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"You're a good friend. The best."

"Look, I know I was not exactly excited for you running off to Montana. But if that's what it takes, I'm glad you did it. You do deserve better, Alec. We all do. Sometimes we just…settle. Not just with people, but with situations. We're an inherently lazy species, Alec. You know that."

"Now who's using the two-dollar words?"

Demarco ignored him. "I think you're on to something. To get out of the ditch, we have to shake things up. Change the scenery. Frankly, I'm curious to see if it works because, as you said, I may be next."

"OK, professor. I'll let you know how the experiment turns out."

"You better. Just because you're changing the scenery, doesn't mean I miss my daily dose."

"Yes, sir."

"Write the book, Alec. I think that's part of it. Mix it up. Roll the dice. See what happens."

"Any more clichés?"

"Nope. I'm all out."

"Thanks, Blanche."

"You're welcome, Rose."

"Now… about your turn—" Alec began, but as the words left his lips he saw movement in his rearview mirror.

"Nope. You're the guinea pig. I can wait."

It was huge whatever it was, colossal in shape, undulating in the blackness… and growing.

"Something coming."

"West Side Story. I love it. Tuesday Tunes—Midwest edition!"

"No," said Alec. "I mean outside. Something's coming up behind the car."

"Maybe it's Officer Krupke."

"It doesn't look human."

"Oh, girl... what's it look like?"

"It's hard to tell in the mirror… but it's wide and swaying… and tall. At least ten feet."

"It's the Wendigo,"Demarco whispered, eyes huge."It has come."

Alec pressed down on the brake and everything behind him went aglow with red light. It was a

horse, with a big, bundled shape atop, swaying and growing larger as it neared the car. The figure riding was wearing a cowboy hat, scarf, and poncho. It raised its gloved-hand to shield its eyes from the bright, red light.

"I gotta go," said Alec.

"Are you OK?"

"Yeah." He released the brake pedal. "Triple-A is here."

6

Alec watched in the rear-view mirror as the large bundled figure dismounted the horse and