There was parking out front for two cars, and from there, the path led to the front of the house. Alex let Nick walk ahead and slightly to one side. He didn’t think Nick would bolt, but the image of him dashing off into the darkness crossed Alex’s mind. He wouldn’t have been surprised to sense waves of tension coming off Nick, but his friend appeared more stunned than tense.
Unlocking the door, Alex stood to the side. Nick stepped over the threshold like a man facing a death sentence. He grew paler even as Alex watched. That could be a trick of the moonlight, but Alex didn’t think so. Nick peered about, seemed to scan the silent street; as the door opened, Nick hurried inside. No sooner had Alex closed the front door than Nick turned to him, his movements jerky, stumbling.
“Alex…” Nick s
