A New Life

By Cody Carpenter

Jake Walker has some new, unsettling neighbors that confess to be the sole survivors of a town destroyed by a pipeline rupture, burning down the entire town of Winchester, Alaska. But Jacob finds out there is more to the story than a freak accident.
When he meets Max Kahler, he knows there is something about him that just isn’t right. Max shows him that the world is not as it seems. There are dark things lingering in the woods out for blood, out for Max and out for Jake.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cody Carpenter
• Release date: Jun 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781452453750

Cody Carpenter

Cody Carpenter is twenty-six years old. He lives in Southern Utah with his dog Sitka. He has three brothers and has lived all over the country as well as England. He enjoys writing, playing video games, camping, hiking, and shooting. He is currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and technology.

Book preview

Prologue

Max Kahler ran through the darkened forest, breathing hard. He had been running for at least ten minutes now. Despite the feeling of fear and borderline panic, Max’s breathing was steady. He ran because he had to and he couldn’t look back until he was safe. The thoughts running through his head were disorganized and frantic. Where was everyone? How many were there? How could this have happened?

In the distance behind him, Max could hear the screams coming from the town below. Can’t look back, not yet, he thought as he pushed himself further up the hill. He could feel the cool breeze of the spring night air on his face. He could smell the scents of the forest. The dirt, the pine trees, the smoke from the burning town, the blood, the burning flesh, the fear.

His eyes caught a hint of movement from up ahead; there was someone there, waiting in the dark. Max kept running towards it, he wasn’t one to run from a fight. But I already have, he thought as he prepared for an inevitable attack. A man stepped out from behind some bushes and attacked. He was fast, but Max was faster. As the man swung at him, Max dodged and rolled. The man spun around as Max grabbed a broken tree branch off the ground and stood back up. The man let out an ear-splitting shriek as he rushed at Max. Max caught the man’s wrist and spun him around, twisting the man’s arm behind his own back, and shoved the tree branch into the man’s back as hard as he could. The man screamed as the branch entered his back and burst out of his chest.

Max threw him to the ground and looked around quickly for another weapon. He saw a large rock, about the size of a soccer ball, lying within reach and picked it up. Max moved quickly, before the man who had attacked him could get up again, and slammed the rock down on his head. He heard the sickening crunch, felt the rough texture of the rock he held, felt the warm blood on his hands. He raised the rock and slammed it down again, and again, and again. He didn’t stop until the man had stopped moving. By the time that happened, the man’s head was nonexistent. It was just a chunky, bloody mess of bone and brain in the dirt. Max stood up slowly, his hands were covered in a pasty mixture of blood and mud, pieces of dead leaves and grass stuck to his bloody skin, but he didn’t seem to notice.

Max finally allowed himself to look back towards the valley. The town was burning; it consisted of several large fires spread across the town. Max could hear the screams of the dying people; see the bodies lying in the streets. His heart was pounding. He had never seen anything as terrible as what was happening now. Never in his life had Max felt so helpless. He was too shocked to do anything. He couldn’t cry or scream his fury into the night. He could only stare at the destruction and hope that someone survived.

He heard footsteps approaching fast, there was more than one person heading towards him. Max’s body tensed, preparing to attack again. The two people came into view and Max relaxed and moved towards them quickly, he was relieved. It was Michael Carter and Kali Morgan. Michael had his arm around Kali, who was limping. Her pretty face was covered in blood, which had stained her blond hair red. Michael seemed to be okay, aside from a few minor cuts and scrapes.

Thank God! Kali exclaimed as she reached out and embraced Max. I was afraid you were dead too.

Are you okay? he asked. You’re bleeding. He reached down to try and examine her leg; she slapped his hand away.

I’ll be fine. It’s not as bad as it looks, she said. What about you?

I’m about as okay as I can be, he said. Max turned to Michael who was now crouched down examining the body of the man that Max had killed. Where are the others?

Michael stood up and looked back at Max; his eyes were full of sadness. They’re gone, Max, he said quietly.

What do you mean they’re gone? Max asked.

The others are dead, Max, Kali said. It’s just us now. We’re the only ones left.

Max stared at the burning town in disbelief. No, he said. There’s no way they’re all dead. Where’s my dad? Where’s Shaun?

I’m sorry, Max, Michael said. They didn’t make it.

No. They had to have made it, Max tried to reason. He went to get Shaun. He said he would meet me here.

