Page 53 of Five for Silver

“Of course I know when you haven’t beensleeping. Is it Marc again?”

Chad bit the inside of his cheek. “It’sTate.”

Romeo nodded.

“And it’s Vincent,” Chad shook his head.“Let’s say you’re right—”

“I’m always right.”

“Then who did kill her?”

“That’s what we’re going to find out andthen we’re going flaunt it in his face before he dies. No onemesses with my Juliet and gets away with it. He wants to ruin yourname by giving you an unsolvable case, well, we’re going to damagehis reputation by taking away one of his body count.”

****

“Chad!”

His body jostled harshly, and he blinked awide-eyed Romeo back into focus. He reached for Romeo, attempting areassuring pat on his shoulder, but missed and hit Romeo in thethroat. The bed bounced as Romeo held him upright.

“Sleep’n,” Chad slurred, “I was asleep.”

He blinked in quick succession, trying towork out where he was. The last thing he remembered, they’d been inthe outhouse, and he’d been telling Romeo about James’s outbursts,Lucy’s fragile state, and the fact the two of them couldn’t standeach other.

“I’ve been trying to wake you,” Romeogrowled.

Chad turned his head. He’d changed position,no longer propped up against Romeo’s chest, he lay in his arms,blinking blearily up at the ceiling. Romeo’s chest rose and fellharshly, and his pressing gaze stayed unblinking. His concern hadreturned, along with a slight flare of his nostrils, and hard-seteyes.

“Only a dream.” Chad held onto Romeo’sshoulder, but his squeeze did nothing to release the tension inRomeo’s muscles.

“Another bad one.” Romeo’s arms snakedaround Chad, pulling him closer.

“Sorry.”

Chad took in the bedroom. He had a vaguerecollection of stumbling up there and brushing his teeth.

“Don’t apologize for something you can’tcontrol. I hate that your mind is cruel when you’re trying torest.” He tore his gaze from Chad. “I think I scared Mercutioshouting for you.”

Chad leaned up with Romeo’s arms stillcoiled around him and spied Merc in the doorway. He crept closer,only to scuttle back again.

“I’m okay.”

Merc stepped slowly across the room beforevaulting on the bed. He accepted strokes from Chad, but sniffedRomeo’s hand, before licking his fingers.

Romeo sighed and patted Merc on the head.“Sorry, Mercutio.”

“That’s him saying he forgives you.”

“Have you told Keeley about the dreams?”

Chad swallowed. “No.”

“Chad…”

“I know, but they’re just dreams, it’s notlike she can help.”

“The whole point of her is to help. Ithought she was.”

“She is, but…” Chad groaned. “I doubt shecan help with the dreams.”

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