headless halloween

8/12/2019 Headless Halloween

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I know+ I know. I"s k)nd o' s)$k. B#" I $an" (elp )" ...


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=


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I lo,e "o "ell "(e* s$a!% s"o!)es. I "ell "(e* s"o!)es "(a" *ake "(e)!

'les( $!eep. T(a" $#!dle "(e)! blood. T(a" *ake "(e)! (a)! s"and on end.

T(e% alwa%s s$!ea* ")ll "(e% $(oke. And )' *% s"o!% )s !eall% good+

so*e")*es I $an *ake "(e* $!%.

Ha (a@

T(e%!e p)")'#l. o#,e go" "o lo,e )"@

0 A 'ew n)g("s ago+ I was down "(e blo$k bab%3s)"")ng 'o! "(e*. I led

"(e "wo l)""le angels down "o "(e !e$ !oo* )n "(e base*en".

?I* go)ng "o "ell %o# a "!#e s"o!%+? I sa)d.

?Please don" "ell a s$a!% s"o!%@? enn)'e! begged.

?Please don" s$a!e #s "on)g("+? Ra% w()ned.

o# s(o#ld (a,e seen (ow swee" "(e% looked+ begg)ng *e "o go eas% on "(e*.

B#" I "#!ned "(e l)g("s !eal low+ and I "old "(e* "(e s$a!)es" g(os"

s"o!% I $o#ld "()nk o'. I #sed *% $!eep%+ w()spe!% ,o)$e. And I spoke

!eal so'"l%+ so "(e% (ad "o lean )n $lose "o (ea!. ?o#! pa!en"s don"

wan" %o# "o know "()s+? I s"a!"ed. ?B#" )"s a "!#e s"o!%.?

T(e)! e%es g!ew w)de!. I $o#ld see "(e% we!e s$a!ed al!ead%@

?Ano"(e! 'a*)l% #sed "o l),e )n %o#! (o#se+? I "old "(e*. ?T(e% (ad a

bo% and a g)!l abo#" %o#! age. B#" "(e bo% and "(e g)!l d)dn" las"

long. So*e"()ng (o!!)ble (appened "o "(e*. R)g(" )n "()s base*en". R)g("

)n "()s !oo*.?

?Please s"op+? Ra% begged.

enn)'e! (ad (e! (ands o,e! (e! ea!s. B#" I knew s(e $o#ld s")ll (ea! *e.

?I don" l)ke "()s s"o!%+? Ra% w()ned.

?I don" l)ke )"+ e)"(e!+? ()s s)s"e! ag!eed.

?I" ge"s be""e!+? I "old "(e*.

I "ook a deep b!ea"( and s"a!"ed aga)n )n a

6 w()spe! ?/)d %o# know %o#! (o#se )s (a#n"edD? I asked.

T(e)! *o#"(s d!opped open.

?ell+ "(e bo% and g)!l d)dn" know. T(e% d)dn" know "(a" a ,e!% $!#el


5/67

g(os" l),ed down )n "()s base*en". T(e g(os" s"a%ed #)e" *os" o' "(e

")*e. B#" )" (ad one bad (ab)".?

?Please s"op+? enn)'e! begged )n a "!e*bl)ng ,o)$e.

?ea(. Le"s go #ps"a)!s+? Ra% pleaded.

?E,e!% %ea!+ F#s" be'o!e Halloween+ "(e g(os" l)ked "o *#!de! an%one w(o

$a*e down "o "()s !oo*+? I $on")n#ed. ? T(e base*en" )s *)ne+ "(e

g(os" de$la!ed. I' so*eone $o*es down (e!e+ Ill *ake "(e* s#''e!. Ill

"#!n "(e* )n"o g(os"s "oo. ?

?T()s )sn" "!#e 3 )s )"D? enn)'e! asked )n a ")n% ,o)$e.

?I"s F#s" a s"o!% 3 !)g("D? (e! w)*p% l)""le b!o"(e! added.

?O' $o#!se )"s "!#e+? I answe!ed. ?I" (appened !)g(" o,e! "(e!e.? Ipo)n"ed.

?(a" (appenedD? enn)'e! asked.

?T(e bo% and g)!l d)dn" know abo#" "(e g(os". T(e% $a*e down "o "(e

base*en" "o pla%. T(e% we!e down on "(e 'loo!+ !)g(" o,e! "(e!e.? I

po)n"ed aga)n.

?Slowl% ... slowl% ... "(e g(os" $!ep" #p be()nd "(e bo%. Close! ...

Close! ... ?

?Please@? enn)'e! begged+ $o,e!)ng (e! ea!s aga)n.

5 ?Please 3 s"op@? Cop%$a" Ra% $o,e!ed ()s ea!s "oo.

?Close! ... +? I w()spe!ed. ?T(e g(os" 'loa"ed $lose!+ )" s"!e"$(ed o#"

)"s $old+ dead a!*s ... $#!led and #n$#!led )"s bon%+ dead ')nge!s. I"

!ea$(ed o#" ... !ea$(ed o#" 3 AN/ P&LLE/ O-- THE BOS HEA/@? I

s$!ea*ed+ g!abb)ng Ra% b% "(e "(!oa".

Bo"( k)ds le" o#" (o!!)')ed s(!)eks.

?(3w(a" (appened "o "(e g)!lD? enn)'e! s"#""e!ed.

?S(e !an awa%+? I "old "(e*. ?S(e was ne,e! seen aga)n. T(a"s w(% "(e)!

pa!en"s sold "()s (o#se "o %o#! pa!en"s.?

?B#" "(e bo% 3 D? Ra% s"a!"ed.

?T(e (eadless bo% )s s")ll down (e!e+? I w()spe!ed. I looked a!o#nd+ as

)' sea!$()ng 'o! ()*. ?T(e (eadless bo% (a#n"s "(e base*en" now.

a)")ng. a)")ng 'o! '!es( ,)$")*s.?


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?T(a"s a l)e@? enn)'e! $!)ed+ F#*p)ng "o (e! 'ee". ?I"s F#s" a s"o!%

3 !)g("D T(e!e )s no (eadless bo% down (e!e.?

?B!andon+ $an we please go #ps"a)!sD? Ra% begged. He g!abbed ()s

s)s"e!s (and and (eld on "o )" 'o! dea! l)'e.

T(e% we!e bo"( so s$a!ed+ "(e% we!e s(ak)ng l)ke ell3O.


7/67

-)nall%+ enn)'e! s"epped 'o!wa!d. S(e !a)sed bo"( (ands "o "(e s)des o'

"(e *ask and "#gged )" o''.

No (ead@

No (ead #nde!nea"(@

T(e% s$!ea*ed so (a!d+ "(e walls s(ook. And "(en "(e% s"a!"ed "o $!%.

Bo"( o' "(e*. a)l)ng )n "e!!o!.

A g!ea" *o*en".

B#" )" las"ed onl% a *o*en".

Be$a#se I "#!ned "owa!d "(e s"a)!s 3 and )" was *% "#!n "o s$!ea*@

1 I s$!ea*ed be$a#se bo"( pa!en"s s"ood a" "(e bo""o* o' "(e s"eps.

T(e% d)dn" look "oo (app%.

I poked *% (ead #p '!o* #nde! "(e s()!".

?(a"s w!ongD? "(e *o* asked. S(e wen" !#nn)ng "o "(e $!%)ng k)ds.

?K)dsD (a"s w!ongD (a" (appenedD?

T(e dad gla!ed a" *e ang!)l%. ?(% a!e "(e% $!%)ng+ B!andonD?

I s(!#gged. ?Bea"s *e+? I !epl)ed. ?


8/67

?E$ellen"+? Cal !epl)ed. ?And *a%be we $an lo$k so*e k)ds )n "(e

(a#n"ed (o#se. o# know. T(e old (o#se a" "(e dead end.?

Cal and I (ad a lo" o' '#n lo$k)ng k)ds )n "(e (a#n"ed (o#se. T(en wed

wa)" o#"s)de and l)s"en "o "(e* s$!ea*.

?I $an" wa)"+? Cal sa)d.

I (ad "o (ang #p "(e p(one.

12 ?S(e 'o!go" "o pa% *e+? I sa)d. ?Is "(a" w(% s(e $alledD?

ge" "(e* "o s"op $!%)ng. S(e sa)d s(ell ne,e! #se %o# as a bab%3s)""e!

aga)n.?

?Ne,e!D?

?Ne,e!.?

I lowe!ed *% (ead. ?So!!%+? I *#!*#!ed.

T(a" #s#all% wo!ks.

(ene,e! I* )n *aFo! "!o#ble+ I lowe! *% (ead and *#""e! ?So!!%? as

so'"l% and s)n$e!el% as I $an. And "(a"s #s#all% "(e end o' )".

