Fall Frenzy: McGregor House

    Everyone knew the McGregor house. It wasn't just because it loomed over the end of Cassie's subdivision, or the fact that it rose behind the rows of identical gray, brick red, and yellow sideboard homes like a cloud. 

      It was the stories.

     They seemed to grow each year much like the ivy on the sides of the house.

     Years ago they dared each other to run past it, or tag the fence. People always said Cooper Austin rang the doorbell once but no one really believed it.

     So, when Ryder didn't come when Cassie called him, and she saw the loose fence board her heart sank. She and her brother Brady set out  to search the neighborhood knowing that at some point they would have no choice. And even after calling Ryder's name for what seemed like hours, knocking on doors, shaking Ryder's treat bag, and even ending up and the end of the court they still couldn't admit to each other what they knew needed to be done.

      Cassie kicked the curb absentmindedly.

     "There's only one place left to check."

     Cassie bit her lip.

     "You're gonna come with me, right?"

     It was dusk now.

     She saw his head nod.