Page 95 of Trick or Stalk

“What?”

She takes a drink of her coffee. “Do you practice being evasive, or does it come naturally?”

“Natural talent.”

“Impressive.”

“Thanks.”

“That wasn't a compliment.”

“I took it as one.”

Her mouth twitches. “So what brought you to Hollow Creek?”

“Needed somewhere new.”

“That's vague.”

“It was supposed to be.”

She laughs.

There it is. That fucking laugh.

I heard it yesterday when she was standing on her back porch.

But she doesn't know that.

Today I don't need trees between us to hear it.

I like this better.

“You're mysterious.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You won't tell me where you're from.”

I shrug. “Doesn't make me mysterious.”

“You look like you have at least three aliases.”

I stare at her.

She bursts out laughing.

I smile before I can stop myself.

Her laughter dies.

She stares at me, stunned.

“What?”

“You’re smiling.”

“So?”