Page 112 of Stop and Seek
What in the fuck is that kid on? And where can I get some?
The crash from the top of the house stopped the next thing outof Theo’s mouth.It sounded like glass or china—some expensive thing they collected up there. Whatever broke probably cost more than he made in a year. He hadn’t ventured farther than the patio for drinks and to take a piss for that fear exactly.
“I think it’s bedtime,” Benji said, his eyes locked onto the third floor. “The mongoose will eat the thunder demons.”
“Bitchin’,” Belle whispered.
When Decker started laughing, Theo couldn’t stop himself, either.
The glare Benji gave them could have melted steel.
“That,” he threw Belle over his shoulder and pointed at Theo, “is your fault. You’re on my list.”
“Wha—” Theo swallowed back the laughter. “How?I didn’t do shit. Does she repeat everything she hears?”
“Yes,” Decker and Benji said inunison.
After the second crash happened, Theo was positive it wasn’t an accident. But people were coming in more steadily, and he didn’t have time to dwell on it.
Decker clapped Theo on the shoulder. “I gotta get my look sorted, broski. You want me to grab you something while I’m in there?”
“No, I’m good. I was about to get up for chips anyway. Is Benji that pissed? I seriously didn’t know.”
Decker shook his head.
“Give him a couple minutes or he’ll freak. Otherwise, you’re golden.”
After Decker and Benji left, Theo spent way too long staring at the window.
When the light clicked off, it was like someone reminded him to stop spacing. He checked his phone, fired off a quick message to Alyssa. After a minute, a heart emoji popped up.
Good. She didn’t need to be rescued.
Now he could get food. And a refill.
Half an hour ago, the patio was empty. Now, men and women in crisp white shirts and dark red aprons were suddenly everywhere. Didn’t matter how much Theo side-stepped, apologized—he couldn’t have been more in the way if he tried.
Chips, chips, chips…
Pretzels!
He found them next to a bowl of wrapped chocolates and rows of premade tacos.
The mini fridge was open—
And there was Noah.
“I’ve been looking for you,”Theo blurted out—it just catapulted from his fucking mouth.
Noah glanced over. Did a double take.
“I missed you too,” Noah said. He straightened and nudged the door closed with his knee. Cracked open the beer.
Responding should’ve been a thing. An easy thing.
The giant, nasty gash on Noah’s cheek, however, stole all Theo’s attention.
“Did—is that from me?” Theo asked. It sure as fuck wasn’t there last night, but maybe he’d missed it.
