Chapter 33: Guests Of Honor

They found themselves in the middle of preparations for a party. Garris waded through the happy kids toward them, beaming, looking younger than Fresco had ever seen him. Chattering, laughing children flooded into the kitchen where Martin blasted his favorite Latino music so loud it still rumbled out when the heavy door swung closed.

Garris reached them, arms engulfing them before stepping away.

"We're celebrating," he said. "And you're all the guests of honor."

They followed Garris into the kitchen to the cheers of excited kids.

***

Fresco escaped from the clutches of some admirers and fled to the backyard. He planted himself on the top step at the back door. He rarely had the chance to sit outdoors and enjoy it. Being outside meant he was hunting Daniel and rescuing kids. He found himself relishing the cool calm of the nighttime air and the quiet sounds of the street beyond the tall fence guarding the yard.