Page 47 of Psychic Obsession
"Come on.Have some food."He moved away from the bowl, knowing Captain Scratch wouldn't eat if he stood too close.
The crunch of tires on the gravel outside made Captain Scratch freeze then tense up as he got ready to run.
"Don't worry about it.I'll lead them away from here.You eat."He motioned at the bowl at the same time as one and then a second car was turned off.Did they have to drive separate cars?
Frode stepped out of the barn and huffed at his yard now filled with vehicles.
"You could think about the carbon footprint."
Hjalmar turned to him and grinned."We could."
Nikolai exited his black Audi and smiled.Why was he smiling?He hardly ever smiled at Frode.Maybe it was the prospect of food.
"I like the hair."
The hair?Frode touched his hair and realized it was still in a bun.He scowled at Nikolai.
"What?I'm serious."
"Yeah, right."But he didn't undo his hair.He glanced at Hjalmar.Maybe this would be a good time to ask him to cut it.Except Nikolai was here, and he didn't want to talk about his aversion to having strangers touch him.
"Is Captain Scratch okay?"Hjalmar motioned toward the barn.
"He's fine."
"Good."Hjalmar took a step toward the house, and Frode followed.Nikolai took up the rear, and soon all three of them stepped into the hallway.It was a small hallway, so they were a bit too close to each other for Frode's liking while taking their shoes off, but he took deep, calming breaths.
"Smells good."Nikolai's voice was a low rumble, and Frode shivered.
"Lasagna."He glanced at him and was surprised by the soft look in Nikolai's eyes.What the fuck was going on?
"Are we eating in the kitchen or in front of the TV?"Hjalmar was already halfway to the kitchen.
"Doesn't matter."Frode walked in front of Nikolai into the TV room, then slithered off to the side when he sensed Nikolai too close behind him.
"TV it is."Hjalmar shot him a grin over his shoulder.
"There's a salad in the refrigerator.And beer.Or would you like some wine?"
"We're driving back, but I wouldn't say no to a beer."
Frode nodded but didn't move toward the kitchen.It was small, and if all three of them went in there, it would be too crowded.Nikolai didn't go either, and Frode glanced at him."Please."He gestured at the open doorway.
There was a small tug at the corner of Nikolai's mouth, then he raised his eyebrow."Please?I didn't know you could beg."
Frode snorted."I didn't beg; I was trying to be polite.Must've forgotten who was in my house.Sit your ass down and don't touch anything."Then he stomped toward the kitchen.
Hjalmar looked up from cutting a square of lasagna."All good?"
"He's an asshole."He did nothing to keep his voice down.
Hjalmar grinned."Sure."
"How was your day?"Frode went to grab three bottles of beer from the fridge.He opened them all with swift motions.
"It was okay."
"Yeah?Because you sounded a little off when we talked earlier."He lingered by the table.
