Mort's P.O.V
During the time that Shadow took her walk around my house I sat upstairs in front of my computer. I was trying to write but it wasn't working. Everything I would try to think of an idea my mind would draw a complete blank. I guessed it was because I should have been thinking about something besides writing. I should have been thinking about Shadow and Shooter.
Of course I did think about them. Not only had Shadow talked to him this time she had seen him. She had SEEN him. She thought he was a real person. It didn't make sense at all. Nothing was making sense anymore.
Do you want to hear something that does make sense?
"I've heard that before," I said out loud.
You didn't listen to me then and you're aren't listening to me now.
"Shut up," I said trying to focus on the computer screen.
She needs to be told.
"Told what?" I asked.
A car had just pulled out of the driveway. That meant that I didn't need to worry about Shadow hearing.
That Shooter isn't real.
"She won't understand," I said picking up my slinky. "She'll think she's crazy."
Maybe she is.
I shifted the slinky from hand to hand and tried to ignore the voice in my head but it was pointless.
"Shut up," I ordered putting the slinky back down my desk.
Alright. I'll shut up but don't come whining to me about being confused again.
I ignored the voice getting up from my desk and walking down the stairs. I heard the sound of car engine in the driveway and figured Shadow had forgotten something. I walked into the kitchen and got a Mountain Dew from the refrigerator. There was a hard knock on the front door.
"Coming!" I yelled and sat my soda down on the table.
I walked over to the front door and opened it expecting to see Shadow there. Instead was a girl I had never seen before in my life. She looked about Shadow's age. This girl had long blond hair that went to her waist and bright blue eyes. She was wearing a plan black hoodie and blue jeans that looked a bit too big for her.
"Hi," she said smiling at me and offering her hand. "My name is Clover."
"Mort Rainey," I said shaking her hand. "Is there something I can help you with or are you just a fan?"
"I was actually looking for a friend of mine," she explained. "I heard that she was working up here."
"Oh Shadow," I said at once. "She just left ten minutes ago."
"I see," she said in a disappointed voice. "Well, can you tell her I'm looking for her the next time you see her."
"Of course I can," I agreed.
"Thanks," she said and glanced at her watch. "Dammit. I got to go but it was nice meeting you Mr. Rainey."
"Same here Clover," I said and started to shut the door.
"Take care pilgrim," she whispered as the door shut.
I was half way back to the kitchen before I realized what she had said. I ran back to the door and flung it open but the stranger had vanished into thin air.