Page 85 of Love at First Fright

Charlie leaned against the counter. “Well, we might be able to trade a book to get the monitor back. I’ve got a strong sense that the ghost in the library likes books.”

Brad slammed the fridge door shut hard enough to rattle the handle. “Listen, I think you and I need a break from each other.”

Poor Charlie looked startled. Hurt flickered across his face before he masked it.

Yes, Brad. Fuck off now.

“I think you should go into town and buy some food.”

No! Not like that!

“What? Why me?”

“So I can keep working.” Brad gestured to the cut on his forehead. “Plus, I might be concussed or something.”

“Well, I might be concussed from yesterday!”

“There’s only three teabags left.”

A sharp gasp came from the other room. Molly, reacting to the crisis.

Charlie’s nose wrinkled. “Fine, then. I could use a break. But I’m taking your car.”

“You can drive?”

“Of course I can!”

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

I wanted to shout at Charlie that it wasn’t fine, that I couldn’t follow him into town, that he shouldn’t agree to leave. But I didn’t. I just folded my arms and pouted like a pathetic ghost with abandonment issues.

Charlie marched out of the kitchen.

Marched straight back in again.

“Um… so I need money.” Pink flushed across his cheeks, but his jaw stayed stubborn. “For food. And your keys.”

Brad dug through his utility belt, producing his keys and wallet. He handed Charlie a twenty-pound note.

Charlie’s hands remained outstretched.

Brad reluctantly added a ten. “But none of that vegan crap!” He gave Charlie a suspicious look.

Charlie turned without another word. I floated after him down the corridor, through the entrance hall, following him into the garden.

All too soon, he’d pass that threshold that bound me inside it. Sudden fear spiked through me, cold and prickly.

“Wait!”

He paused halfway down the path, twisting to face me.

“You’re… you’re coming back, right?” I asked him.

I really wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t. Brad was unbearable. The manor was dangerous. And he was being haunted by a pitiful creep who couldn’t stop touching him.

Charlie sighed heavily. “Yes, Bat. I’ll come back.”