Chapter 2 - Unexpected
Oppressive heat, unabated in evening's descent, stuck clothes to his frame as he froze on a path he'd never hesitated down before, throat dry and tongue thick from the dust of travel.
Den barked a third time, sending the front door swinging inward. A head of blonde peeked out into the gathering shadows.
Ed tried to smile but his mouth failed miserably, sinking into a near-grimace as the woman squinted to see past her porch.
Blue eyes spied him and widened. She stiffened. A strangled gasp—almost pained—echoed off the steps between them. "Oh no," she whispered. "You're back."