Page 52 of Last Resort

“Which makes me wonder—where’s the actual money stashed?”

“I’m betting on Teag to figure out those markings on the chips. The question is—does Carr have some other way of finding the location?” Ben took a drink of his Coke and hoped the sugar and caffeine would give him a boost.

“If he’s been dabbling with magic or is doing a witch’s bidding, the answer is probably ‘yes.’ So we need to be extra careful,” Erik replied.

Ben rose and pulled Erik into his arms. “I’m sorry that things got so crazy. We don’t seem to catch a break. When this is over, let’s go away for a little bit, spend a long romantic weekend somewhere without ghosts or mobsters.”

Erik managed a weak chuckle. “Doesn’t that require leaving New Jersey?”

Ben ran a hand through Erik’s hair. “Maybe. But we’ll go somewhere they’re not interested in us.”

“I’d really like that.”

Ben heard the weariness in Erik’s voice. “The timing’s been all wrong. I’m sorry if the move made everything worse.”

Erik pushed back far enough to look in Ben’s eyes. “Are you kidding? It’s the only thing saving my sanity, that you’re here with me, that we’ve made this commitment. Just having your things here even if you’re not reminds me that I’m not alone.”

Ben knew he felt that reassurance, but part of him had been afraid to hope that Erik did too. “Being with you makes me happy. Home is with you.” He gave Erik a gentle kiss just as the oven timer dinged.

“Go ahead and put the pizza in.” Ben reluctantly let go. “I’m starving.”

The pizza was as good as it smelled and he and Erik polished it off. They took the beers into the living room and turned on the television, not really caring what they watched. The series on ancient architecture continued, comfortable background noise and an uncomplicated distraction. Ben sat sideways on the couch so that Erik was between his legs lying back on his chest, but neither of them made an attempt for more intimacy, just glad to be together.

Two beers later, they both were nodding off. Ben pressed a kiss to Erik’s temple. “C’mon, sleepyhead. I can’t carry you to bed. Let’s get some sleep and make a fresh start tomorrow.”

Erik let Ben guide him to their room and they fumbled through getting undressed and cleaning up before collapsing into bed. Ben thought the mattress had never felt more comfortable, and he suspected Erik was even more spent.

“Hang in there,” he said quietly, not sure Erik was even awake to hear him. “We’ll get to the bottom of this. I promise I’ll keep you safe.”

As he drifted off to sleep, Ben hoped with all his heart that he could keep his vow.

EIGHT

ERIK

The sharp tang of pine surrounded Erik, and a brisk wind made him shiver. He looked around, deep inside an unfamiliar forest, searching for Ben.

Panic fluttered in his chest, and his lungs burned as he took rapid breaths of the cold air. He felt dark power rising around him, prickling his skin and making his hair rise.

Erik didn’t need to be a medium to know the forest held its share of ghosts and that he had attracted their attention. Gray figures flitted between the trees, circling as if sizing him up, waiting to make a move.

In the distance, Erik heard running footsteps crashing through the brush. Friend or foe? He wasn’t sure and reached for the gun in his waistband.

A shot rang out, loud in the silence of the forest. Erik stumbled, biting back a cry of pain. He felt blood start down his left arm where the bullet grazed him. He dodged behind a tree, searching for his attacker, still trying to make sense of what was going on?—

“Erik! Wake up, babe,” Ben coaxed. “You’re safe. We’re home. C’mon—wake up.”

Erik groaned as the scene around him faded. His head throbbed. “Vision,” he managed.

Ben’s worried gaze told him that his reaction hadn’t been quiet. “Okay. I’ll get you something to drink, and we can talk later.”

Erik’s right hand went to touch his left arm but came away without blood. “I got shot?—”

“We’re going to keep that from happening,” Ben promised. “I’ll be right back.”

He returned moments later with orange juice and a cookie. “Here. Take your time.”

Erik accepted the glass and snack and ate carefully, trying not to have the food come back up. Ben waited in silence, not rushing him. Finally, Erik gave back the glass.

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