Chapter 6: Down the Alley

The alley behind the Piggly Wiggly was slick with rain, the smell of wet asphalt and fried chicken drifting from the deli. Brick walls loomed on either side, tangled with kudzu and graffiti.

It had rained just minutes ago, and puddles dotted the cracked pavement. I stepped out of the car, mud splashing onto my white designer skirt.

The butler frowned, holding an umbrella. “Miss, maybe you should wait in the car?”

I shook my head. “No. If I want to understand Caleb, I have to see this for myself.”

I didn’t care if my shoes got ruined. Some things you have to see for yourself.