Neil San Francisco — 1985 Love and Fulfillment

It is already dark when Neil leaves the jail. Into the sky, like a feathered star, Huck rises. He circles briefly, stretching his wings against the night before plummeting back onto Neil’s shoulder.

“Hey,” Neil says, gently ruffling the bird’s sleek plumage. Huck caws, delicately nibbling his ear.

“Sorry, fella. I sure make you keep odd hours for a crow. You should be asleep. You...”

“Neil,” says a soft voice behind him.

Neil whirls around. Sharp talons pierce his shoulder. He gasps.

“Ow! Huck!” Huck loosens his grip.

Out of the darkness, into the soft glow of a misty street lamp, Pam emerges, glowing like a night sun.

“Pamela.” Neil breaths.

“Oh Neil, I’m so sorry. I-I-I was there…”

“You?”

“Yes, but I was frightened to go to the police. I… I don’t like policemen.”

“Who does? Did you see anything?” He shudders at the memory of Wang’s wolf face. “Do you know who ...?”