Read Online Shades by Brian Keene, Geoff Cooper - Free Book Online Page A

relief. It meant that Bedrik didn’t have to worry about attracting the attention of the Kwan. But if it wasn’t Gustav who’d discovered Martin, then that meant there was a third magus in Brackard’s Point. Danny? Impossible. The boy had latent talent. Anyone could see that. But reading Crowley after school did not make one an adept. However, Danny knew Gustav, and he’d obviously lied about their relationship earlier. Bedrik was sure of it. Could the old man be tutoring the boy? Was Danny his apprentice?
    Bedrik’s eyes suddenly snapped open. He was instantly alert.
    Someone was outside.
    Someone had penetrated the circle around his home—a barrier invisible to the human eye. There was no sound. No flashing lights or blaring alarm; nothing to alert the trespasser that their presence had been detected. But Bedrik knew. He felt it immediately.
    Moving quickly to the bedroom, Bedrik took off his towel and put on black running shorts and a t-shirt. Then he slid on his running shoes. As he dressed, he listened for intruders, but the house was silent. Bedrik slipped out the back door and moved through the yard. He peeked around the side of the house.
    Matt Adams was crouched over the open hood of Bedrik’s car. He recognized the boy right away. Matt was one of Danny’s friends. He hadn’t grown up here with Danny, the way Jeremy, Chuck, and Ronnie had—but he’d been friends with them since moving to Brackard’s Point.
    He’d been meditating, seeking an answer to the question of Danny. Now, here was one of Danny’s friends. The synchronicity was not lost on him.
    Bedrik’s smile was cold.
    Matt glanced towards the house and then the street, making sure he wasn’t observed. Then he turned his attention back to the engine. His hands were grimy.
    Bedrik silently crept up behind him.
    “Can I help you, Matthew?”
    Shrieking, Matt jumped, smashing his head on the underside of the hood. Bedrik grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him away from the car. Matt was big for an eleven-year-old boy, but no match for the older man. He tried to break Bedrik’s grip, but the teacher squeezed harder. Matt’s other hand held a pair of wire cutters.
    “Let go of me. I didn’t do nothing!”
    “We’ll let the police decide that, Matthew.” Bedrik glanced at the engine. The wires had been cut. “I’ll bet your father will be very happy to learn how you’re spending your spare time. Imagine his reaction when you’re expelled from school.”
    “No!” Matt lashed out, driving the wire cutters into Bedrik’s side. The point punched through his skin. Bedrik tossed him to the ground and felt his ribs. His fingers came away wet and red.
    “You little shit.”
    Moaning, Matt struggled to rise. Bedrik kicked him in the crotch. The boy collapsed, choking.
    “Forget the police. Forget your father. You drew blood. I’ll deal with you myself.”
    “Please,” Matt sobbed. “I didn’t mean to do it. I was just pissed off.”
    “Who else knows you’re here?” Bedrik demanded. “Chuck? Ronnie and Jeremy?”
    Danny?
    Bedrik’s anger faded. An idea occurred to him. It was perfect.
    “Nobody,” Matt moaned. “I swear. I didn’t tell no one. Chuck’s at home fucking around with his bass Ronnie and Jeremy went up to Hook Mountain to get stoned. I don’t know where Danny is. We haven’t seen him much lately.”
    “You miss your friend, do you?”
    Matt looked up at him and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “Who…Danny?”
    “Yes. You’re resentful of the time he no longer spends with you?”
    “Well, yeah…sort of.”
    “Then I’ll make sure you see more of him. Stand up.”
    “Are you gonna kick me again?”
    “No, I’m not going to kick you. I’m going to help you. Come inside.”
    Matt paused. “No way.”
    “Come inside or I’ll call the police immediately and you can deal with your father’s retribution when you get home.”
    Lowering his head, Matt followed the teacher inside the house.