Page 21 of Feral

“I’m not the most comfortable driver, but I won’t crash,” I warn.

Yannis smiles. “Thanks for the warning. I’ve been driving since I was fourteen on the farm.”

“Wow. I bet that was a nice, peaceful existence.”

“Not at all. We were a working farm producing corn, so there were always tons of chores to do. We had some animals too when I was younger. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.”

“You prefer the city?”

He nods, waiting as I unlock the doors. “So far. Even with Mafia dudes causing trouble.”

I walk around to the other side, climbing into the driver’s seat while he joins me in the passenger seat. “I suppose the city does hold a certain allure. What’s your address?”

“Seven-fifty Graylock Avenue.”

“Graylock and seventh?”

“Yep.”

Not a great part of town. A sudden urge to take him to my apartment instead hits me, but we’re hardly at that stage. I start the car and it jerks forward as I scan my memory for how to operate the damn thing. Yannis laughs, relaxing me instantly. I pull out of the parking lot and onto the street, finding a rhythm that works for me.

“How old are you?” he asks.

“Forty.” That’s the age I’ve decided to go with.

“Forty? You look way younger. You look like you’re in your twenties.”

Technically, I’m forever twenty-six. “Just lucky, I guess.”

“I guess that makes sense though. You’re too mature to be a kid.” He glances out the window. “I feel mature and grown sometimes, like when I made the decision to move here in spite of what everyone back home said, but sometimes I also feel naive and just dumb too.”

“You’re not dumb, Yannis. You’re inexperienced. That’s different. I can tell you’re intelligent.”

“Thanks. I did okay in school, and I only did two years of college before going to trade school instead. Welding.” He chuckles, but there’s a bitter edge to it. “My stepdad made me go. I worked in the field for a couple of years, but it wasn’t for me. After that, I got an office job, but it still wasn’t enough. I wanted to see the world, not just move to Cleveland or Columbus, you know?”

“I’m not familiar with Ohio.”

“I’m not bashing it. For some people, it’s great, but I never felt like I fit there. Like I was wearing clothes that were too small or something.”

Glancing at him, I say, “I’m glad your wanderlust led you to New Onyx.”

He smiles. “Me too.”

A few minutes later, I turn onto Seventh Street, noting the marked change in our surroundings. It’s not the absolute worst part of town, but it’s far from the best. We pass by at least two drug deals taking place and several sex workers. When he points out his building, I relax slightly. It’s well lit and looks a little newer than most around here.

“Do you have security here?”

“No, but I’m not scared. People mostly left me alone until today.”

“Put my number in your phone, just in case you need me. Don’t hesitate to call.”

“Okay.”

He takes his phone from his pocket and enters the number as I recite it.

“I’m often awake late too, so don’t worry about that.”

“Thanks, Hale. What time should I come to Lair tomorrow?”

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