books. Nine haunted locations. The walls won’t keep the dead away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLock the doors and keep the lights on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNine books of salt, iron, and things that come through the wall. Ready when you are.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Be careful when you turn a corner. You may end up in a different part of the house than where you intended to go, as the house has a mind of its own.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"It's rare to find horror that actually makes you care about the characters. These books do exactly that, and then they terrify you.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Imagine growing up in a haunted house where the ghosts can seriously hurt you. That is how Shane grew up.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"His ghosts leave an impression that's hard to shake when it comes time to turn off the lights. I keep them on all the time now!\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Berkley Street (Book 1)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Lighthouse (Book 2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Town of Griswold (Book 3)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Sanford Hospital (Book 4)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Kurkow Prison (Book 5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Lake Nutaq (Book 6)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Slater Mill (Book 7)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Borgin Keep (Book 8)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Amherst Burial Ground (Book 9)\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 156.8px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e807 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e66 hours and 14 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 1: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane Ryan had never seen a bigger house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTheir new home looked like a castle, with two towers and tall, narrow windows. Shane counted six chimneys. A pair of giant, thick trees stood on either side of the wide front door. A thick stone wall, nearly as tall as Shane’s father, protected the whole property.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you think, kid?” his father asked as he parked the car in the long driveway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is it a castle?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mother let out a pleased laugh, and his father shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, kid. The Andersons, well, they were really wealthy. They wanted it to look like a castle on the outside, but on the inside, well, it’s a regular house.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh,” Shane said, trying not to sound disappointed. “So no secret passages or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who knows?” his mother said, gently slapping his father on the arm. “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Shane’s father said, winking at him in the rearview mirror, “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on,” Shane’s mother said. “Let’s go inside.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis father turned the engine off, and Shane dutifully waited for his mother to open the back door of the Cadillac before he got out. The September air was warm and still smelled like summer. Shane saw the grass in the yard was freshly mowed and all of the windows shined. Each gray stone seemed to glow in the sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How big is the yard?” Shane asked, looking around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well,” his father said, following his son’s gaze, “you could fit eight of our old yards into the front yard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane said, turning and looking at the expanse of grass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“In the side yard there’s a garden,” his mother said, “there’s also a pond in the backyard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane felt his eyes widen. “A pond?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup,” his father said happily. “And you know what else, kid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s full of fish. We can go fishing whenever we want.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane whispered. “Wow.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane’s parents laughed happily, and he followed them up the front walk. His father took out the house key, unlocked the large door and opened it. Shane stepped into the biggest room he had ever seen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA huge set of stairs stretched up into darkness, and dim pieces of furniture filled what he realized was a hallway. Close to where Shane stood, a tall grandfather clock ticked away the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd behind the tick of the second hand, Shane heard whispers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomeone whispered in the walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 2: SHANE, MARCH 20TH, 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fan hummed steadily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up in his narrow bed as the cool air dried the sweat on his body. He took long, deep breaths and looked at the clock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSix in the morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe closed his eyes and forced away the last remnants of his nightmares. He reached over to his bed table, took the bottle of whiskey and glass off of it and poured himself a small shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane drank it quickly and returned them both to their place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy security blanket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought bitterly. He got out of the bed, took the three steps to his bathroom and climbed into the shower. Shane turned on the water and forced himself to stand under it until it warmed up. Finally, with the water tolerable, he scrubbed himself rigorously and then rinsed off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bare minimum to get clean and rid himself of the stench of fear and sweat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce out of the shower, he dried off and looked at himself in the mirror.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThin face. Haggard eyes. No hair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlopecia areata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought, running a hand over his smooth scalp. His pale skin looked sickly in the light of the fluorescent lamp above the mirror. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUnexplained hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePretty sure I can explain it\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, Shane thought angrily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith a shake of his head, he forced himself to focus on his morning routine. He brushed his teeth, went back into his bedroom and got dressed. A pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. Running shoes and a pullover sweatshirt of dark gray. Absently he rolled the wedding band on his ring finger as he walked to his kitchenette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOatmeal for breakfast. Strong coffee. Vitamins. A banana and two pieces of rye bread toasted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo matter how much he ate, though, he wouldn’t get up over one hundred and forty-five pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTall and thin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust like dad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane put his wallet in his pocket, took his phone and his keys, and left his apartment. The noises of the world fell in around him, and he did his best to ignore them. He took his walk alone in the early morning light. The streets were clear of snow, although salt and sand crunched beneath his feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWinter had slipped by New Hampshire and snow had been a rare sight. Ice, however, had visited more than once, and the streets were always treated for it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane fought the urge to stop at the Paki’s corner store for a pack of cigarettes, but he walked by. He reached the top of Library Hill, walked around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and made his way back to his apartment on Locust Street.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce inside, he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and went to his laptop. He powered it up, logged into his work account, and looked to see what needed to be translated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAmong the work emails, he found one from O’Connor Law Associates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOh, Jesus, what now\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e? He thought, opening the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart leaped at what it said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDear Mr. Ryan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, the email began.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe are pleased to inform you the proceedings regarding your family’s home at 125 Berkley Street have finally finished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe house is yours, per your parents’ wishes, and your uncle and aunt have exhausted their financial and legal options.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlease call my office at your earliest convenience so we might sign the appropriate paperwork and give you the keys to your home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSincerely,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremy O’Connor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat back and stared at the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe keys to my home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane leaned forward and jotted the number for the firm down on his notepad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I’ll find them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he told himself, joy and rage twining together in his heart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I will find them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 3: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up and turned on his light. His heart beat quickly, and he looked around his large room. The curtains were drawn on the tall windows. His books were lined neatly on his shelves. Legos were scattered across the floor by the old fireplace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?” the voice asked again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane twisted around in his bed. Neither his mother nor his father was in his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe couldn’t tell where the voice came from. His mouth was dry, so he swallowed, wet his lips with his tongue, and said in a low voice, “I’m awake.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good,” the voice said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt came from behind his dresser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why? Why is it good?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because they don’t want you here,” the voice said. “They don’t want you. Here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart thumped heavily, and he managed to ask, “Who?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t ask,” the voice said. “I want you here. I’m lonely.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane tried to speak but couldn’t. The sound of his blood as it rushed through him nearly drowned out his own thoughts. “Why are you lonely?” Shane whispered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve been here a long time. Such a very long time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bureau started to move, inch by inch, into the room. It swung out slowly from the wall, and a dark shadow appeared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took Shane a moment to realize there was a passage in the wall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA soft scrape slipped out of the darkness, and it was quickly followed by a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe speaker stepped into the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA girl. Perhaps eight or nine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDead, dead, dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe smelled like death, and her skin was shrunken, pulled tight across her bones. Her lips were stretched in a gruesome smile, and long teeth protruded from her yellow jawbone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m lonely,” she said, stepping into the room. Bits of fabric fell from her ragged, gray dress. Her brown hair was tied back with a faded red bow, and the bones of her feet cracked as she walked. “I’m lonely. I want to play.