Page 49 of Hot Ghoul Summer

Sera smirks. “I told you he was a good guy. He’d be awesome husband material.”

I just blush.

I BLINK INTO GARY GARMIN’S hotel room. He’s got fresh bruises, and one hand is a mass of tape. Mr. Cross’s spy has had at least one encounter with Molly’s ex-stepfather.

His better hand (which is still not good) dials with shaking fingers. “Theo! She called me. She’s at the house, still.”

“Bull. Shit. We tried to burn her out. Nothing. Emptied half the street, and she ain’t there. You’re lying.”

“I—I’m not, but I told her she had to meet a friend of mine to pick up some important papers. Important papers like a—a fake passport so she can get out of the country! Name the place, and she’ll be there tomorrow morning.”

I cross my arms and scowl. Garmin lies incredibly well. He’s fast on his feet. I see how Molly was duped by him once. I see why she might have trust issues after living with a man who lies as easily as breathing.

Cross’ voice is electric with excitement. “Make it tomorrow evening. I don’t want anyone watching—except you. You’re gonna come pay me a visit, Garmin. If your little angel doesn’t show up, you can take her place. I don’t think you’ll be as much fun to play with, but I have some real nice psychos on the payroll.”

My skin crawls just at the sound of Cross’ laughter.

“I... I’m...”

“You’ll be there, or the guy tailing you is going to put a bullet in your brain. Okay?”

“Okay,” Garmin squeaks miserably. “Where do I tell her to meet you?”

“Angler Trail, heading toward Presque Island. No one’ll be on that deserted road after dark when the ferry has finished running.”

“But, she won’t go alone after dark. I mean... I mean she’s going to know you’re looking for her. She killed your brother,” Garmin lies, beads of sweat flowing down his radish-hued face.

“Tell her you’ll meet her there. She won’t be alone, then.”

Another whimper. Garmin paces. He checks the door of his motel room, opening it just a crack.

A car’s lights immediately illuminate the room.

He’s still got that tail, all right. Cornered, Garmin gives in.

That’s convenient. We may be able to combine both parts of Molly’s plan into one single, glorious attack.

TOBY POPS BACK BESIDE me as Gary’s call comes through. “Uh. Meet my friend on Angler Trail, heading toward Presque Island. You know it?”

“No, but I’ll find it. What time?”

“Eight o’clock tomorrow night.”

“At night? Why so late?”

“He’s uh— waiting for me! Good news! I’ll be there, too, Molly. I h-have to sign something.”

“Aren’t you too injured to travel? You were airlifted out just a few days ago.”

“It’s important. I have to be there, but you can see why it’ll take me so long to arrive, what with my accident and all. Will you be there?” he demands, voice short and broken, panting from his injuries and probably from fright.

“Well... Okay,” I pretend to think about it and then give in.

Garmin hangs up and Toby vanishes again to make sure that my answer is relayed to Cross.

It is.

All that’s left to do is wait until tomorrow night, when Toby, Musketeer, Sera, and a ghost named Gloria will convince Theo Cross that I’m dead and scare my horrible ex-stepfather straight. Or to death. At this point, I’m not too picky.

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