Page 70 of Four for a Boy

Chad released a long breath at his untouched dinner. The weight of the world lifted from his shoulders, and a growl from his stomach reminded him he was hungry.

Dread and nerves had masked it.

“Now eat,” Romeo said, glancing at the plate. “It’ll taste just as good cold.”

Chad nodded, spearing a potato with his fork.

Romeo leaned back in his chair and watched as Chad devoured his meal.

“You have to tell me if anyone goes as The Countdown Killer.” Romeo smiled a smug, self-satisfied smile. “That would be something.”

Chad chewed his potato extra carefully to swallow past the lump in his throat.

Chapter Ten

“I want it known I think this is a terrible idea.”

Chad looked out of the car window, staring at the swarms of partygoers heading in The Desperado’s direction.

“You’ve said that at least ten times,” Josh replied, watching, too, but his eyes tended to fix on the women in short outfits, and follow their legs down to their shoes.

“Fuck, stilettos are sexy.”

Chad dropped his head into his hands.

“Don’t you think so?” Josh pressed.

“I’ve never really thought about it.”

“I guess it’s more of a heterosexual fantasy, being stomped on by a stiletto.”

Chad winced. “I think that’s a Josh Hancock fantasy.”

“Maybe,” Josh smirked and turned in his seat. “Do you think my car will be safe down this road?”

“Safe?”

“You don’t think someone will try to steal it?”

“Your car is ancient … it has a huge dent in the side.”

Josh reached over and flicked the bobblehead Sonya on the dashboard. “Has her, though, do you think I should hide her?”

“If it makes you feel better.”

He pulled her off the dashboard and shoved her in the glove compartment. “You ready?”

“Not really.”

“We don’t have to go in.”

Chad screwed up his face as a group of cackling witches passed the car. “Yeah, we do.”

He looked down at the cheap mask in his lap. It came in a pack of five. He’d picked out Frankenstein and Josh had chosen the mummy. They glanced at each other before putting their masks on.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this.” Chad mumbled.

“Just think of it as a night out. You’ve been clubbing before, right?”

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