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54736490660119,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54736490692887,"sku":"berkley1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_BSS_Image_1_Hero_A1_v2.jpg?v=1789719009"},{"product_id":"bss-a2","title":"The Complete Berkley Street Saga: 9 Books, No Slow Burn, One Marine Against the Dead (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/13vtVTu9S9E8Z9q51E-WL7lDwQlWeRpll\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time: Get all nine Berkley Street paperbacks with the complete ebooks and audiobooks included FREE. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe dead have had this house long enough. Shane Ryan wants it back.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis parents vanished inside 125 Berkley Street. A retired Marine, Shane spent two decades fighting for the keys. Now he’s coming back to find out what happened to them, armed with salt, iron, and no intention of backing down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe house has never been quiet. Whispers come from inside the walls. A bedroom dresser slides aside to reveal a hidden passage. And the dead don’t stay on the other side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese spirits have a physical presence, and they use it. They block hallways. They attack. People walk into 125 Berkley Street and don’t walk back out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the search for his parents is only the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lighthouse. A dead town. A prison. Each new haunting draws Shane closer to something far more sinister than a house full of ghosts: an organization behind horrors that are no accident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine books. A hunt that grows more dangerous with every discovery. And a final confrontation with the forces behind it all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Well written and fast paced. I read it all at once since I couldn't put it down.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Action packed and scary fun for diehard horror fans.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"The scary haunted books a fast page turner you can't even put the book down. You want to know what happened next.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \u003cem\u003e\"Really hard to put down and had an awesome pace that just kept you coming back for more.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Berkley Street (Book 1)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Lighthouse (Book 2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ The Town of Griswold (Book 3)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Sanford Hospital (Book 4)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Kurkow Prison (Book 5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Lake Nutaq (Book 6)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Slater Mill (Book 7)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Borgin Keep (Book 8)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Amherst Burial Ground (Book 9)\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-bold a-text-italic\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 156.8px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e807 pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e66 hours and 14 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 807 pages of momentum and one Marine who refuses to run.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 1: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane Ryan had never seen a bigger house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTheir new home looked like a castle, with two towers and tall, narrow windows. Shane counted six chimneys. A pair of giant, thick trees stood on either side of the wide front door. A thick stone wall, nearly as tall as Shane’s father, protected the whole property.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What do you think, kid?” his father asked as he parked the car in the long driveway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Is it a castle?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis mother let out a pleased laugh, and his father shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No, kid. The Andersons, well, they were really wealthy. They wanted it to look like a castle on the outside, but on the inside, well, it’s a regular house.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh,” Shane said, trying not to sound disappointed. “So no secret passages or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who knows?” his mother said, gently slapping his father on the arm. “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Shane’s father said, winking at him in the rearview mirror, “Who knows?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on,” Shane’s mother said. “Let’s go inside.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis father turned the engine off, and Shane dutifully waited for his mother to open the back door of the Cadillac before he got out. The September air was warm and still smelled like summer. Shane saw the grass in the yard was freshly mowed and all of the windows shined. Each gray stone seemed to glow in the sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How big is the yard?” Shane asked, looking around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well,” his father said, following his son’s gaze, “you could fit eight of our old yards into the front yard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane said, turning and looking at the expanse of grass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“In the side yard there’s a garden,” his mother said, “there’s also a pond in the backyard.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane felt his eyes widen. “A pond?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup,” his father said happily. “And you know what else, kid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“It’s full of fish. We can go fishing whenever we want.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Wow,” Shane whispered. “Wow.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane’s parents laughed happily, and he followed them up the front walk. His father took out the house key, unlocked the large door and opened it. Shane stepped into the biggest room he had ever seen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA huge set of stairs stretched up into darkness, and dim pieces of furniture filled what he realized was a hallway. Close to where Shane stood, a tall grandfather clock ticked away the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd behind the tick of the second hand, Shane heard whispers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSomeone whispered in the walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 2: SHANE, MARCH 20TH, 2016\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fan hummed steadily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up in his narrow bed as the cool air dried the sweat on his body. He took long, deep breaths and looked at the clock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSix in the morning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe closed his eyes and forced away the last remnants of his nightmares. He reached over to his bed table, took the bottle of whiskey and glass off of it and poured himself a small shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane drank it quickly and returned them both to their place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy security blanket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought bitterly. He got out of the bed, took the three steps to his bathroom and climbed into the shower. Shane turned on the water and forced himself to stand under it until it warmed up. Finally, with the water tolerable, he scrubbed himself rigorously and then rinsed off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bare minimum to get clean and rid himself of the stench of fear and sweat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce out of the shower, he dried off and looked at himself in the mirror.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThin face. Haggard eyes. No hair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlopecia areata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought, running a hand over his smooth scalp. His pale skin looked sickly in the light of the fluorescent lamp above the mirror. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUnexplained hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePretty sure I can explain it\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, Shane thought angrily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith a shake of his head, he forced himself to focus on his morning routine. He brushed his teeth, went back into his bedroom and got dressed. A pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. Running shoes and a pullover sweatshirt of dark gray. Absently he rolled the wedding band on his ring finger as he walked to his kitchenette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOatmeal for breakfast. Strong coffee. Vitamins. A banana and two pieces of rye bread toasted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNo matter how much he ate, though, he wouldn’t get up over one hundred and forty-five pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTall and thin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he thought. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJust like dad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane put his wallet in his pocket, took his phone and his keys, and left his apartment. The noises of the world fell in around him, and he did his best to ignore them. He took his walk alone in the early morning light. The streets were clear of snow, although salt and sand crunched beneath his feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWinter had slipped by New Hampshire and snow had been a rare sight. Ice, however, had visited more than once, and the streets were always treated for it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane fought the urge to stop at the Paki’s corner store for a pack of cigarettes, but he walked by. He reached the top of Library Hill, walked around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and made his way back to his apartment on Locust Street.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce inside, he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and went to his laptop. He powered it up, logged into his work account, and looked to see what needed to be translated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAmong the work emails, he found one from O’Connor Law Associates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOh, Jesus, what now\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e? He thought, opening the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart leaped at what it said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDear Mr. Ryan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, the email began.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe are pleased to inform you the proceedings regarding your family’s home at 125 Berkley Street have finally finished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe house is yours, per your parents’ wishes, and your uncle and aunt have exhausted their financial and legal options.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlease call my office at your earliest convenience so we might sign the appropriate paperwork and give you the keys to your home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSincerely,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0pt 36pt 0pt 36pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eJeremy O’Connor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat back and stared at the email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe keys to my home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMy home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane leaned forward and jotted the number for the firm down on his notepad.