The neighbor's dog burst into frenzied barking. Devon jumped so hard, she clutched the door. Toby was a big dog with a loud bark. He sounded right outside the window, crazy loud snarling barks like he wanted to tear something apart. The barking stopped. Devon heard a car, and a faraway truck, and birds. Then a creak from the front of the house. Her heart slammed. Devon couldn't tell if the sound came from inside the house, or out. It could have been the wind. It might be Toby. Thump. Devon peeked up the hall. The hall was empty, but her heart beat a vicious patter, and she wanted to run. Thump. Creak. She ducked into the office, but stayed at the door. Listening. Straining to hear. Inside or out, she still couldn't tell. Stop! You're imagining things! Maybe from the dining room, a noise from outside coming through the open slider. Her phone buzzed, startling her as much as the barking. Devon had forgotten her phone. She saw Cole's name, and covered her mouth.