Page 10 of Rattlin' Bones

“No. Not like you’re implying.”

“I don’t like the sound of that, Lace.”

“We’ll talk about it once I’m home. I promise.”

“How far away are you? I can pick you up or send Larry.”

Larry was our driver. He chauffeured my dad everywhere.

“I’ve got a ride. See you soon. And Dad?”

“Yeah, honey?”

“I love you.”

“Lacey, you’re scaring me. Where are you?”

“Close. I’ll see you in twenty minutes.”

“I’m not moving from this door until I see you.”

“Okay. Bye, Dad.”

He grunted, not wanting to hang up. I ended the call.

“Thanks.” I held out the cell, and Skel pocketed it.

“You ready, Lacey?”

I nodded but closed my eyes.

“Honey, you just called your father. If he doesn’t see you in twenty minutes, he’s gonna send out a search party.”

I blinked as Skel sat beside me. “How did you know that?”

“It’s what I would do.”

That didn’t surprise me at all.

“I’m really tired,” I complained. “What if I close my eyes for just five minutes?”

“No, Sweet Girl. We need to leave. And I don’t think it’s safe for you to ride my bike. I’ve got a truck. We’ll use that. Come on.”

I didn’t move.

“Lacey.” He shook his head. “I’ll carry you then.”

I didn’t protest as he picked me up, scooping under my legs. My head rested on his shoulder as I snuggled into his body. “You’re nice and warm.”

“It’s a bit concerning how fast and easy you trust me,” he murmured.

“I already saw evil tonight, Skel. I think I’d know if I ran across it again.”

He squeezed me once and headed toward the garage. “That actually made sense.”

WHEN WE ARRIVED ATmy building, I was glad Skel wasn’t wearing his mask. It would have freaked out my dad. Not to mention the motorcycle. Skel had pulled on his sweatshirt after I removed it as we parked by the entrance. His appearance wasn’t near as intimidating now.

My father didn’t exaggerate. He stood by the security guard and waited for me to enter the building, frowning at Skel. “Who the hell are you?”