Return to the Darkness - Ripley Proserpina Page 0,34

you going to do?”

“I’m going to terrify the homeowners, lock them in a room, and wait for you to find your stuff and get out. Then I’ll let them out.”

Aaron widened his eyes. “Oliver, I don’t think that’s what we meant…”

But Oliver was already out of the car.

Thorn released an audible gasp. “Come on. He’s doing this thing. We need to be fast.”

All of us tumbled out of the car, but the guys walked ahead of me.

“Hold on,” I practically shouted. “What if we worked on getting them out of the house instead? What if we, say, made them think they had a rodent problem? Or a gas leak?”

Oliver shook his head. “Do you have a gas company uniform, because I don’t have a gas company uniform.”

“Wait up,” Colton rocked back on his feet. “I know them. I’ll ring the doorbell. Keep them busy. You guys search. I’ll get them outside. I golf with Ken, and I’ve met Betsy at least three times. Don’t worry. I got this. Go find the gross looking stone or whatever. Cool your jets, Oliver. We don’t need any B&E tonight. No kidnapping. Or federal offenses.”

Oh, thank god. Even if this entire reality disappeared after I left, I couldn’t live with myself having sent Oliver to prison. Again. I loved him here, and I loved him in my life, and I loved him in all lives.

Colton rang the doorbell and waited. I turned at the last minute. I’d freaked out this couple. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea if they came face-to-face with me. I trusted Colton to use his powers of persuasion, but I wasn’t sure how far they would work.

The guys were still handsome. If I opened the door and saw this foursome, my brain might click off for a bit.

Oliver studied me, confused, and I gave a little shake of my head, walking toward him when I heard the door open.

“Betsy!” Colton greeted.

“Colton?” I could hear the confusion in her voice. I was sure it was weird. Five people show up on your doorstep? I waited for her to cry out, “Call the police,” but instead, she went on, “This is such a nice surprise! Did you finally decide to take me up on that offer and check out my grandfather’s clubs?”

“I know I’ve been turning you down for years, Betsy, but I was hanging out with my friends from high school—you know, Thorn—”

“Oh yes, of course. Great game last Friday, Coach. Though we were disappointed by the defense. Were they asleep?”

Internally, I snored. Football talk. Spare me.

Thorn chuckled. “If they’re asleep this Friday, it’s because they did so many drills this week. I never saw such a bunch of lazy-ass babies as I did last game. In fact, I have a buddy of mine, you know Oliver Chee? We went to high school together; he’s doing a scared-straight talk with the team. He’s a motivational speaker now.”

Say what? In front of me, Oliver’s face reddened, and he opened and shut his mouth. His wide-eyed gaze caught mine. Help.

I covered my face with my hand, and leaned forward. “I don’t know what you expect me to do. My reputation was bad before yours.”

“Really?” Betsy’s voice sounded strangled, and I could only imagine what she was thinking now. Good on Thorn for bringing it right out into the open, but dear god.

“Oliver had an idea for a charity golf tournament,” Colton picked up Thorn’s thread. “So what better time to check them out? I don’t suppose Ken has any old clubs he’d like to donate lying around?”

“I don’t know…” Her voice trailed off.

“Is he here?” Colton asked.

“Oh yes. I’m so sorry. Where are my manners? Come in!” We moved together. I turned and found Aaron standing close to me. He was directly in front of me, half-shielding me from Betsy. “Ken! Ken! Colton is here!”

“That son of a bi…” He trailed off, probably because he saw the mob in his foyer. “Good to see you, man. Who are all of these people?”

Colton smiled. “They’re working on the auction with me. We took one car. So you get everyone. Can I see those clubs now?”

I kept my head down, looking at the floor. Don’t recognize me. Don’t recognize me.

“Where’s the bathroom?” Aaron asked with a smile. “If you don’t mind, I’ll catch up. Too much coffee.”

Coffee? At this hour? I glanced up to see Betsy smile. “It’s right down the hall.”

“Thanks,” Aaron nodded. “Be right back.”

I pointed at him. “I’m going to follow