Vance's truck came around the corner at oh-five-fourteen with its lights off.
He had driven the long way from the yard. He had not used the freight route. He had used the residential streets. He had not called anyone. He had not put his work radio in the cab. He had come alone, the way Theo had asked.
He parked behind Iris's car.
He got out.
He was wearing the same canvas coat he wore at the yard. Same boots. He had not washed his face. He had not put on a hat. He had a paper grocery bag in his right hand. Caleb did not know what was in the bag. He did not ask.
Vance walked to the driver's side.
He looked at Iris.
He said: "Thank you for being here."
Iris said: "I'm not leaving."
Vance nodded once.
He walked past her car.
He stopped in the middle of the intersection two meters from where Caleb stood.
He looked at the Hollow.
He looked at the hands at its sides.
He set the paper bag on the asphalt at his feet.
He said, very quietly: "Theo."
The Hollow did not move.