I know, Michael said. But he didn’t make it. I saw it happen. I’m sorry.

Kali tried to put her arms around Max, who glared at Michael in shock. He angrily shook her off.

Fuck! Max screamed and ran to the body on the ground. You did this! He screamed at the body as he began to stomp on it in fury. You fucking did this, you son of a bitch!

Michael grabbed Max to pull him away but Max turned and swung at him. Michael caught his arm and forced Max to his knees.

Stop it! Michael said sternly. That’s not going to change anything.

Angry tears streamed down Max’s face. Get off me! he yelled. We have to do something!

Michael forced Max to face him. We can’t stop this, Max, he said regretfully. It’s already done. We have to leave or they’ll kill us too.

Kali limped over to Max and embraced him tightly, her eyes wet with tears. I’m so sorry Max, she whispered. I wish we could do something, but we can’t, not yet.

Where are we going to go? Max asked angrily. There’s nowhere we can go where they won’t find us.

Michael released Max and let him get to his feet. Your father told us to go south, to California. He has an old friend there who will help us. We have to get moving though, before they find us.

Forget it, Max said. I’m not going anywhere.

We’re going, Michael said. But I won’t force you to come with us if you don’t want to.

Kali spoke up, You’re all we have, Max. We need you.

Don’t throw your life away, Michael said. I know you’re angry; you’re not the only one, but you need to be smart about this. Kali and I are leaving now. We want you to come with us. But if you want to stay here and die, then, I can’t stop you.

Michael put his arm around Kali to support her and they began walking away. Just in case you decide to come, the town is called Silver Falls. It’s in northern California, right on the border of Oregon, he said.

Max watched as Michael and Kali disappeared into the dark forest. He turned back and watched as the home he had known his entire life burned. Most of the screams had died out and the fires had spread further. After a few minutes, he had made his final decision.

I’m sorry, Max sadly whispered to the dying town. He turned and began to run. He followed Michael and Kali into the night, towards the town of Silver Falls, California and towards an uncertain future.

Chapter One

Jacob Walker sat at the bar of Magoo’s Bar and Grill. He looked around the brightly lit restaurant. It was surprisingly busy for noon on a Tuesday. People must’ve been hungry today, he thought to himself. It took him a moment to realize that he was the only person sitting at the bar. It was a small town and all the out of town suburban parents, that were vacationing there, glared at him as if he were corrupting their children.

Damn Tourists, Jake muttered to himself. Don’t bring your kids to a damn bar.

Jake wasn’t an alcoholic. He never touched hard liquor and very rarely drank beer. Today had just been one of those days. Magoo’s was his regular hangout, all of his friends worked here. His older sister, Sarah, did too.

The only reason Jake was here so early was because his best friend, Chris White, was working today. Jake had come in the hopes of talking Chris out of working. Of course, today he’s late, Jake thought.

He had been waiting for a half hour now. He had sipped on a single beer and was debating ordering another when he finished.

Well, you’re here early, said a familiar voice from behind him. Jake turned to face Sarah. She was twenty-six years old, three years older than him. She was a little bit shorter with long red hair. Sarah lived across town from Jacob but they always saw each other, probably because they shared most of the same friends.

Couldn’t wait to get your drink on could you? she teased. That was one thing that Jake loved about his older sister. They were always arguing about stupid things, teasing, or making fun of each other. It wasn’t because they didn’t like each other, it was because they were siblings and it was fun.

Only because I knew you would be working today, Jake joked back. Has Chris come in yet?

No. He’s late again, Sarah replied.

Well, he better hurry up. I need to talk to him.

Call him if you want to talk to him.

I can’t. Dumbass broke his phone again.

Sarah broke out into laughter, causing some of the nearby patrons to give them irritated looks.

How many broken phones is that now? she asked.

Jake thought for a moment. I believe it’s seven phones this year.

Good thing he buys cheap phones, she said, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye. What do you want to talk to him about?

Jake just looked at her and grinned. Just then Chris walked into Magoo’s and waved when he saw them. Sarah turned back to Jacob when the realization hit.

Oh Goddamn it, Jacob! She said. You’re going to talk him into ditching work, aren’t you?

Jacob laughed. You know me too well.

Chris walked up to the bar where Jake and Sarah were, putting on his name tag.

You’re getting drunk already? he asked Jake.

Give me a little credit, I waited until after twelve, Jake replied. Want to ditch work today? Let’s do something fun.

