Page 6 of Brood

“Holy shit, you scared me!” Then my breathing picks up for a whole different reason when I look to find the person who has nearly scared the life right out of me.

“Sorry, thought you would have heard the door open when I stepped out,” Brood apologizes. Coming closer, I see he is holding out his hand that’s clasped around a sweatshirt. “It’s too cold out to not have on sleeves,” he says, thrusting it my way when he gets close enough. “What happened?” He gestures to my bandaged arm.

“I was helping Iris, burnt myself,” I explain, quickly pulling on the shirt, engulfing myself in his scent. Motor oil and soap. Familiar, although at the same time not. This shirt is even bigger than the one I left inside. For some reason, I hope he forgets he gave it to me. “What do you mean by its Saturday? I know what day it is.”

“Yeah. Well, when I got your engine tore apart and found you blew a head gasket, it was too late in the day to order a new one. I’ll have to order it tomorrow, but then we have to wait Sunday then Monday because of the holiday. Just thought you should know I am really trying to get it fixed for you. I’m not dicking you around.”

“Does someone maybe have a vehicle to buy? I really need to get back on the road.” I try to mask the panic by saying my words slowly. Doing my best to keep my fear from bubbling to the top. I can’t stay in one place for that long, especially this one.

“Na, don’t think so. Lots of places with broke down cars people don’t want, but then you are still in the same boat. Why is it you need to get back on the road? Someone chasing you?” He might have meant it to sound like a joke, but it doesn’t. It’s an accusation. An accurate one too.

“No. I just… I have a deadline… Is all.” I lie, and I already know he doesn’t believe a word of it.

“And where would that deadline be?”

“The coast. I’m… meeting a… friend.” Sounds plausible enough, though I know he doesn’t buy it one bit. His scowl firmly in place with his hands on his hips is a dead giveaway, but still, he nods.

“All right then. Well, I will ask around for the vehicle.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem. Talked to Iris too. She’s going to make up her spare bedroom for you. No need in trying to get that hotel room.” He starts walking away, only a few steps, then stops and turns slightly. “Whoever is after you won’t find you here. Might want to keep that little piece of information tucked in the back of your brain. For future reference, that is. You know, if you think heading to the coast is something you still want to do.” With that, he is gone leaving me winded and standing outside in the glow of the moonlight.

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