Page 65 of Dead Heat

“Because he needs a place to stay until he can figure out his next steps.”

Nana Pratt frowned in dismay. “First a zombie hand and now this?”

“Claude isn’t a zombie. He’s a revenant. Besides, you like Claude.”

“He’s helpful around the house,” she replied. “I don’t think Max will be as useful. He looks messy.”

“I didn’t invite him here to be useful. I invited him to keep him safe.”

Ray appeared unconvinced. “What if he’s a Trojan evil humanoid magma monster?”

“We had a good talk in the truck. Max is on the level.”

“Max looks capable of leveling the whole house if you’re not careful.”

“Don’t judge a monster by its magma, Ray. Max seems to have a gentle spirit.”

Nana Pratt’s lip curled in disapproval. “Keep it up and this place will become the halfway house for wayward souls.”

I gave her a pointed look. “I think it already is.”

Nana Pratt huddled closer to Ray. “He’s coming!”

I turned as Max meandered across the bridge. He seemed more interested in his surroundings than the conversation, not that he could hear the objections.

“Real nice place you’ve got here,” Max said. “A-plus on the moat.”

“Thank you. We’re just discussing which room is best for you.” I turned to the ghosts. “Ray, Nana Pratt—this is Max.”

“I’d prefer to stay outside if it’s all the same to you. I’m not the indoor type.”

Relief rippled through me. “If you’re sure.”

“Oh, yeah. Definitely. This yard is great.” His gaze shifted left. “Is that a cemetery?”

“It is.”

“I think I’ll wander over there and find a good spot to hunker down for the night.”

“Can I get you anything? A warm blanket?” I had no idea what a cherufe required. A warm blanket seemed unnecessary for a walking pile of rocks, unless he wanted one simply for comfort.

“Nothing at all. I’m easy,” he said.

“We’ll see about that,” Nana Pratt muttered.

“If you change your mind, I’ll be inside. Just knock.” I paused. “And if you see a hand wandering around, don’t hurt it. That’s Claude. He’s our resident revenant.”

“A revenant? Excellent. I thought they were extinct.”

“Claude’s a survivor.”

Max grinned. “Like me. Cool, cool, cool. Listen, Lorelei. I really appreciate you looking out for me. I wasn’t sure about coming through the crossroads, but now I’m glad I took the chance.”

A wave of warmth rushed through me. “Me too, Max. Me too.”

CHAPTER TEN

I scarfed down a late lunch,followed by two tall glasses of water. My throat was dusty thanks to my time outdoors with Max. Every time he moved, I seemed to inhale a bit of earth.

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