What is that? Sounds like a conga line.“I liked it better when it was just Chad up there. No noise whatsoever.” Konrad rose from his chair and stared at the ceiling. “Or maybe thatisChad? I wonder if he’s trying to get somebody’s attention.”
If Joe and the witches weren’t home, Konrad would probably be the only one to hear him. Or Dottie…oh crap. If Dottie hears the noise, she’ll pitch a fit.
He sighed. “I’d better get up there and see what’s going on.”
Konrad took the stairs two at a time. When he arrived at the door to apartment 3A, he knocked loudly. The noise stopped. He waited another moment or two, and when the noise didn’t resume, he started down the stairs.
Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump.
“What the?” He jogged back up to the door and banged on it again. “What the hell is going on in there? Chad? Are you trying to communicate with someone?”
The noise stopped again. Konrad sighed. He’d have to come up with some way to talk to Chad. One thump for yes and two for no?
As he was deliberating, the door opened a crack, and Joe peered out at him.
“Oh, hey, Joe. I didn’t know you were home. What was that racket? I thought Chad was trying to get someone’s attention.”
“Uh, no,” he said.
A naked Gwyneth came into view. She looked like a redheaded Lady Godiva. “Who is it, Joe, honey?”
“Oh!” Konrad snapped to attention. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were…entertaining.”
Joe looked over his shoulder at Gwyneth and grinned. “It’s Konrad. I guess we were making too much noise.”
“Oh, my goodness! If Konrad could hear us, then Dottie probably can, bless her heart. She’ll be madder than a bottle full of bees.” Gwyneth came to the door, still naked and completely unabashed. “Thanks for lettin’ us know, Konrad. I wouldn’t want my research to get Joe into trouble.”
Konrad scratched his head. “Research? What kind of research?”
“Oh, it’s for my book. I’m writin’ erotica now.”
He raised his eyebrows.
Joe chuckled. “I’ve never been so happy to be someone’sresearchassistant before.”
Konrad couldn’t hold it in any longer and let out a booming laugh.
Gwyneth frowned and crossed her arms under her pale breasts. “I have to do somethin’ to pay the rent. I don’t have enough education to get a fancy job.”
Joe stepped out from behind the door and put his arm around her. He was wearing boxers, thank goodness. “You’re quite well educated in this field, sweetheart. You’ll make a fine erotica writer.”
“I know it was your idea, and I’m grateful and everything, but I still don’t spell worth a hoot.”
Joe stroked her shoulder. “You don’t need to know how to spell, these days. The computer will correct your spelling automatically. And anything you miss, your editor will catch.”
She inhaled. “I guess. At least I’m enjoyin’ the research part of it.” She giggled and pinched his nipple. “Now can we go back and finish it?”
Konrad stepped away from the door. “Hey, don’t let me stop you. I’m going out soon, anyway. Have fun, kids.”
“Oh, we will!” Gwyneth said and giggled.
***
Chad floated through the witches’ kitchen and eventually settled atop their refrigerator.
“Morgaine, you know I hate to complain, but…”
Morgaine laughed and continued stirring her soup. Chad had thought it was a potion bubbling in an iron pot on the stove, until she tasted it.