I" d)dn" see* "o be wo!k)ng "()s ")*e.

?So!!%.? I *#""e!ed )" aga)n.

?o#!e so!!%D?


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10 He $lapped a b)g (and on *% s(o#lde!. ?No" '#nn%+ B!andon+? (e

!epea"ed. He (ad a ,o)$e l)ke a bass d!#*. E,en w(en (e w()spe!ed+ "(e

wo!ds $a*e o#" lo#d.

He wea!s 'aded Feans and b)g+ 'lannel s()!"s. And (e (as a ")n% s)l,e!

!)ng )n one ea!.

A lo" o' k)ds "()nk (es $ool. B#" I don" l)ke ()* *#$(. Hes ,e!%

s"!)$" )n ()s s$)en$e $lasses. And (e alwa%s see*s "o (a,e ()s e%e on *e.

L)ke now.

?B!andon+ I saw "(e w(ole "()ng+?

Foke '!o* beg)nn)ng "o end.?

?O(+? I !epl)ed. (a" else $o#ld I sa%D

?Ha,e %o# e,e! (ea!d o' "(e ;olden R#leD? (e asked+ ()s $a"e!p)lla!

e%eb!ows go)ng w)ld. ?/o #n"o o"(e!s as %o# wo#ld (a,e "(e* do #n"o %o#.?

?I ne,e! (ea!d o' "(a" one+? I *#""e!ed.

A g!o#p o' k)ds (ad ga"(e!ed a!o#nd #s )n "(e (all. I s"a!"ed "o 'eel

e*ba!!assed.

?Co*e w)"( *e+?

?B#" Ill be la"e 'o! $lass@? I p!o"es"ed.


11/67

?Too bad+?

?(a" le$"#!e )s "(a"D? I g!#*bled.

?I"s all abo#" $!#el"% "o o"(e!s.?

He led *e )n"o ()s s$)en$e $lass!oo* and s(#" "(e doo!. T(en (e *ade *e

s)" a$!oss '!o* ()s desk.

He sa" on "(e edge o' ()s desk+ (o,e!)ng o,e! *e l)ke a b#GGa!d abo#" "o

ea" )"s p!e%.

?-o! "(e !es" o' "()s week+ Id l)ke %o# "o s"a% a'"e! s$(ool and $lean

"(e s$)en$e lab+? (e sa)d.

?B#" I d)dn" *ess )" #p@? I p!o"es"ed.

He )gno!ed "(a" and began ()s le$"#!e abo#" "()s ;olden R#le "()ng 3

abo#" (ow we (a,e "o be n)$e "o o"(e! people )' we wan" "(e* "o be n)$e

"o #s.

T(e le$"#!e see*ed "o go on 'o! (o#!s. B#" I

15 "#ned o#" a'"e! "(e ')!s" *)n#"e o! "wo. H)s ,o)$e d!oned on )n "(e

ba$kg!o#nd.

I was al!ead% plann)ng *% !e,enge.

o# s(o#ldn" ge" on *% $ase F#s" be'o!e Halloween. Be$a#se now I (a,e

no $(o)$e.

Now I (a,e "o "()nk #p a n)$e Halloween s#!p!)se 'o! %o#.

17 I s"a%ed a'"e! s$(ool and $leaned "(e s$)en$e lab. I" p#" *e )n a!eall% bad *ood.

T(e las" $lass (ad been do)ng so*e !eall% s*ell% epe!)*en"s. And now I

s*elled F#s" l)ke "(e epe!)*en"s.

I k)$ked *% ba$kpa$k *os" o' "(e wa% (o*e. I" was so la"e+ "(e s#n was

al!ead% s"a!")ng "o go down. -a" b!own lea,es sw)!led a!o#nd *% legs )n

a g#s"%+ 'all w)nd.

S"a!")ng #p *% d!),ewa%+ I (ad a !eall% good )dea.

I d#*ped *% ba$kpa$k on "(e '!on" s"eps. T(en I *ade *% wa% "o "(e s)de


12/67

o' "(e (o#se. I $l)*bed "(e w)de oak "!ee "(a" nea!l% "o#$(es "(e (o#se.

And I edged o#" on a l)*b !)g(" o#"s)de *% s)s"e!s bed!oo* w)ndow.

I sl)d open "(e w)ndow. And I wa)"ed.

14 T(e l)g("s we!e on )n


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14/67

I !epea"ed "(ose wo!ds+ *)*)$k)ng (e! w()n% ,o)$e.

S(e s"#$k (e! "ong#e o#" a" *e.

?Be" I $o#ld F#*p "(e !a,)ne+? I b!agged.

S(e gasped. ?o#!e no" go)ng "o "!% )" 3 a!e %o#D?

I g!)nned. ?

I' onl% I (ad l)s"ened "o (e! ...

2> Cal $alled *e a'"e! d)nne! on Halloween n)g(". ?e!e go)ng (eadless+

!)g("D?

?R)g("+? I !epl)ed.

?So I don" need a $os"#*e+ !)g("D?

?R)g(". o# $an #se one o' *% *asks "o p#" on %o#! s(o#lde!s.?

?e!e no" go)ng "o "!)$k3o!3"!ea". e!e F#s" go)ng "o s$a!e k)ds+ !)g("D?

?R)g("+? I !epea"ed. ?And we!e go)ng "o "!as(

?Cool+? Cal sa)d.

?So (#!!% o,e!+ oka%D I"s al!ead% da!k o#". T)*e "o ge" *o,)ng.?

I g!abbed "wo #gl% !#bbe! *ons"e! *asks '!o* *% $olle$")on+ and (#!!)eddowns"a)!s.


15/67

A (o!!)ble s#!p!)se awa)"ed *e )n "(e '!on" (all.

2= A k)d )n a s()n% bla$k /a!"( ade! $os"#*e s"epped "(!o#g( "(e

doo!wa%. A" ')!s"+ I "(o#g(" )" was F#s" a "!)$k3o!3"!ea"e!.

B#" "(en+ "(!o#g( ()s (ea,% plas")$ *ask+ (e sa)d+ ?He%+ B!andon.? And I

knew )" was )nn)e.

?(a" a!e %o# do)ng (e!eD? I de*anded.


16/67

?Le"s go@? )nn)e w()ned. ?I"s (o" )ns)de "()s *ask. I* swea")ng@?


17/67

He $a*e !#nn)ng #p "o #s+ b!ea"()ng (a!d #nde! "(e *ask. B!ea"()ng l)ke

"(e !eal /a!"( ade!.

?I $o#ldn" see %o#@? (e $!)ed. ?I"s (a!d "o see )n "()s *ask.? He

s"a!"ed s$!a"$()ng ()s s(o#lde!s+ "(en s"!#ggled "o s$!a"$( ()s ba$k.

?T()s $os"#*e )s so )"$(%. And )"s bo)l)ng )n (e!e@?

?


18/67

T(e b!oken3down old (o#se (ad no l)g("s. I $o#ld ba!el% see )nn)e s"ep

on"o "(e '!on" po!$(.

27 Cal and I "ook o''+ !#nn)ng as 'as" as we $o#ld.

e (ad onl% gone a 'ew s"eps w(en we (ea!d a '!)g("en)ng s$!ea*.

)nn)e@

Cal and I s"opped. And l)s"ened.

e bo"( gasped as we (ea!d ano"(e! s(!)ll s$!ea*. C#" o'' )n "(e *)ddle.

And "(en ... s)len$e.

24 I la#g(ed. ?I g#ess poo! old )nn)e *e" "(e g(os"@? I e$la)*ed.

Cal glan$ed be()nd #s "owa!d "(e old (o#se. ?S(o#ldn" we go ba$k and

see )' (es oka%D?

?No wa%@? I $!)ed. ?Hes ')ne. He F#s" l)kes "o s$!ea*. Bes)des+ )'

so*e"()ng bad (appened+ )"s "oo la"e an%wa%.?

?B#" %o#! *o* 3 ? Cal s"a!"ed.

?-o!ge" abo#" )"+? I !epl)ed. ?Now "(a" we d)"$(ed "(e lose!s+ )"s

')nall% ")*e 'o! so*e '#n.?

I p#lled "(e "wo !#bbe! *asks '!o* *% $oa" po$ke" and (anded one "o Cal.

e bo"( "#gged o#! $oa"s #p o,e! o#! (eads and G)pped "(e* all "(e wa%.

T(en we p!opped "(e #gl% *asks on o#! s(o#lde!s.

?Headless Halloween@? I $!)ed. ?Co*e on. Le"s ')nd so*e ,)$")*s@?

