Resolution: Evan Warner Book 1 by Shawn Underhill, Nick Adams Page A

He sniffed and blew out the strange odors clinging to me from the house of horrors. Judging by his face, he didn’t like the smell of dogs and death and filth. It must have been worse for him. His nose is a hundred thousand times more capable than mine. Humans might smell spaghetti sauce simmering, for instance, while dogs can distinguish each individual ingredient.
    “Sorry, man,” I said, and set him at ease with more scratches and a treat. All in all it was a nice little bonding session before getting on the road.
    But we didn’t go straight home. Because obsession is a powerful force. Almost as irresistible as magnetism.
    I ended up going down Bow Street again and turning onto Circle Drive. There were lights on and two cars in the drive. I passed by and came back onto Bow, but this time turned right and went up the hill to the old cemetery. Went through the graveyard onto a dirt road that linked to a larger side street. Got back to Central Street a few miles across town.
    We still didn’t go home. We ended up in Trenton at Neil’s Lounge. The parking lot was about half full. Kendra hadn’t been exaggerating when she said it was a nice place. It looked nice inside. Fancy but not too fancy. Almost like the sort of place that might cater a casual wedding reception or a family reunion. There was a good smell in the air. It helped me forget the awful Benson stench. There was mellow music playing. The lights were low. People were talking without being obnoxiously loud.
    Kendra was behind the long bar. She was wearing a white shirt with a black tie. She looked good. She looked classy. She seemed happy to be chatting with everyone. If I hadn’t known, I wouldn’t have guessed she was struggling through the loss of a friend.
    I moved along the bar. Found a few open seats down at the far end. Sat down and leaned on the bar. Then Kendra looked over and noticed me. She moved quickly in my direction after poring someone’s drink. She was practically bouncing like Tigger. The lights were low, but I could easily see the hope in her expression.
    “Didn’t expect to see you so soon.”
    “Don’t get excited,” I warned her. “I haven’t found him yet.”
    “Oh,” she exhaled. She lost a full inch in height.
    “The boys weren’t home. I snooped around their nasty house a bit. They’re definitely keeping dogs there.”
    “You broke right in?”
    “The door was open. I just walked in.”
    Her eyes got wide. “No way could I do that.”
    “It wasn’t fun. The place is a hellhole.”
    “When I saw you sitting here, I was hoping—”
    “Stay calm,” I said. I looked around real quick to make sure no one was within earshot. “I think we have the right people. And even if we don’t, when I catch up with them, I’ll make them tell me who the right people are. We’ll find Simon.”
    Kendra nodded. Her mind was going fast and she was working hard to steady herself and maintain her upbeat appearance.
    “I found a good amount of cash,” I told her next. “I just counted almost thirteen grand.”
    “Who keeps that much cash?”
    “Not me.”
    “Me either.”
    “Maybe their saving to get their grandma an operation.”
    “Neil knows who the big sellers are around here,” she said. “He says the Bensons aren’t serious sellers, if they sell at all. He’s never heard of them.”
    “How exactly does Neil know?”
    She shrugged.
    Maybe Neil actually did know what he was talking about. Or maybe he didn’t. Maybe he was just a restaurateur who wished he was a little more of a big deal. I didn’t say anything either way. Obviously Kendra liked him and trusted his word. No need to rain on her parade.
    I asked, “What’s good to eat?”
    She handed me a menu and pointed out a few of her personal favorites. It was a big menu with color photos of some of the dishes. Everything looked good. It was a hell of a decision. I decided on a calzone.
    “How about a drink?”
    “Bottled water.”
    “Live a little,” she