“Hey, your pants are talking,” Wally the bat said.

“What...oh.” I reached into my pocket for the two-way radio.

“Zoc? Zoc? Where are you?” It was Zombos’ voice. He sounded frantic.

“Yes, what is it? I still--“ I looked at Wally. “I’m still in the attic.”

“I’ve been trying to reach you,” Zombos said. “It’s your--“

A bolt of lightning flashed close to the mansion, and thunder boomed, rattling the dormer window open again.

“What’s that? I didn’t here you,” I said.

The west door to the attic slammed open. The tall, slim silhouette of a woman stood defiantly in the feeble light from the hall.

“It’s your sister. I tried to stop her. She’s on the way up!”

“Iloz! Where the hell are you?” she yelled.

Wally the bat let out a startled squeak and unfurled his wings. “Time to go! It’s been real!” He flew like a shot through the window.

As I closed it behind him I wished I had wings, too. My sister Trixie was coming closer.

To be continued...