Chapter 22: Anders Strikes Back

“Stay here,” Declan said, putting a hand on Polly’s shoulder.

Stunned, she stopped as he said and watched as the music unspooled in the headphones. Polly was still able to hear what was said over the tunes.

“Can I help you?” Declan asked the man at the front of the group.

“What makes you ask that?” the man asked.

“Call it curiosity.”

“Curiosity killed the cat,” the man said, his friends laughing.

“Do you see any whiskers anywhere?” Declan asked, in a way that made the men stop laughing.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but we’re looking for someone,” a shorter man said from the back.

“Shut up, Larry,” the leader snapped.

“Shove it, Moe,” Larry said.

“Larry, Moe, is there a Curly in there?” Declan asked.

“I’m going to tell you one last time to butt out,” Moe said, stabbing finger into Declan’s chest.

As soon as he did, Moe looked at his finger and pressed again, like he was surprised at just how solid Declan was.