The Devil's Trail

38- Falling

A few days later...

I watched carefully as Zak paced the floor, his phone to his ear and his hand tugging at his hair in stress.

"Well can they even do that?" He asked pausing to hear the answer before he spun on his feet and walked back across the lounge.

This was bad.

From what I had gathered, our location for the next investigation had fallen through. Taking along the money the channel had given them to secure it for the night after the building was deemed unsafe. But instead of returning the money, they had decided to keep it and cut all contact.

"That's bullshit! We had a contract! They signed!" Zak snapped making me push my mouth to the side and roll my eyes when he turned to pace again.

Then he snapped his fingers at me. I looked up to see him beckoning me over and because I was in an argumentative mood from a poor night sleep thanks to the nightmares, I refused to move.

He came over instantly and sank onto the couch beside me as I folded my arms. Sighing gently when he moved my hair aside to rub the back of my neck putting just the right amount of pressure into my muscles.

"Yeah.. Yeah okay. Thanks." He hung up and tossed his phone onto the table.

I waited, patiently and quietly whilst he continued his massage until he rubbed the top of my back "I didn't mean to come across as a douche then, it's just.. You're presence has calmed me over the last few hours. I wanted to feel you."

Twisting my head, I take in his facial expression. "Getting stressed won't help. There's hundreds of places that are haunted, probably thousands. Hell, I know there are thousands. I know it sucks about the money but is it worth getting worked up over?"

"Yeah, a little. It's our budget."

"Then we arrange two closer to home to cut down flights and hotel costs. We don't need a separate room, do we?"

He smiled slightly "I guess not. Now you mention it, I might like sharing with you."

I share his smile "That's the spirit. Now seeing as that's fallen on its face. Let's go to the museum, get some stuff done, I'll text everyone and let them know."

His shoulders relaxed "Really?"

"Absolutely, and you can let your mom know she's off dog sitting too."

"Good thinking."

"I know! Let's go." I pat his knee and pull myself up. Leaving him on the couch alone.

+++

"Delilah..."

I look up from my joke match with Dakota through text to find one person, I really didn't want to see.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me." I speak quietly as we pull up under the car port. Zak had decided to take my car today and after his constant asking, I caved and allowed him to drive us.

"Have you asked to see her again?"

"No. I haven't spoke to her since the last time."

Opening the door, I get out and lock eyes with my mom whose stood outside gesturing to the museum and stopping strangers. Not waiting for Zak, I march straight out the gates and for her.

"What are you doing here?" I ask folding my arms.

"Delilah, darling please. I know you're mad about the other day. But it was a shock, I'm sorry."