In a single file we entered the cemetery through the open gate. Bixby locked us inside, closing the iron structure behind us. He only did this because it was after dark, the cemetery was closed for the day, and he didn’t want trespassers inside doing god only knew what. In doing so, he said, “For our protection. We don’t want hoodlums and druggies inside the cemetery with us. The dead are safer to play with.”
Once the gate was locked, Bixby took his umbrella from Hatch for his use. He pulled a small, industrial-strength flashlight out of his jacket to lead us wherever he intended to take us inside the cemetery. Single file, Hatch followed behind Bixby, then me, and Nerdy Girl. The twins brought up the rear of our line. All of us had our cellulars illuminated in the rain.
Over his right s
