by RJ Nolan
“Good night.” Sam couldn’t help being charmed by Riley’s enthusiasm. Guess I won her over to Halloween.
Chapter 39
Marina stepped out of the bathroom. As she headed back to the kitchen, where she had left Sam, she heard voices. Riley must be home.
She had not seen her since the night at the bar after the softball game, but she had heard plenty about her. Riley was all Sam talked about these days, though she seemed totally unaware of it.
Marina still wasn’t over the shock of learning that Sam had invited Riley to move in. Even during the few short weeks that she and Sam were lovers, Sam had been much more comfortable staying at Marina’s place. Marina remembered only a single time she had stayed the night here at Sam’s apartment.
“No. I’m not taking it.”
Sam’s insistent tone stopped Marina just outside the kitchen doorway.
Sam and Riley stood facing off across the small room. Riley had a slip of paper in her hand.
“Yes, you are.” Riley took a step closer. “I agreed when I thought it would only be for a week or so, but I’ve been here almost a month.”
Sam’s jaw tightened as she crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s not necessary.”
Marina knew too well that determined jut of Sam’s chin. You’re fighting a losing battle there, Doc.
“You either take my half of the rent money, or I go start packing.”
“But—”
“Sam.” The warning was evident in Riley’s tone.
Sam’s arms dropped to her sides. With an audible sigh, she took the check.
Marina grinned. I’ll be damned.
“This is too much.”
“No, it’s not,” Riley said.
“You don’t even know how much my rent is.”
“Actually, I do. I called to see if there were any apartments for rent in your complex.”
Sam frowned, then a little half smirk twitched at the corners of her lips. “Okay. I’ll keep the check.” She folded the check in half and stuffed it into her pocket.
Ah. Keep, not cash. Sometimes Sam was too stubborn for her own good. But Marina gave Riley credit for giving it a good try.
Riley stalked toward Sam, a fierce scowl darkening her face.
Marina struggled not to laugh as Sam, who towered over Riley by almost a foot, retreated as if faced with an advancing tiger. She backpedaled until her back hit the refrigerator.
Riley went toe to toe with her. “And don’t even think about not cashing it.”
Sam held up her hands in surrender. “Okay. I’ll cash it.” She looked down into Riley’s eyes and gulped. “Uh…right away.”
You’ve definitely met your match. Laughing to herself, Marina stepped back before her presence became known. She cursed when the floor squeaked.
Riley’s head swung around. Fiery green eyes pinned her in place.
Whoa. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
Riley’s face flushed. “I didn’t realize you had company.” She moved to the kitchen doorway. “Excuse me,” she said to Marina as she slipped past her.
As soon as Riley had disappeared from sight, Marina went into the kitchen. Grinning at a blushing Sam, she fanned herself. “Wow. That’s one feisty lady you’ve got there.”
Sam scowled. “I told you, we’re just friends.”
Get a clue. “Oh. That’s right. Not your type.” Marina nudged her in the ribs. “Too bad she doesn’t have a few more curves, huh?” Come on, Sam. Take the bait.
“Marina.” Sam’s eyebrows lowered. “Knock it off. It’s got nothing to do with that. Not everything has to be about getting laid.”
Since when? “Yeah. You’re right. I was just thinking. Since you’re not interested, Elisabeth has several friends that are single. A woman like Riley…cute, a doctor, and she obviously has a very passionate nature.” She struggled not to laugh at the gathering storm on Sam’s face. “I know they’d be all over her. I think I’ll ask Riley for her number so I can pass it along.”
Sam rammed her hands into the pockets of her jeans and glowered. “Riley can find all the dates she wants on her own. She doesn’t need your help.”
Marina shrugged. “I’m just trying to help.” She bit the inside of her cheek.
“We should get moving. I’ll let Riley know we’re ready to go.” Sam stomped away.
Oh yeah. Bagged and tagged. You just don’t know it yet.
