Chapter 78 - Hunting (2/2)

”Alright. Your choice. How far do you live?” Laz asked Malene.

”It's about five miles from here,” Malene responded.

”Five miles isn't far, but it isn't short either. Did you walk here?”

”Yeah. It's not like there is an uber in this town.”

”Oh, right. Your parents arn't around?” Laz kind of figured that was the only reason this girl would actually come see him today and at this time.

”No... they went out of town and will be back tomor... sometime tonight.” Malene corrected herself almost immediately. She didn't trust Laz enough to let him know that her house would be empty tonight except for herself. She was still a bit wary of him as any young girl should be.

Thinking for a moment, Laz looked at each one of them in turn before going over to the closet. After setting Vivi down on the bed, he dug around for a moment and pulled out an old, cloth knapsack and a somewhat dusty three quarters motorcycle helmet. He quickly proceeded to brush it off and walk over while handing it to Malene.

”Here, it's a bit old and a little dusty, but it's never really been worn.” And that was the truth, as far as he knew. It used to belong to his mom or so he was guessing. Since it seemed a bit smaller like a woman's helmet would be. Although Laz still had the one he had loaned to Kennedy, he didn't feel right letting this girl wear the same helmet so he pulled out another one he knew was laying around.

”Thanks, I guess.” Malene proceeded to brush it off a bit but didn't have much luck. Although it did look new overall, it was still rather dusty after having not been used in many years. Malene looked around and without a better solution, grabbed the corner of a blanket from Laz's bed and proceeded to wipe it down. Although Laz noticed, he didn't say anything. Considering the unwashed wolf who had taken a nap on it and the remnant juices from the night before, he was going to wash the sheets before he slept in them again anyway.

”Alright, now for you little pup.” Laz held open the cloth knapsack for her as Vivi climbed in and turned around, sticking her head out. Since there was padding on the bottom, she was able to stand up somewhat without being crushed by the sides. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it would work.

”Let's go.” Laz said as he threw on a jacket and walked out with Vivi. Malene followed behind while Aqua flew around her.

”Hey, don't I get a helmet?” Aqua complained unexpectedly.

”Nah, you're already brain damaged so I don't think there is a point. Besides, you can fly,” Laz responded back as he locked the door.

”Right, I can fly. Hey wait..” Aqua was going to start something.

”That's enough. Let's just get going hmm?” Malene calmed him down a bit.

Walking down the stairs, Laz walked over to the Harley while putting on his own helmet. He started the bike up and looked over at Malene.

”This is your's?” Malene asked.

”Yeah, well it's borrowed. Mine is a bit smaller so we are lucky to have this one.” Laz didn't lie or try to impress her. Actually, it was a good thing he had the Harley since although two people could ride on his bike, it wasn't nearly as comfortable.

”Oh. I thought we would be on a bicycle or something...” Malene looked a little hesitant.

”A bicycle? With motorcycle helmets? This will be much faster. You've never ridden before?” Laz asked after figuring out the problem.

”Maybe only once or twice,” Malene answered while putting on her helmet. She walked over and stood there as though lost at what she should do.

”See those pegs back there? Step on it and mount up. Just like riding a horse.”

”How did you know I've ridden a horse?” Malened asked.

”Just figured. Make sure to hang on tight to me. Here, take this and put it on your back,” Laz said as he handed her the knapsack containing Vivi.

Vivi, seeming unaware about what was going to happen, seemed rather excited as she looked around. Malene put the knapsack on and made sure it was tight while adjusting her purse while Aqua landed on her shoulder.

”Alright everyone, hang on.” Laz revved the engine and off they went, burning a bit of rubber before taking off out of the drive.

Malene, totally unsure of things, yelped rather loudly before grabbing on tight to Laz and attaching herself to his back.

Vivi didn't make any noise but Malene suddenly screamed out.

”NO, THIS IS NOT FUN. HE'S CRAZY,” she yelled as she grabbed on to Laz tighter.

Laughing, Laz slowed down enough to relax Malene and asked her for directions to her place.

After a brief ride, the finally pulled up to a modern style three story. Laz killed the engine and coaxed Malene off his back and off the bike. Taking the bag from her, he let Vivi out to walk around on her own.

Although the house looked new and bright, Laz felt uncomfortable for some reason. It wasn't the house though, but the area in general. Vivi stopped sniffing around and started looking at the treeline that was back a ways on the other side of the road. Laz didn't say anything either, but he felt it too. The feeling was coming from there.

It was suddenly strangely quiet, as though the entire area was holding it's breath when suddenly a load roar rolled out from behind the trees, shaking even the ground that they were standing on.

Laz just smiled bitterly a bit while pulling out Last Rites.

”Well, fuck me...”