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No Chaos.

Exactly what I wanted.

I reach for the jerky and tear off a piece with my teeth. I chew it while staring at Mercer's house. It remains dark except for the porch light.

The heater blows quietly through the vents while I chew another piece.

The truck feels different. Which is fucking ridiculous. She wasn’t here that long.

I've spent eleven years sitting in vehicles, hotel rooms, rented apartments, rooftops, alleys, and places most people don't know exist.

Being alone is safe.

No distractions. No questions. No one to worry about.

I reach for another piece of jerky.

Fucking hell. I don’t need the complication.

My phone vibrates.

I look down.

Chaos: I had fun tonight.

I stare at the message.

Fun.

She thinks sitting outside the home of a dangerous man while eating gummy bears and planning to piss into a water bottle was fun.

Me: You weren't supposed to be here.

Three dots appear immediately.

Chaos: But I was.

Me: Go home.

Chaos: I am.

I glance at the time. She hasn't had enough time to get there.

Me: Stop texting while you're driving.

No response.

And then the dots appear.

Chaos: I'm at a red light, Dad.

My jaw clenches.

Me: Don't fucking call me Dad.

The three dots appear, then disappear.

I already know I'll regret whatever comes next.