Page 33 of Tide and Seek (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #8)

Wrinkling my brow, I asked, “Why?”

He looked momentarily taken aback, but then pushed forward. “It’s my signature Executive Detox Cocktail. Organic vodka, wheatgrass, spirulina, and a dash of chlorophyll to optimize your cellular function. Think of it as a hostile takeover of pharmaceutical toxins in your system.”

I stared at the murky liquid, positive it would taste as disgusting as it looked. “That’s very thoughtful, but—”

“It’s completely organic,” he continued unabashed. “I’ve streamlined my recipe to include only the highest-grade superfoods. The wheatgrass is grown in my apartment using blue-light optimization technology. And yes, there’s vodka in it—but think of it as a delivery system for the nutrients.”

“I don’t think that’s how alcohol works,” I murmured.

“Most people don’t realize that nutrition is just another market that needs strategic innovation. When you leverage ancient wisdom with modern efficiency principles...” He gestured expansively. “Exponential consciousness growth.”

I scowled. “But… I don’t want to drink that sludge.”

C.J. appeared at my elbow. “Max, Royce, I need help in the kitchen. Can you please come help me?”

“You need help in the kitchen?” I repeated, confused. I wasn’t known for my culinary skills.

“Yes,” she said pointedly. “I need you and Royce to come help me.” She stared into my eyes so intensely, I finally grasped she was trying to rescue us.

“Oh, uh… of course. We… would love to help.” I turned to Phoenix. “I… don’t want that drink. Maybe you should drink it.”

“But I made it for you.”

I tried to come up with a polite excuse, but nothing came to me, so I just turned and walked away, and C.J. and Royce hurried after me.

“I’m so sorry,” C.J. hissed. “I had no idea my employees would descend on you like seagulls spying a French fry on the beach.”

Royce laughed. “That’s an interesting visual.”

“But accurate,” she said, grimacing.

C.J. didn’t actually need help in the kitchen, so the three of us just drank and chatted and ate from a tray of appetizers she had on the island. I was so happy to finally spend some time with C.J., I began to actually enjoy myself.

Unfortunately, at some point the other guests discovered us and dragged us back out into the main party.

I did my best to avoid Team Incense the rest of the night, although it wasn’t easy.

They seemed to be everywhere. In an effort to avoid them, Royce and I headed back out to the deck.

James was nowhere to be seen, but Luke was still in the same spot, picking at his food.

I was concerned he might be sick because his color wasn’t good and his hands were shaking.

“It’s almost over,” Royce whispered as we stood near the railing. “We’ll just stay a little longer. Were you going to try and talk to James like C.J. wanted?”

“God, I don’t know. I don’t want to.”

“I know.” His gaze was understanding. “She might be right though. He might actually listen to you. He cares what you think, Max.”

I sighed, glancing around. “I don’t even know where he is. He seems to be avoiding me now.”

Before Royce could respond, Luke suddenly stood up from his table, swaying slightly. His face was pale and covered with a sheen of sweat despite the cool ocean breeze.

“Luke, honey, are you okay?” C.J. appeared beside him, her hostess instincts clearly activated.

“I’m fine,” Luke mumbled, but his hands were visibly trembling as he set down his plate. “Just need some air.”

“You’re already outside,” C.J. pointed out, moving closer with obvious concern.

Luke looked around as if just realizing where he was. “Right.” He sat back down heavily, running his hands through his hair repeatedly.

I caught Royce’s eye and saw my own concern reflected there. “I think he’s going through withdrawal,” I said softly. “He’s exhibiting textbook symptoms: sweating, shaking, he’s disoriented.”

“Yes.”

C.J. gently patted Luke’s bony shoulder. “Luke, honey, maybe you should head home and get some rest.”

“Can’t,” Luke said quickly, a note of panic entering his voice. “Can’t go home right now. There’s... people might be... I just can’t.”

It hadn’t been obvious at first, but I could now see there was a dusky smudge under his eye, like the remnants of a black eye. Had Ethan clocked him with a punch I hadn’t seen the other day when they’d been arguing out on the beach?

“People might be what?” James asked, coming up behind C.J.

Luke’s eyes darted around the deck as if checking for threats. “Nothing. Forget it. I’m fine.”

But he wasn’t fine, and everyone could see it.

“Luke, I’ll walk you home,” C.J. said firmly, “I’m worried about—”

“I said I’m fine,” Luke snapped, then immediately looked embarrassed. “Sorry. Sorry, C.J. I’m just... tired. I’m really sorry. I’ll be quiet. I’ll just sit here. Don’t make me go home, okay?”

