Page 23 of Vargan

"Tiring," I say, driving a nail with more force than necessary. "How's the search for our witness?"

"Getting interesting. Ash found a second one—woman who works at the bar next to the alley. Says she saw the guy pull a knife on you, heard the girlfriend egging him on."

I freeze, nail poised mid-strike. "She heard what?"

"Yeah, turns out our grieving widow was yelling 'kill the green bastard' right before you defended yourself." Crow's voice hardens. "Human solidarity only goes so far when there's money and fame at stake. She's been all over social media crying about orc violence."

The beast inside me stirs, clawing at my ribs. I take a deep breath, forcing it back down. "Any chance these witnesses will actually testify?"

"We're working on it. The homeless guy's scared, but the bartender... she might. Judge granted a continuance, so we've got time."

"How much time?"

"A week, maybe two. Long enough to build a case that might keep you off death row."

I drive the nail home, wood splintering under the force of my anger. "Keep pushing. I need options besides Mexico."

After hanging up, I sit on the newly repaired steps, mind racing. A week. Maybe two. And then what? Best case scenario, I face a jury who'll see my tusks before they hear a word of testimony. Worst case, I run forever, or they catch me and make an example of me.

And none of these scenarios involve staying in Shadow Ridge. None involve Savvy.

The sound of a school bus pulling away draws my attention. Willie approaches from the corner, backpack slung over one shoulder. He eyes me warily as he climbs the steps.

"Steps don't squeak anymore," he observes.

"Fixed the loose boards."

He's quiet for a moment, then asks, "Why?"

"Because they needed fixing," I say simply.

"No, I mean why are you doing all this?" He gestures to the porch, the recently repaired window, the garage where I've beenworking on his father's truck. "And why are you staying at Silas's when your bike's almost ready?"

Perceptive kid. Too perceptive. "Orcs don't like being idle."

Willie doesn't look convinced. "Is it because of what happened with Savvy?"

My head snaps up. "What do you know about that?"

"Nothing specific," he says, shifting his weight nervously. "Just that she's been sad. And you guys were getting along, then suddenly you're sleeping at Silas's, and she's all quiet and weird."

I stand, not liking where this conversation is headed. "It's complicated, kid."

"Adults always say that when they don't want to explain," Willie mutters, but lets it drop. "Whatever. I'm gonna do homework."

As he disappears inside, I return to my work, thoughts churning. Savvy's been sad. The knowledge sits uncomfortably in my chest. I thought distance was protecting her, but what if I'm just adding to her burdens?

No. Better a clean break now than deeper pain later. She deserves better than attachment to an orc with a death sentence hanging over his head.

The frame bracket for my bike sits in its box at the door of the garage, untouched since I picked it up this afternoon. I should be working on it right now, finishing the repairs, packing my minimal belongings. I should be gone by nightfall.

Instead, I'm finding excuses. Another board to replace. A gutter to fix. A window that sticks. Small repairs that won't matter once I'm gone, but somehow seem urgent enough to delay my departure for just a few more hours.

Pathetic.

The distant rumble of thunder interrupts my thoughts. Another storm approaching. I glance up at the darkening sky,then at the edge of the roof where a section of gutter has come loose. Better fix that before the rain hits.

I'm on the ladder when Victor's truck makes another pass, slower this time. Through the window, I see Royce in the passenger seat, staring at the house with naked hostility. I meet his eyes, letting my beast rise just enough to show in my gaze. A warning.

---