The naked edge

35

Jamie and Rutherford drove past the park. Two exits along West Benton Street, they turned right and then right again, finding themselves on the street where Cavanaugh had lived. The fog kept the van's headlights from reaching the park. As they got out, a dim streetlight allowed Jamie to realize that Rutherford had parked in front of what had once been Cavanaugh's house.

They secured their jackets and started down toward the invisible park, only to pause when they heard a distant crack.

They waited. The sound wasn't repeated.

"What was that?" Jamie whispered.

"It sounded like a-"

"Shot?" Jamie's face tingled, only partly from the chill of the fog.

"Low caliber, I think."

They waited a moment longer. Then Rutherford crouched, as if tying a shoe. He straightened and handed her something.

"A gun?"

"My emergency pistol. I keep it in an ankle holster."

"You're trusting me with this?"

Rather than discuss it, Rutherford continued through the fog. As Jamie caught up to him, she heard what might have been muted voices in the park, too low and indistinct to be identified. They walked faster, then started to run when they heard a scream.