down. “If you feel a heavy sensation twisted deep in your belly, you should trust it.”
That, she understood. It usually followed a shift in auras, and was accentuated by gunshots or human voices in the woods. “I get that. But what specifically makes you think he’s evil?”
Becky shrugged. “It’s not his appearance. He’s decent looking if you liked the sweaty-faced Richard Simmons 80s type. Minus the frizzy mullet and striped shorts, of course.”
“Richard Simmons?”
“Oh.” She smirked. “I forgot you don’t do much TV. He’s like the father of aerobics.”
Liberty nodded politely, waited to figure out what the connection was to Sage.
“Anyway,” Becky continued, “I catch Russ staring at me all the time like he’s marked his territory.” She pointed to the last kennel. “Like old Rebel, except Russ only visually pisses all over me.”
“Yuck.” Liberty looked at the Montgomery’s fat, orange tabby sleeping on top of one of the two-level cat condos.
“Don’t I know it, but it isn’t just the looks,” Becky said. “I’m used to come-ons, but I’m telling you, this guy’s different. Doesn’t try to make new friends. Sits himself at the bar, drinks two beers, listens like a hawk to everyone’s conversations, and then slaps a couple bucks on the counter and slips out when everyone’s back is turned. It’s like he’s just waiting to pounce.”
Liberty let what Becky said sink in. If Russ was as bad as Becky made him out to be, what was his son like? And if Adrian had seen Sage, was there a good chance she was with this Victor? Liberty swallowed the questions feeling sick to her stomach.
“We need a plan,” Becky said, “right? I’ll go into work tomorrow and see what I can dig up.”
Liberty nodded and tightened her hands around her mug to quell the trembling.
“Honey? It’ll be okay. Everybody’s evil. They’re born with it.
“No they aren’t.” Liberty refused to believe all people were bad.
“Sure,” Becky nodded, “like how some of our cells are perfect until they mutate. Doesn’t mean it’s some fourth stage horror show. Could be a benign cluster kicked to the curb with the right medicine or scalpel, never to show its ugly face again.”
Liberty sat and stared at the stormy look in Becky’s eyes for a moment, not sure her friend believed Russ’ evil was that insignificant. Finally, she said, “You know what I can’t wrap my head around? What bothers me the most?”
“What?”
“The human part. I tell myself maybe Adrian’s delusional, maybe he saw a lookalike. But then I realize I’d also have to admit Sage wasn’t real.”
Becky nodded, she understood. Or maybe not.
Liberty voiced her concern, “Are you agreeing to help me just because you’re my friend, or because you think it’s possible Adrian did see Sage?”
“I’m your friend. And I believe anything is possible. So, a little of both.” Becky paused. “Are you okay with that?”
Liberty smiled. “I’m super okay with that. What more could I ask for? Sage’s own father refuses to even consider it.”
* * *
The next night, Liberty returned as they’d planned. Gave Becky the most recent picture she had of Sage, a printout Ellie had made, one with three head shots of each of them, Liberty, Sage, and Nathaniel.
Becky chuckled. “Mug shots anyone?”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, look at you three, so serious.”
Taken against the painted cinder block walls in the lower level of the kennel, Ellie had said they were portrait shots, like you’d get at a real studio. They’d obliged, like they always had when it came to Ellie requests.
“Anyway, do you mind if I cut the one of Sage out?” Becky asked. “I don’t really want to bring attention to you and Nathaniel if I don’t have to.”
“Of course, whatever you need to do.”
Becky nodded, tucked the photo in her purse, “How did Nathaniel take it when you told him our plan?”
“He didn’t take it any sort of way because I decided not to tell him.”
“What do you mean you didn’t tell him?”
Liberty shrugged. “I don’t know. We’re not really talking right now and think if he knew what our plans were, he’d find a way to prevent me from going.”
“Huh. Okay.” Becky didn’t seem sure but had never been one to meddle in the lives of other couples. “Well I’ll tell you a couple of things I found out.” They sat at the table with their customary mugs. “First, Pete down at the Shell station said Russ comes in a bunch for gas.”
“Gas?”
Becky nodded. “Yeah. Pete said you’d think he commutes to Pittsburgh every