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I’ll find them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e, he told himself, joy and rage twining together in his heart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNow I will find them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCHAPTER 3: SHANE, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane sat up and turned on his light. His heart beat quickly, and he looked around his large room. The curtains were drawn on the tall windows. His books were lined neatly on his shelves. Legos were scattered across the floor by the old fireplace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you awake?” the voice asked again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane twisted around in his bed. Neither his mother nor his father was in his room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe couldn’t tell where the voice came from. His mouth was dry, so he swallowed, wet his lips with his tongue, and said in a low voice, “I’m awake.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good,” the voice said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt came from behind his dresser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why? Why is it good?” Shane asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because they don’t want you here,” the voice said. “They don’t want you. Here.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis heart thumped heavily, and he managed to ask, “Who?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Don’t ask,” the voice said. “I want you here. I’m lonely.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShane tried to speak but couldn’t. The sound of his blood as it rushed through him nearly drowned out his own thoughts. “Why are you lonely?” Shane whispered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve been here a long time. Such a very long time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe bureau started to move, inch by inch, into the room. It swung out slowly from the wall, and a dark shadow appeared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt took Shane a moment to realize there was a passage in the wall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA soft scrape slipped out of the darkness, and it was quickly followed by a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe speaker stepped into the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA girl. Perhaps eight or nine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDead, dead, dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe smelled like death, and her skin was shrunken, pulled tight across her bones. Her lips were stretched in a gruesome smile, and long teeth protruded from her yellow jawbone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: justify; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m lonely,” she said, stepping into the room. Bits of fabric fell from her ragged, gray dress. Her brown hair was tied back with a faded red bow, and the bones of her feet cracked as she walked. “I’m lonely. I want to play.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54737270276375,"sku":"BERKLEY STREET SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54737270309143,"sku":"berkley1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_BSS_Image_1_Hero_A2.jpg?v=1789719124"},{"product_id":"hcs-a1","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Horror Books Ready to Binge from Start to Finish (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the 9-book paperback bundle. That's over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour next nine horror reads are right here.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou know the feeling. You finally find a horror series that pulls you in, you reach the last page, and then you wait. Sometimes for months until the next release. Or you start the search for a new author all over again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaunted Collection removes the wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine complete books. One connected hunt. An occultist named Stefan Korzh is shipping cursed antiques to unsuspecting families across America: a rifle that forces its owner to kill, a mirror that traps souls in its reflection, a child's toy that whispers terrible things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidowed historian Victor Daniels hunts the collection down, antique by antique, armed with salt, iron, and a lifetime of occult research. Every book opens a new nightmare. Every nightmare pulls you deeper into the same story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo cliffhangers that leave you hanging for a year. No hunting for something good to read next. When one book ends, the next one is already in your hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish one. Start the next. All nine are ready.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories. The plot moves forward and the characters are personal.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I couldn't put these books down. I bought the entire set (a great deal!) and spent the next week reading them on my tablet.”\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I hate that I've finished this series. These books were amazing and hard to put down. I wondered how all these characters' stories were going to end. I loved how each one was wrapped up. If you love horror, these are a must read.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54737429397783,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54737429430551,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_Image_1_Hero_Image_A1.jpg?v=1789633667"},{"product_id":"movingin1-6v1","title":"The Complete Moving In Series: 6 Books of Action Packed Horror You Won't Be Able to Put Down (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"400\" height=\"75\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1TGdhuLaqTLy19kAAXCyu9_74iwS1MEgu\/preview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the Moving In Series paperback with free shipping. We'll throw in the ebook and audiobook for free.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOnly 100 copies available.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrab yours before they're gone.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHe found the house of his dreams and unleashed his greatest nightmare…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrian Roy just wants to get away from the stress of city life. Escape the noise, the crime, and the anxiety of his high-pressure job. So when he and his wife move into a beautiful old farmhouse in the scenic New Hampshire countryside, he can finally relax and find some peace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut Brian quickly finds himself thrust into a terrifying world of the supernatural. Joining forces with others who have faced similar evil, Brian becomes a reluctant ghost hunter, fighting a deadly shadow war against the sinister forces infesting his town. And it will take every ounce of courage and will to purge his neighborhood of the paranormal entities lurking in the shadows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrian’s war against the supernatural has begun. He will do whatever it takes to protect his family and town. Even if it means losing his soul in the process…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis digital box set contains the complete Moving In series. Six bone-chilling novels of supernatural horror guaranteed to keep you reading past the witching hour…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat people are saying:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I love that Brian doesn't just sit there and scream like a victim. He loads his shotgun and goes to work.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Finally, a horror series where the characters aren't complete morons making stupid decisions.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"It's like an episode of Ghost Adventures but with real stakes. I couldn't put it down.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Moving In (Book 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Dune Walkers (Book 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ Middlebury Sanitarium (Book 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The First Church (Book 4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Paupers’ Crypt (Book 5)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✅ The Academy (Book 6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e821 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e40 hours and 18 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3: Brian and Jenny in the House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What the hell was that?” Jenny asked, looking up from her crochet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian looked up from his book, blinked, and reran the sound through his head. “Sounded like a rifle.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That was close by,” she sighed. She looked back down at the scarf she was making.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Brian said. “Probably somebody poaching on our land. At least it’s not some dumbass doing a drive-by with some cheap SKS on South Willow in Manchester.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“True,” Jenny said. She looked over at him. “Are you going to check it out in the morning?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian shook his head. “In about half an hour. If they did get something, I want to give them plenty of time to get it ready to move. After that, I’ll go out there, make a lot of noise, bring the big LED flashlight. More than likely, they’ll see me and hear me. Should cut down on any more poaching. If it doesn’t, well, I’ll fire off a few shots myself next time, let them know we’re not playing around.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sounds good to me.” Jenny grinned, blowing him a kiss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian grinned and went back to his book, finishing off his second glass of wine and a few more chapters in the Dumas biography he was reading. Thirty minutes later, the mantle clock, which was one of the few items that had been unpacked, struck seven. Brian put his book down and stood up, stretching. He took his phone off of the side table, slid it into his back pocket, and walked to the hall closet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe basement door was open again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrowning, he closed it, calling out to Jenny, “Hey, the basement door was open again. We’ll have to get a new lock or something for it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay,” she called back. “I’ll put it on the list.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian went to the closet, dug his coat out, and took a flashlight from the bug-out bag on the closet floor. “Be back in a little while. See if I can find anything.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Be safe.