* * *
Riley sat slumped on the side of the bed. What was Marina doing in Sam’s apartment? Were they getting back together? Although she knew she could never be what Sam wanted, the thought of them together made her heart ache. She couldn’t stand to stay in Sam’s apartment, even for a single day, while Sam and Marina renewed their relationship.
A knock sounded.
Riley eyed the door. She knew there was no getting out of it, but she dreaded facing Sam.
“Riley?” Sam knocked again.
Just get it over with. Riley shuffled to the door and opened it a few inches. “I’m sorry. I had no idea Marina was here.”
Sam waved away the apology. “I should have told you she was here as soon as you came in. You about ready to go?”
Go? Riley frowned. Then she remembered—the Halloween costumes. She shook her head. “We can do it another time. I don’t want to intrude on your time with Marina.”
“Marina?” Sam’s brow furrowed. “Could you open the door, please, so I can talk to you?”
Riley was tempted to say they were talking but bit her tongue on the childish comment. She slowly opened the door the rest of the way.
“Look, I’m sorry.” Sam leaned against the door frame. “I should’ve asked you if you minded Marina tagging along before agreeing. Marina asked me if she could go with us, and I thought it would be okay.” She sighed. “Just give me a minute, and I’ll tell her that I’ll take her another time.” Sam turned away.
“Wait. Marina wants to go with us to the costume store? That’s why she’s here?”
“Yeah. Elisabeth talked her into going to a charity costume ball for Halloween. They’re supposed to attend as famous characters from literature. Elisabeth suggested they go as Odysseus and Penelope or maybe Scheherazade and King Shahryar. Not the kind of costume you’ll find in your average Halloween store.” Sam laughed. “I think Marina was hoping more for Robin Hood and Maid Marian or even Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, who’s Elisabeth?”
Sam smacked her forehead. “Oh. I thought I’d said. She’s Marina’s girlfriend.”
It just postponed the inevitable. She had to face the fact that Sam would have a girlfriend eventually. It was surprising that she didn’t have one already. “Just let me grab my jacket, and I’m ready.”
Sam put a hand on Riley’s arm. “You’re sure you don’t mind Marina coming with us?”
“It’s fine.” Now that she knew that Marina had a girlfriend, she would be more comfortable around her. “I’m looking forward to seeing this place and finding the perfect costume.”
“Great. Let’s go.”
Chapter 40
Sam turned down a street that led to an area filled with warehouses. She made several turns as she wove her way deeper into the industrial complex.
Riley glanced back to make sure Marina’s car was still behind them. How did customers ever find the place?
Finally, Sam pulled up in front of a huge two-story building. The sign on the side of the building read Fisher Film Services. “This is it.”
Marina pulled into the parking spot next to them.
After getting out of the car, Sam led the way to an unmarked side-door of the building.
“This doesn’t look like a store,” Marina said.
“Because it’s not. Normally, they only rent costumes and props for film, TV, and the occasional large special event. But I know the owner, and he’s making an exception for us.” Sam pressed the small buzzer next to the door.
N
othing happened for several moments, then the door swung open. A plump, middle-aged man with hanging jowls and a rotund belly motioned them inside.
“Hi, Melvin,” Sam said.
The door clanged shut behind them. Riley’s eyes widened as she took in long aisles filled with costumes and shelves loaded down with props.
“Samantha. It’s good to see you.” Melvin grabbed Sam’s hand and pumped it vigorously. His smile faded. “I saw on the news what happened.” His gaze swept her from head to toe. “Are you really okay?”
“I’m fine. How’s Teddy doing?”
Melvin beamed, making his eyes disappear in the folds of fat on his face. “Wonderful. Just wonderful. He made the dean’s list the last two semesters.”
“Glad to hear it. He’s a good kid.”
“He is. But if it wasn’t for you,” his voice choked with emotion, “I would have lost him.”
Sam patted his shoulder. “I’m glad it all worked out.”
Riley thought back to the owners of their favorite Chinese restaurant. How like Sam not to mention helping out another family. How many more were there?
