The Bones Beneath My Skin

Nate insists on taking the first shower. As he stands under the hot water, he ruminates on Art and Alex, resenting them for introducing complications into his already complicated life. After he finishes, Alex takes a shower. In the living room, Nate asks Art why she is named Artemis Darth Vader. Art tells Nate that she has her name because she likes it, just as Nate has his name because of his parents. Nate asks Art whether Alex has kidnapped her and whether she needs help. Art reassures him that Alex has never hurt or kidnapped her; she would rather be with Alex than anyone else in the world.

As Alex gets out of the shower, Art reveals that the two are on the run from “men with guns” (79). Nate tries to ask for more details, but Alex stops the conversation. Nate gets into the truck and drives down the mountain until he finds cell reception. He starts to dial the police but changes his mind and calls Big Eddie instead, asking whether he has heard anything about a missing man with a little girl. Eddie says no.

Nate then calls Ruth, a colleague from the Washington Post, who expresses surprise to hear Nate’s

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