“Welcome to the neighborhood!” the woman chirped. “I’m Brenda. I live three doors down. Just brought you my famous tuna surprise.”
At exactly 3:00 PM, a dull thump echoed from the woods beyond the soccer field. The Serpent’s house disappeared in a cloud of smoke and righteous fire.
Ellie grabbed a butter knife, popped the lid off the dish, and stared at the tangled mess of wires inside. Red, blue, yellow. Standard. But the Serpent never did standard. She saw the trick—a secondary loop hidden under a blob of what looked like congealed cream of mushroom. Mrs. Undercover
“I knew you’d come,” a voice slithered from the shadows. The Serpent stepped out. He was thin, elegant, wearing the uniform of a substitute teacher. “I never believed you were dead, Eleanor. Domestic bliss is a far more creative punishment.”
Ellie didn’t flinch. She’d learned that fear was a scent, and predators could smell it. Instead, she pulled a small object from her pocket—a juice box. “Welcome to the neighborhood
“No. It’s a low-yield practice device. Disarm it, and you’re in.”
Brenda stepped inside. The moment the door closed, she dropped the smile. “Agent Phoenix. You’re harder to find than a needle in a haystack.” Just brought you my famous tuna surprise
“Good.” Ellie watched Leo and Mia climb onto the school bus, safe and oblivious. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a casserole to return.”