“I already tried googling it and it just took me to a Russian website that I think is a front for arms dealers,” I said. I’d also tried Google Translate and was pretty sure my name was now on the FBI’s watch list.

“Nothing wrong with Russian fronts. The place where I get my Botox is one,” Melissa said absentmindedly.

“Oh, a med spa. I could own one of those,” Jess said from the grass.

Melissa inhaled sharply and pulled her head away from the screen, her thumb paused.

“What is it?” I took a step toward her, and she looked up, her pupils dilated and her mouth slightly open.

She turned the phone around and showed me the screen. Latin for Satanists. She flipped the phone back to her face and said, “ ‘Latin is often used for demonic incantations. Demons are thought to be solitary creatures, but there is evidence that they are actually quite social. Once a demon has ripped a hole through the mortal realm and has been able to enter, it will quickly try to widen the hole so that other demonic entities can come through. Thus, it is imperative that demonic possessions or suspected possessions be dealt with accordingly—the demon sent back to the spirit world, and the hole closed.’ ”

“Sure, but—” Jess started, but Melissa held up a finger.

“ ‘Demons may attempt to widen this hole to let others through in a variety of ways, especially keening or communicating through electricity, or through incantations and meditations. The most commonly reported incantation is the Latin phrase omnes interficere. It translates to: Kill them all. It amounts to a sort of marching order for other, lower-level spirits to come assist.’ ”

Melissa looked up and her hand dropped to her side, her leg illuminated by the screen. None of us spoke. The night air grew thicker, like a wool blanket draped around us. My skin began to tingle, and I felt something brush against my toes. I violently shook my foot and felt something hairy scamper away. I decided it was best not to look.

Jess tucked her legs up to her chest and clasped a hand around the opposite wrist.

“Well, there we have it.” My voice was shaky and thin.

There were a few more moments of silence, until Lucy, whom Melissa had set down on the sidewalk, let out a loud yelp. My blood ran icy, and my heart began to pound. Rocky started to pull on the leash and whine, while Duffy stared at Jess, waiting for a signal.

We heard a rustling in the bushes flanking my front door, and the three of us stared in terror as the evergreen began to move.

A strangled cry escaped my lips, and Melissa shook her palm at me. Shut up.