Terrorbyte Read Free Page B

reaching out and twisting the door handle. With a sharp pull the door swung open.
    Eddie almost fell into the hallway.
    I was somewhat surprised to see Mac’s older brother: lifelong tormentor and now something new. Savior?
    â€œMac, I’ve got a …” Eddie started then wisely stopped.
    â€œâ€¦ very small brain?” I offered.
    He scowled as he processed my comment, which didn’t improve his looks. It took nearly a minute before he spoke again. “No, it’s mom. She wants Mac.”
    I smiled. “Of course she does. Funny that she hasn’t called. Usually there are upwards of six calls a day.”
    Eddie floundered; his mouth flapped.
    â€œOn your way, Eddie. We have a prior engagement.”
    I closed the door. Mac leaned back on the hall wall. He had the good grace to look sheepish.
    â€œI have no words!” I said, shaking my head.
    â€œI bet you find some,” he replied.
    â€œYou think now is the best time to get mouthy?”
    The corners of his mouth turned up. “No, ma’am.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought. We should get ready.”
    I couldn’t imagine Mac asking Eddie to save him. It defied reason. He held an intense dislike for his older brother.
    Mac grinned. “After you.”
    â€œI don’t think so.”
    I took his hand and we walked together into the living room.
    I knew about his nervousness. I understood how badly he was affected by the knowledge that complete strangers had heard him rambling over a surveillance audio link about rainbow people, when he’d been doped, but this was a different situation. Glancing at the clock on the wall told me we had two hours before the car arrived.
    I knew I would regret my words but it didn’t stop me; it never stops me. “You could do with a Valium.” Or a bottle of bourbon, or maybe both. Okay, bourbon was a bad idea; it is too easy to sniff it out on someone’s breath. Maybe vodka. My sense of professionalism took over: even in my worst moments I would not turn up to such an event plastered. We’d survived a hellish year. Taking the edge off tonight with a little yellow pill sounded good.
    His arms tightened around me. “Valium?”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œWhere did you get Valium?”
    I replied, “The doctor last week.”
    â€œAre you okay?”
    Of course, I’m okay! I’m always okay.
    â€œYes, I am okay.”
    â€œThen what’s with the creepy smile?”
    â€œWhat’s with the close, suffocating observations?” Instantly, I regretted being so sharp.
    â€œDo you feel better?” he asked.
    â€œNo, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.” I really was sorry. “I was just thinking about Aidan and the whole fundraising thing tonight at The Aquarium.”
    â€œYou were planning his demise!” Mac accused with amusement.
    â€œMaybe.”
    â€œMaybe’s ass.” 
    â€œHe swam with the fishes,” I said, without even trying to hide the satisfied smile on my face. The subject had successfully moved away from Valium.
    Mac steered it back. “Does this have anything to do with those nightmares?”
    I smiled and kissed him. “I’m okay.”
    I was okay, just so long as no more bodies turned up near me and I didn’t think too much and no one ever publishes anything of mine ever again.
    â€œDoes it?”
    â€œI’ve mentioned them, therefore I guess it does.” Nightmares. Flashbacks. It’s all semantics and hardly worth quibbling over. I didn’t believe that for a second but I tried. If I tried harder, it might even be plausible. I looked at the clock again. “We have to get ready.”

Chapter Three
Bad Medicine
    I stood in front of the bedroom mirror fussing with my hair.
    â€œDid you get a call today from dad?” Mac asked from the bathroom.
    Both our fathers were heavily involved in our Butterfly Foundation project. They both retired