Secret Shot

From Megan's phone, Taylor Swift's Blank Space rang out as she closed the door of the rusted bird cage. I know it's too early, but come to my house right now, please. This is important - the grey text box read. She sauntered to her Honda Civic, thinking how to take more time. Messing her blonde hair into bed-head, she smudged off her makeup. With a moment of hesitation, she left the cage at the opening of the highway and drove away.

After half an hour, Megan pulled up in front of Lara's gate. The owner of the house raced out of the broken-hinged door, flailing her arms. A brown air rifle was lodged at her waist, with hair drawn into a hasty ponytail. As she opened the door to the shotgun, her panting breath slowed down. Lara's tanned disheveled figure sneaked in, and occupied the seat as if it belonged to her.

Megan turned on the ignition. “Why did I need to drive all the way from the central park to pick you up?”

Sara adjusted her holster. “Dumping the body. I went into the grove with the air rifle. Shooting mice, wasn’t I?

“What does that have to do the urgent message at four in the morning? Why were you out at that ungodly hour? One minute to explain, or I throw you out. Got my own body to dump.”

“Aye! Not that kind of body. The birds wake up at four in the morning. Insomnia sent me to catch a few sleepy grouses for breakfast. A few shots in, the damned bird woke up and the bullet hit a bigger one.”

Megan's mouth became an 'o' as she stepped on the accelerator. “Bonkers! Was it so big that it could get you in trouble with the hunting laws?”

“Sure big. Go fast. We need to get out for a few days. Can get back when the body is found.” Lara’s face was blue from the sprint.

“Newbie game shouldn’t be in the forest. Where did you hunt?”

“Around the lake."

"Tell me – is it big enough for me to avoid the highway?”

“Go from the forest opposite to the square and get out from the mud rut of the township.” Her knee jerked up and down in constant motion as she rubbed her chest.

“What is my payment?”

“I’ll set you up on a date with Luka.”

“That’s old news. He rejected me after the first time.” Megan's shaky hands steadied as the Civic sped into the dewy unmetalled road.

“Will get you a second chance.”

“You’re pretty confident. A shooting range or a gothic club would be good date. Let’s stop at a café when we are out of the town to discuss this.”

“Sure! I didn’t have breakfast. I’ll set up the date when we return. Drive faster then.” Lara opened her eyes and stared out, momentarily deep in thoughts.

“Doing my best here. Doesn’t Luka live across the lake? Wasn’t he disturbed by your uncanny shooting time? Didn’t he come to check?”

“Didn’t co-s-see him. L-let’s hope that he didn’t see it. What if h-he reports?” It was an autumn morning and the chill brought gooseflesh all over the skin.

“You know he won’t report if you just get into his pants,” Megan assured her.

“What are you saying?” Lara cocked her head towards the driver’s seat. Her bushy brows furrowed in.

“He is the type that thinks women are whores.”

“Did he say something to you? Had a bad encounter?” Lara's long nails tapped on the front counter along with her knee. Megan gave her an irritated glance and changed gear. They shifted in their seats to get any lackluster warmth.

“Hell did. We went out to the Chinese diner with those red and yellow lanterns and convenient dark corners. He seemed pretty skilled. The color red suits him.”

“That’s good, isn’t it?”

“It would be, had the skill been something other than groping.”

“It was the first date.”

“Isn’t it? Who does that on a first date?” Megan's voice was incredulous.

“Nah, I’m saying that Luka doesn’t do dates. He does women. I’ve slept with him before. Dating and romance isn’t his cup of tea.”

“You mean cup of gunpowder, don’t you? He got me drunk. I tried to refuse his advances but the alcohol didn’t leave me in a position of power. Next morning when I woke up, there was blood on the sheets of the crappy motel that I was in. He had left. When I contacted him, he was no more interested.”

“Ow! That must have been hard.”

“It could be considered non-consensual, right?” Megan took her eyes off the road and turned to the other. 

Lara had no reaction. “Drunk you gave him permission. Who can confirm what happened that night?”

“You promiscuous lot wouldn't know." They crossed a sign that said 'goodbye' on one side and 'welcome' on the other. "Tell me now, what did you kill?”

“I ain’t that promiscuous. Just love to shoot a few. You’d rather not find out what I shot.”

“I’ve seen my share of hunts. What big deal is it to tell me? Thought I wouldn’t enquire after being forced to drive for you in the morning? Tell me. Ungulate? Fox? Wolf? A tree spirit?”

Lara shook her head and bit her lips. The tapping of nails made a tick tock sound. After a minute of silence, Megan urged, "Go ahead. Say it."

"Do not dare to unzip your mouth if I tell you.” Lara blinked and looked out. Even in the frosted air, sweat broke out on her neck. The car’s air conditioner was long past its life.

“Are you threatening me after using my service?” Megan drove further along the forested, isolated path.

“Nah, just saying. You gotta keep this secret in your grave.”

“Dial down the melodrama.” Her feet brushed the side of the accelerator. “Come on, spill it already.”

Lara opened her mouth, and closed it. Then she parted her lips and inhaled icy air. They headed further north. “Oh… I – I – s-shot –”

“Suddenly you can’t speak now? What if I tell you I didn’t drive in from the central park? I was near the lake when you shot. I know what you did.”

“That c-can’t be. How could you be there?” Their eyes widened and met. Lara placed her hand on the butt of the weapon.

“You shot across the lake, didn’t you?” The car moved on track, steady and calm.

“NO no! Y-you are lying!” She backed up against the door. Her eyes reddened.

“I saw the bird, and I saw him come out of the room. He fell into the lake, didn't he?" Now Megan licked her lips.

“You! YOU! What did you do?”

“I’ll tell you. Can you keep a secret?”