Sativa.

27. Stitching

Hooter is the most unnerving person Blaine has ever met. It's strange what makes him so disturbing is that he really isn't far from normal. This morning he wears a black beanie paired with a fancy dark overcoat down to his knees. Formal attire promoting the appearance of a college professor.

They'd been interrupted before he could explain why he'd tracked her down. Rudely awakened, Tina is back to her prickly self. She wanders around the kitchen like a zombie leaving Blaine alone in the living room with Hooter. Merely a couch cushion separates her from him. Too close for comfort.

"You hungry?" Tina offers.

"He's not staying." Averting her attention to him again Blaine repeats, quieter this time, "You're not staying."

Undaunted, he nods. "Of course."

"You did this," she whispers. "I know you sold Travis weed. It was you who got him into the mess."

Complacent neutrality is his default setting. He folds his hands and leans closer. In turn forcing her to crouch against the arm of the couch. "I've known Travis since he was little. I'll admit I helped his family into this life. But it was of their own decision. I never force anyone to do anything."

Blaine scoffs. "If you came here to insult me then you better find the door again."

"Look." His voice is flat as he attempts to rationalize with her. "I don't meddle in other peoples business. Travis has been an... exception." Hooter shrugs before elaborating. "Him caring about you makes you an exception too."

"Well excuse me if I don't jump with joy." Sarcasm isn't enough. It's tempting to slap that tilted smile right off his face. She tightens her hands into fists barely in control.

"I see what he sees in you." The unwavering attention he directs her way is chilling given how hollow and dark his eyes are. "You're tough. I thought you'd be more understanding of his lifestyle."

Increasingly angered by his attitude Blaine raises her tone slightly. "You're delusional if you think I'll support his drug habit."

"Travis doesn't do drugs," he states matter of fact. "He sells them. A small price to pay so he won't drown in that joke of a construction business he refuses to let go."

"I don't want any part of it!"

"He doesn't either!" The outburst is short lived. After a long sigh Hooter finds composure again. "I'm here to tell you why he couldn't. When you two were together he was out and I kept pushing him back in. That's why he got cut. I got what I wanted but it ruined him."

"Because you care so much right?" Bitterness gives her voice an edge sharp enough to cut. "I'm not stupid. If he looses me you loose him. That's something you can't afford."

"In part. But, to be frank, I don't care how your relationship plays out. What I'm here for is to tell you that you aren't safe in this town on your own. If I could find you, they can do."

It isn't difficult to read between the lines and understand they translates into scum like Gunderson. People itching to deepen the gash on her neck into something lethal.

"It isn't safe with Travis either." Blaine relents.

"I know you don't know much. If I were in your position I'd probably feel the same." Hooter trying to sympathize with her is more mocking then genuine and she rolls her eyes. "But if something happens to you, which it will, Travis won't be the same. If honesty is what you need then I'm here to tell you I could care less if you got popped. But he's like a son to me."

More and more troubled by the direction of this conversation, she can't deny the pit yawning in her gut. She hears Tina rummaging around in the kitchen and Blaine wonders what could happen if she inadvertently involved her in this mess. If someone hunted her down that would make her sister collateral damage.