I couldn’t wait to hear her stories too. It was like we’d been on two separate adventures and were finally back together in the tavern, spreading out our maps and showing off our treasures. I had just walked up to a middle-aged woman trying to hail a cab—Kat’s jaw had dropped open when she’d seen me do this, and I was secretly very pleased with this reaction—when I’d seen Leo.

“There,” I said to Kat, and I’d waved at him and we’d both piled in.

“Evening,” Leo said, glancing back at Kat. “You’re going to Stanwich too?”

“Yes,” I said as I buckled my seat belt. “Same stop.”

“Hi, I’m Kat,” Kat said, leaning forward. Leo gave her a bemused smile.

“Leo,” he said. “Nice to meet you.” He hit the button to stop the hazards and shifted the car into drive. “Next stop Connecticut.”

“Or,” Kat said. She arched an eyebrow and looked at me, then pulled a wrinkled piece of paper out of her pocket. “Anyone up for going to a party?”

PART FIVE 11:11 p.m.–3:00 a.m.

Soul mates aren’t just lovers, you know.

—Ryn Weaver, “Traveling Song”

Meanwhile, in [Redacted X X X X]…

TERI RAN THROUGH THE WOODS, as fast as she could. She was holding Parker and gripping onto Chris with her other hand, stumble-running over leaves and tree branches. They’d fled out the broken door into the woods behind the store.

Teri was breathing hard, her thoughts going round and round in terrible circles. Real Gilroy is dead it’s all my fault oh my god I just saw someone get killed what are we going to do?

“Dustin,” she gasped, looking behind her as she ran, “are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” came the breathless reply. “I’ve got Daryl.”

Teri felt branches snag her hair but ran on. She had no plan except run and get away and go.

“Ow!” Teri was thrown off-balance. She stopped and saw Chris had fallen. “You okay?” She set Parker down.

“I just tripped on a tree root,” Chris said. “I’m fine.”

Dustin and Daryl caught up with them, both red-faced. Teri helped Chris to her feet. They’d arrived at a clearing—trees made way for open sky above them. The moon shining down meant she could see everyone. They all looked as scared as she felt.

“I’m so sorry, you guys.” Teri hung her head. “Tonight has been crazy. But I’m going to get us out of it and home safe. I promise.”

“Wait.” Dustin’s brow was furrowed as he looked around. “Where’s Parker?”

“She’s right here.” They all whirled around. Dimitri was holding the toddler. Parker’s expression was angry, not frightened, which was the only thing preventing Teri from having a panic attack. He made a tsk sound. “You’re not doing a great job tonight, are you, Teri?”