Our world

8

For the 39th anniversary of Richard being captured by the Los Angeles sheriff.
August 31st, 1985

Chapter contains: Murder, mentions of murder, Substance usage of Cocaine and marijuana, sexual content such as masturbation, and emotional distress .
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Chapter 8  | "I'm afraid that someday, I might accidentally hurt you."

Friday, 4/20/85
6:00 PM

Luna exhaled deeply, glancing at the clock as it ticked away the minutes before her shift began. Today marked her first day at the bar she had applied to, conveniently close to Richard's place. Though part of her was excited, she'd already met a few decent people, another part of her was unnerved, especially by her boss. There was something about him, a creepy undertone that set her on edge. Still, she decided to push the feeling aside and focus on getting through her shift.

Dressed in a satin corset top paired with black Levi's and sleek heels, she completed the look with a half up, half down hairstyle. Her hands trembled slightly as she applied her makeup with precision, trying to steady her nerves. One last glance in the mirror, and she was out the door, keys in hand.

Danny called out from the living room, offering a ride. Her nerves still buzzing, she accepted without hesitation. "Yes, please."

In the car, they rode in relative silence, the hot wind from the open windows tugging at their hair as they made their way through the sun drenched streets of LA. The quiet made her restless, and after a moment of deliberation, Luna decided to ask Danny something that had been on her mind.

"Danny," she started hesitantly.

"Yeah?" he responded, glancing between her and the road.

"How long have you known Richard?"

"About a year and a half, why?"

Luna frowned, that didn't add up with how quickly they seemed to have become close. "That's strange. You've been hanging out with him a lot lately. Why haven't I met him before?"

"Do you have to meet all of my friends?" Danny countered with a raised eyebrow.

"Not really... I guess it's just... he's sweet."

Danny snorted. "Sweet? That's an odd way to describe him. Richard's not exactly the affectionate type. But hey, if he's treating you right, that's all that matters."

Luna smiled slightly but couldn't shake her thoughts. "I just wish I met him sooner."

Danny glanced at her, then back at the road. "He was locked up in December for theft and just got out last month. Surprised the cops haven't nabbed him again."

Luna's eyes widened. "Locked up? Why would they be after him again?"

Danny gave her a pointed look. "Luna, everyone knows he steals cars. He's been doing it for ages."

Her mind reeled. All the times Richard had told her he was working or "busy," had those been lies? Was he out stealing cars the whole time?

"What the hell? Why doesn't he just buy a car? He works, doesn't he?"

Danny sighed. "Look, it's not our problem. Just leave it alone."

Luna crossed her arms, staring out the window, her mind swirling with unanswered questions. There was definitely more she didn't know, and she was sure Danny knew it too. But for now, she let it drop.

When they pulled up to the bar, Luna stepped out, taking a steadying breath before walking inside. The overpowering smell of Febreze hit her as soon as she entered. The boss, a grinning man with unsettling energy, approached her with an outstretched hand.