Page 49

Duncan had texted while I was inside to say that he and Sienna were near the craft area. I followed the path past the pumpkin displays, enjoying the last of the cool autumn sunshine.

I spotted them beside a booth selling handmade Halloween decorations.

Sienna stood in front of a display of costume accessories, studying a collection of masks, face-paint designs, and theatrical makeup samples.

Duncan was beside her, holding her jacket while she examined something on the table.

I waved as I approached.

“There you are.”

Sienna turned.

“Goldie! Look at these.”

She held up a laminated card showing several elaborate Halloween makeup designs. There were witches, skeletons, painted animals, and an especially dramatic pale face with dark shadows beneath the eyes.

“Those are impressive,” I said.

“The lady said they use makeup that’s made for skin, not regular paint. And they have this stuff that makes fake scars.”

I looked toward Duncan.

His expression had changed.

“Sweetheart, we’ve already talked about the scars.”

“I know, but this isn’t the same stuff they use in movies. She said it’s meant for kids, and it washes off.”

“That doesn’t mean we’re doing it.”

Sienna lowered the card.

“But you haven’t even asked what I want to make.”

I felt a small tightening in my stomach.

This sounded dangerously familiar.

Duncan looked down at her.

“I thought we’d already decided on your costume for tonight. You have the dress, and you said you wanted to do something with your hair.”

“I do. But I want to do the rest of it too.”

“What rest?”

Sienna took a breath.

“I want to be the Bride of Frankenstein.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then Duncan frowned.

“The Bride of Frankenstein?”

“Yes. The dress is perfect for it. I can make my hair look like hers, and I drew the makeup already. I want the pale face and the scars and stitches, but not blood everywhere or anything like that.”