Homecoming (A Finn McCoy Paranormal Thriller #1)

  Chapter Eight

  Moonlight glistened off the old-style barber pole which hung above the entrance of Tyler’s Barber Shop. A few doors down, a gentle breeze stirred the colorful flag which hung outside Kustom Krafts. The flag depicted a seasonal theme: fat, orange pumpkins and crisp, fallen leaves. Across the street, the display window of Elaine’s Discount featured a plethora of Halloween decorations and costumes.

  John Talbot was crouched low behind a cotoneaster hedge which formed the borders of Veteran’s Park. The small park was situated on the northeast corner of the town square, and it offered John an unobstructed view of much of Main Street in either direction. For the last half hour, all had been still and quiet.

  John took his cell phone from his shirt pocket and hit the speed dial. After a few rings, Lyle answered.

  “What’s it look like?” the sheriff asked.

  “Nothing since the one I saw earlier,” John replied. While he had recounted the account of his encounter on Duncan Road, he hadn’t spoken to Lyle of his conversation with Finn McCoy. “Maybe it was a one-time deal.”

  “Don’t bet on it, son,” Lyle said. “Just keep your eyes peeled and let me know if anything moves. I’ve got men set up all over town, just so you know you’re not alone out there.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good man. We’ll get through this, John. I’ll get some help in here come daylight. Just sit tight, and…”

  John looked at his phone. The display read call lost. He checked his signal strength. No bars. That couldn’t be right. There was always a good signal here in town.

  He caught a furtive movement from the corner of his eye and turned to look across the street. Something darted into the shadows between two buildings, but he didn’t get a clear look at whatever it was. It could have been a dog. He tried to tell himself that.

  John really hoped that Finn McCoy was on his way.