Page 102 of Dark Obsession

“Oh, um, thanks.”

Marlowe turned to Cody, and he said, “I owe you a pint,” and he held out an arm, pointing to the crook of his elbow.

She grinned and shook her head, then moved on to Dave and Oliver, shaking hands with them before she approached Lucia and Gayle, Liam trailing after her like a puppy. Demetrius watched as Lucia got slowly to her feet, wincing. She shook Marlowe’s hand.

“Thank you,” Lucia said. “You made all the difference.”

In between the comings and goings of the first responders, Marlowe and Liam slipped out the door and vanished.

“My God!” Margie stood in the doorway, staring around in shock with her hands against her cheeks and tears running down her face. “My diner!”

Demetrius went up to her, Cody right behind him.

“Margie, I’m sorry⁠—”

Demetrius wasn’t able to finish because Margie cried out and grabbed them both in a strong hug.

“Boys! Oh my God, I’m so glad you’re both all right.”

“Sorry about your diner,” Demetrius finally said.

Margie released them and looked around again, shaking her head. “It’s terrible, but I’m well-insured. And I made sure there were no clauses or statements about coverage being denied for uprisings or monster activity.” She lifted her chin a bit. “You know how Gordon can be with his policies.”

Demetrius started laughing, and he couldn’t seem to stop for a very long time.