Chapter 18

Bags packed. Automatic feeder set for Gengar. Maverick on his way to pick her up.

Lucky used the drop-down ladder to get to the attic this time. She sat down in front of the wall, taking a moment to read each name. Emotions, thoughts, and actions seemed to be the house’s preferred language, but she knew it understood words too.

“Hennessee.”

For the first time in days, peppermint instantly coiled around her like an embrace. The fountain pen she twirled between her fingers began to feel warm.

“I’m leaving for a little bit. Maverick needs me for an important project, but you’re not rid of me yet. I promise I’m coming back.”

The other caretakers couldn’t handle whatever Hennessee did after it had their names, but Xander could. And if he could, so would Lucky.

She wrote her name directly under his to prove it.