Chapter 450

• His house is small and cramped. I pass into the front foyer, bowing my head beneath a chandelier too large for the space. Herbs dangle from wire hangers lining the ceilings, and they brush like finger bones along my hairline as we follow Erik through the hallway and into the living room.
• The television is on, playing an old nineties cartoon I only recognize from pop culture. There’s an open beer can on the table, condensing in the hot room. The air is heavy with incense, something strong and earthy that makes my head swim.
• Erik picks up his beer. “I’d offer you one, but I’m broke and you’re strangers.”