Together they watched the demon lady march to the bunker, and begin to pound once more on the door. Incredibly, it was even louder than before. She was stronger. Angrier. The door began to rattle.

Virgil opened the driver’s side door. The dome light came on. The demon didn’t notice. He got in as quickly as he could, turned out the light, and took off the brake. Javier got in the other side, just as the Sienna started to roll downhill.

They heard a shout behind them. She’d seen them. They slammed the doors shut and the Sienna picked up speed, and in the rear-view Virgil watched the demon lady sprinting after them. She was fast. She was extraordinarily fast. He jammed the key in the ignition and turned it and the engine came to life and the dashboard lit up and he slammed his foot on the gas.

Chapter 49

THE DOWALL MOTEL BURNED.

The flames that consumed it licked the air and sent the snow flurries swirling. It stood atop its perch, up on that hill, and it burned like a beacon of madness. In its windows, a figure danced. Whether it was Kenneth or Belinda Dowall, Kelly couldn’t say, and the Charger wasn’t moving slow enough for her to gauge.

A demon landed in the street ahead of them and roared, and the Charger ran right over him.

Hell Night had begun, which meant that Naberius had had his sacrifice. Which meant another child had died.

“Amber’s parents are real pieces of work, huh?” Kelly said.

Milo didn’t answer.

The last time Kelly had been down this street, the way had been smooth. Now the road was jagged and cracked, with chunks rising over the sidewalk like a swollen river bursting its banks. Her phone buzzed. She swiped the screen.

“Linda!” she said. “Where are you? You okay? I’ve been trying to call!”

“We’re good,” Linda said. “For now. Listen, we made it back into town, but—”

“We’re in town, too,” Kelly said. “Me and Milo. Where are you?”

There was a moment of whispered exchange, and then, “Just coming up to the corner where Briar Lane meets Briar Road.”

“Briar Road,” Kelly said to Milo. “You know it?”

He nodded, pointed right. “Two blocks that way.”

“We can be there in thirty seconds,” Kelly said.

“Kelly, no,” said Linda. “We think we’re being followed. We’re gonna try to lead them somewhere. If you and Milo can … hold on … shit.”

“Linda? Linda? What’s wrong? Linda?”

The call cut off.

“They’re in trouble,” Kelly said.

Milo nodded, started to turn the wheel, then braked, his eyes on the road ahead, to where Austin Cooke sprinted into an alley, pursued by a pair of hollering demons.

“Catch up with your friends,” Milo said as her door opened all on its own. “Stick to the shadows. I’ll get Austin. Meet up at Virgil’s place.”