章 47: Chapter 48

“Emil?” Dustin called out. His voice surprised even him. It was strong. It was bold. It wasn’t taking anyone’s shit. “Where’s Nicu?”

There was a snort from the corner of the basement and a light went on. A bare bulb brought brilliance to an assortment of junk: lawnmowers in various states of repair and disrepair, bottles and jars, rolls of wire, empty tin cans, and stereo equipment that outdated Dustin’s existence

“And it comes.” Emil stepped in front of him with a smirk. “The snake, slithering on its belly, flicking out its tongue to taste the dirt. There is no mouse here for you, serpent. Turn and go before I find my shovel.”

Dustin smiled sweetly. “Oh, come on now, Emil. You’ve got me all wrong. I’m more like a…” Dustin flicked his fingers in the air, “moth to a flame.”

“What do you want?” Emil deadpanned. “Stop wasting my time. As it is, I’m going to need to scrub the floor where you’ve walked now.”