Page 1 of Evading the Enforcer

CHAPTER 1

LUCY

The lukewarm coffeepasses between my lips, and I grimace, forcing myself to swallow. Arranging the filming schedule for my television show has kept me so preoccupied I’ve lost track of time.

My phone vibrates on my desk, and I set down theI just want to drink coffee and search for Bigfootmug. Accepting the call, I tap the speakerphone icon on my screen. “Hey, Wally.”

“Lucy, I sent you the edited footage. Take a look and let me know what you think.”

My editor, Wally, never bothers with niceties such as polite greetings. He’s all about the business.

“I’m great, Wally. Thanks for asking,” I tease. Every conversation we’ve had over the past three years has begun this way. “Thanks for rushing it along. That was quicker than I expected.”

“Quick is my middle name,” he boasts.

I snicker. “I’d be careful where I bragged about that if I were you.”

He sighs, and I picture his tousled gray hair and perpetually down-turned lips. “Please review the footage ASAP and let me know if you need any changes.”

“Will do. Thanks, Wally.”

*crickets*

He also hangs up without saying goodbye.

My fingers clack away on my keyboard as I finalize the filming schedule details for the next episode ofBigfoot’s Hairy Tale. After thirty-five birthdays, I’ve finally learned to accept how my brain has the focus of a squirrel. If I don’t complete one task before I move on to another, I’m liable to forget.

Opening Wally’s email, I click on the attached video. Every week I interview people who’ve had encounters with Bigfoot. Then, my team and I investigate where the sightings occurred, looking for any signs that could provide evidence of his existence.

When I finish reviewing the episode, I reply to Wally, letting him know I’m pleased with the final product. Logging out of my email, I raise my arms over my head, stretching my tight muscles. I prefer days spent in the field to the ones spent sitting at my desk. There’s something incredibly refreshing about being in the forest, looking for the unknown.

I’ve always had a strange fascination with Bigfoot. Maybe it has to do with watchingHarry and the Hendersonsas a small child. I asked my parents if we could get a pet “Harry,” and they laughed and then told me he didn’t exist. But my interest wasn’t so quickly extinguished. In fact, with each passing year, it’s grown along with my collection of Bigfoot paraphernalia that fills the shelves lining one of my office walls.

Rolling my chair back, I rise and grab my phone. My stomach rumbles as I walk to the kitchen. The large circular clock on the wall tells me it’s three o’clock, and I forgot to eat lunch. Damn, I didn’t realize how late it was. I’m about to set my phone down when a text comes through.

Calista: Have you met your new neighbor yet?

Me: I wouldn’t need to meet my new neighbor if you still lived next door.

Calista fell in love with a professional hockey player, and now she’s moved in with him. I’m so freaking happy for her, but I’m still going to give her shit for no longer being close by.

Calista: I’ll take that as a no. What are you waiting for?

Me: I’m in denial. I’m pretending my best friend still lives there.

Calista: Aww, I miss you too. Now, be neighborly and welcome Niall.

Niall?It’s a nice name, especially for a hockey player. Calista told me one of her boyfriend’s teammates was renting her house, but she never mentioned specifics. An image of a large, sweaty guy missing one of his front teeth comes to mind.

Me: I still hate you a little for leaving me.

Calista: I miss you too, xo. Now, hurry on over there.

“Damn her,” I grumble, knowing she’s right, and living in the south, we’re known for being hospitable. Niall moved in earlier this week when I was at work, and there have been ample opportunities since for me to make him feel welcome, and I just haven’t yet. Plus, part of me is curious about who’s living tothe right of me. Aside from seeing his Tahoe in the driveway, I wouldn’t even know someone was there.

I hope he’s not like Les, my neighbor on the other side. He’s given me a bad vibe since he moved in a year ago. Two creepers sandwiching me is the last thing I need. But I know if Niall weren’t friendly, Calista wouldn’t have rented her house to him. My girl always has my back.

I set my phone down on the granite counter. Shit. I don’t have a gift for Niall, and I can’t go over there empty-handed. I must have a candle or something I can bring. My gaze lands on the Christmas cactus one of my coworkers gave me at our holiday party. I’ve killed every plant I’ve ever owned, so regifting it would be the polite thing to do. Plucking the small clay pot from the windowsill above my sink, I head toward the front door.

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