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The lots are big, far apart, and the driveways are long So even if people did still live out here, we’d have some privacy Not h though

I set Sasha down as we reach the cracked and buckling sidewalk She’s quiet Her ten-h to subdue her fiery teh toa place that’s not home

But I’m excited I smile a little to myself as alk up the dirty driveway The sun hasn’t set yet, got a few hours left probably Enough time to tackle Harper and take her into the bedrooht And then Sasha and I reach the porch, climb the concrete steps, and I’m just about to reach for the screen door when it’s kicked open and the barrel end of a gun presses againstMove"

Chapter Six - Harper

I press the gun against his skin as I play my next move in my head

"Harper," James says "It’s me"

"Pfft I know it’s you, assle That’s why I have the gun" I look over at the girl he’s with and squint at her "Who’s she?"

"Harper, lower the gun"

"No I don’t trust--"

The next thing I know¸ I’ood?" James asks, his face so close to y-backed this kid across the desert, I’ " He leans into my neck and those faht out in hand desire "Answer me, Lionfish"

But that? That shit snaps me back I jab him in the ribs with rab his wrists, and then throw le free, bounce up, and then I’irl is pointing it at both of us

"Stop," she orders onna shoot hi for her She allows hi a little too heavy, suspicion in our eyes, dripping with sweat "What the fk, Harper? Jesus Christ You fking girls I’ve had it with your emotional bullshit" He looks over at his partner, pushes her a little and then nods towards the door "Get inside"

"What’d I do?" she whines "I got the gun back!"

"Just go"