Yeah, I do, but I have to stay. My dad needs me to run the restaurant today.

Are you sure?

Yep, but I get off at nine tonight. You should come back and hang for the last hour before I get off. It’s so boring when we’re close to closing.

Jake finished his drink, got up, and put on his jacket. All right then, he said. I’ll be back later. Jacob turned and walked out of Magoo’s.

See ya later, Chris called after him. Jake waved back at him as he continued out the door.

Jacob noticed how nice of a day it was. It was sunny for once in the town of Silver Falls, California. It was warm outside but Jake could still feel the cool ocean breeze blowing in. The beach was only about twenty miles away. Jacob enjoyed the smell of the ocean and loved going to the beach, but he almost never swam in it because, being in Northern California, it was too damn cold.

As Jake drove through town, he realized he had almost forgotten something important. He turned the car onto the next street, pulled slowly into the Silver Falls Cemetery and got out. It was a short walk to the plot he was looking for. He looked at the green field, littered with large grey stones that marked such sadness. He finally stopped in front of two matching gravestones, the first marked with his father’s name and the other with his mother’s. Jake came here every day since they had been buried. He never said anything, just stood and stared at the graves. Sometimes he would bring flowers. He didn’t know what to say; he tried but always found that he couldn’t speak.

At the funeral for his parent’s, Jake was supposed to give the eulogy, but he had just stood there. Chris’ father, Eric White, had taken over for him and delivered it. Eric had sort of become a father figure to Jake and Sarah. Jake had known him almost his entire life. Jake had never talked about his parent’s deaths, especially with Sarah. He had tried, but every time she would refuse to talk about it and change the subject. As far as he knew, she had never visited the graves since the funeral. After about ten minutes Jake finally left his thoughts and walked back to the car. He decided he would take his dirt bike out for a ride today. Jacob got into his car and headed home.

It was a somewhat short drive home, about twenty minutes. Jake lived out on the edge of town, near the base of the mountain. There were only maybe six or seven houses on his street, but they were spread so far apart that it was almost as if he didn’t have neighbors.

Jacob didn’t mind, he liked it out here. It was quiet and there weren’t a whole lot of people. Jake pulled onto his street; his house was at the end of the road. As he drove down the long street, Jacob noticed that the third house down from his had a large moving truck parked out in front.

Jacob was a little surprised. That house had been empty for a couple of years and he didn’t think that it would ever be sold. As he passed by, he got a look at the new people. There were three of them; the oldest one was tall with clean cut black hair. Jake guessed he was in his forties or fifties. There was a girl and a guy; he guessed they were siblings, moving a bed into the house. The girl was probably one of the most beautiful girls Jake had ever seen. She looked to be the same age as Jake and had long flowing blonde hair and vivid green eyes that almost seemed to shine.

The guy with her was a little unsettling to Jake. He was a big guy, who looked like he was about twenty-seven. He had shaggy black hair and dark brown eyes. As Jake passed, the guy looked at him and just watched him carefully, there was something about him that scared Jake a little but he didn’t know what, he just tried to ignore it.

Jacob pulled into his driveway and went into the house. He looked back at the house with the moving truck before closing the door behind him. He walked to his room to change into his junk clothes. The house was large; it had four bedrooms, three upstairs and one downstairs, and it sat on two acres of land. Jake and Sarah had inherited the house when their parents died as well as the two hundred thousand dollar life insurance that their parents had. Sarah had refused to take any of it. She had essentially called it blood money.

They had moved in with the White’s shortly after the accident and only returned to the house to do the upkeep on it and to remember how things used to be. Sarah hadn’t gone nearly as much as he had. Jake thought it was because there were too many memories in this house. They had spent most of their life in this house and Jacob was not ready to leave it. He turned on the TV while he got changed. The news was on, they were still reporting on the disaster up north.

A little over a week ago, in a freak accident, an oil pipeline had ruptured and burned down the town of Winchester, Alaska. The authorities had no idea or reason as to how it had happened. There were no witnesses to interview about it because, according to the news, there were no survivors found but some people were reported missing; they were presumed to be dead too.

Jake finished changing and turned off the TV. He grabbed his keys and went out to the garage. There were two dirt bikes, one was red and the other was black. Jake’s parents had bought them so that they could go riding. Jake always went with Chris or Sarah, but he always rode the black one. Jake pushed the bike out to the driveway, closed the garage door, and went back in to fill his camelback and grab some food. He walked back outside and hopped onto the dirt bike. As he started it up, Jake looked down the street and noticed the new guy watching him.

