the crunch of gravel beneath the tires comes to a grinding halt as the truck finds its place parked beneath the towering omnipresence of the oak trees. it’s a wonder teddy could remember where this place was—it’s been a few years too long since he’s been in her place, all nervous fingers and a knot in his throat. these days, it’s as mundane as brushing his teeth, just another part of the evening you don’t think about after you’ve done it. or it would be if he couldn’t perfectly visualize the wide eyes of terror. “ get out of the car, ” he commands, withdrawing the key from the ignition and popping open the driver’s door, despite the groan it gives. his eyes outline the bound silhouette out cold in the truck’s bed, and there’s brief concern that he’s accidentally done the deed for her when he catches the distinct rise and fall of the man’s chest. there’s no rhyme or reason for his impending death—he was just unlucky enough to leave home at night while teddy was on the lookout for the victim. teddy never talks to them, never goes after someone he knows. it’s easier that way, more mindless.
the bed door cries just the same as he lowers it and locks his grip around the man’s ankles. he slings the unconscious figure over his shoulder, huffing at the weight before he’s catching her eye and nodding toward the shovel still tucked beside a spare tire. “ you’re gonna need that. i can’t help you dig, but i can help you keep him quiet while you do. just try to make it quick—we don’t need the boys and blue dropping in on the operation. ”