Tim Hickman heard a firecracker sound at work and knew it was from the shop next door.
Six women had recently opened the Store of Many Colours. They sold an eclectic mix of natural foods, herbal supplements, water filters, jewellery, and other items.
Tim argued with himself; maybe he had been mistaken, and surely the sound was not what he thought. Why had no one else heard it? Why could he hear no other sounds, such as arguing or screaming? What he heard was an eerie silence.
The Stranger
Despite the risk to his own safety, Tim opened his door and looked out. He saw a white man with reddish-brown hair leave the store. He casually walked to the end of the block and turned right, disappearing.
Tim had recognised the man, though; he had locked eyes with him ten minutes earlier as he walked in front of his shop. Tim remembered him because he wore a grey herringbone or tweed jacket, which seemed too warm for the weather.
Tim did not stop there; he went to The Store of Many Colours and opened the door.