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I will,” he answered. Brian turned on the porch light, opened the door, and walked out into the cold night air. After he closed the front door, Brian stood on the porch for a few moments, getting adjusted to the cold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt felt good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe could smell the wood smoke from the fireplace, and under it, Brian could smell snow in the air. The sky was clear, the stars sharp and bright. The moon was nothing more than a sliver, but that too shone brightly. From somewhere nearby, possibly the old barn at the edge of their property, Brian heard an owl calling out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI might get used to this, he thought. There was a definite lack of ambient noise but it felt good, in a strange way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNodding to himself, Brian put on his gloves, turned on the flashlight, and walked down the stairs and onto the front lawn. He closed his eyes and once more replayed the sound in his head, remembering where he had been sitting in the house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot the front, he thought. Not the sides. Straight back, towards the woods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith the flashlight illuminating his steps, Brian walked around the side of the house, the grass crackling beneath his sneakers. He kept a steady pace, moving farther away from the house. The tree line was perhaps a thousand yards from the back door, and he suspected he might find the remains of a deer there. It would be the best place to wait. The deer wouldn’t go out too far from the tree line, not since it was still hunting season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe open fields would be too dangerous for them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs Brian neared the treeline, he swept the flashlight from left to right and back again, looking for any indication someone had been around. Then, at the edge of the flashlight’s range, he caught a glimpse of a salt lick and something on the ground. Brian frowned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA deer had been baited and shot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs he got closer to the salt lick, though, he realized there were two shapes on the ground, and while one was definitely a deer, the other shape was dressed in woodland camouflage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh shit,” Brian said out loud. He broke into a trot, careful of his footing on the grass, knowing the treads on his sneakers were a little too smooth for good traction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn a minute, he reached the body. The dead man was lying on his side in a mess of congealing blood offal. A rifle hung loosely off the hunter’s shoulder, and a skinning knife was a few feet away from the open right hand. Carefully, Brian took hold of the hunter and turned the body towards him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe look of fear and horror frozen on the man’s face caused Brian’s heart to skip a beat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6: William Engberg’s Place\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe ride to Wells was smooth and uneventful. The town, located between Ogunquit and Kennebunk, was right over the southernmost border with New Hampshire. Brian hadn’t been there for over a year, the last time he and Jenny had decided they needed to wander around the cold Maine coastline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was pretty, though, and it was the off-season. No summer folk, but old school Mainers who barely tolerated the rest of New England and who had no use for anyone beyond the ancient borders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian liked the attitude. It fit right in with his own most of the time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe turned right onto Coast Road, following the winding asphalt which, in turn, followed the beach which was on his left. Old, dull street lamps cast their rough light onto the pavement. Most of the homes on either side were closed up, their owners gone south for warmer climates. The Kia rocked slightly with a harsh wind driving in off of the Atlantic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was nothing in the forecast about a storm, but the weathermen were more wrong than they were right as far as Brian was concerned, and he would hate to be caught near the ocean in a storm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDrowning was definitely not on his list of things to try.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSoon he found himself at what he assumed was the end of the road, and he came to a stop. The houses ended on either side and only dunes and grass continued on either side. The last house on the left had the number fifteen, though.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian sat in the car, the heat turned up. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and looked at the dunes, the grass, and the small parking lot up and to the right. Then he saw the road curved slightly to the left, around one of the dunes. A glance at the telephone poles showed wiring continued on to another pole a little further down, and then onto yet another.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDamn, Brian thought. The road keeps going.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTaking his foot off of the brake, Brian drove forward through the parking lot and following the road.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe asphalt followed the dunes, and Brian followed the asphalt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAbout half a mile later he came to the house. White with green trim, a blue pickup in the driveway. Smoke curled up from the chimney into the night sky, and light slipped out around the edges of drawn shades in the windows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA battered green mailbox, leaning haphazardly to the left had a large white ‘11’ painted on its side.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLooks like I’m here, Brian thought. He pulled into the driveway behind the truck, his wheels loud on crushed stone. Brian shut the car down, sent Jenny and Sylvia each a quick text, and got out. In the cold winter air, he stretched. His muscles ached from the drive. He reached back into the car, pulled on his gloves and hit the button to open the trunk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eClosing the door behind him, Brian went and got his gear out, making sure everything on the car was locked and secured before walking up to the house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knocked on the door loudly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who is it?” a voice asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“This is Brian,” Brian answered. “From the Leonidas Group.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe door opened, and a tall young man answered the door. The man’s black hair was clipped short, and he wore a thick sweater and khaki pants. He had on a pair of work boots with the laces untied, and he smiled tiredly at Brian.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Come on in, Brian,” the man said. He stepped aside and closed the door once Brian was in the small house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’m William Engberg,” he said, extending his hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian shook it. “A pleasure.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Thank you so much for coming up here,” William said. “Can I get you a cup of coffee or anything?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Coffee would be great,” Brian said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good.” William walked around a small sofa and to a kitchenette. “Take a seat in one of the chairs, if you like.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian glanced around, saw two club chairs on either side of a bookshelf and took the one on the right. He put his bag on the floor beside him. Across the room, a low fire burned in the hearth. In a moment, William had water boiling in the kettle and came and sat in the other chair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrian took a notepad and pen out of his bag as well as a digital recorder. “Do you mind if I record our conversation?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWilliam shook his head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Excellent,” Brian said. He pressed the red button on the recorder, set it down on a coffee table and smiled at William. “Okay, William. Tell me what’s going on.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWilliam gave him a nervous smile. “This is kind of ridiculous for me, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 17pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 9: Introductions are Made\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen hadn’t needed an alarm clock for over thirty years. He woke up every day at four o’clock in the afternoon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe never had to worry about being asleep when night fell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBy four thirty he was finished with breakfast, a shower, and had his uniform on for the night. If he needed to run errands, he did so. If not, he made his way to the Sanitarium’s library. No one had ever bothered to remove the books. A tragedy, as far as Ken was concerned, but a boon at the same time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere were over twenty thousand volumes. A large portion was extremely outdated medical and psychological texts, but there was still a healthy selection of literature. Newer stuff, like Brooks’ zombie book, he picked up at the Middlebury tipping station. A small shed served as a place for people to put things they thought could be used again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen was thinking about the tipping station when the phone rang.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrowning, he walked over to it, took the handset off of the receiver and answered the call. “Hello?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Ken, it’s Carl,” Carl said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Carl, what can I do for you?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I’ve got a guest at the Factory tonight.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Ken asked, a chill sweeping through him. “Why?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Well, you know how the Gaiman Foundation is looking to buy the place?” Carl asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Evidently they want someone to check the place for ghosts.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hell,” Ken said, “place is haunted as hell.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“They don’t want our opinion,” Carl said with a sigh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“So this guy’s hired by the State?” Ken asked, frowning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“By the State’s real estate agent,” Carl said. “From what I’ve heard the State’s already irate.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How come?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“They wanted this guy to sign off and say the place was fine. Evidently he said he wouldn’t.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen chuckled, smiling. “Okay. Maybe there’s hope. Where is he?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I had Derek put him in the head nurse’s old place.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Why the hell did you put him there?” Ken snapped. “Jesus, Carl.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What?” Carl asked, confused. “Where was I supposed to put him?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hell, he could have crashed here with me. He shouldn’t be on the grounds alone. You know better, Carl.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Dan’s there,” Carl said defensively.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And Dan’s a good guy,” Ken said. “He can’t handle protecting someone, though, Carl. Damn it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you heading there, then?” Carl asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Ken said angrily. “I’ll be there in a few.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen hung up the phone and shook his head. He needed to get to the head nurse’s house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe took his small ring of master keys down off of the rack, slipped the leather strap connected to them around his belt and snapped it shut. He pulled on his coat and his pipe, tobacco, and matches went into his right pocket. He picked up his two-way radio, turned it on and tucked it into his breast pocket. A moment later he had on his watchman’s cap and gloves, and he closed the door to his house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA sharp wind cut down from the northeast and burned his nostrils, the scent of impending snow heavy in the air.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBad storm coming, Ken thought, glancing up at the dark clouds rolling down from Canada. He had enough food stocked, of course, he was a born and bred New Englander. You didn’t play with Winter. More often than not the Old Man would sweep down from the north and bury you. No matter what the weathermen said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen zipped his collar to the top so it covered his chin and he quickly velcroed the protective flap over the zipper. He followed the brick path from his front door to the sanitarium’s main road and he took it towards the head nurse’s house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe two-way radio squawked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen grumbled and fished it out. He keyed it and said, “Go ahead, Dan.