“Okay, okay.” C.J. gave a worried glance in our direction.

I couldn’t ignore her silent plea and I moved over to where Luke was. I took the chair across from him, and when he looked up at me, I gave what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

“You’re going through withdrawals, aren’t you, Luke?”

Luke blinked at me. “Says who?”

“Says me. I’ve seen it enough times to know.” I hesitated. “If you want to get clean, you should probably do it in a clinic where they can keep an eye on you and keep you safe.”

He scowled. “I’m not trying to get clean. I’ve just had a little trouble getting… what I need lately, that’s all. And I’m not going to some damn rehab, so don’t even think about trying to force me into that.”

“Of course not,” I said. “But I would like to make sure you’re okay.” I turned to C.J. “Do you have a small flashlight?”

“A flashlight?” She knitted her brows in confusion.

“I’d like to check Luke over to be sure he’s not in any immediate danger.”

“Oh. Yes, I’ll go get it.” She hurried off.

I turned back to Luke. “Is that okay with you, Luke? Will you let me make sure you’re not in any danger?”

“It’s not necessary, Doc,” he grated.

I shrugged. “What does it hurt to let me check a few things?”

Luke watched me, his expression surly. His knee bounced under the table, his fingers worrying at the seam of his jeans. Sweat beaded at his hairline despite the cool ocean breeze. “I’d have thought you’d have gone home by now,” he grumbled.

“From the party?” I frowned.

“No, from Malibu.” He sounded annoyed. “Why are you still here?”

Before I could answer C.J. returned with a little penlight and she set it on the table in front of me. I leaned toward Luke. “I just want to check your pulse and your pupils. Is that okay with you?”

He looked like he might bolt, but after a long beat, he shrugged. “Fine. Whatever.”

I clicked on the light and stood, moving to his side of the tall table. I lifted it, holding it near his eyes. His pupils were blown wide, barely reacting to the light. I kept my expression neutral, though inside concern twisted in my gut.

“See,” Luke muttered, licking his dry lips. “I’m perfectly fine.”

I didn’t respond to that. Instead, I said, “May I check your pulse?”

Luke shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his leg bouncing so fast now it rattled the table. “It’s not necessary.”

“I think it is,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Hold out your hand.”

Suspicion flickered in his eyes. “Why?”

“You know why,” I said patiently. “Because I’m a doctor, and I’d like to make sure you’re not about to keel over.”

He surprised me when he let out a shaky laugh, and then extended his hand. I pressed two fingers gently against his wrist. His pulse jumped beneath my fingertips — rapid and irregular. Not enough to call 911 yet, but not good either.

“Hmm,” I murmured, more to myself than to him.

“What?” he demanded, pulling his hand back quickly.

“Your body is definitely under stress,” I said simply. “You may not think it’s dangerous, but it can be.”

“Should we call an ambulance?” C.J. whispered.

I handed her back the flashlight. “I’m not sure. He’s not in immediate danger, but he needs rest. And if he takes a turn for the worse, he’ll need more help than I can give him here.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Sage, Phoenix, and Moonbeam standing a few feet away with their hands raised like they were about to conduct a séance.

Sage’s eyes were closed in solemn concentration.

Moonbeam clutched a chunk of amethyst the size of a lime, whispering under her breath.

And Phoenix looked like he was leading a board meeting, his palms angled toward Luke as if he were presenting quarterly projections to the universe.

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from saying something I’d regret.

“This party blows.” Luke stood abruptly. “You should all mind your own business. I’m perfectly fine.” He stumbled toward the stairs that led down to the beach and staggered clumsily onto the sand.

“Luke, wait,” C.J. called after him, but he waved her off and kept heading toward his house.

“Let him go,” Royce said. “The best thing for him is to sleep it off. He’s not going to listen to Max. If we keep pushing, he might just get more agitated and violent.”

C.J. chewed her bottom lip, worry written across her face. “He seemed like he was cleaning up his act a few months ago, but now he’s worse than ever.”

“He’s definitely a bigger mess than I remember,” I agreed.

“Unfortunately, he’s not the only one who’s struggling.” Her gaze shifted to James who stood alone on the deck, staring after Luke. “Were you going to talk to James, Maxwell?” she asked quietly.

“C.J., I really don’t think—”

“Maxwell, please,” she whispered. “It’s bad enough that Luke is a mess, but I don’t think I can handle it if James goes down the drain as well.” Her eyes glistened with what I feared were tears. “Won’t you at least just try talking to him?”

I sighed, guilt eating away at me. “Fine. What exactly do you want me to say?”