Page 110 of Half Dead

I nodded. “He wants me to get to the third trial.”

“He might have simply viewed the first two trials as opportunities to prolong our suffering. He thrives on fear and uncertainty. Why deprive himself of enjoyment by letting you die in the first trial?”

“It’s possible.”

Kane parked outside the gate to the Castle. “The third trial is his last chance to win. I fully expect him to throw everything he has at you this time.”

I swallowed hard. “Can’t wait.”

My knees nearly buckled as I climbed the steps of my front porch. My body seemed to have decided it was finished functioning for the day.

“Shall I carry you over the threshold?” Kane asked.

“I can manage.”

The door flew open before we could reach it. Ray and Nana Pratt hovered in the foyer. Claude released his hold on the door and jumped onto my shoulder.

“Hey, bud. Missed you.” I gave the gnarled fingers a fist bump.

Ray’s features were etched with concern. “Are you hurt? Should I get the First Aid kit?”

“No injuries. Just tired and hungry.”

“Must be Tuesday,” Nana Pratt said. “I have a nice hot meal waiting for you. I’ve kept it warm in the oven.”

“Thanks, you’re the best.” I looked at Kane. “Will you be staying to eat?”

“I would love to, if you’re up for company.”

“I may fall asleep mid-sentence, but I’m always up for your company.”

“Aw,” Ray said. “I’d forgotten how wonderful the honeymoon phase can be.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Nana Pratt grumbled. “Never had one.”

“Would you mind if I shower first?” I asked.

Nana Pratt scrunched her nose. “Do you think I would’ve let you sit at the table in those dirty clothes?”

“Need any weapons cleaned?” Kane offered.

“Not this time.” I practically crawled upstairs on my hands and knees to shower and change.

When I returned downstairs, the kitchen was abuzz with activity. Kane had discovered the hiding place for my bottle of Puck’s Pleasure and had poured me a large glass. A plate heaped with crispy fried chicken and a side of potato salad awaited me at the table.

“You’re spoiling me,” I said, taking a sip of the treasured drink.

“You deserve to be spoiled.” Kane pecked my cheek before sitting adjacent to me.

As I shoved the last forkful of food into my mouth, an image shimmered in front of me. Excellent timing.

“It’s Alicia,” Ray sang.

Nana Pratt cast him a sidelong glance. “I wouldn’t smile like that until you’ve heard what she has to say.”

Ray motioned to the image. “Look at that spring in her step. That’s a young lady about to deliver good news.”

“The good news could be that she aced her math test,” I reminded him. “Might have nothing to do with her parents.”

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