EVEN THOUGH THEY'D BOTH BEEN EXPECTING IT, Hammond and Barbara Trace gave a little start when the knock came at their door. Before responding, they gave each other a look from opposite ends of the couch. Not having spoken or moved since late afternoon, they realized for the first time evening had swallowed them in its shadows. "Guess we oughta' turn some lights on," Hammond observed as he got to his feet. Barbara offered no reply.
"Coming!" Hammond called. He flipped on the switches for the lights in the entrance hail and the front stoop. "Sorry about that," he apologized as he opened the door. "Hope I didn't startle you. Should've had the outside light on for you ...