Page 107 of The Ghost of Ellwood

The news segment continued. People were calling it a century old hate crime because Theo was gay. Two young lovers who loved at a time when it was considered a crime—the media ate it up. Big time. Since George had fled town, it made him look even guiltier.

“Does it make you feel better knowing what happened to George?” I asked when it went to commercial.

Carter’s friend had found out George had moved to the big city after fleeing Ivy Grove. While there, he became a huge Wall Street broker. He’d already had a great fortune, and he only became wealthier. That fortune only lasted for two years before he lost his money in a private gambling match and racked up a massive debt. He ended up leaping off the balcony of his nine story apartment.

“No,” Theo answered. “I didn’t wish death upon him, even if he was a despicable human being.”

“You’re a better person than me,” I said. “After what he did to you, I was glad he went out the way he did. I only wish he would’ve suffered more.”

“Benjamin,” Theo chastised, but beneath the shock was a faint smile. “What am I ever going to do with you?”

“Kiss me? Love me?” I licked the spot beneath his ear, reveling in his soft moan.

“Spank you is more like it.”

“Oh, talking dirty now, huh?” I waggled my eyebrows. “I’m down for that.”

“Shouldn’t you be getting dressed? Carter will be here any moment.”

“Iamdressed.” I waved a hand at my sweater and jeans. “I just have to put on my shoes.”

A knock sounded at the door, and I kissed Theo before answering it.

“Hey, loser.” Carter had trimmed his hair over the months. The sides were buzzed and the top swooped down. He’d also pierced his eyebrow. He would run out of places for piercings soon if he didn’t slow his roll. “Ready for some mayhem?”

Theo appeared beside me and rubbed my bicep, looking at Carter. “Take care of my Ben. Don’t pull him into any of your mischievous doings.”

“Me? Mischievous?” Carter gasped and slapped a hand to his chest. “You have me mistaken.”

Turned out, Theo wasn’t wrong for thinking Carter was up to something.

We weresupposedto be going to a new sports bar that had opened on Main Street and come home afterward. Well, we went to the sports bar, ate some barbeque chicken wings and drank a few beers while we talked.

People approached me, asking about the mystery of Blackwell Manor, which I thought was kind of cool. They shared their sadness over Theo and how it was a shame he never got to see a world where gay men could be together in public and even get married. It took all my willpower not to say hehadseen it and was living happily right now.

After Carter and I left and got in my car, his mischievous intentions became known. He patted my arm.

“Dude, let’s go to Redwood.”

“What?” The blood rushed from my face. The mere thought of the mansion brought forth images of the woman in black and her pale, sinister smile. “Are you serious? I don’t want to step foot there.”

“Look, you don’t have to get out of the car. Just park near the place, and let me go in for a few.”

“Why?”

“Because I need to know if he’s there,” Carter said, his voice cracking on the last word.

I had thought he’d forgotten about the mysterious Z. Or, if not forgotten, then at least pushed the guy out of his head and stopped hoping he’d see him again.

“Was hethatgood in bed to make you obsess over him?” I asked, clicking my seatbelt. “It’s been months.”

“Mock me all you want, Ben, but I thought you of all people would understand.”

His change of tone made me turn to him. God, he looked sad.

“I’m sorry. That was an asshole thing to say.”

“Yeah, it was.” Carter brought his hood up, covering most of his face. “Forget it. Just go home.”