Read Online Dead Is Just a Dream - [Dead Is - 08] by Marlene Perez - Free Book Online Page A

only girl in the room,” Daisy said. “So I wouldn’t worry about it.”
    “His ex-girlfriend’s in town,” I said. “And his mother hates me.”
    “His mother doesn’t like you?” Daisy asked. “Isn’t she a virago too?”
    I nodded. “I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that she invited Dominic’s ex here just to try to break us up.”
    “That’s horrible,” Daisy said. “Ryan’s dad was great. I miss him.”
    “Everyone in Nightshade misses Chief Mendez.” Ryan’s dad, the former chief of police, had been killed on his son’s grad night.
    There was a melancholy silence before the oven timer went off.
    “Did they catch everyone in the Scourge?” I asked. The Scourge was the nefarious agency behind the grad night bomb and the deaths of other paranormal residents of Nightshade. “I know Sam’s dad was the leader, but it’s over now that he’s in jail, right?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t think it will ever be over as long as people hate other people.”
    My phone alerted me to a new text from Dominic.
    “Hey, want to go watch Side Effects May Vary record their first album?” I asked.
    “Sounds interesting,” Daisy said. “But where?”
    “Teddie Myles has a recording studio at her house,” I said. “And we’re invited.”

Chapter Twelve
    Teddie Myles lived on an estate on a hill near the Wilder property. The house was more modern looking than the Wilders’, and I could see an enormous guitar-shaped pool through the trees. Before she opened the Black Opal, Teddie had been a successful musician, but I’d never realized that she was so rich.
    Daisy parked in the long driveway right next to a newer-model BMW. The slick luxury car didn’t really seem like Teddie’s style. The old dusty Jeep, its tailgate nearly covered with bumper stickers, seemed more her speed.
    Jensen Kenton got out of the BMW.
    “Hi, Mr. Kenton,” I said. “What are you doing here?”
    He didn’t seem to mind my nosy question. “Ms. Myles just bought one of my new paintings. I wanted to deliver it personally.”
    He pulled the painting from the car and held it out to inspect it. “Would you mind shutting the trunk for me?”
    As I did so, I noticed an open container of miscellaneous stuff that looked like a lost and found box.
    “Why are you girls here today?” Mr. Kenton asked as we walked to the house.
    “My boyfriend’s band is recording here,” I explained. “They won the Battle of the Bands a few months ago and the prize was a recording contract with Cranky Kitten Records.”
    “Sounds interesting.”
    “Interesting is one way of describing it.” I was pretty sure we’d run into Talulah Crank, the owner of Cranky Kitten Records. Cranky also described her personality.
    I rang the doorbell, since Mr. Kenton’s arms were full.
    Dominic must have been waiting for us because he opened the door on the first ring.
    Jensen Kenton didn’t bother to say hello, just shouldered his way past Dominic and kept going with the painting through an arched doorway.
    “Thanks for coming,” Dominic said to me and Daisy.
    “I’ve never been to a recording session before,” Daisy said.
    “Me, neither,” Dominic said with a smile.
    “Are we late?” I asked.
    “No, perfect timing. I’m happy you’re here,” he said. “Don’t freak out, okay?”
    “About what?”
    “Mom’s here too,” he said. “And she brought Tashya.”
    He gave me a quick kiss. “The recording studio is on the top floor. I’ll meet you there. I’ve got to warm up before they record the vocals.”
    As he left, Daisy and I exchanged a look. “Don’t worry. You brought a secret weapon, remember?” she said, holding up the Tupperware container full of brownies.
    We followed the sound of voices into the living room. Teddie was holding court at a baby grand piano. Her hair was striped green today and she had on a CBGB tee and black leather pants and purple Converse sneakers.
    “Daisy, Jessica,” she said. “Glad you could make