Page 36 of The Forbidden Center

told her I needed to ask about the report

That was false.

mostly

My tea has gone cold. The ceramic is cool against my palm and I have not moved in some time.

Good night, Mr. Riley.

The typing bubble appears.

did you write it yet

Yes.

what did you write

I told you I would not show you the report.

A pause.

then I can live with not reading it

My thumb rests over the keyboard.

Elbow in first. Both arms supported when you sleep.

The reply comes almost immediately.

there she is

I look at the number at the top of the screen.

Then I save it.

Colt Riley.

I put the phone face down on the cushion.

Then I pick it up and read it again.

there she is

Nobody has said that to me in six years.

Chapter five

Colt

Brick wants the speaker, and I want him to appreciate what he’s hearing.

“This man has lost the same truck in four songs,” Brick says.

“Different trucks. Listen to the words.”

“It’s the same song, Riley.”

“It’s Waylon.”