Exposure by Kathy Reichs Page A

is this coming from? Should we make costumes?”
    Hi’s face lit up. “I’ve definitely got some ideas in that area, if—”
    “Of course we don’t need costumes!” I paused, took a breath. “Look, I’m not even sure what I want. And, yes, I realize this is coming straight out of nowhere. I was the one who said we shouldn’t be flaring at all.”
    I glanced at the door to Salty Mike’s. “Maybe it was seeing Lucy’s and Peter’s pictures onscreen. Like mug shots. It just hit me—we have these powers, why not apply them to something worthwhile? Solve problems normal people can’t.”
    Shelton’s eyes narrowed. “You sound like a guidance counselor.”
    I ignored him. The more I thought about it, the more I believed in what I was saying.
    We did need a purpose. Could this be it?
    “Hey, why not?” Hi shrugged. “We know the twins, and they seem all right. And it’s only a missing persons’ case anyway. What are you afraid of, Devers?”
    “The unknown,” Shelton snapped. “Jail. Being dissected by Navy Seals.”
    He petulantly kicked a rock. I crossed my arms, waiting.
    Shelton removed his glasses and ran a hand across his face. Finally, he sighed. “I guess we could help out a little. Can’t see the harm in that.”
    “So what’s the plan?” Hi cracked his knuckles. “Head into North Charleston and shake down some perps? Buy hand grenades? I’ve mapped out the first couple verses of a Virals theme song, so—”
    “The Gable house,” I said. “The report said the family relocated, probably so the cops can tear it part. No one should be there. Let’s snoop around a little.”
    “ Arrgh. ” Shelton pressed both fists to his skull. “More midnight black ops. We’ve done so much B and E this last year, we should apply for college credit. I think my black sweat pants are dirty, and I don’t—”
    “No, doofus. Let’s go right now. If the Gable family isn’t staying there, the house should be deserted. Hi, can you—”
    “On it.” Hi began tapping his iPhone. A moment, then, “Daniel Island. Nice digs, too, not that I’m surprised. The lot borders the Wando River.”
    “Waterfront,” Shelton said quietly. “They probably have a dock.”
    “Easiest way to avoid detection,” Hi added in a singsong voice.
    Both boys looked at me.
    There was no way around it. We needed Ben. He had the damn boat.
    “Fine.” I practically growled. “Text him.”
    Shelton punched in the message. His iPhone buzzed back in moments.
    “Ben’s in.” Shelton rolled his eyes. “Snarky as hell, but he’ll pick us up at the Morris dock.”
    “Getting the band back together!” Hi tossed Shelton a high five, then aimed one my way. “Look out, world!”
    I raised my palm in reluctant acceptance.
    Look on the bright side. We’ll do this at full pack strength.
    If only I knew how to feel about that.

Sewee ’s nose kissed the Gables’ private dock.
    Ben killed the engine and running lights. Shouldering my pack, I vaulted the port rail and tied off the bowline while Shelton and Hi tightened the stern ropes. Vessel secured, Ben and Coop leaped to join us and we hurried down the planks.
    The sun was setting in a fiery tangerine ball, giving a hint of cover. I prayed the neighbors wouldn’t notice our boat, but it was a risk we had to take. Thankfully, the Gable property was tucked into a tree-lined cove that blocked an easy view by passing watercraft.
    An hour earlier I’d managed to beg off dinner. Kit and Whitney had accepted my study group explanation without too much fuss. After all, I’d promised to be home by eight. What trouble could I possibly get into?
    Daniel Island is all the way across Charleston Harbor from Morris. An affluent four-thousand-acre planned community situated between the Cooper and Wando Rivers, the pricey real estate had only recently been developed. In addition to residential neighborhoods, the islet boasts a swanky golf club, its own schools, churches, and parks, and a