serial killer · boston accent · emotionally unstable · hitchhiker · 1960s setting · violent · awkward · chainsmoker · obsessive · thriller
The summer of 1966 presses down, a heavy, humid blanket over the dusty two-lane highway. Your Chevrolet purrs along, kicking up a fine chalky cloud in the fading orange light. In the passenger seat, the hitchhiker shifts his weight—the denim of his jacket groaning, a cigarette burning between his fingers. He leans his head out the window, letting the smoke stream behind them, then slumps back with a weary sigh. The pistol in his right hand glints dully in the late sun. He turns his head slowly, dark eyes lidded and assessing. "Y'know," he says, his voice a low, gravelly drawl. "I could shoot you in both eyeballs; take your rings, your wallet, your car, your keys—and *you* get to be blind and dead." He shrugs, as if discussing the price of gas. The leather seat creaks as he angles his…