> T(e blo$k ne" "o "(e *)ddle s$(ool was $!awl)ng w)"(

"!)$k3o!3"!ea"e!s. Cal and I wa)"ed be()nd a "all (edge.

(en so*e k)ds $a*e b%+ we F#*ped o#" )n '!on" o' "(e* and "ook o'' o#!*asks.

?Headless Halloween@? Cal and I g!owled.

T(e k)ds s$!ea*ed l)ke $!aG%.

e *ade o#! wa% down "(e blo$k+ "e!!)'%)ng k)ds !)g(" and le'". )"(o#"

e,en "!%)ng+ I *ade "wo l)""le bo%s b#!s" )n"o "ea!s.

A 'ew *)n#"es a'"e! "(a" "!)#*p(+ Cal and I F#*ped o#" )n"o "(e s"!ee"

and *ade ano"(e! bo% 'all o'' ()s b)ke.


19/67

Ha (a@

?I* ge"")ng (#ng!%+? Cal sa)d+ ()s ,o)$e *#''led #nde! ()s $oa".

?No p!oble*+? I !epl)ed.

I g!abbed a '#ll "!)$k3o!3"!ea" bag '!o* a k)d w!apped '!o* (ead "o 'oo"

)n *#**% bandages. I knew "(a" a *#**% wo#ldn" be able "o !#n a'"e! #s

,e!% 'as".

Cal and I "ook o'' a$!oss "(e s"!ee".

T(e k)d was s(!)ek)ng ()s (ead o''. ?Co*e ba$k@ T(a"s *)ne@ T(a"s *)ne@?

I "ossed ()* a Sn)$ke!s ba!. I" bo#n$ed o'' ()s $(es" and )n"o "(e s"!ee".

T(en we !an #n")l "(e l)""le w)*p was o#" o' s)g(".

Cal and I ()d be()nd so*eones (o#se. e d#*ped all "(e $and% on "(e

g!o#nd. T(en we

>1 !)pped open abo#" a doGen $and% ba!s and s(o,ed "(e* )n"o o#! *o#"(s.

?No. B!)ng )" w)"( #s+? I !epl)ed. ?e *)g(" ge" (#ng!% w()le we!e

"!as()ng


20/67


21/67

es.

Be'o!e Cal and I $o#ld *o,e+ "wo eno!*o#s+ !ed3e%ed dogs $a*e $(a!g)ng

a" #s+ sna!l)ng '#!)o#sl%+ (eads lowe!ed )n a""a$k.

>= I le" o#" a s$!ea*. Sp#n a!o#nd. I "!)ed "o !#n 3 b#" I '!oGe )n '!)g(".

;allop)ng (a!d+ "(e dogs sna!led )n !age.

?e!e ... doo*ed+? I *#""e!ed. I !a)sed bo"( (ands "o p!o"e$" *% 'a$e.

And (ea!d a s#eal. Two s#eals. And a g!oan.

Lowe!)ng *% (ands+ I gaped )n s#!p!)se. T(e "wo a""a$k dogs (ad s"opped.

T(e% s(ook "(e*sel,es+ legs wobbl)ng+ daGed.

?T(e%!e ")ed #p@? Cal $!)ed+ po)n")ng. ?SeeD T(e% !ea$(ed "(e end o'"(e)! $(a)ns@?

I wa)"ed 'o! *% e%es "o adF#s" "o "(e da!kness. e s"ood )n a long+

na!!ow pan"!%. I" s*elled l)ke peppe!.

alk)ng slowl%+ $a!e'#ll%+ we *ade o#! wa% )n"o "(e k)"$(en.

)nd !#s"led "(e w()"e $#!"a)ns a" "(e open w)ndow. a"e! d!)pped 3

PLINK ... PLINK ... 3 )n "(e k)"$(en s)nk.


22/67

I don" "()nk Cal (ea!d *e. He (ad opened "(e !e'!)ge!a"o! and was

pee!)ng )ns)de. ?ow@

>6 e$)"ed ep!ess)on )n "(e l)g(" '!o* "(e open !e'!)ge!a"o!. ?(a" a!e

we go)ng "o doD? (e asked. ?an" "o "ake all "(e 'ood o#" o' "(e '!)dge

and "(!ow )" all o,e! "(e (o#seD?

I opened *% *o#"( "o answe!. B#" *% s"o*a$( (ea,ed aga)n.

?I 'eel s)$k. I 3 I* go)ng "o (#!l+? I *oaned.

I $lapped *% (and o,e! *% *o#"(.

;o" "o ge" "o a ba"(!oo*+ I "old *%sel'. H#!!%. ;e" "o a ba"(!oo*.

I s"a!"ed "o "(e doo!wa%. B#" "(en I (ad a be""e! )dea.

I "#!ned and s"agge!ed "o "(e k)"$(en "able. ;!)pp)ng "(e ba$k o' a

$(a)!+ I leaned o,e! 3 and "(!ew #p all o,e! "(e $(e$ke!ed "able$lo"(.

I (ea,ed #p a lo". 5 o' "(e b)""e! "as"e. ?H#(D (a" do %o# *eanD? I asked.

"o "(e s)de doo!.

?(oa. a)"+? I sa)d+ p#ll)ng ()* ba$k. ?Le"s a" leas" "#!n so*e'#!n)"#!e #ps)de down o! so*e"()ng.?


23/67

Cal (es)"a"ed. ?ea(. Oka%. T(a"s $ool.?

?Le"s "#!n "(e l),)ng !oo* $o#$( #ps)de down+? I s#gges"ed.

?And ()s T se"+? Cal added.

?Aweso*e@? I was s"a!")ng "o 'eel a lo" be""e!.

B#" )" d)dn" las".

e we!e )n "(e (all nea!l% "o "(e l),)ng !oo* w(en I (ea!d a doo! sla*

open.

?e!e $a#g("@? I gasped.

>7 I (ea!d a (ea,% TH&/ '!o* "(e '!on".

?#)$k@? I w()spe!ed. I g!abbed Cals slee,e and "#gged ()* ba$k "(!o#g(

"(e (all.

?I' (e sees #s+ we!e ()s"o!%@? Cal w()spe!ed+ ()s e%es w)de w)"( 'ea!.

e s"#*bled )n"o "(e k)"$(en.

Be()nd #s+ I (ea!d (ea,% b!ea"()ng. T(e s$!ape o' *e"al aga)ns" "(e 'loo!.

4 ?T(e% b!oke loose@? I $!)ed.


24/67


25/67

I (ad onl% se$onds.

I $o#ld see "(e o"(e! s)de o' "(e !a,)ne+ onl% abo#" "en 'ee" awa%. And

benea"( *e+ a s"eep+ s"eep d!op 3 and "(en Fagged+ bla$k !o$ks.

Co#ld I F#*p )" w)"(o#" a !#nn)ng s"a!"D

I (ad "o "!%.

I glan$ed ba$k "o see "(e dog ")l" ba$k on )"s (a#n$(es. I" #""e!ed a

(owl as )" p!epa!ed "o a""a$k.

I 'o!$ed *%sel' 'o!wa!d ... ben" *% knees ...

Tensed *% leg *#s$les ...

And F#*ped.

?Nooooo@? A "e!!)')ed s$!ea* b#!s" '!o* *% "(!oa".

I *)ssed.

=2 No" 'a! eno#g(.

No" 'a! eno#g( ...


26/67

/)d (e *ake )" o#"D /)d (e F#*p "ooD

?O(((((+? I *oaned as "(e $old d)!" $!#*bled.


27/67


28/67

"o"all% los)ng )".

No wonde! no one e,e! $o*es "o "()s s)de o' "(e !a,)ne+ I "old *%sel'.

E,e!%one on "()s s)de *#s" go "o bed a" e)g(" o$lo$k@

And "(en I saw so*eone.

/own "(e s"!ee"+ abo#" (al' a blo$k awa%.


29/67

be()nd "(e #gl% *ask.

?I g#ess+? I *#!*#!ed.

?/)d %o# (ea! abo#" "(e bo% w(o "!)ed "o F#*p )" and *)ssedD He was

$!#s(ed "o dea"( on "(e !o$ks.?

?#$k+? I !epl)ed+ 'eel)ng a $()ll. ?I was l#$k%. I F#s" *ade )" "o "(e

o"(e! s)de.?

?ea(. L#$k%+? (e !epea"ed+ s")ll s"a!)ng a" *e.

?o# go" an% $and% o! an%"()ngD? I asked. ?I* !eall% (#ng!%.?

He s(ook ()s (ead. ?I d)dn" "!)$k3o!3"!ea". I* go)ng "o a Halloween

pa!"%. O,e! "(e!e.? He po)n"ed "o a long+ !an$(3s"%le (o#se on "(e $o!ne!.