“As I told you on the phone, I brought some friends with me.” Sam introduced them. “Think you can set us up?”
“Of course, of course. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.” Melvin turned to Riley and Marina and made a courtly bow—or at least as much of a bow as his large belly would allow. “Ladies, what’s your pleasure?”
Riley glanced at Marina, who gave her a go-ahead motion. “I was thinking something simple…like a cowboy outfit?”
“Pish Posh. Too ordinary.” His gaze swept Riley, and he beamed at her. “I’ve got a much better idea.”
* * *
Riley clipped a heavy, black sack to her belt and grinned at her reflection in the dressing room mirror. She straightened the collar of her long-sleeved western shirt, then checked the tuck line at the waist of her button-fly jeans. A short, braided leather whip hung from her belt and trailed down alongside the seam of her pant leg. She wiggled her toes in the pointed cowboy boots. A full-length leather duster and black Stetson completed the look. She tested the effects on her costume to make sure she could unobtrusively trigger them. Definitely not ordinary. She tugged her hat down low so it shaded her eyes and then strode out of the dressing room.
Marina was waiting outside. A rich, dark green tunic that hung to mid-thigh stretched taut across her ample chest. Close-fitting tights clung to her strong legs. Her hat tilted at a jaunty angle, and bow and arrow slung over her shoulder, she made a striking Robin Hood.
An uncomfortable stab of envy pricked Riley. No matter what she did, she would never look like that. She smoothed her hands down the soft leather of her duster.
“You look great,” Marina said.
“Thanks. You too.” Riley peered toward the dressing rooms, eager to show Sam her costume.
“She’s not in there. Melvin decided he wasn’t happy with the Deven Masters outfit. He said it was too common, so he took her to try on some special costume that he insisted would be perfect for her.”
Too bad. Riley had been looking forward to seeing Sam in those leather pants.
Silence stretched between them.
Trying not to fidget, Riley walked over and checked out some of the props on the wall. As she turned back, she spotted a beautiful gown that was hanging outside the dressing room.
“I can’t wait for Elisabeth to see it,” Marina said.
Riley moved closer to get a better look at the dress. It was lovely. The pale green gown was embroidered with tendrils of ivy surrounding the bodice and trailing down onto the skirt. “Maid Marian?”
A glowing smile lit Marina’s face. “Yes. Elisabeth is going to look fantastic in it.”
At the obvious look of adoration on Marina’s face, Riley’s discomfort with her slipped another notch.
“Ah. Ladies, let’s see how you look.” Melvin trundled toward them. When he reached them, he motioned for Marina, then Riley to turn in a circle in front of him. “Nice. Very nice.” He checked the sleeve of Riley’s jacket. “Everything working?”
Riley nodded.
“Then it’s time to meet the last member of your group.” He clapped his hands. “Come join us,” he called out.
Heavy footfalls sounded on the concrete floor. A stunning, white-haired figure appeared from between the aisles and marched toward them.
Unbelievable! Riley knew her mouth was hanging open but was helpless to do anything about it. Even Riley, who wasn’t a fan of science fiction movies, recognized Baylin. The mega-hit Rescue from Zebturion Prime had smashed box-office records all over the world.
Dark blue pants clung to Baylin like a second skin, her powerful thighs flexing with every step. Heavy, knee-high paratrooper boots encased her feet and calves. Her vest, studded with silver discs, molded to her upper body. A wide metal band around each bicep highlighted the sleek muscles beneath. Bracers with flashing circuitry covered her forearms. Short, spiky white hair added to her intimidating look. She stopped directly in front of Riley.
Riley gazed into Baylin’s stony face. Deep amethyst eyes held her captive. She stood frozen like prey in front of a predator.
“Hot damn,” Marina said, breaking the spell. “You look incredible.”
You’ve got that right. It was the perfect costume for Sam. Who better than the rescuer of abandoned children?
Sam grinned. “It is pretty cool.”
Riley couldn’t take her eyes off her. The enticing cleavage on display was doing a number on her libido. Great, now I’m channeling a horny teenager.
