Nate’s eyes slip down as he watches Owen. It’s thekind of look that feels physical, and Owen can’t help but shift uncomfortably.
“Do you ever draw yourself?”
“Myself? No.”
Nate puts the sketchbook down on the bed. “You should try it out. You look great. Didn’t think you were so smooth, though.” His stare once more feels inappropriate.
“I need to get dressed.”
“Yeah, sure. See you downstairs.”
Once alone, Owen shuts the door and exhales. Annoyed, he gets dressed before walking down the stairs.
As they drive out of Van Buren, Nate asks, “Are you nervous?”
“I’m about to buy drugs from strangers—of course I’m nervous.”
“Well, good. Being overconfident will tick them off, and then the bullets will start flying.”
Owen looks sharply at him, and Nate laughs. “I’m kidding! Jesus, relax.”
“Then stop telling lame jokes.”
“Yeah, okay.” He clears his throat. “Did you do anything interesting yesterday?”
Owen turns to look out the window. “Yesterday? No.”
“I was at Rodie’s. Thought I’d see you there.”
“I wasn’t in the mood.” Even though his dinner with Will shouldn’t be a shameful secret, he remembers what Nate had told him about Will’s past and the warningabout befriending him. Owen was suspicious of everything Nate had said, and now, after knowing Will a little better, he’s even more doubtful.
Wicked Will Thomas my ass.Owen has met his share of wicked people, and Will isn’t anything like them.
“Remember the plan. You’re not there to have a meaningful conversation—it’s all about buying drugs. Once they get used to doing business with you, we can take it a step further.”
It sounds simple, but Owen knows better than anyone that things can go terribly wrong when dealing with drug dealers.
They finally arrive at Eminence, and the place seems bleak no matter where he looks. He doesn’t fool himself that drugs are the only thing holding this town back from prosperity, but he’s sure they play a key part. Once you start having junkies walking around in broad daylight, normal people tend to find somewhere else to live.
“I’ll drop you off here,” Nate says as he slows the car to a halt. “The house I showed you last time is down this street. Someone should be outside, but if no one is, wait a bit—don’t knock on the door.”
“What if no one comes out?”
“Then they’re shit at their job. When you’re done, I’ll be waiting farther back in case someone tries to follow you.”
As much as Owen appreciates Nate thinking this through, he makes it sound more dangerous than Owenoriginally thought. He can’t remember ever worrying about drug dealers following him around, but it doesn’t mean they didn’t do that without him knowing.
“What should I say if they ask for my name?”
“Don’t lie—they might want to see an ID.” Nate pulls out some bills from his pocket. “Try to relax. They don’t want trouble. If they think there’s something fishy going on, they’ll tell you to piss off.”
Owen nods, his mouth dry although he’s not thirsty. He takes the bills and slips them into his pocket. “I’m just buying weed, right?”
“Yep. Go for two ounces. You have two hundred bucks, but try bringing them down a bit—it’s not like they’re selling high-quality products.”
Owen frowns. “Did you try anything they’re selling?”
Nate shrugs. “I have no problem getting high every once in a while when I’m not at work. I’m allowed.”
