Opening my eyes, I watch as Mac takes him in and nods.
“Looking good, Darth. Are you ready to get some candy?” he asks.
“Yeah!” the kids cheer in unison.
Mac looks over at me and raises an eyebrow. “What about you,a mhuirnín? You ready to take on the neighborhood before we hit up the community center?”
“I am. You guys got your bags?” I ask the kids.
They grab them off the couch, and we head to the door. As we step outside, we wait for Mac to lock it before we head down the street.
“I heard Mrs. Hart in the big yellow house down the street gives out full-sized candy bars,” Mac tells them as he takes my hand.
The kids cheer and start running down the sidewalk.
“Guys, don’t run!” I yell.
Mac chuckles. “They are fine, Mama.”
“I know.” I sigh.
Old habits die hard.
“You look beautiful, by the way,” he murmurs.
I look down and smile as my cheeks heat. “Thank you.”
I borrowed a pair of Sloane’s coveralls, put my hair up, and wrapped a red and white bandana around my head. It’s not the best costume I’ve ever done, but it’s better than nothing, especially when I didn’t plan on dressing up to begin with. When the kids begged me, I couldn’t say no.
“Is everything ready for the trunk-or-treat at the community center?” I ask as we watch the kids run up to one of the neighbors’ houses.
“Yeah. I think the kids will love it.”
“I’m sure they will. They love spending time with the club.”
Mac squeezes my hand at my confession.
“We love having them. Wait for your sister, Tanner!” he yells to my son.
“Sorry!” Tanner yells back as he skids to a stop.
Only when Emily catches up do they continue onto the next.
All of a sudden, it’s like the air shifts around me. Goose bumps crawl across my skin, making me shiver, and the hair on the back of my neck stands.
Someone’s watching me.
Discreetly as possible, I look over my shoulder and scan the street. Nothing sticks out. Turning forward, I take in all the faces around us, only to come up short.
No one’s looking at me, but I know someone is. I just don’t know who.
Mac squeezes my hand.
“Hey, you okay?” he asks, voice full of concern.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I lie.
It’s just my imagination. That’s it. I won’t let my paranoia ruin tonight.
