the hanged man; eddie munson

Chapter 003

Max and Stephanie were kneeling in the grass next to Dustin as he was scanning carefully every channel looking for the Police station's radio.

"...Edward Munson, yeah, drives a brown Volkswagen van license plate VZY-89OH. Suspect and person of interest in the murder of Chrissy Cunningham. He was the last person known to be seen with her. We need to keep this on the DL do not let the public or news know he is our suspect."

"Shit!" Dustin said.

"We should get going, the faster we get the food we can tell Eddie what is going on," Stephanie told them. They walked down the steep hill to Stephanie's car.

"Why are you dressed like that? I thought you got rid of those clothes over the summer?" Dustin asked, looking at Stephanie.

She was wearing army cargo pants, a black t-shirt, and an oversized denim jacket with flannel lining on the inside. The only thing about her "new" look she kept was her white converse which she bought to match Eleven, which made El feel better.

"I haven't seen you dressed like this in two years."

"We are going into battle again with unknown forces of the upside down. I kept the clothes in boxes in my closet. I hated last year fighting in a Scoops Ahoy uniform. I felt ridiculous."

"Dustin leave her alone. She looks badass, she looks more like herself. No offense Steph."

"Nah it's ok. Come on in the car, when we get to the grocery store. We all go in and pick out the cheap snacks, I'll get the yoo-hoo and some tv dinners. Then we have to go to the liquor store. I think Brad is working there. He'll give me the beer."

She started the car, speeding towards the main ave.

"Brad?" Dustin asked. "I didn't know you drank?"

"I normally don't, except when hanging out with Steve on the weekends. When his parents are out of town. He doesn't like being left alone, why do you think he comes over for movie nights so often when he doesn't have a date?"

"You know Mom thinks you guys are dating."

"Ew gross. I wouldn't touch Steve with a ten-foot pole." She felt a gross chill go up to her spine as she started gagging on air. "He is so gross. He might not act like it but he is really gross."

Max laughed, "What are you saving yourself for Eddie?"

"She is not interested in either of them."

"As of right now in my life with the promise of the end of the world in the next week I don't think I have time for romance. But if this experience makes Eddie more tolerable in my eyes then so be it."

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"Steve, stop eating the chips," Stephanie told him as she ripped the bag out of his hands.

"I'm starving. Mom and Dad went away for their spring break. Usually, someone makes me a breakfast sandwich."

"I didn't make one for Robin and you don't see her.." Robin was elbow deep in a box of Froot Loops. "Give me the groceries. When you guys are on the lamb I will make sure to buy all this crap for you. And make your meals but this stuff is for Eddie."

Stephanie folded the bag and box, putting them in the white plastic grocery bags.

Steve stopped his car right in front of Rick's house.

Stephanie gave Dustin and Steve bags to carry in. She carried a carton of Yoo-hoo and a six-pack.

They stepped onto the wood going into the boathouse, there was a loud creak as they all put their weight on it. They peaked their heads in, there was Eddie crouched in the boat still holding the broken beer bottle.