The rest of the day goes similarly, even Clancy Parker, who I consider a goody two-shoes though I'd never tell her so, acting all odd around the name Tom Brown.

"Don't you dare bring that darkness to my doorstep, Kit MacLean," she snarls at me when I pin her down at our bus stop. She looks over her shoulder at Abigail who chews her gum-a new piece, I assume-watching us and waiting for Clancy to join her. "Just stay away from me and stop asking questions."

I exult in my ...