Page 31 of Crank (Crank 1)

---

Anyway,

I’d be speechless if he asked.

I Must Have Moaned

Hey.

He popped above the

stairs suddenly, a

wild-eyed Jack-in-the-box,

anticipating the

pay-off crank.

Oh, it’s you.

Like he knew me,

knew I had no life,

suspected I’d come

spying, set up the game

just for me.

I waited for you.

I coughed a hello,

stamping sweaty

palm prints into not-so

wrinkle-free jeans.

Could he read minds?

I know what you’re thinking.

Smile. Nod. Say

something witty

before he finds

out what an incredible

geek you are.

That you’re too good for me.

He topped the staircase,

slinked closer, golden

---