Original subtitles

Echo and Harper audio present Cold

Echo and Harper audio present Cold

Echo and Harper audio present Cold Storage a novel by David Capp performed

Storage a novel by David Capp performed

Storage a novel by David Capp performed by Rupert Friend

prologue

the world's largest single living

the world's largest single living

the world's largest single living organism is amalarius to leadips

organism is amalarius to leadips

organism is amalarius to leadips better known as the honey fungus

better known as the honey fungus

better known as the honey fungus it's about 8 000 years old and covers

it's about 8 000 years old and covers

it's about 8 000 years old and covers 3.7 square miles of the blue mountains

3.7 square miles of the blue mountains

3.7 square miles of the blue mountains in Oregon

in Oregon

in Oregon over eight Millennia it has spread

over eight Millennia it has spread

over eight Millennia it has spread through a web-like network of lines

through a web-like network of lines

through a web-like network of lines underground sprouting fruiting bodies

underground sprouting fruiting bodies

underground sprouting fruiting bodies above the Earth that look like mushrooms

above the Earth that look like mushrooms

above the Earth that look like mushrooms the honey fungus is relatively benign

the honey fungus is relatively benign

the honey fungus is relatively benign and less urine herbaceous tree Bush a

and less urine herbaceous tree Bush a

and less urine herbaceous tree Bush a plant if you are it's genocidal

plant if you are it's genocidal

plant if you are it's genocidal the fungus kills by gradual takeover of

the fungus kills by gradual takeover of

the fungus kills by gradual takeover of the root system and moves up the plant

the root system and moves up the plant

the root system and moves up the plant eventually choking off all water and

eventually choking off all water and

eventually choking off all water and nutrients

nutrients

nutrients a malarious elite-up spreads across the

a malarious elite-up spreads across the

a malarious elite-up spreads across the landscape at a rate of one to three feet

landscape at a rate of one to three feet

landscape at a rate of one to three feet per year and can take 30 to 50 years to

per year and can take 30 to 50 years to

per year and can take 30 to 50 years to kill an average sized tree

kill an average sized tree

kill an average sized tree if it could move significantly faster

if it could move significantly faster

if it could move significantly faster ninety percent of all botanic growth on

ninety percent of all botanic growth on

ninety percent of all botanic growth on Earth would die the atmosphere would

Earth would die the atmosphere would

Earth would die the atmosphere would turn to poison gas and human and animal

turn to poison gas and human and animal

turn to poison gas and human and animal life would end

life would end

life would end but it is a slow-moving fungus

but it is a slow-moving fungus

but it is a slow-moving fungus other fungi are faster

other fungi are faster

other fungi are faster much faster

December 1987.

1.

after they'd burned their clothes shaved

after they'd burned their clothes shaved

after they'd burned their clothes shaved their heads and scrubbed themselves

their heads and scrubbed themselves

their heads and scrubbed themselves until they bled Roberto Diaz and Trini

until they bled Roberto Diaz and Trini

until they bled Roberto Diaz and Trini Romano were allowed back into the

Romano were allowed back into the

Romano were allowed back into the country

country

country even then they hadn't felt entirely

even then they hadn't felt entirely

even then they hadn't felt entirely clean only that they had done everything

clean only that they had done everything

clean only that they had done everything they could and the rest was up to fate

they could and the rest was up to fate

they could and the rest was up to fate they were in a government-issue sedan

they were in a government-issue sedan

they were in a government-issue sedan now rattling down i-73 just a few miles

now rattling down i-73 just a few miles

now rattling down i-73 just a few miles from the storage facility at the

from the storage facility at the

from the storage facility at the Atchison mines

Atchison mines

Atchison mines they followed close behind the open-air

they followed close behind the open-air

they followed close behind the open-air cargo truck in front of them tight

cargo truck in front of them tight

cargo truck in front of them tight enough that no civilian vehicle could

enough that no civilian vehicle could

enough that no civilian vehicle could get in between them

get in between them

get in between them Trini was in the front passenger seat of

Trini was in the front passenger seat of

Trini was in the front passenger seat of the sedan her feet up on the dashboard a

the sedan her feet up on the dashboard a

the sedan her feet up on the dashboard a posture that always infuriated Roberto

posture that always infuriated Roberto

posture that always infuriated Roberto who was behind the wheel

who was behind the wheel

who was behind the wheel because it leaves Footprints he told her

because it leaves Footprints he told her

because it leaves Footprints he told her for the hundredth time

for the hundredth time

for the hundredth time it's dust Trini replied also for the

it's dust Trini replied also for the

it's dust Trini replied also for the 100th time

100th time

100th time I wipe it right off look

I wipe it right off look

I wipe it right off look she made a half-assed attempt to wipe

she made a half-assed attempt to wipe

she made a half-assed attempt to wipe her Footprints off the dashboard

her Footprints off the dashboard

her Footprints off the dashboard yeah but you don't Trini you don't wipe

yeah but you don't Trini you don't wipe

yeah but you don't Trini you don't wipe it off you kind of smear it around with

it off you kind of smear it around with

it off you kind of smear it around with your hand and then I wipe it off when we

your hand and then I wipe it off when we

your hand and then I wipe it off when we return it to the pool or I forget and I

return it to the pool or I forget and I

return it to the pool or I forget and I leave it and somebody else has to do it

leave it and somebody else has to do it

leave it and somebody else has to do it I don't like making work for other

I don't like making work for other

I don't like making work for other people

people

people Trini looked at him with her heavy

Trini looked at him with her heavy

Trini looked at him with her heavy litted eyes the ones that didn't believe

litted eyes the ones that didn't believe

litted eyes the ones that didn't believe half of what they saw

half of what they saw

half of what they saw those eyes and what they could see were

those eyes and what they could see were

those eyes and what they could see were the reason she was a lieutenant colonel

the reason she was a lieutenant colonel

the reason she was a lieutenant colonel at 40

at 40

at 40 but her inability to refrain from

but her inability to refrain from

but her inability to refrain from commenting on what she saw was the

commenting on what she saw was the

commenting on what she saw was the reason she'd go no further

reason she'd go no further

reason she'd go no further Trini had no filter and no interest in

Trini had no filter and no interest in

Trini had no filter and no interest in acquiring one

acquiring one

acquiring one she stared at him for a thoughtful

she stared at him for a thoughtful

she stared at him for a thoughtful moment took a long drag off the Newport

moment took a long drag off the Newport

moment took a long drag off the Newport between her fingers and blew a cloud of

between her fingers and blew a cloud of

between her fingers and blew a cloud of smoke out the side of her mouth

smoke out the side of her mouth

smoke out the side of her mouth I accept Roberto

I accept Roberto

I accept Roberto he looked at her huh

he looked at her huh

he looked at her huh your apology for back there that's why

your apology for back there that's why

your apology for back there that's why you're bitching at me you [ __ ] at me

you're bitching at me you [ __ ] at me

you're bitching at me you [ __ ] at me because you don't know how to say you're

because you don't know how to say you're

because you don't know how to say you're sorry so I'll save you the trouble I

sorry so I'll save you the trouble I

sorry so I'll save you the trouble I accept your apology

accept your apology

accept your apology Trinity was right because Trinity was

Trinity was right because Trinity was

Trinity was right because Trinity was always right

always right

always right Roberto said nothing for a long moment

Roberto said nothing for a long moment

Roberto said nothing for a long moment just stared out of the road ahead

just stared out of the road ahead

just stared out of the road ahead finally when he could he muttered

finally when he could he muttered

finally when he could he muttered thank you

thank you

thank you Trinny Shrugged see not so bad

Trinny Shrugged see not so bad

Trinny Shrugged see not so bad I behaved badly

I behaved badly

I behaved badly almost but not quite seems like pretty

almost but not quite seems like pretty

almost but not quite seems like pretty small potatoes now

small potatoes now

small potatoes now they talked endlessly about what had

they talked endlessly about what had

they talked endlessly about what had happened in the four days since it had

happened in the four days since it had

happened in the four days since it had all started but they were pretty much

all started but they were pretty much

all started but they were pretty much talked out now having relived and

talked out now having relived and

talked out now having relived and re-examined every moment from every

re-examined every moment from every

re-examined every moment from every conceivable angle

conceivable angle

conceivable angle except for this one moment this one had

except for this one moment this one had

except for this one moment this one had gone unspoken but now they were speaking

gone unspoken but now they were speaking

gone unspoken but now they were speaking about it and Roberto didn't want to

about it and Roberto didn't want to

about it and Roberto didn't want to leave it that way

leave it that way

leave it that way I didn't mean with her I meant the way I

I didn't mean with her I meant the way I

I didn't mean with her I meant the way I talked to you

talked to you

talked to you I know

I know

I know Trinny put a hand on Roberto's shoulder

Trinny put a hand on Roberto's shoulder

Trinny put a hand on Roberto's shoulder lighten up

lighten up

lighten up Roberto nodded and stared straight ahead

Roberto nodded and stared straight ahead

Roberto nodded and stared straight ahead lightening up did not come easily to

lightening up did not come easily to

lightening up did not come easily to Roberto Diaz

Roberto Diaz

Roberto Diaz he was in his mid-30s but his personal

he was in his mid-30s but his personal

he was in his mid-30s but his personal and professional accomplishments had

and professional accomplishments had

and professional accomplishments had raced ahead of his chronological age

raced ahead of his chronological age

raced ahead of his chronological age because he never lightened up he got

because he never lightened up he got

because he never lightened up he got [ __ ] done he ticked boxes

[ __ ] done he ticked boxes

[ __ ] done he ticked boxes head of class at the Air Force Academy

head of class at the Air Force Academy

head of class at the Air Force Academy tick

tick

tick major in the USAF by the age of 30 tick

major in the USAF by the age of 30 tick

major in the USAF by the age of 30 tick superb physical and mental conditioning

superb physical and mental conditioning

superb physical and mental conditioning with no obvious flaws or weaknesses tick

with no obvious flaws or weaknesses tick

with no obvious flaws or weaknesses tick perfect wife tick perfect baby boy tick

perfect wife tick perfect baby boy tick

perfect wife tick perfect baby boy tick none of this could be accomplished

none of this could be accomplished

none of this could be accomplished through patience or passivity

through patience or passivity

through patience or passivity where am I headed where am I headed

where am I headed where am I headed

where am I headed where am I headed where am I headed Roberto would ask

where am I headed Roberto would ask

where am I headed Roberto would ask himself

himself

himself the future was all he thought about plan

the future was all he thought about plan

the future was all he thought about plan for obsessed over his life moved fast it

for obsessed over his life moved fast it

for obsessed over his life moved fast it stayed on schedule and he played things

stayed on schedule and he played things

stayed on schedule and he played things straight

straight

straight well most things

well most things

well most things they both just stared at the truck ahead

they both just stared at the truck ahead

they both just stared at the truck ahead of them for a while did the canvas flap

of them for a while did the canvas flap

of them for a while did the canvas flap over the rear gate they could see the

over the rear gate they could see the

over the rear gate they could see the top of the metal crate they'd flown

top of the metal crate they'd flown

top of the metal crate they'd flown halfway across the planet

halfway across the planet

halfway across the planet the truck hit a pothole the crate slid

the truck hit a pothole the crate slid

the truck hit a pothole the crate slid back a foot or so and they both sucked

back a foot or so and they both sucked

back a foot or so and they both sucked in their breath involuntarily

in their breath involuntarily

in their breath involuntarily but it stayed settled in the back

but it stayed settled in the back

but it stayed settled in the back just a few more miles to the caves and

just a few more miles to the caves and

just a few more miles to the caves and this would be over

this would be over

this would be over the crate would be safely stashed 300

the crate would be safely stashed 300

the crate would be safely stashed 300 feet underground till the end of time

feet underground till the end of time

feet underground till the end of time the Atchison caves were a limestone mine

the Atchison caves were a limestone mine

the Atchison caves were a limestone mine back in 1886 a massive Quarry that went

back in 1886 a massive Quarry that went

back in 1886 a massive Quarry that went down 150 feet under the Missouri River

down 150 feet under the Missouri River

down 150 feet under the Missouri River Bluffs they started out producing rip

Bluffs they started out producing rip

Bluffs they started out producing rip rap for the nearby railroads and dug as

rap for the nearby railroads and dug as

rap for the nearby railroads and dug as far down as God and physics would allow

far down as God and physics would allow

far down as God and physics would allow until the pillars of unmined rock that

until the pillars of unmined rock that

until the pillars of unmined rock that held the place up reached the very

held the place up reached the very

held the place up reached the very outside limit of any sane engineer's

outside limit of any sane engineer's

outside limit of any sane engineer's willingness to sign off on their safety

willingness to sign off on their safety

willingness to sign off on their safety during World War II the empty Caverns

during World War II the empty Caverns

during World War II the empty Caverns now a sweet 80 acres of naturally

now a sweet 80 acres of naturally

now a sweet 80 acres of naturally climate-controlled underground space

climate-controlled underground space

climate-controlled underground space were used to house perishables by the

were used to house perishables by the

were used to house perishables by the war Food Administration and eventually

war Food Administration and eventually

war Food Administration and eventually the mining companies sold the whole

the mining companies sold the whole

the mining companies sold the whole Space to the government for twenty

Space to the government for twenty

Space to the government for twenty thousand dollars

thousand dollars

thousand dollars a couple million dollars in renovations

a couple million dollars in renovations

a couple million dollars in renovations later it had become a highly secured

later it had become a highly secured

later it had become a highly secured government storage facility used for

government storage facility used for

government storage facility used for disaster and continuity of government

disaster and continuity of government

disaster and continuity of government planning storing impeccably machined

planning storing impeccably machined

planning storing impeccably machined Tools in a state of well-oiled Readiness

Tools in a state of well-oiled Readiness

Tools in a state of well-oiled Readiness set to ship them anywhere anytime only

set to ship them anywhere anytime only

set to ship them anywhere anytime only please God let there be a nuclear war

please God let there be a nuclear war

please God let there be a nuclear war first so this was worth all the money

first so this was worth all the money

first so this was worth all the money it would be worth it today

it would be worth it today

it would be worth it today the call had been a weird one from the

the call had been a weird one from the

the call had been a weird one from the first ding

first ding

first ding technically Trini and Roberto were with

technically Trini and Roberto were with

technically Trini and Roberto were with DNA the defense nuclear agency

DNA the defense nuclear agency

DNA the defense nuclear agency later it become part of dtra but that

later it become part of dtra but that

later it become part of dtra but that particular government mishmash wouldn't

particular government mishmash wouldn't

particular government mishmash wouldn't be cobbled together until the defense

be cobbled together until the defense

be cobbled together until the defense Department's official reorganization in

Department's official reorganization in

Department's official reorganization in 1997.

1997.

1997. ten years earlier they were still DNA

ten years earlier they were still DNA

ten years earlier they were still DNA and their brief was simple and clear

and their brief was simple and clear

and their brief was simple and clear stop everybody else from getting what we

stop everybody else from getting what we

stop everybody else from getting what we have

have

have if you smell a nuclear program find it

if you smell a nuclear program find it

if you smell a nuclear program find it and wreck it

and wreck it

and wreck it if you get a lead on some nightmarish

if you get a lead on some nightmarish

if you get a lead on some nightmarish bio weapon make it go away forever

bio weapon make it go away forever

bio weapon make it go away forever expense will not be spared questions

expense will not be spared questions

expense will not be spared questions will not be asked

will not be asked

will not be asked two-person teams were preferred to keep

two-person teams were preferred to keep

two-person teams were preferred to keep things compartmentalized but there was

things compartmentalized but there was

things compartmentalized but there was always backup if you needed it Trini and

always backup if you needed it Trini and

always backup if you needed it Trini and Roberto rarely needed it

Roberto rarely needed it

Roberto rarely needed it they'd been to 16 different hot spots in

they'd been to 16 different hot spots in

they'd been to 16 different hot spots in seven years and had 16 liquid kills to

seven years and had 16 liquid kills to

seven years and had 16 liquid kills to their names

their names

their names kills were not literal it was agency

kills were not literal it was agency

kills were not literal it was agency speak for a weapons program that had

speak for a weapons program that had

speak for a weapons program that had been neutralized but there had been

been neutralized but there had been

been neutralized but there had been casualties along the way

casualties along the way

casualties along the way questions were not asked

questions were not asked

questions were not asked 16 missions but none remotely like this

16 missions but none remotely like this

16 missions but none remotely like this one

the USAF transport had already been

the USAF transport had already been

the USAF transport had already been warming up at the base when they bounded

warming up at the base when they bounded

warming up at the base when they bounded up the stairs and came on board

up the stairs and came on board

up the stairs and came on board there was only one other passenger and

there was only one other passenger and

there was only one other passenger and Trinny took the seat directly opposite

Trinny took the seat directly opposite

Trinny took the seat directly opposite her

her

her Roberto sat across the aisle in a

Roberto sat across the aisle in a

Roberto sat across the aisle in a backward seat also facing the

backward seat also facing the

backward seat also facing the bright-eyed young woman in well-worn

bright-eyed young woman in well-worn

bright-eyed young woman in well-worn Safari gear

Safari gear

Safari gear Trini held a handout to her and the

Trini held a handout to her and the

Trini held a handout to her and the young woman took it

young woman took it

young woman took it Lieutenant Colonel Trini Romano

Lieutenant Colonel Trini Romano

Lieutenant Colonel Trini Romano Dr Hiro Martens

Dr Hiro Martens

Dr Hiro Martens Trini just looked at her nodding and

Trini just looked at her nodding and

Trini just looked at her nodding and popping in a piece of Nicorette taking

popping in a piece of Nicorette taking

popping in a piece of Nicorette taking Hero's measure unafraid to hold silent

Hero's measure unafraid to hold silent

Hero's measure unafraid to hold silent eye contact while she sized her up

eye contact while she sized her up

eye contact while she sized her up it was disconcerting Roberto just gave

it was disconcerting Roberto just gave

it was disconcerting Roberto just gave hero a half salute he never enjoyed

hero a half salute he never enjoyed

hero a half salute he never enjoyed playing the whole IC right through you

playing the whole IC right through you

playing the whole IC right through you game

game

game major Roberto Diaz

major Roberto Diaz

major Roberto Diaz nice to meet you major hero said

nice to meet you major hero said

nice to meet you major hero said what kind of doctor are you Roberto

what kind of doctor are you Roberto

what kind of doctor are you Roberto asked

asked

asked microbiologist University of Chicago I

microbiologist University of Chicago I

microbiologist University of Chicago I specialize in epidemiological

specialize in epidemiological

specialize in epidemiological surveillance

surveillance

surveillance continuous to looking at her that's your

continuous to looking at her that's your

continuous to looking at her that's your real name hero

real name hero

real name hero hero hid her side it was a question with

hero hid her side it was a question with

hero hid her side it was a question with which she was not unfamiliar after 34

which she was not unfamiliar after 34

which she was not unfamiliar after 34 years

years

years yes that's my real name

yes that's my real name

yes that's my real name hero like Superman or hero like in Greek

hero like Superman or hero like in Greek

hero like Superman or hero like in Greek mythology Roberto asked

mythology Roberto asked

mythology Roberto asked she turned her gaze to Roberto that was

she turned her gaze to Roberto that was

she turned her gaze to Roberto that was a question she didn't hear nearly as

a question she didn't hear nearly as

a question she didn't hear nearly as much

much

much the latter

the latter

the latter my mother was a Classics Professor you

my mother was a Classics Professor you

my mother was a Classics Professor you know the story

know the story

know the story Roberto looked up squinting his left eye

Roberto looked up squinting his left eye

Roberto looked up squinting his left eye and staring into the space just above

and staring into the space just above

and staring into the space just above and to the right of his head the way he

and to the right of his head the way he

and to the right of his head the way he did when he was trying to pull an

did when he was trying to pull an

did when he was trying to pull an obscure fact out of his brain's nether

obscure fact out of his brain's nether

obscure fact out of his brain's nether regions

regions

regions he found the Nugget of information and

he found the Nugget of information and

he found the Nugget of information and dragged it up out of the swamp

dragged it up out of the swamp

dragged it up out of the swamp she lived in a tower on a river

she lived in a tower on a river

she lived in a tower on a river hero nodded the hell is pond

hero nodded the hell is pond

hero nodded the hell is pond somebody was in love with her

somebody was in love with her

somebody was in love with her Leander every night he'd swim the river

Leander every night he'd swim the river

Leander every night he'd swim the river to the Tower and make love to her hero

to the Tower and make love to her hero

to the Tower and make love to her hero would light a lamp in the tower so he

would light a lamp in the tower so he

would light a lamp in the tower so he could see his way to the shore

could see his way to the shore

could see his way to the shore but he drowned anyway right

but he drowned anyway right

but he drowned anyway right Trini turned and stared at Roberto her

Trini turned and stared at Roberto her

Trini turned and stared at Roberto her displeasure plane

displeasure plane

displeasure plane Roberto was good looking to an

Roberto was good looking to an

Roberto was good looking to an irritating degree

irritating degree

irritating degree the son of a Mexican father and a

the son of a Mexican father and a

the son of a Mexican father and a California blonde mother he radiated

California blonde mother he radiated

California blonde mother he radiated good health and had a head of hair that

good health and had a head of hair that

good health and had a head of hair that would last forever

would last forever

would last forever he also had a smart and funny wife named

he also had a smart and funny wife named

he also had a smart and funny wife named Annie whom Trini actually found

Annie whom Trini actually found

Annie whom Trini actually found tolerable which was saying something

tolerable which was saying something

tolerable which was saying something yet he'd been on this plane all of 30

yet he'd been on this plane all of 30

yet he'd been on this plane all of 30 seconds and was clearly trying to charm

seconds and was clearly trying to charm

seconds and was clearly trying to charm this woman

this woman

this woman Trini had never picked her partner for a

Trini had never picked her partner for a

Trini had never picked her partner for a jerk before and hoped he wouldn't turn

jerk before and hoped he wouldn't turn

jerk before and hoped he wouldn't turn out to be one now

out to be one now

out to be one now she watched him chewing her gum like she

she watched him chewing her gum like she

she watched him chewing her gum like she was mad at it

was mad at it

was mad at it but Hiro was engaged

but Hiro was engaged

but Hiro was engaged she kept on talking to Roberto ignoring

she kept on talking to Roberto ignoring

she kept on talking to Roberto ignoring Trinny

Trinny

Trinny Aphrodite became jealous of their love

Aphrodite became jealous of their love

Aphrodite became jealous of their love one night she blew out Hero's light and

one night she blew out Hero's light and

one night she blew out Hero's light and leanda was lost when she saw he had

leanda was lost when she saw he had

leanda was lost when she saw he had drowned Hiro threw herself out of the

drowned Hiro threw herself out of the

drowned Hiro threw herself out of the tower to her death

tower to her death

tower to her death Roberto took a moment and thought about

Roberto took a moment and thought about

Roberto took a moment and thought about that

that

that what exactly is the moral there try to

what exactly is the moral there try to

what exactly is the moral there try to meet somebody on your side of the river

meet somebody on your side of the river

meet somebody on your side of the river hero smiled and Shrugged don't piss off

hero smiled and Shrugged don't piss off

hero smiled and Shrugged don't piss off the gods I guess

the gods I guess

the gods I guess Trini weary of their banter glanced back

Trini weary of their banter glanced back

Trini weary of their banter glanced back at the pilots and spun a finger in the

at the pilots and spun a finger in the

at the pilots and spun a finger in the air

air

air the engines immediately whined and the

the engines immediately whined and the

the engines immediately whined and the plane started to move down the runway

plane started to move down the runway

plane started to move down the runway with a jerk

with a jerk

with a jerk subject changed

subject changed

subject changed Hiro looked around concerned

Hiro looked around concerned

Hiro looked around concerned wait we're going where's the rest of

wait we're going where's the rest of

wait we're going where's the rest of your team

your team

your team you're looking at us Trini said

you're looking at us Trini said

you're looking at us Trini said are you I mean are you sure this might

are you I mean are you sure this might

are you I mean are you sure this might not be something we can handle on our

not be something we can handle on our

not be something we can handle on our own

own

own Roberto conveyed trini's confidence but

Roberto conveyed trini's confidence but

Roberto conveyed trini's confidence but without the edge

without the edge

without the edge why don't you tell us what it is he said

why don't you tell us what it is he said

why don't you tell us what it is he said to hero and we'll let you know if we

to hero and we'll let you know if we

to hero and we'll let you know if we think we can handle it

think we can handle it

think we can handle it they told you nothing she asked

they told you nothing she asked

they told you nothing she asked they told us we're going to Australia

they told us we're going to Australia

they told us we're going to Australia Trini said and that you'd know the rest

Trini said and that you'd know the rest

Trini said and that you'd know the rest hero turned and looked out the window

hero turned and looked out the window

hero turned and looked out the window watching as the plane left the Earth

watching as the plane left the Earth

watching as the plane left the Earth no turning back now

no turning back now

no turning back now she shook her head I will never

she shook her head I will never

she shook her head I will never understand the army

understand the army

understand the army me neither Roberto said we're in the Air

me neither Roberto said we're in the Air

me neither Roberto said we're in the Air Force seconded to the defense nuclear

Force seconded to the defense nuclear

Force seconded to the defense nuclear agency

agency

agency this isn't nuclear

this isn't nuclear

this isn't nuclear Trini frown they sent you so I assume

Trini frown they sent you so I assume

Trini frown they sent you so I assume they suspect to buy a weapon

they suspect to buy a weapon

they suspect to buy a weapon nope

nope

nope then what is it

then what is it

then what is it hero thought about that for a second

hero thought about that for a second

hero thought about that for a second good question she opened the file on the

good question she opened the file on the

good question she opened the file on the table in front of her and started

table in front of her and started

table in front of her and started talking

talking

talking six hours later she stopped

what Roberto knew about Western

what Roberto knew about Western

what Roberto knew about Western Australia could fit into a very small

Australia could fit into a very small

Australia could fit into a very small book

book

book more of a flyer really one page and with

more of a flyer really one page and with

more of a flyer really one page and with large type

large type

large type Hiro told them they were going to a

Hiro told them they were going to a

Hiro told them they were going to a remote Township called kirakura

remote Township called kirakura

remote Township called kirakura community in the middle of the Gibson

community in the middle of the Gibson

community in the middle of the Gibson desert about 1200 kilometers east of

desert about 1200 kilometers east of

desert about 1200 kilometers east of Port Hedland

Port Hedland

Port Hedland it had been established a decade earlier

it had been established a decade earlier

it had been established a decade earlier as a pintupi outstation part of the

as a pintupi outstation part of the

as a pintupi outstation part of the Australian government's ongoing attempts

Australian government's ongoing attempts

Australian government's ongoing attempts to allow and encourage Aboriginal groups

to allow and encourage Aboriginal groups

to allow and encourage Aboriginal groups to move back to their traditional

to move back to their traditional

to move back to their traditional ancestral lands they'd been mistreated

ancestral lands they'd been mistreated

ancestral lands they'd been mistreated and cleared out of those same

and cleared out of those same

and cleared out of those same territories for decades most recently in

territories for decades most recently in

territories for decades most recently in the 1960s as a result of the Blue Streak

the 1960s as a result of the Blue Streak

the 1960s as a result of the Blue Streak missile tests

missile tests

missile tests you can't very well be living on land

you can't very well be living on land

you can't very well be living on land that we want to blow up

that we want to blow up

that we want to blow up it's unhealthy

it's unhealthy

it's unhealthy but by the mid 70s the tests were over

but by the mid 70s the tests were over

but by the mid 70s the tests were over political sensitivities were on the rise

political sensitivities were on the rise

political sensitivities were on the rise and so the last of the pintupi had been

and so the last of the pintupi had been

and so the last of the pintupi had been trucked back to kirakura which wasn't

trucked back to kirakura which wasn't

trucked back to kirakura which wasn't even the middle of nowhere but more like

even the middle of nowhere but more like

even the middle of nowhere but more like a few hundred miles outside the very

a few hundred miles outside the very

a few hundred miles outside the very outer rim of nowhere

outer rim of nowhere

outer rim of nowhere but there they lived all 26 pin 2p as

but there they lived all 26 pin 2p as

but there they lived all 26 pin 2p as peaceful and happy as human beings can

peaceful and happy as human beings can

peaceful and happy as human beings can be in a stifling desert without power

be in a stifling desert without power

be in a stifling desert without power telephone lines or any connection to

telephone lines or any connection to

telephone lines or any connection to modern society

modern society

modern society they rather liked being cut off in fact

they rather liked being cut off in fact

they rather liked being cut off in fact and the elders in particular were

and the elders in particular were

and the elders in particular were pleased with their return to their

pleased with their return to their

pleased with their return to their ancestral lands

ancestral lands

ancestral lands and then the sky fell

and then the sky fell

and then the sky fell not all of it hero explained just a

not all of it hero explained just a

not all of it hero explained just a chunk

chunk

chunk what was it Roberto asked he'd been

what was it Roberto asked he'd been

what was it Roberto asked he'd been holding eye contact with her throughout

holding eye contact with her throughout

holding eye contact with her throughout the brief history so far and don't think

the brief history so far and don't think

the brief history so far and don't think for a second Trini didn't notice

for a second Trini didn't notice

for a second Trini didn't notice in fact she was glaring at Roberto as if

in fact she was glaring at Roberto as if

in fact she was glaring at Roberto as if psychically willing him to stop

psychically willing him to stop

psychically willing him to stop Skylab

Skylab

Skylab now Trini turned her head and looked at

now Trini turned her head and looked at

now Trini turned her head and looked at hero this was in 79

hero this was in 79

hero this was in 79 yes

yes

yes I thought that fell into the Indian

I thought that fell into the Indian

I thought that fell into the Indian Ocean

Ocean

Ocean hero nodded most of it did

hero nodded most of it did

hero nodded most of it did the few pieces that hit land fell just

the few pieces that hit land fell just

the few pieces that hit land fell just outside a town called Esperance also in

outside a town called Esperance also in

outside a town called Esperance also in Western Australia

Western Australia

Western Australia close to kirakura Roberto asked

close to kirakura Roberto asked

close to kirakura Roberto asked nothing is close to karakura Esperance

nothing is close to karakura Esperance

nothing is close to karakura Esperance is about 2 000 kilometers away and has

is about 2 000 kilometers away and has

is about 2 000 kilometers away and has ten thousand residents it's a metropolis

ten thousand residents it's a metropolis

ten thousand residents it's a metropolis by comparison

by comparison

by comparison what happened to the pieces that fell in

what happened to the pieces that fell in

what happened to the pieces that fell in Esperance

Esperance

Esperance hero turned to the next section of her

hero turned to the next section of her

hero turned to the next section of her notes the pieces that fell in aspirants

notes the pieces that fell in aspirants

notes the pieces that fell in aspirants had been rather enterprisingly scooped

had been rather enterprisingly scooped

had been rather enterprisingly scooped up by the locals and put in the town's

up by the locals and put in the town's

up by the locals and put in the town's Museum formerly a dance hall but quickly

Museum formerly a dance hall but quickly

Museum formerly a dance hall but quickly converted to the Esperance Municipal

converted to the Esperance Municipal

converted to the Esperance Municipal Museum and Skylab observatorium

Museum and Skylab observatorium

Museum and Skylab observatorium admission was four dollars and for that

admission was four dollars and for that

admission was four dollars and for that you could see the largest oxygen tank

you could see the largest oxygen tank

you could see the largest oxygen tank from the Orbiter the Space Station's

from the Orbiter the Space Station's

from the Orbiter the Space Station's storage freezer for food and other items

storage freezer for food and other items

storage freezer for food and other items some nitrogen spheres used by its

some nitrogen spheres used by its

some nitrogen spheres used by its attitude control thrusters and a piece

attitude control thrusters and a piece

attitude control thrusters and a piece of the hatch the astronauts would have

of the hatch the astronauts would have

of the hatch the astronauts would have crawled through during their visits

crawled through during their visits

crawled through during their visits a number of other chunks of

a number of other chunks of

a number of other chunks of unrecognizable debris were also put on

unrecognizable debris were also put on

unrecognizable debris were also put on view including a piece of sheet metal

view including a piece of sheet metal

view including a piece of sheet metal that rather suspiciously had the word

that rather suspiciously had the word

that rather suspiciously had the word Skylab neatly lettered in undamaged

Skylab neatly lettered in undamaged

Skylab neatly lettered in undamaged bright red paint across its middle

bright red paint across its middle

bright red paint across its middle for years NASA assumed that was all that

for years NASA assumed that was all that

for years NASA assumed that was all that would ever be found as the rest of it

would ever be found as the rest of it

would ever be found as the rest of it either burned up on re-entry or is at

either burned up on re-entry or is at

either burned up on re-entry or is at the bottom of the Indian Ocean hero

the bottom of the Indian Ocean hero

the bottom of the Indian Ocean hero continued

continued

continued after five or six years they figured

after five or six years they figured

after five or six years they figured anything else on land would have turned

anything else on land would have turned

anything else on land would have turned up by then or was somewhere

up by then or was somewhere

up by then or was somewhere uninhabitable

uninhabitable

uninhabitable like kiwakura Roberto offered

like kiwakura Roberto offered

like kiwakura Roberto offered she nodded and turned another page

she nodded and turned another page

she nodded and turned another page three days ago I got a call from the

three days ago I got a call from the

three days ago I got a call from the NASA space biosciences research branch

NASA space biosciences research branch

NASA space biosciences research branch they'd gotten a message relayed through

they'd gotten a message relayed through

they'd gotten a message relayed through about six different government agencies

about six different government agencies

about six different government agencies that someone was calling from Western

that someone was calling from Western

that someone was calling from Western Australia because something had come out

Australia because something had come out

Australia because something had come out of the tank

of the tank

of the tank what tank the extra oxygen tank the one

what tank the extra oxygen tank the one

what tank the extra oxygen tank the one that fell on kirakura

that fell on kirakura

that fell on kirakura Trinity step forward who called from

Trinity step forward who called from

Trinity step forward who called from Western Australia

Western Australia

Western Australia hero looked down at her notes he

hero looked down at her notes he

hero looked down at her notes he identified himself as Enos namachira

identified himself as Enos namachira

identified himself as Enos namachira he said he lived in kirakura and his

he said he lived in kirakura and his

he said he lived in kirakura and his uncle had found the tank in the dirt

uncle had found the tank in the dirt

uncle had found the tank in the dirt five or six years earlier

five or six years earlier

five or six years earlier uncle had heard about the spaceship that

uncle had heard about the spaceship that

uncle had heard about the spaceship that crashed so he moved it in front of his

crashed so he moved it in front of his

crashed so he moved it in front of his house and kept it there as a souvenir

house and kept it there as a souvenir

house and kept it there as a souvenir but now there was something wrong with

but now there was something wrong with

but now there was something wrong with it he was getting sick

it he was getting sick

it he was getting sick quickly

quickly

quickly Roberto frown trying to piece it

Roberto frown trying to piece it

Roberto frown trying to piece it together how did this guy know what

together how did this guy know what

together how did this guy know what number to call he didn't he started with

number to call he didn't he started with

number to call he didn't he started with the White House

the White House

the White House and it got through to NASA

and it got through to NASA

and it got through to NASA Trini was incredulous such efficiency

Trini was incredulous such efficiency

Trini was incredulous such efficiency was unheard of

was unheard of

was unheard of it took him 17 calls and he had to drive

it took him 17 calls and he had to drive

it took him 17 calls and he had to drive 30 miles to get to the phone every time

30 miles to get to the phone every time

30 miles to get to the phone every time but yes he finally got through to NASA

but yes he finally got through to NASA

but yes he finally got through to NASA he was determined Roberto said

he was determined Roberto said

he was determined Roberto said he was because by that time people were

he was because by that time people were

he was because by that time people were dying

dying

dying they finally put him in touch with me

they finally put him in touch with me

they finally put him in touch with me about a day and a half ago I do work for

about a day and a half ago I do work for

about a day and a half ago I do work for NASA sometimes inspecting their re-entry