At the end of the street was a large dirt ramp that Jacob had built. There was enough clearance into the forest that Jake could go as fast as he could and not worry about hitting a tree. He had built a trail that went all the way up the mountain. Jake gunned the motor and rode the bike as fast as he dared toward the ramp. He blew past the houses, the moving truck, and the mysterious new people watching him. Right before he hit the jump, Jacob found himself wondering if the new guy was wishing he could be out riding too or if he thought Jake was being a showoff.

Jacob hit the jump and rocketed into the air. This was his favorite part and he did it at least once a day. He never had the guts to attempt any sort of trick but one day he would. He landed perfectly but didn’t beat his personal record for distance on this jump. He continued up the mountain trail.

*

Max stood by the moving truck and watched Jacob ride the dirt bike off the ramp. He thought for sure that Jacob would crash but he didn’t.

He’s cute, Kali said. Max picked up a brown cardboard box marked ‘dishes’ which was full of brand new dishes they had bought yesterday. Need to make everything look as normal as possible, Max thought. That was one thing he had always been taught, how to cover your tracks.

I wouldn’t know, Max said and walked into the house.

Michael was in the kitchen, unpacking boxes, when Max walked in.

This is bullshit, Max said angrily. Why did we come here?

Michael put some plates away in the empty cupboard and said, You know why, Max. We have nowhere else to go. Your dad has an old friend here who says we can stay.

We shouldn’t have run away. We should’ve stayed, Max growled.

And yet, here you are. You could’ve stayed, but you didn’t, Michael replied.

Well, I don’t like it and I don’t like it here.

We need to move on, Max. We have to adapt because this is our home now. You and Kali are going to meet the others tonight. Do you understand?

Max cut the tape on the boxes. He didn’t want to look at Michael, he was frustrated. Where?

Michael grabbed some more dishes out of a box and put them up in the cupboard. You’ll meet Eric White and his son at Magoo’s Bar and Grill at nine-thirty. He’ll get you set up with a job and probably introduce you to some people. You and Kali need to make friends and blend in.

I’ll go but I’m not making friends. There’s no point. They’ll just die too. Max walked back out to the truck to unload some more boxes. He found himself looking out where the guy on the dirt bike had gone.

Chapter Two

It was nine o’ clock and Magoo’s had closed early. Jake had returned just like he told Chris he would. His clothes were caked with dry mud from his ride. A baseball game was playing on the TVs above the bar. A couple of people at the bar were yelling and cheering at the TV. Jake hated baseball. He couldn’t even tell what teams were playing, even if he cared enough to see. It just seemed to slow paced and boring to him. Football was his sport and, despite being born and raised in California, he was the only one of his friends who was a Packers fan, and he took a lot of crap for it.

Jake looked around the restaurant; most of the lights had been turned off in the dining area. The room smelled like cigarette smoke, barbecue sauce, and grilled steak. The place was empty except for the people watching the game. There were six people there including Jake. Sarah was helping Eric White, Chris’ father and owner of Magoo’s, clean up.

Chris was sitting next to Jake, cheering at the TV. At the end of the bar was Detective Domenic Palmer, who was off duty. Next to him was another man that Jake didn’t know. He was older, maybe in his fifties. Jake assumed the man was another cop.

God, baseball is so boring, Chris said in an exasperated tone. So what did you do with yourself all day?

Jake took a sip of his drink and replied, Went for a ride and watched TV. That’s about it.

That sounds exciting, Sarah said, sarcastically, as she sat down next to Jake.

Oh yeah, it was a blast, Jake replied, mockingly.

I came by today at lunch but you weren’t there. I figured you were out riding, Sarah said. I saw the new family that moved in. Who are they?

Hell if I know. I haven’t talked to them and I don’t know if I will, Jake said.

Chris looked back from the mounted television at Jake. Why is that?

I don’t know, Jake replied The one guy creeps me out.

How come? Sarah asked.

He just stared me down like he wants to toss my salad or something. Chris and Sarah burst into laughter. Detective Palmer glared back at Jake. Oops, Jake said, laughing. I think he heard that.

Jesus Christ, Jake, Sarah said, shaking her head. Well, on that note, I’m out of here. I’ll see you two tomorrow.

She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. Jake and Chris said their goodbyes as she walked out of Magoo’s. Two people came in just as Sarah walked out; a blonde-haired woman about his age and a dark-haired man a couple of years older. Jake immediately recognized them as the new people on his street.

