Morgan stared at the screen, wondering how to decipher his comments. She’d been kidding about the dead body smell. Even if the Harpers were buried there, it happened ten years ago. Surely they would be powder and bone?

Joking! Taz typed when she failed to respond. Don’t worry. All old houses stink. Open the windows.

Not at this hour of the night, a bat will probably fly in, Morgan replied. And those things freak me out, so don’t even go there.

You started it.

I know, Morgan typed, her lips turned down. I hate this place. Nighbrook is the Village of the Damned. It was one of the many old horror movies that she had in her collection but rarely watched. Just because she dressed like a Goth it didn’t mean she liked horror movies, but it was a present-buying assumption that many people made. She thought about her image and Dawn’s comment about liking redheads. Did she even want to be a Goth any more?

Sounds like you’ll fit right in, Taz quickly replied.

Thanks! Morgan tugged her duvet up to her waist as the cold crept in through a fractured windowpane. She made a mental note to move her bed in the morning.

You’re welcome, Taz continued. Have you played any more pranks?

I’d planned to up the ante, with Dad gone. But her bloody sister turned up. You should see her, she’s so full of herself. Just because she’s a copper.

A copper? Taz replied. Have you told her about us?

Morgan’s brow knotted in a frown. Why would she? I don’t even know her, I’ve been keeping out of her way.

A line of text appeared across the screen. Cool. We’re none of her business . . . Three dots appeared as he continued to type. If you stayed with me, you wouldn’t have to worry about what’s under your bed . . . because I’d be there to keep you safe.

Oh no, Morgan thought. Please don’t go there. Up until now, their friendship had been platonic. Given they’d never met, how could it be any other way? But this was taking things a step further.

I’d really like to see you, sweet thing . . . Taz continued. It’s time I met my girl in the flesh.

Sounds like a plan, she said, cursing herself as soon as she typed the words. My girl? The last thing she wanted was to lead Taz on, but it was a shame to lose his friendship. Right now, he was the only person she trusted enough to confide in, but their online relationship was taking a predictable twist. She groaned beneath her breath as she reread the next line of text.

Because you’re mine, not theirs. They don’t deserve to have you under their roof.