?How $o*e )"s so #)e" o,e! (e!eD? I asked. ?(e!e )s e,e!%bod%D?

?I"s a #)e" ne)g(bo!(ood+? (e !epl)ed. ?No" *an% k)ds.?

?And )"s so da!k+? I added.

He sn)$ke!ed. ?o#!e no" a'!a)d o' "(e da!k+ a!e %o#D?

?No wa%+? I !epl)ed #)$kl%. ?B#" I don" l)ke be)ng los". ()$(

d)!e$")on )s


30/67

?E,e!%one $alls *e No!b+? (e sa)d+ walk)ng 'as"e!.

?I* B!andon+? I sa)d.

He s"opped a" "(e '!on" s"eps and "#!ned "o *e. ?So a!e %o# $o*)ng "o

"(e pa!"%D?

?I g#ess+? I !epl)ed. ?-o! a l)""le w()le. T(en w)ll %o# "ell *e (ow "o

ge" (o*eD?

He d)dn" !epl%. Ins"ead+ (e p#s(ed open "(e '!on" doo! and s"epped )n"o

"(e (o#se.

I 'ollowed ()* )n. ?He% 3 )"s "o"all% da!k )n (e!e@? I $!)ed. ?(a"s

go)ng onD?

=4

12

No!b "#!ned and s"a!ed a" *e "(!o#g( "(e *ask ?(a"s %o#! p!oble*+

B!andonD? (e asked. ?T(e pa!"% )s downs"a)!s+ )n "(e base*en".?

I 'el" l)ke a Fe!k. As we *o,ed "(!o#g( "(e (o#se+ I $o#ld (ea! *#s)$

and ,o)$es '!o* downs"a)!s. No!b opened a doo! "o "(e base*en" s"a)!s+

and "(e no)se eploded o,e! #s.

?T(a" be""e!D? (e asked.

?ea(. ;!ea"+? I !epl)ed. ?Is "()s %o#! (o#seD?

Aga)n+ (e d)dn" answe! *% #es")on. He s"a!"ed down "(e s"eep s"a)!s+

"ak)ng "(e* "wo a" a ")*e+ *o")on)ng 'o! *e "o 'ollow.

As I *ade *% wa% down+ I saw b!)g("+ 'las()ng l)g("s+ s(adows dan$)ng

o,e! "(e wall. And I (ea!d k)ds la#g()ng and "alk)ng+ s(o#")ng o,e! "(e

s"ead% boo* o' lo#d dan$e *#s)$.

01 A" "(e bo""o*+ I 'o#nd *%sel' )n a la!ge !oo*+ de$o!a"ed 'o!

Halloween+ w)"( g!)nn)ng+ $a!dboa!d Fa$k3o3lan"e!ns on "(e walls and

o!ange and bla$k $!epe s"!ea*e!s (ang)ng '!o* "(e low $e)l)ng.

T(e !oo* was $!owded w)"( k)ds+ a" leas" "()!"% o! 'o!"% bo%s and g)!ls+

all )n *asks and $os"#*es. So*e g)!ls we!e dan$)ng )n "(e $en"e! o' "(e

!oo*. Se,e!al bo%s wa"$(ed+ "alk)ng a*ong "(e*sel,es. O"(e! k)ds

$l#s"e!ed )n s*all g!o#ps+ "alk)ng and la#g()ng. A $o#ple o' k)ds we!e

w!app)ng "(e*sel,es )n o!ange $!epe pape! s"!ea*e!s.

?T()s )s B!andon+? No!b anno#n$ed "o a "all+ sk)nn% k)d )n a skele"on$os"#*e.


31/67

T(e skele"on nodded. ?I* I s"!#ggled "o p#ll *% a!* '!ee.


32/67

B#"


33/67

?Le" go+? I )ns)s"ed. ?o#! pa!"% s")nks.?

B#" "(e% s#eeGed *% a!*s )n a ")g("e! g!)p.

?He%+ e,e!%one+? No!b s(o#"ed. ?He%+ l)s"en #p@ B!andon )s go)ng "o bob

'o! apples now@?

00 ?I a* no"@? I p!o"es"ed. I s#)!*ed and "#gged. B#" "(e% we!e

s"!onge! "(an *e.

?He%+ e,e!%one@? No!b s(o#"ed o,e! "(e ,o)$es and "(e *#s)$. ?Co*e

wa"$(. Hes go)ng "o bob 'o! apples@?

T(e "wo g#%s d!agged *e o,e! "o a b)g wooden ba!!el. I pee!ed down. T(e

ba!!el was ')lled w)"( *#!k% wa"e!+ "oo da!k "o see an%"()ng.

-o#! o! '),e k)ds $a*e o,e! "o wa"$(.

?Le" go o' *e@? I s(o#"ed ang!)l%. ?I* no" d)pp)ng *% (ead )n "(e!e@

T(e!e a!en" e,en an% apples )n "(e!e@?

?S#!e "(e!e a!e+?


34/67

I opened *% e%es. B#" I $o#ldn" see an%"()ng )n "(e "()$k+ *#!k% wa"e!.

So*e"()ng p!)$kled *% 'a$e. I 'el" so*e"()ng so'" and we" $!awl )n"o *% ea!.

Sp#""e!)ng+ I "!)ed "o p#ll *% (ead o#". B#"


35/67

No $(o)$e. I don" (a,e a $(o)$e.

I s(#" *% e%es and opened *% *o#"( w)de.

And g!abbed a b#n$( o' $o$k!oa$(es be"ween *% "ee"(.

07 I $(o*ped down and !a)sed *% (ead. I $o#ld 'eel "(e s")$k% )nse$"s

be"ween *% "ee"(+ on *% "ong#e.

)"( a g!oan+ I opened *% *o#"( and began "o sp)". I sp)" "(e

$o$k!oa$(es ba$k )n"o "(e ba!!el. I kep" sp)"")ng a'"e! "(e% we!e all

o#" o' *% *o#"(+ "!%)ng "o ge" !)d o' "(e so#! "as"e+ "(e (o!!)ble ")$kl)ng.

K)ds la#g(ed and $lapped. No!b slapped *e (a!d on "(e ba$k. ?S$a!%

eno#g( 'o! %o#+ B!andonD? (e de*anded. H)s e%es 'las(ed glee'#ll% be()nd

()s *ask.

?Le"s ge" s$a!%@? so*eone $alled o#". And "(e o"(e!s began "o $(an"

?Le"s ge" s$a!%@ Le"s ge" s$a!%@?

T()s )s a n)g("*a!e I "(o#g(".

04 T()s $an" be (appen)ng "o *e. T(ese k)ds a!e e,)l@

?Can I go nowD? I asked No!b.


36/67

No!b d#g ()s ')nge!s )n"o *% s(o#lde!. ?Oka%. Tw)s"e!+? (e sa)d so'"l%.

He p#lled *e )n"o "(e $en"e! o' "(e !oo*. ?A!e %o# (a,)ng '#n+ B!andonD

Is )" s$a!% eno#g( 'o! %o#D?

I "#gged (a!d. T!)ed "o b!eak '!ee.

B#" ()s (and $la*ped down on *% s(o#lde!+ send)ng pa)n s(oo")ng "(!o#g(

*% w(ole bod%. He

6 ga,e *e a (a!d s(o,e 3 and I s"#*bled 'o!wa!d "o "(e edge o' a

Tw)s"e! *a" on "(e 'loo!.

?o# go ')!s"+? (e o!de!ed.

?I won" pla%@? I $!#s(ed *% a!*s )n '!on" o' *% $(es". ?No wa%.?

K)ds s#!!o#nded *e. No!bs da!k e%es gla!ed a" *e "(!o#g( "(e e%e(oles

o' ()s *ask. ?o#d be""e! enFo% "()s pa!"+ B!andon+? (e sa)d so'"l%.

?T()s )s "(e '#n pa!". A'"e! "()s+ )" ge"s !eall% s$a!%.?

?H#(D (%D? I $!)ed. ?(a" do %o# *eanD?

He d)dn" !epl%.

?(a" $o*es ne"D? I de*anded. ?(a" a!e %o# go)ng "o do "o *eD?

61 A 'ew se$onds la"e!+ I was down on *% (ands and knees on "(e *a". A

bo% )n a ,a*p)!e $os"#*e was d!aped o,e! *% ba$k+ also on ()s (ands and

knees.

(o a!e "(ese k)dsD I wonde!ed+ *% (ea!" po#nd)ng.

(% a!e "(e% do)ng "()s "o *eD

Is "()s F#s" "(e)! )dea o' Halloween '#nD O! a!e "(e% !eall% e,)lD

T(e bo% )n "(e ,a*p)!e $os"#*e s()'"ed ()s we)g(" on "op o' *e.

