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Across town from where Denise was having a breakthrough on the murders, Vern sat alone in his study.

After taking some of the stronger pills his doctor had prescribed, he sipped his favorite bourbon, ice clinking in his glass. With the clock winding down on his mortality, he thought hard, taking stock of his life.

The walls of plaques and citations were proof of a successful career. And next to his computer, photos of Doreen, Carrie, Luke, Emily—frozen forever in frames from Walmart—were further proof of a life well lived. His eyes crinkled. He almost smiled before taking another sip of bourbon.

But thinking of that reporter, Denise, the edges of his thick, silver mustache drooped. She was good at her job, like a dog with a bone—asking Hyde’s mother about her finances, talking to Cecil Pratt, then asking a lot of questions.

Troubling questions.

He turned his glass contemplatively on his desk.

It’s all coming apart.

He stared into his bourbon, telling himself that he’d tried to do what needed to be done.

What was right for my family.

Looking at Carrie, smiling at him from the framed photos, he took another drink, feeling it flow through him. It might’ve been the whiskey and medication, but slowly he saw Carrie’s face dissolve into…that of a witch…pulling him back…to that night…

…driving his pickup to the dance hall after the Halloween party…the music thumping…kids in costume everywhere. Emerging from ghosts, vampires and monsters, Carrie the wicked witch climbs into the truck…pulling off her hat…sitting there, with her pointed nose and cape, staring straight ahead… Something is wrong…

“Did you have a nice time?”

Seconds pass…music thumping… Carrie staring at nothing before turning to him…

“I had a great time, Dad.”

He doesn’t believe her…something’s not right—she radiates with tension…she’s trembling…tears glistening and streaking her cheap green face paint… The darkness comes alive in his headlights…sparkling…two glittering cheerleaders walk around his pickup—later he’ll remember them as Erin Eddowes and Abby Hall. They’re staring at Carrie…telegraphing secrets…eyeing him with intensity…