Page 19 of Xavier

It might not be long enough for them to get here, though.

Not seeing any other option, I hide in the corner of the kitchen under the prep station and gently scoot the large box of plastic to go containers in front of me.

In the front of the restaurant where the dining tables and booths are, chairs scrape the floor as they are pushed to the side.

Is he looking for something, or is he trying to steal what little cash Uncle Zach keeps on hand?

The stranger’s footsteps pound on the floor as he gets closer.

I say a prayer and try to hold my breath despite my ragged breathing. It’s so quiet in here that any sound I make will alert him of my presence.

Even my deep breaths can be heard.

The overhead lights turn on, illuminating the kitchen. Even the dark corners bask in the light.

Sweat covers my palms.

I’m going to be found.

The man walks toward me, stopping when he sees the pie tin on the counter.

His boots are standard black combat boots that are used widely by the military and law enforcement. Dried concrete covers the sides and the toe, like he’s recently been in a construction zone.

I can see him clearly, but he doesn’t see me. I’ve never seen him in town before, so he must not be from here.

Did the storm bring him here so he can steal from businesses while everyone is hunkered down at home? Or is he here for something else?

He looks dangerous with his dark hair, dark eyes, and dark clothing.

It reminds me of him. The man from the bonfire.

The intruder’s boots squeak as he turns away from me and walks to the other side of the kitchen.

My breath hitches in my throat as the man suddenly stops and turns around. He’s facing me now, and I know any slight movement will give me away.

He cocks his head to the side as he listens for any noise.

I don’t know what he thinks he heard, but I don’t hear anything. Nothing and nobody, except for me and this intruder, are here.

It’s as quiet as an abandoned building.

When he is satisfied that he is alone, he turns away and heads into the office. A second later, the door slams shut.

I need to alert the police and Uncle Zach about this. I slowly reach into my pocket for my phone, but stop when several items crash to the floor in the office.

I don’t know what Uncle Zach keeps in his office, but I would imagine he keeps personal items like pictures as well as the restaurant’s financial books and logs.

Several more things shatter, and a loud thud vibrates the walls. Did he punch the wall?

A frustrated groan comes from the office a second before he yells, “I need the fucking password!”

The anger in his voice echoes through the air. Is he talking to himself or talking on the phone?

Either way, I need to get out of here as soon as possible and without being seen.

Is the intruder alone, or does he have someone outside watching for the police?

Is someone else coming here?

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