Page 79 of Dark Obsession

“Oh, man, she was a tyrant, wasn’t she?”

They passed Casually Comfortable, the sweat pants and sweatshirts in the window making Cody feel hot just looking at them. Two middle-aged women left the store laughing together, each with a bag in hand. Marvelous Muffins next door was already closed because they opened way earlier than any employee should be expected to clock in, at least in Cody’s mind.

When they reached Margie’s, Cody opened the door for Demmy and followed him inside. Vicki Downing smiled from behind the counter, her blond hair in a ponytail and her white apron showing a few stains.

“Hi guys. Sit where you like and I’ll be right there. Iced teas?”

“I’ll just have water, please,” Demmy said. “Thanks, Vicki.”

“Yeah, water for me, too, Vick,” Cody added.

Their usual booth was taken, so they sat at one by the front window. Cody looked around the place, lingering on the group of twenty-somethings who had crowded into their normal spot.

“I feel really exposed up here by the windows,” Demmy said as he adjusted his position a few times. “And this cushion isn’t worn in the same way.”

“Damn spooky-loos took our booth,” Cody grumbled.

Demmy laughed. “I’m sorry, wait. Spooky-loos?”

Vicki brought their waters and silverware wrapped in paper napkins. “You guys doing anything fun tonight?”

“Meeting up with some friends,” Demmy said.

Cody cleared his throat as he looked over the menu, even though he knew every dish.

Demmy took the cue and said, “Fine, friends and a few acquaintances.”

He could feel the look Demmy was giving him, but didn’t meet his eye. Instead, he ordered chicken parmigiana, after which Demmy asked for fish and chips. Vicki made quick notes, took the menus, and headed for the kitchen.

“Back to this new phrase you casually tossed out. What’s a spooky-loo?”

“It’s like a looky-loo, but refers specifically to the people who come here just for the monster stuff.”

Demmy grinned, shaking his head. “You never cease to amaze me.”

“I like to keep things fresh.”

They talked about their business during dinner, Demmy pulling up the shared calendar on his phone as they planned out the next few days and looked ahead to the weekend. Cody wasn’t surprised when Demmy slipped in a suggestion about looking for more help, but he dreaded having to interview people.

Halfway through their meal, Margie came up to their table. “Evening, boys. How’s everything?”

“Delicious, as always,” Cody said. “How’s business?”

Margie looked around at the full tables and people waiting at the door. “Business is so good I had to help Johnny out in the kitchen for a while.”

“That’s great, right?” Demmy said.

“It is, but I think I’ll need to hire another couple of people if this keeps up. Vicki and I can’t handle all the tables on our own, and Johnny needs another pair of hands in the kitchen.”

“We were just talking about that ourselves,” Cody said, gesturing between Demmy and himself. “Too many critters, not enough catchers.”

She wiped her hands on her apron. “It’s a better problem to have than the alternative, isn’t it? Where are you boys off to after this?”

“We’re meeting up with the group at Clarabell’s,” Demmy said. “We’ve learned some things over the weekend.”

“Oh?” Margie started to sit beside Demmy, but a man at another table waved for her. “I’ll be back. I want to know what’s going on.”

They finished their meals, and Cody checked the time. “We’re going to need to leave.”