NASA sometimes inspecting their re-entry

NASA sometimes inspecting their re-entry vehicles to make sure they're clear of

vehicles to make sure they're clear of

vehicles to make sure they're clear of any foreign bio forms which they always

any foreign bio forms which they always

any foreign bio forms which they always are

are

are but you think this time something came

but you think this time something came

but you think this time something came back Trini asked not quite this is where

back Trini asked not quite this is where

back Trini asked not quite this is where it gets interesting

it gets interesting

it gets interesting Roberto leaned forward I think it's

Roberto leaned forward I think it's

Roberto leaned forward I think it's pretty interesting already

pretty interesting already

pretty interesting already hero smiled at him Trinny tried not to

hero smiled at him Trinny tried not to

hero smiled at him Trinny tried not to roll her eyes

roll her eyes

roll her eyes hero continued the tank was sealed and I

hero continued the tank was sealed and I

hero continued the tank was sealed and I highly doubt that it could bring

highly doubt that it could bring

highly doubt that it could bring anything back from space that it wasn't

anything back from space that it wasn't

anything back from space that it wasn't sent up with

sent up with

sent up with I went through all the Skylab files and

I went through all the Skylab files and

I went through all the Skylab files and on the last resupply it seems this

on the last resupply it seems this

on the last resupply it seems this particular oxygen tank had been sent up

particular oxygen tank had been sent up

particular oxygen tank had been sent up not for O2 circulation but solely for

not for O2 circulation but solely for

not for O2 circulation but solely for attachment to one of the outer pod arms

attachment to one of the outer pod arms

attachment to one of the outer pod arms there was a fungal organism inside the

there was a fungal organism inside the

there was a fungal organism inside the tank a sort of cousin of ophiocordyceps

tank a sort of cousin of ophiocordyceps

tank a sort of cousin of ophiocordyceps unilateralus it's a cool little

unilateralus it's a cool little

unilateralus it's a cool little parasitic fungus that can adapt from one

parasitic fungus that can adapt from one

parasitic fungus that can adapt from one species to another

species to another

species to another known to survive extreme conditions a

known to survive extreme conditions a

known to survive extreme conditions a bit like Clostridium difficile spores

bit like Clostridium difficile spores

bit like Clostridium difficile spores you know those

you know those

you know those they looked at her blankly knowledge of

they looked at her blankly knowledge of

they looked at her blankly knowledge of Clostridium difficile was not a

Clostridium difficile was not a

Clostridium difficile was not a requirement in their line of work

requirement in their line of work

requirement in their line of work well they're pernicious they can survive

well they're pernicious they can survive

well they're pernicious they can survive anywhere inside a volcano Bottom of the

anywhere inside a volcano Bottom of the

anywhere inside a volcano Bottom of the Sea outer space

Sea outer space

Sea outer space they just looked at her taking a word

they just looked at her taking a word

they just looked at her taking a word for it she went on anyway the sample in

for it she went on anyway the sample in

for it she went on anyway the sample in the tank was part of a research project

the tank was part of a research project

the tank was part of a research project the fungus had some peculiar Growth

the fungus had some peculiar Growth

the fungus had some peculiar Growth Properties and they wanted to see how it

Properties and they wanted to see how it

Properties and they wanted to see how it was affected by conditions in space

was affected by conditions in space

was affected by conditions in space remember it was the 70s orbital space

remember it was the 70s orbital space

remember it was the 70s orbital space stations were going to be the next big

stations were going to be the next big

stations were going to be the next big thing so they needed to develop

thing so they needed to develop

thing so they needed to develop effective anti-fungal medications for

effective anti-fungal medications for

effective anti-fungal medications for the millions of people who were going to

the millions of people who were going to

the millions of people who were going to go live up there

go live up there

go live up there but they never got the chance

but they never got the chance

but they never got the chance because Skylab crashed

because Skylab crashed

because Skylab crashed right

right

right so after five or six years sitting

so after five or six years sitting

so after five or six years sitting outside in front of Enos namajira's

outside in front of Enos namajira's

outside in front of Enos namajira's uncle's house the tank started to rust

uncle's house the tank started to rust

uncle's house the tank started to rust Uncle wanted to Spruce it up a little

Uncle wanted to Spruce it up a little

Uncle wanted to Spruce it up a little bit make it shiny and new again maybe

bit make it shiny and new again maybe

bit make it shiny and new again maybe people would pay to come see it

people would pay to come see it

people would pay to come see it he tried to remove the rust but it was

he tried to remove the rust but it was

he tried to remove the rust but it was resistant

resistant

resistant according to Enos his uncle tried a

according to Enos his uncle tried a

according to Enos his uncle tried a number of different cleaners finally

number of different cleaners finally

number of different cleaners finally using a folkloric solution cutting a

using a folkloric solution cutting a

using a folkloric solution cutting a potato in half pouring dish soap on it

potato in half pouring dish soap on it

potato in half pouring dish soap on it and rubbing it on the surface of the

and rubbing it on the surface of the

and rubbing it on the surface of the tank

tank

tank did it work yep the rest came off easily

did it work yep the rest came off easily

did it work yep the rest came off easily and the thing shined up

and the thing shined up

and the thing shined up a few days later uncle got sick he

a few days later uncle got sick he

a few days later uncle got sick he started to behave erratically not making

started to behave erratically not making

started to behave erratically not making a great deal of sense

a great deal of sense

a great deal of sense he climbed onto the roof of his house

he climbed onto the roof of his house

he climbed onto the roof of his house and refused to come down and then his

and refused to come down and then his

and refused to come down and then his body started to swell uncontrollably

body started to swell uncontrollably

body started to swell uncontrollably what the hell happened Trini asked

what the hell happened Trini asked

what the hell happened Trini asked from this point forward everything I say

from this point forward everything I say

from this point forward everything I say is hypothesis

is hypothesis

is hypothesis she paused

she paused

she paused they waited

they waited

they waited whether Dr Martens was aware of it or

whether Dr Martens was aware of it or

whether Dr Martens was aware of it or not she knew how to tell a story they

not she knew how to tell a story they

not she knew how to tell a story they were transfixed

were transfixed

were transfixed I believe the chemical combination that

I believe the chemical combination that

I believe the chemical combination that Uncle used dripped through micro Fishers

Uncle used dripped through micro Fishers

Uncle used dripped through micro Fishers in the Tank's exterior and landed inside

in the Tank's exterior and landed inside

in the Tank's exterior and landed inside where the dormant cordyceps fungus was

where the dormant cordyceps fungus was

where the dormant cordyceps fungus was rehydrated

rehydrated

rehydrated with the potato stuff Roberto wondered

with the potato stuff Roberto wondered

with the potato stuff Roberto wondered didn't sound very hydrating

didn't sound very hydrating

didn't sound very hydrating she nodded the average potato is 78

she nodded the average potato is 78

she nodded the average potato is 78 water

water

water but the fungus wasn't just rehydrated it

but the fungus wasn't just rehydrated it

but the fungus wasn't just rehydrated it was given pectin cellulose protein and

was given pectin cellulose protein and

was given pectin cellulose protein and fat

fat

fat and a nice place to grow

and a nice place to grow

and a nice place to grow the average temperature in the Western

the average temperature in the Western

the average temperature in the Western Australian desert at this time of year

Australian desert at this time of year

Australian desert at this time of year is well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit

is well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit

is well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit inside the tank it's probably closer to

inside the tank it's probably closer to

inside the tank it's probably closer to 130. deadly for us but perfect for a

130. deadly for us but perfect for a

130. deadly for us but perfect for a fungus

fungus

fungus Trini wanted to get to the point so

Trini wanted to get to the point so

Trini wanted to get to the point so you're saying the thing came back to

you're saying the thing came back to

you're saying the thing came back to life

life

life not exactly again I'm speculating but I

not exactly again I'm speculating but I

not exactly again I'm speculating but I think it's possible the polysaccharide

think it's possible the polysaccharide

think it's possible the polysaccharide and the potato combined with the Sodium

and the potato combined with the Sodium

and the potato combined with the Sodium palmitate and the dish soap to produce a

palmitate and the dish soap to produce a

palmitate and the dish soap to produce a pro-growth environment

pro-growth environment

pro-growth environment normally they're both large boring inert

normally they're both large boring inert

normally they're both large boring inert molecules but you put them together you

molecules but you put them together you

molecules but you put them together you might have some good unpredictable fun

might have some good unpredictable fun

might have some good unpredictable fun don't blame Uncle I mean the guy was

don't blame Uncle I mean the guy was

don't blame Uncle I mean the guy was trying to produce a chemical reaction

trying to produce a chemical reaction

trying to produce a chemical reaction she was getting warmed up now her eyes

she was getting warmed up now her eyes

she was getting warmed up now her eyes Shone with the intellectual exercise of

Shone with the intellectual exercise of

Shone with the intellectual exercise of it all and Roberto couldn't help it he

it all and Roberto couldn't help it he

it all and Roberto couldn't help it he couldn't tear his eyes away from hers

couldn't tear his eyes away from hers

couldn't tear his eyes away from hers and he did he sure the [ __ ] did

and he did he sure the [ __ ] did

and he did he sure the [ __ ] did Lord she swore to Roberto smiled

Lord she swore to Roberto smiled

Lord she swore to Roberto smiled but I don't think either the

but I don't think either the

but I don't think either the polysaccharide or the sodium palmatate

polysaccharide or the sodium palmatate

polysaccharide or the sodium palmatate was the underlying change agent

was the underlying change agent

was the underlying change agent she leaned forward as if telling the

she leaned forward as if telling the

she leaned forward as if telling the punchline to a joke that everyone was

punchline to a joke that everyone was

punchline to a joke that everyone was absolutely Gonna Love

absolutely Gonna Love

absolutely Gonna Love it was the rust

it was the rust

it was the rust fe2o3.nh2o

Trini spit her gum into a tissue and

Trini spit her gum into a tissue and

Trini spit her gum into a tissue and popped in a fresh piece

popped in a fresh piece

popped in a fresh piece do you think Dr Martin's that somewhere

do you think Dr Martin's that somewhere

do you think Dr Martin's that somewhere inside you looks the capacity to

inside you looks the capacity to

inside you looks the capacity to summarize

summarize

summarize hero turned to Trini her demeanor matter

hero turned to Trini her demeanor matter

hero turned to Trini her demeanor matter of fact again

of fact again

of fact again sure we sent up a hyper aggressive

sure we sent up a hyper aggressive

sure we sent up a hyper aggressive extramophile that is resistant to

extramophile that is resistant to

extramophile that is resistant to intense heat in the vacuum of space but

intense heat in the vacuum of space but

intense heat in the vacuum of space but sensitive to cold the environment sent

sensitive to cold the environment sent

sensitive to cold the environment sent the organism into a dormant state but it

the organism into a dormant state but it

the organism into a dormant state but it remained hyper receptive at that point

remained hyper receptive at that point

remained hyper receptive at that point it must have picked up a hitchhiker

it must have picked up a hitchhiker

it must have picked up a hitchhiker maybe it was exposed to solar radiation

maybe it was exposed to solar radiation

maybe it was exposed to solar radiation maybe a Spore penetrated the micro

maybe a Spore penetrated the micro

maybe a Spore penetrated the micro fissures in the tank on re-entry either

fissures in the tank on re-entry either

fissures in the tank on re-entry either way when the fungus returned to Earth it

way when the fungus returned to Earth it

way when the fungus returned to Earth it was reawakened and found itself in a hot

was reawakened and found itself in a hot

was reawakened and found itself in a hot safe protein-rich pro-growth environment

safe protein-rich pro-growth environment

safe protein-rich pro-growth environment and something caused its higher level

and something caused its higher level

and something caused its higher level genetic structure to change

genetic structure to change

genetic structure to change now what Roberto asked

now what Roberto asked

now what Roberto asked she looked from one to the other of them

she looked from one to the other of them

she looked from one to the other of them the way a teacher looks at a pair of

the way a teacher looks at a pair of

the way a teacher looks at a pair of slightly dimmed students who refused to

slightly dimmed students who refused to

slightly dimmed students who refused to grasp the obvious

grasp the obvious

grasp the obvious she spelled it out for them

she spelled it out for them

she spelled it out for them I think we created a new species

I think we created a new species

I think we created a new species there was silence for a moment

there was silence for a moment

there was silence for a moment since it was hero's Theory she claimed

since it was hero's Theory she claimed

since it was hero's Theory she claimed naming rights

naming rights

naming rights cordyceps Novus

cordyceps Novus

cordyceps Novus Trini just looked at her

Trini just looked at her

Trini just looked at her what did you tell Mr namajira

what did you tell Mr namajira

what did you tell Mr namajira that I needed to check some things and

that I needed to check some things and

that I needed to check some things and he should call me back in six hours

he should call me back in six hours

he should call me back in six hours you never did

you never did

you never did what did you do then

what did you do then

what did you do then called the defense department

called the defense department

called the defense department and what did they do Roberto asked she

and what did they do Roberto asked she

and what did they do Roberto asked she gestured

gestured

gestured send you guys

two

the next six hours of the flight passed

the next six hours of the flight passed

the next six hours of the flight passed in relative silence

in relative silence

in relative silence as they flew over the western coast of

as they flew over the western coast of

as they flew over the western coast of Africa and Nightfall

Africa and Nightfall

Africa and Nightfall Trini did what she always did on the way

Trini did what she always did on the way

Trini did what she always did on the way to a mission which was to take sleep

to a mission which was to take sleep

to a mission which was to take sleep when it was available

when it was available

when it was available she also never passed an available

she also never passed an available

she also never passed an available bathroom without using it it was the

bathroom without using it it was the

bathroom without using it it was the little things limit your needs

little things limit your needs

little things limit your needs hero got tired of looking at trini's

hero got tired of looking at trini's

hero got tired of looking at trini's boots on a seat next to her so when the

boots on a seat next to her so when the

boots on a seat next to her so when the plane was mostly dark she got up climbed

plane was mostly dark she got up climbed

plane was mostly dark she got up climbed over her and crossed the aisle to

over her and crossed the aisle to

over her and crossed the aisle to Roberto's side

Roberto's side

Roberto's side do you mind she whispered gesturing to

do you mind she whispered gesturing to

do you mind she whispered gesturing to the MTC next to him he did not mind not

the MTC next to him he did not mind not

the MTC next to him he did not mind not in the slightest

in the slightest

in the slightest he shifted his legs giving her room to

he shifted his legs giving her room to

he shifted his legs giving her room to squeeze through and she made herself as

squeeze through and she made herself as

squeeze through and she made herself as comfortable as possible settling to the

comfortable as possible settling to the

comfortable as possible settling to the seat next to him the ostensible reason

seat next to him the ostensible reason

seat next to him the ostensible reason for the move was that this new seat

for the move was that this new seat

for the move was that this new seat would give her a place to put her own

would give her a place to put her own

would give her a place to put her own legs up but she could have done that in

legs up but she could have done that in

legs up but she could have done that in the other seat Roberto figured

the other seat Roberto figured

the other seat Roberto figured maybe the real reason had something to

maybe the real reason had something to

maybe the real reason had something to do with the slightly furtive eye contact

do with the slightly furtive eye contact

do with the slightly furtive eye contact they'd been making since she'd finished

they'd been making since she'd finished

they'd been making since she'd finished the briefing

the briefing

the briefing but it worked better for him

but it worked better for him

but it worked better for him psychologically anyway if he assumed the

psychologically anyway if he assumed the

psychologically anyway if he assumed the obvious was the case while knowing full

obvious was the case while knowing full

obvious was the case while knowing full well it was not

well it was not

well it was not the things you tell yourself

the things you tell yourself

the things you tell yourself the absolute truth was that Roberto was

the absolute truth was that Roberto was

the absolute truth was that Roberto was much less than innocent in this

much less than innocent in this

much less than innocent in this situation

situation

situation he'd felt immediate attraction to Dr

he'd felt immediate attraction to Dr

he'd felt immediate attraction to Dr hero Martens and though it was the last

hero Martens and though it was the last

hero Martens and though it was the last thing in the world he would ever act on

thing in the world he would ever act on

thing in the world he would ever act on he needed to know that the old charm was

he needed to know that the old charm was

he needed to know that the old charm was still there when he needed it he and

still there when he needed it he and

still there when he needed it he and Annie had been married for just about

Annie had been married for just about

Annie had been married for just about three years and it had been a rough

three years and it had been a rough

three years and it had been a rough start

start

start work was overwhelming for both of them

work was overwhelming for both of them

work was overwhelming for both of them in the first year and he had gotten

in the first year and he had gotten

in the first year and he had gotten pregnant much sooner than they intended

pregnant much sooner than they intended

pregnant much sooner than they intended and the pregnancy was a difficult one

and the pregnancy was a difficult one

and the pregnancy was a difficult one forcing her to stay in bed for the last

forcing her to stay in bed for the last

forcing her to stay in bed for the last four or five months of it

four or five months of it

four or five months of it that's hard enough for anybody but Annie

that's hard enough for anybody but Annie

that's hard enough for anybody but Annie had been a perpetual motion machine

had been a perpetual motion machine

had been a perpetual motion machine she was a journalist and accustomed to

she was a journalist and accustomed to

she was a journalist and accustomed to life on the road home confinement felt

life on the road home confinement felt

life on the road home confinement felt like a punishment

like a punishment

like a punishment then the baby came and it was you know a

then the baby came and it was you know a

then the baby came and it was you know a baby

baby

baby that was pretty much it for their easy

that was pretty much it for their easy

that was pretty much it for their easy years

years

years where were the just us years where was

where were the just us years where was

where were the just us years where was the Blissful early marriage time when we

the Blissful early marriage time when we

the Blissful early marriage time when we enjoyed our youth and beauty and freedom

enjoyed our youth and beauty and freedom

enjoyed our youth and beauty and freedom and each other and where as long as

and each other and where as long as

and each other and where as long as we're talking was the sex for God's sake

we're talking was the sex for God's sake

we're talking was the sex for God's sake Roberto hated being this particular

Roberto hated being this particular

Roberto hated being this particular cliche the married dude who laments the

cliche the married dude who laments the

cliche the married dude who laments the post-baby sex life Wipeout but still he

post-baby sex life Wipeout but still he

post-baby sex life Wipeout but still he was a human male in the prime of his

was a human male in the prime of his

was a human male in the prime of his life

life

life it was difficult at this point for him

it was difficult at this point for him

it was difficult at this point for him to picture himself and Annie making it

to picture himself and Annie making it

to picture himself and Annie making it to their Emeritus years together not at

to their Emeritus years together not at

to their Emeritus years together not at this rate

this rate

this rate but he loved her and he didn't want to

but he loved her and he didn't want to

but he loved her and he didn't want to cheat

cheat

cheat so he flirted he'd never really been

so he flirted he'd never really been

so he flirted he'd never really been good at it when it counted but something

good at it when it counted but something

good at it when it counted but something about not wanting it to lead anywhere

about not wanting it to lead anywhere

about not wanting it to lead anywhere made it easier

made it easier

made it easier Roberto surprised himself with the ease

Roberto surprised himself with the ease

Roberto surprised himself with the ease with which he could talk to attractive

with which he could talk to attractive

with which he could talk to attractive women at this point in life and how

women at this point in life and how

women at this point in life and how positively they responded to him

positively they responded to him

positively they responded to him a stable and unattainable man with a job

a stable and unattainable man with a job

a stable and unattainable man with a job in his mid-30s was a lot different from

in his mid-30s was a lot different from

in his mid-30s was a lot different from a 24 year old grunt with a hard on and a

a 24 year old grunt with a hard on and a

a 24 year old grunt with a hard on and a tongue tied in knots

tongue tied in knots

tongue tied in knots it played neatly into Hero's own

it played neatly into Hero's own

it played neatly into Hero's own predilections and preference

predilections and preference

predilections and preference since the end of her overlong overly

since the end of her overlong overly

since the end of her overlong overly tortured post-college relationship with

tortured post-college relationship with

tortured post-college relationship with Max a man-child doctoral student more or

Max a man-child doctoral student more or

Max a man-child doctoral student more or less her own age

less her own age

less her own age she'd had a thing about married men

she'd had a thing about married men

she'd had a thing about married men not a thing for married men that would

not a thing for married men that would

not a thing for married men that would suggest a certain amoral craving doing a

suggest a certain amoral craving doing a

suggest a certain amoral craving doing a thing because it was bad not doing it in

thing because it was bad not doing it in

thing because it was bad not doing it in spite of it being bad

spite of it being bad

spite of it being bad no hero had a thing about married men

no hero had a thing about married men

no hero had a thing about married men I.E a personal rule or guideline based

I.E a personal rule or guideline based

I.E a personal rule or guideline based on all the obvious advantages which he

on all the obvious advantages which he

on all the obvious advantages which he had laid out in a notebook one day

had laid out in a notebook one day

had laid out in a notebook one day during an exceptionally dull class on

during an exceptionally dull class on

during an exceptionally dull class on laser micro Machining

laser micro Machining

laser micro Machining the advantages were in order of

the advantages were in order of

the advantages were in order of importance

importance

importance one

one

one they tended toward the adult and

they tended toward the adult and

they tended toward the adult and demeanor having embraced life's changes

demeanor having embraced life's changes

demeanor having embraced life's changes by showing a willingness to marry in

by showing a willingness to marry in

by showing a willingness to marry in some concept of shared existence which

some concept of shared existence which

some concept of shared existence which by definition involved compromise and

by definition involved compromise and

by definition involved compromise and other directed thinking

other directed thinking

other directed thinking two

two

two they were usually better in bed not just

they were usually better in bed not just

they were usually better in bed not just from volume of experience but from

from volume of experience but from

from volume of experience but from repeated experience with the same woman

repeated experience with the same woman

repeated experience with the same woman which couldn't help but lead to a sense

which couldn't help but lead to a sense

which couldn't help but lead to a sense of how to give pleasure as well as

of how to give pleasure as well as

of how to give pleasure as well as receive unless they were complete

receive unless they were complete

receive unless they were complete narcissists which was usually unlikely

narcissists which was usually unlikely

narcissists which was usually unlikely given reason one

given reason one

given reason one three

three

three they were polite and grateful and didn't

they were polite and grateful and didn't

they were polite and grateful and didn't leave a lot of [ __ ] on the floor having

leave a lot of [ __ ] on the floor having

leave a lot of [ __ ] on the floor having been housebroken for at least a few

been housebroken for at least a few

been housebroken for at least a few years by an adult woman not their mother

years by an adult woman not their mother

years by an adult woman not their mother four they had somewhere to go usually

four they had somewhere to go usually

four they had somewhere to go usually within a reasonable time frame after sex

within a reasonable time frame after sex

within a reasonable time frame after sex which freed up her evenings for work

which freed up her evenings for work

which freed up her evenings for work five

five

five they were by definition unable to pursue

they were by definition unable to pursue

they were by definition unable to pursue an exclusive relationship which left her

an exclusive relationship which left her

an exclusive relationship which left her free to do as she liked on the off

free to do as she liked on the off

free to do as she liked on the off chance something better came along

chance something better came along

chance something better came along hero knew perfectly well that there were

hero knew perfectly well that there were

hero knew perfectly well that there were many many reasons that did not work in

many many reasons that did not work in

many many reasons that did not work in their favor that did not speak to the

their favor that did not speak to the

their favor that did not speak to the good character of the married lover

good character of the married lover

good character of the married lover which she neatly summed up in a single

which she neatly summed up in a single

which she neatly summed up in a single item on the facing page of her journal

item on the facing page of her journal

item on the facing page of her journal one

one

one they're cheaters

they're cheaters

they're cheaters and so was she and she knew it she

and so was she and she knew it she

and so was she and she knew it she didn't cheat on them she never had

didn't cheat on them she never had

didn't cheat on them she never had multiple lovers one romantic

multiple lovers one romantic

multiple lovers one romantic complication at a time was more than

complication at a time was more than

complication at a time was more than enough in her life and she wasn't

enough in her life and she wasn't

enough in her life and she wasn't cheating their unlucky spouses by her

cheating their unlucky spouses by her

cheating their unlucky spouses by her estimation because she didn't know them

estimation because she didn't know them

estimation because she didn't know them and had never promised them anything

and had never promised them anything

and had never promised them anything the only person she was cheating was

the only person she was cheating was

the only person she was cheating was herself by hanging out with a succession

herself by hanging out with a succession

herself by hanging out with a succession of people who it seemed by the very

of people who it seemed by the very

of people who it seemed by the very nature of their relationship did not

nature of their relationship did not

nature of their relationship did not know how to love

know how to love

know how to love still here she was

still here she was

still here she was and here Roberto was and here they were

and here Roberto was and here they were

and here Roberto was and here they were possibly headed to their own Doom

possibly headed to their own Doom

possibly headed to their own Doom rationalized much and there surely could

rationalized much and there surely could

rationalized much and there surely could be no harm in making a little Pleasant

be no harm in making a little Pleasant

be no harm in making a little Pleasant life-affirming conversation with a

life-affirming conversation with a

life-affirming conversation with a handsome soldier in his mid-30s who

handsome soldier in his mid-30s who

handsome soldier in his mid-30s who clearly had a thing for her

clearly had a thing for her

clearly had a thing for her the fact that he wore a wedding ring was

the fact that he wore a wedding ring was

the fact that he wore a wedding ring was a total coincidence

a total coincidence

a total coincidence while Trini slept Roberto and Hiro

while Trini slept Roberto and Hiro

while Trini slept Roberto and Hiro stretched their legs out on the seats in

stretched their legs out on the seats in

stretched their legs out on the seats in front of them reclined as far as they

front of them reclined as far as they

front of them reclined as far as they could and whispered to each other

could and whispered to each other

could and whispered to each other you weren't tired

you weren't tired

you weren't tired the freestyle in the air between them

the freestyle in the air between them

the freestyle in the air between them was too invigorating

was too invigorating

was too invigorating so they talked about his life with the

so they talked about his life with the

so they talked about his life with the exception of his wife and kid and they

exception of his wife and kid and they

exception of his wife and kid and they talked about hers with the exception of

talked about hers with the exception of

talked about hers with the exception of her romantic history with guys like him

her romantic history with guys like him

her romantic history with guys like him they talked about her work and about his

they talked about her work and about his

they talked about her work and about his and the dangers he'd faced and the

and the dangers he'd faced and the

and the dangers he'd faced and the Exotic and frightening places she'd been

Exotic and frightening places she'd been

Exotic and frightening places she'd been in search of new microorganisms

in search of new microorganisms

in search of new microorganisms and as they talked they slid lower and

and as they talked they slid lower and

and as they talked they slid lower and lower in the seats and their heads

lower in the seats and their heads

lower in the seats and their heads inclined ever so slightly closer

inclined ever so slightly closer

inclined ever so slightly closer together

together

together and when the cabin took on a bit of a

and when the cabin took on a bit of a

and when the cabin took on a bit of a chill somewhere over Kenya Roberto got

chill somewhere over Kenya Roberto got

chill somewhere over Kenya Roberto got up found a couple of harsh wool blankets

up found a couple of harsh wool blankets

up found a couple of harsh wool blankets in the storage cabinet nearby

in the storage cabinet nearby

in the storage cabinet nearby and they snuggled underneath them

and they snuggled underneath them

and they snuggled underneath them then she scratched her nose

then she scratched her nose

then she scratched her nose and when she put her hand back down

and when she put her hand back down

and when she put her hand back down it was on the seat between them

it was on the seat between them

it was on the seat between them her little finger brushing against the

her little finger brushing against the

her little finger brushing against the outside of his right thigh

outside of his right thigh

outside of his right thigh you felt it

you felt it

you felt it and she left it there

and she left it there

and she left it there another 20 minutes went by

another 20 minutes went by

another 20 minutes went by another 20 minutes of effortless breathy

another 20 minutes of effortless breathy

another 20 minutes of effortless breathy talk

talk

talk none of it with even The Whisper of

none of it with even The Whisper of

none of it with even The Whisper of impropriety to it

impropriety to it

impropriety to it and the next move was his

and the next move was his

and the next move was his which he made by shifting in his seat

which he made by shifting in his seat

which he made by shifting in his seat theoretically to stretch his stiff legs

theoretically to stretch his stiff legs

theoretically to stretch his stiff legs but when he put them back up in the seat

but when he put them back up in the seat

but when he put them back up in the seat in front of him his leg was now fully

in front of him his leg was now fully

in front of him his leg was now fully pressed against hers and she returned

pressed against hers and she returned

pressed against hers and she returned the pressure almost immediately

the pressure almost immediately

the pressure almost immediately neither of them spoke of it

neither of them spoke of it

neither of them spoke of it neither of them acknowledged it anyway

neither of them acknowledged it anyway

neither of them acknowledged it anyway if you listen to their conversation you

if you listen to their conversation you

if you listen to their conversation you could assume they were two colleagues

could assume they were two colleagues

could assume they were two colleagues from slightly different fields who had

from slightly different fields who had

from slightly different fields who had met at the professional conclave and

met at the professional conclave and

met at the professional conclave and were having the most innocent upstanding

were having the most innocent upstanding

were having the most innocent upstanding and rather boring conversation in the

and rather boring conversation in the

and rather boring conversation in the world

world

world but she never moved her hand and neither

but she never moved her hand and neither

but she never moved her hand and neither released the pressure in their legs they

released the pressure in their legs they

released the pressure in their legs they knew they just weren't saying

knew they just weren't saying

knew they just weren't saying after a while hero stretched and stood

after a while hero stretched and stood

after a while hero stretched and stood up bathroom

up bathroom

up bathroom he pointed toward the back

he pointed toward the back

he pointed toward the back she smiled thanks squeezed out of the

she smiled thanks squeezed out of the

she smiled thanks squeezed out of the row and walked off toward the rear of

row and walked off toward the rear of

row and walked off toward the rear of the plane

the plane

the plane Roberto watched her walk away

Roberto watched her walk away

Roberto watched her walk away inside he was panicked and had been for

inside he was panicked and had been for

inside he was panicked and had been for several hours

several hours

several hours he couldn't quite believe what was

he couldn't quite believe what was

he couldn't quite believe what was happening none of his relatively

happening none of his relatively

happening none of his relatively innocent flirtations had ever gotten

innocent flirtations had ever gotten

innocent flirtations had ever gotten nearly so far and it was like sliding

nearly so far and it was like sliding

nearly so far and it was like sliding into a mud-slicked hole that he couldn't

into a mud-slicked hole that he couldn't

into a mud-slicked hole that he couldn't climb out of

climb out of

climb out of every movement he made only pulled him

every movement he made only pulled him

every movement he made only pulled him deeper in and when he didn't move it was

deeper in and when he didn't move it was

deeper in and when he didn't move it was worse gravity took over and pulled him

worse gravity took over and pulled him

worse gravity took over and pulled him down

down

down and he liked it

and he liked it

and he liked it he was angry not getting what he wanted

he was angry not getting what he wanted

he was angry not getting what he wanted or deserved at home why not This Woman

or deserved at home why not This Woman

or deserved at home why not This Woman This brilliant beautiful creature who

This brilliant beautiful creature who

This brilliant beautiful creature who asked so little of him and found him so

asked so little of him and found him so

asked so little of him and found him so fascinating and was clearly genuinely

fascinating and was clearly genuinely

fascinating and was clearly genuinely interested in him why not other than the

interested in him why not other than the

interested in him why not other than the fact that it was completely wrong

fact that it was completely wrong

fact that it was completely wrong or maybe it wasn't even happening maybe

or maybe it wasn't even happening maybe

or maybe it wasn't even happening maybe the pressure of her hand and leg had

the pressure of her hand and leg had

the pressure of her hand and leg had easily explainable and innocent reasons

easily explainable and innocent reasons

easily explainable and innocent reasons behind him she probably hadn't even

behind him she probably hadn't even

behind him she probably hadn't even noticed for Christ's sake and he was

noticed for Christ's sake and he was

noticed for Christ's sake and he was letting his overactive sex drive run

letting his overactive sex drive run

letting his overactive sex drive run away with his rational mind as usual

away with his rational mind as usual

away with his rational mind as usual maybe it was happening and maybe he

maybe it was happening and maybe he

maybe it was happening and maybe he wanted it to

wanted it to

wanted it to maybe he would get up wander the back of

maybe he would get up wander the back of

maybe he would get up wander the back of the plane talk to her some more there

the plane talk to her some more there

the plane talk to her some more there and if her eyes happened to linger on

and if her eyes happened to linger on

and if her eyes happened to linger on his for a few seconds longer than they

his for a few seconds longer than they

his for a few seconds longer than they ought to he'd kiss her maybe that's

ought to he'd kiss her maybe that's

ought to he'd kiss her maybe that's exactly what he'd do maybe that's what

exactly what he'd do maybe that's what

exactly what he'd do maybe that's what he'd get up and do right now

he'd get up and do right now

he'd get up and do right now Roberto summoned every bit of resentment

Roberto summoned every bit of resentment

Roberto summoned every bit of resentment he could find every ounce of righteous

he could find every ounce of righteous

he could find every ounce of righteous indignation he'd acquired over three

indignation he'd acquired over three

indignation he'd acquired over three frustrating years of marriage and he

frustrating years of marriage and he

frustrating years of marriage and he stood up

stood up

stood up that's when he felt the hand on his arm

that's when he felt the hand on his arm

that's when he felt the hand on his arm he turned Trini was awake staring up at

he turned Trini was awake staring up at

he turned Trini was awake staring up at him the fingers of her strong right hand

him the fingers of her strong right hand

him the fingers of her strong right hand clamped around Roberto's left forearm

clamped around Roberto's left forearm

clamped around Roberto's left forearm Roberto looked down at her his face

Roberto looked down at her his face

Roberto looked down at her his face turning into a poorly rendered mask of

turning into a poorly rendered mask of

turning into a poorly rendered mask of utter innocence

utter innocence

utter innocence Trini just looked at him her penetrating

Trini just looked at him her penetrating

Trini just looked at him her penetrating gay is bright even in the dim cabin

gay is bright even in the dim cabin

gay is bright even in the dim cabin light

light

light sit down Roberto

sit down Roberto

sit down Roberto Roberto's mouth opened but no words came

Roberto's mouth opened but no words came

Roberto's mouth opened but no words came out

out

out he wasn't a very good liar even worse at

he wasn't a very good liar even worse at

he wasn't a very good liar even worse at wholesale invention and rather than

wholesale invention and rather than

wholesale invention and rather than stammer out something stupid he just

stammer out something stupid he just

stammer out something stupid he just closed his mouth again and Shrugged and

closed his mouth again and Shrugged and

closed his mouth again and Shrugged and I don't know what you're talking about

I don't know what you're talking about

I don't know what you're talking about drug

drug

drug sit down

sit down

sit down brodo did

brodo did

brodo did Trinny leaned over and put a hand on the

Trinny leaned over and put a hand on the

Trinny leaned over and put a hand on the back of his neck

back of his neck

back of his neck that ain't you kid

that ain't you kid

that ain't you kid Roberto felt a hot flush rise in his

Roberto felt a hot flush rise in his

Roberto felt a hot flush rise in his cheeks anger embarrassment and thwarted

cheeks anger embarrassment and thwarted

cheeks anger embarrassment and thwarted desires sending any spare blood to his

desires sending any spare blood to his

desires sending any spare blood to his face on a double stay out of it

face on a double stay out of it

face on a double stay out of it my advice exactly

my advice exactly

my advice exactly Trini kept staring

Trini kept staring

Trini kept staring Roberto looked away he felt humiliated

Roberto looked away he felt humiliated

Roberto looked away he felt humiliated and wanted to make her feel the same he

and wanted to make her feel the same he

and wanted to make her feel the same he turned back to Trinny jealous

turned back to Trinny jealous

turned back to Trinny jealous he'd wanted to lash out and he did he

he'd wanted to lash out and he did he

he'd wanted to lash out and he did he wanted to hurt and he hit the target

wanted to hurt and he hit the target

wanted to hurt and he hit the target trini's face fell ever so slightly

trini's face fell ever so slightly

trini's face fell ever so slightly Less in wounded Pride than in

Less in wounded Pride than in

Less in wounded Pride than in disappointment

disappointment

disappointment Trini had been on the other side of her

Trini had been on the other side of her

Trini had been on the other side of her first and only marriage for 10 years

first and only marriage for 10 years

first and only marriage for 10 years already in the fact that she'd ever

already in the fact that she'd ever

already in the fact that she'd ever married in the first place was

married in the first place was

married in the first place was remarkable in itself

remarkable in itself

remarkable in itself the marriage fell apart not because of

the marriage fell apart not because of

the marriage fell apart not because of the travel and secrecy required in her

the travel and secrecy required in her

the travel and secrecy required in her line of work but because of her innate

line of work but because of her innate

line of work but because of her innate distaste for other human beings

distaste for other human beings

distaste for other human beings people were okay she just didn't like

people were okay she just didn't like

people were okay she just didn't like looking at or listening to them

looking at or listening to them

looking at or listening to them she'd been alone for a decade now and

she'd been alone for a decade now and

she'd been alone for a decade now and liked it

liked it

liked it in her mind she'd always thought of her

in her mind she'd always thought of her

in her mind she'd always thought of her occasional attraction to Roberto as a

occasional attraction to Roberto as a

occasional attraction to Roberto as a purely chemical response to his rather

purely chemical response to his rather

purely chemical response to his rather overstated good looks

overstated good looks

overstated good looks she liked him fine she enjoyed working

she liked him fine she enjoyed working

she liked him fine she enjoyed working with him she deeply admired his

with him she deeply admired his

with him she deeply admired his professionalism and the fact that he

professionalism and the fact that he

professionalism and the fact that he felt no compulsion towards small talk

felt no compulsion towards small talk

felt no compulsion towards small talk but she'd never had any romantic

but she'd never had any romantic

but she'd never had any romantic interest in him whatsoever

interest in him whatsoever

interest in him whatsoever he was her co-worker

he was her co-worker

he was her co-worker her incredibly good-looking co-worker

her incredibly good-looking co-worker

her incredibly good-looking co-worker sometimes even people who don't like

sometimes even people who don't like

sometimes even people who don't like sweets admire a piece of chocolate cake

sweets admire a piece of chocolate cake

sweets admire a piece of chocolate cake that's what it's designed to do it's

that's what it's designed to do it's

that's what it's designed to do it's supposed to look good so was he and he

supposed to look good so was he and he

supposed to look good so was he and he did usually no big deal Trini kept it to

did usually no big deal Trini kept it to

did usually no big deal Trini kept it to herself

herself

herself but in 83 she'd been in a jeep accident

but in 83 she'd been in a jeep accident

but in 83 she'd been in a jeep accident and broken two bones in her lower back

and broken two bones in her lower back

and broken two bones in her lower back an exceptionally painful injury that

an exceptionally painful injury that

an exceptionally painful injury that resulted in her subsequent addiction to

resulted in her subsequent addiction to

resulted in her subsequent addiction to the painkillers the base physician had

the painkillers the base physician had

the painkillers the base physician had liberally prescribed to her

liberally prescribed to her

liberally prescribed to her it was at bedtime that Trini liked them

it was at bedtime that Trini liked them

it was at bedtime that Trini liked them best

best

best she'd take one an hour before bed and

she'd take one an hour before bed and

she'd take one an hour before bed and then nod off into drifty opiate sleep

then nod off into drifty opiate sleep

then nod off into drifty opiate sleep feeling like nothing hurt and not only

feeling like nothing hurt and not only

feeling like nothing hurt and not only that even more than that nothing ever

that even more than that nothing ever

that even more than that nothing ever would hurt than or ever again

would hurt than or ever again

would hurt than or ever again and where else in life can you get that

and where else in life can you get that

and where else in life can you get that assurance

assurance

assurance the addiction dug in and grew

the addiction dug in and grew

the addiction dug in and grew it went on for nearly six months

it went on for nearly six months

it went on for nearly six months undetected by everyone except Roberto

undetected by everyone except Roberto

undetected by everyone except Roberto he confronted his friend about it then

he confronted his friend about it then

he confronted his friend about it then gave enormous amounts of time energy and

gave enormous amounts of time energy and

gave enormous amounts of time energy and emotional support to help Trini get

emotional support to help Trini get

emotional support to help Trini get clean

clean

clean Trini insisted on doing it without any

Trini insisted on doing it without any

Trini insisted on doing it without any other outside help whatsoever and

other outside help whatsoever and

other outside help whatsoever and Roberto agreed to try

Roberto agreed to try

Roberto agreed to try early on during one of trini's worst

early on during one of trini's worst

early on during one of trini's worst shaking sweating sleepless nights she'd

shaking sweating sleepless nights she'd

shaking sweating sleepless nights she'd started to panic and Roberto had climbed

started to panic and Roberto had climbed

started to panic and Roberto had climbed in bed with her and held her just trying

