Seaside, Oregon
The gas pump clicked off, and Karl replaced the hose, glancing up as Weston walked toward him with a grin on his face. The three boys that Weston had been talking to looked excited. Each boy was dressed in dark gear and was carrying a backpack. Karl could see different colored splatters on their clothing.
“What’s that about?” Karl asked.
“I recruited some extra help to create a diversion. They are going to shoot up the house and draw Merrick away. I told them we had a friend staying there and wanted to play a practical joke on him,” Weston said, opening the passenger door.
“And they believed you?” Karl asked.
“Are you kidding? All I had to do was wave a hundred dollar bill and promise another one when they were finished and those boys were willing to do anything I aske
