Page 232 of Stay Scared

“I like that it interrupts me.”

That one I keep.

Not because it explains anything about Rook. Not because knowing it will help me find a hidden camera or understand the way Owen thinks about surveillance.

Because it belongs to him.

I look at our joined hands.

“You know what bothers me?”

“Several possible answers come to mind.”

“I know more about how you violate privacy than I know about what music you play in your own apartment.”

His expression changes.

“That ratio is improving.”

“It has considerable room.”

“I assumed you might leave it there.”

“Why?”

“Because learning me requires continuing to interact with me.”

There is no humor in the answer.

Observing is easier for Owen.

Distance lets him collect information without risking the possibility that somebody might collect him back.

I lift our hands slightly.

“You don’t get the safe version anymore.”

His eyes drop to our fingers.

“What version is that?”

“The one behind the camera.”

His thumb moves once.

I catch it with mine.

Owen looks at me.

“I saw that.”

“I know.”

“And I’m going to find the replacements when you train yourself out of it.”

His mouth finally curves.

“That sounds threatening.”