Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

Today marks five years since David went missing.
Once a person has been missing for five years in the state
of California, they’re considered legally dead. Even if they’re
still out there somewhere, for all intents and purposes, they’re
six feet underground.
It’s a milestone I’ve been dreading.
I turn away from the window and its pretty, sunny scene.
For a moment, I think of Chris. I remember the bitterness
in his voice when he said I’m living in the past…and how
everyone knows it.
Everyone including me.
I say softly, “Okay. Pick me up in fifteen.”
Sloane whoops in excitement.
I hang up before I can change my mind and go change into
a skirt.
If I’m going to get drunk in public, at least I’m going to
look good doing it.
Downrigger’s is a casual place right on the lake, with a
wraparound deck and spectacular views of the Sierras on one
side and Lake Tahoe on the other.
The sunset will be beautiful tonight. Already, the sun is a
fiery orange glow dipping low over the horizon. Sloane and I
take a seat inside next to a window, a spot that lets us see both
the water and the bar, which is crowded with people. Most of
whom I know.
After all, I’ve lived here my whole life.
As soon as we’re seated, Sloane leans across the table
toward me and hisses, “Look! It’s him!”
I glance around, confused. “Him who?”
“The pirate! He’s sitting at the end of the bar!”