All a!o#nd *e+ k)ds we!e $(an")ng ?Le"s ge" s$a!%@ Le"s ge" s$a!%@?

T(e)! ,o)$es e$(oed o'' "(e base*en" walls+ !)ng)ng lo#de! and lo#de! )n

*% ea!s.

?Le"s ge" s$a!%@ Le"s ge" s$a!%@?

I s(),e!ed.

62 e!e "(e% go)ng "o le" *e goD O! d)d "(e% plan "o "o!"#!e *e all n)g("D

I d)dn" (a,e long "o "()nk abo#" )".


37/67

A g)!l )n a *onke% $os"#*e plopped down on"o "(e *a" bes)de *e and

w!apped an a!* a!o#nd *% a!*.

?I don" wan" "o pla%+? I g!oaned. ?;e" o''@ ;e" o'' *e@?

I 'el" ano"(e! a!* "w)s" a!o#nd *% legs.

T(e bo% on *% ba$k began "o 'eel (ea,)e!. An a!* "w)s"ed a!o#nd *% o"(e!

a!*.

?I (a"e "()s ga*e@? I s(!)eked. ?(% a!e %o# do)ng "()s "o *eD?

T(e ,a*p)!e bo% s#ddenl% 'el" l)g("e!. as (e ge"")ng #pD

I (ea!d a lo#d HISSSSS+ $lose "o *% ea!.

T#!n)ng *% (ead+ I saw "(e a!* "angled a!o#nd *% a!* ... saw )" beg)n "o

$(ange ... "o g!ow sl)**e! ... "o $#!l )"sel' ")g("e! a!o#nd *e ...

Ano"(e! HISSSSS. So $lose. So $lose.

And "(en "(e SNAP o' Faws.

So*e"()ng $o)led a!o#nd *% wa)s". And ")g("ened ... ")g("ened.

Snakes.

T(e k)ds we!e s(!)nk)ng ... $(ang)ng ... $(ang)ng )n"o snakes.

T(e% $#!led a!o#nd *e. A!o#nd *% $(es"+ *% a!*s+ *% legs.

?Noooooo@? A *oan o' (o!!o! es$aped *% "(!oa".

6> A lo#d SNAP a" *% ea! *ade *e gasp. S$!a"$(%+ wa!* sk)n sl)d a!o#nd

*% ne$k.

And now "(e% we!e all ()ss)ng. T)g("en)ng "(e*sel,es a!o#nd *% ne$k.H)ss)ng. Snapp)ng.

I* ... s#''o$a")ng+ I !eal)Ged.

Can" b!ea"(e ... Can" b!ea"(e.

I d!opped 'a$edown+ 'la" aga)ns" "(e *a". )"( a despe!a"e l#nge+ I

!olled on"o *% ba$k.

I "ossed one a!* 3 and 'l#ng one snake o''.

T(en I !ea$(ed #p. ;!abbed "(e snake a!o#nd *% ne$k 3 and p#lled )" o''.


38/67

I" "w)s"ed )n *% (and. S(o" )"s (ead 'o!wa!d. Snapped )"s Faws $lose "o

*% 'a$e+ so $lose I 'el" )"s (o" b!ea"( on *% $(eek.

)"( a w)ld (ea,e+ I sen" )" 'l%)ng )n"o "(e $!owd o' $(an")ng k)ds.

T(en+ p#ll)ng ano"(e! snake '!o* a!o#nd an ankle+ I F#*ped "o *% 'ee".

T(e !oo* sp#n. I bl)nked se,e!al ")*es+ s"!#ggl)ng "o s"ead% *%sel'.

T(e k)ds s"ood )n a $)!$le a!o#nd *e+ $(an")ng+ "(e)! ,o)$es *#''led and

s"!ange be()nd "(e)! *asks. Clapp)ng "(e)! (ands )n a slow+ s"ead%

!(%"(*. Repea")ng "(e)! '!)g("en)ng wo!ds o,e! and o,e!.

?Le"s ge" s$a!% ... Le"s ge" s$a!%@?

I,e go" "o ge" awa% '!o* (e!e+ I "old *%sel'.

I (a,e "o es$ape. ()le I s")ll $an.

B#" (owD

I glan$ed '!an")$all% a!o#nd "(e !oo*. T(e

6= o!ange and bla$k s"!ea*e!s s()**e!ed+ "w)s")ng down '!o* "(e $e)l)ng

l)ke snakes.

And be%ond "(e* ... Be%ond "(e*+ I saw "(e base*en" s"a)!s. And "(e doo!

a" "(e "op o' "(e s"a)!s.

Open.

T(e doo! s"ood open.

Co#ld I *ake a !#n 'o! )"D Co#ld I !ea$( "(e doo! and !#n o#" o' "()s

(o#se+ awa% '!o* "(ese we)!d+ $(an")ng k)dsD

I knew I (ad "o "!%.

I "ook a s"ep. T(en ano"(e!.

And "(en No!bs (and g!asped *% s(o#lde! aga)n. H)s e%es pee!ed )n"o

*)ne. ?A!e %o# !ead% 'o! a !eal Halloween "!)$kD? (e asked. ?I* go)ng

"o *ake %o# d)sappea!.?

60 ?Noooo@? I le" o#" an ang!% s(!)ek. T(en I g!abbed No!bs w!)s" w)"(

bo"( (ands 3 and sw#ng ()s (and o'' *% s(o#lde!.

Be()nd "(e #gl% *ask+ ()s e%es b#lged )n s#!p!)se.


39/67

I d)dn" g),e ()* a $(an$e "o g!ab *e aga)n. I sp#n awa% and do,e )n"o

"(e $!owd o' k)ds. Lowe!)ng *% (ead l)ke a '#llba$k+ I b#lled !)g("

"(!o#g( "(e*.

T(e $(an")ng s"opped. S"a!"led $!)es !ang o#".


40/67


41/67

as )' )n pa)n.

?Take *e w)"( %o#+? one o' "(e* $alled )n a d!% w()spe!.

?No. Take *e@? ano"(e! $!oaked.

?Take *e w)"( %o#. Take *e w)"( %o#.? T(e $(an" wen" #p.

And "(e% !ea$(ed 'o! *e 3 all o' "(e* 3 !ea$()ng '!o* #nde! "(e d)!"+

(ands $#!l)ng and #n$#!l)ng+ e%es+ ,a$an" s#nken e%es+ plead)ng+ plead)ng.

?Take *e w)"( %o#.?

How $an "()s be (appen)ngD How $an dead people poke #p '!o* "(e d)!"D

e!e "(e% !eall% deadD (a" was go)ng on (e!eD I wonde!ed.

I s(#" *% e%es. -o!$ed *%sel' "o sp)n awa% '!o* "(e #gl%+ '!)g("en)ngs)g(".

And "(en+ w)"( a l#!$()ng s"a!"+ I !an. Ran '#ll speed+ lean)ng 'o!wa!d+

*% a!*s o#"s"!e"$(ed.


42/67

I F#*ped )" on$e+ I "old *%sel'. I $an F#*p )" aga)n.

And "(en Ill be (o*e. T(en Ill be awa% '!o* "()s e*p"%+ '!)g("en)ng pla$e.

-)nall% s"a!")ng "o 'eel no!*al+ I s"ood #p s"!a)g(". And s"epped "o "(eedge o' "(e !a,)ne.

?No p!oble*+? I *#!*#!ed. ?I $an F#*p "()s eas)l%.?

I lowe!ed *% gaGe down "(e s)de o' "(e s"eep $l)'' "o "(e da!k !o$ks below.

And $!)ed o#" w(en I saw a bod%. A bo% 3 sp!awled a" "(e bo""o*. L%)ng

on ()s s"o*a$(. A!*s and 'ee" sp!ead o,e! "(e !o$ks as )' (#gg)ng "(e*.

51 CalD

CalD


43/67

No" Cal.

S#)n")ng (a!d+ lean)ng as 'a! as I $o#ld+ I saw "(a" )" wasn" Cal

sp!awled on "(e !o$ks below.

No" Cal. No" Cal. No" Cal.

I" was *e.

52


44/67

?o# "!)ed "o F#*p "(e !a,)ne+ and %o# d)dn" *ake )".? He (#n$(ed down

ne" "o *e. ?T!% "o !e*e*be!.?

?I 3 I $an"+? I s"a**e!ed. ?I F#*ped and ... ? I "(o#g(" (a!d. I

!e*e*be!ed land)ng (a!d ... e,e!%"()ng go)ng da!k.

as )" "!#eD

I d)dn" *ake )" a$!oss "(e !a,)neD

?o# d)ed+? No!b sa)d 'la"l%+ w)"( no e*o")on a" all. ?o#! bod% d)ed

down "(e!e+ B!andon. B#" %o#! sp)!)" *ade )" "o "(e o"(e! s)de.?

