Page 71 of Fallen Stars

Rolling closer, I scan the thread I’ve messaged in but see nothing new. In the sidebar, however, a new chat blinks with an unread message.

I inhale a slow, methodical breath and click on the chat.

hook_n_release_cap

wasn’t trying to be an asshole in the thread. Gotta keep things on the up and up to weed out the unsavory folks.

The unsavory folks?

“You have got to be shitting me.” My fingers ball into fists for one, two, three vicious heartbeats before I relax my hands. “Play the fucking part.” That’s all I need to do to find this lowlife.

fall_or_rise39

I get it. Never know who the fuck you’re talking to. I respect it.

hook_n_release_cap

maybe we can arrange something. A meetup.

“Fuck yes.”

I take a deep breath, pause for a moment and contemplate how to respond. The last thing I need to do is come off as too eager.

fall_or_rise39

I’ll leave it up to you and the rules.

The screen blurs as I stare at the blinking cursor. Minutes tick by with no response. My knee bounces over and over as I drum my thumb just as quickly on the desk.

“Come on,” I mutter. “Take the bait.”

On the verge of screaming, their message finally comes through.

hook_n_release_cap

it’s your lucky day. WA or OR?

Thrill shoots through my veins as I reply.

fall_or_rise39

WA

hook_n_release_cap

coastal or inland?

fall_or_rise39

coastal

hook_n_release_cap

tomorrow afternoon

“Holy shit.”

Unsure who I’m meeting, it’s best to do this as publicly as possible. With tomorrow being Independence Day, the town will be bustling with residents and tourists. If I suggest the festival as a location, it’s less likely he will know I am from Stone Bay.

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