He shook his head. “Let’s ask for volunteers. I’m not going to make anyone do anything, not after what we went through today.”

By the time five o’clock rolled around, they’d pretty much done all they could for the day, and Brad left Vern and Bill F. in charge overnight since they’d both volunteered. They’d also gotten more sleep than anyone else the night before.

He needed to pick up the girls, who’d gone to their friend Shannon’s house after school, but he wanted to stop by the hospital and see Hildy, so he said a quick goodbye and drove over to Montgomery General. Hildy was pretty doped up, which was just as well, because Brad didn’t really feel like talking, especially about the subject they would end up talking about. They spoke briefly, but Hildy kept fading in and out, and after a few minutes, Brad left, telling the deputy that he’d stop by again tomorrow.

He hadn’t stayed long, ten minutes maximum. Still, it was dark by the time he picked up the girls, and he was grateful to learn that Mrs. Carrell had fed them dinner. He apologized profusely for being so late.

“Don’t give it a thought,” she said. “We heard what happened. It’s just awful! But you caught the boys, right?”

“Yes we did, ma’am.”

“Thank goodness for that.”

“Well, thank you again. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate all your help. You’re a godsend.”

“Anytime.” She waved to Jillian and Sue as he herded them out to the car. “Glad you could come by!”

“Thank you, Mrs. Carrell!”

“Thank you, Mrs. Carrell!”

They were only driving down the block, but Brad made sure they were buckled in. His parents were supposed to drive up tomorrow to help out with the kids, and tomorrow couldn’t come too soon, as far as he was concerned. He had no idea how single parents did it, especially the poor ones holding down two jobs. It really did take a village.

Seconds later, they were home. The lights were on behind the pulled curtains of the living room, and he frowned, trying to remember if he’d forgotten to turn them off this morning. The three of them got out of the car. Taking his key out, he opened the door and walked inside.

Where Patty was lecturing two dummies that had been placed on the couch and made up to look like Jillian and Sue.

A dummy dressed in one of his extra uniforms was lying on the floor with a knife stuck in its chest.

Patty turned to look at him.

And the girls screamed in terror.

****