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Startled looks were exchanged. “I’m fuckin’ leaving. I’ll be back when they’ve both had their kids!” Vortex stood, grabbing Amy. “Come on, babe. Time to pack.”

“Nanci’s pregnant?” Hercules demanded.

“We were keeping it quiet.” Inglorious shrugged as both women sobbed. He captured my gaze.

“And we can’t fuckin’ drink our way through this shit,” I muttered, and Inglorious began laughing.

“Nope!”

“Aw crap!” I complained. What could we do?

Chapter Seven.

Nanci

Halloween dawned bright and sunny, despite the cold temperature. Worn out, I’d slept in, so when I headed downstairs, most of the club had eaten and started their day. Meadow grabbed her breakfast as she came over and sat with me.

“Sorry for being such a bitch yesterday,” she said with a warm smile.

“No worries. Hormones are nasty, but you can’t be far along,” I replied.

“About six weeks. Chill’s gonna have his work cut out. I was a possessed monster when carrying Poet. God knows how she turned out so sweet. Seriously, I was a total asshole.”

“Well, it looks like you’re getting started early,” I quipped, and Meadow began laughing.

“You aren’t wrong. Anyway, we all set for today?”

“Yes, we’ve got the pumpkin carving this morning. The parade is at one, and the costume competition is at three. The hired actors are walking the street as of now, and then the Evil Dead parade’s at six. Our party in the clubhouse starts at eight. There is also a Halloween event at the town hall from six till ten tonight for kids and adults. The stalls should be open, and hopefully, the idea of a Halloween market is received well.”

Meadow nodded. “Good, I’m glad it’s all under control.”

“Yeah, and I’ve been hearing screams outside, so I’m guessing the actors’ makeup is really great,” I said, smiling.

Meadow glanced toward the doors, then back at me. “Has there been any sign of our ghosts today?”

Nancy shook her head. “No, nobody has reported anything yet. However, I’m still nervous.”

“Do you think they will appear?”

“Babe, your guess is as good as mine. The sightings have been ramping up, so it’s a toss-up whether they make an appearance or not.”

“To be honest, I don’t believe in ghosts, but I can’t deny what I’ve seen recently. And if you’re adamant it isn’t you or Phoe, then ghosts exist. That seriously makes me reconsider my beliefs,” Meadow said.

“We’ll have to wait and see how it goes. It’s not as if we’re not used to playing it by the ear anyway,” I replied.

Meadow cupped her coffee, warming her hands, and nodded. “Can I confirm that you definitely don’t want anything cooking today?”

“No, we don’t. Have some fun. Chill is nearby—find him and try some of these stalls.”

“If you don’t mind, I will. Cassian has been sending me pictures of some of the stores and their goods, and they look freaking amazing. So, I think I’m going to have a little spending spree.” Meadow chuckled.

“Go enjoy yourself, Meadow. And by the way, congratulations. I’m so happy for you and Chill.”

Meadow was never openly very demonstrative unless it concerned her children. She reached over and squeezed my shoulder in a rare sign of affection. Then she got to her feet and rushed out the door, clearly excited to attend today’s events.

Inglorious

I’d been nominated to judge the children’s pumpkin carving, award everyone who took part a goodie bag, and give the winner a fifty-dollar voucher. Everybody was in high spirits, and we were judging the teenagers’ efforts. Nanci had radioed through, and my brothers were now starting to clear the dirt road for the parade. Barriers were being raised as people were moved aside for the procession.