a flash of distant lightning brightened the horizon. patch exited the restaurant and jogged across the parking lot holding a brown bag in one hand and two sodas in the other. he went around to the driver's side and ducked inside the jeep. he lifted his ball cap and scrubbed rain out of his hair. dark waves flipped up everywhere. he handed me the brown bag. "one turkey sandwich, hold the mayo and pickles, and something to wash it down."

"did you attack marcie millar?" i asked quietly. "i want the truth-now."

patch lowered his 7up from his mouth. his eyes sliced into mine. "what?"

"the flashlight in your glove compartment. explain it."

"you went through my glove compartment?" he didn't sound annoyed, but he didn't sound pleased, either.

"the flashlight has dried blood on it. the police came to my house earlier. they think i'm involved.

marcie was attacked wednesday night, right after i told you how much i can't stand her."

patch gave a curt laugh, minus the humor. "you think i used the flashlight to beat up marcie."

he reached behind his seat and dragged out a large gun. i screamed.

he leaned over and sealed my mouth with his hand. "paintball gun," he said. his tone had chilled.

i divided looks between the gun and patch, feeling a lot of white showing around my eyes.

"i played paintball earlier this week," he said. "i thought we went over this."

"th