Page 81 of The Shop on Hidden Lane

“Nah. He found them in the old lab. He’s got the formula but he hasn’t been able to grow his own yet.”

“How do the mood enhancers work?”

“Shut the fuck up. The only thing you need to worry about is this light gun. You’re going to go mad for a couple of minutes and then you’re going to be dead. This will be fun. I brought my camera so I can take photos. Don’t worry, I’ll show them to the succubus later.”

The power level of the strobe got more intense. Once again Luke tried to reach inside his jacket; again he failed. But in that moment it dawned on him that he was not the only one who made a perfect target. Like a flashlight, the strobes of paranormal energy marked the spot where Grant stood.

“Nothing to lose,” Luke said.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

Luke mustered everything he had left and threw himself forward, hoping to stay on his feet long enough to slam into Grant. In the narrow confines of the hallway, he could hardly miss.

It was an awkward, clumsy move but it had his full weight behind it. Sometimes raw power was called for.

Belatedly Grant realized what was happening. He yelped and stumbled backward but he did not go down. Luke heard the weapon thud on the floor. The gun went dark immediately, but he was blinded by the afterimages. He went down hard.

Muffled footsteps echoed in the maze, fading fast. Somewherein the distance a door opened and closed. A heavy silence settled on the gallery.

After a moment Luke realized that he was sprawled on the floor. He pushed himself to his hands and knees and groped blindly, searching for the weapon.

Blindly.

Luke tried to open his eyes and discovered they were already open. He pulled hard on his senses, but the dark-violet floors and walls did not reappear. He wondered if he had lost his regular vision, too.

“Shit.”

He was trapped in the jet-black maze.

Forty-One

Bruce was scratching at theside door of the Maze Gallery when it opened without warning. Startled, Sophy looked at the broad-shouldered figure looming on the threshold.

“Luke?”

Bruce answered the question first. He threw himself at Luke, who reached down to accept the joyous greeting.

“Take it easy,” he said. “I’m all right. Mostly.” He rubbed his eyes. “What are you two doing here? I told you to stay in the room.”

“So sue us,” Sophy said. “We both got worried and decided you might need a little help.”

“You were right.” He studied her for a moment, blinking a few times. “Let’s go back to the inn. I need to do some thinking and then I need to dream.”

“What are you talking about?” she demanded. “What happened in the gallery?”

“I ran into one of your failed experiments.”

“Grant? He was in there with you? What happened?”

“Let’s just say he doesn’t take criticism of his art in a positive way.”

Forty-Two

“Any sign that your othervision is returning to normal?” Sophy asked.

“Not yet,” Luke said. “But my regular vision is okay. Stop fussing and let me think.”

“I’m worried about your other sight.”