in bed with her and held her just trying

in bed with her and held her just trying to get her through it all

to get her through it all

to get her through it all Trini had looked up at him at one point

Trini had looked up at him at one point

Trini had looked up at him at one point told Roberto she was in love with him

told Roberto she was in love with him

told Roberto she was in love with him and always had been a move to kiss him

and always had been a move to kiss him

and always had been a move to kiss him Roberto deflected told his friend to

Roberto deflected told his friend to

Roberto deflected told his friend to shut up and go to sleep and Trini did

shut up and go to sleep and Trini did

shut up and go to sleep and Trini did they slept that way all night and

they slept that way all night and

they slept that way all night and nothing happened

nothing happened

nothing happened Roberto never told any about it and in

Roberto never told any about it and in

Roberto never told any about it and in fact he and Trini had never spoken of it

fact he and Trini had never spoken of it

fact he and Trini had never spoken of it again themselves

again themselves

again themselves until now when Roberto wanted to hurt

until now when Roberto wanted to hurt

until now when Roberto wanted to hurt her which he had

her which he had

her which he had from the other end of the plane the

from the other end of the plane the

from the other end of the plane the bathroom door closed with a soft click

bathroom door closed with a soft click

bathroom door closed with a soft click hero came out and headed back to her

hero came out and headed back to her

hero came out and headed back to her seat

seat

seat Trini turned the other way and slouched

Trini turned the other way and slouched

Trini turned the other way and slouched down to go back to sleep

down to go back to sleep

down to go back to sleep Roberto moved to the window shoved a

Roberto moved to the window shoved a

Roberto moved to the window shoved a pillow up against it pulled the blanket

pillow up against it pulled the blanket

pillow up against it pulled the blanket up to his chin and pretended to be out

up to his chin and pretended to be out

up to his chin and pretended to be out like a light when Hiro Got Back

like a light when Hiro Got Back

like a light when Hiro Got Back in this way the three of them flew on to

in this way the three of them flew on to

in this way the three of them flew on to Australia carrying considerably more

Australia carrying considerably more

Australia carrying considerably more baggage than they'd left with

three

three

three The Biohazard suits were uncomfortable

The Biohazard suits were uncomfortable

The Biohazard suits were uncomfortable as hell and the worst part in trini's

as hell and the worst part in trini's

as hell and the worst part in trini's opinion was that there was nowhere to

opinion was that there was nowhere to

opinion was that there was nowhere to put a gun

put a gun

put a gun she waved her Sig Sauer P320 around in

she waved her Sig Sauer P320 around in

she waved her Sig Sauer P320 around in the air near her hip flapping her lips

the air near her hip flapping her lips

the air near her hip flapping her lips inaudibly behind the glass of her face

inaudibly behind the glass of her face

inaudibly behind the glass of her face piece

piece

piece Arrow just looked at her still puzzled

Arrow just looked at her still puzzled

Arrow just looked at her still puzzled by these soldiers and their inexperience

by these soldiers and their inexperience

by these soldiers and their inexperience with the very sort of event they'd been

with the very sort of event they'd been

with the very sort of event they'd been sent to investigate

sent to investigate

sent to investigate she tapped the buttons on the side of

she tapped the buttons on the side of

she tapped the buttons on the side of the helmet and her voice crackled in

the helmet and her voice crackled in

the helmet and her voice crackled in trini's headset

trini's headset

trini's headset use the radio please

use the radio please

use the radio please Trini fumbled on the side of her head

Trini fumbled on the side of her head

Trini fumbled on the side of her head until she found the right button and

until she found the right button and

until she found the right button and pressed it doesn't this goddamn thing

pressed it doesn't this goddamn thing

pressed it doesn't this goddamn thing have a pocket

have a pocket

have a pocket outside kirakura they had changed into

outside kirakura they had changed into

outside kirakura they had changed into level a hazmat suits which were fully

level a hazmat suits which were fully

level a hazmat suits which were fully encapsulating chemical entry suits with

encapsulating chemical entry suits with

encapsulating chemical entry suits with self-contained breathing apparatuses

self-contained breathing apparatuses

self-contained breathing apparatuses he also wore steel-toed boots with

he also wore steel-toed boots with

he also wore steel-toed boots with shafts on the outside of the suit and

shafts on the outside of the suit and

shafts on the outside of the suit and specially selected chemical resistant

specially selected chemical resistant

specially selected chemical resistant gloves and no there were no pockets

gloves and no there were no pockets

gloves and no there were no pockets which would sort of defeat the purpose

which would sort of defeat the purpose

which would sort of defeat the purpose of the whole thing providing both a Nook

of the whole thing providing both a Nook

of the whole thing providing both a Nook and a cranny for God knows what to write

and a cranny for God knows what to write

and a cranny for God knows what to write home with you

home with you

home with you hero decided a simple no would suffice

hero decided a simple no would suffice

hero decided a simple no would suffice to answer trini's grumpy question

to answer trini's grumpy question

to answer trini's grumpy question Trini had stuck down three cigarettes in

Trini had stuck down three cigarettes in

Trini had stuck down three cigarettes in quick succession after they landed she'd

quick succession after they landed she'd

quick succession after they landed she'd been on Nicorette and the new nicotine

been on Nicorette and the new nicotine

been on Nicorette and the new nicotine patch for the entire flight and she was

patch for the entire flight and she was

patch for the entire flight and she was wound tighter than the inside of a golf

wound tighter than the inside of a golf

wound tighter than the inside of a golf ball best to keep one's distance hero

ball best to keep one's distance hero

ball best to keep one's distance hero decided

decided

decided Roberto turned and looked behind them at

Roberto turned and looked behind them at

Roberto turned and looked behind them at the vast expansive desert they had just

the vast expansive desert they had just

the vast expansive desert they had just crossed their Jeep had kicked up a

crossed their Jeep had kicked up a

crossed their Jeep had kicked up a massive fan tail of dust and the

massive fan tail of dust and the

massive fan tail of dust and the prevailing winds were blowing their way

prevailing winds were blowing their way

prevailing winds were blowing their way which meant a few hundred kilometers

which meant a few hundred kilometers

which meant a few hundred kilometers worth of sediment was airborne and

worth of sediment was airborne and

worth of sediment was airborne and swirling toward them

swirling toward them

swirling toward them better get started while we can still

better get started while we can still

better get started while we can still see he said

see he said

see he said they turned and started to walk into

they turned and started to walk into

they turned and started to walk into town

town

town they'd parked half a mile away and the

they'd parked half a mile away and the

they'd parked half a mile away and the going was slow in the suits but they

going was slow in the suits but they

going was slow in the suits but they could see the structures that dotted The

could see the structures that dotted The

could see the structures that dotted The Horizon from here

Horizon from here

Horizon from here kirakura was a collection of one-story

kirakura was a collection of one-story

kirakura was a collection of one-story buildings a dozen at the most unpainted

buildings a dozen at the most unpainted

buildings a dozen at the most unpainted a patchwork of colors coming from the

a patchwork of colors coming from the

a patchwork of colors coming from the cast off wood and scrap particle board

cast off wood and scrap particle board

cast off wood and scrap particle board that had been given to the residents by

that had been given to the residents by

that had been given to the residents by the resettlement commission

the resettlement commission

the resettlement commission as far as planned communities went it

as far as planned communities went it

as far as planned communities went it didn't show much planning just a Main

didn't show much planning just a Main

didn't show much planning just a Main Street structures on either side of it

Street structures on either side of it

Street structures on either side of it and a few outbuildings that have been

and a few outbuildings that have been

and a few outbuildings that have been thrown up later possibly by Lake comers

thrown up later possibly by Lake comers

thrown up later possibly by Lake comers who preferred a bit of space between

who preferred a bit of space between

who preferred a bit of space between themselves and their neighbors

themselves and their neighbors

themselves and their neighbors the first odd thing they saw about 50

the first odd thing they saw about 50

the first odd thing they saw about 50 yards outside of town was a suitcase

yards outside of town was a suitcase

yards outside of town was a suitcase it's sat in the middle of the road

it's sat in the middle of the road

it's sat in the middle of the road packed and closed and waiting patiently

packed and closed and waiting patiently

packed and closed and waiting patiently as if expecting a ride to the airport

as if expecting a ride to the airport

as if expecting a ride to the airport there was no one and nothing else around

there was no one and nothing else around

there was no one and nothing else around it

it

it they looked at one another then went to

they looked at one another then went to

they looked at one another then went to it

it

it they stood around the suitcase staring

they stood around the suitcase staring

they stood around the suitcase staring at it as if expecting it to reveal its

at it as if expecting it to reveal its

at it as if expecting it to reveal its history and intentions

history and intentions

history and intentions it did not

it did not

it did not Trini moved on holding the gun in front

Trini moved on holding the gun in front

Trini moved on holding the gun in front of her

of her

of her they reached the first building and as

they reached the first building and as

they reached the first building and as they came around the front of it they

they came around the front of it they

they came around the front of it they saw this one had only three walls not

saw this one had only three walls not

saw this one had only three walls not four built that way on purpose for

four built that way on purpose for

four built that way on purpose for maximum airflow in the intensely arid

maximum airflow in the intensely arid

maximum airflow in the intensely arid environment

environment

environment they paused and looked inside the way

they paused and looked inside the way

they paused and looked inside the way you look into a dollhouse

you look into a dollhouse

you look into a dollhouse there were cutaway areas a kitchen a

there were cutaway areas a kitchen a

there were cutaway areas a kitchen a bedroom a bathroom that room had a door

bedroom a bathroom that room had a door

bedroom a bathroom that room had a door and another tiny bedroom at the far end

and another tiny bedroom at the far end

and another tiny bedroom at the far end of the structure

of the structure

of the structure in the kitchen there was food on the

in the kitchen there was food on the

in the kitchen there was food on the table buzzing with flies but there are

table buzzing with flies but there are

table buzzing with flies but there are no people

no people

no people Roberto looked around where is everybody

Roberto looked around where is everybody

Roberto looked around where is everybody that was the question

that was the question

that was the question Trini backed the way into the street

Trini backed the way into the street

Trini backed the way into the street again turning in cautious semi-circles

again turning in cautious semi-circles

again turning in cautious semi-circles scanning the place

scanning the place

scanning the place cars are still here

cars are still here

cars are still here they followed her gaze there were cars

they followed her gaze there were cars

they followed her gaze there were cars all right just about one per driveway a

all right just about one per driveway a

all right just about one per driveway a Jeep or a motorcycle or pickup or old

Jeep or a motorcycle or pickup or old

Jeep or a motorcycle or pickup or old sedan however the residents had managed

sedan however the residents had managed

sedan however the residents had managed to get where they were going they hadn't

to get where they were going they hadn't

to get where they were going they hadn't driven

driven

driven they continued on past What Might Have

they continued on past What Might Have

they continued on past What Might Have Been a playground more or less in the

Been a playground more or less in the

Been a playground more or less in the center of town

center of town

center of town an old metal swing creaked on its chain

an old metal swing creaked on its chain

an old metal swing creaked on its chain blowing in the wind that now swept the

blowing in the wind that now swept the

blowing in the wind that now swept the desert sand and dust into town ahead of

desert sand and dust into town ahead of

desert sand and dust into town ahead of it

it

it Roberto turned and squinted into the

Roberto turned and squinted into the

Roberto turned and squinted into the coming clouds

coming clouds

coming clouds the sand ticked against the glass of his

the sand ticked against the glass of his

the sand ticked against the glass of his faceplate and it was hard not to Blink

faceplate and it was hard not to Blink

faceplate and it was hard not to Blink though of course he didn't need to

though of course he didn't need to

though of course he didn't need to another 30 yards and they reach the

another 30 yards and they reach the

another 30 yards and they reach the other side of town the front door to the

other side of town the front door to the

other side of town the front door to the biggest house was a jar and Trini pushed

biggest house was a jar and Trini pushed

biggest house was a jar and Trini pushed it open the rest of the way using the

it open the rest of the way using the

it open the rest of the way using the barrel of the six hour

barrel of the six hour

barrel of the six hour Roberto gestured to Hero to wait on the

Roberto gestured to Hero to wait on the

Roberto gestured to Hero to wait on the porch and he and Trini stepped inside

porch and he and Trini stepped inside

porch and he and Trini stepped inside one after the other in a practice

one after the other in a practice

one after the other in a practice maneuver

maneuver

maneuver hero waited in front watching their

hero waited in front watching their

hero waited in front watching their movements through the open door in the

movements through the open door in the

movements through the open door in the dirty front window

dirty front window

dirty front window they searched the place room by room

they searched the place room by room

they searched the place room by room Trini always in the lead gun in hand

Trini always in the lead gun in hand

Trini always in the lead gun in hand Roberto was the more thorough and

Roberto was the more thorough and

Roberto was the more thorough and perhaps the more cautious of the two

perhaps the more cautious of the two

perhaps the more cautious of the two moving carefully and steadily and never

moving carefully and steadily and never

moving carefully and steadily and never facing in the same direction for too

facing in the same direction for too

facing in the same direction for too long Hiro admired the grace and ease

long Hiro admired the grace and ease

long Hiro admired the grace and ease with which he moved even in the

with which he moved even in the

with which he moved even in the cumbersome suit but she also knew there

cumbersome suit but she also knew there

cumbersome suit but she also knew there was nothing to fear in there everything

was nothing to fear in there everything

was nothing to fear in there everything about kirakura so far suggested a ghost

about kirakura so far suggested a ghost

about kirakura so far suggested a ghost town

town

town she was sure of their result before

she was sure of their result before

she was sure of their result before Trini came out a few minutes later and

Trini came out a few minutes later and

Trini came out a few minutes later and announced it

announced it

announced it 14 houses 12 Vehicles zero residents

14 houses 12 Vehicles zero residents

14 houses 12 Vehicles zero residents Roberto put his hands on his hips

Roberto put his hands on his hips

Roberto put his hands on his hips relaxing his guard a bit what the actual

relaxing his guard a bit what the actual

relaxing his guard a bit what the actual [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] that was when hero saw what they'd come

that was when hero saw what they'd come

that was when hero saw what they'd come for

for

for there the far end of town and found one

there the far end of town and found one

there the far end of town and found one of the best kept to the very modest

of the best kept to the very modest

of the best kept to the very modest houses was a silver metal tank its

houses was a silver metal tank its

houses was a silver metal tank its finish recently polished to a bright and

finish recently polished to a bright and

finish recently polished to a bright and reflective shine

reflective shine

reflective shine I don't think that's from here

I don't think that's from here

I don't think that's from here they walk toward the tank weary the wind

they walk toward the tank weary the wind

they walk toward the tank weary the wind swirled harder and the dust in the air

swirled harder and the dust in the air

swirled harder and the dust in the air billowed around the houses rearing up in

billowed around the houses rearing up in

billowed around the houses rearing up in columns in front of them before dust

columns in front of them before dust

columns in front of them before dust deviling back to the ground in a

deviling back to the ground in a

deviling back to the ground in a corkscrew and moving on

corkscrew and moving on

corkscrew and moving on it was getting hard to see

it was getting hard to see

it was getting hard to see stop here

stop here

stop here hero held a hand out when they were

hero held a hand out when they were

hero held a hand out when they were still 10 feet from the tank

still 10 feet from the tank

still 10 feet from the tank she scanned the ground around them as

she scanned the ground around them as

she scanned the ground around them as best she could in the billowing sand

best she could in the billowing sand

best she could in the billowing sand then continued on searching the ground

then continued on searching the ground

then continued on searching the ground carefully before she placed each step

carefully before she placed each step

carefully before she placed each step walk in my footsteps

walk in my footsteps

walk in my footsteps they did following her in single file

they did following her in single file

they did following her in single file careful to place their feet directly

careful to place their feet directly

careful to place their feet directly into her boot prints as they went

into her boot prints as they went

into her boot prints as they went hero reached the tank and squatted down

hero reached the tank and squatted down

hero reached the tank and squatted down she saw the fungal covering immediately

she saw the fungal covering immediately

she saw the fungal covering immediately but only because of her practiced eye

but only because of her practiced eye

but only because of her practiced eye an untrained Observer wouldn't have

an untrained Observer wouldn't have

an untrained Observer wouldn't have perceived anything more than a greenish

perceived anything more than a greenish

perceived anything more than a greenish patch on the rounded surface of the tank

patch on the rounded surface of the tank

patch on the rounded surface of the tank a bit like oxidized copper

a bit like oxidized copper

a bit like oxidized copper the tank wasn't in pristine condition

the tank wasn't in pristine condition

the tank wasn't in pristine condition anyway it had made an uncontrolled

anyway it had made an uncontrolled

anyway it had made an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere after

re-entry into Earth's atmosphere after

re-entry into Earth's atmosphere after all that's going to put a few dents in

all that's going to put a few dents in

all that's going to put a few dents in anything but the hero the unremarkable

anything but the hero the unremarkable

anything but the hero the unremarkable greenish patch red like a semaphore

greenish patch red like a semaphore

greenish patch red like a semaphore Trini looked around them still with her

Trini looked around them still with her

Trini looked around them still with her gun at the ready just in case

gun at the ready just in case

gun at the ready just in case she took a few steps toward the house

she took a few steps toward the house

she took a few steps toward the house watching where she walked

watching where she walked

watching where she walked she stopped studying the building which

she stopped studying the building which

she stopped studying the building which wasn't very different from the other

wasn't very different from the other

wasn't very different from the other ones but there was one thing she noticed

ones but there was one thing she noticed

ones but there was one thing she noticed the car

the car

the car an old Dodge Dart it was parked an odd

an old Dodge Dart it was parked an odd

an old Dodge Dart it was parked an odd angle to the house its Hood pushed

angle to the house its Hood pushed

angle to the house its Hood pushed almost right up against a porch pillar

almost right up against a porch pillar

almost right up against a porch pillar the porch had a low slung corrugated

the porch had a low slung corrugated

the porch had a low slung corrugated roof that bent down at an angle and from

roof that bent down at an angle and from

roof that bent down at an angle and from where the car was parked it wasn't a

where the car was parked it wasn't a

where the car was parked it wasn't a very big step up from the hood to the

very big step up from the hood to the

very big step up from the hood to the roof

roof

roof Trini looked up thinking

Trini looked up thinking

Trini looked up thinking back at the silver Tank Hero bent down

back at the silver Tank Hero bent down

back at the silver Tank Hero bent down pulling her sample case around in front

pulling her sample case around in front

pulling her sample case around in front of her

of her

of her she clicked it open snapped out at 20

she clicked it open snapped out at 20

she clicked it open snapped out at 20 times magnifying lens and squeezed it to

times magnifying lens and squeezed it to

times magnifying lens and squeezed it to activate the LED lights around the edge

activate the LED lights around the edge

activate the LED lights around the edge of the beveled glass

of the beveled glass

of the beveled glass through the lens she got a closer look

through the lens she got a closer look

through the lens she got a closer look at the fungus

at the fungus

at the fungus that was alive all right and florid

that was alive all right and florid

that was alive all right and florid visibly seething even at this

visibly seething even at this

visibly seething even at this magnification

magnification

magnification she leaned as close as she dared looking

she leaned as close as she dared looking

she leaned as close as she dared looking for active fragmentation

for active fragmentation

for active fragmentation there was movement there and she wished

there was movement there and she wished

there was movement there and she wished like hell she had a more powerful

like hell she had a more powerful

like hell she had a more powerful magnifier but 20 power was the most the

magnifier but 20 power was the most the

magnifier but 20 power was the most the field kid carried which meant she had to

field kid carried which meant she had to

field kid carried which meant she had to get closer still

get closer still

get closer still she looked back over her shoulder at

she looked back over her shoulder at

she looked back over her shoulder at Roberto

Roberto

Roberto slide your hand through the loop in the

slide your hand through the loop in the

slide your hand through the loop in the suit between my shoulder blades

suit between my shoulder blades

suit between my shoulder blades Roberta looked down there was a tight

Roberta looked down there was a tight

Roberta looked down there was a tight vertical flap of fabric sewn into the

vertical flap of fabric sewn into the

vertical flap of fabric sewn into the back of the suit a handle of sorts with

back of the suit a handle of sorts with

back of the suit a handle of sorts with just enough space to get his fingers

just enough space to get his fingers

just enough space to get his fingers through

through

through he did as she asked

he did as she asked

he did as she asked now hold on tight she said I'll pull

now hold on tight she said I'll pull

now hold on tight she said I'll pull against you but don't let me go if I

against you but don't let me go if I

against you but don't let me go if I start to fall give me a hard pull back

start to fall give me a hard pull back

start to fall give me a hard pull back don't be shy about it don't let me touch

don't be shy about it don't let me touch

don't be shy about it don't let me touch it

it

it you got it

you got it

you got it he held on tight Hiro braced her feet

he held on tight Hiro braced her feet

he held on tight Hiro braced her feet just short of the tank about a foot away

just short of the tank about a foot away

just short of the tank about a foot away from it leaned forward putting the

from it leaned forward putting the

from it leaned forward putting the magnifying glass and her mask as close

magnifying glass and her mask as close

magnifying glass and her mask as close to the surface of the middle of the tank

to the surface of the middle of the tank

to the surface of the middle of the tank as she possibly could

as she possibly could

as she possibly could Roberto hadn't expected her to have

Roberto hadn't expected her to have

Roberto hadn't expected her to have quite as much confidence in him as she

quite as much confidence in him as she

quite as much confidence in him as she apparently did and he swayed a little as

apparently did and he swayed a little as

apparently did and he swayed a little as she let her weight fall forward

she let her weight fall forward

she let her weight fall forward but he was strong and recovered quickly

but he was strong and recovered quickly

but he was strong and recovered quickly resetting his feet and holding her

resetting his feet and holding her

resetting his feet and holding her steady

steady

steady the faceplate of Hero's helmet moved

the faceplate of Hero's helmet moved

the faceplate of Hero's helmet moved within three inches of the surface of

within three inches of the surface of

within three inches of the surface of the tank she switched the lens to Max

the tank she switched the lens to Max

the tank she switched the lens to Max magnification of close focus and flicked

magnification of close focus and flicked

magnification of close focus and flicked the LED to their brightest setting

the LED to their brightest setting

the LED to their brightest setting she gasped

she gasped

she gasped through the lens even at this minimal

through the lens even at this minimal

through the lens even at this minimal magnification she could clearly see

magnification she could clearly see

magnification she could clearly see fruiting bodies sprouting off the

fruiting bodies sprouting off the

fruiting bodies sprouting off the mycelium stalks with a capsule at the

mycelium stalks with a capsule at the

mycelium stalks with a capsule at the top swelling at their seams with ready

top swelling at their seams with ready

top swelling at their seams with ready to spread spores the mycelium's growth

to spread spores the mycelium's growth

to spread spores the mycelium's growth was so fast it was visible

was so fast it was visible

was so fast it was visible Jesus

kuberto couldn't see around her bulky

kuberto couldn't see around her bulky

kuberto couldn't see around her bulky suit and the Curiosity was killing him

suit and the Curiosity was killing him

suit and the Curiosity was killing him what is it

what is it

what is it hero couldn't tear her eyes away

hero couldn't tear her eyes away

hero couldn't tear her eyes away I don't know but it's huge and it's fast

I don't know but it's huge and it's fast

I don't know but it's huge and it's fast and heterotrophic it's got to be pulling

and heterotrophic it's got to be pulling

and heterotrophic it's got to be pulling carbon and energy out of everything it

carbon and energy out of everything it

carbon and energy out of everything it touches otherwise there's no way she

touches otherwise there's no way she

touches otherwise there's no way she trailed off staring at something

trailed off staring at something

trailed off staring at something intently

intently

intently no way what

no way what

no way what hero didn't answer she was fascinated by

hero didn't answer she was fascinated by

hero didn't answer she was fascinated by one of the fruiting bodies its capsule

one of the fruiting bodies its capsule

one of the fruiting bodies its capsule was bloating beneath the lens ballooning

was bloating beneath the lens ballooning

was bloating beneath the lens ballooning up off the surface of the tank this is

up off the surface of the tank this is

up off the surface of the tank this is the most aggressive sporing rate I've

the most aggressive sporing rate I've

the most aggressive sporing rate I've ever with a sharp pop the entire

ever with a sharp pop the entire

ever with a sharp pop the entire fruiting body burst and the lens of the

fruiting body burst and the lens of the

fruiting body burst and the lens of the magnifying glass was flecked with

magnifying glass was flecked with

magnifying glass was flecked with microscopic bits of goo

microscopic bits of goo

microscopic bits of goo hero shouted and involuntarily lurched

hero shouted and involuntarily lurched

hero shouted and involuntarily lurched backward away from the tank she was more

backward away from the tank she was more

backward away from the tank she was more startled and frightened but lost her

startled and frightened but lost her

startled and frightened but lost her balance for a moment and threw her right

balance for a moment and threw her right

balance for a moment and threw her right foot out to the side to steady herself

foot out to the side to steady herself

foot out to the side to steady herself her boots squished through something

her boots squished through something

her boots squished through something soft before finding Solid Ground next to

soft before finding Solid Ground next to

soft before finding Solid Ground next to the tank but it was too little too late

the tank but it was too little too late

the tank but it was too little too late she was past the Tipping Point and on

she was past the Tipping Point and on

she was past the Tipping Point and on her way down right into whatever she

her way down right into whatever she

her way down right into whatever she just stepped in she watched as the

just stepped in she watched as the

just stepped in she watched as the ground moved up toward her in slow

ground moved up toward her in slow

ground moved up toward her in slow motion

motion

motion and then she was moving upward again

and then she was moving upward again

and then she was moving upward again with one strong controlled tug on the

with one strong controlled tug on the

with one strong controlled tug on the loop at the back of her suit Roberto

loop at the back of her suit Roberto

loop at the back of her suit Roberto pulled her onto her feet next to him

pulled her onto her feet next to him

pulled her onto her feet next to him she looked up at him grateful

she looked up at him grateful

she looked up at him grateful he smiled careful

he smiled careful

he smiled careful a voice called from nearby hey

a voice called from nearby hey

a voice called from nearby hey they turned Trini was standing on the

they turned Trini was standing on the

they turned Trini was standing on the roof of the house about 10 feet above

roof of the house about 10 feet above

roof of the house about 10 feet above them

them

them I found uncle

I found uncle

I found uncle it wasn't much of a climb even in the

it wasn't much of a climb even in the

it wasn't much of a climb even in the suits first under the hood of the car

suits first under the hood of the car

suits first under the hood of the car then one big step up under the porch

then one big step up under the porch

then one big step up under the porch roof then a sort of jump with a shoulder

roof then a sort of jump with a shoulder

roof then a sort of jump with a shoulder roll and they were all the way up

roll and they were all the way up

roll and they were all the way up Roberto went last so he could give hero

Roberto went last so he could give hero

Roberto went last so he could give hero a shove up onto the roof if needed and

a shove up onto the roof if needed and

a shove up onto the roof if needed and he was so preoccupied with making sure

he was so preoccupied with making sure

he was so preoccupied with making sure she didn't fall that he failed to notice

she didn't fall that he failed to notice

she didn't fall that he failed to notice the sole of her boot even when it passed

the sole of her boot even when it passed

the sole of her boot even when it passed within a foot of his face

within a foot of his face

within a foot of his face he would have had to be pretty

he would have had to be pretty

he would have had to be pretty eagle-eyed to see it anyway because

eagle-eyed to see it anyway because

eagle-eyed to see it anyway because there wasn't much of the stuff but it

there wasn't much of the stuff but it

there wasn't much of the stuff but it was there

was there

was there near the heel between the fourth and

near the heel between the fourth and

near the heel between the fourth and fifth hard rubber corrugated Ridges of

fifth hard rubber corrugated Ridges of

fifth hard rubber corrugated Ridges of her right boot there was a smear of

her right boot there was a smear of

her right boot there was a smear of green fungus she'd picked up when she

green fungus she'd picked up when she

green fungus she'd picked up when she lost her balance back at the tank

lost her balance back at the tank

lost her balance back at the tank Heroes scrambled the rest of the way

Heroes scrambled the rest of the way

Heroes scrambled the rest of the way over the edge of the roof Roberto

over the edge of the roof Roberto

over the edge of the roof Roberto flipped himself up to join her and they

flipped himself up to join her and they

flipped himself up to join her and they walked a few Paces over to where Trini

walked a few Paces over to where Trini

walked a few Paces over to where Trini stood looking down at something

stood looking down at something

stood looking down at something the wind and dust had picked up

the wind and dust had picked up

the wind and dust had picked up substantially so her view was partially

substantially so her view was partially

substantially so her view was partially obscured but Trini knew a human corpse

obscured but Trini knew a human corpse

obscured but Trini knew a human corpse when she saw one

when she saw one

when she saw one this one was in rough shape

this one was in rough shape

this one was in rough shape Uncle couldn't have been dead for all

Uncle couldn't have been dead for all

Uncle couldn't have been dead for all that long but the damage to his corpse

that long but the damage to his corpse

that long but the damage to his corpse was extensive and it wasn't post-mortem

was extensive and it wasn't post-mortem

was extensive and it wasn't post-mortem the flesh wasn't mangled from the

the flesh wasn't mangled from the

the flesh wasn't mangled from the outside by scavengers or weather

outside by scavengers or weather

outside by scavengers or weather he exploded hero said

he exploded hero said

he exploded hero said boy did he ever

boy did he ever

boy did he ever what used to be uncle was now a husk

what used to be uncle was now a husk

what used to be uncle was now a husk that had been turned inside out

that had been turned inside out

that had been turned inside out everything internal made external

everything internal made external

everything internal made external his rib cage was wrenched open cleanly

his rib cage was wrenched open cleanly

his rib cage was wrenched open cleanly and violently at his sternum parted like

and violently at his sternum parted like

and violently at his sternum parted like a suit coat lying on the floor with

a suit coat lying on the floor with

a suit coat lying on the floor with nobody in it his arms and legs were

nobody in it his arms and legs were

nobody in it his arms and legs were denuded of Flesh their bones pockmarked

denuded of Flesh their bones pockmarked

denuded of Flesh their bones pockmarked with what looked like more tiny

with what looked like more tiny

with what looked like more tiny explosions from within and the plates of

explosions from within and the plates of

explosions from within and the plates of his skull had been split apart along

his skull had been split apart along

his skull had been split apart along their eight seams as if the glue that

their eight seams as if the glue that

their eight seams as if the glue that held them together suddenly failed all

held them together suddenly failed all

held them together suddenly failed all at once

at once

at once Roberto who had seen a lot of ugly

Roberto who had seen a lot of ugly

Roberto who had seen a lot of ugly things had never seen anything like this

things had never seen anything like this

things had never seen anything like this he turned away and as he did so the wind

he turned away and as he did so the wind

he turned away and as he did so the wind let up the dust cleared for a moment and

let up the dust cleared for a moment and

let up the dust cleared for a moment and all at once he had an unimpeded view

all at once he had an unimpeded view

all at once he had an unimpeded view looking back the way they'd come

looking back the way they'd come

looking back the way they'd come every building in town was more or less

every building in town was more or less

every building in town was more or less the same height and from up here on top

the same height and from up here on top

the same height and from up here on top of uncle's house he could see onto all

of uncle's house he could see onto all

of uncle's house he could see onto all the other rooftops

the other rooftops

the other rooftops oh my God

oh my God

oh my God the others turned and saw what he saw

the others turned and saw what he saw

the others turned and saw what he saw the rooftops were covered with dead

the rooftops were covered with dead

the rooftops were covered with dead bodies every single one of them bursts

bodies every single one of them bursts

bodies every single one of them bursts open in the same way as uncles

open in the same way as uncles

open in the same way as uncles Roberto didn't need to count to know

Roberto didn't need to count to know

Roberto didn't need to count to know there would be 26.

