She accepted it with that toothy, snow-white smile. Her face shined brightly, practically glowing. The winds kicked up in a sudden gust, sending a flurry of Apple Valley dust between her and Owen’s dad. Owen noticed the clouds had formed in the sky once more.
She quickly stashed the cash in her pants pocket and held on tight to the top of her black hat. Her cape took on a life of its own.
Owen thought he saw the outline of things—of creatures—form beneath the cape itself as it flapped in the wind.
He saw sharp double horns and pointed ears.
Bulging eyeballs and twisted, split tongues.
Edged, jagged fangs and thick, iron piercings.
Then his mind shot back to the inside of the Wienermobile. To the thing he had detected inside.
Mariska reached to open the passenger-side door. A pulse o
