No Exit by Taylor Adams 2

“Is that right?”
“Six to eight freakin’ hours.”
“All night, basically.”
“Better get comfy.”
Sandi pouted and closed her tablet’s leather case. “Figures.
I’m already on the last level of Super Bubble Pop.”
All night. Darby rocked in the cheap chair, her knuckles
clasped around her knees. A strange sensation of alarm
washed over her, a sluggish sort of horror, like what her
mother might’ve felt when she found that first lump under her
armpit. No panic, no fight, no flight, just that shivery little
moment when daily life goes rancid.
It’ll be all night until the snowplows get here—
Rodent Face cleared his throat, a juicy gurgle, and
everyone glanced to him. He was still standing behind Darby’s
chair, still breathing down her neck. He addressed the entire
room, his words slow and clotted: “I’m Lars.”
Silence.
“My …” He inhaled through his mouth. “My name is …
Lars.”
No one responded.
Darby tensed, realizing this was likely the first time
Ashley, Ed, and Sandi had heard him speak as well. The
awkwardness was tangible.
“Uh …” Ashley flashed his easy smile. “Thanks, Lars.”
“You know …” Lars swallowed, both hands in his jacket
pockets. “Since we’ll be … ah … here a while. Better make
introductions. So, ah, hello, my name is Lars.”
… And I’m probably the one with a kid locked in my van.
Darby’s mind raced, her thoughts fluttering out of control,
her nerves writhing and sparking like live wires.
And we’re trapped here with you.