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"Well, we can do that And hey, you two, you stick with your folks around here, no reat, but you know, there are those ould hurt others

And Halloween can be fun, or a little kooky, too, right?"

"Right," Joshua said gravely

"Creepy--like Mr Fallon," Ellie said

He nodded with a half sht, his own opinion of Fallon had changed He had looked like a truly pathetic Ichabod Crane then Soed, and Finn hadn’t felt like a ard, uest, but so spells in a kitchen

He sain at the kids "We’d better hush for now--Susanna is bringingand sniffing at the rudeness of guests who came into breakfast at the last e

"Thank you so very ain, Ellie burst into laughter Both children were still laughing when their parents came for theh to see the kids happy They all told hiood-bye, and to have a nice day

Finn ate quickly in the eton House He walked down to the historic district, and wandered around for a while When it reached eleven-thirty, he decided to head over to the historic hotel As he walked, he wondered if he’d actually find Lucian and Jade DeVeau He hadn’t thought of it the night before, but people usually made reservations a year in advance to stay in such a place for Halloween He doubted that the DeVeaus had actually et in--they had probably been forced to find other accoone there, just to see the place or have a meal

Or wait for him

The lobby that afternoon was filled omen and a few men in fancy black dress and cloaks--a Wiccans luncheon was obviously taking place There were other tourists as well, soht of soout of the ordinary

He walked up to the desk and inquired if a Mr and Mrs DeVeau had checked in, and he was surprised to hear the clerk reply that yes, certainly, they had checked in late the night before The clerk would be happy to ring them for Finn He didn’t need to As he stood there, he heard himself called

"Finn!"

He turned around

For ain the lobby was as unnerving as any other event that had taken place since he had coht He wasn’t dressed in a Wiccan cape, but rather so his appearance of height, enhancing the darkness of his hair and eyes Jade walked up behind her husband; she earing a long, light wool tailored coat, in black as well, and it created the opposite effect Her eyes and hair were light, giving her an aura of soht wryly Except that Lucian had the kind of looks that were classic and coe of a beast

"Hi," he said si Lucian’s hand, accepting a kiss on the cheek fro into the hotel? I was thinking about it after we talked They’re booked so far ahead here for the Halloween events I was afraid you ht have difficulty"

"Oh, they were booked, "Jade said lightly, glancing at her husband "Lucian talked with the er

They were able to find a little room that hadn’t been rented because of a few probleood to see you, Finn"

"Thanks" He hesitated They had said that they were co anyway He didn’t knohether to believe that or not And now… he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to talk to theht all be in his head "U," he said

"We’re pleased to be here," Lucian said He sounded very serious Not like a man about to enjoy a brief vacation

Still, Finn found hihtly "It’s an incredible place, of course They’ve done a great job with their various events There are all kinds of stands for children, where they can create jack-o’-lanterns, make Halloween cutouts, and all kinds of other little artistic creations There are street entertainers, wonderful stores--and great museums here Geared toward the witchcraft period, and others as well There are wonderful places that teach about colonial A days, and all It’s truly wonderful"

"Yes, it’s a wonderful place," Lucian agreed "Have you had lunch yet?"

Finn decided not to say that he’d just had breakfast "No There are dozens of places to go, of course

And if you’re seafood lovers, you’ve got to try the scrod"

"I’ve an idea Let’s just start walking and see e find," Jade said

"Great"

They left the hotel lobby and headed for the street The day before Halloween had come, and the place seeht breeze, stirring up the auturound As they walked, Finn pointed out a number of places of interest, then paused

"Sorry Maybe you’ve been here before"

"Strangely enough, I haven’t," Lucian said

Finn looked at hie I’d never been here before I’m sure a lot of Americans have never seen lots of places in the country Sorry--are you American?"

"Yes, it’s home now," Lucian said

Before he could sayto you, Finn, from across the street"

Finn looked Darren Menteith was on the corner opposite them, with Lizzie on her leash

"A friend?" Lucian asked