Treehawke by Deven Kane

Author:Deven Kane
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Smoke Valley Press
Published: 2022-05-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 40

LAKEVIEW CASINO’S PARKING lot wasn’t full, but it took Dalton a few minutes to find a spot.

At first, he couldn’t decide whether to park near the entrance—to facilitate a quick get-away—or to conceal their car under the spreading trees lining the back row. The lack of available parking solved his dilemma.

Back row, beneath the willows.

“Zack would’ve loved this,” Jerrod said from the rear seat. “Cloak and dagger stuff.”

“He wasn’t happy about staying behind,” Dalton replied. “I’ll bet he drinks all the beer in our fridge.”

Mallory shot him a reproving look. “And who’s to blame for that? You told him to help himself.”

“Is your cat still on top of the fridge?” Karli examined her bandage. “Zack may have a long night.”

Jerrod laughed. “Between beer and the TV remote, Zack will be just fine.”

Dalton backed into the parking stall and cut the engine. Silence fell inside the car as he held the keys aloft, over his shoulder. He felt Karli’s light touch for a split-second as she took the keys.

Dalton glanced at her in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were dark holes, pupils dilated to their fullest extent. Dalton’s lips quirked in a slight smile. An Asukan lookout after nightfall—not bad.

Jerrod opened his door and disembarked. Dalton and Mallory copied his action, regrouping in front of the car.

Karli slid over the front seat to take Dalton’s place behind the wheel. Car doors closed—far too loud in his ears. Dalton caught himself; doors slamming in a parking lot was normal.

He wiped sweaty palms on his jeans. “Do you really need to open the door to get out?”

Jerrod shrugged. “Just trying to fit in.”

Karli rolled her window down. “Clock’s running.”

“True enough,” Jerrod replied, staring at the casino’s gaudy entrance. He spared Dalton a quick glance. “You feel anything ... bloody?”

Dalton shook his head. “Let’s get on with it.”

Jerrod nodded and ambled toward the entrance. Mallory’s arm stole around Dalton’s waist as they watched the Asukan’s retreating figure. Dalton held his breath, not daring to blink.

Mallory’s fingers dug into his midriff, and she uttered a piercing whistle. Jerrod halted and wheeled about.

The darkness obscured his features, but Dalton read the question mark in his stance. He glanced at Mallory.

“You’re sure?”

She returned his look with an incredulous expression. “Yes, I’m sure. Jerrod vanished, so I whistled. That wasn’t just for practice.”

Dalton waved at Jerrod. The Asukan touched fingertips to the brim of his cap and resumed his trek to the casino. Dalton put his arm around Mallory’s shoulders and set off in Jerrod’s wake. “Fifteen feet, give or take six inches. Let’s try again after we put some distance between us and Karlissa.”

Mallory voiced a low laugh. “Mapping out when Jerrod becomes visible. Just another normal evening in Stoney Cove.” She half-turned as they walked. “I wonder how well Karli can see us?”

“Perfectly,” Jerrod replied. He paused about thirty feet from the casino’s entrance, waiting. “Asukan night vision is far superior to you Covians.”

Dalton slowed as they caught up to him. “Jerrod says Karli can see just fine.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.