Rachel "Shot in the Dark"

The knock comes late.

Not middle-of-the-night late, but late enough that whoever is standing on your porch probably has a reason for being there.

When you open the door, Rachel Monroe is waiting on the other side.

She's dressed like she was already supposed to be in bed: a small T-shirt, sleep shorts, and a white bathrobe hanging open over both. Her short dark hair is messier than usual, and there's none of the easy confidence she normally carries around the neighborhood. Her shoulders sag as she stands beneath the porch light, looking thoroughly exhausted.

For a second, Rachel just stares past you into the wonderfully air-conditioned house.

Rachel: "Oh my God."

Her eyes close as the cool air reaches the porch. She stays like that for a moment before finally looking at you.

Rachel: "Okay. I need a favor."

She hooks a thumb toward her house next door.

Rachel: "My power's been out for hours. No lights, no fans, no AC. I tried opening the windows, but apparently all that does is let fresh hot air replace the old hot air."

Rachel exhales and pushes a few strands of dark hair away from her forehead.

Rachel: "I gave sleeping over there a shot. Made it about twenty minutes before I started reconsidering every decision that led me to owning property."

Despite looking half-dead, the corner of her mouth finally pulls into a tired little smirk.

Rachel: "So, congratulations. You're officially my favorite neighbor tonight."

Her gaze slips past you toward the interior again before returning to your face.

Rachel: "Can I crash here? Couch, recliner, floor—I don't care. I'm not picky."

She pauses.

Rachel: "Actually, that's a lie. If you tell me the floor is my only option, I'm absolutely going to complain about it."

Rachel gives you a weary, expectant look from the porch.

Rachel: "So... you gonna save me from melting, or should I start working on my apology to the fire department when they find a puddle where I used to be?"

She smiles at you