“Just…” he began, then finished wearily; “what did you ask?”

Raven couldn’t really listen to Paxton’s answer. The sweet, tinny scent of bloody meat seemed rich in the air, though he doubted Paxton could smell it from where he was across the room. It was distracting, and even more distracting was the rushing sound of it all running out of the bag and down the sink. His dinner. His last bag. His mind was screaming NO! his body was cramping in protest. That being the case, Paxton Booth’s words sounded like “Blah… blah… blah…” as he moved toward his empty refrigerator and peered inside. Raven didn’t bother to stop him this time. Apart from the bloody meat from earlier, it was completely empty. However, he did try to concentrate on what Paxton was saying, hoping that the sooner he dealt with his question, the sooner he could save his dinner. Try as he might, however, he was really only catching a word here and there.

“Blah… blah… blah… haven’t eaten since breakfast. Blah… blah… blah… really don’t have anything here. Blah… blah… blah… shopping?”

The last chorus of blahs ended on a high note, alerting Raven to the fact that it had been a question. He wasn’t sure what the question was, but he could sense that a no would probably provoke an argument. “Yes,” he blurted, hoping to rid of the stubborn man. Much to his relief, the answer pleased him and sent him back to the hall door.

“Blah… blah… blah… pick my room.”

He could almost taste the bloody squished meat; its scent was so heavy in the air.

“Blah… blah . . . change into something more comfortable.”

He was starving

“Blah… blah… be right back and we can go.”

The door closed behind him, and Raven whirled back to the sink. He moaned. The bag was almost completely drained. It was flat. Nearly. Feeling somewhat desperate, he picked it up, tipped it over his mouth and squeezed, trying towing out the last few drops and pieces. He got exactly four before giving up and tossing the bag into the garbage with disgust. If there had been any question before, there wasn’t now. Without a doubt, Paxton Booth was going to make his life a living hell until he left. He just knew it.

And what the heck had he agreed to anyway?