Read Summer Wishes (Desire #1.5) for Free Online

the creepy ghastly feel I had just being there.” Sarah involuntarily shuddered from the memory. “I would avoid going there at all, Matthew.”
    “Thanks,” Matthew said. “I really appreciate all your help.”
    “Be careful, Matt.” Sarah called softly from the walkway.  “They’re not too welcoming.  If they spot you and realize you have no business being there, they’ll imprison you as well.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”  He waved and turned to leave.
    “Wait.” Sarah ran silently to him, her hand plunged deep inside her tiny chic purse.  “Here, take this.”  She pulled out a business card and held it out to him.
    He took the card and read.  “Maureen Stone?” He glanced at her and cocked his head to one side.  “Your mother?”
    “Consider it an insurance policy.”
    “I don’t follow.”
    “If anyone stops you, questions you, you can show them that card.  I can’t guarantee it’ll work, but it’s worth a try if you're in a bind. Tell them Mrs. Stone sent you to get the nightly report. I know she goes regularly to get it. It should be enough to clear you of any imminent trouble.  It might give you a good chance to get away.”
    He pocketed the card.  “I owe you one.  I won’t forget this.”
    “Be safe,” she whispered before turning away and disappearing in the elegant home.
    With no time to waste, Matthew turned to the direction she’d instructed.  But as he passed before the Ruby District, he decided to stop in and give Jocelyn an update. She’d be frantic enough as it was and letting her know where Jacob was being held would hopefully soothe her.
    “I know where Jacob is,” he said on entering the house.
    Jocelyn jumped up from her chair and hurried to him.  “Matthew, are you serious.  You found him?”
    “I haven’t seen him yet, but I know where they’re holding him. The Old Coliseum, out on the Granite Strip.
    Jocelyn grabbed her jacket and headed to the door.  “Let’s go.”
    “What? No. I didn’t come here to get you Jocelyn. I just wanted to let you know how things were going and I’m going to head out to find out more.  Stay here.”
    “Are you nuts?  My brother is out there being held in some coliseum and you want me to just sit here doing nothing.  Stop arguing and let’s get going.”
    “Look, it’s late. Your parents will be home soon and they’ll be worried about you.  Maybe we can do this tomorrow.”
    “No way.”  She grabbed a small pad of paper off an end table and scribbled a quick note.  “There.  I’ve gone off to grab a burger with you and will be back soon.”  She grabbed Matthew by the shoulders and turned him to the door.
     
    ***********
     
    It took well over an hour to make it to the Granite Strip and past the residential areas.  The night was dark, moonless, making it difficult to find their way through the dimly lit district, but affording them the perfect cover from detection by any Enforcer.
    “This is horrible,” Jocelyn said. She rubbed her hands together, trying to rid herself of the invisible dirt that covered her. “Just being here, this dreaded neighborhood, feels creepy. It even smells funny.”
    “Hopefully we won’t have to stick around too long.”
    They approached the Old Coliseum and their pace automatically slowed to a crawl as they faced the imposing concrete structure. Everything about it was unwelcoming.  No lights guided the way to an entry.  No whimsical decorations or details reminded the perfect beauty of Arcadia. It was stark, barren and cold.  Formidable, the Old Coliseum’s stony wall only held cold destitution inside.
    Looking at this building, which appeared alive like a monster, pulsing with the grim secrets it held, Jocelyn and Matthew both heard the noise.
    Cheers, clapping, and even laughter.
    “What can they be doing in there,” Jocelyn asked as she shot a horrified glance at Matthew.
    The cheers increased, taking on a festive rhythm.
    Then a blood curdling scream