Page 74 of Dark Obsession

“Well, yes, the two of us. But also the whole group.”

Cody grabbed his football-shaped stress ball and leaned back again, tossing it in the air. “Dave and Ollie invited her to their wedding. Both times they held it.”

“Witnessing a mummy attack probably added more trauma to what she’s already been through.”

They were quiet a moment, Cody tossing the ball and catching it. “I’ve been thinking we need to call a group meeting.”

“Me, too.”

“And Zenona needs to tell all of us what she knows.”

“She’s not going to like that.”

Cody sighed. “I know.”

“You should give her a heads up about it first.”

“So she can skip the meeting?”

“So you don’t damage your friendship beyond repair.”

Cody grimaced as he nodded. “Yeah, all right.”

“There is another thing I’d like us to do together.”

He stopped tossing the ball and raised his eyebrows. “Repeat performance? I’ll need another Gatorade.”

“No.” Demetrius smiled and gave a quick shrug. “I mean, yeah, later. But I’d like us to go through that abandoned house again, together.”

“Think you missed something?”

Demetrius was grateful Cody didn’t make a smart comment about his suggestion. “Maybe. But it’s the first lead we had before this all started. I think it’s worth a follow-up.”

Cody stood and headed for the break room. “Let’s stop by home first and put the meat in the fridge. We can take one truck that way. I’m getting another Gatorade, you want one?”

“Yes, please.” Demetrius saved his document before shutting down the computer. He tidied his desk a bit and picked up his keys as he stood.

Cody stopped beside him to hand over a cold Gatorade, the plastic surface already slick with condensation. Then he leaned in for a slow, soft kiss.

“Ready?” Cody said when he moved back.

“Ready.”

Demetrius followed him out the door, locked it behind them, and headed for his truck.

They still had plenty of time until sunset when they reached the house. The clouds had cleared out, pushed east by gusts of wind, and the heat index had climbed. Even so, Demetrius shivered as he and Cody walked up the cracked driveway of the house on Shale Road. The tall weeds sprouting from most of the cracks brushed his bare legs. Insects buzzed around them, and somewhere out in the trees a blue jay screeched. He adjusted his grip on the water rifle, fingers tight on the plastic as garlic water sloshed in the reservoir.

They walked the perimeter first, inspecting access points and checking for tracks before approaching the side door. They saw no sign anyone had been inside since Demetrius had closed it behind him on Saturday. The marks were slightly weathered but stood out against the peeling and pitted door.

“Ready?” Cody asked.

“Yeah.” Demetrius gazed along the trees bordering the yard, trying to see deeper into the shadows.

“You sure?”

Demetrius nodded. “Just nervous, not sure why.”

“It’s a creepy old house. I’m nervous, too. But I want to get this done in the daylight. Basement first?”