Chapter 9 · Continued
Normal Parameters
The driver tossed the pouch in beside him and dragged the wooden lid into place.
Jane looked toward the porch and spotted the tablet still sitting on the railing.
“You forgot this.”
The driver turned.
Jane retrieved it and held it up. He climbed down, took it from her with one hand, and glanced at the screen.
“Yeah.”
Behind him, the crate’s retaining straps still hung loose.
Neither of them noticed.
The driver slammed the rear cargo door, climbed into the cab, and started the engine.
Then, just like that, the truck pulled away.
Gone.
Jane stood motionless in the driveway watching it disappear down the road until she couldn’t see it anymore.
The house behind her suddenly felt enormous.
And empty.
End of Chapter 9