I was well on my way to being good and buzzed, dipping my black Solo cup over and over again in Bettina’s spiked apple cider. The alcohol had taken the edge off my nerves, and I was beginning to feel like it had all been one giant misunderstanding. Alice had made us all paranoid—and for what? We were fine. Everything was fine. There was no one here who could hurt us.

I took another swig of punch. Around me people were having fun, dancing, talking, eating. Paul was taking care of the trick-or-treaters so I could mingle.

I’d done it once again. The party was great. No. It was fantastic. My best yet.

The stuff of legends.

“You are amazing, Kendra. I don’t know how you always pull this off.” Georgeann Wilkins walked up to the drink table, her yarn braids swaying, and refilled her cup with punch.

“Thank you, Georgeann. And let’s talk about that swim team party in the spring,” I added, feeling generous. “I think you and I could cohost it and make it something really special.”

“Really? Kendra, that would be great.”

“Yes, absolutely.” I turned around then, ready to grant more favors. Alice, in her fawn costume, stood behind me. Smiley. I hadn’t seen the bouncy side of her in a long time.

“My god, I haven’t seen you all night,” I said. “Are you loving the party?”

“Does a pig love mud?” Alice asked, giggling. How much punch had she had? Not that I could judge. We deserved to let our hair down.

“Alice, I love your costume,” Georgeann said. She scratched her cheek, and some of her bright red blush smeared onto her fingers. “You all look so cute.”

“I know, right?” I said. “And we need a group shot before it gets too dark.” I put my arm around Alice, drawing her close.

“Take our picture, Georgeann. I’ve hardly gotten any pictures tonight.”

I angled my head to the right, my best side. Stuck out my chin, hand on hip, while Georgeann whipped out her phone. “Say cheese.” Georgeann’s flash blinded us. “I’ll text you guys that,” she said, and disappeared into the crowd with her drink.

“My littles are going to be up all blasted night.” Alice took another swig of her drink, which was no small feat with her deer nose. “Bouncing off the walls. I should go find them.”

She kissed my cheek, then wandered off. I pivoted to find food and almost bumped right into our dear owl. Theresa.

Talk about buzzkill.

“Have you seen Lily?” Her dress was way shorter than it had looked online, but I gave her credit for leaving the house in it. She was on her toes, searching the crowd, distracted.

“No,” I said flatly. I wanted to forget about all the threats, the worries, the lies. Just for one night. Was that too goddamn much?

“I need to find her.”