at the moment they stood on the roof

at the moment they stood on the roof

at the moment they stood on the roof piecing together what had happened to

piecing together what had happened to

piecing together what had happened to the residents of the doomed Village the

the residents of the doomed Village the

the residents of the doomed Village the fungus was busily at work between the

fungus was busily at work between the

fungus was busily at work between the corrugated rubber Ridges of Dr Hiro

corrugated rubber Ridges of Dr Hiro

corrugated rubber Ridges of Dr Hiro Martin's right boot

Martin's right boot

Martin's right boot cordyceps Novus had reached a barrier

cordyceps Novus had reached a barrier

cordyceps Novus had reached a barrier the hard Rubber Sole between the boot

the hard Rubber Sole between the boot

the hard Rubber Sole between the boot and her foot and if there was one thing

and her foot and if there was one thing

and her foot and if there was one thing it hated it was a barrier

it hated it was a barrier

it hated it was a barrier but every good villain has a henchman

but every good villain has a henchman

but every good villain has a henchman in its mutated State the fungus housed

in its mutated State the fungus housed

in its mutated State the fungus housed an endosymbiote an organism that lived

an endosymbiote an organism that lived

an endosymbiote an organism that lived within its body in a mutualistic

within its body in a mutualistic

within its body in a mutualistic relationship

relationship

relationship what the fungus couldn't do the

what the fungus couldn't do the

what the fungus couldn't do the endosymbian could in this case catalyze

endosymbian could in this case catalyze

endosymbian could in this case catalyze the synthesis of random chemicals in a

the synthesis of random chemicals in a

the synthesis of random chemicals in a special new structure in order to break

special new structure in order to break

special new structure in order to break through barriers it was like having your

through barriers it was like having your

through barriers it was like having your own chemistry set

own chemistry set

own chemistry set the endosymbian which lived on the

the endosymbian which lived on the

the endosymbian which lived on the surface of the fungus in the form of a

surface of the fungus in the form of a

surface of the fungus in the form of a light Sheen was exposed to the

light Sheen was exposed to the

light Sheen was exposed to the atmosphere every time hero took a step

atmosphere every time hero took a step

atmosphere every time hero took a step it absorbed as much oxygen as it could

it absorbed as much oxygen as it could

it absorbed as much oxygen as it could combined it with carbon drawn from the

combined it with carbon drawn from the

combined it with carbon drawn from the dust and dirt particles that had stuck

dust and dirt particles that had stuck

dust and dirt particles that had stuck to the goo and formed a tight network of

to the goo and formed a tight network of

to the goo and formed a tight network of carbon oxygen double bonds these

carbon oxygen double bonds these

carbon oxygen double bonds these carbonyl groups now active ketones

carbonyl groups now active ketones

carbonyl groups now active ketones pushed their way upward toward the soul

pushed their way upward toward the soul

pushed their way upward toward the soul itself until stopped there by the hard

itself until stopped there by the hard

itself until stopped there by the hard unyielding Mass

unyielding Mass

unyielding Mass so it hybridized again the new Ketone

so it hybridized again the new Ketone

so it hybridized again the new Ketone sampled available elements from the

sampled available elements from the

sampled available elements from the Rubber and dirt and dust and cycled

Rubber and dirt and dust and cycled

Rubber and dirt and dust and cycled quickly through a variety of carbon

quickly through a variety of carbon

quickly through a variety of carbon skeletons it mutated into oxoloacetate

skeletons it mutated into oxoloacetate

skeletons it mutated into oxoloacetate which is great if you want to metabolize

which is great if you want to metabolize

which is great if you want to metabolize sugar but no use getting through the

sugar but no use getting through the

sugar but no use getting through the sole of a boot

sole of a boot

sole of a boot undaunted and mutated again into

undaunted and mutated again into

undaunted and mutated again into cyclohexanone which would have been good

cyclohexanone which would have been good

cyclohexanone which would have been good for making nylons and then into

for making nylons and then into

for making nylons and then into tetracycline superb if you're fighting

tetracycline superb if you're fighting

tetracycline superb if you're fighting pneumonia and then finally and most

pneumonia and then finally and most

pneumonia and then finally and most damagingly it recomposed itself as H2

damagingly it recomposed itself as H2

damagingly it recomposed itself as H2 fsbf6

fluoroantymonic acid

fluoroantymonic acid

fluoroantymonic acid the powerful industrial corrosive began

the powerful industrial corrosive began

the powerful industrial corrosive began eating its way through the rubber bottom

eating its way through the rubber bottom

eating its way through the rubber bottom of Hero's boot the mutation process so

of Hero's boot the mutation process so

of Hero's boot the mutation process so far had taken just under 90 seconds

far had taken just under 90 seconds

far had taken just under 90 seconds hero of course was unaware of what was

hero of course was unaware of what was

hero of course was unaware of what was happening as they climbed down from the

happening as they climbed down from the

happening as they climbed down from the roof and hurried back to the tank she

roof and hurried back to the tank she

roof and hurried back to the tank she was distracted trying to explain what

was distracted trying to explain what

was distracted trying to explain what they had just seen

they had just seen

they had just seen the fungus she speculated was mimicking

the fungus she speculated was mimicking

the fungus she speculated was mimicking the reproductive pattern of

the reproductive pattern of

the reproductive pattern of ophiocordyceps a Genus that consisted of

ophiocordyceps a Genus that consisted of

ophiocordyceps a Genus that consisted of about 140 different species each one of

about 140 different species each one of

about 140 different species each one of which reproduced by colonizing a

which reproduced by colonizing a

which reproduced by colonizing a different insect

different insect

different insect how does it do that Trini had a gun out

how does it do that Trini had a gun out

how does it do that Trini had a gun out again and her head was on a swivel as

again and her head was on a swivel as

again and her head was on a swivel as they climbed down onto the roof of the

they climbed down onto the roof of the

they climbed down onto the roof of the car

car

car hero explained let's say its Target

hero explained let's say its Target

hero explained let's say its Target species is an ant

species is an ant

species is an ant the ant walks along the forest floor and

the ant walks along the forest floor and

the ant walks along the forest floor and it passes over a tiny Spore of the

it passes over a tiny Spore of the

it passes over a tiny Spore of the fungus the Spore adheres to the ant digs

fungus the Spore adheres to the ant digs

fungus the Spore adheres to the ant digs through its outer shell and nests inside

through its outer shell and nests inside

through its outer shell and nests inside it

it

it moves to the body as quickly as it can

moves to the body as quickly as it can

moves to the body as quickly as it can making its way to the ant's brain where

making its way to the ant's brain where

making its way to the ant's brain where the rich nutrients send it into an

the rich nutrients send it into an

the rich nutrients send it into an exponential growth phase helping it

exponential growth phase helping it

exponential growth phase helping it reproduce up to 10 times as fast as it

reproduce up to 10 times as fast as it

reproduce up to 10 times as fast as it would in any other part of the body

would in any other part of the body

would in any other part of the body it spreads into every portion of the

it spreads into every portion of the

it spreads into every portion of the brain until it controls movement reflex

brain until it controls movement reflex

brain until it controls movement reflex impulse and to the extent that an ant

impulse and to the extent that an ant

impulse and to the extent that an ant can think thoughts even though the ant

can think thoughts even though the ant

can think thoughts even though the ant is still technically alive it's been

is still technically alive it's been

is still technically alive it's been hijacked by The Invader to serve its

hijacked by The Invader to serve its

hijacked by The Invader to serve its needs

needs

needs she jumped to the ground and the only

she jumped to the ground and the only

she jumped to the ground and the only thing a fungus needs is to make more

thing a fungus needs is to make more

thing a fungus needs is to make more fungus

fungus

fungus Roberto looked around understanding the

Roberto looked around understanding the

Roberto looked around understanding the town better now

town better now

town better now or the people anyway Jesus the people

or the people anyway Jesus the people

or the people anyway Jesus the people all of them

all of them

all of them hero walked quickly to the tank and

hero walked quickly to the tank and

hero walked quickly to the tank and knelt down beside it flipping open her

knelt down beside it flipping open her

knelt down beside it flipping open her sample case again

sample case again

sample case again the ant stops acting for itself all it

the ant stops acting for itself all it

the ant stops acting for itself all it knows is it has to move

knows is it has to move

knows is it has to move up it climbs the nearest stalk of grass

up it climbs the nearest stalk of grass

up it climbs the nearest stalk of grass clamps its jaws down as hard as it can

clamps its jaws down as hard as it can

clamps its jaws down as hard as it can and waits

and waits

and waits for what Trini asked

for what Trini asked

for what Trini asked until the fungus overfills the body

until the fungus overfills the body

until the fungus overfills the body cavity and it explodes

cavity and it explodes

cavity and it explodes Roberto looked up at the roofs of the

Roberto looked up at the roofs of the

Roberto looked up at the roofs of the houses and shivered that's why they

houses and shivered that's why they

houses and shivered that's why they climbed to spread the fungus as far as

climbed to spread the fungus as far as

climbed to spread the fungus as far as they could

they could

they could hero nodded

hero nodded

hero nodded it's a treeless Wasteland

it's a treeless Wasteland

it's a treeless Wasteland the roof was the highest spot they could

the roof was the highest spot they could

the roof was the highest spot they could find you work with what you got her

find you work with what you got her

find you work with what you got her gloved hands picked carefully through

gloved hands picked carefully through

gloved hands picked carefully through the sharp metal tools in the case

the sharp metal tools in the case

the sharp metal tools in the case she picked a flat-bladed instrument with

she picked a flat-bladed instrument with

she picked a flat-bladed instrument with a ring grip slipped it over her right

a ring grip slipped it over her right

a ring grip slipped it over her right index finger and flipped open a sample

index finger and flipped open a sample

index finger and flipped open a sample tube with her left hand

tube with her left hand

tube with her left hand carefully she scraped as much of the

carefully she scraped as much of the

carefully she scraped as much of the fungus into the tube as she could

fungus into the tube as she could

fungus into the tube as she could it's an extremely active parasitic

it's an extremely active parasitic

it's an extremely active parasitic growth but that's about all we'll know

growth but that's about all we'll know

growth but that's about all we'll know until I can isolate the proteins with

until I can isolate the proteins with

until I can isolate the proteins with liquid chromatography and sequence its

liquid chromatography and sequence its

liquid chromatography and sequence its DNA

DNA

DNA Roberto stared as she flipped the tube

Roberto stared as she flipped the tube

Roberto stared as she flipped the tube Shop with a practice gesture

Shop with a practice gesture

Shop with a practice gesture you're bringing it back

you're bringing it back

you're bringing it back she looked up at him not understanding

she looked up at him not understanding

she looked up at him not understanding what else am I supposed to do leave it

what else am I supposed to do leave it

what else am I supposed to do leave it we've got to burn this place

we've got to burn this place

we've got to burn this place go right ahead she said but we need to

go right ahead she said but we need to

go right ahead she said but we need to take a sample with us

take a sample with us

take a sample with us Trini looked at Roberto she's right you

Trini looked at Roberto she's right you

Trini looked at Roberto she's right you know she's right what's the matter with

know she's right what's the matter with

know she's right what's the matter with you

you

you Roberto didn't get scared very often but

Roberto didn't get scared very often but

Roberto didn't get scared very often but suddenly he was thinking about his

suddenly he was thinking about his

suddenly he was thinking about his little boy and about the possibility

little boy and about the possibility

little boy and about the possibility that he might never see him again

that he might never see him again

that he might never see him again he'd heard having a kid could do that to

he'd heard having a kid could do that to

he'd heard having a kid could do that to you make it tentative aware that you

you make it tentative aware that you

you make it tentative aware that you served some purpose larger than yourself

served some purpose larger than yourself

served some purpose larger than yourself to hell with the rest of the world I

to hell with the rest of the world I

to hell with the rest of the world I make my own people now and I have to

make my own people now and I have to

make my own people now and I have to protect them nothing else mattered

protect them nothing else mattered

protect them nothing else mattered then there was Annie

then there was Annie

then there was Annie I have a wife a woman I love completely

I have a wife a woman I love completely

I have a wife a woman I love completely whom I was this close to betraying and I

whom I was this close to betraying and I

whom I was this close to betraying and I would like very much to get back and get

would like very much to get back and get

would like very much to get back and get a head start on making that up to her

a head start on making that up to her

a head start on making that up to her for the rest of our lives

for the rest of our lives

for the rest of our lives that's what was the matter with him

that's what was the matter with him

that's what was the matter with him that's what he was thinking

that's what he was thinking

that's what he was thinking but he said none of it

but he said none of it

but he said none of it instead he said for Christ's sake Trini

instead he said for Christ's sake Trini

instead he said for Christ's sake Trini it has an R1 rate of one to one everyone

it has an R1 rate of one to one everyone

it has an R1 rate of one to one everyone who came in contact with it is dead

who came in contact with it is dead

who came in contact with it is dead every single person

every single person

every single person the secondary attack rate is a hundred

the secondary attack rate is a hundred

the secondary attack rate is a hundred percent generation time is immediate and

percent generation time is immediate and

percent generation time is immediate and the incubation rate is we don't know but

the incubation rate is we don't know but

the incubation rate is we don't know but less than 24 hours that's for God damn

less than 24 hours that's for God damn

less than 24 hours that's for God damn sure you want to bring that back into

sure you want to bring that back into

sure you want to bring that back into civilization we've never seen a bio

civilization we've never seen a bio

civilization we've never seen a bio weapon with anything remotely close to

weapon with anything remotely close to

weapon with anything remotely close to this kind of lethality

this kind of lethality

this kind of lethality which is exactly why it has to be tanked

which is exactly why it has to be tanked

which is exactly why it has to be tanked and studied come on man you know that

and studied come on man you know that

and studied come on man you know that this place won't stay a secret and if we

this place won't stay a secret and if we

this place won't stay a secret and if we don't bring it back somebody else will

don't bring it back somebody else will

don't bring it back somebody else will come get it maybe somebody who works for

come get it maybe somebody who works for

come get it maybe somebody who works for the other side

the other side

the other side it was a valid debate and while they

it was a valid debate and while they

it was a valid debate and while they carried on with it the corrosive inside

carried on with it the corrosive inside

carried on with it the corrosive inside Hero's boot heal continued to work with

Hero's boot heal continued to work with

Hero's boot heal continued to work with single-minded purpose

single-minded purpose

single-minded purpose the fluoro antimonic acid had proven to

the fluoro antimonic acid had proven to

the fluoro antimonic acid had proven to be just the thing for eating through

be just the thing for eating through

be just the thing for eating through hard sold rubber but it wasn't so much

hard sold rubber but it wasn't so much

hard sold rubber but it wasn't so much digging a hole as changing the chemical

digging a hole as changing the chemical

digging a hole as changing the chemical composition of the boot itself as it

composition of the boot itself as it

composition of the boot itself as it went along

went along

went along minor mutations occurred almost in a

minor mutations occurred almost in a

minor mutations occurred almost in a spirit of experimentation as the

spirit of experimentation as the

spirit of experimentation as the strength of the boots chemical bonds

strength of the boots chemical bonds

strength of the boots chemical bonds varied

varied

varied the substance was a Nifty adapter

the substance was a Nifty adapter

the substance was a Nifty adapter zipping through most of the Benzene

zipping through most of the Benzene

zipping through most of the Benzene groups that found the exact compound it

groups that found the exact compound it

groups that found the exact compound it was looking for

was looking for

was looking for finally it reached the other side of the

finally it reached the other side of the

finally it reached the other side of the Soul evolving out onto the surface of

Soul evolving out onto the surface of

Soul evolving out onto the surface of the inner boot just beneath the arch of

the inner boot just beneath the arch of

the inner boot just beneath the arch of Hero's right foot

Hero's right foot

Hero's right foot Benzene X it had hybridized so many

Benzene X it had hybridized so many

Benzene X it had hybridized so many times at this point that it defied

times at this point that it defied

times at this point that it defied classification according to current

classification according to current

classification according to current known chemical compounds had opened a

known chemical compounds had opened a

known chemical compounds had opened a door for the fungus which was so much

door for the fungus which was so much

door for the fungus which was so much larger in molecular size to pass through

larger in molecular size to pass through

larger in molecular size to pass through to the interior of Hero's suit

to the interior of Hero's suit

to the interior of Hero's suit which is where cordyceps novas found

which is where cordyceps novas found

which is where cordyceps novas found Nirvana

Nirvana

Nirvana the Boon like the rest of the Hazmat

the Boon like the rest of the Hazmat

the Boon like the rest of the Hazmat suit was loose fitting designed to

suit was loose fitting designed to

suit was loose fitting designed to encourage air circulation to prevent the

encourage air circulation to prevent the

encourage air circulation to prevent the wearer from overheating

wearer from overheating

wearer from overheating the breathing apparatus contained a

the breathing apparatus contained a

the breathing apparatus contained a small fan for oxygen recirculation which

small fan for oxygen recirculation which

small fan for oxygen recirculation which meant a fresh supply of o2 was

meant a fresh supply of o2 was

meant a fresh supply of o2 was continually moving through the inside of

continually moving through the inside of

continually moving through the inside of the suit

the suit

the suit strands of grateful fungus spun off into

strands of grateful fungus spun off into

strands of grateful fungus spun off into whispery tendrils and went Airborne

whispery tendrils and went Airborne

whispery tendrils and went Airborne drifting upward on a rising column of

drifting upward on a rising column of

drifting upward on a rising column of warm CO2 until they landed lightly on

warm CO2 until they landed lightly on

warm CO2 until they landed lightly on the bare skin of Hero's right leg

the bare skin of Hero's right leg

the bare skin of Hero's right leg still unaware of the enemy Invasion

still unaware of the enemy Invasion

still unaware of the enemy Invasion going on inside her suit hero screwed

going on inside her suit hero screwed

going on inside her suit hero screwed the top onto the sample tube broke a

the top onto the sample tube broke a

the top onto the sample tube broke a seal on its side and the tube hissed a

seal on its side and the tube hissed a

seal on its side and the tube hissed a tiny pellet of nitrogen flash freezing

tiny pellet of nitrogen flash freezing

tiny pellet of nitrogen flash freezing it until it could be reopened in a lab

it until it could be reopened in a lab

it until it could be reopened in a lab and stored permanently in liquid

and stored permanently in liquid

and stored permanently in liquid nitrogen

nitrogen

nitrogen she dropped the two back into the foam

she dropped the two back into the foam

she dropped the two back into the foam padded slot in the case clicked it shut

padded slot in the case clicked it shut

padded slot in the case clicked it shut and stood up done

and stood up done

and stood up done the debate over what to do next had been

the debate over what to do next had been

the debate over what to do next had been resolved the way it always was which is

resolved the way it always was which is

resolved the way it always was which is to say that Trinny prevailed

to say that Trinny prevailed

to say that Trinny prevailed she heard Roberto's arguments let them

she heard Roberto's arguments let them

she heard Roberto's arguments let them go a little bit past the point she felt

go a little bit past the point she felt

go a little bit past the point she felt was necessary given the difference in

was necessary given the difference in

was necessary given the difference in their ranks then looked directly at her

their ranks then looked directly at her

their ranks then looked directly at her friend lowered her voice a tone or two

friend lowered her voice a tone or two

friend lowered her voice a tone or two and just said one word

and just said one word

and just said one word major

major

major the conversation was over

the conversation was over

the conversation was over Trini was the officer in charge and the

Trini was the officer in charge and the

Trini was the officer in charge and the advice of the scientific escort was on

advice of the scientific escort was on

advice of the scientific escort was on her side

her side

her side the outcome had never been in doubt but

the outcome had never been in doubt but

the outcome had never been in doubt but Roberto had felt a humanitarian urge to

Roberto had felt a humanitarian urge to

Roberto had felt a humanitarian urge to object anyway

object anyway

object anyway what if just this once they did what was

what if just this once they did what was

what if just this once they did what was obvious and right even if it was

obvious and right even if it was

obvious and right even if it was directly contrary to procedure

directly contrary to procedure

directly contrary to procedure what if

what if

what if but they'd never find out and in the end

but they'd never find out and in the end

but they'd never find out and in the end Roberto settled on a secondary Assurance

Roberto settled on a secondary Assurance

Roberto settled on a secondary Assurance they would take one sample one carefully

they would take one sample one carefully

they would take one sample one carefully sealed in The Biohazard tube and would

sealed in The Biohazard tube and would

sealed in The Biohazard tube and would not leave Western Australia until the

not leave Western Australia until the

not leave Western Australia until the two respective governments had agreed to

two respective governments had agreed to

two respective governments had agreed to drop an Overkill load of oil-based

drop an Overkill load of oil-based

drop an Overkill load of oil-based incendiary bombs on the place

incendiary bombs on the place

incendiary bombs on the place and they would suffice even old m69s or

and they would suffice even old m69s or

and they would suffice even old m69s or m47s loaded with white phosphorus would

m47s loaded with white phosphorus would

m47s loaded with white phosphorus would do the job

do the job

do the job there's nothing left to save here anyway

there's nothing left to save here anyway

there's nothing left to save here anyway they left town and walked back toward

they left town and walked back toward

they left town and walked back toward the Jeep

four

inside Hero's suit cordyceps Novus found

inside Hero's suit cordyceps Novus found

inside Hero's suit cordyceps Novus found what it had been looking for

what it had been looking for

what it had been looking for a tiny scratch in the surface of Hero's

a tiny scratch in the surface of Hero's

a tiny scratch in the surface of Hero's calf

calf

calf even an overwide poor opening would have

even an overwide poor opening would have

even an overwide poor opening would have been big enough for it to gain entry

been big enough for it to gain entry

been big enough for it to gain entry into her bloodstream but the open

into her bloodstream but the open

into her bloodstream but the open scratch which cut through two layers of

scratch which cut through two layers of

scratch which cut through two layers of her skin fairly yawned with possibility

her skin fairly yawned with possibility

her skin fairly yawned with possibility Hiro didn't even know she had an open

Hiro didn't even know she had an open

Hiro didn't even know she had an open wound it had been an absent-minded

wound it had been an absent-minded

wound it had been an absent-minded scratch she was reacting to an itch

scratch she was reacting to an itch

scratch she was reacting to an itch produced by a changed cleaning product

produced by a changed cleaning product

produced by a changed cleaning product the hotel at washed your jeans last week

the hotel at washed your jeans last week

the hotel at washed your jeans last week had used a cheap Optical brightener with

had used a cheap Optical brightener with

had used a cheap Optical brightener with a higher concentration of bleach than

a higher concentration of bleach than

a higher concentration of bleach than she was used to so it itched and she

she was used to so it itched and she

she was used to so it itched and she scratched and the fungus entered her

scratched and the fungus entered her

scratched and the fungus entered her bloodstream

bloodstream

bloodstream what's that smell Hiro asked they were

what's that smell Hiro asked they were

what's that smell Hiro asked they were 50 yards from the Jeep

50 yards from the Jeep

50 yards from the Jeep Roberto looked at him what smell she

Roberto looked at him what smell she

Roberto looked at him what smell she sniffed again burnt toast

sniffed again burnt toast

sniffed again burnt toast Trini Shrugged can't smell anything

Trini Shrugged can't smell anything

Trini Shrugged can't smell anything she looked back glad to leave the town

she looked back glad to leave the town

she looked back glad to leave the town behind this whole place is going to

behind this whole place is going to

behind this whole place is going to smell like burnt toast by the end of the

smell like burnt toast by the end of the

smell like burnt toast by the end of the day

day

day but Roberto was confused still looking

but Roberto was confused still looking

but Roberto was confused still looking at hero in your suit

at hero in your suit

at hero in your suit hero held up an arm and regarded it as

hero held up an arm and regarded it as

hero held up an arm and regarded it as if reminding herself she was wearing a

if reminding herself she was wearing a

if reminding herself she was wearing a sealed biohazard suit

sealed biohazard suit

sealed biohazard suit that doesn't make sense does it

that doesn't make sense does it

that doesn't make sense does it in fact it made perfect sense cordyceps

in fact it made perfect sense cordyceps

in fact it made perfect sense cordyceps Novus was really warming up and had

Novus was really warming up and had

Novus was really warming up and had superheated the starches and proteins

superheated the starches and proteins

superheated the starches and proteins just inside Hero's epidermis

just inside Hero's epidermis

just inside Hero's epidermis as a byproduct of the reaction they

as a byproduct of the reaction they

as a byproduct of the reaction they outgassed acrylamide producing the same

outgassed acrylamide producing the same

outgassed acrylamide producing the same smell as burnt toast

smell as burnt toast

smell as burnt toast it was generating heat as well and the

it was generating heat as well and the

it was generating heat as well and the sudden rise in temperature on Hero's

sudden rise in temperature on Hero's

sudden rise in temperature on Hero's skin would surely bother her soon but

skin would surely bother her soon but

skin would surely bother her soon but the fungus was attentive to that

the fungus was attentive to that

the fungus was attentive to that possibility and was moving fast through

possibility and was moving fast through

possibility and was moving fast through her bloodstream racing to get to her

her bloodstream racing to get to her

her bloodstream racing to get to her brain where it would intercept the

brain where it would intercept the

brain where it would intercept the messages from her pain receptors

messages from her pain receptors

messages from her pain receptors this in itself was no great trick a tick

this in itself was no great trick a tick

this in itself was no great trick a tick does the same thing releasing a surface

does the same thing releasing a surface

does the same thing releasing a surface anesthetic as soon as it Burrows into

anesthetic as soon as it Burrows into

anesthetic as soon as it Burrows into its victim's skin so its blood sucking

its victim's skin so its blood sucking

its victim's skin so its blood sucking can go unnoticed for as long as possible

can go unnoticed for as long as possible

can go unnoticed for as long as possible but the fungus had a long way to travel

but the fungus had a long way to travel

but the fungus had a long way to travel and a lot of receptors to block

and a lot of receptors to block

and a lot of receptors to block Hero's heartbeat accelerated which

Hero's heartbeat accelerated which

Hero's heartbeat accelerated which circulated her blood faster

circulated her blood faster

circulated her blood faster inadvertently helping her would-be

inadvertently helping her would-be

inadvertently helping her would-be killer

killer

killer she stopped walking

she stopped walking

she stopped walking they can't be a smell in my suit it's

they can't be a smell in my suit it's

they can't be a smell in my suit it's sealed and over pressured there's

sealed and over pressured there's

sealed and over pressured there's nothing in here but oxygen and clean CO2

nothing in here but oxygen and clean CO2

nothing in here but oxygen and clean CO2 why is there a smell in my suit

why is there a smell in my suit

why is there a smell in my suit to starting to panic Trinny tried to

to starting to panic Trinny tried to

to starting to panic Trinny tried to defuse it there are probably a lot of

defuse it there are probably a lot of

defuse it there are probably a lot of jokes I could make here it's not [ __ ]

jokes I could make here it's not [ __ ]

jokes I could make here it's not [ __ ] funny hero snapped it's not Trinny shut

funny hero snapped it's not Trinny shut

funny hero snapped it's not Trinny shut the hell up something penetrated her

the hell up something penetrated her

the hell up something penetrated her suit

suit

suit that's not possible hero said to

that's not possible hero said to

that's not possible hero said to convince herself as much as anyone else

convince herself as much as anyone else

convince herself as much as anyone else just keep moving Trinity advised we'll

just keep moving Trinity advised we'll

just keep moving Trinity advised we'll lose the suits of the Jeep we can't take

lose the suits of the Jeep we can't take

lose the suits of the Jeep we can't take him out of here anyway they need to burn

him out of here anyway they need to burn

him out of here anyway they need to burn we'll check yours for breaches

we'll check yours for breaches

we'll check yours for breaches she looked at hero her man are serious

she looked at hero her man are serious

she looked at hero her man are serious do you feel anything here a thought

do you feel anything here a thought

do you feel anything here a thought no

no

no Roberto persisted take a minute focus on

Roberto persisted take a minute focus on

Roberto persisted take a minute focus on each part of your body anything

each part of your body anything

each part of your body anything different at all

different at all

different at all Heroes breathing studied she considered

Heroes breathing studied she considered

Heroes breathing studied she considered the question going through her Anatomy

the question going through her Anatomy

the question going through her Anatomy from the bottoms of her feet to the top

from the bottoms of her feet to the top

from the bottoms of her feet to the top of her head

of her head

of her head no nothing different

no nothing different

no nothing different inside her body it was a different story

inside her body it was a different story

inside her body it was a different story the fungus had penetrated Hero's brain

the fungus had penetrated Hero's brain

the fungus had penetrated Hero's brain and was reproducing at nightmare speed

and was reproducing at nightmare speed

and was reproducing at nightmare speed seeking out and blocking her and

seeking out and blocking her and

seeking out and blocking her and nociceptors the way an invading Army

nociceptors the way an invading Army

nociceptors the way an invading Army shuts down the internet and television

shuts down the internet and television

shuts down the internet and television stations

stations

stations there was a red alert blaring in Hero's

there was a red alert blaring in Hero's

there was a red alert blaring in Hero's brain flags were waving alarm bells

brain flags were waving alarm bells

brain flags were waving alarm bells ringing but the ends of her Sensory

ringing but the ends of her Sensory

ringing but the ends of her Sensory neurons axons had been taken over and

neurons axons had been taken over and

neurons axons had been taken over and blocked from responding to damaging

blocked from responding to damaging

blocked from responding to damaging stimuli they could no longer send

stimuli they could no longer send

stimuli they could no longer send Potential Threat messages to her

Potential Threat messages to her

Potential Threat messages to her Thalamus and subcortical areas

Thalamus and subcortical areas

Thalamus and subcortical areas they were screaming into a void

they were screaming into a void

they were screaming into a void hero Martens was dying

hero Martens was dying

hero Martens was dying but the neural message she got from her

but the neural message she got from her

but the neural message she got from her brain was that everything was fine just

brain was that everything was fine just

brain was that everything was fine just fine don't worry about a thing

fine don't worry about a thing

fine don't worry about a thing I'm okay

I'm okay

I'm okay you sure Roberto asked she nodded let's

you sure Roberto asked she nodded let's

you sure Roberto asked she nodded let's just get out of here

just get out of here

just get out of here they started walking again now 40 yards

they started walking again now 40 yards

they started walking again now 40 yards from the Jeep Hero's brain thought

from the Jeep Hero's brain thought

from the Jeep Hero's brain thought through possible reasons a foreign smell

through possible reasons a foreign smell

through possible reasons a foreign smell should have presented itself inside her

should have presented itself inside her

should have presented itself inside her suit

suit

suit nothing believable came to mind

nothing believable came to mind

nothing believable came to mind she decided she would not destroy this

she decided she would not destroy this

she decided she would not destroy this suit she was going to tank and return it

suit she was going to tank and return it

suit she was going to tank and return it she wanted to have a chance to take it

she wanted to have a chance to take it

she wanted to have a chance to take it apart and look at every inch of it in

apart and look at every inch of it in

apart and look at every inch of it in case there was a tear or foreign

case there was a tear or foreign

case there was a tear or foreign substance inside in which case somebody

substance inside in which case somebody

substance inside in which case somebody in PPE was going to get an earful about

in PPE was going to get an earful about

in PPE was going to get an earful about procedure

procedure

procedure the jeep was now 30 yards away Hiro felt

the jeep was now 30 yards away Hiro felt

the jeep was now 30 yards away Hiro felt light-headed and realized she hadn't

light-headed and realized she hadn't

light-headed and realized she hadn't eaten since nine or ten hours ago then

eaten since nine or ten hours ago then

eaten since nine or ten hours ago then again looking at Uncle's mutilated

again looking at Uncle's mutilated

again looking at Uncle's mutilated corpse wouldn't exactly stimulate

corpse wouldn't exactly stimulate

corpse wouldn't exactly stimulate anyone's appetite so there was no reason

anyone's appetite so there was no reason

anyone's appetite so there was no reason to think anything unusual about that she

to think anything unusual about that she

to think anything unusual about that she ran through her physical inventory once

ran through her physical inventory once

ran through her physical inventory once again but other than elevated heart rate

again but other than elevated heart rate

again but other than elevated heart rate some quick and breathing there wasn't

some quick and breathing there wasn't

some quick and breathing there wasn't anything physically different about her

anything physically different about her

anything physically different about her that she could detect

that she could detect

that she could detect she squinted up at the Sun and as she

she squinted up at the Sun and as she

she squinted up at the Sun and as she did a thought floated through her mind

did a thought floated through her mind

did a thought floated through her mind except there's no telephone service out

except there's no telephone service out

except there's no telephone service out here

here

here well no there wasn't what did that

well no there wasn't what did that

well no there wasn't what did that matter

matter

matter did you look down at the case in her

did you look down at the case in her

did you look down at the case in her hand thinking about what she had inside

hand thinking about what she had inside

hand thinking about what she had inside the tube people were going to lose their

the tube people were going to lose their

the tube people were going to lose their minds over this one she wondered if the

minds over this one she wondered if the

minds over this one she wondered if the CDC would even accept it

CDC would even accept it

CDC would even accept it so there's no telephone poles

so there's no telephone poles

so there's no telephone poles she sugar had to clear it and resumed

she sugar had to clear it and resumed

she sugar had to clear it and resumed her train of thought

her train of thought

her train of thought there were only a handful of labs in the

there were only a handful of labs in the

there were only a handful of labs in the Western Hemisphere that were set up to

Western Hemisphere that were set up to

Western Hemisphere that were set up to store biosafety level 4 pathogens and

store biosafety level 4 pathogens and

store biosafety level 4 pathogens and Atlanta and Galveston would reject it

Atlanta and Galveston would reject it

Atlanta and Galveston would reject it outright improperly classifying it as

outright improperly classifying it as

outright improperly classifying it as extraterrestrial because of its trip

extraterrestrial because of its trip

extraterrestrial because of its trip outside Earth's atmosphere

outside Earth's atmosphere

outside Earth's atmosphere maybe an electrical Tower

maybe an electrical Tower

maybe an electrical Tower the U.S army would fight for it no

the U.S army would fight for it no

the U.S army would fight for it no question about that but Fort Dietrich

question about that but Fort Dietrich

question about that but Fort Dietrich had suffered a breach 18 months ago and

had suffered a breach 18 months ago and

had suffered a breach 18 months ago and gnome was eager to they've got to have

gnome was eager to they've got to have

gnome was eager to they've got to have power right don't they have power

power right don't they have power

power right don't they have power she snapped her head to the side come on

she snapped her head to the side come on

she snapped her head to the side come on Focus they were 10 yards from the Jeep

Focus they were 10 yards from the Jeep

Focus they were 10 yards from the Jeep their image of it suddenly shuddered and

their image of it suddenly shuddered and

their image of it suddenly shuddered and divided into 16 identical rectangular

divided into 16 identical rectangular

divided into 16 identical rectangular boxes 16 images of the Jeep neatly

boxes 16 images of the Jeep neatly

boxes 16 images of the Jeep neatly separated and replicated

separated and replicated

separated and replicated Hiro felt her skin go cold

Hiro felt her skin go cold

Hiro felt her skin go cold because that wasn't something you could

because that wasn't something you could

because that wasn't something you could easily ignore or pass off to hunger or

easily ignore or pass off to hunger or

easily ignore or pass off to hunger or exhaustion

exhaustion

exhaustion but then again she thought I used to

but then again she thought I used to

but then again she thought I used to faint when I was a kid in school

faint when I was a kid in school

faint when I was a kid in school assembly sometimes and didn't it feel

assembly sometimes and didn't it feel

assembly sometimes and didn't it feel like this

like this

like this wasn't there prickling in her scalp and

wasn't there prickling in her scalp and

wasn't there prickling in her scalp and then her vision would go weird and she'd

then her vision would go weird and she'd

then her vision would go weird and she'd see double right before she killed over

see double right before she killed over

see double right before she killed over sure that was probably it low blood

sure that was probably it low blood

sure that was probably it low blood sugar a radio tower 50 kilometers back

sugar a radio tower 50 kilometers back

sugar a radio tower 50 kilometers back didn't I see something wasn't it a radio

didn't I see something wasn't it a radio

didn't I see something wasn't it a radio tower

tower

tower the image swam through her mind crisp

the image swam through her mind crisp

the image swam through her mind crisp and clear they had driven past a radio

and clear they had driven past a radio

and clear they had driven past a radio tower in the middle of the desert just

tower in the middle of the desert just

tower in the middle of the desert just alongside the road about 100 meters high

alongside the road about 100 meters high

alongside the road about 100 meters high with a small black utility box at the

with a small black utility box at the

with a small black utility box at the base of it

base of it

base of it that's exactly what it was

that's exactly what it was

that's exactly what it was she said that last bit out loud and

she said that last bit out loud and

she said that last bit out loud and Roberto and Trini turned and looked at

Roberto and Trini turned and looked at

Roberto and Trini turned and looked at her

her

her what Roberto asked

what Roberto asked

what Roberto asked she looked at him huh

she looked at him huh

she looked at him huh that's exactly what what was

that's exactly what what was

that's exactly what what was hero had no idea what he was talking

hero had no idea what he was talking

hero had no idea what he was talking about was it possible that Roberto had

about was it possible that Roberto had

about was it possible that Roberto had somehow become infected by the fungus

somehow become infected by the fungus

somehow become infected by the fungus that it was his suit that had

that it was his suit that had

that it was his suit that had malfunctioned and that he was starting

malfunctioned and that he was starting

malfunctioned and that he was starting to lose his mind

to lose his mind

to lose his mind she certainly hoped not he was a nice

she certainly hoped not he was a nice

she certainly hoped not he was a nice enough guy even if he was a total flirt

enough guy even if he was a total flirt

enough guy even if he was a total flirt she really had to lay off the married

she really had to lay off the married

she really had to lay off the married men never again she vowed right there

men never again she vowed right there

men never again she vowed right there and then from now on either find someone

and then from now on either find someone

and then from now on either find someone appropriate or be content with it can't

appropriate or be content with it can't

appropriate or be content with it can't be that hard to climb

be that hard to climb

be that hard to climb oh [ __ ]

oh [ __ ]

oh [ __ ] she had to think this through

she had to think this through

she had to think this through to climb the radio tower

to climb the radio tower

to climb the radio tower it had lateral struts about four or five

it had lateral struts about four or five

it had lateral struts about four or five feet apart but there's probably a

feet apart but there's probably a

feet apart but there's probably a service ladder inside the structure how

service ladder inside the structure how

service ladder inside the structure how else would they repair anything that

else would they repair anything that

else would they repair anything that broke near the top of the thing I could

broke near the top of the thing I could

broke near the top of the thing I could climb that

climb that

climb that for the last time the weight and

for the last time the weight and

for the last time the weight and pressure of the healthy functioning

pressure of the healthy functioning

pressure of the healthy functioning neurons and Hero's brain outweighed

neurons and Hero's brain outweighed

neurons and Hero's brain outweighed those that had been consumed destroyed

those that had been consumed destroyed

those that had been consumed destroyed or shut down by cordyceps Novus

or shut down by cordyceps Novus

or shut down by cordyceps Novus her prefrontal cortex which handled

her prefrontal cortex which handled

her prefrontal cortex which handled reasoning and sophisticated

reasoning and sophisticated

reasoning and sophisticated interpersonal thinking skills reasserted

interpersonal thinking skills reasserted

interpersonal thinking skills reasserted itself in a burst of clarity and control

itself in a burst of clarity and control

itself in a burst of clarity and control and told her quite clearly that based on

and told her quite clearly that based on

and told her quite clearly that based on a her disordered thought processes B the

a her disordered thought processes B the

a her disordered thought processes B the smell of burnt toast inside her suit

smell of burnt toast inside her suit

smell of burnt toast inside her suit that indicated a foreign contaminant see

that indicated a foreign contaminant see

that indicated a foreign contaminant see the Expressions on the faces of Trini

the Expressions on the faces of Trini

the Expressions on the faces of Trini and Roberto who clearly thought

and Roberto who clearly thought

and Roberto who clearly thought something was wrong with her and D

something was wrong with her and D

something was wrong with her and D her sudden and irrational fixation on

her sudden and irrational fixation on

her sudden and irrational fixation on the feasibility of climbing a [ __ ]

the feasibility of climbing a [ __ ]

