The Goblin, the Witch, and the Single Girl

Professional Reviews

Excerpt

"What's the matter? What is it, Caitlin?"

"An animal! Oh my God, there's an animal in the house! Didn't you see it?" She knew she sounded like a wild animal herself, but she was scared and didn't care. "It was dark and furry and it ran out of here."

"It was probably a mouse, honey."

"It was too big to be a mouse. I won't get any sleep tonight at all, Wesley."

"Didn't you say the movers mentioned squirrels or raccoons in the attic earlier today?"

"Yes, but I didn't expect them to come downstairs. The attic door is supposed to be closed," she stammered. Her body shook with fright, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Honey, I'm sure whatever it was, you just scared the hell out of it with that bloodcurdling scream," he said, chuckling. "We'll call animal control tomorrow. Okay?"

Caitlin nodded. Wesley slipped a protective arm around her shoulders and pulled her close once again. She was shaking so much she didn't know how much longer she could remain standing. Her legs wobbled, and she fought to lock her knees to avoid falling.

"YoYou'll neeneed to check our bedroom before I can go in there, Wes. II won't be able to sleep. I swear it."

"I'll check it, honey. Come on. Let's go lock the doors and turn out the lights down here. You need to get some rest."

Caitlin allowed Wesley to lead her out of the living room through the downstairs while he locked the doors and turned off the lights. She calmed down with each room he checked and ensured they were empty.

They ascended the stairway to the second floor. She clung to his arm as they made their way to the bedroom door. Wesley stopped outside the closed door, his hands rubbing up and down along her arms. A smile teased his mouth, and Caitlin attempted to smile in return.

"The door has been shut since I came down earlier, but I'll check it out anyway. Do you want to wait here?"

"No," she said. Her fingers dug into his arm like a vise. "I don't want to be left out here alone."

"I'll go in ahead of you, but I'm sure our room is safe."

Caitlin held on to his arm as he turned and grasped the doorknob. Wesley pushed it open with caution and flipped the light switch. The room was immediately bathed in a soft bright glow. She followed behind him and stood quietly. He checked under the bed, tables, and chairs, and then walked to the bathroom and flipped the light switch.

"The room is all clear, Cait," he called out before he re-entered the bedroom and came back into her view. "Shut the door, honey. Let's go to bed and we'll take care of the critters tomorrow."