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You on the main road?” Dan asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yup.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Going to the library?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not yet,” Ken answered. “Just talked to Carl about the guest.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh. Yeah. You know they put him in the head nurse’s place?” Dan asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen rolled his eyes but kept the frustration he felt out of his voice. “Yup. Keep your ears open, Dan. I’ll be by around eleven, just as always.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, Ken. Base out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKen put the radio away and as he followed a curve in the road, his destination appeared. In the stillness, the sound of the generator ripped through the air. Light spilled out from the windows of the dining room and reached for the cemetery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOf all the damned places, Ken thought. He fought to keep his anger down. Carl did some stupid things, but he hadn’t risked anyone’s life before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut does he even know he’s risking this man’s life? Ken asked himself. Does Carl even understand? Really understand?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":54816787726615,"sku":"MOVING IN SERIES","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK + AUDIO","offer_id":54816787824919,"sku":"moving1-6ebab","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_Moving_In_Box_1-6_PBM3.jpg?v=1761964799"},{"product_id":"hcs-a2","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Horror Books. Cursed Antiques. No Home Is Safe. (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the 9-book paperback bundle. That’s over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSomeone is mailing cursed antiques to ordinary families. One of those parcels is already open...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing looks out of place. A rifle on a rack. A mirror in a hallway. A child’s toy at the bottom of a box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen the house starts to change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn occultist named Stefan Korzh has spent years collecting the most dangerous cursed antiques in America, and now he is shipping them to families who have no idea what they just carried in from the porch. The rifle forces its owner to kill. The mirror traps souls in its reflection. The toy whispers terrible things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidowed historian Victor Daniels hunts the collection down, antique by antique, armed with salt, iron, and a lifetime of occult research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine books. Nine cursed antiques that should never have been brought home. One collection that reaches all the way into the room you are sitting in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This book makes you wonder about the antiques in your house. You will begin to second guess shadows, breezes by you, flickering lights, you will be on the edge of your seat.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This collection of books was great. Haunted objects being sent out into the world causing death and destruction. The characters were wonderfully written and I can’t wait to start the next collection..\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55082919395607,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55082919428375,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_Image_1_Hero_Image_A2.jpg?v=1789633988"},{"product_id":"hcs-a3","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Horror Books That Get Scary in Chapter One (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the 9-book paperback bundle. That’s over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe cursed antique turns up early. The nightmare does not wait...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou know the pattern. A hundred pages of family backstory. A slow tour of the house. A door that creaks open on page 180.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaunted Collection skips all of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn occultist named Stefan Korzh is shipping cursed antiques to families across America: a rifle that forces its owner to kill, a mirror that traps souls, a radio that talks back. The antique arrives, the haunting starts, and the pressure never lets up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidowed historian Victor Daniels hunts the collection down with salt, iron, and a lifetime of occult research, and every book pits him against something new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine books. Nine hauntings that start early and finish hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I'm in awe of Ron Ripley and his ability to spin a yarn that keeps your attention, and never really has a dull moment.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This series was a pleasant surprise. A lot of action and it kept my attention.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083119870231,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083119902999,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_Image_1_Hero_Image_A3.jpg?v=1789634313"},{"product_id":"hcs-a5","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Books and 66+ Hours of One Connected Nightmare (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the 9-book paperback bundle. That’s over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeep the horror going, even when you put the book down.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead at home. Listen on your commute. Get all nine Haunted Collection paperbacks with the complete ebooks and audiobooks included free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStefan Korzh is shipping cursed antiques to unsuspecting families across America. Widowed historian Victor Daniels hunts them down, armed with salt, iron, and a lifetime of occult research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine books. One connected hunt. Read it on the page or hear it brought to life by Thom Bowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Excellent set of stories to unnerve you. So many cursed items, so little time! Thom Bowers was a fine narrator.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The narration by Thom Bowers is flawless as usual. He brings the characters to life and the only other audiobook series I can recall with such excellent narration is the Harry Potter series read by the very talented Jim Dale.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I think Ron Ripley is one of the most talented horror writers out there today. He has a knack for touching the scare nerve in all of us. His characters are well developed. Thom Bowers' audio narration adds an even creepier dimension to these stories. His talent with various ethnic accents is totally entertaining.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. 66+ hours of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083261133079,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083261165847,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_Image_1_Hero_Image_A5.jpg?v=1789634535"},{"product_id":"hcs-a8","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Books of Old-School Horror Where the Dead Stay Dangerous (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the 9-book paperback bundle. That’s over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemember when a haunted house was actually haunted, and somebody did something about it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo hundred-page meditation on grief. No ghost that turns out to be a metaphor. No last page that refuses to tell you what happened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust a cursed rifle that forces its owner to kill. A mirror that traps souls in its reflection. A radio that speaks in a dead man’s voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn occultist named Stefan Korzh is shipping them to families across America. Widowed historian Victor Daniels goes after every last one with salt, iron, and a lifetime of occult research, and he does not stand around asking whether ghosts are real.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine books of the kind of horror that used to live on a spinning rack at the drugstore. Real monsters, real rules, and an ending that pays off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Ron Ripley's books are the best horror books I've ever read. Better than Steven King. I can hardly put them down. Delightfully scary. Goosebumps, gasps, shivers and shakes. Love them.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"If you are a horror fan this is a must read! Ghosts, evil, paranormal crime! Good vs evil. It's all there. Take a seat, make yourself comfortable, but keep the lights on. This one is scary good.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The complete 9 book journey is unforgettable. True horror.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083417370903,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083417403671,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_Image_1_Hero_Image_A8_v2.jpg?v=1789634610"},{"product_id":"hcs-a4","title":"The Complete Haunted Collection Saga: 9 Cursed Antiques. One Hunter Who Fights Back. (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eListen to a sample here:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"hc-audio-sample\" style=\"position: relative !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 400px !important; height: 100px !important; padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 0 15px 0 !important; overflow: hidden !important;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1UqBqcUe1kAx4QtPh1-rf2jf0-kXva_Ji\/preview\" style=\"position: absolute !important; top: 50% !important; left: 50% !important; transform: translate(-50%, -35%) !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: none !important; height: 200px !important; border: 0 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e🗣 Professionally Narrated by Thom Bowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the 9-book paperback bundle. That’s over $200 in value. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMost people run from the thing in the house. Victor Daniels goes back in with salt and iron...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVictor is a widowed historian in his sixties with a lifetime of occult research and a very short list of things that work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalt. Iron. Knowing what the thing is before you walk into the room with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn occultist named Stefan Korzh has been shipping cursed antiques to families across America: a rifle that forces its owner to kill, a mirror that traps souls, a child’s toy that whispers terrible things. Victor hunts the collection down antique by antique, with his adopted son Tom Crane beside him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe researches each antique. He learns its rules. He discovers what it wants and what can stop it. Then he continues the hunt to the next antique, coming one step closer to the man who started it all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNine books. One occultist to stop. Follow the hunt to its final confrontation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I couldn't put this series down and went through the entire collection (9 books) in less than a week. Ron Ripley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of horror stories. The plot moves forward and the characters are personal.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"The story captures you on every page and is in a class by itself.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"I love these series because I love haunted ghost stories. Wish they made a TV series about this. It is an intense series. 5 haunted possessions out of 5\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. Collecting Death\u003cbr\u003e2. Walter's Rifle\u003cbr\u003e3. Blood in the Mirror\u003cbr\u003e4. Hank's Radio\u003cbr\u003e5. The Burning Girl\u003cbr\u003e6. Knife in the Dark\u003cbr\u003e7. Last Breath\u003cbr\u003e8. Ticket to Death\u003cbr\u003e9. Death Rattle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Just 1,900+ pages of salt, iron, and the things that refuse to stay dead.