Troy looked up in confusion. It did not sound like the intruder alarm. That one was a loud, jarring buzz. This was an incessant bell-like sound, similar to a telephone someone refuses to answer. “What the hell is that noise,” said Cordelia, wrinkling her nose and jamming fingers into both her ears. Fear settled in the pit of her stomach as she realized what was making that sound. A flashing light caught her eye, shining through the gaps in the desk drawer. The metallic disc she had dislodged from the blackberry bush was lighting up rhythmically as it sounded what was evidently an alarm. She hoped to God it was not about to detonate and maim her entire family. She wished she had left the thing where it lay in the tangle of brambles. Mary walked over and opened the desk drawer, plucking out the little jingling object. “Mom! No!” Cordelia yelled. Mary jumped slightly, startled by her daughter.
