Page 39 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part One

I had to disappoint my dogs a second time. “No. Sorry, pups. You’re not coming along this time. I’ll give you treats when I get back.” They both sat, tails still as the grave, pleading eyes pulling at my heartstrings. “Gosh, you two have learned how to play me. Okay. You’ll get treats nowandwhen I come back.”

They jumped up when I headed back toward the kitchen and had gobbled up the treats before I could make it to the kitchen doorway, much less the front door.

Esme’s OPEN sign was facing outward, so I walked right in.

“Hello?” I called.

She appeared shortly with a smile. “Rita. What brings you?”

I grinned. “I have a secret.”

She gave me her signature, enigmatic Mona Lisa smile. “What is it?”

“Oh no. I’m gonna have to see a lot more excitement.”

“Emotional bribery?”

“Exactly.”

“Itbetterbe good.”

“It’s pretty good.”

“Very well.” She gave a little jump and said, “WHAT IS IT?!?”

I chuckled. “Dress suggestion for the Vampire Ball. Ladies are wearing midnight blue, our choice of style!”

“That’s it?”

She looked slightly disgusted.

“What do you mean, ‘That’s it?’ Getting to dress up is a big deal, and you know it.”

“You just think I’ll make you something awesome.”

“I do think that.” I nodded. “But I thought it was fun news toshare. By the way, would you like me to get an invitation for Kagan?”

“Why would you think I’d be interested in that?”

“I thought we were past the secrecy stage. Aren’t you two an item?”

“Not anymore.” She picked up a skein of silk wool and pulled it to the expanse of her outstretched arms.

She was sending a signal that we weren’t to talk about Kagan. Clearly she didn’t know me as well as she thought.

“What do you mean not anymore?”

“I broke it off,” she said absently.

“You did? Why?”

“It’s a long story.”

When I grabbed the skein and threw it in the basket, she looked up.

“I can make time. I was on the way to the pub for a toddy. Come join me.”

“In case you haven’t noticed. I have a shop here. And we’re open!”

---