Page 147 of The Hunt

Export progress: 56% complete.

“That could be it, but I’m not sure. The name doesn’t really sound familiar,” I said slowly. “Check the menu for spanakopita, I guess.”

Export progress: 63% complete.

Shit.This fucking app really needed to hurry the hell up. I couldn’t keep a conversation about Greek restaurants going forever.

“I don’t see anything like that on the menu,” Dad said, frowning at the screen. “This must be the wrong place.”

“Maybe you should go back to Google and search for ‘Greek restaurant Havenport spanakopita,” I suggested. “That’ll probably work.”

“Good idea. Just give me a second.”

Export progress: 79% complete.It was getting faster now. Thank fucking god.

“Here we go,” Dad said. “There’s another place called The Olive Grove, and they have spanakopita.”

I feigned recognition, nodding fervently. “Yeah, that’s the place. Do they have a contact email for reservations? Or just an online form?”

Export progress: 89% complete.

“They have both, but I’d rather just call them. It’s quicker,” Dad replied. He glanced back at me and jabbed his thumb toward his phone. “Are you done with that? I should call them now, before I forget.”

For fuck’s sake.The export bar was still stuck at 89%.

“Yup, I messaged Mom,” I said. “Although… I just realized I should probably message Erin too. I feel like I’ve been a bad brother. I’ve barely even seen her this year.”

“It’s tough with her being at boarding school,” Dad said, nodding slowly. “I feel like I’ve barely seen her either.”

The export bar finally started moving again.Export progress: 94% complete.

“One second,” I said.

I tapped out a message to Erin.Hey, it’s Rhett. My phone’s not working, so I’m borrowing Dad’s. Our hunting trip is going well. I think Dad was worried I’d accidentally shoot myself in the foot, but we’re all good. How’s school? Did you have any cool Halloween parties?

The export was finally complete. I breathed a quiet sigh of relief and removed the Wilder app from the recently-accessed application bar. Then I handed Dad’s phone back to him. “All done,” I said. “You can call the restaurant now.”

He glanced down at his screen and snorted as he read the message I’d just sent to my little sister. “I wasn’t worried about you accidentally shooting yourself,” he said. “You’re one of the best hunters we’ve had in years.”

“She doesn’t know that, though. She doesn’t even know what we’re doing out here,” I said. “So I figured I should just keep the discussion light.”

“Good point.” He smiled faintly. “Anyway, I’ll call this place and make the reservation for your mother’s birthday now.”

“Great. I’m going to head back out to the hunting grounds.”

“Good luck out there. I know today’s been a bit slow for everyone, but I think it’s just because of the weather. It’ll pick up soon. Always does.”

“Yeah, the weather’s been shitty, but to be honest, I’ve been kinda lazy, too,” I replied. “But I just needed a break. I’m ready to get back out there now.”

Dad’s smile widened. “Make me proud, son.”

“I will. Those assholes out there won’t see me coming at all.”

I wasn’t technically lying. I just wasn’t being clear about which specific ‘assholes’ I was talking about.

Once I left my father’s suite, I texted Nikki again.Got the stuff from the app. Ev was right—there’s a ton of shit in there that the rest of us don’t have access to. I haven’t looked at it yet,but I’m sending it to Ev’s email right now. She can log in on your phone, right?

Nikki:Yup. We’ll forward it to her friend for later. Are you heading back out to the hunting grounds now?

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