Sweet Dreams by William W. Johnstone Page A

just as hard to avoid bumping into each other.
    Maryruth finally sat down on the edge of the bed and began laughing.
    Jerry looked at her. “What? . . .”
    She looked up at him and shook her head as she ran her fingers through her tangled black hair. “Jerry, do you have any idea how foolish you look standing there with your shirt buttoned wrong, wearing one shoe and no pants?”
    A grin slowly split his face. “May I tell you that you are a beautiful lady?”
    â€œAnd may I tell you that you are a handsome man?”
    They laughed at each other.
    Maryruth had managed to find her jeans and put them on, but her bra was missing and she was naked from the waist up.
    â€œI think it’s in the hall,” Jerry said.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYour bra.”
    â€œJesus!” She laughed and then sobered for a moment. “Are you sorry it happened, Jerry?”
    â€œNo. Don’t be silly.”
    â€œI’m not sorry. I’ve never experienced postcoital depression.”
    â€œNor I.” Jerry found his trousers and put them on with as much dignity as he could muster, considering the situation and his awareness that Maryruth’s eyes followed his every movement.
    â€œYou have a nice derrière, Jerry.” She grinned, knowing what his reaction would be.
    She was not disappointed. “Good God, Maryruth,” he said.
    She laughed at him. “It’s true, though. You think men are the only ones who appreciate a trim butt?”
    â€œI really haven’t given that much thought,” he said, zipping up his trousers. Then he chuckled. “I . . .”
    Frantic banging on the front door put a damper on the conversation. Maryruth worked hurriedly at the buttons of her blouse and looked around the room for her tennis shoes.
    â€œShit!” she said, unable to find the shoes.
    â€œI’ll get it,” Jerry said. He took a closer look at her. “Love the way your nipples look under that thin shirt.”
    â€œGet out of here,” she grinned. “Stall whoever it is for a minute, will you?”
    On the doorstep, Jerry saw the kids, both dressed in pajamas, frightened looks on their young faces, but then what caught his eyes and held his attention was a huge ball of light, bobbing just on the edge of the yard.
    â€œWhat in the hell is that?” he blurted.
    â€œThen you can see it?” Heather asked.
    Before he could reply to her question, Maryruth joined him on the porch. She gasped at the strange sight.
    â€œYou can see it, too?” Marc asked.
    â€œOf course I can see it. But what in the world is it?”
    â€œThe other adults can’t see it,” Heather said. “Please let us in before the light catches us.”
    Jerry waved the kids inside and they scampered into the house, relief evident on their faces.
    â€œWe gotta talk,” Heather blurted. “You’re not going to believe what’s been happening to us tonight.”
    â€œWhat is that . . . thing out there?” Maryruth persisted.
    â€œWe don’t know,” both kids replied.
    â€œDo your parents know where you are?” Jerry asked.
    â€œNo,” Heather answered. “They’re all unconscious.”
    â€œWhat!” Maryruth exclaimed.
    Maryruth and Jerry listened intently, incredulous looks growing on their faces as the boy and girl blurted out their tales. The doctors exchanged glances of disbelief. Maryruth led the kids into the den and sat them down. Then she went into the kitchen and, with Jerry helping, fixed glasses of milk and a plate of cookies. While the kids snacked, Jerry had them repeat their stories.
    Nothing changed during the second telling. Jerry went to the den window and looked out. The light still bobbed above the sidewalk in front of Maryruth’s house.
    â€œDolls and teddy bears that come alive?” he muttered. “Toy soldiers with real guns that shoot? A door that changes into gym