For several seconds, no one moves. I’m not sure any of us dare to breathe more than quick, quiet breaths. I want to paw the floor where Malcolm stood, but I know it’s no use. He’s gone. I let that thing take him. I was too slow. And now? What do I do now? How do I explain this to Nigel? That cold dread in the pit of my stomach moves to my heart.
The chime of the doorbell makes us all jump. Rajeev stumbles to the front entrance and flings open the door.
“Trick or treat!”
The air that rushes inside is free of rain but drenched in the aroma of late autumn. Wood smoke and dying leaves. Someone, somewhere, is playing “Monster Mash” loud enough for all of us to hear the words. Children screech. Parents laugh.
It’s the status quo.
From behind me, Gregory B. Gone springs up. “Tell me we got t
