Page 39 of Stone Temptation

At least they’d answered this time.

Despondent, in desperate need of a swim to alleviate the pressure within me, I hit the shower instead. The hot water actually helped wash some of the sadness away.

Freshened up, I checked on Maren then waited on my sofa in a vest and boxers, enjoying a cup of tea, listening to an Ornette Coleman record, sucking on a strawberry cream.

So, this vision thing. Had I gained a new power? That was two instances of it now. Should I tell Seth? Should I at least tell my friends? Or should I not make a big deal out of it until it became serious?

And how was this impeding theft going to work in a place like the London tower? I mean, surely it was going to blow up in our faces.

Oh, God. Why did I have to be so damn negative and upset my stomach?

Where did I put the Imodium?

Three o’clock came, the package bang on time.

A white suit and shoes with a note from Seth.

You’ll look stunning in this

S xxx

Bastard.

Why couldn’t the favor be me making him an elite cocktail? Something outside the box to test my skills?

Much safer. Less complicated than this.

Maren swam down the spiral staircase. “White is a dangerous color to wear. Ripe for spillages.”

“Seth sent it over.”

“Interesting choice for a gala. I do hope there is no red wine or colorful sauces involved.”

“Thanks. That’s really helpful.”

“I do not appreciate sarcasm.”

“Too bad.”

“I have matters to attend to. I shall see you soon.”

“Oh. Okay. Bye.”

“Stay safe.” She hugged me, gentler than Tom.

She passed through the front door.

“How tiresome!” I heard her cry seconds later. “Luke! Take a look at this.”

Pink motes sparkled beside my car, spinning together until they dropped a pink ball in midair. It floated as they evaporated, then brightened and grew. Within half a minute, the ball became a pink starfish with deadly-sharp arms.

A furry stem slithered out of it, sprouting roots, burrowing into the ground.

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t have time for this.”

Eyes popped across the monster’s hard body, a mouth forming at the center. “Luke Garland. I wish to speak with you about an exciting opportunity to be my dinner.” It giggled, swaying in the sea breeze.

“At least you’re to the point.”