nds trembled on the steering wheel. It wasn't a dream. It wasn't a hallucination.

rs, a loud banging startled me. It was Ma

gainst the doorframe. "Just talk to me

h. I had bought it for him after a scare at the park last year. It could o

creen rea

d. I answered it

el

t. It was Lily. "My dad isn't home. Have yo

ho was still rambli

said, my voice

liars. And I know more than just Leo's phone number. I know you

and against the door. "Mark, go home! Leave us

ine! Be that way!" He stumbled aw

hammering against my ribs. She had hacked Leo's watch. She knew where we lived.

o ring. Not just once, but incessantly, a shrill,

ndow and peered t

of the streetlamp. She was in her pajamas, clutc

ghbor Mrs. Gable' s house. T

wail. "Daddy! Daddy, are you in t

ont door. "Good heavens,

ting at my house. "My pet tarantula told me

rds sent a fresh spik

disapproval. "What is the meaning of this? Let that p

e commotion. I was trapped. If I kept her out, they'd call

t her in. B

what a surprise. Mrs. Gable, Mr. Henderson, perhap

e of suspicion and pity. I let Li

she asked, her eye

he's not," I

opened closets, peered under the sofa, even checked behind the shower

r act of a desperate child flawless.

ce a venomous hiss that no one else could hear. "

learly. A small, clear glass jar, tucked into the waistband of her pajam

m for their help, and walked out the door, a pe