Read Grave Decisions (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 7) for Free Online Page A

Maddie’s body to his and scorching her with a hot kiss. When they parted, they were both out of breath. “We need to get out of here so we can take that bath.”
    “With bubbles.”
    “With bubbles,” Nick confirmed, grinning. “I’ve had enough of games for one night. How about we find the nearest exit and let Cooper put on his show without us?”
    “That sounds good to me,” Maddie said, shivering as she cast one more glance at the scarecrow. “He’s very creepy. I’m going to have nightmares.”
    “He reminds me of a movie, but I can’t remember which one,” Nick said. “I … .” He forgot what he was about to say when the couple rounded the corner and almost ran into Cooper. “Oh … um … hey.”
    The theatrical author stood with his arms outstretched and his eyes pointed to the sky, while his enamored fan club stood behind him and watched.
    “He’s feeling for energy,” Christy explained. “He thinks he can find the real body that way.”
    “Awesome,” Nick deadpanned. “Listen, um, we’re kind of tired so we’re going to go home and take a bath.”
    “I don’t think they needed to know that last part, Nicky,” Maddie chided.
    “Yes, but I like saying it.” Nick wasn’t bothered by Maddie’s tone. “I’m sure if you guys find a body, you can call the station and Kreskin will come down and handle it.”
    “Afraid of the unknown, detective?” Cooper challenged, lowering his chin and locking gazes with Nick. “Are you worried my ties with the paranormal world will intrigue Maddie? Is that why you want to isolate her from the possibilities of a new world?”
    “Actually I just want to get her naked in a bath,” Nick replied.
    “Nicky!” Maddie slapped his arm, causing Nick to smirk.
    “I can see you’re a non-believer,” Cooper said. “What if I can prove there’s a body in this maze?”
    “You would be surprised what I believe in,” Nick replied, squeezing Maddie’s hip for emphasis. “I don’t believe in you, though. You’re putting on an act. Granted, it’s a good act, but that’s not how I want to spend my night.”
    “And what about you, Maddie?” Cooper pressed. “Do you want to help save a lost soul or go home with your boyfriend?”
    “I want to take a bath,” Maddie admitted, causing Nick to grin.
    “Well, I want to save a lost soul,” Cooper said. “In fact … .” He broke off, tilting his head to one side and then the other, giving off the illusion of a confused dog hearing noises it couldn’t identify. “The body we’re looking for is right here!” Cooper hurried down a passageway, disappearing from view, and his gaggle of followers hurriedly raced after him.
    “That guy is a major tool,” Nick muttered.
    “What was your first clue?”
    Nick mimicked Cooper’s outstretched stance, causing Maddie to chortle.
    “Let’s go home, Nicky,” Maddie said. “I’m ready for us to be alone.”
    “I’m ready, too, love.” Nick kissed her. “I think there’s an exit back the way we came. It’s not too far.”
    “I don’t want to see that gross table again, but that’s our best bet,” Maddie said. “I … .”
    An ear-piercing scream split the night air, causing Nick to snap his head in the direction Cooper disappeared. “What the … ?”
    “Nick? Hurry.”
    Maddie recognized the voice. “That’s Christy.”
    “Let’s go,” Nick said, grabbing Maddie’s hand and pulling her with him. “You stay close to me, Mad. I’m not kidding. Don’t let yourself get separated. When we prove that whatever they’ve found is another scarecrow, I’m kicking all of them out of here and we’re going home for our bath.”
    Nick took two wrong turns before finding Cooper and his fan club, and when he did he wasn’t impressed with the sight in front of him. The scarecrow in this setting – one that looked strangely ritual, like a pagan sacrifice – had a bloody pumpkin over the head and a pool of fake blood beneath it.
    “Well, this is