Page 19 of Grave Danger

A twig snapped off to his right.

Cody’s heart raced and tingles spread across his scalp. He held his breath, every sense on alert as he stared out into the trees. Had something moved back in the shadows?

He considered calling out, but didn’t want to act like some idiot character from a horror movie. He also didn’t want to draw attention to himself just in case it was the mayor. Dealing with that fucking raccoon earlier had been enough for him for one day, thank you very much.

More sounds, and Cody could tell now it was the rustle of leaves as someone walked through the trees. Walked or shuffled? He couldn’t really tell, not with the buzzing that had started inside his head. However they were walking, they were coming right toward him. His mouth felt dry, and he had a sudden and powerful urge to pee. What the hell was he going to do?

A figure staggered out from behind a tree and made a deep and annoyed grunting sound. Cody’s heart nearly exploded from the rush of adrenaline, and he turned to run toward the road.

“Cody?”

He stopped and turned back. His voice shook slightly as he said, “Who is that? Who’s there?”

Oliver Berridge stepped out from behind a tree, flashing an aw-shucks kind of grin as he pushed his glasses up his nose. He was a couple years younger than Cody, with a messy thatch of sandy red hair, a light scruff the same color, and a trim and wiry build. He also annoyed Cody’s very soul, and even though Cody had no choice but to tolerate Ollie’s constant presence in his life, the damn kid was the last person Cody wanted to deal with at the moment.

“Ollie? Goddammit, you scared the fucking hell out of me.”

“Oh, did I scare big, bad Cody Bower?”

“Yeah, okay.” Cody glared then lifted a hand. “Bye.” He turned toward the road.

“Hey, wait!”

Cody stopped, keeping his back to Ollie and dropping his chin to his chest. His heart still pounded, but his breathing had evened out some. He listened as Ollie tromped closer, coming to a stop a few feet behind him.

“Come on, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. How the hell was I supposed to know you’d be out here?”

Cody faced him. “Fine. Apology grudgingly accepted. What the hell are you doing out here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“Okay. Bye.” Cody turned away again.

“All right!” Ollie said. When Cody stopped once more and turned back, Ollie continued. “I heard a little rumor around town about some strange stuff, and I was checking it out for a potential story for my blog, that’s all.”

“Yeah? What rumor?”

Ollie squinted and folded his arms. “What are you doing out here?”

“Enjoying the beautiful day in these lovely woods. And you?”

“I think you know what rumor I’m checking out.”

“Oh? And how would I know that? I’m not a crackerjack reporter like yourself.”

“Ex-crackerjack reporter,” Ollie said. “I think you’re out here checking out that rumor, too. You’re looking for the subject of the rumor, aren’t you?”

“What subject? Santa Claus?”

Ollie scowled. “You’re being even more obnoxious than usual—” His eyes suddenly widened, and he gasped as he pointed at Cody. “Oh my God, wait a minute. You do know about this, don’t you? Of course you do! You and Demetrius know all about this because the two of you always know about all the crazy shit this weird little town barfs up.”

Cody tried really hard to keep a straight face. “First of all, gross way to put it, don’t use that description in your blog post. Secondly, know about what? I have no idea what you’re talking about. Did you fall and hit your head while you’ve been out here playing cub reporter? What weird shit is going on in Parson’s Hollow now?”

Ollie stepped closer again. “You’re acting way too innocent. I know you pretty well, Cody Bower, and you’re putting on an act right now. Come on, we go back a long time. Spill it. What do you know?”

“Sorry, but I don’t know anything. What is it you think I should know?”

Ollie crossed his arms and tried to look casual. “Well, I’m not sure. What do you know that you don’t think I should know, but what I most likely would really want to know?”