Chapter 11

“Cameras,” Ni prattled. “I putting cameras up. No more wet towels. No more swimming. Pool closed. No more naked men. No more poof.”

Bay nodded, understanding. “Yes. Something has to be done.”

“I catch him on camera. I trap him. I call police. Stranger goes to jail.”

“Yes. Of course. I’m with you.”

Had Ni’s cellphone not chirped in one of his front pockets, he would have stood in Bay’s vegetable garden and ranted for the next hour or two. He removed the phone from a pocket, viewed its screen, and quickly rattled off, “Must get. Important call. Must get.”

Bay watched the man head home. Under his breath, Bay mumbled, “The man’s insane. Let it be. But then again, maybe he’s on to something.”

* * * *

Fireflies. Human. Hotura. Japanese folklore. Shifting.