His sentence trailed off towards the end, as Jess, towering over them with authority, extinguished his attempt to leave with a scowl. The surreal atmosphere eased slightly when they heard a car veering and abruptly braking in the driveway. Someone turned off the engine, slammed the car door, and hurried toward the house with heavy steps. Inserting the key into the lock, they let the door slide shut behind them and rushed into the living room.