Page 58 of Black Hollow: Awakening

“About half an hour ago. Don’t you dare deny it!”

“I didn’t.”

“You didn’t?” Blake hissed. “Weren’t you just begging me for help? Telling me how terrified you were?”

“What the hell was I supposed to be scared of?”

“Your tragic sense of humor, apparently.”

Will stared at Blake in disbelief.

“You really think I called you.”

“I don’t think so, I know so!”

“Blake…” Will took a deep breath, trying to get the situation under control. “Maybe someone did play a prank on you, but it definitely wasn’t me.”

“It was you! I recognized your voice.”

“Then you were mistaken.”

“I don’t make mistakes.”

“Oscar.” Will looked over at his guest. “When did you get here?”

“About half an hour ago, I think,” Oscar answered uncertainly, then reached for his phone to check the time. “Actually, at least forty minutes ago.”

“Did you see me call anyone?”

“No.”

“And were we ever apart for a long time?”

“No.”

“What about for a short time?” Blake interjected.

“Definitely not half an hour ago!” Will exclaimed in frustration. “That’s when we started the movie.”

“I’m not really sure what’s going on, but Will didn’t call anyone,” Oscar declared. “It’s some kind of mistake.”

“Did you hear that?” Will whispered. “There’s your rational explanation. Now you can go. You’re ruining the moment!”

“I know it was you,” Alden insisted.

“You don’t know shit, Blake,” Will shot back.

“You’re vulgar.”

“And you’re insufferable. I don’t make mistakes,” he repeated, mocking Blake’s haughty tone. “Seriously? Who even says that? Do you think Oscar is covering for me or something? That we called you for fun so you’d burst in right when we were about to… you know,” he added in a low voice.

“He might not be lying, but you are,” Blake stated harshly. “You didn’t have to call in front of him. I know your tricks.”

“What tricks?” Will scoffed. “I think the blood deficit is getting to your brain.”

“I can remedy that right now,” Alden threatened.

“Try me!” Will snarled.