Part 283 (1/2)

still wants him to suffer.”

He crouched beside her and took the envelope that lay in her lap. ”Maybe

that's true, but she may have started something that will help us find

out who killed him, and why.”

”I know.” She closed her eyes tight. ”It's buried somewhere deep inside

me, but I know. This time I'm going to dig it out.”

WHEN THE music started she was standing in the dark doorway in her

favorite nightgown, clutching Charlie. Darren was crying. She wanted

to go back to bed, back to her own bed and the glow of the night-light.

But she'd promised to take care of him, and he was crying.

She stepped out, but her foot didn't touch the floor. It seemed to

float on a dark gray cloud. She could hear the hissing, the dry

skittering of the things that liked the dark. The things that ate bad

little girls, like her mam had told her.

She didn't know which way to go. It was too dark and there were sounds

everywhere, under and over the music that wouldn't stop. She walked

toward her crying brother, trying to be small, so small no one could

see. She could feel the sweat running down her back.

She had her hand on the k.n.o.b. Turned it slowly. Pushed the door. Open.

Hands gripped her arms, twisting.

”I told you not to run away from me, Emma.” Drew slipped a hand around

her throat and squeezed. ”I told you I'd find you.”

”Emma!” Michael caught her flailing arms and pulled her close. ”Wake up.

Emma, wake up. It's just a dream.”

She couldn't get her breath. Even when she realized where she was and

who was holding her, it seemed that Drew still had his hands locked