the feasibility of climbing a [ __ ] radio tower for Christ's sake

radio tower for Christ's sake

radio tower for Christ's sake she had likely been infected by the

she had likely been infected by the

she had likely been infected by the fungus and was moments away from coming

fungus and was moments away from coming

fungus and was moments away from coming under the control of a rapidly

under the control of a rapidly

under the control of a rapidly replicating fungus that constituted an

replicating fungus that constituted an

replicating fungus that constituted an extinction level threat to the human

extinction level threat to the human

extinction level threat to the human race

race

race still walking she glanced to her right

still walking she glanced to her right

still walking she glanced to her right and saw Trini was carrying her handgun

and saw Trini was carrying her handgun

and saw Trini was carrying her handgun Loosely at her side as she and Roberto

Loosely at her side as she and Roberto

Loosely at her side as she and Roberto looked back and forth from her to each

looked back and forth from her to each

looked back and forth from her to each other trying to communicate their

other trying to communicate their

other trying to communicate their concern wordlessly rather than over the

concern wordlessly rather than over the

concern wordlessly rather than over the radio system which she would be able to

radio system which she would be able to

radio system which she would be able to hear

hear

hear take the Jeep and drive to the Tower

take the Jeep and drive to the Tower

take the Jeep and drive to the Tower hero walked faster headed for the Jeep

hero walked faster headed for the Jeep

hero walked faster headed for the Jeep they let her happy to fall behind so

they let her happy to fall behind so

they let her happy to fall behind so they could keep an eye on her climb the

they could keep an eye on her climb the

they could keep an eye on her climb the tower

tower

tower as hero neared the Jeep she saw the keys

as hero neared the Jeep she saw the keys

as hero neared the Jeep she saw the keys the sunlight shining off them in the

the sunlight shining off them in the

the sunlight shining off them in the ignition she felt pulled toward them

ignition she felt pulled toward them

ignition she felt pulled toward them climb the tower

climb the tower

climb the tower Hero's frontal lobe was in a doomed

Hero's frontal lobe was in a doomed

Hero's frontal lobe was in a doomed fight for control

fight for control

fight for control it made up a third of the total volume

it made up a third of the total volume

it made up a third of the total volume of her brain but was now overrun with a

of her brain but was now overrun with a

of her brain but was now overrun with a florid healthy colony of cordyceps Novus

florid healthy colony of cordyceps Novus

florid healthy colony of cordyceps Novus her flag of intellectual Independence

her flag of intellectual Independence

her flag of intellectual Independence fell

fell

fell still her conscious thought didn't give

still her conscious thought didn't give

still her conscious thought didn't give up merely darted away blew through the

up merely darted away blew through the

up merely darted away blew through the Wasteland of our already conquered

Wasteland of our already conquered

Wasteland of our already conquered temporal lobe and turned in desperation

temporal lobe and turned in desperation

temporal lobe and turned in desperation to the last part of her mental apparatus

to the last part of her mental apparatus

to the last part of her mental apparatus that was still free her parietal lobe

that was still free her parietal lobe

that was still free her parietal lobe there her thought stream was

there her thought stream was

there her thought stream was precariously her own but severely

precariously her own but severely

precariously her own but severely limited

limited

limited just math now math and analytics where x

just math now math and analytics where x

just math now math and analytics where x equals regeneration of healthy brain

equals regeneration of healthy brain

equals regeneration of healthy brain tissue probability is zero minus X try

tissue probability is zero minus X try

tissue probability is zero minus X try recovery rate recovery rate and event of

recovery rate recovery rate and event of

recovery rate recovery rate and event of default

default

default she was pulling off a freshman economics

she was pulling off a freshman economics

she was pulling off a freshman economics class now but it was the only scrap of

class now but it was the only scrap of

class now but it was the only scrap of useful knowledge left kicking around

useful knowledge left kicking around

useful knowledge left kicking around unfettered in her head the only Avenue

unfettered in her head the only Avenue

unfettered in her head the only Avenue of reasoning left open to her and it was

of reasoning left open to her and it was

of reasoning left open to her and it was going to have to do

going to have to do

going to have to do so let's try a calculation shall we the

so let's try a calculation shall we the

so let's try a calculation shall we the equation to be formed would need to

equation to be formed would need to

equation to be formed would need to answer only one question could she

answer only one question could she

answer only one question could she survive this

survive this

survive this recovery probability RP versus loss

recovery probability RP versus loss

recovery probability RP versus loss given default lgd RP less than or

given default lgd RP less than or

given default lgd RP less than or greater than lgd dependent on instrument

greater than lgd dependent on instrument

greater than lgd dependent on instrument type where instrument type i t equals

type where instrument type i t equals

type where instrument type i t equals hyper effective mutating fungus

hyper effective mutating fungus

hyper effective mutating fungus corporate issues where corporate issues

corporate issues where corporate issues

corporate issues where corporate issues CI equals major default of more than 50

CI equals major default of more than 50

CI equals major default of more than 50 of healthy brain tissue and prevailing

of healthy brain tissue and prevailing

of healthy brain tissue and prevailing macroeconomic conditions pmcs where pmcs

macroeconomic conditions pmcs where pmcs

macroeconomic conditions pmcs where pmcs equals every single other person who

equals every single other person who

equals every single other person who ever encountered this thing is dead so

ever encountered this thing is dead so

ever encountered this thing is dead so RP equals i t over CI times PMC equals

RP equals i t over CI times PMC equals

RP equals i t over CI times PMC equals there's no [ __ ] chance whatsoever

there's no [ __ ] chance whatsoever

there's no [ __ ] chance whatsoever the answer was no

the answer was no

the answer was no she could not recover

she could not recover

she could not recover she was going to die

she was going to die

she was going to die the only question was how many people

the only question was how many people

the only question was how many people she was going to take with her when she

she was going to take with her when she

she was going to take with her when she did

did

did climb the tower a brain told her

climb the tower a brain told her

climb the tower a brain told her and with a tiny bit of volition Dr Hiro

and with a tiny bit of volition Dr Hiro

and with a tiny bit of volition Dr Hiro Martin still had left she replied

Martin still had left she replied

Martin still had left she replied no she said

no she said

no she said she turned around fast Trini didn't have

she turned around fast Trini didn't have

she turned around fast Trini didn't have time to react in part because she was

time to react in part because she was

time to react in part because she was too stunned by the side of Hero's

too stunned by the side of Hero's

too stunned by the side of Hero's swollen heaving face which was distended

swollen heaving face which was distended

swollen heaving face which was distended and discolored the skin stretched so

and discolored the skin stretched so

and discolored the skin stretched so tight it was cracking here it was

tight it was cracking here it was

tight it was cracking here it was honorable Fortuna knew it was happening

honorable Fortuna knew it was happening

honorable Fortuna knew it was happening she wrenched the gun from trini's hand

she wrenched the gun from trini's hand

she wrenched the gun from trini's hand gone out Trinny shouted but Roberto had

gone out Trinny shouted but Roberto had

gone out Trinny shouted but Roberto had already seen it he yelled at Hiro to

already seen it he yelled at Hiro to

already seen it he yelled at Hiro to stop but she was backing away from them

stop but she was backing away from them

stop but she was backing away from them already backing away and turning the gun

already backing away and turning the gun

already backing away and turning the gun around on herself she reached up with

around on herself she reached up with

around on herself she reached up with her left hand and ripped her suits

her left hand and ripped her suits

her left hand and ripped her suits velcro flap over the zippered O2 access

velcro flap over the zippered O2 access

velcro flap over the zippered O2 access port tore that open shoved the gun

port tore that open shoved the gun

port tore that open shoved the gun inside the suit sealed the velcro flap

inside the suit sealed the velcro flap

inside the suit sealed the velcro flap around the barrel pressed the barrel of

around the barrel pressed the barrel of

around the barrel pressed the barrel of the gun up against her chest don't

the gun up against her chest don't

the gun up against her chest don't Roberto yelled knowing it was too late

Roberto yelled knowing it was too late

Roberto yelled knowing it was too late even as he said it

even as he said it

even as he said it hero pulled the trigger

hero pulled the trigger

hero pulled the trigger the bullet broke her skin and crashed

the bullet broke her skin and crashed

the bullet broke her skin and crashed through her breastbone tearing open a

through her breastbone tearing open a

through her breastbone tearing open a hole in her chest the size of a quarter

hole in her chest the size of a quarter

hole in her chest the size of a quarter like a balloon popped by a pen the rest

like a balloon popped by a pen the rest

like a balloon popped by a pen the rest of her went all at once bursting at the

of her went all at once bursting at the

of her went all at once bursting at the sudden release of pressure

sudden release of pressure

sudden release of pressure all Trini and Roberto saw was her head

all Trini and Roberto saw was her head

all Trini and Roberto saw was her head which in one moment was a disfigured

which in one moment was a disfigured

which in one moment was a disfigured although recognizable human head

although recognizable human head

although recognizable human head and the next moment was a wash of green

and the next moment was a wash of green

and the next moment was a wash of green Gunk that completely covered the inside

Gunk that completely covered the inside

Gunk that completely covered the inside of her faceplate

of her faceplate

of her faceplate hero fell dead

hero fell dead

hero fell dead but she'd kept her suit intact

less than 72 hours later Trini and

less than 72 hours later Trini and

less than 72 hours later Trini and Roberto were in the car just over three

Roberto were in the car just over three

Roberto were in the car just over three miles away from the Atchison mines their

miles away from the Atchison mines their

miles away from the Atchison mines their eyes glued to the box in the back of the

eyes glued to the box in the back of the

eyes glued to the box in the back of the truck just ahead of them

truck just ahead of them

truck just ahead of them Heroes field case have been packed

Heroes field case have been packed

Heroes field case have been packed unopened into a larger sealed crate

unopened into a larger sealed crate

unopened into a larger sealed crate filled with dry ice

filled with dry ice

filled with dry ice so far things have gone smoothly

so far things have gone smoothly

so far things have gone smoothly Gordon gray the head of the dtra had

Gordon gray the head of the dtra had

Gordon gray the head of the dtra had taken Trini and Roberto exactly at that

taken Trini and Roberto exactly at that

taken Trini and Roberto exactly at that word because they were the best and he

word because they were the best and he

word because they were the best and he ordered their explicit instructions be

ordered their explicit instructions be

ordered their explicit instructions be followed to the letter

followed to the letter

followed to the letter when Gordon gray gave an order people

when Gordon gray gave an order people

when Gordon gray gave an order people followed it and since all the residents

followed it and since all the residents

followed it and since all the residents of the Town were dead and the land

of the Town were dead and the land

of the Town were dead and the land itself held no value there was no one

itself held no value there was no one

itself held no value there was no one and no reason to object

and no reason to object

and no reason to object the firebombing of kirakura was agreed

the firebombing of kirakura was agreed

the firebombing of kirakura was agreed to without debate by the respective

to without debate by the respective

to without debate by the respective government

government

government The Unlucky Place burned and with it

The Unlucky Place burned and with it

The Unlucky Place burned and with it every molecule of cordyceps Novus except

every molecule of cordyceps Novus except

every molecule of cordyceps Novus except for the sample in Hero's biotube

for the sample in Hero's biotube

for the sample in Hero's biotube the question of what to do with the tube

the question of what to do with the tube

the question of what to do with the tube was tougher to answer as hero had

was tougher to answer as hero had

was tougher to answer as hero had speculated the CDC wanted no part of

speculated the CDC wanted no part of

speculated the CDC wanted no part of storing something that had been born or

storing something that had been born or

storing something that had been born or any rate partially bred in outer space

any rate partially bred in outer space

any rate partially bred in outer space though the defense department was

though the defense department was

though the defense department was willing its only suitable facility was

willing its only suitable facility was

willing its only suitable facility was for Dietrich which was out of the

for Dietrich which was out of the

for Dietrich which was out of the question

question

question the breach there 18 months earlier had

the breach there 18 months earlier had

the breach there 18 months earlier had triggered a top-down review that was

triggered a top-down review that was

triggered a top-down review that was only now entering its second stage and

only now entering its second stage and

only now entering its second stage and the idea of cutting short a safety

the idea of cutting short a safety

the idea of cutting short a safety analysis in order to store an unknown

analysis in order to store an unknown

analysis in order to store an unknown growth of unprecedented lethality was

growth of unprecedented lethality was

growth of unprecedented lethality was not met with enthusiasm

not met with enthusiasm

not met with enthusiasm Acheson was trini's idea

Acheson was trini's idea

Acheson was trini's idea she'd worked with the national nuclear

she'd worked with the national nuclear

she'd worked with the national nuclear safety administration in the early 80s

safety administration in the early 80s

safety administration in the early 80s on weapons dismantlement and disposition

on weapons dismantlement and disposition

on weapons dismantlement and disposition Readiness as the idea of nuclear

Readiness as the idea of nuclear

Readiness as the idea of nuclear disarmament became politically palatable

disarmament became politically palatable

disarmament became politically palatable under the Reagan administration's INF

under the Reagan administration's INF

under the Reagan administration's INF treaty initiative

treaty initiative

treaty initiative sub-level 4 of the Atchison mine

sub-level 4 of the Atchison mine

sub-level 4 of the Atchison mine facility had been conceived and dug out

facility had been conceived and dug out

facility had been conceived and dug out as an alternative to the pantex plant

as an alternative to the pantex plant

as an alternative to the pantex plant and the Y-12 National Security complex

and the Y-12 National Security complex

and the Y-12 National Security complex disposal centers that were at capacity

disposal centers that were at capacity

disposal centers that were at capacity already dealing with outmoded fission

already dealing with outmoded fission

already dealing with outmoded fission devices from the late 40s and early 50s

devices from the late 40s and early 50s

devices from the late 40s and early 50s but as INF negotiations dragged on it

but as INF negotiations dragged on it

but as INF negotiations dragged on it became clear that Reagan's strategy was

became clear that Reagan's strategy was

became clear that Reagan's strategy was really to get the other guy to disarm

really to get the other guy to disarm

really to get the other guy to disarm and atchison's lowest sub-level sat

and atchison's lowest sub-level sat

and atchison's lowest sub-level sat empty and secure never to be used

empty and secure never to be used

empty and secure never to be used the location was ideal for their needs

the location was ideal for their needs

the location was ideal for their needs because the Mayans were uniquely

because the Mayans were uniquely

because the Mayans were uniquely situated over a second magnitude

situated over a second magnitude

situated over a second magnitude underground Cold Spring that pushed near

underground Cold Spring that pushed near

underground Cold Spring that pushed near freezing water up from the Bedrock at 2

freezing water up from the Bedrock at 2

freezing water up from the Bedrock at 2 800 liters per second the lowest

800 liters per second the lowest

800 liters per second the lowest Subterranean level at Atchison never

Subterranean level at Atchison never

Subterranean level at Atchison never Rose above 38 degrees Fahrenheit

Rose above 38 degrees Fahrenheit

Rose above 38 degrees Fahrenheit even in the unlikely event of an

even in the unlikely event of an

even in the unlikely event of an extended power outage the temperature at

extended power outage the temperature at

extended power outage the temperature at which the fungus would be stored was

which the fungus would be stored was

which the fungus would be stored was guaranteed to remain stable keeping it

guaranteed to remain stable keeping it

guaranteed to remain stable keeping it in a Perpetual low or no growth

in a Perpetual low or no growth

in a Perpetual low or no growth environment even if it somehow Broke

environment even if it somehow Broke

environment even if it somehow Broke Free of its containment tube it was a

Free of its containment tube it was a

Free of its containment tube it was a perfect plan

perfect plan

perfect plan cordyceps Novus was thus given a home

cordyceps Novus was thus given a home

cordyceps Novus was thus given a home sealed inside a biotube 300 feet

sealed inside a biotube 300 feet

sealed inside a biotube 300 feet underground in a sub-basement that

underground in a sub-basement that

underground in a sub-basement that didn't officially exist

as time went by fewer and fewer people

as time went by fewer and fewer people

as time went by fewer and fewer people at dtra came to share Trini and

at dtra came to share Trini and

at dtra came to share Trini and Roberto's alarmist view of the

Roberto's alarmist view of the

Roberto's alarmist view of the destructive capabilities of cordyceps

destructive capabilities of cordyceps

destructive capabilities of cordyceps Novus how could they they hadn't seen it

Novus how could they they hadn't seen it

Novus how could they they hadn't seen it there were no photographic records

there were no photographic records

there were no photographic records the remote Town had been incinerated and

the remote Town had been incinerated and

the remote Town had been incinerated and the only remaining sample of the fungus

the only remaining sample of the fungus

the only remaining sample of the fungus was locked away out of sight and out of

was locked away out of sight and out of

was locked away out of sight and out of mind people forgot people moved on

mind people forgot people moved on

mind people forgot people moved on 16 years later in 2003 the dtra decided

16 years later in 2003 the dtra decided

16 years later in 2003 the dtra decided the mine complex was a cold war Relic

the mine complex was a cold war Relic

the mine complex was a cold war Relic that could be dispensed with the place

that could be dispensed with the place

that could be dispensed with the place was cleared out cleaned up given a coat

was cleared out cleaned up given a coat

was cleared out cleaned up given a coat of paint and sold to Smart warehousing

of paint and sold to Smart warehousing

of paint and sold to Smart warehousing for private use

for private use

for private use the self-storage giant threw up some

the self-storage giant threw up some

the self-storage giant threw up some drywall bought 650 locking overhead

drywall bought 650 locking overhead

drywall bought 650 locking overhead garage doors from hormann and opened it

garage doors from hormann and opened it

garage doors from hormann and opened it up to the public

up to the public

up to the public fifteen thousand boxes of useless crap

fifteen thousand boxes of useless crap

fifteen thousand boxes of useless crap with us given a clean dry and permanent

with us given a clean dry and permanent

with us given a clean dry and permanent underground home

underground home

underground home that 30 year old drum kit that you never

that 30 year old drum kit that you never

that 30 year old drum kit that you never played could now survive a nuclear war

played could now survive a nuclear war

played could now survive a nuclear war the storage plan for cordyceps Novus was

the storage plan for cordyceps Novus was

the storage plan for cordyceps Novus was a perfect one unless that is Gordon gray

a perfect one unless that is Gordon gray

a perfect one unless that is Gordon gray took early retirement

took early retirement

took early retirement and his successor decided sub-level 4

and his successor decided sub-level 4

and his successor decided sub-level 4 was better off sealed up and forgotten

was better off sealed up and forgotten

was better off sealed up and forgotten and the temperature of the planet Rose

and the temperature of the planet Rose

and the temperature of the planet Rose but How likely was any of that

March 2019

5.

you're honor I get it I mean you're

you're honor I get it I mean you're

you're honor I get it I mean you're looking at a man who gets it

looking at a man who gets it

looking at a man who gets it TK hadn't prepared anything but for him

TK hadn't prepared anything but for him

TK hadn't prepared anything but for him words came whether he wanted them to or

words came whether he wanted them to or

words came whether he wanted them to or not so even though he knew he wasn't the

not so even though he knew he wasn't the

not so even though he knew he wasn't the best person to speak in his own defense

best person to speak in his own defense

best person to speak in his own defense at his sentencing hearing he figured he

at his sentencing hearing he figured he

at his sentencing hearing he figured he was the most qualified to wing it

was the most qualified to wing it

was the most qualified to wing it okay so the last time we met here in

okay so the last time we met here in

okay so the last time we met here in your honest courtroom a few years ago

your honest courtroom a few years ago

your honest courtroom a few years ago you made a great suggestion hey you said

you made a great suggestion hey you said

you made a great suggestion hey you said what if instead of me sending you to

what if instead of me sending you to

what if instead of me sending you to Ellsworth you joined the military

Ellsworth you joined the military

Ellsworth you joined the military instead that was a great idea thank you

instead that was a great idea thank you

instead that was a great idea thank you for that and I totally took your honor

for that and I totally took your honor

for that and I totally took your honor up on that one two years in the Navy

up on that one two years in the Navy

up on that one two years in the Navy submarine Corps and let me tell you that

submarine Corps and let me tell you that

submarine Corps and let me tell you that pressure testing is no picnic great

pressure testing is no picnic great

pressure testing is no picnic great experience for me though honorable

experience for me though honorable

experience for me though honorable discharge

discharge

discharge the judge looked down at the sentencing

the judge looked down at the sentencing

the judge looked down at the sentencing report on the bench in front of him

report on the bench in front of him

report on the bench in front of him says here General discharge honorable

says here General discharge honorable

says here General discharge honorable conditions

conditions

conditions right yeah exactly so similar thing

right yeah exactly so similar thing

right yeah exactly so similar thing there

there

there the public defender assigned to TK gave

the public defender assigned to TK gave

the public defender assigned to TK gave him a look that said you are not helping

him a look that said you are not helping

him a look that said you are not helping but tea cake pressed on

but tea cake pressed on

but tea cake pressed on point is I got it then and I get it now

point is I got it then and I get it now

point is I got it then and I get it now victim of being in the wrong place at

victim of being in the wrong place at

victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time I mean I know that's not

the wrong time I mean I know that's not

the wrong time I mean I know that's not going to cut it with you but they're

going to cut it with you but they're

going to cut it with you but they're like super mitigating circumstances here

like super mitigating circumstances here

like super mitigating circumstances here I get talked into stuff that's my

I get talked into stuff that's my

I get talked into stuff that's my problem but my personal feeling is I

problem but my personal feeling is I

problem but my personal feeling is I should never have to do time for this

should never have to do time for this

should never have to do time for this not for basically sitting in a car

not for basically sitting in a car

not for basically sitting in a car basically I mean it's no way to treat a

basically I mean it's no way to treat a

basically I mean it's no way to treat a veteran for starters but you probably

veteran for starters but you probably

veteran for starters but you probably took one look at me and were like you

took one look at me and were like you

took one look at me and were like you again and I get that I do are you

again and I get that I do are you

again and I get that I do are you finished

finished

finished yeah I'm gonna wrap up long story short

yeah I'm gonna wrap up long story short

yeah I'm gonna wrap up long story short if you have a buddy who goes by hazy

if you have a buddy who goes by hazy

if you have a buddy who goes by hazy Davey and if he ever asks you to stay

Davey and if he ever asks you to stay

Davey and if he ever asks you to stay with the car while he runs in to do this

with the car while he runs in to do this

with the car while he runs in to do this one quick thing super quick and you

one quick thing super quick and you

one quick thing super quick and you already know your name is sort of modern

already know your name is sort of modern

already know your name is sort of modern Potawatomi County Kansas you should for

Potawatomi County Kansas you should for

Potawatomi County Kansas you should for sure remember a previous commitment

sure remember a previous commitment

sure remember a previous commitment that's all I'm saying

that's all I'm saying

that's all I'm saying he started to sit down and stood up

he started to sit down and stood up

he started to sit down and stood up again

again

again sorry one more thing real quick I also

sorry one more thing real quick I also

sorry one more thing real quick I also been sick with the modern disease known

been sick with the modern disease known

been sick with the modern disease known as white privilege for which I'm very

as white privilege for which I'm very

as white privilege for which I'm very sorry although that one's kind of not on

sorry although that one's kind of not on

sorry although that one's kind of not on me I gotta say I can't help I'm white

me I gotta say I can't help I'm white

me I gotta say I can't help I'm white anyway uh thank you

anyway uh thank you

anyway uh thank you Tea cake sat down abruptly and didn't

Tea cake sat down abruptly and didn't

Tea cake sat down abruptly and didn't dare glance at his lawyer he could read

dare glance at his lawyer he could read

dare glance at his lawyer he could read a room

a room

a room the judge put on his glasses picked up

the judge put on his glasses picked up

the judge put on his glasses picked up the sentencing report and said six words

the sentencing report and said six words

the sentencing report and said six words thank you Mr Meacham 19 months

thank you Mr Meacham 19 months

thank you Mr Meacham 19 months by the time he got out of prison TK's

by the time he got out of prison TK's

by the time he got out of prison TK's post high school resume had exactly two

post high school resume had exactly two

post high school resume had exactly two things on it a mediocre service record

things on it a mediocre service record

things on it a mediocre service record and his stint in Ellsworth Correctional

and his stint in Ellsworth Correctional

and his stint in Ellsworth Correctional so the job at Atchison storage was the

so the job at Atchison storage was the

so the job at Atchison storage was the best thing that could possibly happen to

best thing that could possibly happen to

best thing that could possibly happen to him even at 8 35 an hour

him even at 8 35 an hour

him even at 8 35 an hour corporate didn't like a lot of employees

corporate didn't like a lot of employees

corporate didn't like a lot of employees to chase around look after so everybody

to chase around look after so everybody

to chase around look after so everybody did 12-hour shifts six to six four days

did 12-hour shifts six to six four days

did 12-hour shifts six to six four days a week

a week

a week Tea cake was the new man and got nights

Tea cake was the new man and got nights

Tea cake was the new man and got nights Thursday through Sunday

Thursday through Sunday

Thursday through Sunday truth is he didn't much like the few

truth is he didn't much like the few

truth is he didn't much like the few friends he still had around here and he

friends he still had around here and he

friends he still had around here and he wasn't looking to make any new ones

wasn't looking to make any new ones

wasn't looking to make any new ones unless maybe one of them was her so

unless maybe one of them was her so

unless maybe one of them was her so saying he'd take the social graveyard

saying he'd take the social graveyard

saying he'd take the social graveyard shift was no big deal

shift was no big deal

shift was no big deal it might have been the reason he got the

it might have been the reason he got the

it might have been the reason he got the job that and the fact that he had all

job that and the fact that he had all

job that and the fact that he had all his teeth which meant he was reasonably

his teeth which meant he was reasonably

his teeth which meant he was reasonably clean

clean

clean around here a full toothy smile was the

around here a full toothy smile was the

around here a full toothy smile was the only character reference you needed to

only character reference you needed to

only character reference you needed to sit at a reception desk and look after

sit at a reception desk and look after

sit at a reception desk and look after 650 locked underground storage units in

650 locked underground storage units in

650 locked underground storage units in the middle of the night it was not as

the middle of the night it was not as

the middle of the night it was not as they say the science of rocketry

they say the science of rocketry

they say the science of rocketry Tea cake always tried to get to work

Tea cake always tried to get to work

Tea cake always tried to get to work early on Thursdays because he knew

early on Thursdays because he knew

early on Thursdays because he knew Griffin liked to get a jump on his

Griffin liked to get a jump on his

Griffin liked to get a jump on his weekend buzz and would beat ass out of

weekend buzz and would beat ass out of

weekend buzz and would beat ass out of there a few minutes before his shift was

there a few minutes before his shift was

there a few minutes before his shift was over

over

over Griffin knew he could bail early because

Griffin knew he could bail early because

Griffin knew he could bail early because he could count on how badly TK needed

he could count on how badly TK needed

he could count on how badly TK needed the job and for nothing to go wrong

the job and for nothing to go wrong

the job and for nothing to go wrong sure enough his TK came around the long

sure enough his TK came around the long

sure enough his TK came around the long curve at the base of the Bluffs he could

curve at the base of the Bluffs he could

curve at the base of the Bluffs he could see Griffin's sweaty bald head glowing

see Griffin's sweaty bald head glowing

see Griffin's sweaty bald head glowing in the Setting Sun as the thick neck

in the Setting Sun as the thick neck

in the Setting Sun as the thick neck popped open at Pav's Blue Ribbon tall

popped open at Pav's Blue Ribbon tall

popped open at Pav's Blue Ribbon tall boy two or three of which were kept in

boy two or three of which were kept in

boy two or three of which were kept in his Harley Fatboys saddlebags for

his Harley Fatboys saddlebags for

his Harley Fatboys saddlebags for well they were kept in the saddlebags at

well they were kept in the saddlebags at

well they were kept in the saddlebags at all times

all times

all times Griffin drained the beard tossed aside

Griffin drained the beard tossed aside

Griffin drained the beard tossed aside the empty can kicked the bike to life

the empty can kicked the bike to life

the empty can kicked the bike to life and raised a middle finger to TK because

and raised a middle finger to TK because

and raised a middle finger to TK because he blew gravel out of there

he blew gravel out of there

he blew gravel out of there the thing about Griffin and everyone

the thing about Griffin and everyone

the thing about Griffin and everyone would agree on this was that he was an

would agree on this was that he was an

would agree on this was that he was an [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] Tea cake flipped the bird back at him a

Tea cake flipped the bird back at him a

Tea cake flipped the bird back at him a more or less friendly gesture at this

more or less friendly gesture at this

more or less friendly gesture at this point and it was what passed for human

point and it was what passed for human

point and it was what passed for human contact in his day

contact in his day

contact in his day as TK's Honda Civic passed the

as TK's Honda Civic passed the

as TK's Honda Civic passed the motorcycle he breathed a sigh of relief

motorcycle he breathed a sigh of relief

motorcycle he breathed a sigh of relief that his boss had given him a miss that

that his boss had given him a miss that

that his boss had given him a miss that he wouldn't have to have that same

he wouldn't have to have that same

he wouldn't have to have that same goddamn conversation with him again

goddamn conversation with him again

goddamn conversation with him again but no such luck he could see in the

but no such luck he could see in the

but no such luck he could see in the rear view Griffin was looping back

rear view Griffin was looping back

rear view Griffin was looping back bringing the fat boy around the hood of

bringing the fat boy around the hood of

bringing the fat boy around the hood of the Civic he pulled up next to the

the Civic he pulled up next to the

the Civic he pulled up next to the driver's door idling as TK got out

driver's door idling as TK got out

driver's door idling as TK got out oil

oil

oil Griffin asked so it would be that

Griffin asked so it would be that

Griffin asked so it would be that conversation again told you I can't help

conversation again told you I can't help

conversation again told you I can't help you

you

you knew you're stupid didn't think you're

knew you're stupid didn't think you're

knew you're stupid didn't think you're that stupid

that stupid

that stupid Griffin spoke and staccato burst some

Griffin spoke and staccato burst some

Griffin spoke and staccato burst some words so fast they slammed together

words so fast they slammed together

words so fast they slammed together others with odd pauses in between them

others with odd pauses in between them

others with odd pauses in between them as if punctuation hadn't been invented

as if punctuation hadn't been invented

as if punctuation hadn't been invented yet

yet

yet I'm not stupid Tea cake said like at all

I'm not stupid Tea cake said like at all

I'm not stupid Tea cake said like at all okay I would love to help you if I could

okay I would love to help you if I could

okay I would love to help you if I could but it's [ __ ] up for me vis-a-vis my

but it's [ __ ] up for me vis-a-vis my

but it's [ __ ] up for me vis-a-vis my you know personal situation I'm just not

you know personal situation I'm just not

you know personal situation I'm just not gonna do it

gonna do it

gonna do it okay so you'll think about it

okay so you'll think about it

okay so you'll think about it no I wish I didn't even know about it

no I wish I didn't even know about it

no I wish I didn't even know about it the truth was he knew only a part of it

the truth was he knew only a part of it

the truth was he knew only a part of it the part about the 2.55 inch Samsung

the part about the 2.55 inch Samsung

the part about the 2.55 inch Samsung flat screens the Griffin was selling off

flat screens the Griffin was selling off

flat screens the Griffin was selling off one by one but TK guessed that where

one by one but TK guessed that where

one by one but TK guessed that where there was hot stolen consumer good smoke

there was hot stolen consumer good smoke

there was hot stolen consumer good smoke there was hot stolen consumer goods fire

there was hot stolen consumer goods fire

there was hot stolen consumer goods fire and it was the last thing he needed in

and it was the last thing he needed in

and it was the last thing he needed in his life

his life

his life Griffin wasn't giving up I'm asking to

Griffin wasn't giving up I'm asking to

Griffin wasn't giving up I'm asking to buzz the gate for a few friends of mine

buzz the gate for a few friends of mine

buzz the gate for a few friends of mine every once in a while I'm used

every once in a while I'm used

every once in a while I'm used your master key what's the big [ __ ]

your master key what's the big [ __ ]

your master key what's the big [ __ ] deal

deal

deal they don't have accounts with us I can't

they don't have accounts with us I can't

they don't have accounts with us I can't let in anybody who doesn't have an

let in anybody who doesn't have an

let in anybody who doesn't have an account

account

account Who's Gonna Know

Who's Gonna Know

Who's Gonna Know I have heard these words before Tea cake

I have heard these words before Tea cake

I have heard these words before Tea cake said you do it okay Griffin Shrugged

said you do it okay Griffin Shrugged

said you do it okay Griffin Shrugged why not

why not

why not nobody's gonna [ __ ] come in the

nobody's gonna [ __ ] come in the

nobody's gonna [ __ ] come in the daytime and

daytime and

daytime and I'm organized

I'm organized

I'm organized Case Closed just do it so you and me

Case Closed just do it so you and me

Case Closed just do it so you and me don't have a problem

don't have a problem

don't have a problem why do we gotta have a problem TK cast

why do we gotta have a problem TK cast

why do we gotta have a problem TK cast you know stuff and you're not in and if

you know stuff and you're not in and if

you know stuff and you're not in and if you're not in and you know then there's

you're not in and you know then there's

you're not in and you know then there's a problem you know that

a problem you know that

a problem you know that there's no getting rid of him and he was

there's no getting rid of him and he was

there's no getting rid of him and he was never gonna drop it so TK did what he'd

never gonna drop it so TK did what he'd

never gonna drop it so TK did what he'd been doing for the past six weeks which

been doing for the past six weeks which

been doing for the past six weeks which was to slow play it and hope it would go

was to slow play it and hope it would go

was to slow play it and hope it would go away

away

away was it a strategy that had shown even

was it a strategy that had shown even

was it a strategy that had shown even the slightest signs of working

the slightest signs of working

the slightest signs of working no but that was no reason to give up on

no but that was no reason to give up on

no but that was no reason to give up on it

it

it yeah well you know I don't know about

yeah well you know I don't know about

yeah well you know I don't know about this thing or these things DK said or

this thing or these things DK said or

this thing or these things DK said or what have you I mean just whatever right

what have you I mean just whatever right

what have you I mean just whatever right okay

okay

okay there was no imaginable way a person

there was no imaginable way a person

there was no imaginable way a person could have made it any vager than that

could have made it any vager than that

could have made it any vager than that not without a law degree and Decades of

not without a law degree and Decades of

not without a law degree and Decades of experience testifying before Congress

experience testifying before Congress

experience testifying before Congress Tea cake hoped it would do he turned and

Tea cake hoped it would do he turned and

Tea cake hoped it would do he turned and walked toward the building

walked toward the building

walked toward the building Griffin revved the bike and pulled his

Griffin revved the bike and pulled his

Griffin revved the bike and pulled his goggles down he shouted something at TK

goggles down he shouted something at TK

goggles down he shouted something at TK because he dropped the bike in gear just

because he dropped the bike in gear just

because he dropped the bike in gear just two words

two words

two words but here's where Griffin's essential

but here's where Griffin's essential

but here's where Griffin's essential nature as an [ __ ] came in again he'd

nature as an [ __ ] came in again he'd

nature as an [ __ ] came in again he'd hooked up a non-compliant straight pipe

hooked up a non-compliant straight pipe

hooked up a non-compliant straight pipe exhaust on his bike to make it extra

exhaust on his bike to make it extra

exhaust on his bike to make it extra loud and annoying to the rest of the

loud and annoying to the rest of the

loud and annoying to the rest of the world

world

world so there was really no shot at all that

so there was really no shot at all that

so there was really no shot at all that his words would be understood over it to

his words would be understood over it to

his words would be understood over it to TK it sounded like he yelled Monday's

TK it sounded like he yelled Monday's

TK it sounded like he yelled Monday's bleeding but in fact what his boss had

bleeding but in fact what his boss had

bleeding but in fact what his boss had shouted was something's beeping

shouted was something's beeping

shouted was something's beeping TK could find that out for himself soon

TK could find that out for himself soon

TK could find that out for himself soon enough

the fact that Griffin was put in charge

the fact that Griffin was put in charge

the fact that Griffin was put in charge of anything was a joke

of anything was a joke

of anything was a joke because not only was he dumb racist and

because not only was he dumb racist and

because not only was he dumb racist and violent but he was a raging alcoholic to

violent but he was a raging alcoholic to

violent but he was a raging alcoholic to boot

boot

boot still there are alcoholics and there are

still there are alcoholics and there are

still there are alcoholics and there are functioning alcoholics and Griffin

functioning alcoholics and Griffin

functioning alcoholics and Griffin managed to be the latter by establishing

managed to be the latter by establishing

managed to be the latter by establishing a strict drinking regimen and sticking

a strict drinking regimen and sticking

a strict drinking regimen and sticking to it with the discipline of an Olympic

to it with the discipline of an Olympic

to it with the discipline of an Olympic athlete

athlete

athlete he was dead sober for three and a half

he was dead sober for three and a half

he was dead sober for three and a half days of the week Monday through

days of the week Monday through

days of the week Monday through Wednesday when he worked the first three

Wednesday when he worked the first three

Wednesday when he worked the first three of his four 12-hour shifts and he didn't

of his four 12-hour shifts and he didn't

of his four 12-hour shifts and he didn't start drinking until just before 6 pm on

start drinking until just before 6 pm on

start drinking until just before 6 pm on Thursday

Thursday

Thursday that however was a drunk that he would

that however was a drunk that he would

that however was a drunk that he would build and maintain with fussy dedication

build and maintain with fussy dedication

build and maintain with fussy dedication starting right now and continuing

starting right now and continuing

starting right now and continuing through his long weekend until he passed

through his long weekend until he passed

through his long weekend until he passed out on Sunday night really the Monday

out on Sunday night really the Monday

out on Sunday night really the Monday hangover was the only hard part but

hangover was the only hard part but

hangover was the only hard part but Griffin had been feeding them for so

Griffin had been feeding them for so

Griffin had been feeding them for so long now they just seemed like part of a

long now they just seemed like part of a

long now they just seemed like part of a normal Monday morning

normal Monday morning

normal Monday morning toast coffee bleeding from the eyeballs

toast coffee bleeding from the eyeballs

toast coffee bleeding from the eyeballs must be a new work week

must be a new work week

must be a new work week Griffin was born over in Council Bluffs

Griffin was born over in Council Bluffs

Griffin was born over in Council Bluffs and spent six years working in a

and spent six years working in a

and spent six years working in a McDonald's in Selena where he'd risen to

McDonald's in Selena where he'd risen to

McDonald's in Selena where he'd risen to the rank of Swing manager there was a

the rank of Swing manager there was a

the rank of Swing manager there was a tight little job not least because of

tight little job not least because of

tight little job not least because of the tight little high school tram that

the tight little high school tram that

the tight little high school tram that he had the power to hire and fire and

he had the power to hire and fire and

he had the power to hire and fire and get high with in the parking lot after

get high with in the parking lot after

get high with in the parking lot after work

work

work Griffin was an unattractive man that was

Griffin was an unattractive man that was

Griffin was an unattractive man that was just an objective reality he was thick

just an objective reality he was thick

just an objective reality he was thick as a fireplug and his entire body with

as a fireplug and his entire body with

as a fireplug and his entire body with the notable exception of his head was

the notable exception of his head was

the notable exception of his head was covered with patchy multi-colored clumps

covered with patchy multi-colored clumps

covered with patchy multi-colored clumps of hair that made his back look like the

of hair that made his back look like the

of hair that made his back look like the floor of a barber shop at the end of a

floor of a barber shop at the end of a

floor of a barber shop at the end of a long day

long day

long day but the power to Grant somebody the

but the power to Grant somebody the

but the power to Grant somebody the first actual paying job and to provide

first actual paying job and to provide

first actual paying job and to provide the occasional joint got him far in life

the occasional joint got him far in life

the occasional joint got him far in life at least with 16 year olds and when he

at least with 16 year olds and when he

at least with 16 year olds and when he was still in his not quite mid-20s

was still in his not quite mid-20s

was still in his not quite mid-20s soon enough the 16 year olds would wise

soon enough the 16 year olds would wise

soon enough the 16 year olds would wise up and the last of his hair would go and

up and the last of his hair would go and

up and the last of his hair would go and his solid build would give way to what

his solid build would give way to what

his solid build would give way to what could only be called a fat gut but for

could only be called a fat gut but for

could only be called a fat gut but for those few years in that one place

those few years in that one place

those few years in that one place Griffin was a king pulling down twenty

Griffin was a king pulling down twenty

Griffin was a king pulling down twenty four thousand four hundred dollars a

four thousand four hundred dollars a

four thousand four hundred dollars a year headed for a sure spot at hamburger

year headed for a sure spot at hamburger

year headed for a sure spot at hamburger U the McDonald's upper management

U the McDonald's upper management

U the McDonald's upper management training program

training program

training program and nailing underage hotties at least

and nailing underage hotties at least

and nailing underage hotties at least every other week

every other week

every other week then those little [ __ ] those little

then those little [ __ ] those little

then those little [ __ ] those little wise-ass [ __ ] who didn't really

wise-ass [ __ ] who didn't really

wise-ass [ __ ] who didn't really need the job who just got the job

need the job who just got the job

need the job who just got the job because their parents wanted them to

because their parents wanted them to

because their parents wanted them to learn the value of work those little

learn the value of work those little

learn the value of work those little douchebags from over in the flats they

douchebags from over in the flats they

douchebags from over in the flats they ruined everything

ruined everything

ruined everything they were working drive through during a

they were working drive through during a

they were working drive through during a rush when it happened why Griffin had

rush when it happened why Griffin had

rush when it happened why Griffin had ever scheduled them in there together is

ever scheduled them in there together is

ever scheduled them in there together is beyond him to this day he must have been

beyond him to this day he must have been

beyond him to this day he must have been nursing a wicked hangover let those two

nursing a wicked hangover let those two

nursing a wicked hangover let those two clowns work within 50 feet of each other

clowns work within 50 feet of each other

clowns work within 50 feet of each other but they started their smart-ass [ __ ] on

but they started their smart-ass [ __ ] on

but they started their smart-ass [ __ ] on the intercom

the intercom

the intercom they take orders and made up Spanish

they take orders and made up Spanish

they take orders and made up Spanish pretend the speaker was cutting in and

pretend the speaker was cutting in and

pretend the speaker was cutting in and out declare today lottery day and give

out declare today lottery day and give

out declare today lottery day and give away free meals all that [ __ ] that's so

away free meals all that [ __ ] that's so

away free meals all that [ __ ] that's so hilarious because real people's jobs

hilarious because real people's jobs

hilarious because real people's jobs don't mean anything not when you go into

don't mean anything not when you go into

don't mean anything not when you go into Kansas State in the fall with every

Kansas State in the fall with every

Kansas State in the fall with every single expense paid by Mommy and Daddy

single expense paid by Mommy and Daddy

single expense paid by Mommy and Daddy and the only reason this job will ever

and the only reason this job will ever

and the only reason this job will ever turn up on your resume is to show what a

turn up on your resume is to show what a

turn up on your resume is to show what a hard-working man of the people you were

hard-working man of the people you were

hard-working man of the people you were in high school

in high school

in high school there they are your fast food work dues

there they are your fast food work dues

there they are your fast food work dues fully paid just like your ten thousand

fully paid just like your ten thousand

fully paid just like your ten thousand dollar community service trip to

dollar community service trip to

dollar community service trip to Guatemala where you slowed down the

Guatemala where you slowed down the

Guatemala where you slowed down the building of a school by taking a

building of a school by taking a

building of a school by taking a thousand pitches of yourself to post on

thousand pitches of yourself to post on

thousand pitches of yourself to post on Instagram

Instagram

Instagram on that particular day there was a

on that particular day there was a

on that particular day there was a McDonald's Observer from Regional in the

McDonald's Observer from Regional in the

McDonald's Observer from Regional in the parking lot a guy taking times on the

parking lot a guy taking times on the

parking lot a guy taking times on the drive-through and copious notes on the

drive-through and copious notes on the

drive-through and copious notes on the unfunny Shenanigans going on in there

unfunny Shenanigans going on in there

unfunny Shenanigans going on in there the good-looking creep the smarmy one

the good-looking creep the smarmy one

the good-looking creep the smarmy one not the half decent red-headed kid who

not the half decent red-headed kid who

not the half decent red-headed kid who just went along with the [ __ ] but

just went along with the [ __ ] but

just went along with the [ __ ] but the handsome [ __ ] the one who was

the handsome [ __ ] the one who was

the handsome [ __ ] the one who was sleeping with the window girl in the

sleeping with the window girl in the

sleeping with the window girl in the dark side is whom Griffin himself could

dark side is whom Griffin himself could

dark side is whom Griffin himself could never get to even look at him that kid

never get to even look at him that kid

never get to even look at him that kid knew the guy was out there

knew the guy was out there

knew the guy was out there and he sat on that nugget of information

and he sat on that nugget of information

and he sat on that nugget of information for a good half hour until he finally

for a good half hour until he finally

for a good half hour until he finally smirked past the office and said oh hey

smirked past the office and said oh hey

smirked past the office and said oh hey there's a McDonald's Secret Agent Man

there's a McDonald's Secret Agent Man

there's a McDonald's Secret Agent Man parked out by the dumpster

parked out by the dumpster

parked out by the dumpster Griffin was demoted to grill the next

Griffin was demoted to grill the next

Griffin was demoted to grill the next day and he quit before he ended up at

day and he quit before he ended up at

day and he quit before he ended up at the fry station

the fry station

the fry station he had the job at Atchison storage three

he had the job at Atchison storage three

he had the job at Atchison storage three weeks later and when the current manager

weeks later and when the current manager

weeks later and when the current manager there moved to Leewood to get married

there moved to Leewood to get married

there moved to Leewood to get married Griffin inherited the 14 an hour job

Griffin inherited the 14 an hour job

Griffin inherited the 14 an hour job which if he never ever took a week off

which if he never ever took a week off

which if he never ever took a week off meant thirty four thousand dollars a

meant thirty four thousand dollars a

meant thirty four thousand dollars a year and three free days a week to get

year and three free days a week to get

year and three free days a week to get wasted

wasted

wasted he also figured he could pull in another

he also figured he could pull in another

he also figured he could pull in another 10K in cash for housing the Samsungs and

