All Hallows Eve: A Krewe of Hunters Novella (1001 Dark Nights) Read Online Free PDF

Mr. Bradbury took his own life. All I think about are his children. This will be so hard for them.”
    “Not to worry,” Jenna said. “We’ve assured Elyssa that we’ll look into it all and that she needs to worry about school and midterms.”
    Sam laid his hands on Jenna’s shoulders. “It never hurts to be thorough. That’s what the bureau is all about. But Jenna is right. Elyssa doesn’t have to worry or be concerned about a thing.”
    “See,” Susan said, turning to her daughter triumphantly. “That’s all good.”
    Matt Adair had been hovering by the door, watching the reunion. He was fit––an athletic man, coaching football at the local high school. They were quite the odd couple. Susan, Irish-looking with carrot red hair and amber eyes, a ball of fire and energy. Matt, except for when he was on the football field, a model of quiet and calm.
    He greeted Jenna with a hug, then said, “I never like to say there’s nothing to worry about.”
    Elyssa let out a sigh. “He’s worried because I was babbling, and he’s afraid my peers are going to make fun of me. That’s the least of my worries. Honestly, Dad. My feet are on the ground, and I’ve never been swayed by peer pressure.”
    And, to the best of Jenna’s knowledge, she hadn’t been. Elyssa was bright and happy. She made friends because she was honestly interested in others and enjoyed meeting people. Between them, Susan and Matt had raised her right. A daughter open to new experiences, but comfortable in her own.
    “It’s always smart to be cautious,” Uncle Jamie murmured. “Now, how about some food. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering out. Italian. And I think the delivery person just drove up.”
    “I’ll head out and get it,” Sam offered.
    “And I’ll give you a hand,” Matt said.
    “Wait,” Susan said. “Why does anyone need to be cautious? This was a suicide. Right? Our daughter found the poor man and that’s that.”
    But no one answered her.
    Jenna hurried to help Uncle Jamie with plates and Elyssa found silverware and glasses. The delivery order included lasagna, salad, and breadsticks and the next few minutes were spent passing food around.
    “What’s new in town?” Sam asked, when everyone was satisfied with a plate filled to their liking.
    “They keep building ugly new structures,” Matt said.
    “It used to be so quaint here. But commercialism is ruining the place,” Susan added, shaking her head.
    “But a lot of the old shops are still around, right?”
    “Oh, yes, and more.” Susan said. “New England seems to be moving into an age of diversity. We now have a large Asian population.”
    “And Hispanic,” Matt said.
    “Russian, too. Mostly Eastern Europeans,” Uncle Jamie said. “We have a new family from Estonia at my church these days, and a number of Polish.”
    Susan shrugged and smiled. “And islanders. South Americans and Southerners.”
    Jenna had to laugh. The way Susan spoke, it seemed that Southerners were the most foreign of anyone who’d moved to Salem. “The world moves all over these days. People go different places for work, to study, and some just to live.”
    “I actually love all of the different languages, the people and accents,” Susan said. “But I have to say, if this weren’t my home, I don’t know if I would have moved here.”
    Jenna was curious. “Why?”
    “Snow,” Elyssa said. “Mom hates the snow.”
    “I don’t hate the snow. I hate shoveling snow. And chipping the windows covered with ice.”
    “Oh, mom, you love Salem. We couldn’t pry you out of here with a fire poker.”
    Elyssa seemed exceptionally happy. As if what had been so horrible was not half so bad anymore.
    “Tell me about the new shops in town,” Jenna said, glancing at Sam. No better way to learn the lay of the land than ask the locals.
    “There’s a great place called Down River on Essex Street,” Matt said. “I love it. All kinds of books, new and used, and wonderful art and