Free A Barlow Lens by Elizabeth Noble

screen.
    â€œKevin,” Wyatt said in a low voice. At the same time, he put the phone to his ear and answered. “Hello.”
    â€œWhat the fuck did you tell my wife, you cocksucker !” Kevin shouted in Wyatt’s ear. Val froze and raised his eyebrows. Wyatt shook his head and leaned against a chair, and Val went back to digging through the box.
    â€œLittle early to start drinking, even for you, Kevin,” Wyatt said calmly.
    â€œShe told me this morning she’s filing for divorce, and I know damn well you’ve been talking to her,” Kevin snapped.
    â€œKevin, if your wife wants to divorce you—and I can think of a dozen reasons why she’d want to do that—it’s not my fault. I have nothing to do with it,” Wyatt said, voice as hard as he could make it. “She’s probably fed up worrying about you giving her the clap. Or worse.”
    Val winced and sat straighter. He held a book against his knees but barely glanced at it. His attention was riveted to Wyatt again.
    Something outside banged to the ground, drawing both their attention. When Val stood up and started toward the door, Wyatt grabbed his arm and stopped him, shaking his head and whispering, “Whatever it is, ignore it for now.”
    â€œYou know I’ve thought about killing you plenty of times over the years. I even planned it out, but never went through with it. I had enough chances, and I should have taken them. I won’t make that mistake again,” Kevin growled in a low, strange tone of voice. Wyatt’s blood ran cold.
    â€œKevin! Kevin !” Wyatt barked into the phone, but the connection had gone dead. His fingers tightened around Val’s arm to the point Val squirmed away.
    â€œOw, Wyatt—”
    â€œWe’re leaving. Now .”
    â€œHuh?” Val didn’t budge. He dropped the book into the box. “What did he say? That book—”
    â€œBring it. I’ve got a bad feeling, and we’re getting out of here,” Wyatt said. He reached out and took Val’s elbow just as Val leaned down and scooped the box up, tucking it under his arm.
    Wyatt hauled Val from the storage locker. He stopped only long enough to shut and lock the door. When Val took a few steps toward where they’d parked their car Wyatt lunged at him, wound one arm around his waist and shoved Val back.
    â€œStay behind me. Keep quiet,” Wyatt said. He stopped and looked around, taking in every detail.
    â€œWhat the hell is wrong with you? What did Kevin say—?”
    â€œ Val ! I’m serious . Shut up . Kevin Fells is one person on this earth, when he threatens to kill someone, I take him very seriously.”
    The color dropped from Val’s face. He stood staring at Wyatt. Not speaking and not moving. Wyatt grabbed Val’s hand and yanked. They walked quickly to the car.
    Wyatt held one hand out, motioning to the back of the car. “Wait there. Stay quiet and don’t move until I say so.”
    This time Val nodded and bit his lower lip. Wyatt paced around the car slowly. After he did that, he knelt beside the car and looked underneath. Next he checked the door handle. The car was still locked. Pulling out his keys, he slid it into the lock and turned it, holding his breath. When nothing happened he exhaled slowly. Opening the car door, he pulled the mechanism to pop the hood. Standing to the side so he could still see Val, Wyatt lifted the hood all the way, holding it with one hand as he gave the engine a good visual exam.
    Satisfied his car hadn’t been tampered with, Wyatt shut the hood and went back to Val. He picked up the box and walked Val to the passenger side. The box went into the backseat, Val into the front. Wyatt locked Val’s door before shutting it and sprinted to the driver’s side.
    When Wyatt was behind the wheel and the door locked, he turned to Val. “I’m sorry. When we’re on the highway, I’ll