Michelle didn't fear the dark.

No, she loved the rich sensual delights of darkness. But she couldn't hide from other fears that sent her heart racing into panic.

One deep breath in and Michelle stuck her head and shoulders through the hole under the abandoned house. It was definitely dark in there and a little damp. She squeezed the rest of her through the small hole in the foundation of the house and into the crawl space, seeking a mother cat and kittens a kind neighbor had seen coming and going, taking shelter. She pulled in a cat carrier and eyed the space. At least she was out of the brisk wind that blew on this late winter day and the mounds of snow piled up. But nothing could stop the thoughts that resurrected, prompting claustrophobia.