“Go where?”

“To Bedford. For the fireworks.” They exchanged puzzled expressions, which seemed to weaken the man’s own confidence. “It is tonight, isn’t it?”

“It ain’t even July,” Del blurted before Billie’s glare could cut him off. The minister heard him though and nodded and tried to smile. He just looked lost.

“Kevin,” Billie said, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m fine. Never better. The doctor told me just this morning that I’m in tip-top shape. He—”

“The doctor’s office was open this morning?”

“Certainly. Dutch gave me a ride over first thing this morning. Then I went to the diner for breakfast and called on a few doors but . . .” He shrugged but still wore that same blank smile.

Billie looked at the diner across the street. It was still empty, still unopened for business, the door ajar only because Chris had jimmied it this morning. And Dutch . . .

“Sounds like somebody’s slipped a cog,” Ted whispered to Bart, but she heard it too.

“Listen to me, Kevin,” she said, taking the man by the shoulders. “You’ve got to snap out of it. We need your help right now, so listen. None of that happened. You didn’t see the doctor today. You didn’t see Dutch.”

“Billie, I just told you—”

“Dutch is dead, dammit. Maybe the doctor too. Most of the people aren’t human anymore. They’re vampires. Do you understand?”

“You too?” the minister sighed. He pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair like a condescending parent. “Now, now,” he soothed. “Nothing to be scared of.”

She yanked out of his grasp. “Yes, there is something to be afraid of. They’re here, now. I’ve seen them.”

“NO!” His tone was suddenly violent, frenzied. Almost panicked. He raised the Bible as if to smite her with it. Bart stepped between them. “It’s you who don’t understand. I am strong. My faith is strong. Satan’s touch cannot defile one of purity. He cannot!” His voice cracked. His confident tone rang hollow. “I am pure,” he said emphatically, though they could not tell who he was trying to convince. “I am! And I will not let your own faithlessness draw down my flock.” He turned, tucked the book under his arm, and started to leave. But Bart caught him by the shoulder before he could get too far and spun him around.

“Here,” he said, forcing the last of the tomato-stake crosses into the minister’s hands. “You might need it.” Then he and his brother and Ted climbed back into the truck, leaving Billie and the irate reverend alone.

“Kevin,” she pleaded, “come with us. We can use your faith. You can help us, and you’ll be safe.”