Chapter 71

Levi first tossed us two ropes from the van, then exchanged phone numbers with Carl before driving off in a winding S-shaped path. Carl and I lit up a cigarette, took a few deep drags, then grabbed the ropes and the machetes wrapped in newspaper, creeping all the way to Cayden's front door. Most apartments back then didn't have reinforced doors, just simple yellow wooden ones that barely kept any sound out. Cayden's place was no different. As we reached the front, we could vaguely hear… Well… Some unmistakable noises coming from inside. Without a word, Carl and I instinctively pressed our ears to the door. "Honey, I… I can't take it anymore." "You're useless, every single time. You'd better hold it in!" "I really can't…" A sharp smack rang out. "Have you been cheating again?" "I swear on my life, I haven't! Honey, can we just take a break? My back's about to snap." Another ear-splitting slap sounded. "Shut up! Say another word, and I'll break all three of your legs!" Inside