Lost Souls by J. Bishop (the giving tree read aloud txt) 📗

She stopped on a page with several pictures of a famous actress who, judging by her enormous lips and too tight skin, had had yet another plastic surgery.  “Don’t start, Mason. We’re just friends.”

He pushed up on the couch. “Did you see him last night?”

Mikey chuckled. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?” She closed the magazine. “Fine. Yes. We went to the movies.”

“Let me guess. It had something to do with a flawed superhero who, weakened by his own moral struggles, frantically tries to find the magic power tool that will save the planet before it’s destroyed by an evil villain with a scarred face.”

“Close, but not really.” She tossed the magazine back on the table. “The Shining was playing at the dollar theater. It’s hard to pass up Kubrick and Nicholson.”

He waved a hand. “I don’t even want to know, but I’m glad you’re having fun. How’s he doing now that he’s back at work?”

“He’s adjusting. It’s been hard, and he’s still working through a few things. I think his captain is keeping the workload light for the moment. I encourage him to get out of the house to keep his mind off things, so we go to the movies.” Mikey could almost hear her brother’s unspoken question which he finally voiced.

“You think you two might be more than friends one day?”

Mikey snorted and picked up her coffee. “Why can’t two people who happen to be male and female just be friends? Why does it have to become a relationship?” She dragged out the word.

Mason studied her. “It doesn’t have to become anything, but you two share a common thread with D’Mato, and you’ve both dealt with horrors better left forgotten. It makes you both strangely well-suited for each other, unless…”

Mikey gripped her mug and took a sip, uneasy at the mention of Victor D’Mato. “Go ahead. Finish your sentence.”

Mason sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “…unless you’re letting your own fears get in the way.”

“Believe me, Mason. No one knows better than me how to face a fear. I’ve been doing it ever since I escaped Victor’s clutches. I don’t doubt I have a few lingering issues, but for now, Rem and I just enjoy each other’s company. Can we leave it at that?”

He held her gaze. “Of course. I’ll butt out, but if you ever need to talk about it…”

“I know. You’re there. In fact, I can’t seem to get rid of you.”

“That’s what big brothers are for.”

“Consider your brotherly duties accomplished.”

“I usually do. You’re drinking that coffee you wanted, aren’t you?”

“I am, for which I am grateful.” She tapped on her cup and smiled. “And don’t get me wrong. I appreciate your concern, but you worry too much.”

He cocked a brow at her. “When it comes to you, Mikey, sometimes I wonder if I worry enough.” Sighing again, he leaned back against the couch cushions. “Maybe I will take that nap.”

A buzzer sounded, and Mikey swiveled toward the desk. “Who is that? You don’t have any appointments today.”

Mason stifled a yawn. “I’ll let you deal with it. I’m going to close my eyes for a sec.” He settled in and got comfortable.

Mikey stood and went to the monitor, checking to see who was at the front office door. She saw a man, tall and lanky, wearing a cowboy hat, jeans and boots, much like Mason. Something about him was familiar, and she hit the button to the intercom. “Can I help you?” she asked.

The man spoke. “Is this the office for SCOPE?”

SCOPE was the name of Mason’s business. Mikey had debated the acronym with Mason before he’d opened his agency. He’d insisted that The Study of Cryptids or Paranormal Events was the perfect choice, and she had failed in convincing him otherwise. Her vote had been for The Redstone Agency, but he’d said no. She hit the button to answer. “I assume you can read. That’s the name on the sign.”

The man chuckled. “Is that you, Mikey?”

Mikey dropped her jaw, and Mason opened his eyes. They made eye contact and Mason stood and came over to the desk, leaning over Mikey’s shoulder and staring at the screen.

“Hello?” asked the man. “You there? Red?” The man rapped on the door.

Mason’s eyes widened and his face paled.

“Who is that?” asked Mikey. “Somebody you know?”

“Son-of-a-bitch,” said Mason. “That’s Trick Monroe. My old partner from my Ranger days.”

Mikey studied the man on the screen. “That’s Trick? Didn’t you two have a falling out?”

“C’mon, Red,” said Trick, rapping again on the door. “I know you’re in there.” He grinned up at the camera. “Don’t tell me you’re still mad.”

Mason stared, his expression unreadable.

“What pissed you off?” asked Mikey. “You never did tell me why you two stopped being friends.”

Mason glared, his body no longer relaxed. “He slept with Cara.”

Mikey almost choked. “Your ex-wife? From Texas? He slept with her?”

“He sure did.” Mason hit the button and the buzzer sounded, and Mikey watched on the video as Trick entered the office.

Chapter Three

“So much for taking a nap,” said Mason.

“What the hell is he doing here?” asked Mikey.

“I think we’re about to find out.” Mason went to the door and opened it. Trick was standing in the small, wallpapered, outer office which contained only a desk and chair.

Seeing Mason, he took off his hat. “Well, hell. Look at you.” He ran his fingers over the brim. “How long’s it been, Red?”

Mason crossed his arms and considered his response. They’d met and been assigned together during his tenure as a Texas Ranger. There had been a time when Mason would have called Trick his best friend, and they had been as close as Detectives Daniels and Remalla. Mason had envied that bond when he’d met the detectives, recalling his old partnership with Trick, but those days were long over.

“I figured it would be a lot longer,” said Mason.

Trick shook his head. “Shit. You sure know how to hold a grudge. It’s been