Member-only story
Something Creepy This Way Comes
Whatever you do, don’t drink the water.
The afternoon sun pierced the cheap curtains in Ann’s bedroom, blinding her into alertness. Like an automaton, she worked her way out of bed going about the motions to prepare for work. It didn’t take much effort, the trashy strip club, Shag, she bartended at had pretty low standards. But the tips were decent and she didn’t have to dance naked so she could still look at her grandmother in the eye at Thanksgiving.
Besides, it was temporary. A few more months slinging beers and she’d have saved enough to move out to Santa Fe, live in a casita, and sell turquoise jewelry to tourists. She would be free of Dallas, all the bad memories, and the ex-boyfriends that haunted her.
The sun was low in the sky by the time Ann got out to her ancient red Neon. She hopped in and turned the key. Nothing. She tried again and got more nothing. “Damn-it! Damn-it not again. Piece of shit,” Ann said as she slugged out from the car. “I guess the gods want me to get some exercise today.”
Ann yanked her purse from the car and kicked the door closed. This was not the first time her beater had let her down, much like her string of bad relationships. She hadn’t given up on the car yet though. Luckily Shag was only a couple miles away. Ann hated the walk though. It wasn’t exactly the best neighborhood…
