Stepping outside, the cold hit him like a solid wall, knocking the breath from his lungs. The wind howled through the trees, carrying with it the eerie creak of frozen branches. He tightened his grip on the hammer and flicked on the flashlight, sweeping the beam across the yard.
His breath fogged in the icy air as he moved cautiously toward the fence, eyes darting to the shadows where something—or someone—might be watching. At first, he saw nothing but snow-covered ground.