Jake nudged Chris, Don’t say anything about what I just said.

Chris looked back at Jake. Why?

Those two that just came in are the ones who just moved in, Jake replied. Chris looked back at the door watching Max and Kali.

The guy who wanted to… Chris began but Jake interrupted.

Yeah, but I wasn’t serious about the whole ‘salad thing’. He just gives me the creeps.

Max and Kali crossed the dining area and headed for the bar. Chris got out of his seat and moved towards them to tell them that the restaurant was closed, but Max spoke first.

We’re here to see Eric White. We were told to meet him here, Max said. Chris held out his hand.

I’m Chris, he said. Eric is my father. He said something about you coming. Max didn’t move, Kali stepped forward and took Chris’ hand and shook.

Hi. I’m Kali Abrams, she said putting an arm around Max, who shook it off. And this grouch is my brother, Max, she continued.

Jacob watched while Chris invited Max and Kali to sit and have a drink while he went to get his dad. Jake noticed that Max looked angry and felt uncomfortable when Max glared at him. Kali, on the other hand, was talking to everyone around her and having a good time, though Jake suspected she was hiding something. It was in her eyes, there was the unmistakable sadness behind them. That was one look he knew well; she was covering for something. Max sat next to Jake and didn’t say a word; he just stared at the TV.

Chris came back and sat next to Jake again. You know them? Jake asked, surprised.

Not really, Chris replied. My dad knows them.

Eric White came out from the back of the restaurant and headed over to them. Hi, I’m Eric, he said, extending his hand to Kali. You must be Kali. Kali shook Eric’s hand.

Yes I am. It’s nice to meet you. She said.

Eric turned towards Max. And you must be Max, he said. Max briefly glanced at Eric before turning back in his seat.

Yeah, Max said.

Your father’s told me a lot about you, Eric said.

I’m sure he did, Max replied quietly. Jake pretended not to eavesdrop but it was difficult when he was sitting right there.

There’s no point in pretending not to hear, Jacob, Eric said with a smile. Jake turned in his seat to face him.

How have you been? Eric asked.

I’ve been alright, Jake replied.

That’s good, Eric tells him. This is Kali and Max. They just moved into your neighborhood.

Jake decided to play dumb with that knowledge. Oh really? he said. I thought I saw a moving truck earlier. Jake glanced at Max and Kali; he knew that they had recognized him.

I’m hiring them on for work here, Eric continued.

That’s cool. Jake said somewhat unenthusiastically.

When are you going to come and work for me Jake? Eric asked. You’re here so much as it is, I may as well pay you for it.

Jake laughed. Yeah, but then I would have to deal with people. You know how that would probably turn out.

Eric laughed and patted Jake on the back. Well, it’s not for everyone I suppose, but you’ll always have a job waiting for you here.

I’ll keep that in mind, Jake replied.

Eric turned back to Max and Kali. I’ll get the paperwork for you two to fill out, he said. Sit down and enjoy yourselves. I’ll be back in a minute.

Eric walked into his office in the back of the restaurant. Max and Kali sat down next to Jake and began speaking quietly to each other. Eric came back out of his office, his hands full of various papers ready to be filled out. It didn’t take Max and Kali long to fill in the blanks on their papers and soon were done. Kali had begun talking to Jake and Chris. Jake had a feeling that she may have been hitting on him, but wasn’t sure. Maybe she was hitting on Chris.

Max just sat and watched. He had barely said ten words that whole night. After about five minutes of making small talk with Kali and uncomfortable silence with Max, Jake began growing increasingly uncomfortable around Max. Jake didn’t know why but deep down inside himself, something told him that Max was dangerous. He had finally had all he could handle for the night.

Jake nudged Chris, who was in a conversation with Kali that Jake hadn’t been paying attention to.

I’m gonna take off, Jake said when he got Chris’ attention.

Alright, Chris said. I’ll call you sometime tomorrow and see what you’re up to. Jake and Chris bumped fists after Jake had thrown on his jacket. Jake said a general goodbye to everyone and headed for the door.

You better not be driving drunk, Jacob, Detective Palmer said. Jacob turned back and touched his nose, mockingly. Jake had had several run-ins with Detective Palmer, which became more frequent after his parent’s deaths. Jake was a bit of a trouble maker back then and had been caught doing a number of activities that were frowned upon by society.

