Clovis, California echoed with a clatter of castanets.
In a malevolent roadhouse on the edge of town, their rhythm rose and fell like the price of a pump and dump penny stock.
At first the rattling was slow and full of foreboding. Then the tempo quickened.
When the clacking of the castanets crossed over into frenzy, his suspicions were confirmed.
Coming here had been a mistake.
Even if she did show up, improbable now that it was past midnight, nothing good could come of it.
