An Inner Darkness Book 5 Bay City paranormal

her through?”
    “She didn’t give me a chance. Danny would’ve done it anyway, but she was in the bathroom, and you know I’m not as good as she is at doing phone stuff.” Dean fiddled with the ribbon around his waist holding his tail on. “So anyway, Janine said tell you she’s bringing the boys over here after school.” Sam’s heart gave a funny lurch. He didn’t know whether to be relieved or alarmed.
    From the expression on Bo’s face, he felt the same. “Did she say why?”
“No. She said she’d explain when they got here.” Dean bit his lip. “Sorry, Bo. I wish I could tell you more. Is there anything I can do?” Bo shook his head, a forced smile on his face. “No, I’m fine. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what Janine has to say.”
    Nodding, Dean backed out the door. “Okay. We’ll let you know when they get here.”

    “All right, thanks.” Bo waited until Dean had left and shut the door before dropping his head into his hands. “Christ, Sam. What the fuck? Is Janine trying to drive me crazy?”
    “I wouldn’t put it past her.” Moving behind Bo’s chair, Sam laid his hands on Bo’s shoulders and started kneading the tight muscles. “Seriously, that’s probably it. She’s just holding out on you to make you worry, because she can. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong.” He kept his doubts to himself. Bo didn’t need to hear that right now.
    “God, I hope you’re right.” Bo tilted his head back, resting it against Sam’s belly, and smiled up at him. “Thanks for trying to make me feel better. Even if neither of us believes what you just said.”

    “Damn. You can see right through me, can’t you?”

    “I’ve had lots of practice.” Bo reached a hand toward Sam. “Kiss me.” Sam was more than happy to obey. He leaned down to cover Bo’s mouth with his.
    ***
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Ally Blue
    Bo was still shut up in his office when Janine arrived. Sean and Adrian trailed behind her, each carrying a plastic bag in addition to their book bags. Sam peered at Janine through his eyelashes while pretending to read the parapsychology journal in his hands.

    She looked exhausted and strangely defeated. Sean, in contrast, practically vibrated with eagerness. Adrian looked almost as tired as his mother, in spite of the slight smile on his face.

    The knot of dread which had been building in Sam’s stomach loosened a little at the sight of both boys unharmed. He wondered whyAdrian looked so worn out, but figured it could easily be the stress of catching up at school after a suspension.
    “Good afternoon,” Danny greeted them. She stood, smiling. “Bo is expecting you.
I’ll tell him you’re here.”
Janine’s answering smile was tight and, Sam thought, rather sad. “Thank you, Danny.”
“Hi, Sam,” Sean called, waving.
Sam waved back. “Hi, Sean. Hi, Adrian. Are y’all looking forward to trick-or-treating tonight?”
Sean’s face lit up like a floodlight. “Yeah. We’re going with you and Dad. I’m gonna be Master Chief.”
    Shocked, Sam stared at the beaming child. “Huh?” Sean gave him an incredulous look. “You know, Master Chief. From Halo? The most awesome game ever ?”

    “No, I meant—”

    Before Sam could ask why the boys were going to be with him and Bo that night, Bo stepped out of his office. “Janine. Come in.” She shot an uncomfortable glance in Sam’s direction. “Actually, I’d like to talk to you and Sam both.”

    Bo looked as surprised as Sam felt, but he nodded. “Of course. Sam?” Unsure of what to say, Sam stood and walked over to join Bo in the office doorway.
    They exchanged a mystified look.
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An Inner Darkness
Janine turned to the boys. “You two wait out here, okay? And be good, don’t get in anyone’s way.”
    They both nodded. Adrian went straight to one of the chairs beside the front door and plopped into it. Sean sat in the chair beside him, hands clasped in his lap and feet drumming the floor.

    Sam smiled to himself as he followed Bo and Janine into Bo’s office. Adrian could probably sit there for at least half an hour before he got restless, but Sean would be up and moving within five minutes.

    “What did you need to talk to us about?” Bo lowered himself into his chair. “Sit down, please.”

    Janine perched on the edge of the offered seat, her back stiff and tense. Sam leaned against the wall instead of standing with Bo behind the desk. Maybe she would be