Page 563 of Dark Love

Our little friend knows how to use a VPN and other fun tech stuff.

“Do you think we’re going to find holes at this one?”

My gut says no, but you just never know. “Let’s scout it out before heading in to introduce ourselves.”

“It’s always fun meeting new people.” Payne takes the left.

Because of our little friend’s skills, we’re both carrying scramblers to ensure we don’t leave any evidence. But there’s nothing in the backyard except some junker cars that were left to rot, the saddest rusted swing set, and grass that hasn’t been mowed in a decade or more.

No one walks out the back of that house.

“All clear,” Payne says as we meet up on the side of the house. “Does this guy do anything?”

“Other than harass 911 operators and mooch off his mother, I don’t think so.” According to Shock, he makes hundreds of calls a week in varying lengths of time. Not one of the people has been reported missing or having any issues.

The stench as we walk in takes your breath away. Cleaning inside doesn’t seem to be one of their habits either. Flies swarm around an overflowing trash can.

“Nice place.”

“Don’t say I don’t take you to all the best locals.” Even with the rancid smells, I’d take this place over the last one any day of the week.

We tread lightly across the floor until we find the stairs to the basement. Fred’s back is to us as he’s watching a soap opera and sipping on a two-liter soda.

The television becomes static as we get closer.

“What is wrong with this stupid television?” Fred turns it on and off several times. “The cable is out again.” He reaches for his computer. “Time to make a phone call.”

“I think Fred has made enough phone calls.” Payne steps in between the couch and the television. “Don’t you?”

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE?” Fred’s screech wobbles. “You better leave before I call my mom.”

“Should you tell him, or should I?” Payne pulls out a knife and taps it on his hand.

“You go ahead. Fred and I are going to communicate shortly.”

Payne nods with an evil grin on his face. “Your mother is gone.”

“Did you kill her? My mom isn’t a nice woman, but still, you shouldn’t have killed her.”

“Your mother is on her way to the Caribbean. She won a month-long vacation. Hopefully, your bruises are healed by then. We wouldn’t want to upset her.”

“Bruises. What bruises? My mom never wins anything.” Fred twists his head to try to look at me but is too lazy to actually move enough to do that.

It’s time to meet my new friend and teach him some manners. I walk around the couch. “Hello, Fred. I heard you like to make phone calls and harass people who are trying to help others. That doesn’t seem very nice to me. Does it seem polite to you?” I ask Payne.

“Making phone calls doesn’t hurt anyone. It isn’t against the law.” Fred starts to shake.

“Didn’t your mother teach you any manners? It’s rude to harass people. And detrimental to your health to harass mine.” I can’t believe I’m not going to kill this guy after the day I’ve had.

“Look man, they’re only women. It’s harmless fun. They’re stuck up—”

And I’m out of patience. “It seems you have a hard time understanding words. I think it’s time for me to teach you manners in a way you’ll understand.” My knuckles crack as I ball my hands into fists.

***

“That should have gotten a bit of your frustration out.” Payne pulls off his gloves as we step out of Fred’s house.

It should have. “That was decidedly unsatisfying. He’s a weasel.”

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