Hellboy's Halloween

Author's notes: Couldn't resist reposting this with a post-Golden Army epilogue…

Somewhere in New Mexico
Monday, October 31, 1949

Linda's doorbell rang for what must have been the millionth time, but that really didn't bother her. She loved passing out candy on Halloween. She went to the door to find a gentleman in a three-piece tweed suit escorting a rather large boy dressed up as Superman.

"Trick-or-treat!" enthusiastically shouted the boy as he held out the pillowcase he was collecting his treats in, "Got any Baby Ruth bars in there?"

"Son, I told you to stop asking that question every house we go to," said the man in what Linda discerned as a British accent, "I apologize for his rudeness, ma'am, but that is his favorite candy."

"It just so happens that it's my favorite too," Linda said, noting the difference in accent between father and son. "And who are you supposed to be disguised as?" she asked the boy as she fished around in her bowl of treats for the requested Baby Ruth bar.

"I'm Superman, can't you tell? I like Superman. I want to be strong like him when I grow up and protect people just like he does. And now I get to go around and get candy just like the other kids."

Linda laughed. Obviously, this was the young boy's first time out. She dropped two Baby Ruth bars into his bag. "I'm sure if you eat enough of these you will grow very big and strong."

"Gee, thanks, lady." The boy turned away and ran down the steps.

"Your son is very cute, sir. Do you live around here? I don't think I recognize you."

"We don't reside in this exact neighborhood, but have lived in an area near here for several years. Thank you for your generosity. Believe me, this is a very special night for him. My job places so many requirements and restrictions on me that we don't get to do things like this very often."

The man turned and joined the young boy who was eager to go on to another house.

As she started to go back in, Linda heard the man's voice. "Son, believe me, it is very rude to keep asking people if they have Baby Ruth bars. At the next house graciously accept what is offered."

Linda turned back and watched father and son approach another house. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she knew there was something really different about that pair.

Laughing quietly to herself, she walked back in and closed her door.