Lucky Streak (Lucky 2)

Another reason Mike thought his father’s heart had been—and maybe still was—involved. Edward wouldn’t be mentioning the damn curse otherwise.

Edward had disappeared into the boathouse to do heaven knew what, and Mike knew when he’d lost a battle. “How about we see what the women are doing?”

Derek nodded. “It’s not like we’re making any progress with him.”

“He’ll keep himself busy for hours in there.” Mike gestured toward the old building where his father organized tools and things that didn’t need organization.

They walked across the back lawn until Mike broke the silence. “Do you think he’s insane?” he asked, voicing his greatest fear.

Derek paused and turned to face him. “Is that a serious question?”

Mike grinned. “Strangely enough, yeah. Like, insane as in should he see a psychiatrist?”

“Do you think he would?” Derek asked.

“No, but that’s not what I’m asking. Do you think he should?”

Derek scratched his head. “Probably. Now that you mention it.”

“So you haven’t thought about it, either.”

Derek shook his head, a sheepish expression crossing his face. “Maybe one of us should have, but no, it never crossed my mind.”

Mike exhaled hard. At least he wasn’t alone. That made Mike feel better.

“What made you think about it now?” his cousin asked.

Mike shrugged. “Amber mentioned it and I’m thinking she’s got a point. But so do you, when you asked if he’d even go. Getting him there won’t be easy.”

A loud crash sounded from the small boathouse followed by a shout. “I caught an intruder!” Edward yelled.

Mike and Derek did an about-face from the house and ran to see what kind of trouble Edward was causing now. They approached to find that Edward stood outside the boathouse door, gesturing wildly with one hand. In the other, he held his skunk, which was never far away.

Mike’s heart pounded in his chest. “Dad, put that animal away and tell us what’s wrong.” Mike tried to get a look into the storage area, but Edward blocked the way.

“Someone’s inside. I didn’t get a good look, but I’m gonna get him now.” He turned and picked up a large stick. “I’m going in.”

Mike put a hand on his father’s shoulder. “Let me take a look inside first,” he said, easing Edward out of the way.

Derek held Edward back as Mike slipped into the boathouse. It looked like it was going to be another one of those days….

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

AT FIRST GLANCE, Mike didn’t see anything unusual inside the old boathouse. And he sure as hell didn’t see anyone.

“Hello?” Mike called.

“Mike? Is that

you?” a familiar voice asked.

His cousin Jason.

“Thank God you’re here,” Jason said. “I came around back looking for your father. I couldn’t find him, so I went into the boathouse to see if he was in there. I tried to talk to him, but he pulled a goddamn skunk out on me like a weapon. I’ve been hiding in here so I wouldn’t get sprayed.” Jason rose to his full height from the corner of the room.

Mike swore under his breath. “It’s safe now,” he said. “It’d have been safe anyway. The skunk has been descented.”

“What the hell?” Jason stepped forward.