?T(e o"(e! s)de+? a g)!l *#!*#!ed.

?T(e o"(e! s)de ... T(e o"(e! s)de ...?

5= ?


45/67

T(e o"(e!s b#!s" )n"o la#g("e! on$e *o!e.

I $o#ldn" !es)s" look)ng aga)n.


46/67

?T(3"(anks+? I s"a**e!ed. ?I 3 ?

?/on" "(ank *e+? No!b !epl)ed $oldl%. ?I' %o# 'a)l+ %o# won" 'eel l)ke

"(ank)ng *e. I' %o# 'a)l+ %o# w)ll ne,e! see %o#! 'a*)l% o! '!)ends

aga)n. o# w)ll s"a% w)"( #s on "(e o"(e! s)de.?

?I won" 'a)l+? I "old ()*.

He sn)$ke!ed. ?O(+ %ea(D? (e snee!ed. ?O(+ %ea(D ell see abo#" "(a".?

And "(en (e s(o" #p bo"( a!*s 3 and ga,e *e a (a!d s(o,e o,e! "(e s)de

o' "(e !a,)ne.

55

2

I s$!ea*ed all "(e wa% down.

I landed on *% s)de on "(e s(a!p+ Fagged !o$ks a" "(e bo""o* o' "(e

!a,)ne. Bo#n$ed on$e. T(en la% s")ll.

I s(#" *% e%es and wa)"ed 'o! "(e $!#s()ng pa)n.

B#" "o *% s#!p!)se+ I 'el" no"()ng.

I opened *% e%es+ *% (ea!" s")ll po#nd)ng )n *% $(es". And s"a!ed a" "(e

bod% sp!awled 'a$edown on "(e !o$ks bes)de *e.


47/67

No !epl%.

I (ea!d g)ggl)ng+ (#s(ed w()spe!s.

I $#pped *% (ands a!o#nd *% *o#"( and s(o#"ed. ?I $an (ea! %o#. I know

%o#!e #p "(e!e@?

-)nall%+ No!bs *asked 'a$e appea!ed o,e! "(e $l)''s edge. ?(a" do %o#

wan"+ B!andonD /o I (a,e "o g),e %o# ano"(e! p#s( "o ge" %o# s"a!"edD?


48/67

I was abo#" (al'wa% #p w(en I (ea!d "(e '#!)o#s an)*al sna!ls.

7

21

T(e sna!ls be$a*e an ang!% (owl.

I p#lled *%sel' #p ()g(e!. we!e )ns)de.

Abo,e "(e)! (owls+ I (ea!d a "e!!)')ed $!%. A (#*an $!%.

CalD

as Cal s")ll )n "(e (o#seD /)d ")*e s"and s")ll w()le I was on "(e

o"(e! s)deD

I l#!$(ed a$!oss "(e ba$k%a!d+ *% s(oes sl)pp)ng on "(e '!os"%+ we" g!ass.

Ano"(e! (oa!se $!% o' "e!!o! 'loa"ed o#" '!o* "(e open k)"$(en w)ndow.

es. Cal.


49/67

I !e$ogn)Ged Cals ,o)$e.

I do,e "o "(e w)ndow. Leaned o,e! "(e ledge and pee!ed )n"o "(e da!k (o#se.

T(e "wo sleek g!a% dogs+ sna!l)ng and ba!k)ng+ (ad Cal ba$ked )n"o a$o!ne!. He (ad ()s (ands !a)sed )n '!on" o' ()*+ as )' "!%)ng "o s()eld

()*sel'.

T(e dogs ba!ed "(e)! "ee"(. One o' "(e* angled ba$k on )"s (a#n$(es+

p!epa!)ng "o leap.

Cal lowe!ed ()s (ands. H)s e%es *e" *)ne.

7= ?B!andon@? (e gasped. ?(e!e d)d %o# goD Help *e@ H#!!%@?

I l)'"ed *%sel' o,e! "(e w)ndow ledge.

?Help *e@? Cal pleaded. ?T(e%!e go)ng "o "ea! *e "o p)e$es@?

I landed (a!d on *% 'ee" on "(e k)"$(en 'loo!. ?(a" $an I doD? I $!)ed.

?;e" "(e* o''@ ;e" "(e* awa%@? Cal s(!)eked.

?I 3 Ill "!%@? I s"a**e!ed.

I "ook a 'ew s"eps "owa!d "(e ang!% dogs.

One o' "(e* "#!ned and ba!ed )"s "ee"( a" *e+ a deep g!owl b#!s")ng '!o*

)"s "(!oa".

And "(en "(e o"(e! one sw#ng a!o#nd+ )"s e%es glow)ng !ed. Bo"( dogs

s"#d)ed *e now. Cal s"a%ed p!essed )n "(e $o!ne!+ ()s b)g $(es" (ea,)ng

#p and down+ ()s a!*s s")ll !a)sed as a s()eld.

Low+ *ena$)ng g!owls '!o* bo"( dogs.

?(oa 3 ? I *#!*#!ed.

T(e% *o,ed #)$kl%.

Lowe!)ng "(e)! (eads+ "(e% s(o" a$!oss "(e !oo* 3 and sp!ang a" *e@

[7>]

22

I "!)ed "o d#$k #nde! "(e*.

Too la"e.


50/67

Hea,% paws ()" *e (a!d.


51/67

And "(en I spo""ed "(e "!)$k3o!3"!ea" bag on "(e k)"$(en $o#n"e!. T(e

bag Cal and I (ad "aken '!o* "(e l)""le k)d.

T(e!e was s")ll so*e $and% )n "(e bag+ I !e*e*be!ed.

76 And dogs l)ke $and% 3 !)g("D

In *% pan)$+ *% *)nd w()!!ed '!o* "(o#g(" "o "(o#g(".

;e" "(e bag "o "(e dogs. S(ow "(e $and% "o "(e*.


52/67

T(e dogs $a#g(" "(e $and% ba!s )n "(e)! "ee"(. T(e% ')nall% s"opped

g!owl)ng as "(e% b)" down. S"a!"ed "o $(ew.

es@

I saw *% $(an$e. I bol"ed 'o! "(e open doo!. As I !an+ I s$ooped "wo*o!e $and% ba!s o'' "(e 'loo! and "ossed "(e* "o "(e dogs.

?T!)$k3o!3"!ea"+ g#%s@? I $(oked o#".

And "(en I was gone. O#" "(e doo! and !#nn)ng '#ll speed a!o#nd "(e s)de

o' "(e (o#se.

77 ?CalD? I $alled "o ()* as I b#!s" down "(e s"eepl% slop)ng '!on"

lawn. ?CalD A!e %o# s")ll (e!eD?

I d)dn" see ()*.

I d)dn" s"op !#nn)ng. I !a$ed )n"o "(e s"!ee"+ glan$)ng ba$k "o see )'

"(e dogs we!e $o*)ng a'"e! *e.

No. No" %e".

I "#!ned and !an down "(e blo$k. C!ossed a s"!ee". And kep" !#nn)ng.

One down+ I "(o#g(". One '!)g("ened pe!son sa,ed.

How *#$( ")*e do I (a,e le'"D

I s"opped benea"( a s"!ee" la*p "o $(e$k *% wa"$(. I !a)sed )" "o *%

e%es and s"a!ed.

?O(+ no.? A s)g( es$aped *% "(!oa" as I saw "(a" *% wa"$( (ad s"opped.

T(e se$ond (and s"ood '!oGen a" "wel,e.

I s(ook "(e wa"$(. Po#nded )" aga)ns" *% w!)s".

I" wo#ldn" *o,e.

/)d "(e wa"$( b!eak w(en I 'ell down "(e !a,)neD I wonde!ed. O! d)d ")*e

s"op w(en I d)edD

No ")*e "o "()nk abo#" )". I (ad "o sa,e "wo *o!e people. And I (ad "o

do )" 'as".

I saw a g!o#p o' $os"#*ed k)ds !#nn)ng eage!l% "o a (o#se a$!oss "(e

s"!ee". T(e% we!e la#g()ng and Fok)ng w)"( ea$( o"(e!. One bo% was

s"#'')ng ()s 'a$e w)"( $and% 3 !)g(" "(!o#g( a *ons"e! *ask.

K)ds (a,)ng '#n+ I "(o#g(" sadl%.


53/67

74 T(e% !ang "(e doo!bell and %elled+ ?T!)$k3o!3"!ea"@? a"$()ng "(e*+ I

wonde!ed )' I wo#ld e,e! (a,e '#n aga)n. I' I wo#ld e,e! be no!*al

aga)n. I' I wo#ld e,e! be al),e ...

