Had considered a run, but had decided he wasn't in the mood. Was nearly 80 degrees, and was too late in the day for it. Didn't mind a run, but usually went early in the morning. 5, 6 am, when it was still cool. Liked sunrise. Liked a good run followed by a cold shower and some more sleep. So, was walking. Was idly practicing on the haunts he encountered. Repose's woods were filled with the dead. Most of the haunts out here were wanderers. Lost, or too tired to try for life again. Wasn't like the haunts in town. Those were hungry, still clinging to life and trying to find a way to be quickened. But could practice out here safely. Hadn't been sapped since the runes were placed. Had his stele tucked into his pocket. The runes were faded gray now, all along his arms and one visible at the neck above his casual clothing.
Wasn't smoking. Wasn't listening to music. Was listening to the dead and the approaching summer breeze against the trees. Couldn't believe how quickly the beginning of the year had slipped away.
The bookstore was open now. Was making good money. Spent a few days a week out that way, and spent a few days a week out here. Consistently. The other three days, well that depended on a lot of things. Today, he was walking. Hadn't been this way yet, but knew to expect houses. This town had a strange penchant for old, abandoned houses in the woods. Except the house he came upon wasn't old or abandoned. Looked around at the signs of life, then noticed the unfamiliar man with the carving knife. Listened to the music a few seconds, and was deciding if he should interrupt.
Not knowing who a person was, that had never stopped Atticus from engaging in conversation, so he ultimately ambled the rest of the way to the house and the man in the chair. "Afternoon," he said, simply.