Page 105 of Dark Horse

Did you like it?

I figured you needed replacements.

You assume I haven’t gotten them already.

I hope we’re talking about toys. With Charlotte’s influence, I can’t know for sure.

Good question. I’ve seen some of Finn’s teammates, and I think I have a newfound appreciation for hockey.

Glad to hear it.

But we both know none of them could handle you as well as me.

True.

I saw there were a few his and hers options. Does that mean you’re open to some of my ideas?

I figure I owe you after everything I’ve put you through.

You don’t owe me anything.

I’m the one who owes you, remember?

Not anymore. I figure after all this, we can wipe all the slates clean.

That said, I wouldn’t say no to a picture or two tonight.

I might be able to arrange that.

But I want one in return.

Think I can do that for you.

There’s a knock at the door, and I call for them to open it. Charlotte eases it open, and her eyebrow shoots up at the bright grin on my face and the box of toys in front of me.

“Do I want to ask?” She laughs, scanning the contents.

“He sent me a gift. I think he’s worried you’ll be a bad influence,” I muse.

“I’ll have to reassure him I’ve kept you well away from the hockey team, but I can’t say for sure if Hazel’s let you near the football players.”

“Maybe I should tell him I’m going to watch training camp. Then he might hurry up and get his ass out here.” I glance down at my phone when it lights with another message.

“Are you ready to go back to work? I found some more things while I was searching through a few of my older books.”

“Yes. I need to tell you about something I discovered earlier. Let me just finish talking to him, and I’ll be right there.”

“Oh. I can’t wait to hear. See you down there.” Her eyes light with the information before she takes off, quietly closing the doorbehind her.

THE DEVIL:

I should be up to my place by nine.

Turning in early in your old age?

That’s eleven for me. Kinda late here, but I’ll make it work. Maybe Charlotte will let me sleep in tomorrow.

Speaking of… I’m off to help Charlotte with research.

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