The sound stayed even with me, just far enough back that I couldn’t see the car’s headlights, just the faint glint of metal in a storefront reflection. My pulse picked up. I turned at the next intersection and headed toward the church. The car followed.
I pretended to check my phone, angling it so I could use the glass to look behind me. A white truck. No plates visible. A chill slid down my spine.
When I reached the steps of my porch, I dared a look back. The truck idled at the corner for three long seconds—then eased forward, disappearing around the bend. I exhaled shakily and climbed the stairs two at a time.
Inside, I locked the door. Then, I locked it again.
7
Kipp
Emergency. Wade sent me a picture of a raccoon in the station break room, and he’s standing on his chair.
Wade
I am not. And anyway. Raccoons freak me out. THEY HAVE HANDS. TINY HUMAN HANDS.
Sage
This is the man who carries a gun for a living. Raccoons are adorable.
Lo Lo
Kipp, you're literally a wildlife professional. Help him. Go catch it. Sage wants one anyway.
Kipp
This picture is going in the Christmas card rotation. And no … Wade can save himself. I’m busy.
Wade, just open a window and shoo it out with a broom.
Wade
SHOO IT??? You shoo flies, East. This thing could file taxes. It tried to bite me. You’re in town. Come help me.
Can’t do it. I’m busy. You’re on your own.
Phiny
I'm adding "afraid of trash pandas" to Wade's dating profile.
Wade
Update: It stole my sandwich. It was a really good one too. Turkey club. Fuck.
Kipp
That’s just sad, man.
Sage
Your dignity cost you a turkey club?
Wade
You guys suck.
8
