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The dog lingered in the doorway and sniffed Ozone hung heavy in the air The hipped up low-lying dust devils She snuck a look toward the SUV Jake sat up straighter in his seat and watched her, intensely enough to spark goose buaze away, turned her face upward

“Not looking good, Onion You’d better pee now before Beth gets here”

The dog looked up with despondent eyes Great Her worry had spread to Onion

“You ”

Despite her growing unease, Claire stepped out onto the porch She figured Onion would co too Instead, his sorrowful eyes remained locked on the distance He bayed an eerie howl

“Okay, now you’ve freaked n of life, any hint that so the corn She wished she had the shotgun in her hands instead of it being on the fireplace mantle

The first fat drops of rain plopped against the ground Claire didn’t worry about the stor summer squalls was they tended to leave as quickly as they approached

“Coo in until this blows over Beth will be here soon Don’t worry”

She glanced toward the SUV Jake gave her a quick salute Pretending not to notice, she headed inside If he’d fess up, she’d be s stood, he could enjoy the storm from his car

Desperate to ignore the niggling apprehension, she focused on keeping her hands busy The living roorabbed a orn copy of Gone with the Wind, and a hardcover copy of a Nina Siraphy to put back in the bookcase

A crack of thunder broadcasted the storm’s arrival Nerves already frayed, Claire jurip She looked over at Onion, who cowered under the coffee table

Another crack of thunder The house lights brightened, then flickered out Onion, never one for stor spot to stand by Claire’s side

“It’s okay, boy Let’s go flip the fuse” She fought to keep her voice cal nerves

Claire felt her way along the walls to the fuse box in the back bedroom She flipped the switches back and forth No luck Onion shivered at her feet

“Flashlight and candles in the kitchen, come on” She scratched behind his ears, tried to impart a reassurance she didn’t feel herself