A wa,e o' despa)! was(ed o,e! *e. I $an" do "()s+ I de$)ded. I *)g(" aswell g),e #p now.

(e!e w)ll I e,en ')nd '!)g("ened people I $an (elpD

I"s Halloween n)g(". E,e!%one )s o#" (a,)ng '#n. No one )s )n "!o#ble.

Two k)ds )n ,a*p)!e $os"#*es $a*e !oa!)ng b% on b)kes+ "(e)! $apes

'l%)ng #p be()nd "(e*. I F#*ped )n"o a (edge "o ge" o#" o' "(e)! wa%.

T(e% la#g(ed and kep" pedal)ng (a!d.

I s(ook *% (ead sadl%. Ill go (o*e+ I de$)ded. Ill "ake one las" look

a" *% (o#se. A" *% 'a*)l%.

I don" know (ow *#$( ")*e I (a,e le'". P!obabl% F#s" eno#g( ")*e "o sa%

goodb%e.

I "!#dged a!o#nd "(e $o!ne! and s"a!"ed down "(e ne" blo$k. Los" )n *%

sad "(o#g("s+ I d)dn" pa% *#$( a""en")on "o "(e (o#ses and %a!ds I passed.

;lan$)ng #p+ I 'o#nd *%sel' a" a dead end. oods s"!e"$(ed )n bo"(

d)!e$")ons. A da!k+ old (o#se loo*ed be"ween "angled "!ees.

T(e (a#n"ed (o#se@

T(e (o#se w(e!e Cal and I (ad abandoned )nn)e.

I s"epped )n"o "(e "all weeds a" "(e '!on" o' "(e %a!d. And pee!ed #p a"

"(e (o#se.

4 /a!k and s)len".

A w)ndowpane was *)ss)ng )n an #ps"a)!s w)ndow. T(e w)nd blew )n+

'l#""e!)ng da!k $#!"a)ns.

A T an"enna ")l"ed o,e! "(e !oo' l)ke a b!oken b)!d. Pa!" o' "(e

$()*ne% (ad $!#*bled awa%+ lea,)ng b!)$ks s$a""e!ed o,e! "(e d!),ewa%.

/)d so*e"()ng *o,e )n "(e '!on" w)ndowD /)d I see a 'las( o' l)g("D A 'a$eD

?)nn)e.? I *#!*#!ed ()s na*e.

Cal and I (ea!d ()* s$!ea*+ I !e*e*be!ed. B#" we le'" ()* "(e!e an%wa%.e le'" ()* "(e!e and !an awa%.


54/67

as )nn)e s")ll (e!eD S")ll )n "()s '!)g("en)ng (o#seD

I (ad "o ')nd o#". I s"epped "(!o#g( "(e "all weeds+ *ak)ng *% wa% "o

"(e '!on" doo!.

T(e (o#se (ad been e*p"% 'o! %ea!s. Cl#*ps o' g!ass and weeds !ose #p

nea!l% "o *% wa)s". I s"#*bled o,e! !o$ks and old bo""les and o"(e! F#nk.

All "(e ne)g(bo!(ood k)ds bel)e,ed "(e (o#se was (a#n"ed. So*e o' "(e*

sa)d "(e% saw s"!ange+ s()**e!)ng l)g("s )n "(e (o#se la"e a" n)g(".

K)ds $la)*ed "(e% (ea!d (owls and *oans "(a" $o#ldn" be *ade b% (#*ans.

Cal and I alwa%s (ad so *#$( '#n lo$k)ng k)ds )n "(e (o#se. e!e "(e%

s$a!edD So*e o' "(e* s")ll (a,en" s"opped s$!ea*)ng@

T(a" was ba$k )n "(e da%s w(en "()ngs we!e

41 s")ll '#nn%. Now+ as I app!oa$(ed "(e (o#se+ I !e*e*be!ed "(e '#n we

(ad 3 b#" I d)dn" la#g(.

?)nn)eD? I $alled.


55/67

"(!o#g( "(e '!on" doo!wa%. T(e (o#se see*ed e*p"% now.

T(e '!on" !oo* s"ood da!k. I $o#ldn" see a "()ng.

Hold)ng on "o "(e doo! '!a*e+ I s"epped )ns)de.

4> ?)nn)eD? I $alled )n a $(oked w()spe!. I $lea!ed *% "(!oa" and

$alled aga)n. ?)nn)e 3 a!e %o# (e!eD?

?B!andonD?


56/67

?/on" 3 ? )nn)e $!)ed.

He sa" (#n$(ed on a "all+ s")'' wooden $(a)!.

I s#)n"ed "o see )' (e was ")ed down. No. No"()ng (old)ng ()* "(e!e.

?Co*e on+? I #!ged+ wa,)ng ()* o,e! "o *e. ?Le"s ge" o#" o' (e!e.?

?I ... $an"+? (e $(oked o#". H)s 'a$e was "w)s"ed )n '!)g(". He (ad

$(ewed ()s bo""o* l)p #n")l )" bled.

?H#!!%. Co*e w)"( *e@? I $!)ed.

?I $an"@? (e $!)ed. ?I" ... won" le" *e lea,e.?

?T(e!es no"()ng (e!e+? I a!g#ed. ?T(e (o#se )s e*p"%. Co*e on+ )nn)e 3 ?

?I"s (e!e@? (e w()*pe!ed. ?I"s a g(os". T(e s"o!)es a!e "!#e+ B!andon.

Onl%+ )"s *o!e (o!!)ble "(an %o# $an )*ag)ne. I"s no" l)ke a *o,)e

g(os". I" 3 ?

He s"opped s(o!"+ and ()s e%es b#lged w)"( '!)g(". He !a)sed a "!e*bl)ng

')nge! "o ()s l)ps.

I l)s"ened. And I (ea!d )".

I (ea!d (ea,%+ !(%"(*)$ "(#ds '!o* be()nd *e )n "(e long (all. E$(o)ng

"(#ds.

S#$( (ea,%+ s"ead% 'oo"s"eps.

Close! ... $lose!.

40 ?;e" awa%+? )nn)e *oaned. He $lasped and #n$lasped ()s (ands.

?H#!!%+ B!andon.?

?No" w)"(o#" %o#+? I "old ()*.

T(e 'oo"s"eps "(#dded )n *% ea!s.

?No. R#n 3 be'o!e )"s "oo la"e@? )nn)e $!)ed )n a "e!!)')ed w()spe!.

A (ea,% "(#d *ade *e sp)n a!o#nd.

I" was "oo la"e@

46 )nn)e d)dn" *o,e. He sa" (#n$(ed )n "(e s")'' $(a)!+ "!e*bl)ng+ ()s

(ands ")g("l% $lasped.

TH&/. TH&/.


57/67

Hea,% 'oo"s"eps *ade "(e 'loo!boa!ds $!eak.

I do,e be()nd a $o#$( and d!opped "o *% (ands and knees.

?)nn)e 3 ()de@? I w()spe!ed.

He d)dn" *o,e.


58/67


59/67

(ea,)l%. And s")ll (old)ng #p )"s s$!ea*)ng (ead+ )" s"agge!ed awa%.

I" s"agge!ed (ea,)l% "o "(e doo!. And d)sappea!ed )n"o "(e long (allwa%.

I $o#ld (ea! "(e s$!ea*s !)ng)ng "(!o#g( "(e (all+ g!ow)ng 'a)n"e! and

'a)n"e! as "(e g(os" !e"!ea"ed.

?)nn)e 3 ? I gasped+ d),)ng "o ()s $(a)!. ?)nn)e 3 I d)d )"@ I s$a!ed

()* awa%@?

?No+? (e *#!*#!ed. He s")ll (ad ()s 'a$e b#!)ed )n ()s (ands. ?No+ %o#

don" #nde!s"and.?

?H#(D Le"s go@? I #!ged+ "#gg)ng )nn)es a!*. ?Open %o#! e%es@ ;e" #p@

Le"s go@ I s$a!ed awa% "(e g(os"@?

?No+? )nn)e sa)d+ ')nall% lowe!)ng ()s (ands. ?No+ B!andon.? He s(ook()s (ead. ?o# don" #nde!s"and. T(a" wasn" "(e g(os".?

?H#(D? I s"a!ed a" ()*+ "o"all% $on'#sed.

?T(a" wasn" "(e g(os"+? )nn)e !epea"ed. ?T(a" was "(e g(os"s pe".?

11


60/67

?I don" "()nk I $an *ake )" o,e! "o %o#@? I $!)ed.

?/on" "!%+ B!andon. I"s #seless. e!e doo*ed@? )nn)e wa)led.