10K in cash for housing the Samsungs and

10K in cash for housing the Samsungs and other items of An Inconvenient nature

other items of An Inconvenient nature

other items of An Inconvenient nature that showed up needing a temporary home

that showed up needing a temporary home

that showed up needing a temporary home from time to time

from time to time

from time to time the previous manager had clued him in

the previous manager had clued him in

the previous manager had clued him in about the side gig which Griffin

about the side gig which Griffin

about the side gig which Griffin understood was a common perk of the

understood was a common perk of the

understood was a common perk of the self-storage management community

self-storage management community

self-storage management community hang on to this stuff let people pick it

hang on to this stuff let people pick it

hang on to this stuff let people pick it up take a cut of whatever it sells for

up take a cut of whatever it sells for

up take a cut of whatever it sells for zero risk

zero risk

zero risk all in all it was a decent setup but not

all in all it was a decent setup but not

all in all it was a decent setup but not half as good as what it could have been

half as good as what it could have been

half as good as what it could have been he could add a career in management real

he could add a career in management real

he could add a career in management real management

management

management sitting at a desk all day so you can

sitting at a desk all day so you can

sitting at a desk all day so you can help a parade of freaks and Hillbillies

help a parade of freaks and Hillbillies

help a parade of freaks and Hillbillies get access to their useless [ __ ] is a

get access to their useless [ __ ] is a

get access to their useless [ __ ] is a hell of a lot different from presiding

hell of a lot different from presiding

hell of a lot different from presiding over a constant parade of job-seeking

over a constant parade of job-seeking

over a constant parade of job-seeking teenage [ __ ] but he takes what you can

teenage [ __ ] but he takes what you can

teenage [ __ ] but he takes what you can takes Atchison Kansas was not a buffet

takes Atchison Kansas was not a buffet

takes Atchison Kansas was not a buffet of career opportunity

of career opportunity

of career opportunity despite everything that happened

despite everything that happened

despite everything that happened Griffin's only regret in life so far was

Griffin's only regret in life so far was

Griffin's only regret in life so far was that he could never get anyone to agree

that he could never get anyone to agree

that he could never get anyone to agree to call him Griff or g-dog or by his

to call him Griff or g-dog or by his

to call him Griff or g-dog or by his goddamn first name

goddamn first name

goddamn first name all a man wanted was a nickname but he

all a man wanted was a nickname but he

all a man wanted was a nickname but he was just Griffin

TK punched in behind the front desk you

TK punched in behind the front desk you

TK punched in behind the front desk you heard the beep but he didn't hear the

heard the beep but he didn't hear the

heard the beep but he didn't hear the beep it was one of those things

beep it was one of those things

beep it was one of those things whatever the part of your brain is that

whatever the part of your brain is that

whatever the part of your brain is that registers an extremely low volume high

registers an extremely low volume high

registers an extremely low volume high pitched tone that comes once every 90

pitched tone that comes once every 90

pitched tone that comes once every 90 seconds it was keeping the news to

seconds it was keeping the news to

seconds it was keeping the news to itself for the first half hour he was at

itself for the first half hour he was at

itself for the first half hour he was at the desk

the desk

the desk the faint beep would come it would

the faint beep would come it would

the faint beep would come it would register somewhere in the back of his

register somewhere in the back of his

register somewhere in the back of his mind but then it would be crowded out by

mind but then it would be crowded out by

mind but then it would be crowded out by other more pressing matters

other more pressing matters

other more pressing matters first he had to check the monitors of

first he had to check the monitors of

first he had to check the monitors of which there were a dozen to make sure

which there were a dozen to make sure

which there were a dozen to make sure the place was clean and empty and as

the place was clean and empty and as

the place was clean and empty and as Barren and depressing as always

Barren and depressing as always

Barren and depressing as always check

check

check then a quick glance over at the East

then a quick glance over at the East

then a quick glance over at the East entrance to see if she had shown up for

entrance to see if she had shown up for

entrance to see if she had shown up for work yet she had and to think for a

work yet she had and to think for a

work yet she had and to think for a second whether there was any plausible

second whether there was any plausible

second whether there was any plausible reason to orchestrate running into her

reason to orchestrate running into her

reason to orchestrate running into her there wasn't

there wasn't

there wasn't there was also the stink

there was also the stink

there was also the stink Griffin was never a big one for tidying

Griffin was never a big one for tidying

Griffin was never a big one for tidying up and the trash can was half full of

up and the trash can was half full of

up and the trash can was half full of Subway wrappers including a former

Subway wrappers including a former

Subway wrappers including a former 12-inch tuner on wheat from the smell of

12-inch tuner on wheat from the smell of

12-inch tuner on wheat from the smell of it and the reception area reeked an old

it and the reception area reeked an old

it and the reception area reeked an old lunch

lunch

lunch somebody would have to do something

somebody would have to do something

somebody would have to do something about that

about that

about that 12 hours with tuna stench would be a

12 hours with tuna stench would be a

12 hours with tuna stench would be a long ass shift

long ass shift

long ass shift and finally there was a customer Mrs

and finally there was a customer Mrs

and finally there was a customer Mrs Rooney coming through the glass front

Rooney coming through the glass front

Rooney coming through the glass front doors all frazzled and testy and all of

doors all frazzled and testy and all of

doors all frazzled and testy and all of a sudden

a sudden

a sudden hey Mrs Rooney what up you staying cool

hey Mrs Rooney what up you staying cool

hey Mrs Rooney what up you staying cool I need to get into sb211

I need to get into sb211

I need to get into sb211 Tea cake was not so easily deterred Tada

Tea cake was not so easily deterred Tada

Tea cake was not so easily deterred Tada right like Africa hot weird for March

right like Africa hot weird for March

right like Africa hot weird for March but I guess we gotta stop saying that

but I guess we gotta stop saying that

but I guess we gotta stop saying that huh

huh

huh I need to get in there right quick

I need to get in there right quick

I need to get in there right quick in unit sb211 Mary Rooney had 27 bankers

in unit sb211 Mary Rooney had 27 bankers

in unit sb211 Mary Rooney had 27 bankers boxes filled with her children's and

boxes filled with her children's and

boxes filled with her children's and grandchildren's school reports birthday

grandchildren's school reports birthday

grandchildren's school reports birthday cards Mother's Day cards Father's Day

cards Mother's Day cards Father's Day

cards Mother's Day cards Father's Day cards Christmas cards and all their

cards Christmas cards and all their

cards Christmas cards and all their random notes expressing overwhelming

random notes expressing overwhelming

random notes expressing overwhelming love and or blinding rage depending on

love and or blinding rage depending on

love and or blinding rage depending on their proximity to adolescence at the

their proximity to adolescence at the

their proximity to adolescence at the time of writing

time of writing

time of writing she also had 42 ceramic coffee mugs and

she also had 42 ceramic coffee mugs and

she also had 42 ceramic coffee mugs and pencil jars made at Pottery for fun

pencil jars made at Pottery for fun

pencil jars made at Pottery for fun between 1995 and 2008 when her arthritis

between 1995 and 2008 when her arthritis

between 1995 and 2008 when her arthritis got bad and she couldn't go anymore

got bad and she couldn't go anymore

got bad and she couldn't go anymore that was in addition to seven nylon

that was in addition to seven nylon

that was in addition to seven nylon duffel bags stuffed with newspapers from

duffel bags stuffed with newspapers from

duffel bags stuffed with newspapers from major events in world history such as

major events in world history such as

major events in world history such as coverage of the opening ceremonies of

coverage of the opening ceremonies of

coverage of the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and a

the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and a

the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and a final Baywatch pencil case that was

final Baywatch pencil case that was

final Baywatch pencil case that was stuffed with six and a half thousand

stuffed with six and a half thousand

stuffed with six and a half thousand dollars in cash she was saving for the

dollars in cash she was saving for the

dollars in cash she was saving for the day the banks crashed for real

day the banks crashed for real

day the banks crashed for real there were also four sealed moving boxes

there were also four sealed moving boxes

there were also four sealed moving boxes contents long forgotten so much old

contents long forgotten so much old

contents long forgotten so much old clothing that it was best measured by

clothing that it was best measured by

clothing that it was best measured by weight 311 pounds and an electric metal

weight 311 pounds and an electric metal

weight 311 pounds and an electric metal coffee pot from 1979 that sat on top of

coffee pot from 1979 that sat on top of

coffee pot from 1979 that sat on top of the mountain of other crap like a crown

the mountain of other crap like a crown

the mountain of other crap like a crown at this moment Mrs Rooney had two shoe

at this moment Mrs Rooney had two shoe

at this moment Mrs Rooney had two shoe boxes under her arm and that look on her

boxes under her arm and that look on her

boxes under her arm and that look on her face so TK buzzed the gate that led to

face so TK buzzed the gate that led to

face so TK buzzed the gate that led to the storage units with no further

the storage units with no further

the storage units with no further attempt at pleasantries

attempt at pleasantries

attempt at pleasantries let the record show though that the heat

let the record show though that the heat

let the record show though that the heat that day was most certainly worthy of

that day was most certainly worthy of

that day was most certainly worthy of comment it had been 86 degrees in the

comment it had been 86 degrees in the

comment it had been 86 degrees in the center of town at one point

center of town at one point

center of town at one point but whatever Mary Rooney needs to get

but whatever Mary Rooney needs to get

but whatever Mary Rooney needs to get into her unit right quick and between

into her unit right quick and between

into her unit right quick and between her stuff and Mary Rooney you had best

her stuff and Mary Rooney you had best

her stuff and Mary Rooney you had best not get

not get

not get Tea cake watched her on the monitors

Tea cake watched her on the monitors

Tea cake watched her on the monitors first as she passed through the gate

first as she passed through the gate

first as she passed through the gate then into the upper west hallway her

then into the upper west hallway her

then into the upper west hallway her gray perm floating down the endless

gray perm floating down the endless

gray perm floating down the endless Corridor line with cream-colored garage

Corridor line with cream-colored garage

Corridor line with cream-colored garage doors all the way to the far end where

doors all the way to the far end where

doors all the way to the far end where she pushed the elevator button and

she pushed the elevator button and

she pushed the elevator button and waited looking back over her shoulder

waited looking back over her shoulder

waited looking back over her shoulder twice yeah like somebody's gonna follow

twice yeah like somebody's gonna follow

twice yeah like somebody's gonna follow you and steal your shoe boxes filled

you and steal your shoe boxes filled

you and steal your shoe boxes filled with old socks Mary

with old socks Mary

with old socks Mary and he kept watching as she got into the

and he kept watching as she got into the

and he kept watching as she got into the elevator rode down two levels to the

elevator rode down two levels to the

elevator rode down two levels to the sub-basement stepped off walked halfway

sub-basement stepped off walked halfway

sub-basement stepped off walked halfway down the Subterranean hallway in that

down the Subterranean hallway in that

down the Subterranean hallway in that weird shuffling sideways like a coyote

weird shuffling sideways like a coyote

weird shuffling sideways like a coyote stride of hers and slung open the door

stride of hers and slung open the door

stride of hers and slung open the door on unit sb211

on unit sb211

on unit sb211 she stepped inside clicked on a light

she stepped inside clicked on a light

she stepped inside clicked on a light and slammed the door shut behind her

and slammed the door shut behind her

and slammed the door shut behind her she would be in there for hours

she would be in there for hours

she would be in there for hours when you find yourself staring

when you find yourself staring

when you find yourself staring glassy-eyed at a bank of video monitors

glassy-eyed at a bank of video monitors

glassy-eyed at a bank of video monitors watching as a moderately old lady makes

watching as a moderately old lady makes

watching as a moderately old lady makes her slow and deliberate way through a

her slow and deliberate way through a

her slow and deliberate way through a drab all-white underground storage

drab all-white underground storage

drab all-white underground storage facility so she can get to her

facility so she can get to her

facility so she can get to her completely uninteresting personal pile

completely uninteresting personal pile

completely uninteresting personal pile of [ __ ] when you do this with no hope

of [ __ ] when you do this with no hope

of [ __ ] when you do this with no hope whatsoever that this lady will do

whatsoever that this lady will do

whatsoever that this lady will do anything even remotely interesting that

anything even remotely interesting that

anything even remotely interesting that is the moment you'll know you've

is the moment you'll know you've

is the moment you'll know you've bottomed out entertainment wise

bottomed out entertainment wise

bottomed out entertainment wise Tea cake was there

Tea cake was there

Tea cake was there and then everything changed

and then everything changed

and then everything changed his eyes had fallen on the upper right

his eyes had fallen on the upper right

his eyes had fallen on the upper right hand screen in the corner of the bank of

hand screen in the corner of the bank of

hand screen in the corner of the bank of monitors the one that covered the other

monitors the one that covered the other

monitors the one that covered the other guard desk on the Eastern side of the

guard desk on the Eastern side of the

guard desk on the Eastern side of the facility

facility

facility Naomi was on the move

Naomi was on the move

Naomi was on the move the cave complex was enormous and cut

the cave complex was enormous and cut

the cave complex was enormous and cut right through the heart of the Bluffs so

right through the heart of the Bluffs so

right through the heart of the Bluffs so to save the trucks from Kansas City

to save the trucks from Kansas City

to save the trucks from Kansas City having to drive all the way around

having to drive all the way around

having to drive all the way around Highway 83 to Highway 18 to Highway e

Highway 83 to Highway 18 to Highway e

Highway 83 to Highway 18 to Highway e the U.S Army Corps of Engineers had cut

the U.S Army Corps of Engineers had cut

the U.S Army Corps of Engineers had cut in two entrances one each on the eastern

in two entrances one each on the eastern

in two entrances one each on the eastern and western sides of the massive chunk

and western sides of the massive chunk

and western sides of the massive chunk of rock

of rock

of rock as a result Atchison had two reception

as a result Atchison had two reception

as a result Atchison had two reception areas and two people working in the

areas and two people working in the

areas and two people working in the place at any given time although they

place at any given time although they

place at any given time although they had different sections to monitor so

had different sections to monitor so

had different sections to monitor so running into your co-worker almost never

running into your co-worker almost never

running into your co-worker almost never happened

happened

happened unless you made it happen which TK had

unless you made it happen which TK had

unless you made it happen which TK had been trying to do for two weeks now

been trying to do for two weeks now

been trying to do for two weeks now since the day Naomi started

since the day Naomi started

since the day Naomi started her schedule was erratic he could never

her schedule was erratic he could never

her schedule was erratic he could never put his finger on when she was going to

put his finger on when she was going to

put his finger on when she was going to be working and when she wasn't so he

be working and when she wasn't so he

be working and when she wasn't so he tried to just keep an eye on the

tried to just keep an eye on the

tried to just keep an eye on the monitors and engineer a run-in but it

monitors and engineer a run-in but it

monitors and engineer a run-in but it hadn't happened yet

hadn't happened yet

hadn't happened yet there had been a few times she was doing

there had been a few times she was doing

there had been a few times she was doing rounds when he almost took a shot at it

rounds when he almost took a shot at it

rounds when he almost took a shot at it but when she was on the move he never

but when she was on the move he never

but when she was on the move he never knew where she was headed so he hadn't

knew where she was headed so he hadn't

knew where she was headed so he hadn't come up with a scenario that would have

come up with a scenario that would have

come up with a scenario that would have given him quite the right degree of

given him quite the right degree of

given him quite the right degree of natural

natural

natural the place was so big that the only way

the place was so big that the only way

the place was so big that the only way to make it work would be to check her

to make it work would be to check her

to make it work would be to check her location and then go into a full-on

location and then go into a full-on

location and then go into a full-on Sprint to get near her while she was

Sprint to get near her while she was

Sprint to get near her while she was still leaving remotely in the area

still leaving remotely in the area

still leaving remotely in the area it would have been more hunting her down

it would have been more hunting her down

it would have been more hunting her down than running into her

than running into her

than running into her there's something about showing up

there's something about showing up

there's something about showing up breathless and sweaty for a coincidental

breathless and sweaty for a coincidental

breathless and sweaty for a coincidental bump in with an attractive woman that is

bump in with an attractive woman that is

bump in with an attractive woman that is bound to come off as scary

bound to come off as scary

bound to come off as scary now however opportunity was pounding on

now however opportunity was pounding on

now however opportunity was pounding on his door with both fists because Naomi

his door with both fists because Naomi

his door with both fists because Naomi was walking down the long Eastern main

was walking down the long Eastern main

was walking down the long Eastern main hallway with a full trash can under her

hallway with a full trash can under her

hallway with a full trash can under her arm and that could mean only one

arm and that could mean only one

arm and that could mean only one destination the loading dock where the

destination the loading dock where the

destination the loading dock where the dumpsters were

dumpsters were

dumpsters were TK grabbed the brimming trash can from

TK grabbed the brimming trash can from

TK grabbed the brimming trash can from next to the reception desk thank you

next to the reception desk thank you

next to the reception desk thank you Griffin you pig you better clean up your

Griffin you pig you better clean up your

Griffin you pig you better clean up your disgusting lunch and he took off for the

disgusting lunch and he took off for the

disgusting lunch and he took off for the loading dock

six

three things Naomi Williams knew about

three things Naomi Williams knew about

three things Naomi Williams knew about her mother

her mother

her mother that she was smart athletic and had

that she was smart athletic and had

that she was smart athletic and had horrible taste in men

horrible taste in men

horrible taste in men worse Naomi knew that she herself was

worse Naomi knew that she herself was

worse Naomi knew that she herself was exactly the same in all three respects

exactly the same in all three respects

exactly the same in all three respects the difference was that Naomi had seen

the difference was that Naomi had seen

the difference was that Naomi had seen her mother's mistakes she'd watched them

her mother's mistakes she'd watched them

her mother's mistakes she'd watched them play out one after another as easily

play out one after another as easily

play out one after another as easily predictable slow motion car wrecks

predictable slow motion car wrecks

predictable slow motion car wrecks she was keenly aware where each and

she was keenly aware where each and

she was keenly aware where each and every Twist of the wheel and stomp of

every Twist of the wheel and stomp of

every Twist of the wheel and stomp of the break had caused the careening

the break had caused the careening

the break had caused the careening momentum of her mother's life to go into

momentum of her mother's life to go into

momentum of her mother's life to go into an unrecoverable spin

an unrecoverable spin

an unrecoverable spin she knew from careful observation how to

she knew from careful observation how to

she knew from careful observation how to drive a life in order to crash it

drive a life in order to crash it

drive a life in order to crash it and she was not about to make the same

and she was not about to make the same

and she was not about to make the same desperate moves with her own

desperate moves with her own

desperate moves with her own she kept up her grades she had decent

she kept up her grades she had decent

she kept up her grades she had decent extracurriculars and she knew what she

extracurriculars and she knew what she

extracurriculars and she knew what she wanted

wanted

wanted she had planned and rehearsed her

she had planned and rehearsed her

she had planned and rehearsed her post-high school Escape Route so many

post-high school Escape Route so many

post-high school Escape Route so many times she could drive it in her sleep

times she could drive it in her sleep

times she could drive it in her sleep but then the night of graduation

but then the night of graduation

but then the night of graduation she got pregnant and all that [ __ ] was

she got pregnant and all that [ __ ] was

she got pregnant and all that [ __ ] was out the window

out the window

out the window because she had to have the baby it

because she had to have the baby it

because she had to have the baby it wasn't her family who were the religious

wasn't her family who were the religious

wasn't her family who were the religious freaks she and her mom and whoever her

freaks she and her mom and whoever her

freaks she and her mom and whoever her current stepfather was went to church on

current stepfather was went to church on

current stepfather was went to church on Christmas and for funerals like most

Christmas and for funerals like most

Christmas and for funerals like most people did around here

people did around here

people did around here but Mike's family Jesus Christ no pun

but Mike's family Jesus Christ no pun

but Mike's family Jesus Christ no pun intended the snyers banged the god drum

intended the snyers banged the god drum

intended the snyers banged the god drum hard

hard

hard that wasn't unusual there were a lot of

that wasn't unusual there were a lot of

that wasn't unusual there were a lot of religious people in this part of the

religious people in this part of the

religious people in this part of the country ever since the big wave of

country ever since the big wave of

country ever since the big wave of evangelism that spread around the South

evangelism that spread around the South

evangelism that spread around the South and Midwest in the late 1970s but the

and Midwest in the late 1970s but the

and Midwest in the late 1970s but the Snyders were born again chess beaters

Snyders were born again chess beaters

Snyders were born again chess beaters not the haunted reliably depressive old

not the haunted reliably depressive old

not the haunted reliably depressive old kind of Catholic but the joyful new kind

kind of Catholic but the joyful new kind

kind of Catholic but the joyful new kind of Catholic they loved everybody I mean

of Catholic they loved everybody I mean

of Catholic they loved everybody I mean they really actually loved you

they really actually loved you

they really actually loved you this night has had five kids and though

this night has had five kids and though

this night has had five kids and though each one of them started out fairly

each one of them started out fairly

each one of them started out fairly normal and willing to grab the

normal and willing to grab the

normal and willing to grab the occasional beer or take a hit off a

occasional beer or take a hit off a

occasional beer or take a hit off a joint by the time they hit 14 to 15

joint by the time they hit 14 to 15

joint by the time they hit 14 to 15 their parents had roped them into the

their parents had roped them into the

their parents had roped them into the family spiritual racket

family spiritual racket

family spiritual racket it wasn't like it was a scam or anything

it wasn't like it was a scam or anything

it wasn't like it was a scam or anything they really meant it

they really meant it

they really meant it Naomi thought it was cool at first

Naomi thought it was cool at first

Naomi thought it was cool at first there's a lot of love and attention way

there's a lot of love and attention way

there's a lot of love and attention way more than she got at home and when she

more than she got at home and when she

more than she got at home and when she and Tara Snyder became best friends in

and Tara Snyder became best friends in

and Tara Snyder became best friends in eighth grade Naomi started sleeping at

eighth grade Naomi started sleeping at

eighth grade Naomi started sleeping at their house two or three nights a week

their house two or three nights a week

their house two or three nights a week her own mother distracted by her

her own mother distracted by her

her own mother distracted by her decaying third marriage seemed grateful

decaying third marriage seemed grateful

decaying third marriage seemed grateful that Naomi had a place to go

that Naomi had a place to go

that Naomi had a place to go as the God love spread throughout the

as the God love spread throughout the

as the God love spread throughout the Snyder family over the next couple years

Snyder family over the next couple years

Snyder family over the next couple years Naomi and Tara managed to skate around

Naomi and Tara managed to skate around

Naomi and Tara managed to skate around it everybody's got their familial role

it everybody's got their familial role

it everybody's got their familial role to play and Tara was happy to be the

to play and Tara was happy to be the

to play and Tara was happy to be the wild child she and Naomi drank too much

wild child she and Naomi drank too much

wild child she and Naomi drank too much partied too much and hung out with the

partied too much and hung out with the

partied too much and hung out with the wrong kinds of guys but it was all

wrong kinds of guys but it was all

wrong kinds of guys but it was all working

working

working admittedly it worked better for Naomi

admittedly it worked better for Naomi

admittedly it worked better for Naomi than fatara Naomi got mostly A's in

than fatara Naomi got mostly A's in

than fatara Naomi got mostly A's in school without trying very hard she

school without trying very hard she

school without trying very hard she could still score in the teens at a

could still score in the teens at a

could still score in the teens at a basketball game even if she'd been up

basketball game even if she'd been up

basketball game even if she'd been up most the night drinking and she'd

most the night drinking and she'd

most the night drinking and she'd already gone into Tennessee Knoxville

already gone into Tennessee Knoxville

already gone into Tennessee Knoxville with a kick-ass grant and aid package

with a kick-ass grant and aid package

with a kick-ass grant and aid package yes she would finish with 60 Grand in

yes she would finish with 60 Grand in

yes she would finish with 60 Grand in debt but UT had a great veterinary

debt but UT had a great veterinary

debt but UT had a great veterinary program and she'd be done unlicensed in

program and she'd be done unlicensed in

program and she'd be done unlicensed in making at least that much per year and

making at least that much per year and

making at least that much per year and five and a half

five and a half

five and a half if anybody had a right to party and

if anybody had a right to party and

if anybody had a right to party and sleep around a little it was Naomi

sleep around a little it was Naomi

sleep around a little it was Naomi Williams

Williams

Williams the god-loving stuff was something she

the god-loving stuff was something she

the god-loving stuff was something she was happy to fake or even mean it a

was happy to fake or even mean it a

was happy to fake or even mean it a little sometimes in exchange for the

little sometimes in exchange for the

little sometimes in exchange for the Snyder Embrace which was warm and

Snyder Embrace which was warm and

Snyder Embrace which was warm and undeniable even in its sappiest and most

undeniable even in its sappiest and most

undeniable even in its sappiest and most suffocating forms

suffocating forms

suffocating forms God wasn't the problem

God wasn't the problem

God wasn't the problem Mike Snyder was the problem

Mike Snyder was the problem

Mike Snyder was the problem he was two years older than Naomi and

he was two years older than Naomi and

he was two years older than Naomi and started hitting on her when she was

started hitting on her when she was

started hitting on her when she was about 15.

about 15.

about 15. Mike was something of a mythical figure

Mike was something of a mythical figure

Mike was something of a mythical figure around town he had a reputation so

around town he had a reputation so

around town he had a reputation so thoroughly unearned that it defied

thoroughly unearned that it defied

thoroughly unearned that it defied reason but there is almost no limit to

reason but there is almost no limit to

reason but there is almost no limit to what a person can achieve early in life

what a person can achieve early in life

what a person can achieve early in life when he has the total and unwavering

when he has the total and unwavering

when he has the total and unwavering support of a large and uncritical family

support of a large and uncritical family

support of a large and uncritical family it's later that it all turns back on you

it's later that it all turns back on you

it's later that it all turns back on you but in his early years and in the Snyder

but in his early years and in the Snyder

but in his early years and in the Snyder view Mike was an artist and interpretive

view Mike was an artist and interpretive

view Mike was an artist and interpretive dancer and Brilliant musician

dancer and Brilliant musician

dancer and Brilliant musician he was an immensely gifted child of God

he was an immensely gifted child of God

he was an immensely gifted child of God who must be given space and respect and

who must be given space and respect and

who must be given space and respect and freedom and money

freedom and money

freedom and money plus [ __ ] in Mike's opinion

plus [ __ ] in Mike's opinion

plus [ __ ] in Mike's opinion Naomi yelled off for a while but he was

Naomi yelled off for a while but he was

Naomi yelled off for a while but he was so Earnest so tortured and pleading and

so Earnest so tortured and pleading and

so Earnest so tortured and pleading and clearly screwed up Beyond his family's

clearly screwed up Beyond his family's

clearly screwed up Beyond his family's ability to see that she took pity on him

ability to see that she took pity on him

ability to see that she took pity on him she knew it wasn't right it was now

she knew it wasn't right it was now

she knew it wasn't right it was now things were supposed to be and looking

things were supposed to be and looking

things were supposed to be and looking back she can't believe she was ever so

back she can't believe she was ever so

back she can't believe she was ever so passive

passive

passive why did she feel this weird obligation

why did she feel this weird obligation

why did she feel this weird obligation to him that she didn't feel to herself

to him that she didn't feel to herself

to him that she didn't feel to herself but she did

but she did

but she did go through periods where things would

go through periods where things would

go through periods where things would heat up and cool down there were times

heat up and cool down there were times

heat up and cool down there were times she thought she loved him time she was

she thought she loved him time she was

she thought she loved him time she was pretty sure she hated him but most times

pretty sure she hated him but most times

pretty sure she hated him but most times she just felt vaguely bad for him

she just felt vaguely bad for him

she just felt vaguely bad for him the kid knew he was an imposter even if

the kid knew he was an imposter even if

the kid knew he was an imposter even if he couldn't come out and say it and she

he couldn't come out and say it and she

he couldn't come out and say it and she wanted to make him calm down leave her

wanted to make him calm down leave her

wanted to make him calm down leave her alone

alone

alone Mike never wanted in a course even when

Mike never wanted in a course even when

Mike never wanted in a course even when Naomi did probably because he was

Naomi did probably because he was

Naomi did probably because he was tortured by the holdovers of the family

tortured by the holdovers of the family

tortured by the holdovers of the family start in rigid Catholicism

start in rigid Catholicism

start in rigid Catholicism Mike was the oldest the only one who'd

Mike was the oldest the only one who'd

Mike was the oldest the only one who'd gone to Catholic grade school and the

gone to Catholic grade school and the

gone to Catholic grade school and the talons of guilt were sunk into him but

talons of guilt were sunk into him but

talons of guilt were sunk into him but good

good

good there was no sexual encounter with Mike

there was no sexual encounter with Mike

there was no sexual encounter with Mike that was not wholly shot through with

that was not wholly shot through with

that was not wholly shot through with his crippling sense of Shame Naomi whose

his crippling sense of Shame Naomi whose

his crippling sense of Shame Naomi whose own feelings toward physical love were

own feelings toward physical love were

own feelings toward physical love were about a billion times less complicated

about a billion times less complicated

about a billion times less complicated didn't press the issue the last thing

didn't press the issue the last thing

didn't press the issue the last thing she needed was a short unsatisfying

she needed was a short unsatisfying

she needed was a short unsatisfying coupling on the floor in the Snyder

coupling on the floor in the Snyder

coupling on the floor in the Snyder basement followed by an image of Mike

basement followed by an image of Mike

basement followed by an image of Mike seared onto her eyeballs Mike naked

seared onto her eyeballs Mike naked

seared onto her eyeballs Mike naked sobbing in the corner of the half-lit

sobbing in the corner of the half-lit

sobbing in the corner of the half-lit deep pile carpeted basement Mike curled

deep pile carpeted basement Mike curled

deep pile carpeted basement Mike curled up over there next to the Adams Family

up over there next to the Adams Family

up over there next to the Adams Family pinball machine rocking on his haunches

pinball machine rocking on his haunches

pinball machine rocking on his haunches and apologizing to God

and apologizing to God

and apologizing to God but that's exactly what she got on

but that's exactly what she got on

but that's exactly what she got on graduation night

graduation night

graduation night had been desperate to find some cultural

had been desperate to find some cultural

had been desperate to find some cultural or chronological Benchmark by which he

or chronological Benchmark by which he

or chronological Benchmark by which he could move [ __ ] Naomi into the realm

could move [ __ ] Naomi into the realm

could move [ __ ] Naomi into the realm of the spiritually acceptable and he'd

of the spiritually acceptable and he'd

of the spiritually acceptable and he'd seized on her high school graduation

seized on her high school graduation

seized on her high school graduation with the fervor of a horny zealot

with the fervor of a horny zealot

with the fervor of a horny zealot he planned his seduction for months

he planned his seduction for months

he planned his seduction for months when the moment finally came she was

when the moment finally came she was

when the moment finally came she was half drunk he was half erect and the

half drunk he was half erect and the

half drunk he was half erect and the result was all world fumbly but at least

result was all world fumbly but at least

result was all world fumbly but at least it was quick and now it was done

it was quick and now it was done

it was quick and now it was done Naomi stared at him over there in the

Naomi stared at him over there in the

Naomi stared at him over there in the corner just a sad Twisted little kid

corner just a sad Twisted little kid

corner just a sad Twisted little kid really

really

really she still felt sorry for her but mostly

she still felt sorry for her but mostly

she still felt sorry for her but mostly she felt relieved that this at least

she felt relieved that this at least

she felt relieved that this at least would never come up again

would never come up again

would never come up again so of course she got pregnant

so of course she got pregnant

so of course she got pregnant at that point Naomi made three huge

at that point Naomi made three huge

at that point Naomi made three huge mistakes in quick succession that

mistakes in quick succession that

mistakes in quick succession that altered the trajectory of her life

altered the trajectory of her life

altered the trajectory of her life first mistake she told Mike

first mistake she told Mike

first mistake she told Mike she told the uncritically loved artistic

she told the uncritically loved artistic

she told the uncritically loved artistic genius who was now 20 years old still

genius who was now 20 years old still

genius who was now 20 years old still living in his parents house with no job

living in his parents house with no job

living in his parents house with no job no plans for school and no real artistic

no plans for school and no real artistic

no plans for school and no real artistic talent a message that the world was in

talent a message that the world was in

talent a message that the world was in the process of tattooing on his forehead

the process of tattooing on his forehead

the process of tattooing on his forehead in the unloving and inconsiderate way

in the unloving and inconsiderate way

in the unloving and inconsiderate way that the world has with guys like him

that the world has with guys like him

that the world has with guys like him but who else was she gonna tell

but who else was she gonna tell

but who else was she gonna tell strategically it was hard to see that

strategically it was hard to see that

strategically it was hard to see that move for the gigantic tactical era that

move for the gigantic tactical era that

move for the gigantic tactical era that it was until it played out

it was until it played out

it was until it played out because Mike was overjoyed Mike loved

because Mike was overjoyed Mike loved

because Mike was overjoyed Mike loved her Mike wanted to marry her and Mike

her Mike wanted to marry her and Mike

her Mike wanted to marry her and Mike immediately told his parents

immediately told his parents

immediately told his parents that really threw Naomi

that really threw Naomi

that really threw Naomi she rarely miscalculated when it came to

she rarely miscalculated when it came to

she rarely miscalculated when it came to guessing human behavior but she missed

guessing human behavior but she missed

guessing human behavior but she missed this one by a mile she'd assumed Mike

this one by a mile she'd assumed Mike

this one by a mile she'd assumed Mike sobbing naked after bad sex Mike would

sobbing naked after bad sex Mike would

sobbing naked after bad sex Mike would be overcome by remorse and do anything

be overcome by remorse and do anything

be overcome by remorse and do anything to keep his filthy secret to himself but

to keep his filthy secret to himself but

to keep his filthy secret to himself but she didn't consider the full impact of

she didn't consider the full impact of

she didn't consider the full impact of the Adoration he had received all his

the Adoration he had received all his

the Adoration he had received all his short life

short life

short life that coupled with a terrifying early

that coupled with a terrifying early

that coupled with a terrifying early exposure to the Ecstasy of the Catholic

exposure to the Ecstasy of the Catholic

exposure to the Ecstasy of the Catholic guilt and confession wash and dry cycle

guilt and confession wash and dry cycle

guilt and confession wash and dry cycle made him a real Loose Cannon

made him a real Loose Cannon

made him a real Loose Cannon the way Mike saw it he'd been given a

the way Mike saw it he'd been given a

the way Mike saw it he'd been given a rare gift the chance to do the right

rare gift the chance to do the right

rare gift the chance to do the right thing and by God he was going to do it

thing and by God he was going to do it

thing and by God he was going to do it his parents were similarly overjoyed

his parents were similarly overjoyed

his parents were similarly overjoyed they had a couple of Sinners to forgive

they had a couple of Sinners to forgive

they had a couple of Sinners to forgive and it was time to get busy forgiving

and it was time to get busy forgiving

and it was time to get busy forgiving the fact that Naomi was one of only a

the fact that Naomi was one of only a

the fact that Naomi was one of only a few hundred African Americans in

few hundred African Americans in

few hundred African Americans in Atchison to boot only made it better it

Atchison to boot only made it better it

Atchison to boot only made it better it made them better

made them better

made them better plus they'd all have a baby to raise

plus they'd all have a baby to raise

plus they'd all have a baby to raise everybody wins

everybody wins

everybody wins mistakes two and three for Naomi fell

mistakes two and three for Naomi fell

mistakes two and three for Naomi fell fast after that first one and they were

fast after that first one and they were

fast after that first one and they were things she failed to do rather than

things she failed to do rather than

things she failed to do rather than things she did

things she did

things she did she failed to drive immediately to CHC

she failed to drive immediately to CHC

she failed to drive immediately to CHC in Overland Park to get an abortion and

in Overland Park to get an abortion and

in Overland Park to get an abortion and she failed to tell Tara Snyder who would

she failed to tell Tara Snyder who would

she failed to tell Tara Snyder who would have driven her immediately to CHC in

have driven her immediately to CHC in

have driven her immediately to CHC in Overland Park to get an abortion

Overland Park to get an abortion

Overland Park to get an abortion instead she allowed the Snyder parents

instead she allowed the Snyder parents

instead she allowed the Snyder parents to sit her down and paint a picture of

to sit her down and paint a picture of

to sit her down and paint a picture of such joyous multi-generational familial

such joyous multi-generational familial

such joyous multi-generational familial love around the presence of this new

love around the presence of this new

love around the presence of this new young life that had carried her through

young life that had carried her through

young life that had carried her through her first trimester and most of her

her first trimester and most of her

her first trimester and most of her second in conspiratorial silence

second in conspiratorial silence

second in conspiratorial silence it wasn't until her well-conditioned 18

it wasn't until her well-conditioned 18

it wasn't until her well-conditioned 18 year old body finally started to show in

year old body finally started to show in

year old body finally started to show in the fifth month that she knew for sure

the fifth month that she knew for sure

the fifth month that she knew for sure and for real that she had made a massive

and for real that she had made a massive

and for real that she had made a massive mistake

mistake

mistake but by then it was too late to do

but by then it was too late to do

but by then it was too late to do anything about it

anything about it

anything about it Sarah turned four the other day and

Sarah turned four the other day and

Sarah turned four the other day and Naomi would be the first to tell you

Naomi would be the first to tell you

Naomi would be the first to tell you that she thanked God she had the kid

that she thanked God she had the kid

that she thanked God she had the kid after all

after all

after all it was impossible to look at that little

it was impossible to look at that little

it was impossible to look at that little face and think otherwise but that didn't

