The Sugared Game (The Will Darling Adventures, #2)

by K.J. Charles

KIM CRAWLED DOWNSTAIRS at about ten the next day. It was lucky the shop was empty. “You look like a tramp,” Will said, in lieu of greeting. “That’s surprisingly positive, since I feel like a corpse. I imagine I have a fair bit to apologise for.” “You have no idea how much. Get cleaned up, get some food and coffee into yourself, and then get back here. And don’t piss me about, Kim. If you disappear on me now, you don’t ever show your face again.” “Worse than I thought, then.” “You’ve got half an hour. Try not to let me down, for once.” Kim was back within the allotted time, which was mildly impressive since he looked as if it hurt to move. Will doubted he’d eaten anything. “Tea?” he said, because the kettle was on and he was furious but not a monster. “God, yes.” Will locked the door, switched the sign to Closed, and led the way into the back room. Kim shot a glance at the camp bed. “I take it I stole your bed last night. Sorry.” “Don’t be. If I’d been in it with you, we’d have been up a gum tree when the police came round.” “What?” Will gave him a brief summary. “I’m no expert, but I don’t think the rozzers generally bang on the doors of private homes at four in the morning to check whose beds people are in. The chap in charge was a Sergeant Spencer Thomas at Vine Street station, which isn’t the local nick, but is the station that covers the High-Low. I suppose that was Mrs. Skyrme’s parting shot at us.” “Spencer Thomas,” Kim repeated. Will passed him the sheet with the se...