Page 48 of Hot Ghoul Summer

“He’ll take my mom.”

Toby stills. “He would, yeah.”

“We have to do something else—something to make him call off the hunt for me.”

“He won’t do that unless you’re dead,” Toby says, tightening his grip.

I think for a moment. “Well. Then let’s make him think I am.”

Chapter Fourteen: Bait

It all starts very simply, with a question, “Besides Sera, what other kinds of magical people do you know? Would any of them help in a pinch?”

“Pine Ridge is one of the nicest communities for the paranormal population,” I say, shuffling my feet. “I don’t know anyone but Sera well, but she knows a bunch of folks that could be useful. What’s your plan?”

And then, Molly gives me a crafty grin and lays it out for me.

She is so witty. So smart. When I’m in a jam, about to get sold up the river (by my own hand, I admit), she has a plan, just like the Molly I once knew.

With the help of Sera and her friends from Pine Ridge, we’re going to give Theo Cross, Gary Garmin, and any other bastards who show up the fright of their lives.

“HI, GARY. THE BEACH house is just beautiful. But where are you?” I ask in my most innocent idiot voice.

Gary chokes. “Wha-what?”

“I love it! It’s so nice here. And the guy, that real estate agent you told to show me around was super helpful, but he had no idea where you were, either. The hospital said you never checked in there.”

“I... I was airlifted! Yeah, to another hospital. I’m doing much better.”

“But the house is still mine, right?”

“Yes! Yes, it is. Um. But you need the deed. I’ll tell you where to meet another of my real estate pals, okay? Mr. Cross. Theo Cross.”

My eyes shift across the table to Toby and Sera. They exchange a look.

“Stupid and a scumbag,” Sera sums it up succinctly.

I think she’s going to be one of my besties if I move to Pine Ridge.

“Mr. Cross? Where’s his office?” I ask in the same brainless voice.

“Uh. It... I’m not sure of the address. Let me call him and call you back.” Gary hangs up on me without giving me a chance to reply.

“That’s my cue.” Toby kisses my forehead and vanishes.

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