Chapter 21

There was one problem, though: Max. That’s what the young man on Highway 20 called himself. He walked out of a set of pines near a second cemetery and practically scared the shit out of me, if the truth be shared. Max was traveling to Rochester, heading north to visit his girlfriend, Madeline. He had planned to live with the girl for the next few months in her apartment. He had also planned on getting a job, paying his half of the bills, and to make long and sweet love to his chickadee whenever she needed or wanted it.

“You’re from Erie?” I asked, walking at his side.

“For twenty-two years, man.” His voice was soothing and masculine. His chickadee in Rochester probably found it sexy because I did.

“Is that how old you are?”

“The last time I checked my license.”

I didn’t believe he had a license, but whatever.

“Where are you heading?”