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 137.157px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEBOOK\/PAPERBACK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1,911 Pages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIOBOOK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e67 hours and 39 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\" aria-controls=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" aria-expanded=\"false\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003csvg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 3: Old Time Radio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine Tring sat in the small room that served as both living room, and den in the Mayor Maurice Arel Assisted Living Home. In spite of the arthritis in her hands, she held a pair of overly large knitting needles. She worked at a slow, careful pace. Her thoughts were not on the prayer shawl she knitted, nor were they on the people at St. Joseph’s Hospital who would be the eventual recipients of the shawls she made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eInstead, her mind was far away. December was only three days away, and with it would come the anniversary of her brother Kevin’s death. They had been twins, and he had died in Korea in 1951. Seventeen years old and dead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeventeen years old and he had never grown any older.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plastic needles clicked in the stillness of her apartment, her hearing aids turned down, so the loud television sets of the neighbors on either side and above her were inaudible. With the death of her only niece on her deceased husband’s side the year before, Kristine had gotten rid of her telephone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no one to call, and no one to expect calls from. The few friends she had, lived in her building, and she would see them at breakfast, or perhaps in the recreation room for coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA flicker of light caught her eye, and her hands stopped as she looked up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAcross the room was the one, unnecessary heirloom she had kept when she moved into the Arel Home. A tall, Zenith floor model radio. It was in poor shape, having been battered and beaten by herself and Kevin when they were children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAnd now the faceplate on it was lit with the old, yellow glow she remembered so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe stared at it for a moment, not understanding how the radio could be working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plug had broken a decade earlier, and before that, one of the vacuum tubes had broken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt was a nonfunctioning relic, nothing more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBut there it was, lit as when she and her siblings would sit and listen to the Phantom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eConfused, Kristine turned the volume on her hearing aids back up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good evening,” a man said through the speaker, his voice smooth and pleasant. There was an arousing, enticing quality to his voice. It made her want to listen to him, and to nothing else. “This is Hank McErney, and I’m here with you, are you here with me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine stared in surprise, not sure what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” Hank said, chuckling, “didn’t you hear me, young lady? Yes, you with the knitting on your lap.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKristine straightened up in the chair, taken aback even as she said, “Yes. Yes, I hear you.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Oh, very good,” Hank said. “Tell me, what’s your name?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” she replied. Her stomach tied itself into knots she hadn’t felt since she had been a teenager, and she didn’t quite know what to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Kristine,” Hank said in a pleased voice, “a pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m curious, Kristine, why are you inside on a night like tonight? Shouldn’t you be out there cutting a rug with some dashing young man?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No one asked,” Kristine answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“That I can’t believe,” Hank said, “no one?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Kristine said.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Let’s take care of that, shall we, Kristine?” Hank asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe world bent and twisted, and shifted into shadow as the warmth was torn from the room. And a moment later, a man stood in front of the radio, and she knew it was Hank McErney.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was tall, his black hair flipped to one side in a style that had gone out of fashion in the forties. An Errol Flynn mustache graced his upper lip, and his nose was aquiline. His chin was square cut, as were the shoulders of the suit coat he wore. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth, and there was an air of calm assuredness about him that Kristine found appealing. Hank McErney was a ruggedly good-looking man, and Kristine’s heart fluttered in a way she didn’t think was possible anymore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello, Kristine,” Hank said, and his voice was even more powerful in person than it had been on the radio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hello,” she replied, blushing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t real, she thought. I must be having a stroke. Or a heart attack. Am I dying?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 6: Paranoia Runs Deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan felt miserable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhile he had never enjoyed his trips beyond his compound, they had taken on a terrible life of their own. Each time he was compelled to leave, he did so knowing full well that the man who had tried to kill him remained at large. And that was in addition to the fact that the police might connect Stefan to Jeremy Rhinehart’s murder in Fox Cat Hollow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fear reminded him of when his half-sister had hunted him, and he despised it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe had spent additional funds on establishing motion sensor lights farther up the road that lead to the warehouse. Stefan had also added an extended ring of cameras to the perimeter, and when he went into the observation room shortly after having woken up, there was an alert on his home screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe monitoring software he had installed had picked up and isolated the wireless feed he had been trying to hunt down since the failed attempt on his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan quickly typed in his passcode, accessed the account, and looked at the feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhat he found drove a cold, hard spike of mixed hatred and fear into his stomach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe was looking at not one video feed, but four. Whoever was watching him had placed a camera on each side of the building. No matter where Stefan exited his home from, the unseen watcher would know it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan stared at the screen for a moment longer, then, with an angry grumble, he turned the monitor off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSwearing under his breath, Stefan stood up, shoving his chair back before he went stomping out of the room. He went to the kitchen, skipped his morning coffee, and reached for the vodka. Without bothering with a glass, Stefan opened the bottle, brought the mouth of it up to his lips, and took a long, bitter pull from it. He only stopped when he needed to breathe, his mouth burning, and his eyes watering from the strength of the alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan gripped the counter with one hand to steady himself, then he took another, smaller drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe knew it had to be the man who had tried to kill him. And Stefan felt certain his father and stepsister had put the man up to it. The stranger had been skilled. Extremely so, and Stefan suspected that the man had misjudged Stefan’s own capabilities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt wasn’t a mistake the stranger was apt to make twice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFurious, Stefan brought the bottle back with him into the observation room. He turned on the monitor, immediately exited the feed for the enemy’s cameras, and sat down. In silence, Stefan brought up his sales and pondered over them. He tried to focus, realized that he wouldn’t be able to, and shifted his attention to the newspapers where he had shipped various items off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis anger increased, rising to a steady speed until he shoved the mouse away from him and pressed his hands against his eyes. The websites were empty of any sort of information regarding the dead and the damage they could inflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrinding his teeth in frustration, Stefan took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only a matter of time before something happened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDropping his hands from his face, Stefan took hold of the mouse and began to search his sales again, hoping to find something there to appease his anger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere wasn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStefan snarled and threw the mouse across the room, the plastic shattering against the wall. He sat in the chair for several minutes, irate and unable to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFinally, when he had calmed down, Stefan opened his desk drawer, took out a new mouse, and went through the familiar motions of getting it ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 12: Adventure and Excitement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor had managed to fall asleep in his bed rather than the chair in the study, and by doing so, he had obtained a good night’s sleep. When the sun had risen, so had Victor. He had eaten breakfast alone, and he was halfway through making his travel plans when Tom walked in, yawning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy rubbed his face with his hand, the left sleeve of his pajama top hanging loose. Tom only put on the prosthetic in the morning when he was going to work out first, and it still shocked Victor when he saw the empty sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How are you doing?” he asked as Tom waved at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy shrugged and got himself a glass of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Late night?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said, putting the empty cup down on the counter. “Just tired. Bad dreams. You know?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor nodded. He knew all too well about bad dreams. The nights when he managed to get through to dawn without them were few and far between, and they were to be treasured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Any big plans for today?” Tom asked, taking a box of Fruit Loops cereal down from a cabinet and carrying it to the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need to go up to Concord,” Victor explained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom’s eyes widened in surprise as he sat down. Then, fumbling with the box top, he said, “Concord, Massachusetts?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “Concord, New Hampshire.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You’re spending a lot of time up in the granite state,” Tom said. Victor watched the boy hold the cereal box against his chest and fish a handful of the multicolored loops out. The teen ate them dry, waiting for Victor’s response to his statement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I have to,” Victor stated. “At least right now. Seems like Korzh sent another item out.