Part I The final echoes of children’s laughter faded down the street, blending with the rustling of dry autumn leaves as Simon stood on his porch, surveying the quiet neighborhood. The air was crisp, the scent of dying leaves and faint smoke from distant bonfires carried on the breeze. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he glanced down at the nearly empty candy bowl. Just a few stray pieces of cheap chocolate and ...