"Trick or treat." The childlike voice floats down the darkened street. The sidewalks are empty, costumed youngsters long since gone home. It was far too late even for trouble-seeking teens, yet the voice was there, repeating.
"Trick or treat." The singsong words pierce his ears, a cold sweat beading on his temples. The voice is familiar; he recalls that Halloween, and the news reports about her disappearance for months after. No one had ever suspected him.
He watches a shadow approach his door, a small claw-like hand raking down the window.
"Trick or treat," it demands in a hollow rasp.