Page 65 of Black Hollow: Awakening

Someone pounded on the front door.

Will nearly had a heart attack. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, then walked into the front hall.

“Who’s there?” he asked uncertainly, with no intention of opening the door. Blake had forbidden it, after all.

“Liam.”

For a moment, Will was about to open it, but he stopped himself. He was surprised and skeptical. He thought he recognized Liam’s voice, but he’d heard enough about mimics, masking spells, and that sort of thing to play it safe.

“Okay…” he muttered slowly, moving closer to the door. “How did you torment me over the last year?”

“What?”

Right, Liam might not know that. Or rather, theoretically he knew, but practically he might not understand the question.

“When we were at Norma’s party…” Will offered instead. “What did you suggest? I mean, with Oscar.”

“To make him jealous?” Liam answered, or rather asked, clearly confused.

Will opened the door and let him in.

“Did you not recognize me or what?” Liam snorted in amusement.

“I wasn’t sure,” Will replied, shrugging. “It could have been some mimic with a penchant for murder or something.”

Liam chuckled softly.

“I see your supernatural education is coming along nicely,” he commented, taking off his jacket. Will watched him attentively. “Except a murderous mimic probably wouldn’t impersonate a guy like me, but some snobby pretty-boy. Like Blake.”

“Then he’d be out of luck, because I wouldn’t let Blake in.”

Liam laughed even louder.

“So… what’s up?” Will asked uncertainly, watching his friend take off his shoes.

“Nothing. I thought I’d hang out with you, make you feel safe.”

“I do feel safe.”

Liam raised a corner of his mouth in a smile that seemed to say: bullshit.

“Okay, fine, I felt safe,” Will corrected himself. “A few hours ago, before Blake started talking about phone calls from the future and murder attempts. Do you believe what he was saying?”

“I believe that he believes it. I have no idea if he’s right.”

Will hung up Liam’s jacket.

“Want something to drink?” he offered, glad to have someone with him.

“No, thanks,” Liam replied, looking around with curiosity.

“Okay. So… living room? Or do you prefer the kitchen?”

“Can I see your room?”

That was… a strange request.

“Why?” Will asked, suspicious.