Nightmares Rise Read online

  “Yeah, never thought I’d be so glad to have hairspray in my house.” She wrinkled her nose as she started scrubbing off the gunk from his skin, being sure to get all of it. “You’d be surprised, how much you’ll do when survival is on the line.”

  “I never thought I’d use it either,” he remarked. “It was like crazy hair day back at school. Or crazy head day, since its head, you know, blew up!” He grinned like a kid. Even with brains going everywhere, it was kind of fun.

  “Wait, you actually did those stupid things? Seriously?” She laughed softly and wrapped her arms around Flynn when she was done washing him. “I cut school so much, it was a wonder I graduated. Let alone got into college.”

  “Uh, I had two older sisters. They liked to dress up. And they liked to dress me up. I would have gone to crazy hair day with pink streaks at least once.” He laughed. “Besides, the school was always using the day to raise money, so who was I to argue?”

  “Good cause, or not, there was no way in hell you’d catch me doing that. They’d have to pay me, first.” She peered up at him through wet eyelashes, “Pink? Really?”

  “What’s wrong with pink?” He looked down at her with mock innocence. “Some of my favorite body parts are pink.”

  “Oh, really? You have to point them out to me, sometime.” She gave him an equally innocent smile as she leaned up to kiss him.

  “I’d prefer to show you,” he said against her mouth.

  CHAPTER 19

  Some people like to share a cigarette in bed after sex. But Makani—she liked to play Angry Birds. It was so much more rewarding, and the birds made cute little twittering chirpy noises. After she sent a red bird to the pile of bricks, and it didn’t quite destroy a pig in a helmet, she passed the phone to Flynn, “Get that evil piggy bastard!” Yes—Angry Birds was a good way to share quiet time with someone you loved.

  “This game totally defies the laws of physics,” Flynn commented, swiping his finger across the screen. “Oh come on, that would have made bacon out of every pig there.” He handed the phone back. “It’s rigged in favor of the pigs.”

  “Nah . . . you just gotta use the albatross.” She launched another bird across the screen, smiling to herself. A thought crossed her mind, and a black bird exploded right under the slingshot. “Hey . . . you should check the memory card in your camera. See if there’s anything left on it.”

  “Later. It’s my turn.” Flynn put his hand out for the phone. “This is addictive. Hey, do you know a guy who delivers dinner in bed? I’m getting hungry. It must be from looking at those pigs.”

  “Should I call for pizza? You said I didn’t have any in the fridge, last time you checked.” The sounds of a car pulling into her driveway had her sitting up. “Wow . . . they’re good!” Makani peered out through the curtains, and a frown crossed her lips. “That’s my cousin, Asa.” She started looking for clean clothes to put on.

  “Damn, I just got a bomb bird too. I love those guys,” Flynn muttered. “Did he bring pizza?” He pulled on his shorts and followed her out the door. “Asa, not the bomb bird,” he added.

  “No . . . it looks like he brought back up, though.” She was really beginning to wonder what exactly was going on. Asa knocked on the door, and Makani opened it, after making sure they were both dressed. “Hey, wassup brah?”

  “Maka, we need to talk to your friend. Is he here?” Asa was still dressed in his uniform, hat and all. This didn’t sound good.

  “Flynn? What you need him for?” She turned her head just a little to look back at the man in question, concern written on her face.

  Flynn looked back at her and shrugged. “I’m here. Is there a problem? My visa hasn’t expired . . . ”

  “That’s not the problem, Mr. Cole. Can you step outside, please?” Asa stepped back from the door, another officer standing by their car. Neighbors had started turning on lights and peeking around their curtains to watch what was going on. “Someone found a cell phone that looks like it belonged to your sister, Emma. The last number she called was yours.”

  Flynn followed him outside, hands crossed self consciously over his bare chest. “Ok, she lost her phone. I can give you her address in Sydney to send it to her. Typical Emma, she always forgets something.” He smiled wanly.

  “No, Mr. Cole. They were supposed to be on a flight back to Australia, and never made it. Their rental car was found at Kaka’ako waterfront park. No sign of her, the husband, or kids.” Asa had his eyes narrowed at Flynn, while Makani leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene unfold.

  “Asa, I was with him the whole time! We ditched them at the park, and didn’t bother answering their calls.” She stepped forward, but Asa put a hand up.

  “No, Maka. You don’t understand; there was blood at the scene. This is being looked at as a kidnapping and possibly a multiple homicide case. Your new boyfriend here—” he jerked his chin at Flynn. “—Needs to come down to the police station for fingerprints and questioning.”

  Flynn was suddenly looking very pale. “They never made it home? I should check my email, my mother . . . ” His head snapped toward Asa. “I’m happy to cooperate, of course. Any chance I can put a shirt on first?” His hands were visibly shaking. He glanced at Makani, confused and scared.

  “Maka, get the man his shirt, please. We need to get to the station as quickly as possible.” Asa leaned against the railing, always keeping watch of what Flynn was doing.

  Flynn’s eyes followed her inside and back out. He slipped his shirt on over his head and tugged it down. “I’m ready.” He turned toward Makani and took her hand. “I don’t know how long this will take. Stay safe, okay?” He spoke low and urgent.

  “This’ll work out. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” But she couldn’t help the cold feeling of dread creeping into her heart. Makani squeezed his hand, and chewed her bottom lip.

  A look of fear crossed his features. “My camera. Can you get it fixed? Or find someone that look at the memory card? There are things in there that might help.” He let her hand go and turned back to walk toward the waiting police car.

  “Yeah . . . yeah, I got it! I can do that!” She trotted up to Asa, her feet bare on the gravel. “You better take care of him, Asa. If you don’t, I swear, I’m gonna tell your boss about all the times you smoked pakalolo at my place!” Despite the height difference, she was a very formidable opponent when she was angry.

  “We’ll see. But right now, things aren’t looking good for him.” He walked to the driver’s side of the car, and got in.

  The other officer opened a door and gestured for Flynn to get into the back of the car. He climbed inside and watched through the window as the door was closed. He mouthed “I love you,” as the car pulled away.

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  Erin Yoshikawa is a Scorpio born in the year of the rat. She currently resides on a small rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with one child and a plethora of native fauna to aid in the writing process. One time rock and roll queen, soup seller, grave digger, and world traveler, Erin enjoys a quiet existence working for The Man while not giving him the satisfaction of killing imagination and dreams. She has contributed to a few anthologies. Nightmares Rise will be her first full-length novel with more to come. Eventually. She hopes.

  Mirren Hogan lives in NSW Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cat, rabbits and countless birds. She has a Bachelor of Arts (English/ history), a Graduate Diploma of Arts (writing) and a couple of degrees in education. She writes fantasy, urban fantasy and science fiction. Her debut fantasy novel—Crimson Fire—was released in October 2016, and was followed by Night Witches, a rare foray into historical fiction. She's also had several short stories published and has co-edited two charity anthologies; for breast cancer research and Plan Australia.

 

 

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