Read Backward for Free Online Page B

sure she has food and water, and then I’ll be out.”
    Tristan was happy to oblige. He went outside into the summer heat, soaking up the morning sun. Harry came out a minute later, locked the house, and strode toward the car. Tristan couldn’t help watching him. He liked the way Harry moved. He was medium height and sort of stocky but graceful. Maybe he’d been a dancer at one time.
    “Ready to go?” Harry pressed a button on his keychain and the car chirped, announcing it was unlocked, and Tristan got in. He placed his mug in one of the cup holders, buckled his seat belt, and pulled the door closed. Harry did the same and then started the engine.
    They drove back the way they’d come last night, and once they crossed the river into Harrisburg, Tristan gave Harry directions to his place. He and Kevin were renting the upper floor of a duplex. They had been lucky to find a place like this at a price they could afford.
    Harry pulled to a stop out front, and they got out. “Do you want me to go first?” he offered.
    “No. I’m okay.” Tristan walked up onto the porch and to the door. He put in the key and unlocked it, which he thought was a good sign. Everything looked normal so far. Inside, he looked up the green-painted staircase and began to climb. At the top, he opened the door and peered into the living room. Nothing looked out of place. The mismatched furniture he and Kevin had put together didn’t appear disturbed. He wandered through the apartment, relaxing a little as he went. Things were fine. No one had been here.
    “Check the bedroom and then get changed for work, and I’ll drop you off.” Harry sipped from his mug and handed Tristan his. He took it and went to his bedroom. He needed to hurry, or he was going to be late.
    The bedroom looked fine. He set the mug on top of the dresser and stripped off his clothes, then threw them into the clothes basket in the corner. Then he pulled open his drawer and pulled on fresh underwear before moving to his closet for black work slacks and a white shirt.
    Dressing didn’t take long, and he stepped out and into the living room, carrying his shoes and socks. He sat in the ugly green chair—that’s what both he and Kevin called it. The thing was hideous but dang comfortable, so they threw a blanket over it and used it anyway. “I’m just about ready.” He put on his shoes and socks and then patted his pockets. He hurried back into the bedroom and grabbed his wallet, keys, phone, and the mug of coffee. He felt really scattered and wondered how he was going to make it through the day without messing up every order he took.
    “You’re going to be fine,” Harry said from the doorway, and Tristan squeaked slightly. “I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you ready to go?”
    Tristan turned and saw Harry watching him. After a second Harry turned and stepped away from the doorway. Tristan checked that he had everything and left the room. He led Harry out and locked the doors.
     
     
    T HE DRIVE to work only took a few minutes. Harry pulled up in front of the Green Door Café.
    “Thanks, Harry.”
    “It’s no problem. Call me when you’re done, and I’ll come get you,” Harry offered and gave Tristan his number. “I’m not sure where your car is, but you’re going to need a ride,” Harry added when Tristan hesitated.
    “Thanks.” Tristan closed the door and watched Harry drive off. He added Harry’s number to his contacts and hurried inside, arriving minutes before starting time. He got right to work, making sure the stations were stocked. Then he checked with the kitchen to make sure he knew the specials. The doors opened at eleven, and a huge party came in and filled one section of the dining room. Tristan and the other server, Mona, were hopping from that moment on. They usually had a few minutes to chat now and then, but not today. They smiled at each other as they passed and exchanged pleasantries while they waited for orders, but otherwise they