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHatred flashed through the boy’s eyes, but he regained control of himself instantly. “What happened?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor gave him all of the information he had been able to dig up on the internet about the ring. He watched the boy’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Do you want me to go with you?” Tom asked after a moment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor shook his head. “I need you here, on the off chance that another item should show up in Fox Cat Hollow. It’s unlikely, I know, but there’s the possibility it could happen.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What should I do if it does?” Tom asked. “I’m not exactly a hundred percent here, even with my prosthetic on. I’m just not that skilled with it yet.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I need you to be my eyes and ears,” Victor replied. “Read the papers. The local stuff and the ones you can find online. Make sure that you use your new name, too. If anyone asks.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom rolled his eyes and asked, “Why Jeremiah?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I don’t know,” Victor answered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom shook his head. “I don’t like it.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You don’t have to, Tom,” Victor replied. “You just need to use it. Can you see if you can get Iris to call you Jeremiah in public, too? And, speaking of Iris, try to keep her out of anything that might pop up, okay?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom frowned. “She won’t like that. Iris does what she wants.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor couldn’t help but smile. “I figured that. That’s why I said try. The last I heard, Korzh is still in the area. And so is Anne Le Morte.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom paled slightly at the name. He had faced the doll once before at the gas station, and the boy was fully aware of how dangerous the ghost could be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you okay with that?” Victor asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTom nodded, the color easing back into his cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Good. I should be leaving in about half an hour,” Victor said. “Unless you need something from the store.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No,” Tom said. “I should be alright. Iris will come over later. If I need anything, I’ll ask her to bring it. She’s usually okay with that.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I figured she would be.” Victor smiled. “Okay. I’m going to finish getting my stuff together. Make sure you keep your phone on and with you, even when you’re spending time with Iris.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Yeah,” Tom said, grinning. “I will.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy stood up, still pressing the cereal box to his chest. “Have a safe trip. You’ll send me a text when you get there?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Of course,” Victor said. “I’ll talk to you soon, Tom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy nodded, smiled, and left the room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVictor sighed and tried to focus on his trip. He didn’t like leaving Tom alone but bringing him to deal with another killer wasn’t a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe boy would be safer in Pennsylvania than New Hampshire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083552178455,"sku":"HAUNTED COLLECTION SERIES","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55083552211223,"sku":"hc1-9ebab","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/WEB_HCS_Image_1_Hero_Image_A4.jpg?v=1789634391"},{"product_id":"dhs-v1","title":"The Complete Death Hunter Series: A Marine Who Hunts Ghosts, and Keeps the Ones He Catches (FREE U.S. SHIPPING)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eLimited Time Offer: Get the complete e-book and audiobook editions FREE when you buy the paperback box set. Free U.S. shipping included.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMost ghost hunters run for the door. This one racks the slide and walks in...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShane Ryan knows all about pain and suffering. A retired Marine gunnery sergeant, he has seen the worst humanity has to offer. He survived it, but his soul came back tainted, and the darkness left him with a permanent connection to the world of the dead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShane sees the spirits. He hears their whispered cries. And he has decided to put that gift to work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt starts in Detroit, with the death of the one woman who saw through the darkness in his heart. She was working a case, tracking a collector of the paranormal, and Shane is going to force every ghost in that urban sprawl to give up her killer. Then he clashes with retired detective Enoch Liddell and learns he is not the only one hunting the dead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat follows is a cross-country war fought with guns, salt, and something no other ghost hunter carries: the spirits Shane has already beaten. He does not just banish the dead. He collects them, keeps them, and sends them in ahead of him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix books. Six resolved hunts. One Marine who gets more dangerous with every ghost he catches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"Can't wait to read the rest of the books, Shane is a great character, I highly recommend this series if you like ghosts and kicking ass.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ \"This was a great close for Alex and what he became. I hope to see Shane again in the future. May he achieve the peace he needs after all of this. I also hope to read about his friends as well. A great read. Thank you for writing.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBooks Included in the Bundle:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e1. City of Ghosts\u003cbr\u003e2. Moran and Moran\u003cbr\u003e3. Thorne's Tome\u003cbr\u003e4. Mistress of Death\u003cbr\u003e5. Sin's Judgment\u003cbr\u003e6. Shadows' End\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplete series. No waiting. Six books of guns, salt, and a Marine who keeps what he kills.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 98px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRINT LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e1,216 pages \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO LENGTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e45 hours and 55 minutes \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 67.1944%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNARRATED BY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 32.5847%; height: 19.6px;\"\u003eThom Bowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-block product-block--tab\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsibles-wrapper collapsibles-wrapper--border-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"label collapsible-trigger collapsible-trigger-btn collapsible-trigger-btn--borders collapsible--auto-height\"\u003e Read a Sample \u003cspan class=\"collapsible-trigger__icon collapsible-trigger__icon--open\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e \u003csvg role=\"presentation\" class=\"icon icon--wide icon-chevron-down\" viewbox=\"0 0 28 16\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"m1.57 1.59 12.76 12.77L27.1 1.59\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke=\"#000\" fill=\"none\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Product-content-tab_f3QTgL8782181630231\" class=\"collapsible-content collapsible-content--all\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-content__inner rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 4: Detroit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And you are certain they are both dead?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry turned away from the large picture window overlooking the street and sighed. “Enoch, that’s a helluva question to ask me, isn’t it?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEnoch’s mind raced for a moment, searching the proper response for offending someone. His lack of empathy and his inability to grasp social norms and facial cues made conversations difficult, and he had had to study proper responses for years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEnoch found the applicable reaction, and he offered Harry a tight smile as an apology. “You know I have to ask, Harry. All the boxes need to be checked off.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe dead man chuckled and walked to the rocking chair in the far corner of the room. It seemed impossible that the former fighter could have ever sat comfortably in the chair, and it was strange that he was attached to it. “Yes, I suppose you do. In answer to that, yeah, Enoch, I killed them both. The woman was hard as nails. Fought the whole time.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I am not surprised,” Enoch conceded. He closed the woman’s file on the computer, keeping it in secure cloud storage. “Anything of interest in the house?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry shrugged and rocked slowly. “Don’t know for sure. There was a safe. Iron and I suppose lead on the inside. Couldn’t figure it out, obviously.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Where was it? Out in the open or any place easily discoverable?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe dead man shook his head. “No. I poked around and saw it in the basement. Looks like it should be part of the old coal-burning furnace, but it ain’t. Why? You thinking of going in after it?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEnoch considered the question and picked up his pipe. He packed tobacco into the bowl methodically and lit it before he offered an answer. “No. I think it would be too much trouble. More than likely, it is being used to confine someone. However, we are nearly at our quota at this time and are merely awaiting a response as to whether or not our client wants more. If he does, then we will entertain the idea of going into the house for the safe.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Fair enough.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs Enoch smoked, the living man and his dead compatriot sat in silence. A large truck passed by on the street, rattling the photographs hanging on the walls and the Waterford Crystal in its cabinet. Enoch shifted his gaze to the crystal and thought of his mother. She had always been kind to him. So, too, had his father. Yet he couldn’t mourn them. He wasn’t certain he wanted to.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Hey, Enoch, what’s the next job?” Harry’s voice cut through Enoch’s cold, distant examination of his feelings toward his parents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I was thinking of the library,” Enoch answered. “There are quite a few well-documented ghosts in the main building. At least two of them are violent and they will help us to fill the quota. I think it should be easy enough to get in and locate them.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry stopped rocking the chair and looked at him. “That’s a helluva distance.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“I know. I was going to try something different, see if it worked or not.” Thinking it a suitable expression, Enoch forced a smile. He inhaled the pipe smoke deeply, enjoying the soft, cherry flavor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“What’s that?” Harry asked, interlacing his fingers together on his lap and leaning forward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was no mistaking the coiled violence in the dead man, the obvious joy the idea of fighting brought to Harry’s eyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIf he was alive, Enoch thought, I would shoot him for asking so many damned questions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHiding his annoyance behind a neutral demeanor, Enoch answered the question. “I will carve a fair-sized splinter out of the back of your rocker. You know, to see if you are attached to any part of the rocker, or if it has to be the whole thing. Anyway, when I have a piece cut off, we will do a test run to see how far you can go, if at all, past the mile mark.