Page 39 of Ancient Obsession

“Even if I…” Oliver shrugged and wrinkled his nose. “Woke it up?”

“Yes, even if your touch woke it up. You didn’t do it on purpose, and you were helping out the team.”

“I know.” He shuddered. “I can still feel it on my fingertips sometimes.”

“It sounds really gross. Is that what’s been on your mind?”

Oliver blushed. “You’ve noticed?”

“Like it or not, I know you.”

“I like it.” Oliver’s smile was small but relieved.

“Good.” Dave lowered his voice. “Was there any kind of reaction that you could tell?”

“Like movement?”

“That, or maybe a spark or something?”

“No, nothing like that. I just felt the bandages and the bone underneath.”

“Which bone was it?” Dave made a face. “Was it his…?”

“No!” They laughed quietly together before Oliver continued. “It was his forearm because I was up around his shoulders. Vera took samples of whatever got all over us, so I do want to talk with her and see if she figured out what it was.” Oliver took a long drink of coffee. “And I’d also like to talk to Samira about the scroll that had been sealed in with the mummy. Maybe it contains information that could at least explain why someone stole the body.”

“You’re treating this like a typical Parson’s Hollow monster case and planning a lot of your own investigation,” Dave said. “Just remember the Glenmont police don’t know you like Lucia does. You’ll need to be more careful.”

“I know. I won’t get carried away. And I realize I shouldn’t get too wrapped up in it all, but…” Oliver shrugged.

“But you were questioned by the police and now you feel a driving need to prove your innocence and figure out what’s really going on.”

Oliver stared at him, speechless.

“Like I said, I know you, my love.”

“Jeez. I don’t think even I considered it quite like that.”

“Am I wrong?” Dave asked.

“Well…no. But that doesn’t mean I have to like hearing it.”

“It was said with love.”

He still looked a little stunned. Dave carried the plates and flatware to the sink. “What are your plans for the day?”

“There’s no wedding stuff that needs to be done, is there?”

Dave smiled as he shook his head. “We’re all caught up for now.” Oliver wanted to marry him, he knew that, but he wasn’t the best when it came to checking off boxes on a list.

“I was thinking of going to campus and see if I can track down Vera or Samira.”

“I wish I could go with you, but I have some important meetings today.”

“It’s okay. I know Robin has classes today, so they should be somewhere around campus.”

“Good. I like Robin. They seem really genuine.”

“They are. Leans in a bit too hard on the caffeinated beverages, but a good person all around.”