16
Shane straggled out of the bar and punched John playfully on the shoulder. “Take care, buddy.”
“You too.”
The two parted company, and Shane ambled toward his truck in the darkness. Clouds loomed overheard, obscuring the moon’s light.
The sound of crying stopped him in his tracks. He turned his head and listened.
Was that a woman and a baby? Or a woman and cat?
His curiosity piqued, he followed the noise.
He could barely make out a figure huddled in the corner of an alleyway, deep in the shadows.
“I know you're hungry,” she said. “But we'll have to wait till tomorrow.”
The baby wailed in response.
Shane's heart dropped to his feet.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
He heard the woman jump at his voice. She was quiet for a moment.
“We're f-f-fine,” she stammered. “Leave us alone.”
“
