Chapter 21

“It’s going to be fine,” Mary assured her. “It’s going to be fine. I promise, Mama.”

Four became three. Three became two. Each fresh shower of ash only seemed to make Gideon fight harder. When the last vampire tried running away, Gideon chased him down the block, both black shadows disappearing into the night.

“Do the neighbors have a phone? You need to get a fire truck out here. Soon.”

So lost in trying to follow the fight and comforting her mother, she’d forgotten Hal was behind her. A glance back saw him sweaty and soot covered, and though the flames were still high, they weren’t spreading. He was keeping it at bay. For now, at least.

Mary was saved from answering by Pete and Rose Johnson racing across the yard. The first words out of his mouth were, “We’ve called for the fire engine.”

“What’s going on?”

Mary shook her head. “I’ll explain everything later. Mama needs to get away from this smoke.”

“Georgia? Are you okay?” Mrs. Johnson took her arm.