Backwatch Lane

Chapter 2-2

Cody woke with the sun streaming into his room. He stared up the ceiling and reminded himself of his situation, now even more dangerous after his mysterious night visitor. He considered his few options.

He could get out of bed, continue the wacky adventure, and risk confronting the demon Tanglewood, or he could lie in bed. He was so tired. He came to Florida to start anew, but things only got worse. He wanted a nice new home, and he had to set it on fire to save his parents’ lives. He wanted a normal friend, and Hayden turned out to have his own demonic problems. Cody wanted an understanding boyfriend, and Adam dumped him because an incubus kissed him. They’d barely reconciled, but the illusion of perfection was shattered.

He missed Adam more than he would have thought possible. His strong, calming presence was just what Cody needed. Adam would have held him and given him a shoulder to cry on.

But maybe I can cry on Miles’ shoulder…Adam and the others were all a hundred and fifty years in the future. As were Cody’s medications. But did he even need them anymore since he was Ezra? Cody had no idea. For all Cody knew, Ezra was extremely depressed or schizophrenic. He wanted to cry. His first instinct was to man up and remain stoic, but then he gave in and sobbed.

After some time, a tall slave with kind eyes checked on Cody.

“Breakfast will be served soon, Mister Ezra.”

“Thank you. I might have some questions for you. Can you answer them, or will that Bartlett guy be mad at you?”

“You must be feeling rather ill,” the house slave said.

“Why’s that?”

“Because I am Bartlett,” he said, worry lines creasing his face.

“I’m still not feeling well,” Cody said. “Can you bring my food to me here?”

“Right away.” Bartlett spun on his heels and hurried out of the room. He seemed convinced that Cody wasn’t feeling well.

He ate lunch alone in his room. As he finished, his bedroom door opened and Miles entered with a girl Cody immediately knew to be his sister, Martha.

“How are you feeling?” Miles asked.

“Uh, been better,” Cody replied.

Cody was more than a little surprised when Martha kissed him just as Miles had. He’d never kissed a girl before, and he tried not to act grossed out by it. She seemed like a pleasant, intelligent young woman, and Cody could see the resemblance between her and Miles.

“Thanks for checking in on me,” Cody said. “But I really don’t feel good.”

“Should I come back later?” Miles asked.

“I fear I have come down with the consumption,” Cody said. He wasn’t sure what consumption was, but it sounded old-timey.

“Good God, that is serious,” Miles said, his face ashen. Martha took a step back.

“Consumption-like minor cold,” Cody clarified. “I’ll be fine. Just fine.”

“Perhaps tomorrow we can go riding,” Martha suggested. “If you’re feeling better by then.”

“‘Kay,” Cody said with a sigh, wondering what excuse he could use the next day. Maybe he’d have to give in and learn to ride.

“Shall I check in on you before dinner?” Miles asked.

“I don’t think I’ll be any better by then.”

The siblings left and Cody stalked over to the window. He sat in an uncomfortable chair and watched the sun set.

Izzy brought dinner up to Cody. He thanked her but barely touched the food. He managed half the whiskey and stumbled back into his bed. Could this be his new life? Hiding in this room and avoiding Ezra’s friends and family?

And how do I get more booze?

The door opened, but it was too dark for Cody to see who came in.

“I still feel ill,” Cody said. “Come back tomorrow. Or bring more whiskey. Yes, more whiskey at once.”

“There will be no tomorrow, Ezra Branch.” The newcomer was on him in a second. Cody struggled against his attacker, but he felt an impossible pressure on his chest. The air rushed out of his lungs and he saw dancing stars. In the last few seconds he had, Cody felt some essence invade him.

The fight left his body and his vision blurred. He tried to call out, but no sound escaped his gasping lips.