Lotham’s studying me intently, still trying to turn me inside out so he can understand all the gearings. See exactly what makes me tick.
I wish it were really that simple. But he remains frustrated and I remain my same old self, thoughts whirling, skin humming, anxiety flying.
He steps back. Away. Heads for the door.
I follow him, preparing to lock up behind. Beyond the bar, the street is cast in pools of light and shadow. The air is colder, the pedestrian traffic scant with roamers keeping their heads down and feet fast.
“I’m gonna focus on potential new friends in Angelique’s world, as well as her missing burner phone,” I tell Lotham as he steps into the night.
“Can’t buy a prepaid cell in Mass under the age of eighteen.”
“Never stopped a teenager before.”
He shakes his head, clearly annoyed by my persistence, but not surprised. “Be careful out there. Bad things can happen, even in daylight.”
“It’s cute you think I’m waiting for daylight.”
I shut the door, firing the bolt home while Lotham is still whipping around in shock. A final wave, then I head back to the bar to finish cleaning up, before starting my next adventure.