“But what if people start avoiding me again?”
“Then they’re being judgy dicks and we don’t need them in our lives.”
“Morning girls.” Uncle Tom entered the living room wearing a half casual, half professional, mostly suited type look. Nobody knew what he did for work. Not even Ari.“How was your night?”
“Emykindagot in a bar fight.” She shot me a grin and the trace of a smile finally donned my lips.“Some girl took my drink and slapped her,so Emyput her hair up and it went downhill from there.” Her conclusion was barely audible over Uncle Tom’s joyous laughter.
“Is that right?” His eyes lit up as he beamed.“Those are my girls! Takin’after your dad and your uncle.” He slapped Ari on the back before ruffling my hair.“No one got hurt, right?” He was suddenly serious.
“No.” Ari shifted as our eyes met.
“Good. I need to talk to you girls about something.” He walked around the couch and sat down. “You’ve heard about the murders going on lately, right?”
“Yeah. We’ve been seeing things about them in the news,” Ari said.
“There was another one across town last night. I go off on business too much to leave you girls defenseless.” He reached into the pocket of his black slacks. “Ari, you take this one.” He handed her a magentacontraption.“And this one’s for you.”
A silverglint flashed as an object was tossed my way. It soared past my outstretched hands and clattered to the floor.
“Is this a taser?” Ari’s eyes widened as she turned it over.
“Oh, cool. A switchblade.” I scooped mine up and flipped it open. The blade was nearly identical to my old one: lightweight, a dazzling color, and the ideal size. “Thank you. This is perfect.”
“Be careful with those. They’re only for emergencies. I was gonna get you a blade too, Ari, but I doubt you’d use it.”
“Yeah. That’s more Emy’s thing. I’d rather tase and run.” She shot me a worried glance as I poked the tip of my knife.
They were both watching me.
“What?” I asked.“I’m not gonna stab random people.”
“We never know with you,” Ari said.
“I’m off to work. Be careful. Don’t go anywhere by yourselves.” Uncle Tom stood and smoothed out his clothes.“And don’t go home with any strangers.”
“I never do,” Ari said.
“Okay,” I agreed. That comment was clearly meant for me.
“I love you girls.”
“I love you, too. Bye dad.”
“Love you, too.” My smiled faded the moment he was gone. We fell into a silence while I absentmindedly poked the blade.
“Really, Emy. Don’t go home with anyone right now. A few people have been killed around town within the past few months and one has gone missing. It’s really scary.”
I looked up to see her studying me.“I already said I won’t.”
“Saying okay isn’t the same as saying you won’t.” She waited for an answer, but I didn’t respond.“You’re scaring me. I hate when you’re like this.” She shifted and glanced at the clock.“I have to go in a couple minutes but I don’t wanna leave you.”
“I’ll be fine.” I forced a smile.“I’m just being dramatic.”
“You might be starting an episode,” she said gently. “You don’t have to downplay it with me. Promise you won’t do anything?”
“But what if I need to pee? I’ll have to pee at some point. And what if I get hungry?”
“Don’t play dumb. You know what I mean.”
