The two were going to be at each other’s throats before we hit the sidewalk, even if Trent did give in and let her come. “None of you are coming,” I said firmly. “Trent doesn’t live on hallowed ground—”

“Which is exactly why we are going,” Ivy interrupted.

“And I can take care of myself easier if I’m not worrying about you.” I took a deep breath, my hand coming up to forestall another protest. “Tom isn’t going to summon Al. He’s afraid I’ll send him right back at him.” Trent blanched, and I shot him a dry look. “I’ll get my stuff,” I said, then darted to the kitchen.

Ivy and Jenks were having a hushed argument in the corner when I returned to the foyer, and while Trent watched in silence, I made a point of pulling out my splat gun, checking the hopper, then sliding it into the small of my back. There was a stick of magnetic chalk and the amulets from my run with David earlier, and as Ivy flung her hand in the air and scowled at Jenks, I looped the cord of the heavy-magic detection charm over my head. It would give me a few seconds if Al showed.

“I’ll call you in a few hours,” I said, and jingling my car keys, I stepped past the threshold and firmly outside the church’s influence.

My heart pounded. I heard the excited kids, felt the night. The smell of burning pumpkin was strong, and I waited for a “Hello, Rachel Mariana Morgan” or “Trick or treat, love” in a proper English accent. But there was nothing. Al wasn’t going to show. I had taken care of it myself. Yay, team.

Jenks landed on my hoop earring, flying up and away when I reached for him. “You’re staying, Jenks.”

“Smelly green grass farts, I’m not,” he said, darting to Trent and forcing him back a startled step. “Ivy and I discussed it, and I’m going with you. You can’t stop me, and you know it. And who’s going to help you circle Al if he shows up? Trent? He should be begging me to come with you. He can’t stop a demon.” The pixy got in the elf ’s face. “Or do you have some special talent we aren’t aware of?”

Tired, I looked at Trent. The young man frowned. “He can come to the front gate, and that’s it,” he said. With a smooth grace, he turned and started down the stairs.

“Front gate, my dragonfly’s green turds,” Jenks muttered.

Worry tightened my chest, and my gaze went to Ivy standing alone with her arms over her middle just inside the door. God, I was so stupid, running off to Trent’s stronghold to sit with a dying man. But the guilt, and maybe curiosity, were stronger than my fear.