Bill frowns at the vial. “That doesn’t sound like something I’ll be willing to do.”
“Should I remind you about your wife’s DUI I let slip? Twice.”
Bill leans closer. “You said we were good with that.”
“No, I said that youowedme one, and it wasn’t a figure of speech. Now I’m ready to collect, and my payment is so small and easy; you can do it in a minute.”
Bill grumbles and watches the vial again. “What’s in there?”
“Nothing dangerous. I’m a policeman, aren’t I?”
“That doesn’t feel like something a policeman should ask for.”
“The law works in mysterious ways.”
“That’s for God.”
“Why, thank you. I’ve been called worse. Go on.”
Still hesitant and mildly pissed, Bill grabs the vial and walks to prepare the drinks. Nate hopes the man won’t screw up and give Will the wrong glass, since thatwould be a royal waste of Nate’s evening. There’s always the chance of Will choosing to pass on another drink, but since it’s Friday, he doesn’t need to work tomorrow.
Nate watches closely as Bill takes the tray with the three glasses over to Will and his friends’ table. They’re surprised and delighted, thanking Bill as he seems irritated and flushed. His hand stalls before he picks up the glass meant for Will, but he gets his shit together before it seems suspicious.
Bill glares at Nate as he returns to the bar, but at least he did his part. Nate watches Will take a long sip, his lovely cheekbones moving beneath his short, light-brown beard. What was inside the vial shouldn’t carry any flavor, but Nate doesn’t know for sure. The guy he bought it from seemed a bit wacky. But based on how quickly Will downs half of his drink, the taste must be fine.
Now all Nate needs to do is wait. He’s a patient man, but tonight he’s also an eager man, making him glance at his watch every few minutes. Finally, after almost thirty minutes, Will begins to rub his face and blink a lot. He clearly struggles to take part in the conversation with his two friends, and soon he gives up and moves to stand.
Bradley appears to offer to take him home, but Will shakes his head, which Nate was hoping for. If he had ended up crashing on someone’s couch, that would have been bad.
A bit unsteady, Will walks toward the exit. Knowing exactly which route he’s going to take, Nate remains seated, not wanting to make anyone think he’s leaving because of Will. After three minutes, he gets up, throws a few bills on the counter, then exits the bar.
*
There are fewer streetlights the farther you walk from the town center. A normal walk from Rodie’s to Will’s house should take around fifteen minutes, but tonight it’s closer to twenty because of how slow his steps are.
Nate walks behind him, keeping enough distance not to raise suspicion, though Will seems more focused on not tripping. When he turns left between pine trees, Nate picks up his speed. By now, they’re out of anyone’s line of sight.
Will’s house is up ahead, a secluded single structure between the trees. Nate hasn’t been there in years, not since he used to visit with Joel. He and Will were never close, but they were friendly enough during the time Joel was still mentally healthy.
Will almost loses his footing as he climbs the steps. He mumbles a curse and steadies himself, still unaware of Nate walking behind him. When he reaches the front steps, the lights above the porch come to life.
This is as good a time as any.“You okay there?”
Will sharply turns around, making his feet tangleand sending him down on his ass. He hisses, “Fuck.”
Nate holds back a laugh and closes the distance, stopping at the foot of the stairs where Will is sitting. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I saw you drinking like a sailor at Rodie’s and thought to make sure you’d make it home safely.”
Will pushes himself up. “I’m home, and I’m fine. Good night.”
“You don’t seem fine.” Nate climbs up the stairs as Will fumbles with his keys. There used to be a time when most people didn’t bother locking their homes, but with all the junkies popping up, the streets are less safe, even in peaceful Van Buren. “Let me help you inside.”
“I’m fine, Nate.”
“You can’t even find the right key. Let me help.”
