eavily on the fence post as if

ce a low, pitiful whine. "Every single day. I j

ng a path through the grime on his cheek. The per

st physical. I clenched my fists inside the poc

my voice even. "Come inside. I

onse. It was what he expected. It would make him

ed his face before he mask

Sarah. You

practiced efficiency, pulling out bread, cheese, and the leftover roast chicken

, not speaking, just cramm

ushed the plate away and let

aid, patting his pockets. "Just to

I asked, my

the city. He gave me a

ack porch, seeking privacy. He thought I was the sam

f flat against the clapboard wall, just below the porch window, the familiar scent of dust an

ak and raspy, but full of arrogant confidence. "Yeah, I

d, a low,

lks aren't even here. This is going to be even easier than I thought. I saw the n

an on the other end, Chloe,

orry for me. Then I'll convince them to sell off some land or the livestock. They'll do anything for their 'prodigal son'. We'll hav

h a few more years on his face. Hearing his plan, spoken so callously, erased any lingering shadow o

the prey knew