Chapter 4: Pool PartyAnd so, we headed off down the deserted street. Jake, I noticed, had already accepted Grendel’s inclusion in the “pack.” He was sniffing here and there, exploring scents as usual. It was, I thought, an odd procession, me walking along the sidewalk, Jake exploring, and Grendel massively accompanying us both on the street itself.
Incredibly, we didn’t encounter anyone—the trick-or-treaters had by now gone through their respective hoards of candy and were either in bed or, high on sugar, resisting parents’ attempts at getting them there. And those who had gone to Halloween parties were still there. The adult and older teen gatherings would still be going on for some time, tomorrow being Sunday. What I was most concerned about were early teens who might be shooed out by t
