Dark Country by Monique Snyman

Author:Monique Snyman [Snyman, Monique]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: South Africa, paranormal, crime
Publisher: Vesuvian Books
Published: 2022-08-30T07:00:00+00:00

The stifling weather dictates my outfit for the evening—a summer’s dress paired with a crocheted wrap and wedged heels—because I have no idea where we’re going or what we’ll do for this “date” thing. I wondered, of course, as I nervously fumble with my hands in my lap and watch the world pass by through the passenger window.

The suburb slowly opens up to the roads leading into the city. Electric lights twinkle in windows and shine down from the streetlights, illuminating the emptying streets. In the distance, neon lights flicker to life, brightening up the gloom. The cloudless night sky is speckled with starlight accompanied by a bright sickle moon.

The night is beautiful—warm, but beautiful.

“Are you always this quiet on dates?” Howlen asks.

“Yes,” I say. “Silence leaves no room for misinterpretation.”

He smirks.

“You’re awfully quiet, too.”

“Honestly, it’s because I’m nervous,” Howlen says.

I twist in my seat to study his face. His strong jaw is set, but a grin played on his lips. Smudges of exhaustion are present under his eyes, but it’s only noticeable whenever he’s cast within the shadows. He glances toward me and the slightest blush appears.

“I haven’t been on one of these in a while,” he explains.

“I can’t imagine why. You’re always so charming.” My joke earns a soft chuckle.

Soon, we turn onto Stanza Bopape Street, heading west.

Jacaranda blooms rain onto the windshield of his silver Yaris, tugged from the branches by a slight breeze. The world feels strange, both new and ancient at the same time, but it might’ve been my imagination.

We come to a slow stop at a red light.

“Let’s not talk shop tonight.” Howlen checks his rearview mirror. “Please?”

“Deal,” I agree. “On one condition, though.”

“I’m listening.”

“When the date’s over, I’m going to need your help.”

“What type of help?”

“The back-up kind,” I say.

He sighs his, “Okay.”

The red light turns green, and the Yaris pulls away.

“Let’s start with something easy,” he begins, stealing a glimpse of me.

I nod, force a smile, and stop fumbling with my fingers and thumbs.

“What’s your favorite color?”

I roll my eyes. “You know that already.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Blue. Yours?”

“Blue,” Howlen says. “King’s blue, though.”

Howlen slows the car and flips on the indicator to turn right into Pine Street. “Why do I get the impression you’re not in the mood for a game of twenty questions?”

“I like to think we at least know each other well enough to have the basics memorized.”

“True, but it feels somewhat awkward, going on a date and not going through the motions.”

“I know, right?” I clap a hand against my thigh for emphasis. “Where are we going, by the way?”

“It’s a surprise.”

I sigh again. “Okay, then tell me something I don’t know.”

“Well, one in every four-million lobsters is born with a rare genetic defect that turns it blue.”

“What?” I laugh. “No. I meant tell me something I don’t know about you.”

“I know what you meant, May.” He laughs softly. “Hmmm, okay, here’s something you don’t know. I used to be a pretty decent violinist, but I haven’t played in years.”

“Why not?”

“That’s a story for another time.

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