Page 29 of Dead Serious Case 5 Madame Vivienne

I’m a bit concerned that Harrison isn’t snapping back; ordinarily, he’d be the first one to object to being called a magic twink, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to have even noticed is worrying. I glance back at Chan to find his expression mirroring my feelings.

“Are you two going to be okay down here by yourselves if we go and have a look for the cupboard Viv mentioned?” Danny stands and steps in close, placing his hand on the small of my back so I can feel the warmth and comfort of his palm.

“We’ll be fine.” I nod. “You’re right. Let’s divide and conquer. I don’t want to be here any longer than I need to. I don’t know about you, but I’m still feeling the hangover from our magic carpet ride last night. I really just want to crawl back into bed with you and take a nap.”

Danny grins and leans in to kiss me. “A plan I can fully get on board with.”

“Prickles?” Sam says tentatively. “Are you okay?”

Harrison looks up and blinks as if his mind was a million miles away and he’s only just realised that Sam is speaking to him.

“Oh.” Harrison shakes his head slightly, pushing himself up from the sofa and smoothing the neatly pressed seam of his trousers. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Sam studies him carefully for a moment and then leans in close, his voice low and teasing. “I think we both know that’s not true. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”

“I don’t need you.” Harrison scowls.

Sam grins in reply. “We both know that’s not true either.”

“Why, you egotistical narcissistic twat. Not every man thinks you’re god’s gift,” Harrison snaps irritably, his cheeks flushing pink and putting a little warmth and colour back into his shockingly pale skin.

“There’s my Prickles.” Sam’s smile softens and Harrisons eyes narrow.

“I–”

Sam places his finger over Harrison’s lips. “We’re having a nice moment, Prickles. Don’t spoil it.”

“Why you—” Harrison slaps Sam’s hand away, his own fingers crackling with electricity, and I’m surprised there isn’t steam coming out of his ears like a Looney Tunes character.

Sam is either a very brave or very stupid man. Given the level of magic we know Harrison has, it’s like poking a cobra with a very pointy stick.

The lights suddenly flicker again and the air in the shop grows noticeably heavier—like we’re standing in fog, only there’s nothing there. We all glance up as the lights flicker one more time.

“Maybe you should stop winding Harrison up,” Danny says firmly. “You can flirt when we’re not in the middle of asupernaturally charged bookshop filled with god—knows—what entities.”

“As much as I do enjoy your fiery temper,” Sam says to Harrison, “he’s probably right. To be continued.”

“One of these days I may actually turn you into a toad,” Harrison grumbles.

“You keep threatening that.” Sam grins. “I’m beginning to think you might like me.”

“Come on, you two.” Chan snaps his fingers. “Need I remind you we left Aidan asleep at Danny and Tristan’s place? And I have a hot date tonight that I need to go home and prep for.”

Sam winks. “Sorry, Chan.”

Harrison and I watch as the three of them disappear into the back where I know the staircase is to the upper floors.

“Right.” I blow out a breath and look around. “Where do you think we should start? If this is where Viv was killed, I figured we should look around for anything the police missed.”

“That’s not a bad idea, I suppose,” Harrison murmurs.

“Are you sure you’re alright? We could go outside and get some fresh air if you need to.”

“No, it’s okay.” He shakes his head. “This place is just a bit overwhelming. It’s making me feel a bit nauseous, to be honest.”

“I guess it’s understandable.”

“But it shouldn’t be.” Harrison frowns. “I’ve been to far older places than this, places where true horrors have been perpetrated, and they haven’t affected me like this. Something else is going on here.”