I $!awled "owa!d )nn)e 3 and "(e wooden planks benea"( *e !o$ked and

!olled+ "oss)ng *e l)ke a bea$( ball on an o$ean wa,e.

?I* no" go)ng "o g),e #p@? I d!agged *%sel' a$!oss "(e 'loo! on *%

bell%. In$(ed *% wa% "owa!d )nn)e 3 and 'el" "(e 'loo! (ea,e #p. I"

(#!led *e a$!oss "(e !oo*. Sla**ed *e (a!d )n"o "(e wall.

?B!andon 3 wa"$( o#"@?

I !olled awa% '!o* "(e wall 3 as )" *o,ed )n on *e.

I '!oGe+ "e!!)')ed+ as all "(e walls *o,ed. C!eak)ng lo#dl%.


61/67

3 on "op o' "(e 'las(l)g(". As "(e 'loo! !o$ked+ "(e 'las(l)g(" !olled

awa%.

I s"abbed *% (and o#"+ despe!a"e 'o! so*e"()ng "o (old on "o. And I

g!abbed "(e 'las(l)g(".

Ano"(e! '!an")$ "(o#g(" $!as(ed )n"o *% "e!!)')ed *)nd.

How w)ll "(e g(os" !ea$" "o l)g("D

;(os"s l),e )n da!kness+ don" "(e%D I asked *%sel'.

T()s (o#se )s so da!k.

I' I s()ned "(e l)g(" ...

1= Co#ld I 'o!$e "(e g(os" "o !e"!ea"D Co#ld I d)s"!a$" )" long eno#g("o le" )nn)e and *e es$apeD

L)g(". es ... l)g(".

T(e 'loo! bo#n$ed *e aga)ns" "(e wall. T(e $e)l)ng was )n$(es awa% '!o*

*% (ead now.

In '!on" o' *e+ )nn)es $(a)! sp#n+ w()!l)ng 'as"e! and 'as"e!. )nn)e

g!)pped "(e $(a)! a!*s+ and sp#n so 'as"+ (e be$a*e a bl#!.

?Help ... +? (e *#!*#!ed weakl%. ?O(+ (elp ... ?

?No@? I gasped as "(e 'las(l)g(" bo#n$ed o#" o' *% (and.

I d!opped "o "(e p#ls)ng+ $#!l)ng 'loo! 3 and g!abbed )" aga)n.

I"s wo!"( a "!%+ I "old *%sel'. I"s o#! onl% (ope.

I sl)d *% (and #p "(e s)de o' "(e 'las(l)g(" 3 and $l)$ked )" on.

And $!)ed o#" )n (o!!o! w(en no"()ng (appened.

T(e ba""e!)es we!e dead.

?No@ No@ No@? I s$!ea*ed+ so '!#s"!a"ed and ang!%.

I sla**ed "(e 'las(l)g(" aga)ns" "(e 'loo!.

And "(e l)g(" 'las(ed on.

I" 'l)$ke!ed+ weak a" ')!s". I s(ook "(e 'las(l)g(" (a!d+ and "(e l)g("

b!)g("ened.


62/67

S"!#ggl)ng "o s"and on "(e "(!obb)ng+ "oss)ng 'loo!+ I !a)sed "(e

'las(l)g(" and swep" "(e bea* o' l)g(" o,e! "(e wall.

o#ld )" wo!kD

10 To *% s#!p!)se+ "(e wall p#lled ba$k. I *o,ed "(e l)g(" bea* "o "(e'loo!. I #""e!ed a (app% $!% as "(e 'loo! s"opped *o,)ng and 'la""ened o#".

?es@ es@? I s(!)eked.

I "#!ned and bea*ed "(e l)g(" a" )nn)es $(a)! 3 and "(e $(a)! began "o

s(!)nk.

)nn)e F#*ped #p. ?I" le" go o' *e@? (e $!)ed.

T(e $(a)! s(!ank lowe!+ lowe! 3 and ,an)s(ed )n"o "(e 'loo!.

?Le"s go@? I $!)ed.

I g!abbed )nn)es (and and !an+ p#ll)ng ()* "o "(e doo!.

T(e walls began sl)d)ng )n on #s aga)n. B#" I sw#ng "(e bea* o' l)g("

'!o* wall "o wall+ and "(e% d!opped ba$k )n"o pla$e.

16 e !an "(!o#g( "(e doo!. And down "(e long (all.

And se$onds la"e!+ we we!e ba$k o#"s)de+ ba$k )n "(e $ool+ '!es( a)!.

R#nn)ng+ !#nn)ng (a!d+ awa% '!o* "(e (a#n"ed (o#se+ down "(e s"!ee"

s")ll ')lled w)"( s(o#")ng+ la#g()ng "!)$k3o!3"!ea"e!s.

I,e sa,ed "wo '!)g("ened people+ I !eal)Ged.

I (a,e onl% one *o!e "o go. B#" I know "(e!e $an" be *#$( ")*e le'".


63/67

?H#(D? I "#!ned and saw a g!o#p o' $os"#*ed k)ds a$!oss "(e s"!ee".

?Lea,e *e alone@? *% s)s"e!


64/67

I' "(e% 'o!$e *e #p "(e "!ee+ I won" s"and a $(an$e+ I !eal)Ged. I

won" be able "o !es$#e an%one. And Ill go ba$k "o "(e o"(e! s)de ...

'o!e,e!.

14 ?;e" #p "(e!e+? "(e bo% na*ed C(!)s ba!ked. ?S"a!" $l)*b)ng.?

?No 3 ? I "!)ed "o s#)!* awa%.

B#" "(e% we!e "oo s"!ong. T(e !ed3(a)!ed bo% p#s(ed *e ba$k aga)ns" "(e

"!ee. ?Cl)*b@ -as"@?

I* doo*ed+ I !eal)Ged.

I* dead.

And "(en 3 so*e"()ng !eall% (o!!)ble (appened.

11 ?;e" #p "(a" "!ee. All "(e wa% "o "(e "op@? T(e !ed3(a)!ed bo% ga,e

*e ano"(e! s(o,e '!o* be()nd.

I 'el" ()s (and p#s( *% s(o#lde! 3 and "(en ... and "(en ...

I 'el" *% s(o#lde! sl)de o''.

T(e s(o#lde! sl)d 'o!wa!d and "(en s"a!"ed "o 'all.

I #""e!ed a s"a!"led gasp as *% (ead sl)d o''.


65/67

'!)ends.

T(en "(e% all sp#n awa% '!o* "(e "e!!)'%)ng s)g("+ s"agge!)ng and

s"#*bl)ng+ despe!a"e "o ge" awa%.

I wa"$(ed "(e* !#n s$!ea*)ng down "(e s"!ee". T(e bo%s wen" one wa%.

?Oka%+? I ag!eed. I s"epped ba$k and "ook a !#nn)ng s"a!". A" "(e edge

o' "(e !a,)ne+ I leaped 3 and *ade )" eas)l% "o "(e o"(e! s)de.

?el$o*e ba$k+? No!b sa)d+ ()s e%es s"#d%)ng *e '!o* )ns)de "(e *ask.

?I d)d )"@? I e$la)*ed. ?I sa,ed "(!ee '!)g("ened people. Now ge" *e

ba$k )ns)de *% bod%@?

No!b la#g(ed. ?Oops 3 F#s" Fok)ng@? (e de$la!ed.

I gaped a" ()*. ?H#(D (a" d)d %o# sa%D?

?Oops 3 F#s" Fok)ng@? (e !epea"ed. He la#g(ed (a!de!.

T(e o"(e! *asked k)ds s#ddenl% appea!ed be()nd ()*. T(e% we!e la#g()ng "oo.

?B#" %o# sa)d 3 ? I pleaded.

?Oops 3 F#s" Fok)ng@? No!b $!)ed glee'#ll%.

I swallowed (a!d. I was "!e*bl)ng so (a!d+ I $o#ld ba!el% speak. ?o#

*ean 3 D? I $(oked o#".


66/67


67/67

?So+ $o*e on@? I $!)ed+ slapp)ng ()* on "(e ba$k.

?Le"s $!oss o,e! "o "(e o"(e! s)de and do so*e se!)o#s s$a!)ng@?

11=

Abo#" R.L. S")ne

R.L. S")ne )s "(e *os" pop#la! a#"(o! )n A*e!)$a. He )s "(e $!ea"o! o'

"(e ;ooseb#*ps+ ;),e o#!sel' ;ooseb#*ps+ -ea! S"!ee"+ and ;(os"s o'

-ea! S"!ee" se!)es+ a*ong o"(e! pop#la! books. He (as w!)""en nea!l% 2

s$a!% no,els 'o! k)ds. Bob l),es )n New o!k C)"% w)"( ()s w)'e+ ane+

"eenage son+

headless halloween

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