Vandalism and underage drinking were the majority of his record, although he had been caught with marijuana twice and once with something a bit stronger. Somehow Eric White had been able to talk Jake out of his troubles with the law and managed to keep him out of prison. Luckily, Eric had gotten Jake to shape up and grow out of his rebellious stage. Jake hadn’t had problems since, although Palmer kept an eye on him.

I’m not drunk, I’m not even buzzed, he said. As Jake left Magoo’s for the second time that day, he could feel Max’s eyes on him. It was unsettling. He climbed in his car, an old black Dodge Challenger that had once been his father’s, and began the drive home.

Jake was rocking out to a song he liked during the drive, but he didn’t know what it was. He just sang along with it. He had so much music on his iPod that half the time he didn’t know what was playing. Jake was just about to check what song it was when there was a loud bang. The car jerked to the right suddenly and Jake had to fight for control. The car shuttered as he slowed to a stop on the side of the dark road.

Jake exited the car cursing and walked around to the passenger side.

Shit! he yelled. The front tire had blown out. There was a large chunk of metal sticking out of it. Jake swore again and opened the door. He grabbed his iPod and headphones and started walking. He was still about three miles from his house, he could handle the walk. He cursed himself for never putting the spare tire back in the trunk after the last flat he had gotten.

He was a little over a half mile from his car when it started to rain. Jake threw his hood up and began to swear. He suddenly had the feeling that someone was watching him. Jake looked out into the woods to his right but couldn’t see anything. He figured that his mind was playing tricks on him. He always managed to find a way to scare himself when he was outside at night. He continued down the dark road but that feeling of being watched just got stronger. He wanted to run when headlights shone on him from behind.

The old brown truck passed him and pulled off to the side of the road. Jake walked up to it as the passenger side window rolled down.

Need a ride? said a familiar voice from inside the car. Jake looked inside and saw Max sitting behind the wheel.

Are you coming or what? Max asked impatiently. Jake opened the truck’s door and climbed in.

Max pulled the truck back onto the road and accelerated. Jake took off his hood and pulled the headphones out of his ears.

Thanks. I really appreciate it, he said. Max didn’t look at him.

If it wasn’t raining, you would still be walking, Max replied.

If it wasn’t raining, I would prefer walking, Jake said, sarcastically. Thanks anyways.

Well, don’t get used to me doing favors, Max said. I don’t plan on staying here long.

Yeah, that’s what everybody says when they move.

Max didn’t say anything; he just scowled and sped the truck up. Jake couldn’t believe he had just accepted a ride from this guy. Max was even scarier at night, his eyes looked black. Probably just because it’s dark, Jake thought. They rode in silence for a moment before Jake finally spoke up again.

Where did you move from? he asked. Max glanced at him briefly. It was the closest they had come to making eye contact since Jake had got in the truck.

Alaska, Max finally said after a moment of silence.

Why did you leave? Jake asked.

Do you always ask so many damn questions? Max shot back.

Jake glared at Max and said, It was only two questions, Jesus Christ.

Max didn’t say anything once again.

Your sister is a hell of a lot nicer than you are, Jake commented.

Kali is not my sister, Max grumbled.

Well, that explains the difference in personality, Jake said. Why don’t you just let me out here?

Why? Max growled.

At this point I would rather walk than make this small talk bullshit with you. Jake fired back. I don’t know what your problem is with me and I really don’t give a shit. Max looked back at Jake but didn’t stop the truck.

I don’t have a problem with you, Max said.

Then why are you such an asshole? Jake asked.

I just don’t want to talk.

That’s fine by me, Jake said, angrily. Max and Jake drove the rest of the way in complete silence. The moment the truck stopped in Max’s driveway, Jake got out without a word. By the time Max got out, Jake was already walking down the sidewalk towards his house. Max called out to Jake, who looked back.

I can get your car towed back here if you want, Max said. Jake continued walking.

Don’t bother. I can handle it, he said over his shoulder. Max watched Jake go for a moment before he finally turned and went into his house.

Chapter Three

The next day, Jake woke up and looked at the clock. It was almost two in the afternoon. He couldn’t believe he had slept that long. He jumped out of bed and hastily got dressed. He needed to call a tow truck or get a ride out to his car so he could put a new tire on it. Jacob grabbed his phone and was just about to call Chris when something outside caught his eye. He walked over to the window and looked out. His car was sitting in the driveway.

What the hell? He said to himself and went