Page 38 of Ancient Obsession

Cody got into his truck, started the engine and, with a wave, drove out of the parking lot.

“That was nice of him,” Dave said, turning toward Oliver’s EcoSport.

“Yeah, it was.”

In deference to Dave’s longer legs, Robin climbed into the backseat. Oliver considered all that had happened since he’d parked there in the morning. With the events of the day tumbling in his mind, he exited the parking lot and headed for Thorndale.

CHAPTER TEN

The following day, Dave worked from home. Things were too unbalanced for him to feel comfortable going into the office an hour away. Oliver didn’t have classes on Thursdays, so Dave let him sleep in, keeping quiet as he moved around the apartment. He made a large omelet, stuffing it with green pepper, onion, chopped-up deli ham, and cheddar cheese. After cutting it in half, he moved one to another plate and set both on the table. Adding two large mugs filled with coffee, he went to the bedroom and eased the door open.

Oliver was sitting up in bed, glasses on and swiping through his phone. He smiled and set it on his bare chest.

“Hi.”

Dave kissed the top of his head. “Good morning. I made breakfast.”

“You are the most amazing fiancé.”

“I bet you say that to all your fiancés.”

Oliver thought a moment. “You’re right I do.” He threw the covers aside and got to his feet. Standing on his toes, he gave Dave a kiss. “But with you, I mean it.”

“I’m overcome with gratitude.” He tugged his hand. “Come on, it’s getting cold.”

Dave returned to the kitchen. A short time later, Oliver joined him, dressed in joggers and a t-shirt.

“Thank you for breakfast.”

“You’re welcome. You’ve had a very stressful return to college.”

“That’s for sure.”

They ate in silence for a time. Oliver was even more quiet than usual since the mummy incident, often staring off into space. A few times, Dave had had to repeat himself, and when they ate something late the night before, Oliver had really only pushed his food around.

“Have any epiphanies overnight?”

“About the missing mummy or the murder?” Oliver shook his head. “There’s a sentence I never expected to say in my lifetime.”

They laughed together. Oliver took another bite and chewed thoughtfully. “The theft and the murder have to be connected somehow. It’s too coincidental not to be.”

“I agree. But who and why?”

“The age-old question.”

“Think anyone else on the team will talk with you? What about Vera? The way you said Dr. Brennan treated her, it sounds like she could have a good reason to hold a grudge.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Dave hesitated. “What are you thinking about?”

Oliver set down his fork. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. When he put his glasses on again, he met Dave’s gaze. “What if I caused something to happen because I…touched it?”

“Hey, you can’t take any of the blame for this, okay?”

“Yeah.” He picked up his fork again but didn’t take a bite.

“I’m serious, babe. None of this is your fault.”