“Hello,” he said when he reached her. He took her right hand in both of his and gave it a squeeze. “I’m Mr. Worthington, the manager. Welcome to our bank.”

Undeniably attractive, the man exuded confidence and competence, and his casual manner put her instantly at ease. “Thank you,” she said.

He smiled. “I know you’re not a First People’s customer—yet. But I’m hoping you’ll let me talk to you about the services we offer, and that you’ll give us a chance to show you what we can do for you.”

Anita smiled back. “Sure,” she said.

“All right, then.” Placing a light hand on her back, he smoothly guided her to an unoccupied desk. His hand slid away as he moved around to the other side of the desk, gently brushing her hip, and she felt an electric thrill pass through her.

For the next ten minutes, he made a convincing case as to why she should move her checking and savings accounts from Montgomery Community to The First People’s Bank, touting the myriad benefits offered free to customers as well as the personal attention provided by the friendly professional staff. Anita listened politely. She’d had no intention of switching banks, but after hearing Mr. Worthington’s spiel, she found herself wondering if it might not be prudent to talk to Kyle. The man’s presentation was very effective, very persuasive. Sensing, perhaps, that she had become more amenable, he backed off, giving her room. “So here’s my card. You have our literature. Talk it over with your husband. We’re a great little bank, and we’d love to have your business.” He grasped her hand again, and it was as though he’d pressed one of those secret acupressure points, one that went directly from her palm to her…

She reddened, pulled away. “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll certainly think about it.”

“Call or stop by if you have any questions.” He flashed her his winning smile. “Anytime.”

“Did you see Gary?” Kyle asked when she returned to the bookstore.

“No,” she told him, lifting her tote bag by its straps. “But I did get one of these.”

That night, in bed, she imagined it was the banker on top of her rather than Kyle, and when she came, she cried out loudly and involuntarily in a way that she had not done for a long, long time.

4

A bird wasn’t the same as a pet, but he’d caught it and sacrificed it, so it still counted, and after cutting off the wings and feet and placing them in the corners of the foursquare court, V.J. said, “One, two, three four, that’s all there is and there ain’t no more,” then pulled out four eyelashes, put them in his mouth and swallowed.

He had completed the ritual at the park again (he was starting to like the park!) and was in the process of recording the particulars in his notebook, when he sensed movement nearby and off to his right. Looking up from his work, he saw two men standing on the walkway next to the foursquare court, watching him.