Chapter NineHOMECOMING
Lori opened the door when she heard the back door chime. Wet and insolent, Drake had dismounted on the patio with a duffle bag, his dog Killer, and a strange woman.
“Come in,” Lori said. “Why aren't I surprised to see you this time? Take off your wet things.” She peered behind him.
“Not surprised to see me?” he said.
“No,” Lori said. “I've been expecting you, dude. So have the cops. They've been here.”
“Damn. I forgot.” He struck his forehead with the back of his hand and grinned. There was something wrong with his smile, it was just wrong.
“I got company,” he said.
Barbie Whitefish stood at the door. Water dripped from the sleeves of her blue poncho.
“How do you do?” she said. She rubbed her bruised wrists. “I didn't really mean to barge in on y'all like thi
