I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised the Gate chose to knock that very same night. I'd barely settled Gabriel into his crib when I felt the resounding hammer of the knock echo through him and into me.

At first, I had no idea what it was. Freaked me the hell out, to be honest. But when Galleytrot's big head came up, cocked to one side, ears perked, I made the connection.

Feared Gabriel would cry again, the pressure was so immense. But my son instead came wide awake, ...