Did he leave without deadbolting the basement door? You weren't going to risk it, until the black phone rang. "Go," the voice urged you. "NOW." You dropped the phone and scrambled up the stairs. As you neared the door, you paused, heart pounding in your ears. It was cracked open. You pushed near the hinge, and the swing of it gradually revealed a shadow on the kitchen floor. Your stomach turned as the unmistakable horns took shape. Your face burned at your stupidity, and your eyes stang. "It's okay, kitty," he cooed. "C'mere." Obediently, you crawled toward the chair where he had patiently awaited your betrayal. "I'm not mad," he reassured you. "Just disappointed." You sat back on your heels to look at him. He tilted his head, then a deafening snap of leather made you jump.