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And if it doesn’t work?” Harry asked. “What then?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Then I rent a van, load your rocking chair into it, and we find a place to park within a mile of the library.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry chuckled, leaned back, and rocked gently. Enoch took long, slow draughts from the pipe, and enjoyed the warmth of the morning sun’s light coming through the picture window.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 10: A Little Night Reading\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina Collette liked to work late. It was the only time she could truly be alone with the books at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. More than once, she had stayed the entire night, and she was always thrilled to do so.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere were ghosts in the library, and while she had heard that some of them were violent, they left her alone, for the most part.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOnce, when she had first started working there, she had been attacked by the ghost of an angry old woman who was, of all things, arguing about the fines of a late book. Gina had managed to escape the ghost’s wrath when she promised to wave the dead woman’s fines and to reinstate her borrowing privileges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe had nearly turned in her resignation after that incident, but as she reflected the day after, Gina had decided that she wasn’t going to let an old, angry ghost stop her from working in a building she had loved since she was old enough to walk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDetermined to remain and to protect herself, Gina had researched the best way to keep herself safe, and that was to bar the door to her office with salt. Several times she had brought salt with her and poured a thick line of it across the threshold to keep herself safe from their harassment. Then, while shopping one day, she had come upon the idea of using a draft stopper filled with salt. It was easier to clean up, less wasteful, and she could keep it in the bottom drawer of her desk without anyone wondering why. The library was drafty in more than one place, and it wasn’t unusual for someone in a back office to have a pair of heavy slippers to warm their feet with when not out on the floor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina turned on her Keurig machine, dropped in a pod with hot chocolate, and when the water was heated, she brewed the drink. As the machine whirred and hummed, the smell of the hot chocolate filled the office and brought a smile to her face. She stifled a yawn and saw it was almost midnight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina had finished the extra work she had wanted to get done earlier in the evening, and she had no desire to go back to her apartment. Her roommate, Ellie, and Ellie’s boyfriend, Nate, were spending a romantic evening celebrating their two-month anniversary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina rolled her eyes. Ellie had a lot of romantic celebrations with a lot of boyfriends.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI need a new roommate, Gina thought, opening the Keurig when it finished and throwing out the pod. She turned off the machine and unplugged it before she picked up her mug. She held the ceramic between her hands, bringing the mug up to her nose and closing her eyes as she inhaled the sweet aroma of the beverage. So good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShe went to take a sip when there was a loud, rattling sound from the end of the hallway. Her heartbeat spiked, and she hastily set the mug down on her desk. Gina hurried to the door and closed it without looking around. The noise continued as she locked the door, then took out the draft stopper and laid it across the bottom of the door. On her desk, she had a replica troll-ward from Norway. It was made out of forged iron nails, and iron was the only other object she knew of which could stop a ghost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAll thoughts of her hot chocolate faded as she listened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeveral doors rattled, and there was a clatter as something was knocked down in another room. Clutching the troll-ward in her hand, Gina held her breath, biting back a scream as something tried to enter her office.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt let out a furious shout as the salt rebuffed its entry, and the door shook in its frame as the ghost tried to force its way in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina tightened her grip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who are you?!” a woman screamed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina was about to answer when someone else did.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Name’s Harry, doll. You need to step on back and get to your object now. You understand?” His voice was deep and absent of any kindness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe woman swore at him, and a chill seeped into her room. Gina strained her eyes to peer through the frosted glass of her door, but she couldn’t see anyone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHarry laughed. “Huh, ain’t no way for a lady to talk. Are you a lady? I mean, you look a little strong. Might ‘n you be a man under all that makeup?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGina’s eyes widened at the language used by the unseen woman and the creativity of her curses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Listen,” Harry grumbled, “I want to know what the hell you’re attached to, right? This way, it’ll be easier on all of us when we come to take you outta this place.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe shattering of glass answered his question as the female ghost swore once more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSilence followed, and Gina wondered if the other ghost, Harry, had left, too. She waited and listened. The minutes ticked by on her desk clock and her heartbeat slowed to its normal rhythm. She picked up her hot chocolate, took a nervous sip, and coughed as the liquid started down the wrong pipe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThat, she thought, was terrible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eChapter 15: Cataloging a Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCharles Newcomb Hoeffler leaned over his table and wrote in his ledger. Each pen stroke was precise, his arthritis-swollen hands complaining with every movement. Yet Charles ignored the pain as he always did.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eKeeping an accurate account of his collection was far more important than the petty annoyances of the flesh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eI am working for the sake of posterity, he told himself. As they say, pain is temporary, but glory is forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe finished the line he was writing and straightened up. Holding the pen over a scrap piece of paper, he advanced ink into the tip of the pen, then proceeded to make certain he had not left a “t” uncrossed or an “i” undotted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSatisfied that all was as it should be, Charles cleaned his fountain pen and returned it to its proper stand. Using the same piece of scrap paper, he blotted his ledger, then set it aside to ensure that it dried properly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe backed his wheelchair out from the table, turned, and rolled himself up the ramp and into the kitchen. Passing through the room, he turned off the light, made his way into the dining room, then the television room, and finally into his bedroom. The strong, familiar urge to inspect his collection gripped him, and he could only resist by reminding himself that his alarm was already set for two. When it went off, he would go to the second floor and assure himself of the safety of the items.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCharles brought his wheelchair to a stop beside his bed. Locking the wheels in place, he gripped the bed and pulled himself into it. With a grunt, he found the bedrail and tugged it up into place, locking it firmly before he removed his clothes and changed into his pajamas, a quick process considering he lacked legs below his mid-thighs. He massaged the stumps, kneading the scarred flesh, and then eased himself onto his pillow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePulling the blankets to his chest, he rested his hands on his stomach and waited for his thoughts to return to some semblance of order. The end of each night was difficult. Usually, memories of the accident and being subsequently abandoned by Tessa afflicted him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis isn’t exactly new news, Charles, he reminded himself. You’ll be seventy-three this month. Perhaps it is time to move on to some other complaint.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHe shivered and then stiffened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHis room was never cold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWithout moving, he looked at his clock and watched as the digital readout faded. Silently, he pulled the blankets to his shoulders and slid his hands beneath the covers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Who are you?” Charles asked. He knew his pieces were still in their room, locked away.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was silence and Charles frowned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Are you a Peeping Tom?” he asked. “Come to spy on an old man while he lies in bed?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Heh, I’ve been called a lot of things, but a Peeping Tom isn’t one of them.” The cool, dispassionate voice was unwelcome and unexpected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCharles had collected the dead for a long time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWithout turning to face the direction the voice had come from, Charles spoke.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“You had best move on out,” he told the ghost. “I’m in no mood and I’m tired as hell.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThere was a momentary pause, and when the dead man spoke again, there was humor in his tone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Huh, guess you aren’t afraid?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Not really,” Charles answered. “Not thrilled with the idea of dying, but that won’t be happening tonight.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“No.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“How do you figure that?” the dead man asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Because you won’t come in my room,” Charles told him. “You can’t come in my room. You don’t know it yet, but you will if you try.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“And how do you know that, smart guy?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“There’s salt in the threshold,” Charles yawned. “I don’t know why you’re here, or what you want. I would appreciate it if you go on your way. I’m tired.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe temperature in the room didn’t increase, nor did the digital clock become readable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Twentieth Century',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Okay, here’s the deal,” Charles said. “I know you’re still here. If you try and wait me out, that’s fine. Before you do that, I want you to think, if I have salt in the threshold, where else do I have it? In addition to the salt, I have iron. In fact, I have some here as we speak. Tell me, are you here to rob me?”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scare Street","offers":[{"title":"PAPERBACK + FREE EBOOK \u0026 AUDIO","offer_id":55085581861143,"sku":"DEATH HUNTER SERIES","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"EBOOK + AUDIO","offer_id":55085581926679,"sku":"dh1-6ebab","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/7209\/8583\/files\/DHS_Series_Front.png?v=1788177461"}],"url":"https:\/\/scarestreet.com\/collections\/bundles.oembed?page=3","provider":"Scare Street","version":"1.0","type":"link"}