face and think otherwise but that didn't

face and think otherwise but that didn't mean Naomi's life was any better because

mean Naomi's life was any better because

mean Naomi's life was any better because things turned out this way it was just

things turned out this way it was just

things turned out this way it was just different

different

different Mike had taken off to join the Peace

Mike had taken off to join the Peace

Mike had taken off to join the Peace Corps within a week after the baby was

Corps within a week after the baby was

Corps within a week after the baby was born and in truth that was a relief he

born and in truth that was a relief he

born and in truth that was a relief he turned into a real pain in the ass once

turned into a real pain in the ass once

turned into a real pain in the ass once it sunk in that Naomi wasn't going to

it sunk in that Naomi wasn't going to

it sunk in that Naomi wasn't going to marry him or sleep with him ever again

marry him or sleep with him ever again

marry him or sleep with him ever again he would have made a lousy father anyway

he would have made a lousy father anyway

he would have made a lousy father anyway the Snyder's made good on their offers

the Snyder's made good on their offers

the Snyder's made good on their offers to help raise the kid but Naomi's hand

to help raise the kid but Naomi's hand

to help raise the kid but Naomi's hand to God they were morons and she ended up

to God they were morons and she ended up

to God they were morons and she ended up living with her sister in a half decent

living with her sister in a half decent

living with her sister in a half decent two-bedroom and a new development called

two-bedroom and a new development called

two-bedroom and a new development called Pine Valley which had an area pine tree

Pine Valley which had an area pine tree

Pine Valley which had an area pine tree nor a valley within its borders but the

nor a valley within its borders but the

nor a valley within its borders but the apartment was clean and things were okay

apartment was clean and things were okay

apartment was clean and things were okay Naomi had gotten used to radical changes

Naomi had gotten used to radical changes

Naomi had gotten used to radical changes in her domestic situation with her mom

in her domestic situation with her mom

in her domestic situation with her mom so what she was most comfortable with

so what she was most comfortable with

so what she was most comfortable with was something that was safe temporary

was something that was safe temporary

was something that was safe temporary and had an uncertain future

and had an uncertain future

and had an uncertain future box is checked and all that

box is checked and all that

box is checked and all that she'd started a job in classes at the

she'd started a job in classes at the

she'd started a job in classes at the community college once Sarah was old

community college once Sarah was old

community college once Sarah was old enough for daycare and if she played it

enough for daycare and if she played it

enough for daycare and if she played it all just right she could be done with

all just right she could be done with

all just right she could be done with veterinary school another six and a half

veterinary school another six and a half

veterinary school another six and a half years

years

years the most painful part of all of it was

the most painful part of all of it was

the most painful part of all of it was the part she never told anyone

the part she never told anyone

the part she never told anyone Naomi Williams didn't like her child

Naomi Williams didn't like her child

Naomi Williams didn't like her child yes she adored her yes she felt a deep

yes she adored her yes she felt a deep

yes she adored her yes she felt a deep and uncompromising love for her but in

and uncompromising love for her but in

and uncompromising love for her but in moments when Naomi was honest with

moments when Naomi was honest with

moments when Naomi was honest with herself she would silently admit that

herself she would silently admit that

herself she would silently admit that she didn't really like her kid

she didn't really like her kid

she didn't really like her kid Sarah could be the most loving child

Sarah could be the most loving child

Sarah could be the most loving child he'd ever met in your entire life and

he'd ever met in your entire life and

he'd ever met in your entire life and also the most hateful angry and

also the most hateful angry and

also the most hateful angry and debilitating

debilitating

debilitating for two years after Naomi's father died

for two years after Naomi's father died

for two years after Naomi's father died of a sudden heart attack at age 53 Sarah

of a sudden heart attack at age 53 Sarah

of a sudden heart attack at age 53 Sarah just picking up on the concept of death

just picking up on the concept of death

just picking up on the concept of death who brought up the sensitive issue to

who brought up the sensitive issue to

who brought up the sensitive issue to her young grieving mother with the

her young grieving mother with the

her young grieving mother with the painful consistency of an abscessed

painful consistency of an abscessed

painful consistency of an abscessed tooth

tooth

tooth someone would mention fathers and the

someone would mention fathers and the

someone would mention fathers and the kid would say

kid would say

kid would say but you can't ever talk to your daddy

but you can't ever talk to your daddy

but you can't ever talk to your daddy again right Mama

again right Mama

again right Mama with the subject of parents in general

with the subject of parents in general

with the subject of parents in general would come up and Sarah would look at

would come up and Sarah would look at

would come up and Sarah would look at Naomi and say you only have one parent

Naomi and say you only have one parent

Naomi and say you only have one parent now and your other one won't ever come

now and your other one won't ever come

now and your other one won't ever come back right Mama

back right Mama

back right Mama or [ __ ] people would just mention that

or [ __ ] people would just mention that

or [ __ ] people would just mention that they called somebody on the goddamn

they called somebody on the goddamn

they called somebody on the goddamn phone and the kid would say your Daddy

phone and the kid would say your Daddy

phone and the kid would say your Daddy won't ever call you again really

won't ever call you again really

won't ever call you again really everybody would win some laugh and say

everybody would win some laugh and say

everybody would win some laugh and say she's trying to make sense of death the

she's trying to make sense of death the

she's trying to make sense of death the poor thing

poor thing

poor thing but Naomi knew vindictiveness when she

but Naomi knew vindictiveness when she

but Naomi knew vindictiveness when she saw it her own kid didn't like her and

saw it her own kid didn't like her and

saw it her own kid didn't like her and she guessed that was okay because it cut

she guessed that was okay because it cut

she guessed that was okay because it cut both ways yeah yeah she loved her but

both ways yeah yeah she loved her but

both ways yeah yeah she loved her but you know maybe someday

you know maybe someday

you know maybe someday right now she just wanted to keep her

right now she just wanted to keep her

right now she just wanted to keep her head down grab night shifts to the

head down grab night shifts to the

head down grab night shifts to the storage place whenever she could and put

storage place whenever she could and put

storage place whenever she could and put a little more money away that's cool

a little more money away that's cool

a little more money away that's cool that was the prize both eyes on it at

that was the prize both eyes on it at

that was the prize both eyes on it at all times

Naomi dumped the trash in the big bin in

Naomi dumped the trash in the big bin in

Naomi dumped the trash in the big bin in the far corner of the loading dock and

the far corner of the loading dock and

the far corner of the loading dock and was turning the head back inside when

was turning the head back inside when

was turning the head back inside when she almost physically bumped into Tea

she almost physically bumped into Tea

she almost physically bumped into Tea cake who just burst through the security

cake who just burst through the security

cake who just burst through the security door from the other side of the complex

door from the other side of the complex

door from the other side of the complex feigning a casual demeanor oh hey he

feigning a casual demeanor oh hey he

feigning a casual demeanor oh hey he said you work here

said you work here

said you work here Naomi glanced down at her uniform shirt

Naomi glanced down at her uniform shirt

Naomi glanced down at her uniform shirt then back up at him

then back up at him

then back up at him doesn't everybody wear these

doesn't everybody wear these

doesn't everybody wear these he laughed I'm Tea cake

he laughed I'm Tea cake

he laughed I'm Tea cake Tea cake

Tea cake

Tea cake nickname

nickname

nickname clearly she said you must have loved

clearly she said you must have loved

clearly she said you must have loved that book

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God never heard of it well somebody named

never heard of it well somebody named

never heard of it well somebody named you after a famous character in it

you after a famous character in it

you after a famous character in it now that's not it he said

now that's not it he said

now that's not it he said how'd you get the name

how'd you get the name

how'd you get the name long story fairly annoying

long story fairly annoying

long story fairly annoying it wasn't like Naomi didn't have time so

it wasn't like Naomi didn't have time so

it wasn't like Naomi didn't have time so she just looked at him waiting

she just looked at him waiting

she just looked at him waiting her brown eyes Jesus he never knew

her brown eyes Jesus he never knew

her brown eyes Jesus he never knew he couldn't tell from the video those

he couldn't tell from the video those

he couldn't tell from the video those brown eyes they didn't look away and did

brown eyes they didn't look away and did

brown eyes they didn't look away and did she ever blink

she ever blink

she ever blink her eyes told him to keep going so he

her eyes told him to keep going so he

her eyes told him to keep going so he did

did

did I was like 16 or thereabouts what have

I was like 16 or thereabouts what have

I was like 16 or thereabouts what have you me and some of my boys are rolling

you me and some of my boys are rolling

you me and some of my boys are rolling around we got the munchies so we pull

around we got the munchies so we pull

around we got the munchies so we pull into the Kickapoo in 83 gonna get some

into the Kickapoo in 83 gonna get some

into the Kickapoo in 83 gonna get some Twinkies I'm the last one in though they

Twinkies I'm the last one in though they

Twinkies I'm the last one in though they scoop up all the good hosts that stuff

scoop up all the good hosts that stuff

scoop up all the good hosts that stuff and whatnot I also got left his

and whatnot I also got left his

and whatnot I also got left his snowballs and coconut makes me gag right

snowballs and coconut makes me gag right

snowballs and coconut makes me gag right if you say so

if you say so

if you say so I do he said for real like it closes off

I do he said for real like it closes off

I do he said for real like it closes off my throat what's that one dessert it's

my throat what's that one dessert it's

my throat what's that one dessert it's got like chocolate powder on it I had an

got like chocolate powder on it I had an

got like chocolate powder on it I had an Italian restaurant in Wichita and if you

Italian restaurant in Wichita and if you

Italian restaurant in Wichita and if you breathe in wrong you suck up all the

breathe in wrong you suck up all the

breathe in wrong you suck up all the powder and closed up your throat and you

powder and closed up your throat and you

powder and closed up your throat and you choke and you can't breathe

choke and you can't breathe

choke and you can't breathe can't say I've ever had that experience

can't say I've ever had that experience

can't say I've ever had that experience well it's weird coconuts like that for

well it's weird coconuts like that for

well it's weird coconuts like that for me but chunkier hang on where was I I

me but chunkier hang on where was I I

me but chunkier hang on where was I I wander sometimes like verbally

wander sometimes like verbally

wander sometimes like verbally all the hostess was gone

all the hostess was gone

all the hostess was gone right so the only thing left is

right so the only thing left is

right so the only thing left is something called an Aunt Sarah's Tea

something called an Aunt Sarah's Tea

something called an Aunt Sarah's Tea cake I buy it I eat it it's pretty good

cake I buy it I eat it it's pretty good

cake I buy it I eat it it's pretty good so I don't know is that a crime I say I

so I don't know is that a crime I say I

so I don't know is that a crime I say I want to go back and get another one my

want to go back and get another one my

want to go back and get another one my boys they think this is some kind of

boys they think this is some kind of

boys they think this is some kind of hysterical funny [ __ ] he wants a tea

hysterical funny [ __ ] he wants a tea

hysterical funny [ __ ] he wants a tea cake he wants a tea cake hey Tea cake

cake he wants a tea cake hey Tea cake

cake he wants a tea cake hey Tea cake where's your tea cake you know like

where's your tea cake you know like

where's your tea cake you know like crazy brilliant witty [ __ ] like that

crazy brilliant witty [ __ ] like that

crazy brilliant witty [ __ ] like that starts flying around

starts flying around

starts flying around were there any of those marijuana

were there any of those marijuana

were there any of those marijuana cigarettes that I've heard about

cigarettes that I've heard about

cigarettes that I've heard about involved in this situation

involved in this situation

involved in this situation I have no idea what you're talking about

I have no idea what you're talking about

I have no idea what you're talking about anyway that was it I was Tea cake and I

anyway that was it I was Tea cake and I

anyway that was it I was Tea cake and I haven't heard my given name since

haven't heard my given name since

haven't heard my given name since your parents call you tea cake my dad

your parents call you tea cake my dad

your parents call you tea cake my dad thinks it's a riot your mom you shrugged

thinks it's a riot your mom you shrugged

thinks it's a riot your mom you shrugged even longer story

even longer story

even longer story she held out her head I'm Naomi

she held out her head I'm Naomi

she held out her head I'm Naomi he took her hand trying not to look at

he took her hand trying not to look at

he took her hand trying not to look at the way her beautiful brown skin folded

the way her beautiful brown skin folded

the way her beautiful brown skin folded gently over her Knuckles not all gross

gently over her Knuckles not all gross

gently over her Knuckles not all gross and [ __ ] the way some knuckle skin and

and [ __ ] the way some knuckle skin and

and [ __ ] the way some knuckle skin and can be those weird crackly semi-circles

can be those weird crackly semi-circles

can be those weird crackly semi-circles that looked like an evil knothole in a

that looked like an evil knothole in a

that looked like an evil knothole in a tree in that one cookie commercial

tree in that one cookie commercial

tree in that one cookie commercial whatever but that's how his mind was it

whatever but that's how his mind was it

whatever but that's how his mind was it grabbed hold of something and ran off

grabbed hold of something and ran off

grabbed hold of something and ran off with it and now he was holding her hand

with it and now he was holding her hand

with it and now he was holding her hand too long thinking about knuckles for

too long thinking about knuckles for

too long thinking about knuckles for Christ's sake

Christ's sake

Christ's sake she reclaimed her hand with a light tug

she reclaimed her hand with a light tug

she reclaimed her hand with a light tug he tried to extend the moment any way he

he tried to extend the moment any way he

he tried to extend the moment any way he could

could

could I know you haven't been here long so if

I know you haven't been here long so if

I know you haven't been here long so if there's anything you know I don't know

there's anything you know I don't know

there's anything you know I don't know like that you don't know whatever just

like that you don't know whatever just

like that you don't know whatever just hit me up okay

hit me up okay

hit me up okay nothing I can think of but thanks guess

nothing I can think of but thanks guess

nothing I can think of but thanks guess I gotta go

I gotta go

I gotta go yeah me too super busy this place man

yeah me too super busy this place man

yeah me too super busy this place man always something except it's never

always something except it's never

always something except it's never anything

anything

anything she smiled at him

she smiled at him

she smiled at him it was hard not to find Tea cake

it was hard not to find Tea cake

it was hard not to find Tea cake moderately Charming

moderately Charming

moderately Charming she noticed the badly snake wrapped

she noticed the badly snake wrapped

she noticed the badly snake wrapped around his right bicep but let it pass

around his right bicep but let it pass

around his right bicep but let it pass without comment

without comment

without comment his ink was his business and she'd soon

his ink was his business and she'd soon

his ink was his business and she'd soon enough to know where that kind of sloppy

enough to know where that kind of sloppy

enough to know where that kind of sloppy tattoo probably came from

tattoo probably came from

tattoo probably came from he noticed her noticing and he saw the

he noticed her noticing and he saw the

he noticed her noticing and he saw the slight change in the way she looked at

slight change in the way she looked at

slight change in the way she looked at him a tiny lowering of her shoulders the

him a tiny lowering of her shoulders the

him a tiny lowering of her shoulders the minutest tilt of the head away from him

minutest tilt of the head away from him

minutest tilt of the head away from him it was always the same

it was always the same

it was always the same if women were smart enough to know him

if women were smart enough to know him

if women were smart enough to know him they was smart enough to not get to know

they was smart enough to not get to know

they was smart enough to not get to know him any better

him any better

him any better [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] why did he bother

why did he bother

why did he bother see you around

see you around

see you around she headed for the door to the dock he

she headed for the door to the dock he

she headed for the door to the dock he started to follow but she glanced at him

started to follow but she glanced at him

started to follow but she glanced at him in the half full trash can he was

in the half full trash can he was

in the half full trash can he was holding

holding

holding didn't you want to dump that

didn't you want to dump that

didn't you want to dump that all right yeah duh right

all right yeah duh right

all right yeah duh right she turned back to the door and busted

she turned back to the door and busted

she turned back to the door and busted TK had no choice but to head for the

TK had no choice but to head for the

TK had no choice but to head for the dumpster

dumpster

dumpster he was almost there when she called out

he was almost there when she called out

he was almost there when she called out oh there might be one thing he turned

oh there might be one thing he turned

oh there might be one thing he turned back

back

back over on your side

over on your side

over on your side yeah

yeah

yeah do you hear a beeping sound

do you hear a beeping sound

do you hear a beeping sound he looked at it for a long moment and

he looked at it for a long moment and

he looked at it for a long moment and the voice in the back of TK's brain that

the voice in the back of TK's brain that

the voice in the back of TK's brain that had been trying to get a hold of his

had been trying to get a hold of his

had been trying to get a hold of his attention finally broke through

attention finally broke through

attention finally broke through see the voice said I told you there was

see the voice said I told you there was

see the voice said I told you there was a beep

a beep

a beep TK looked at Naomi his eyes lighting up

TK looked at Naomi his eyes lighting up

TK looked at Naomi his eyes lighting up with the realization

with the realization

with the realization your side too

seven

TK and Naomi stood stuck still in the

TK and Naomi stood stuck still in the

TK and Naomi stood stuck still in the middle of the floor on his side of the

middle of the floor on his side of the

middle of the floor on his side of the complex for a good 45 seconds before he

complex for a good 45 seconds before he

complex for a good 45 seconds before he couldn't take it anymore and had to say

couldn't take it anymore and had to say

couldn't take it anymore and had to say something

something

something he usually found it hard not to fill

he usually found it hard not to fill

he usually found it hard not to fill silences but being around her made it

silences but being around her made it

silences but being around her made it worse

worse

worse I swear it was there before maybe if we

I swear it was there before maybe if we

I swear it was there before maybe if we she held up a hand stopping him

she held up a hand stopping him

she held up a hand stopping him Naomi had patience

Naomi had patience

Naomi had patience another five seconds went by in silence

another five seconds went by in silence

another five seconds went by in silence then ten then five more

then ten then five more

then ten then five more than there it was

than there it was

than there it was right down at the bottom of human

right down at the bottom of human

right down at the bottom of human hearing levels maybe half a decibel if

hearing levels maybe half a decibel if

hearing levels maybe half a decibel if that but the numbers didn't matter What

that but the numbers didn't matter What

that but the numbers didn't matter What mattered was that it absolutely

mattered was that it absolutely

mattered was that it absolutely positively was there

positively was there

positively was there beep

beep

beep their faces lit up in Smiles kids who

their faces lit up in Smiles kids who

their faces lit up in Smiles kids who just found their Easter baskets

just found their Easter baskets

just found their Easter baskets aha she shouted

aha she shouted

aha she shouted I knew it he said and they took off in

I knew it he said and they took off in

I knew it he said and they took off in opposite directions he toward the north

opposite directions he toward the north

opposite directions he toward the north wall and she for the South

wall and she for the South

wall and she for the South what are you doing Naomi asked as they

what are you doing Naomi asked as they

what are you doing Naomi asked as they passed each other in the middle of the

passed each other in the middle of the

passed each other in the middle of the floor

floor

floor it was over here

it was over here

it was over here she shook her head vigorously it was

she shook her head vigorously it was

she shook her head vigorously it was definitely over here and she planted

definitely over here and she planted

definitely over here and she planted herself still again listening by the far

herself still again listening by the far

herself still again listening by the far wall

wall

wall he called from across the room lady I

he called from across the room lady I

he called from across the room lady I heard this thing for half an hour after

heard this thing for half an hour after

heard this thing for half an hour after I got in it didn't register but it did

I got in it didn't register but it did

I got in it didn't register but it did you know how sometimes you know

you know how sometimes you know

you know how sometimes you know something but you don't like know it all

something but you don't like know it all

something but you don't like know it all the way and then it just sort of pops up

the way and then it just sort of pops up

the way and then it just sort of pops up and would you please be quiet

and would you please be quiet

and would you please be quiet I'm saying this wall you are very chatty

I'm saying this wall you are very chatty

I'm saying this wall you are very chatty I know it's a thing I sh

I know it's a thing I sh

I know it's a thing I sh is

is

is they Stood Still again

they Stood Still again

they Stood Still again they waited the full rest of the minute

they waited the full rest of the minute

they waited the full rest of the minute beep

beep

beep there was again like a starter signal

there was again like a starter signal

there was again like a starter signal and they took off each to the other's

and they took off each to the other's

and they took off each to the other's wall passing in the middle of the floor

wall passing in the middle of the floor

wall passing in the middle of the floor again looking at each other with

again looking at each other with

again looking at each other with incredulity

incredulity

incredulity what are you doing now she wanted to

what are you doing now she wanted to

what are you doing now she wanted to know what are you doing it's over here

know what are you doing it's over here

know what are you doing it's over here you were right

you were right

you were right they reached each other's former

they reached each other's former

they reached each other's former positions grinning it was kind of fun or

positions grinning it was kind of fun or

positions grinning it was kind of fun or a hell of a lot better than sitting

a hell of a lot better than sitting

a hell of a lot better than sitting alone staring at their monitors all

alone staring at their monitors all

alone staring at their monitors all night anyway

night anyway

night anyway they waited again trying not to giggle

they waited again trying not to giggle

they waited again trying not to giggle failing a bit but knowing they had 30

failing a bit but knowing they had 30

failing a bit but knowing they had 30 seconds to spare

seconds to spare

seconds to spare their eyes caught both their faces wide

their eyes caught both their faces wide

their eyes caught both their faces wide and childlike and wouldn't it have been

and childlike and wouldn't it have been

and childlike and wouldn't it have been nice if the beep never came again and

nice if the beep never came again and

nice if the beep never came again and this moment could just last and last and

this moment could just last and last and

this moment could just last and last and last and beep

last and beep

last and beep this time nobody moved

this time nobody moved

this time nobody moved TK laughed

TK laughed

TK laughed what

what

what I'm afraid to say

I'm afraid to say

I'm afraid to say you think you were right the first time

you think you were right the first time

you think you were right the first time he nodded Naomi looked up at the vaulted

he nodded Naomi looked up at the vaulted

he nodded Naomi looked up at the vaulted cement ceiling above them it was

cement ceiling above them it was

cement ceiling above them it was steepled like a roof but a shallower

steepled like a roof but a shallower

steepled like a roof but a shallower angle

angle

angle The Rake of the cement was funneling the

The Rake of the cement was funneling the

The Rake of the cement was funneling the noise scooting it along the surface of

noise scooting it along the surface of

noise scooting it along the surface of the stone before dropping it down on

the stone before dropping it down on

the stone before dropping it down on opposite sides of the room

opposite sides of the room

opposite sides of the room we're both right she said

we're both right she said

we're both right she said she crept at the center point of the

she crept at the center point of the

she crept at the center point of the room trying not to make any noise and

room trying not to make any noise and

room trying not to make any noise and waited

waited

waited beep

beep

beep her head snapped in the direction from

her head snapped in the direction from

her head snapped in the direction from which the sound had come now she had a

which the sound had come now she had a

which the sound had come now she had a beat on it she eased over the reception

beat on it she eased over the reception

beat on it she eased over the reception desk reached behind the counter and bust

desk reached behind the counter and bust

desk reached behind the counter and bust herself through the gate she went to the

herself through the gate she went to the

herself through the gate she went to the wall 10 feet behind the desk laid her

wall 10 feet behind the desk laid her

wall 10 feet behind the desk laid her ear against it and waited

ear against it and waited

ear against it and waited beep the sound was most definitely

beep the sound was most definitely

beep the sound was most definitely coming from behind this wall but the

coming from behind this wall but the

coming from behind this wall but the other side was just another Corridor

other side was just another Corridor

other side was just another Corridor running along the interior of the first

running along the interior of the first

running along the interior of the first row of storage units in the ground level

row of storage units in the ground level

row of storage units in the ground level section it was until you walk back

section it was until you walk back

section it was until you walk back through the doorway into the reception

through the doorway into the reception

through the doorway into the reception area and stopped to look at the wall in

area and stopped to look at the wall in

area and stopped to look at the wall in profile so to speak that you noticed the

profile so to speak that you noticed the

profile so to speak that you noticed the extra space

extra space

extra space there was about 18 inches more than

there was about 18 inches more than

there was about 18 inches more than there should have been between the wall

there should have been between the wall

there should have been between the wall and the reception area and the wall on

and the reception area and the wall on

and the reception area and the wall on the other side

the other side

the other side why would anybody do that leave empty

why would anybody do that leave empty

why would anybody do that leave empty space like that TK cast insulation

space like that TK cast insulation

space like that TK cast insulation between two interior walls that some

between two interior walls that some

between two interior walls that some [ __ ] up useless insulation

[ __ ] up useless insulation

[ __ ] up useless insulation what is this drywall she asked

what is this drywall she asked

what is this drywall she asked yeah

yeah

yeah you sure

you sure

you sure I have hung my share of it beep

I have hung my share of it beep

I have hung my share of it beep you look better

you look better

you look better you want to call Griffin

you want to call Griffin

you want to call Griffin under no circumstances do I want to call

under no circumstances do I want to call

under no circumstances do I want to call Griffin

Griffin

Griffin he caught the extra meaning and it was

he caught the extra meaning and it was

he caught the extra meaning and it was disappointed he tried that [ __ ] already

disappointed he tried that [ __ ] already

disappointed he tried that [ __ ] already she Shrugged he's a pig could have told

she Shrugged he's a pig could have told

she Shrugged he's a pig could have told you that

you that

you that beep

beep

beep she looked at him so what do you want to

she looked at him so what do you want to

she looked at him so what do you want to do

do

do well what I want to do is take that

well what I want to do is take that

well what I want to do is take that picture down he said gesturing to a

picture down he said gesturing to a

picture down he said gesturing to a large framed aerial photograph of the

large framed aerial photograph of the

large framed aerial photograph of the cave Circa 1940s that hung more or less

cave Circa 1940s that hung more or less

cave Circa 1940s that hung more or less over the exact spot that the beeping was

over the exact spot that the beeping was

over the exact spot that the beeping was coming from pick up that chair over

coming from pick up that chair over

coming from pick up that chair over there now he pointed at the

there now he pointed at the

there now he pointed at the uncomfortable as Hell metal off his

uncomfortable as Hell metal off his

uncomfortable as Hell metal off his stool that was parked behind the desk

stool that was parked behind the desk

stool that was parked behind the desk smashed it through that cheap ass 3 8

smashed it through that cheap ass 3 8

smashed it through that cheap ass 3 8 inch gyps from sheep Rock and see what

inch gyps from sheep Rock and see what

inch gyps from sheep Rock and see what the [ __ ] is beefing back there

the [ __ ] is beefing back there

the [ __ ] is beefing back there I'm okay with that if you are

I'm okay with that if you are

I'm okay with that if you are he laughed I said that's what I want to

he laughed I said that's what I want to

he laughed I said that's what I want to do not what I'm going to do

do not what I'm going to do

do not what I'm going to do oh

oh

oh they looked at the wall for a while

they looked at the wall for a while

they looked at the wall for a while It beeped again

It beeped again

It beeped again she couldn't take it oh come on we can

she couldn't take it oh come on we can

she couldn't take it oh come on we can hang the picture back up over the hole

hang the picture back up over the hole

hang the picture back up over the hole to cover it and bring in a piece of

to cover it and bring in a piece of

to cover it and bring in a piece of sheetrock tomorrow I hope you patch it

sheetrock tomorrow I hope you patch it

sheetrock tomorrow I hope you patch it up nobody will know the difference

up nobody will know the difference

up nobody will know the difference why would we do that he asked curiosity

why would we do that he asked curiosity

why would we do that he asked curiosity boredom

boredom

boredom you get bored it makes you want to smash

you get bored it makes you want to smash

you get bored it makes you want to smash two walls

two walls

two walls apparently don't you

apparently don't you

apparently don't you you thought about it not particularly

you thought about it not particularly

you thought about it not particularly but she was asking

but she was asking

but she was asking why did people always come to him with

why did people always come to him with

why did people always come to him with their [ __ ] and why did he usually do it

their [ __ ] and why did he usually do it

their [ __ ] and why did he usually do it he was going to get on top of that

he was going to get on top of that

he was going to get on top of that question real soon but first he ran some

question real soon but first he ran some

question real soon but first he ran some quick numbers in his head

quick numbers in his head

quick numbers in his head four by eight piece of drywall is 15

four by eight piece of drywall is 15

four by eight piece of drywall is 15 bucks he said plus a roll of joint tape

bucks he said plus a roll of joint tape

bucks he said plus a roll of joint tape that's another eight or nine I will give

that's another eight or nine I will give

that's another eight or nine I will give you twelve dollars and we can use a

you twelve dollars and we can use a

you twelve dollars and we can use a sampler can of paint from the paint

sampler can of paint from the paint

sampler can of paint from the paint store it's easy

store it's easy

store it's easy also we can see a smoke alarm with a

also we can see a smoke alarm with a

also we can see a smoke alarm with a dead battery

dead battery

dead battery maybe she said or maybe we see something

maybe she said or maybe we see something

maybe she said or maybe we see something else

else

else like what

like what

like what well we don't know that's the thing

well we don't know that's the thing

well we don't know that's the thing I need this job you're not going to lose

I need this job you're not going to lose

I need this job you're not going to lose it no I have to have the job I get it

it no I have to have the job I get it

it no I have to have the job I get it she said

she said

she said he was getting heated no you don't it's

he was getting heated no you don't it's

he was getting heated no you don't it's like a condition

like a condition

like a condition I said I get it I've lived here all my

I said I get it I've lived here all my

I said I get it I've lived here all my life I know what a parole condition is

life I know what a parole condition is

life I know what a parole condition is and I know where black and gray tattoos

and I know where black and gray tattoos

and I know where black and gray tattoos with shitty ballpoint ink get done

with shitty ballpoint ink get done

with shitty ballpoint ink get done Ellsworth right I mean I'm hoping it was

Ellsworth right I mean I'm hoping it was

Ellsworth right I mean I'm hoping it was Ellsworth

Ellsworth

Ellsworth it was

it was

it was good so you're not violent now will you

good so you're not violent now will you

good so you're not violent now will you please pick up that chair and throw it

please pick up that chair and throw it

please pick up that chair and throw it through the wall for me please

through the wall for me please

through the wall for me please she fixed her brown eyes on him and he

she fixed her brown eyes on him and he

she fixed her brown eyes on him and he looked into them

legs were spindly metal and they went

legs were spindly metal and they went

legs were spindly metal and they went through the drywall easy enough and the

through the drywall easy enough and the

through the drywall easy enough and the biggest chunk of gypsum came off when he

biggest chunk of gypsum came off when he

biggest chunk of gypsum came off when he pulled it back out

pulled it back out

pulled it back out the real challenge was not to pull too

the real challenge was not to pull too

the real challenge was not to pull too much so they wouldn't have to replace

much so they wouldn't have to replace

much so they wouldn't have to replace more than one panel they didn't need the

more than one panel they didn't need the

more than one panel they didn't need the chair after that first blow they used

chair after that first blow they used

chair after that first blow they used their hands carefully tearing away a few

their hands carefully tearing away a few

their hands carefully tearing away a few larger pieces until it was a hole big

larger pieces until it was a hole big

larger pieces until it was a hole big enough for tea cake to get his head and

enough for tea cake to get his head and

enough for tea cake to get his head and shoulders through

shoulders through

shoulders through there was a space back here alright

there was a space back here alright

there was a space back here alright about 16 inches of gap between this wall

about 16 inches of gap between this wall

about 16 inches of gap between this wall and the far one and it was dark except

and the far one and it was dark except

and the far one and it was dark except for a red flashing light at eye height

for a red flashing light at eye height

for a red flashing light at eye height three feet to his left

three feet to his left

three feet to his left beep

beep

beep was much louder now and a tiny light

was much louder now and a tiny light

was much louder now and a tiny light strobed white and sync with the sound

strobed white and sync with the sound

strobed white and sync with the sound TK and Naomi looked across the concealed

TK and Naomi looked across the concealed

TK and Naomi looked across the concealed interior wall checking it out it was

interior wall checking it out it was

interior wall checking it out it was covered with dials and gauges long out

covered with dials and gauges long out

covered with dials and gauges long out of use and cut off from Power

of use and cut off from Power

of use and cut off from Power they were set in an industrial looking

they were set in an industrial looking

they were set in an industrial looking corrugated metal framework of some kind

corrugated metal framework of some kind

corrugated metal framework of some kind painted in the sickly institutional

painted in the sickly institutional

painted in the sickly institutional green used back in the 70s because some

green used back in the 70s because some

green used back in the 70s because some studies said it was supposed to be

studies said it was supposed to be

studies said it was supposed to be soothing or maybe the paint was just

soothing or maybe the paint was just

soothing or maybe the paint was just cheap

cheap

cheap deep

deep

deep both their gazes turned back to the

both their gazes turned back to the

both their gazes turned back to the flashing light

flashing light

flashing light there was writing etched into a panel

there was writing etched into a panel

there was writing etched into a panel underneath it they couldn't quite read

underneath it they couldn't quite read

underneath it they couldn't quite read it from here

it from here

it from here you got a flashlight on your phone

you got a flashlight on your phone

you got a flashlight on your phone yes Naomi

yes Naomi

yes Naomi she dug a phone out of her pocket turned

she dug a phone out of her pocket turned

she dug a phone out of her pocket turned on the flashlight feature and shined the

on the flashlight feature and shined the

on the flashlight feature and shined the beam through the hole but they still

beam through the hole but they still

beam through the hole but they still couldn't read the words underneath the

couldn't read the words underneath the

couldn't read the words underneath the panel

panel

panel hang on to the thing TK said he put one

hang on to the thing TK said he put one

hang on to the thing TK said he put one foot on the stool grabbed the edges of

foot on the stool grabbed the edges of

foot on the stool grabbed the edges of the hole and hoisted himself up and

the hole and hoisted himself up and

the hole and hoisted himself up and through without waiting for a response

through without waiting for a response

through without waiting for a response the stool pitched and started to fall

the stool pitched and started to fall

the stool pitched and started to fall Naomi caught it but not before it had

Naomi caught it but not before it had

Naomi caught it but not before it had knocked Tea cake off balance and dumped

knocked Tea cake off balance and dumped

knocked Tea cake off balance and dumped him upside down into the space between

him upside down into the space between

him upside down into the space between the walls

the walls

the walls I said hang on to the fan

I said hang on to the fan

I said hang on to the fan yeah I didn't say okay traditionally you

yeah I didn't say okay traditionally you

yeah I didn't say okay traditionally you want to wait for that

want to wait for that

want to wait for that Tea cake sneezed six times

Tea cake sneezed six times

Tea cake sneezed six times when he recovered he looked up from his

when he recovered he looked up from his

when he recovered he looked up from his semi-inverted position and saw Naomi's

semi-inverted position and saw Naomi's

semi-inverted position and saw Naomi's hand holding out a Kleenex through the

hand holding out a Kleenex through the

hand holding out a Kleenex through the hole in the wall

hole in the wall

hole in the wall he looked at it impressed who has a

he looked at it impressed who has a

he looked at it impressed who has a Kleenex in this situation

Kleenex in this situation

Kleenex in this situation thank you

thank you

thank you you took it and blew his nose he offered

you took it and blew his nose he offered

you took it and blew his nose he offered the soiled Kleenex back to her

the soiled Kleenex back to her

the soiled Kleenex back to her you can go ahead and keep that one she

you can go ahead and keep that one she

you can go ahead and keep that one she said can you get up

said can you get up

said can you get up he shimmied himself into an upright

he shimmied himself into an upright

he shimmied himself into an upright position and scooted sideways down the

position and scooted sideways down the

position and scooted sideways down the wall through the tight space moving

wall through the tight space moving

wall through the tight space moving toward the flashing panel

toward the flashing panel

toward the flashing panel Shine the Light over there he said

Shine the Light over there he said

Shine the Light over there he said she did moving the beam onto the panel

she did moving the beam onto the panel

she did moving the beam onto the panel beneath the blinking light

beneath the blinking light

beneath the blinking light he read it NTC thermistor breach

he read it NTC thermistor breach

he read it NTC thermistor breach sub-basement level 4.

