Creepy old dude always telling us we were wrong for breathing. Best thing about not doing family shit with our father anymore is not having to see Uncle Gerry.
Or think about him.
Until now.
“Thanks, asshole,” Vanessa mutters. “It had been at least eighteen months since I last thought about that guy.”
“Same.”
Something creaks in the night.
I pause and make a slow turn, listening and watching in the darkness.
Leaves rustle in a cold breeze. Clouds are moving in. No stars, minimal moonlight.
Fire’s nearly out.
No more creaking noises.
But I still don’t like it.
“If you know where thethingthat I’m looking for is…” I trail off, cocking my head again.
Doesn’t feel like anyone’s out here, but something’s moving.
Likely a small animal. Squirrel. Chipmunk. Skunk. Something.
Vanessa sighs. “Told you already, that’s before our time, and even if I knew something, I’m not telling you. What’s going on there? You got quiet.”
I turn in one more slow circle.
Gonna lock the trailer door tonight.
“Animals making noise,” I tell Vanessa.
“You sure?”
“Mostly.”
“Stay safe, okay?”
“You too.”
“It would be helpful to have a last name for Nigel.”
“I’ll text it to you. Gotta go. Left a burner on inside.”
I didn’t, but she knows what I mean.
I need to get off the phone and don’t want to say why.
I want to go check on the woman sleeping in my trailer, and I don’t want to tell you that’s what I want to do, because you already know I’m in over my head with her.
I slip inside as silently as I left and lock the door.
Then check again that the door is locked.
And a second time for good measure.
