You tell the wolf a made-up cell number. You feel your temples drip with sweat, but you try to act natural. The wolf watches as you attempt to casually walk away. When you reach the edge of the park, you run out onto a bustling city street with relief.
Near the entrance to Grandma’s building, a man wearing a badge holds a rifle to his shoulder. He winks at you as you enter the building. You don’t recognize him.
You press the button for Grandma’s apartment, but there’s no reply. You press it again. Finally Grandmother’s scratchy voice comes over the intercom. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Grandma.”
She buzzes open the door, and you walk upstairs to her third-floor apartment. You find the bedroom door open with grandma lying in bed. The blankets are pulled up over her head.
You sniff the air. What is that smell? After a second, you recognize it: Stripe. He’s here somewhere.