Chapter 34: Panther Hunted

Lainie took a deep breath as she stepped out of The Enchanted Spoon, her belly full and her nerves a little calmer. The day was slowly being swallowed by the night as evening cloaked the downtown area of Draven Falls. Lamps in the town center started to flicker to life, illuminating the paths of those not ready to call this Monday over. The nightlife was just beginning, and while Monday night may not be as rambunctious as Friday night or even Thursday, there were still plenty of people who would bounce from bar to bar and shop to shop, savoring the sights, smells, and companionship. Lainie could use some of that companionship right about now. She hadn't realized how much she hung around her brother and Josh until they were gone. She had no real friends of her own, most moved away or were busy with families of their own, such as Gavin and his family. Fitz was now married, and even though she knew Mandy in high school, that was years ago, and she didn't even know her that well back then.