Chapter Twenty #2
I start walking casually toward him, but I don't approach him or speak. I just stopped long enough for him to notice. And he does. His whole body goes rigid. Like prey.
His body shudders, looking over both shoulders, muttering to himself, trying to figure out who the hell I am and why I am here.
I run a hand along a stack of brake rotors, like I’m browsing.
Then I look up. Our eyes lock, and I nod.
A slow, deliberate nod. It’s a silent promise.
His eyes go wide. Dropping the scrap he was holding, it dropped to the ground.
Hands shaking. Good, I hope you’re scared. You should be losing sleep, too fucker.
Reece
Nausea clogs my throat. I tell the kid running the junk yard that I need to leave.
I make quick work of getting back into my truck.
As soon as my truck starts, I drive toward the trailer park.
Pulse racing. I keep checking my rearview mirror for that Harley.
My palms are clammy and sweaty on the steering wheel.
I can’t pick up anything, but I feel like I’m being followed.
By the time I see the worn-out trailer park sign, I’m shaking. They don’t diminish when I park or when I walk into the trailer.
Juni is lying down on the couch with an ice pack to her left eye. She looks up at me. Right away, she's on alert. Like she can tell something is wrong.
“Baby… is everything okay ?” she asks softly.
“Yeah. It was just a stressful day at work.” The lie slips without even giving it a thought. I lean down and carefully kiss her non-injured temple.
See… everything is fine. I can stay calm.
I don't stay calm; I have a very sleepless night.
Gavin
Today marks day four, and I’m getting bored.
Today's job is in a shitty warehouse where he’s patching drywall for cash under the table.
It’s an ugly, run-down building, fluorescent lights humming and flickering.
I make my way inside, not bothering to hide.
I walk right past him like I’m inspecting the place.
He’s in the middle of drilling and nearly drops it when he sees me.
“Can I help you?” he calls out, voice rising and cracking.
I don’t answer. But I do smirk. I stand there, my eyes locked with his ugly green ones… five seconds way too long.
Silently, I turn and deliberately start walking slowly. As I make it outside, I’m pelted with rain. Thunder in the distance is getting closer.
Reece
Fuck. This guy is giving me the fucking creeps. And what is he fucking mute? Why won’t he speak to me? He just stares for a long time. I’m beginning to wonder whether this guy works for George or for himself, with his own agenda.
I start locking the trailer at night. I even upgraded the locks. I tell Juni to keep the blinds closed at all times, but I blame it on the drafty windows.
My body reacts to every sound outside. Every dog barks, every vehicle that passes. To my dismay, Juni notices, and she’s starting to question. “Reece… what’s going on?”
Before I can stop myself, I shout, “It’s nothing, Juniper.
Don't worry about it.” I go over to the counter and pick up the broken doorbell camera again, wires hanging loosely—splintered plastic.
I still don't remember breaking it. But..
Now I wish I did. Along with wishing I had the money to replace it.
This camera would have been so helpful. A peace of mind. A recording of proof. That guy freaks me out. I don’t want him anywhere near my wife.
Gavin
It’s finally Friday. To spice things up on Reece this morning, I have Brenden’s VW Passat. Promising I’ll bring it back just how I picked it up. It’s raining, and I fucking hate riding in the rain. So I’m throwing some curveballs.
Luckily, Brenden has all the windows tinted to 5%. He wouldn't see me unless I put the windows down. I’m a few cars behind him. I don’t want to scare him too early. Just enough that he knows someone is close by.
He pulls into the same gas station as always.
Every morning. This is his first stop after leaving the trailer.
I turn in as well. Backing up by the air pumps, I get out and lean against the car.
My curly hair is hidden by the black hoodie I'm wearing, and before I got out, I slipped on my half-mask.
He goes inside for his usual shit cup of coffee and a pack of Camel Crush Silvers. Am I making you that nervous? Another habit?
I walk over and wait by the pump. This is what I assume at this point. The cat doesn't like switching roles with the mouse.
When Reece comes out, he stalls instantly as he sees me leaning against his pump. “Fuck…” His voice shakes. “Are you working for George? What do you want, dude… is this about money?”
I don't respond; I just stare at him. I don’t react. I don’t nod. I don’t deny shit. I just tilt my head, studying him. His face drains of color...He drops his coffee, the new pack of cigarettes, and a new lighter. Everything is now soaked in that pathetic excuse of coffee.
He goes around me and starts to pump his gas, hands trembling, still refusing to look at me. I stand there silently. Just watching patiently. My presence is threatening enough. I don’t need to hit him… well, not yet…In most cases, fear can cause more damage than fists ever could.