Sam tugged on the sleeve of Riley’s jacket.
When Riley’s gaze darted to her face, Sam winked.
A blush made the tips of Riley’s ears burn. At the sound of Marina’s and Melvin’s chuckles, she tugged her hat down in an attempt to cover her flaming face.
“Hey, we haven’t checked out Riley’s costume yet,” Marina said.
Grateful for the rescue from an unexpected quarter, Riley pushed her hat back and smiled at Marina.
“So, what kind of cowboy are you?” Sam asked.
Riley curled her hands around her belt and braced her feet wide apart. “I’m a ghost wrangler.” She pulled the short, stiff whip from her belt. “Stand back and give me some room.”
Once everyone had moved away, she waved the whip slowly back and forth in front of her. It began to hum and glow a dim red. She moved to her right; the hum became louder and the glow increased. The whip coiled like a snake around its prey. “I’ve got one.”
She flipped back her jacket and tugged open the black bag at her waist with one hand as she struggled to hold on to the whip with the other. She guided the tip of the tightly coiled whip into the bag. As soon as it touched, sparks erupted. Flashes of electricity raced up the sleeve of her duster. She jerked the whip free and slammed the bag closed. The contents of the bag writhed for a moment, then went still. “Got ’im!”
Sam and Marina clapped.
“Well done,” Melvin said.
Riley took a bow.
“That was great,” Sam said. “The kids are going to love you.”
Riley smiled. “Thanks.” She couldn’t wait to try out her act on the kids. “But I bet Baylin’s going to be the hit of the party.”
“Well, ladies, I think you’re all set,” Melvin said. “Let’s get these costumes boxed up.”
As Riley made her way into the dressing room, she shook her head. She hadn’t expected to find herself dressing up in any sort of costume, but it had been fun. Guess Halloween isn’t so bad after all.
Chapter 41
Riley hurried toward the entrance of the community center. Taking a moment, she checked her reflection in the glass door. You look fine. Quit stalling. Considering Jess’s attitude after the shooting, she couldn’t help being a bit leery of seeing her again. She ran damp palms down the front of her jeans, straightened her hat, and pulled open the door.
Black
and orange streamers hung from the ceiling. A large cauldron, surrounded by cobwebs and spiders, formed the centerpiece of a row of tables along the back wall. Colorful cardboard cutouts of pumpkins, witches, bats, and skeletons covered the walls. Pumpkins with painted faces were scattered throughout the room. Looks great. She scanned the room, looking for Sam.
Across the room, dressed in a blood-red vest and cape and a black tuxedo, Dracula stood in conversation with a witch and a pirate.
Remembering the picture from Sam’s phone, Riley smiled. That must be Kim. There was no sign of Sam in her Baylin costume.
Dracula caught sight of her and headed in her direction. “Good evening,” Dracula said with his classic accent. He spread his cape wide and bowed.
Riley stared at the slicked-back raven hair, deathly pale face, and blood-red lips, trying to find some resemblance between the person standing before her and the woman she had met months ago. “Kim?”
Kim smiled, displaying a set of fangs. “Hi, Riley. Glad you could make it. Thanks for being willing to help out.” She eyed Riley’s costume. “So that’s what a ghost wrangler looks like, huh? I can’t wait to see you in action. Sam’s been bragging about you since she got here.”
Heat flooded Riley’s face. She ducked her head, silently bemoaning her fair complexion. She glanced around again, hoping to spot Sam.
“Sam’s in the haunted house with Jess,” Kim said. “They were having some last minute issues with the runner lights on the floor.”
As much as Riley wanted to go to Sam, she resisted. You’re here to help. So, help. “Umm…what do you need me to do?”
“There are still a few treat bags to fill. Would you mind helping with that?”
“Just point me in the right direction.” A prickling awareness nudged at the edge of Riley’s senses.
Kim looked at something behind Riley, and a bright smile blossomed.
Riley turned, and then she smiled too.