15

15
Winds push you across the expanse of waving grass. Sirens pierce the wind, pulling images of danger out of you. They are twofold.
First, you picture your family seeking your arrest. They clearly wish to help. For them, however, help is rehabilitation into society through an institution. This endangers your ability to close the case that violently divides you and your friend.
That disability is palpable enough to avoid. On the other hand, Mario's ambiguous presence always seems to be two steps ahead. Rather than return to Lexington, you're ready to take shortcuts to Little Rock. Little Rock, Mario mentioned, "is a nice place."
The sirens increase. You decide to watch them pass from behind some trees. As the emergency vehicles go by, you fail to see a driver. Instead, you see Loli and Lacy, hanging out of the passenger windows. They are chanting in harmony with the sirens.
"We see you." Their voices echo even after the sirens fade.
[skip to chapter 17]