Page 24 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“Careful. I smell like a swamp beast.”

“It's that lake water.” He pinches his nose, grinning playfully.

The pair burst into laughter.

“Mind if I grab a quick shower first? Robbie and I are going to run an errand this morning.”

“Go ahead.” Matthew swings his legs off the edge of the bed. “I’m going to call my salon manager and check in just once this week.” he chuckles.

Brendon shuffles out of the room and down the hall.

Matthew lifts the cordless phone receiver off its base. The thing is a relic since the existence of mobile phones. Dennis and Robbie keep a landline hooked up to the cabin in case of emergencies.

“Hello?” Daevon’s voice greets him groggily.

“Hey D, It's Matthew.”

“Matty!” His breath stretches into a grunt. “I had planned to call you yesterday but time got away from me.”

“Everything okay? My cell phone doesn’t work here.”

“Yes. The salon is great. Heather tried to take charge the first couple of days, but you'd be proud. I stood my ground.” Daevon giggles.

“Don’t let her bully you.” Matthew smiles. “She's a big teddy bear once you put her in her place.” Adam used to be the one to reel the wild busybody in.

“How is your vacation going?”

“It's magnificent.” He pulls the glass slider open and steps out to the balcony. The breeze tickling the leaves does the same to the hair down his body.

“Did everything go okay—yesterday?”

“It did—10 years come and gone.” Matthew doesn’t choke up this time. “Dennis and Robbie are spoiling everyone.” He redirects the conversation.

“Good. You deserve it.”

Matthew’s fingers twirl a pinch of chest hair. He realizes his neck feels unfamiliarly naked. His fingers search for the pendant, but can't find any trace of the stone or chain around his neck. His stomach clenches and his throat closes.

“Fuck,” he whispers. “I have to go, Daevon. Call me back at this number if you need anything.”

“You okay?” His soft southern twang rears.

“My Adam crystal!” He ends the call and tosses the receiver onto the bed.

Sickness rises from his belly and he swallows it back down. Dropping to his knees, he rakes his fingers through the shag rug under the bed and rummage through the pile of discarded clothes from last night. The pockets of his shorts are empty and the floor shows no trace of the missing treasure.

He hurries into a clean pair of denim shorts and a t-shirt before bounding down the stairs to the great room. He nearly slams Robbie into the stone fireplace when they collide, catching the jarred man before he topples over.

“Matty!” Robbie screeches.

“I'm sorry—I lost my pendant last night.” His eyes wildly scan the floors and couch.

“Shit!” Dennis emerges from the bedroom. “It's okay. We’ll find it! Perry?! he calls down the hall. “Phoenix, Eli! Get up!” he shouts down the stairwell.

Matthew’s bare feet slap across the hardwood floors and out to the stone patio. He inspects every inch of the ground as he crosses the grassy knoll and starts down the trail toward the lake.

Chapter 11

Antiques

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