Page 109 of Dead Heat

“Pro tip,” Ashley said. “She’s a big fan of Hungry Hungry Hippos. If you want to see her competitive side, bust that out and prepare yourself for bloodshed.”

“Thanks. I never would have guessed.”

“There was only bloodshed one time because Steven got his finger caught in the mouth trying to steal a marble,” Nana Pratt mumbled.

Phaedra and Ashley left, and I sat on the step of the front porch and observed the changed landscape. From my vantage point, the yard looked much the same, apart from a few small mounds of dirt that weren’t there this morning.

“Do you feel any better?” Ray asked.

I twisted to look at him. “Do you?”

“I’m not the one in danger.”

That wasn’t true, but I saw no reason to quibble. Sharing my concerns would only make him feel worse.

“If we build it, they will come,” Nana Pratt said.

Ray and I swiveled to face her. “Wrong sentiment, Ingrid.”

“But it’s from the movie you like,” she protested.

“Field of Dreams, yes, but in this scenario, we don’t want them to come. We’re building up the defenses so that, if they come…”

“When,” I interrupted. “When they come.”

“We’re building up our defenses so that when they come, we’re ready for them.”

Nana Pratt’s gaze came to rest on me. “And are we ready, Lorelei?”

I released a steadying breath. “As ready as we’ll ever be.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Kane wasunapologetic about his early arrival for Game Night. He swept into the Castle carrying a bottle of Puck’s Pleasure and a box.

“It isn’t called Game Afternoon,” I said, although inwardly I was pleased by his decision. I was doing my level best to treat this like any other day and not succumb to negative thoughts. Kane’s presence would help with that.

“As much as I’d like to be selfish and limit the evening hours to only ourselves, I understand your desire for company.” He set the box on the kitchen table, and I burst into laughter at the name of the game.

“Battle for Souls? Seriously?”

He glanced at the box. “What? It’s a card game.”

“It’s your life,” I stressed.

Ray cleared his throat as he entered the kitchen. “I hate to interrupt, but you should know there’s a pretty blonde lady outside the gate.”

“Pretty blonde like Barbie or pretty blonde like Grace Kelly?”

“Barbie.”

“That would be Posy. She’s the recruiter for The Corporation.”

“I take back what I said,” Ray said. “She’s hideous.”

“She can be pretty and still be part of an evil global organization.” Addison had been attractive in that romcom sidekick way.

“I know, but I refuse to pay her any compliments on principle.”

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