Ross took a deep breath. He had to do something. He could not afford to wait for the demons to come after them again. It was certain they would. They would try a different tactic, and this time it might cost the life not of a park employee but of someone in this house. If it did not come tomorrow, it would come the next day, and it would not end there, but would continue until the demons had possessed or destroyed the gypsy morph.
Ross studied the little boy on the couch. A gypsy morph. What would it become, if it survived? What, that would make it so important? He wished he knew. He wished the Lady had told him. Perhaps it would make choosing his path easier.
Nest and Bennett came out of the work area a few minutes later with a bundle of packages they placed under the tree. Nest was cheerful and smiling, as if the simple act of wrapping presents had infused her with fresh holiday spirit. She went over to the couch to look at the picture book Harper was reading, giving both Harper and Little John hugs, telling them Santa wouldn’t forget them this Christmas. Bennett, in contrast, remained sullen and withdrawn, locked in a world where no one else was welcome. She would force a smile when it was called for, but she could barely manage to communicate otherwise, and her eyes kept shifting off into space, haunted and lost. Ross studied her surreptitiously. Something had happened since yesterday to change her. Given her history as an addict, he could make an educated guess.
“We have to get over to Robert’s party,” Nest announced a few minutes later, drawing him aside. “There will be lots of other adults and kids. It should be safe.”
He looked at her skeptically. “I know what you’re thinking,” she said. “But I keep hoping that if I expose Little John to enough different situations, something will click. Other children might help him to open up. We can keep a close watch on him.”
He accepted her judgment. It probably didn’t make any difference what house they were occupying if the demons chose to come after them, and he was inclined to agree that they were less likely to attempt anything in a crowd. Even last night, they had worked hard to isolate Nest and the children before striking.
Nest mobilized the others and began helping the children with their coats and boots. As she did, Ross walked back to the kitchen and looked out the window. It was still snowing hard, with visibility reduced and a thick layer of white collecting on everything. It would be difficult for the demons to do much in this weather. Even though the cold wouldn’t affect them, the snow would limit their mobility. In all likelihood, they would hole up somewhere until morning. It was the perfect time to catch them off guard. He should track them down and destroy them now.
But where should he look for them?
He stared out into the blowing white, wondering.
When they were all dressed, they piled into the car and drove down Woodlawn Road to Spring Drive and back into the woods to Robert’s house. A cluster of cars was already parked along the drive and more were arriving. Nest pulled up by the front door, and Bennett and the children climbed out and rushed inside.
Ross sat where he was. If I were Findo Cask, where would I be?
Nest was staring at him. “I have to do something,” he said finally. “It may take me a while. Can I borrow the car?”
She nodded. “What are you going to do?”
“A little scouting. Will you be all right alone with the children and Bennett? You may have to catch a ride home afterward.”
There was a long pause. “I don’t like the sound of this.”
He gave her a smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t take any chances.”
The lie came easily. He’d had enough practice that he could say almost anything without giving himself away.
Her fingers rested on his arm. “Do yourself a favor, John. Whatever it is you’re thinking of doing, forget it. Go have dinner with Josie.”