Amber frowned at her. “Why?”

“Because if we don’t, who will?”

“I don’t know,” said Amber. “Whoever the darkness is threatening, I guess. So you actually drive around looking for trouble?”

“We each have our reasons,” said Kelly. “What has you on the Highway?”

Amber hesitated. “My parents.”

Warrick shook his head glumly. “They kick you out?”

“They’re trying to kill me.”

“That was my next guess.”

“Or they were,” said Amber. “Don’t know if they still are. Last I saw of them they were running from the same thing I am.”

“Which is?” Linda asked.

Amber gave a grim smile. “I think it’s best if you don’t know the details.”

“Fair enough. Can I ask, though – why are you safe here? Why don’t those bikers just come in after you?”

“Honestly? A big invisible wall keeps them out.”

“Cool,” said Warrick.

“And why are you here?” Amber asked.

“Children are going missing,” said Ronnie. “One a year. Heard anything about that?”

“I guess I have,” said Amber. “It’s a long story, and I don’t know if I understand it fully yet, but the mayor here, a guy called Jesper … You know about making deals with Demons?”

“We’ve had some experience with people who have,” Linda said.

“Well, Jesper made a deal with the Shining Demon, Astaroth, two hundred years ago. The price he’s paying is one child’s soul every year.”

Ronnie narrowed his eyes. “You know about this and Jesper’s still walking around?”

Amber glared back. “When he told us, we were handcuffed. Then the bikers got us. We didn’t have time to fight the good fight.”

“No one’s accusing anyone of anything,” Kelly said, giving a glare of her own to Ronnie. “There’s a kid who’s just gone missing. For all we know, he might still be alive. His name’s Austin Cooke. Did Jesper mention where he might be being kept?”

“I doubt he knows,” Amber said. “He’s absolved himself of all responsibility when it comes to that stuff. He outsources.”

“Seriously?” Warrick said. “This is somewhere beyond cold.” He went off to untie Two.

“Jesper didn’t mention who he’s hired?” Linda asked. “Did he talk about the Narrow Man?”

“He didn’t really offer up any details, sorry.”

“Maybe he’ll offer some up to us,” Ronnie said.

“Maybe,” said Amber. “If you can get to him. Which I doubt. Those cops of his are killers. I saw the Chief shoot a man in cold blood. Yeah, the guy was a serial killer, but still. It wouldn’t take much to convince them you’re more trouble than you’re worth.”

“Do you have any idea what Hell Night is?” Linda asked.