Wiltz Reappears

The walk back from the store was filled with the usual Eve commentary, which, at this point, I’d learned to filter with about seventy percent efficiency.

“I’m just saying,” Eve said, juggling a bag of eggs and a loaf of bread, “any guy who wears that much black in summer has something to hide. Maybe a tragic past. Maybe body glitter. Maybe both.”

I didn’t answer immediately. My eyes were fixed on the sidewalk ahead, but my mind was caught somewhere else—somewhere back in the street where we’d bumped into that guy.

Wiltz.

He hadn’t done anything overtly strange, hadn’t said anything creepy or threatening. But there had been something about him… a stillness behind the smile. A calm too calm. Like someone playing at being normal and doing a decent job of it.

But only decent.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Eve said, nudging me with her elbow, trying to force my attention back to her.

“Just thinking,” I said.