Hive

5

I saw Erik again the day after next. Was he tracking me? I wasn't tracking him. My main source of knowledge on my victims usually comes from my father, and I hadn't heard from him since Glendale Gardens.

The pet food section of a supermarket wasn't where I expected to see him again, but it was entirely possible that it was just a coincidence. He might have a cat, or dog. After all, I did. That Russian Blue sure wouldn't let me forget.

"Vee, what a coincidence that you're here!"

I should just rip off the band-aid and ask him. If he was tracking me, his face might show it. He could just decide that he was done with me, and leave.

"Have you been tracking me?"

"Wow, no hello or anything," He said with a smirk. "Less tracking and more observing, you know. I've got to report back to the boss on your father's progress."

"The boss?"

"Yeah, I work for this evil corporation that wants to take over the world" He said sarcastically.

I laughed with relief. Hopefully he was actually joking.

"Well let me know when you've figured out what you need. I'll make sure I change my identity afterwards." I pretended to joke. "Can you move so that I can get to the cat food?"

"Oh, uh, sure thing."

"Thanks."

"So, do you have a cat?"

"No, I'm getting this for myself. I've found it tastes pretty good with rice and carrots."

"What's it's name?"

"Silver. He's a Russian Blue."

"I'm wowed by your brilliant naming skills. A silver cat named Silver. How poetic!"

I laughed awkwardly.

"Yeah, I'm not very proud of this one."

"This one? Have you had other pet's in the past?"

"No, but I've had plants."

"What were their names? Red the rose? Purple the periwinkle? Green the cactus?" He asked jokingly.

"No but I'm pretty sure I had a fern named leaf once." I laughed along, "I'm definitely not proud of that."

He seemed content for a moment.

"I should leave." I said.

If my father were watching me right now, he'd probably explode.

"Okay then."

Erik made no move to stop me as I walked away.