Now the clock had turned past nine. He was staring at the lit screen of his phone. Waiting either for a text from Brett saying he was on his way, or perhaps fearing one announcing that he couldn’t make it. He’d pulled a beer from the fridge in an effort to help calm his growing nerves. He was too anxious and while he hadn’t exactly lied to Ellie about tomorrow, he had far more to worry about than Aldous’ business machinations. Chad needed Brett, in more ways than one.
He was staring out the back window, looking to see from which direction Brett came. Did he park his car down by the old stone house and make his way up the path in the dark? Just as he was about to turn around, he suddenly felt someone grab at him from behind. He jumped nearly a foot out of his skin, a sharp cry barking from
