Page 5

oh right thanx

Juicy was the closest thing to a friend Trev had, though Juicy didn’t usually remember Trev’s name even on his good days. He was pushing every bit of ninety years old—a bachelor with no family to care for him and who probably belonged in a nursing home. There was a nurse who came by twice a week to check on him, but Juicy insisted she was a spy and there were listening devices hidden in her ponytail.

He had a penchant for screaming at things no one else could see and often accused other tenants of being aliens from another planet. He ordered Chinese food every night at precisely eight o’clock after taking his dog out for its evening walk. That might have been the most normal thing about Juicy except he didn’t actually own a dog.

Juicy would drag an empty leash behind him and carry poop bags to clean up its invisible messes. When people gave him odd looks, Juicy would bark at them and then apologize profusely for his pet’s poor behavior.

Trev thought Juicy was odd but harmless, and he’d earned Juicy’s favor when they first met by asking what his dog’s name was.

Juicy had smiled and told him it was Barkimus Winchester III or Barkie for short.

Ever since then, Juicy had taken a liking to Trev, and Trev had the unique honor of being the only person Barkie didn’t bark at.

Trev’s phone buzzed again, and it was another message from Juicy:

i may end up with extra sesame chicken 2nite if ur hungry

Trev smiled and texted back that he would be working tonight but thanked him all the same.

It was not unusual for Juicy to claim that he just so happened to accidentally order Trev’s favorite Chinese food so he had an excuse to visit. Trev enjoyed hanging out with Juicy, strange as he was, and listening to his wild stories. It was impossible to be sure what was true and what wasn’t, and Juicy’s tales ranged from being a combat pilot to a Michelin starred chef or even a neurosurgeon who saved a former President.

Trev’s phone dinged again.

fine me and barkie will eat it all

Barkie is on a diet!

Trev quickly reminded him.

The vet said he needed to lose weight, remember?

hes old i can spoil him

Trev chuckled and was getting ready to reply, but Juicy had already sent another text.

be careful tonight they want blood

Trev frowned.

Right.

Because that wasn’t foreboding and creepy or anything.

Trev knew Juicy wasn’t all home upstairs and had said many other odd things before, but the warning sent a shiver up his spine. He was already having second thoughts about the job tonight and now this.

Maybe he shouldn’t?—

There was a knock at the door.

Trev hated how he jumped. He groaned as he hurried over to check the peephole and see who it was. When he confirmed it was Camille, he showed her in. He eyed a folder in her hand. “Is that my contract?”

“No, it’s the funny papers.” Camille scoffed. “What else would it be?” She shoved the folder at him.

Trev opened it to retrieve the paperwork inside. He ignored the dread creeping into the back of his mind and focused on one night of work earning him six full months of rent. He scanned the agreement twice to make sure everything was in order before he signed. “There. Done.”

“Thank you.” Camille smirked. “My friend will be expecting you. Just tell them you’re there for the big party. They’ll know what to do.”

“That’s it? No name?”