pulling into the driveway wa

e were building a fort out of couch cushions. They were

and slick in a suit that cost more than my first car. Leo. Her high scho

tention on him. "This is the place," she sai

le clutter, the half-finished Lego tower. A

od up from the cushion fort. He

in," he said,

behind him. "Daddy

quickly followed by dread

t be ridiculous, Noah. Th

nd," Mia whispered

descending sound. "Spirite

She looked at me, her eyes flashing. "Et

I said, my voice low. "May

d. She grabbed Noah and Mia by their ar

hurts," Noa

dragging them toward the basement door. "You t

cold. "Chlo

ith the key to the wine cellar. It was a heavy, soun

anded, my voice rising. "Yo

l, terrified faces looked back at me for a second bef

ed, pounding on the wood. I could h

mask of cold fury. "They embarrassed m

e scared of the dark!" I pulled

me, walking back to Leo, who was watchin

voice suddenly sweet again. "Now, where

echoing in the hallway while their