Hide and Seek

"Who gets the flashlights?"

Casey thought about it. "I guess we can leave them here on the table

with the beer and stuff. That's the best way to make sure nobody

cheats and uses one."

"You take "em," said Kim. "Put them in the book bag. We trust you. I

might be tempted to steal one."

"I'm not sure / trust me."

Steven shrugged. "It's your game, Case. You willing to cheat

yourself?"

"I guess not."

"Then take them. I finished my beer, by the way."

"Lights out, then." They were all ready to go. I could have used

another drink.

Casey turned the world dark again.

I felt her hand thrust its fingers between mine, twining them, exerting

a gentle pressure. Her body shifted next to me, and I put my arm

around her waist. She turned and there we were for a moment, necking

in the dark.

The first kiss was warm and sweet, the second more playful. She nipped

at my bottom lip and I could feel her own lips turn into a smile.

"Good luck

"Good luck to you, sport."

"You really think it's crazy?"

"No more than usual."

"I like you Clan Thomas. Even if you do have two first names."

"Fond of you too, Case."

Kim whispered, "You ready?"

I took a deep breath, inhaling Casey's scent as she moved away from

me.

Fora moment the three of them shifted in a pack, a human shell game.

There were ropes dangling against my leg. It was batty. I closed my

eyes.

"Ready."

I started counting.

I listened to the footsteps clatter on the hardwood floor. Someone

went upstairs. Maybe two people did, or one person moving double-time

to confuse me. I couldn't be sure. Somebody