The Dead Game by Susanne Leist

laughing and playing.
    She couldn’t believe what had happened to them last night. For a moment, she wistfully thought that she’d imagined it all; but she knew that she didn’t have such a vivid imagination.
    From the kitchen she heard strange new sounds. Then she happily realized that it was only Todd, who was still in her apartment after spending the night on her couch. It sounded and smelled like he was preparing breakfast.
    “I could get used to this,” she exclaimed as she entered the kitchen, finding Todd frying eggs while coffee brewed in her coffee maker on the counter.
    He looked unbelievably cute and disheveled to Linda. He even wore one of her frilly white aprons over his shirt and jeans as he brought food over to the kitchen table. His dark hair, still damp from the shower, hung over his high forehead. His dark eyes sparkled mischievously as he gallantly served her coffee, scrambled eggs, and pancakes.
    He sat down at the table across from her, giving her one of his infamous grins. She couldn’t believe that he was actually sitting here in her house, eating breakfast with her. Unfortunately she was tongue-tied again.
    Then she noticed that her two usually aloof cats were enthusiastically rubbing themselves against his legs. Todd explained, “Since they looked hungry, I fed them their cat food. Is that all right?”
    “Sure. They usually don’t like strangers; but if they like you, that’s great.” She couldn’t believe how silly she’d sounded…maybe silence would work better in her favor.
    They ate their breakfast in silence, but it did feel good just being with Todd.  Too bad it took such awful events to bring us closer together , she reflected unhappily.
    “I’m going to End House today with Sheriff Sam. Do you want to join us?” Todd unexpectedly asked.
    He took her by complete surprise, but she promptly responded, “Of course I do! I’m not going to rest until I find out who was responsible for that awful hoax! I’m very worried about Tom and Edward; they could still be alive somewhere in that dreadful house.”
    “We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready. Be sure to stick close to my side again so that I can keep you safe,” cautioned Todd.
    “Like glue,” saucily responded Linda.
    He winked at her before she dashed upstairs to get ready.
     
    Sheriff Sam had his hands full that morning. Not only did Shana want to go to End House, but also Mike and David, who both adamantly refused to leave Carl’s side. Earlier that morning he had called for reinforcements to help with their search for Louise. Police of neighboring towns and state troopers were busy scouring the beach and park for any sign of her. He hoped to find her alive and well—and not just her lifeless body, like the others that had been found on the beach.
    Deputy Carl was busy loading Mike and David into his car with a very exasperated look on his face. Sam couldn’t understand why Carl always acted irritated whenever he was asked to do his job. It was definitely time to replace his indignant deputy with newer and fresher talent.
    Glancing down at Shana, he remarked quietly, “You’re coming with me, but don’t wander off by yourself in the house. I know how independent you can be.”
    Becoming livid at his orders, Shana raised her voice, “You don’t know me well enough to predict any of my actions!” Her face turned a bright crimson red. He enjoyed pushing her buttons to test her reactions; and again, she didn’t disappoint him.
    “That could be arranged,” responded Sam. He knew that in time Shana would be all his and under his control; he just had to be patient a little while longer.
     
    Pulling up in front of End House, Todd and Sam sprinted from their cars. They headed straight for the basement stairs.
    Shana and Linda followed behind, groping the basement wall to make their slow descent down the steep stairs. David sniffled behind them as he loudly clomped down the steps.
    As Mike descended, he animatedly