sub-basement level 4.

sub-basement level 4. from the hole she turned her light on

from the hole she turned her light on

from the hole she turned her light on him he went could you get that out of my

him he went could you get that out of my

him he went could you get that out of my eyes

eyes

eyes sorry

sorry

sorry thermistor what

thermistor what

thermistor what NTC thermistor breach

NTC thermistor breach

NTC thermistor breach there's a whole bunch of stuff back here

there's a whole bunch of stuff back here

there's a whole bunch of stuff back here she moved the light back onto the board

she moved the light back onto the board

she moved the light back onto the board and he looked up and down it were a

and he looked up and down it were a

and he looked up and down it were a number of other monitors and displays

number of other monitors and displays

number of other monitors and displays were stacked

were stacked

were stacked airtight Integrity resolution with a

airtight Integrity resolution with a

airtight Integrity resolution with a plus sign that's like underlined plus or

plus sign that's like underlined plus or

plus sign that's like underlined plus or minus

minus

minus okay plus or minus 0.1 degree celsius

okay plus or minus 0.1 degree celsius

okay plus or minus 0.1 degree celsius Naomi kept the light moving and he read

Naomi kept the light moving and he read

Naomi kept the light moving and he read the stamped letters under each of the

the stamped letters under each of the

the stamped letters under each of the deactivated gauges and displays cold

deactivated gauges and displays cold

deactivated gauges and displays cold chains synchronicity

chains synchronicity

chains synchronicity Data Logger validation measurement drift

Data Logger validation measurement drift

Data Logger validation measurement drift ratio LG internal LG probe le1 probe le2

ratio LG internal LG probe le1 probe le2

ratio LG internal LG probe le1 probe le2 probe LD internal Jesus there's like 20

probe LD internal Jesus there's like 20

probe LD internal Jesus there's like 20 of them

of them

of them you turn back to the gauge right in

you turn back to the gauge right in

you turn back to the gauge right in front of him as It beeped and flashed

front of him as It beeped and flashed

front of him as It beeped and flashed again but this is the only one that's

again but this is the only one that's

again but this is the only one that's flashing

flashing

flashing NTC thermistor breach

NTC thermistor breach

NTC thermistor breach yeah you know what that means

yeah you know what that means

yeah you know what that means she thought a moment

she thought a moment

she thought a moment the thermistor is part of an electrical

the thermistor is part of an electrical

the thermistor is part of an electrical circuit there's two kinds the positive

circuit there's two kinds the positive

circuit there's two kinds the positive kind their resistance Rises with

kind their resistance Rises with

kind their resistance Rises with temperature and the negative kind their

temperature and the negative kind their

temperature and the negative kind their resistance Falls if the temperature goes

resistance Falls if the temperature goes

resistance Falls if the temperature goes up

up

up so it's a thermometer

so it's a thermometer

so it's a thermometer no it's a circuit that's reactive to

no it's a circuit that's reactive to

no it's a circuit that's reactive to temperature like a thermometer

temperature like a thermometer

temperature like a thermometer it's not a thermometer he turned and

it's not a thermometer he turned and

it's not a thermometer he turned and looked at her what are you all sciency

looked at her what are you all sciency

looked at her what are you all sciency and [ __ ]

and [ __ ]

and [ __ ] I wouldn't say and [ __ ] but I take a lot

I wouldn't say and [ __ ] but I take a lot

I wouldn't say and [ __ ] but I take a lot of science prerequisites for vet school

of science prerequisites for vet school

of science prerequisites for vet school the alarm beeped again and TK turned

the alarm beeped again and TK turned

the alarm beeped again and TK turned back to it this is 30 or 40 years old

back to it this is 30 or 40 years old

back to it this is 30 or 40 years old how come it's still on

how come it's still on

how come it's still on she Shrugged

she Shrugged

she Shrugged guess they wanted to keep an eye on

guess they wanted to keep an eye on

guess they wanted to keep an eye on temperature

temperature

temperature beep

beep

beep why he asked

why he asked

why he asked good question and what the hell is sub

good question and what the hell is sub

good question and what the hell is sub basement for she shined her light in his

basement for she shined her light in his

basement for she shined her light in his eyes again I thought there was only one

eight

Mooney had been driving around with the

Mooney had been driving around with the

Mooney had been driving around with the bodies in the trunk for two days and

bodies in the trunk for two days and

bodies in the trunk for two days and they were starting to reek

they were starting to reek

they were starting to reek at first he'd been able to pretend the

at first he'd been able to pretend the

at first he'd been able to pretend the smell wasn't there or that it was the

smell wasn't there or that it was the

smell wasn't there or that it was the brewery on the other side of the river

brewery on the other side of the river

brewery on the other side of the river or maybe it was that weird syrupy smell

or maybe it was that weird syrupy smell

or maybe it was that weird syrupy smell that had been blowing in and out of the

that had been blowing in and out of the

that had been blowing in and out of the river valley for the past couple of

river valley for the past couple of

river valley for the past couple of years

years

years or even that it was he himself just

or even that it was he himself just

or even that it was he himself just smelling like a man during a heat wave

smelling like a man during a heat wave

smelling like a man during a heat wave as one does in these complicated

as one does in these complicated

as one does in these complicated climactic times we live in but he knew

climactic times we live in but he knew

climactic times we live in but he knew it wasn't any of that

it wasn't any of that

it wasn't any of that Mooney never did well in the heat which

Mooney never did well in the heat which

Mooney never did well in the heat which was what had made Uganda such an odd

was what had made Uganda such an odd

was what had made Uganda such an odd choice but hey you don't always choose

choice but hey you don't always choose

choice but hey you don't always choose your path in life sometimes it chooses

your path in life sometimes it chooses

your path in life sometimes it chooses you

you

you right now life had selected him to be

right now life had selected him to be

right now life had selected him to be the custodian of the Mortal remains of

the custodian of the Mortal remains of

the custodian of the Mortal remains of the two unlucky bastards in the trunk of

the two unlucky bastards in the trunk of

the two unlucky bastards in the trunk of his car and so far he was doing a shitty

his car and so far he was doing a shitty

his car and so far he was doing a shitty job of it

job of it

job of it final goddamn resting spot was harder to

final goddamn resting spot was harder to

final goddamn resting spot was harder to find than you'd think once you'd ruled

find than you'd think once you'd ruled

find than you'd think once you'd ruled out all the official channels for

out all the official channels for

out all the official channels for obvious reasons garbage dumps out of

obvious reasons garbage dumps out of

obvious reasons garbage dumps out of respect for the dead and any place that

respect for the dead and any place that

respect for the dead and any place that smacked a future housing of commercial

smacked a future housing of commercial

smacked a future housing of commercial development for fear of eventual

development for fear of eventual

development for fear of eventual disinterment

disinterment

disinterment that didn't leave a hell of a lot of

that didn't leave a hell of a lot of

that didn't leave a hell of a lot of Pottawatomie County open to

Pottawatomie County open to

Pottawatomie County open to surreptitious burial and nuni was

surreptitious burial and nuni was

surreptitious burial and nuni was starting to wonder if the whole car

starting to wonder if the whole car

starting to wonder if the whole car wasn't going to have to end up in the

wasn't going to have to end up in the

wasn't going to have to end up in the river when he saw the ad for the

river when he saw the ad for the

river when he saw the ad for the self-storage place on TV

self-storage place on TV

self-storage place on TV the first and most obvious thought that

the first and most obvious thought that

the first and most obvious thought that crossed his mind was that he'd buy some

crossed his mind was that he'd buy some

crossed his mind was that he'd buy some kind of airtight Vault seal them both up

kind of airtight Vault seal them both up

kind of airtight Vault seal them both up inside it wheel the thing into the

inside it wheel the thing into the

inside it wheel the thing into the smallest possible unit they had lock the

smallest possible unit they had lock the

smallest possible unit they had lock the door toss the key and never think about

door toss the key and never think about

door toss the key and never think about it again

it again

it again but on its first scouting Mission out to

but on its first scouting Mission out to

but on its first scouting Mission out to Atchison storage earlier this afternoon

Atchison storage earlier this afternoon

Atchison storage earlier this afternoon the smell had really started to settle

the smell had really started to settle

the smell had really started to settle itself into the metal and fabric and

itself into the metal and fabric and

itself into the metal and fabric and fiber of the car and he just didn't see

fiber of the car and he just didn't see

fiber of the car and he just didn't see anything made by God or man that would

anything made by God or man that would

anything made by God or man that would hold that stench in forever and ever

hold that stench in forever and ever

hold that stench in forever and ever except for Mother Earth herself

except for Mother Earth herself

except for Mother Earth herself plus there were the storage bills

plus there were the storage bills

plus there were the storage bills 49.50 a month to hell with that he'd buy

49.50 a month to hell with that he'd buy

49.50 a month to hell with that he'd buy a couple gallons of gas and torch them

a couple gallons of gas and torch them

a couple gallons of gas and torch them in his parents backyard first

in his parents backyard first

in his parents backyard first he turned around in the driveway and was

he turned around in the driveway and was

he turned around in the driveway and was on his way out of the Eastern side of

on his way out of the Eastern side of

on his way out of the Eastern side of the storage place when he saw the wooded

the storage place when he saw the wooded

the storage place when he saw the wooded Glade up on the hillside near the crest

Glade up on the hillside near the crest

Glade up on the hillside near the crest of the bluff

of the bluff

of the bluff immediately he knew the two rotting

immediately he knew the two rotting

immediately he knew the two rotting corpses in the trunk had just found

corpses in the trunk had just found

corpses in the trunk had just found their personal Valhalla he hiked up onto

their personal Valhalla he hiked up onto

their personal Valhalla he hiked up onto the bluff took a look around at the

the bluff took a look around at the

the bluff took a look around at the trees and the view and the peacefulness

trees and the view and the peacefulness

trees and the view and the peacefulness and the Whispering Pines and he hugged

and the Whispering Pines and he hugged

and the Whispering Pines and he hugged himself

himself

himself it was something he did sometimes he'd

it was something he did sometimes he'd

it was something he did sometimes he'd wrap both arms around himself and

wrap both arms around himself and

wrap both arms around himself and squeeze sometimes making a little cooing

squeeze sometimes making a little cooing

squeeze sometimes making a little cooing noise just something to let him know he

noise just something to let him know he

noise just something to let him know he was alive and he was loved even if only

was alive and he was loved even if only

was alive and he was loved even if only by himself at times

by himself at times

by himself at times but from Tiny acorns great oak trees of

but from Tiny acorns great oak trees of

but from Tiny acorns great oak trees of Love do grow right

Love do grow right

Love do grow right this was the spot

this was the spot

this was the spot he'd treat those poor dead Souls

he'd treat those poor dead Souls

he'd treat those poor dead Souls properly dig them a hole down onto the

properly dig them a hole down onto the

properly dig them a hole down onto the frost line right here on this glorious

frost line right here on this glorious

frost line right here on this glorious unbuildable Bluff that overlooked the

unbuildable Bluff that overlooked the

unbuildable Bluff that overlooked the river on one side and a mountain of rock

river on one side and a mountain of rock

river on one side and a mountain of rock on the other those were two natural

on the other those were two natural

on the other those were two natural wonders that he could count on to stay

wonders that he could count on to stay

wonders that he could count on to stay exactly where they were unchanged for a

exactly where they were unchanged for a

exactly where they were unchanged for a good forty or fifty thousand years the

good forty or fifty thousand years the

good forty or fifty thousand years the corpses would be undisturbed

corpses would be undisturbed

corpses would be undisturbed yes this place would do nicely

yes this place would do nicely

yes this place would do nicely so now who's back under cover of

so now who's back under cover of

so now who's back under cover of darkness and with a shovel

darkness and with a shovel

darkness and with a shovel he pulled off the driveway 50 yards

he pulled off the driveway 50 yards

he pulled off the driveway 50 yards short of the Eastern entrance and killed

short of the Eastern entrance and killed

short of the Eastern entrance and killed the lights around 10 pm

the lights around 10 pm

the lights around 10 pm there's just one car down below in the

there's just one car down below in the

there's just one car down below in the parking lot probably the guards and it

parking lot probably the guards and it

parking lot probably the guards and it looked kind of familiar but nobody

looked kind of familiar but nobody

looked kind of familiar but nobody guards an unlit Bluff on the wrong side

guards an unlit Bluff on the wrong side

guards an unlit Bluff on the wrong side of the Missouri River so Mooney figured

of the Missouri River so Mooney figured

of the Missouri River so Mooney figured he was safe over here

he was safe over here

he was safe over here he got out of the car went around to the

he got out of the car went around to the

he got out of the car went around to the trunk and winced at the foul smell that

trunk and winced at the foul smell that

trunk and winced at the foul smell that was seeping out of the cracks along the

was seeping out of the cracks along the

was seeping out of the cracks along the edges of the metal

edges of the metal

edges of the metal he turned his head away took an enormous

he turned his head away took an enormous

he turned his head away took an enormous gulp of fresh air and turned back opened

gulp of fresh air and turned back opened

gulp of fresh air and turned back opened the trunk in one swift motion and got

the trunk in one swift motion and got

the trunk in one swift motion and got smacked in the face with the most

smacked in the face with the most

smacked in the face with the most assaultive stench he'd ever smelled in

assaultive stench he'd ever smelled in

assaultive stench he'd ever smelled in his entire life

his entire life

his entire life it wasn't just that it smelled bad you

it wasn't just that it smelled bad you

it wasn't just that it smelled bad you couldn't just say bad that didn't come

couldn't just say bad that didn't come

couldn't just say bad that didn't come anywhere close to covering it it's that

anywhere close to covering it it's that

anywhere close to covering it it's that the smell hurt it was so powerful it had

the smell hurt it was so powerful it had

the smell hurt it was so powerful it had a thickness to it the body and form the

a thickness to it the body and form the

a thickness to it the body and form the smell was all hands and they were all

smell was all hands and they were all

smell was all hands and they were all over him grabbing him by the face and

over him grabbing him by the face and

over him grabbing him by the face and throat and nostrils and lungs and

throat and nostrils and lungs and

throat and nostrils and lungs and forcing their thick fingers into him

forcing their thick fingers into him

forcing their thick fingers into him Mooney snapped his head away as fast as

Mooney snapped his head away as fast as

Mooney snapped his head away as fast as he could barely getting a glimpse of the

he could barely getting a glimpse of the

he could barely getting a glimpse of the rapidly decaying contents of the trunk

rapidly decaying contents of the trunk

rapidly decaying contents of the trunk he fumbled around for the shovel it

he fumbled around for the shovel it

he fumbled around for the shovel it should have been right on top that was

should have been right on top that was

should have been right on top that was where he left it how could it have moved

where he left it how could it have moved

where he left it how could it have moved Jesus Christ where was the goddamn

Jesus Christ where was the goddamn

Jesus Christ where was the goddamn shovel

shovel

shovel face still averted he slapped his hand

face still averted he slapped his hand

face still averted he slapped his hand around the trunk a few times an Angry

around the trunk a few times an Angry

around the trunk a few times an Angry Dad swatting at the kids in the back

Dad swatting at the kids in the back

Dad swatting at the kids in the back seat while trying to keep his eyes on

seat while trying to keep his eyes on

seat while trying to keep his eyes on the road but every place his hand landed

the road but every place his hand landed

the road but every place his hand landed was worse than the place before that

was worse than the place before that

was worse than the place before that part was wet and this part was hot not

part was wet and this part was hot not

part was wet and this part was hot not just warm mind you but hot

just warm mind you but hot

just warm mind you but hot but wait here it was hard and wooden and

but wait here it was hard and wooden and

but wait here it was hard and wooden and shovel

shovel

shovel his fingers closed around the handle and

his fingers closed around the handle and

his fingers closed around the handle and he yanked it out of the trunk slammed

he yanked it out of the trunk slammed

he yanked it out of the trunk slammed the lid and practically collapsed

the lid and practically collapsed

the lid and practically collapsed gasping for air

gasping for air

gasping for air this couldn't be right this smell could

this couldn't be right this smell could

this couldn't be right this smell could not be normal

not be normal

not be normal then again what experience did he have

then again what experience did he have

then again what experience did he have what did he know maybe this was how it

what did he know maybe this was how it

what did he know maybe this was how it went down when you died

went down when you died

went down when you died if it was quick mental note he

if it was quick mental note he

if it was quick mental note he definitely wanted to eat better and

definitely wanted to eat better and

definitely wanted to eat better and exercise four or five times a week from

exercise four or five times a week from

exercise four or five times a week from now on because death was no party

now on because death was no party

now on because death was no party okay when did he fire the last Kill Shot

okay when did he fire the last Kill Shot

okay when did he fire the last Kill Shot what was that two days ago less than

what was that two days ago less than

what was that two days ago less than that he's loaded both corpses into the

that he's loaded both corpses into the

that he's loaded both corpses into the car at two in the morning on Wednesday

car at two in the morning on Wednesday

car at two in the morning on Wednesday that's 44 hours

that's 44 hours

that's 44 hours how fast does a body decompose he

how fast does a body decompose he

how fast does a body decompose he actually pulled out his phone and was

actually pulled out his phone and was

actually pulled out his phone and was about to Google that very question when

about to Google that very question when

about to Google that very question when the essential Insanity of that act

the essential Insanity of that act

the essential Insanity of that act somehow managed to announce itself

somehow managed to announce itself

somehow managed to announce itself through the fog of his stenched choke

through the fog of his stenched choke

through the fog of his stenched choke brain

brain

brain he put the phone away and started to

he put the phone away and started to

he put the phone away and started to walk up the hill with the shovel to dig

walk up the hill with the shovel to dig

walk up the hill with the shovel to dig the grave

the grave

the grave he was 10 steps away when he heard the

he was 10 steps away when he heard the

he was 10 steps away when he heard the first thump

first thump

first thump he turned

he turned

he turned it had come from the trunk of the car

9.

9.

9. Tea cake knew from bitter experience

Tea cake knew from bitter experience

Tea cake knew from bitter experience that your head could only get so small

that your head could only get so small

that your head could only get so small everything else can squeeze suck in

everything else can squeeze suck in

everything else can squeeze suck in twist around people can get pretty

twist around people can get pretty

twist around people can get pretty sideways when they want to or have to

sideways when they want to or have to

sideways when they want to or have to but with your head there was no

but with your head there was no

but with your head there was no negotiation

negotiation

negotiation TK had Direct knowledge of this from the

TK had Direct knowledge of this from the

TK had Direct knowledge of this from the fence that had run along the back of his

fence that had run along the back of his

fence that had run along the back of his high school

high school

high school the edge of the fence there was a pipe

the edge of the fence there was a pipe

the edge of the fence there was a pipe set just a few inches too far off the

set just a few inches too far off the

set just a few inches too far off the brick facade that left a nine inch gap

brick facade that left a nine inch gap

brick facade that left a nine inch gap between the school building and freedom

between the school building and freedom

between the school building and freedom determined weed smokers used to be able

determined weed smokers used to be able

determined weed smokers used to be able to get off the bus in the morning cruise

to get off the bus in the morning cruise

to get off the bus in the morning cruise through the front doors of the school

through the front doors of the school

through the front doors of the school sign in for homeroom and split out the

sign in for homeroom and split out the

sign in for homeroom and split out the rear fire doors before the handles got

rear fire doors before the handles got

rear fire doors before the handles got chained for the day totally legal by the

chained for the day totally legal by the

chained for the day totally legal by the way

way

way from there it was just a matter of a

from there it was just a matter of a

from there it was just a matter of a shoulder shimmy a gut suck in for Big

shoulder shimmy a gut suck in for Big

shoulder shimmy a gut suck in for Big Jim schmittinger and a willingness to

Jim schmittinger and a willingness to

Jim schmittinger and a willingness to scrape the [ __ ] out of both ears as you

scrape the [ __ ] out of both ears as you

scrape the [ __ ] out of both ears as you popped your head through to the other

popped your head through to the other

popped your head through to the other side

side

side if you did all that boom you will loosen

if you did all that boom you will loosen

if you did all that boom you will loosen the open field behind the school

the open field behind the school

the open field behind the school building where you could Blaze away in

building where you could Blaze away in

building where you could Blaze away in peace

peace

peace the size of his skull was the main

the size of his skull was the main

the size of his skull was the main reason Tea cake is Toasty a burnt out as

reason Tea cake is Toasty a burnt out as

reason Tea cake is Toasty a burnt out as you would ever find actually managed to

you would ever find actually managed to

you would ever find actually managed to swing a 3.5 GPA in high school his head

swing a 3.5 GPA in high school his head

swing a 3.5 GPA in high school his head was just too goddamn big to get through

was just too goddamn big to get through

was just too goddamn big to get through the fence

the fence

the fence so Tea cake never got high during the

so Tea cake never got high during the

so Tea cake never got high during the day does wondertree concentration

day does wondertree concentration

day does wondertree concentration some of the math and science even stuck

some of the math and science even stuck

some of the math and science even stuck and when he joined the Navy he

and when he joined the Navy he

and when he joined the Navy he remembered just enough of it to qualify

remembered just enough of it to qualify

remembered just enough of it to qualify for Duty on a ballistic missile sub

for Duty on a ballistic missile sub

for Duty on a ballistic missile sub it was a plus at least he had the same

it was a plus at least he had the same

it was a plus at least he had the same bunk every night

bunk every night

bunk every night nothing he did manage to learn about

nothing he did manage to learn about

nothing he did manage to learn about Lord of the Flies though was of use in

Lord of the Flies though was of use in

Lord of the Flies though was of use in his present situation where his great

his present situation where his great

his present situation where his great big [ __ ] up head had done him in again

big [ __ ] up head had done him in again

big [ __ ] up head had done him in again stuck he called out to Naomi from the

stuck he called out to Naomi from the

stuck he called out to Naomi from the space between the walls what about

space between the walls what about

space between the walls what about vageline you got any vageline do I have

vageline you got any vageline do I have

vageline you got any vageline do I have any what

any what

any what that greasy [ __ ] you put in your lips

that greasy [ __ ] you put in your lips

that greasy [ __ ] you put in your lips get me out of here are you trying to

get me out of here are you trying to

get me out of here are you trying to save Vaseline

save Vaseline

save Vaseline whatever the [ __ ] it's called then we

whatever the [ __ ] it's called then we

whatever the [ __ ] it's called then we get some lotion of Grease or butter and

get some lotion of Grease or butter and

get some lotion of Grease or butter and get me out of here

get me out of here

get me out of here she'd been trying like hell not to laugh

she'd been trying like hell not to laugh

she'd been trying like hell not to laugh for the better part of the last few

for the better part of the last few

for the better part of the last few minutes and it was a battle she now lost

minutes and it was a battle she now lost

minutes and it was a battle she now lost oh yeah no definitely yes do that tea

oh yeah no definitely yes do that tea

oh yeah no definitely yes do that tea cakes buttered yeah laugh because this

cakes buttered yeah laugh because this

cakes buttered yeah laugh because this [ __ ] is like hilarious

[ __ ] is like hilarious

[ __ ] is like hilarious he was still in the Gap in the walls and

he was still in the Gap in the walls and

he was still in the Gap in the walls and he'd wedged himself in good in the

he'd wedged himself in good in the

he'd wedged himself in good in the precisely nine inch space between two

precisely nine inch space between two

precisely nine inch space between two i-beams

i-beams

i-beams be done well up to that point sliding

be done well up to that point sliding

be done well up to that point sliding and twisting and pretzling his body

and twisting and pretzling his body

and twisting and pretzling his body through the tiny open area toward what

through the tiny open area toward what

through the tiny open area toward what looked like an enormous map at the far

looked like an enormous map at the far

looked like an enormous map at the far end of the control panel wall

end of the control panel wall

end of the control panel wall it was dark inside the Gap and hard to

it was dark inside the Gap and hard to

it was dark inside the Gap and hard to tell but it looked like a map anyway and

tell but it looked like a map anyway and

tell but it looked like a map anyway and he had only been a few feet from it when

he had only been a few feet from it when

he had only been a few feet from it when he'd gotten stuck between the beams and

he'd gotten stuck between the beams and

he'd gotten stuck between the beams and the entirety of his high school

the entirety of his high school

the entirety of his high school experience came flooding back to him now

experience came flooding back to him now

experience came flooding back to him now he couldn't move his goddamn head

he couldn't move his goddamn head

he couldn't move his goddamn head Lube you gotta have some lube right

Lube you gotta have some lube right

Lube you gotta have some lube right throw me it

throw me it

throw me it Naomi took a moment to make sure she'd

Naomi took a moment to make sure she'd

Naomi took a moment to make sure she'd understood him properly before she poked

understood him properly before she poked

understood him properly before she poked her head in through the hole in the wall

her head in through the hole in the wall

her head in through the hole in the wall I'm sorry did you just suggest that I

I'm sorry did you just suggest that I

I'm sorry did you just suggest that I carry lubricant around with me

carry lubricant around with me

carry lubricant around with me I I didn't I wasn't because that's some

I I didn't I wasn't because that's some

I I didn't I wasn't because that's some offensive [ __ ] Tea cake

offensive [ __ ] Tea cake

offensive [ __ ] Tea cake I'd like to apologize and start over

I'd like to apologize and start over

I'd like to apologize and start over I mean I don't know you got any dental

I mean I don't know you got any dental

I mean I don't know you got any dental dams in your pocket

dams in your pocket

dams in your pocket Naomi um ma'am I'm kind of freaking out

Naomi um ma'am I'm kind of freaking out

Naomi um ma'am I'm kind of freaking out here

here

here she took a step back looked up and down

she took a step back looked up and down

she took a step back looked up and down the length of the wall and thought

the length of the wall and thought

the length of the wall and thought are you good for another 12 bucks she

are you good for another 12 bucks she

are you good for another 12 bucks she asked although we wouldn't have to buy

asked although we wouldn't have to buy

asked although we wouldn't have to buy the roll of tape again

the roll of tape again

the roll of tape again TK was in no position to negotiate do

TK was in no position to negotiate do

TK was in no position to negotiate do what you got to do lady just promise me

what you got to do lady just promise me

what you got to do lady just promise me you're not going to pull on me because

you're not going to pull on me because

you're not going to pull on me because at this point I think if the angle's

at this point I think if the angle's

at this point I think if the angle's wrong my left ear is just going to tear

wrong my left ear is just going to tear

wrong my left ear is just going to tear right the legs of the metal stool crash

right the legs of the metal stool crash

right the legs of the metal stool crash through the drywall three feet in front

through the drywall three feet in front

through the drywall three feet in front of him and startled him so badly he

of him and startled him so badly he

of him and startled him so badly he wrenched his body backward ripping

wrenched his body backward ripping

wrenched his body backward ripping himself free from the head Vice

himself free from the head Vice

himself free from the head Vice he fell again on his ass in the narrow

he fell again on his ass in the narrow

he fell again on his ass in the narrow space that he was now more than ready to

space that he was now more than ready to

space that he was now more than ready to evacuate

evacuate

evacuate as he got to his feet he saw Naomi

as he got to his feet he saw Naomi

as he got to his feet he saw Naomi standing in the new opening that repair

standing in the new opening that repair

standing in the new opening that repair was going to cost more than 12 bucks by

was going to cost more than 12 bucks by

was going to cost more than 12 bucks by the way she'd hit a seam right between

the way she'd hit a seam right between

the way she'd hit a seam right between two panels and they were going to need

two panels and they were going to need

two panels and they were going to need three four by eights now a minimum

three four by eights now a minimum

three four by eights now a minimum she was staring in amazement at the wall

she was staring in amazement at the wall

she was staring in amazement at the wall Beyond

Beyond

Beyond holy [ __ ]

holy [ __ ]

holy [ __ ] TK got to his feet rubbing his ears in

TK got to his feet rubbing his ears in

TK got to his feet rubbing his ears in pain and slid forward until he was

pain and slid forward until he was

pain and slid forward until he was alongside her

alongside her

alongside her the broken panels had opened up a

the broken panels had opened up a

the broken panels had opened up a section directly in front of the map

section directly in front of the map

section directly in front of the map like thing he'd been trying to move

like thing he'd been trying to move

like thing he'd been trying to move closer to and it was bigger and more

closer to and it was bigger and more

closer to and it was bigger and more detailed than he'd been able to see by

detailed than he'd been able to see by

detailed than he'd been able to see by the light of Naomi's phone's flashlight

the light of Naomi's phone's flashlight

the light of Naomi's phone's flashlight it was an enormous hyper detail floor

it was an enormous hyper detail floor

it was an enormous hyper detail floor plan depicting every room conduit pipe

plan depicting every room conduit pipe

plan depicting every room conduit pipe and piece of wiring and what must have

and piece of wiring and what must have

and piece of wiring and what must have been the old military storage complex

been the old military storage complex

been the old military storage complex there are hundreds of LED lights

there are hundreds of LED lights

there are hundreds of LED lights painstakingly placed all over the map

painstakingly placed all over the map

painstakingly placed all over the map marking God knows what but they were all

marking God knows what but they were all

marking God knows what but they were all long since deactivated or burned out

long since deactivated or burned out

long since deactivated or burned out except for one all the way down at the

except for one all the way down at the

except for one all the way down at the bottom right corner

bottom right corner

bottom right corner his tiny bulb strobe white and sink with

his tiny bulb strobe white and sink with

his tiny bulb strobe white and sink with the light on the warning panel nearby

the light on the warning panel nearby

the light on the warning panel nearby TK came over to the schematic kicked out

TK came over to the schematic kicked out

TK came over to the schematic kicked out the remnants of the broken drywall and

the remnants of the broken drywall and

the remnants of the broken drywall and stepped out of the Inner Space moving

stepped out of the Inner Space moving

stepped out of the Inner Space moving back into the reception area

back into the reception area

back into the reception area he got a few feet away from the thing to

he got a few feet away from the thing to

he got a few feet away from the thing to get a better look he stood shoulder to

get a better look he stood shoulder to

get a better look he stood shoulder to shoulder with Naomi she looked at him

shoulder with Naomi she looked at him

shoulder with Naomi she looked at him your ear is bleeding

your ear is bleeding

your ear is bleeding he reached up to his right ear but she

he reached up to his right ear but she

he reached up to his right ear but she meant the left she pulled another

meant the left she pulled another

meant the left she pulled another kleenex from the pack she kept in her

kleenex from the pack she kept in her

kleenex from the pack she kept in her pocket wiped his ear gently folded it

pocket wiped his ear gently folded it

pocket wiped his ear gently folded it over and pressed it there

over and pressed it there

over and pressed it there hold that

hold that

hold that he did

he did

he did he looked at her

he looked at her

he looked at her no one had put a bandage on one of tea

no one had put a bandage on one of tea

no one had put a bandage on one of tea Cake's wounds with their own hand since

Cake's wounds with their own hand since

Cake's wounds with their own hand since he was 11 years old it almost moved into

he was 11 years old it almost moved into

he was 11 years old it almost moved into tears

tears

tears in fact he thought he felt the first

in fact he thought he felt the first

in fact he thought he felt the first sting of a couple of them in the corners

sting of a couple of them in the corners

sting of a couple of them in the corners of his eyes

of his eyes

of his eyes that was the last thing he needed to

that was the last thing he needed to

that was the last thing he needed to bust out crying in front of her what is

bust out crying in front of her what is

bust out crying in front of her what is the matter with me

the matter with me

the matter with me what's the matter she asked she didn't

what's the matter she asked she didn't

what's the matter she asked she didn't miss much

miss much

miss much huh

huh

huh you okay

you okay

you okay yeah just ouch whatever

yeah just ouch whatever

yeah just ouch whatever she turned and looked at the map

she turned and looked at the map

she turned and looked at the map it's a schematic

it's a schematic

it's a schematic she leaned through the wall and ran her

she leaned through the wall and ran her

she leaned through the wall and ran her hands along it starting at the top which

hands along it starting at the top which

hands along it starting at the top which was the ground floor

was the ground floor

was the ground floor how many levels are there supposed to be

how many levels are there supposed to be

how many levels are there supposed to be in this place

in this place

in this place three main floor and two below ground

three main floor and two below ground

three main floor and two below ground they used to be six and they watched

they used to be six and they watched

they used to be six and they watched this stuff

this stuff

this stuff yeah it was military storage since World

yeah it was military storage since World

yeah it was military storage since World War II you know weapons and what have

War II you know weapons and what have

War II you know weapons and what have you they cleaned it out and sold it

you they cleaned it out and sold it

you they cleaned it out and sold it about 20 years ago and they must have

about 20 years ago and they must have

about 20 years ago and they must have sealed up everything below here she ran

sealed up everything below here she ran

sealed up everything below here she ran her hand down the schematic to the lower

her hand down the schematic to the lower

her hand down the schematic to the lower levels which was the part they really

levels which was the part they really

levels which was the part they really cared about see all the sensors they're

cared about see all the sensors they're

cared about see all the sensors they're all in bunches down here

all in bunches down here

all in bunches down here she was right

she was right

she was right by far the greatest concentration of

by far the greatest concentration of

by far the greatest concentration of LEDs was on the lower three levels the

LEDs was on the lower three levels the

LEDs was on the lower three levels the additional sub-basements sb2 and sb3

additional sub-basements sb2 and sb3

additional sub-basements sb2 and sb3 were apparently sealed off and all their

were apparently sealed off and all their

were apparently sealed off and all their monitor lights were dark

monitor lights were dark

monitor lights were dark single flashing white bulb was on the

single flashing white bulb was on the

single flashing white bulb was on the very bottom level marked sp4

very bottom level marked sp4

very bottom level marked sp4 but there was a large blank space two

but there was a large blank space two

but there was a large blank space two feet a map at least between sp3 and sp4

feet a map at least between sp3 and sp4

feet a map at least between sp3 and sp4 tiny scribbles of rock shapes seem to

tiny scribbles of rock shapes seem to

tiny scribbles of rock shapes seem to indicate it was Earthen

indicate it was Earthen

indicate it was Earthen TK studied it trying to figure it out

TK studied it trying to figure it out

TK studied it trying to figure it out who builds a sub-basement 100 feet below

who builds a sub-basement 100 feet below

who builds a sub-basement 100 feet below the other basements you'd have to dig

the other basements you'd have to dig

the other basements you'd have to dig the whole thing out build the bottom

the whole thing out build the bottom

the whole thing out build the bottom floor then fill in again above it that

floor then fill in again above it that

floor then fill in again above it that makes no sense

makes no sense

makes no sense you want to go down and see it he looked

you want to go down and see it he looked

you want to go down and see it he looked at her how it's sealed

at her how it's sealed

at her how it's sealed that she pointed to the far left side of

that she pointed to the far left side of

that she pointed to the far left side of the map where a thin vertical column

the map where a thin vertical column

the map where a thin vertical column rose up from sb4 through the Earthen

rose up from sb4 through the Earthen

rose up from sb4 through the Earthen portion and skirted along the edges of

portion and skirted along the edges of

portion and skirted along the edges of the other sub-basement levels it was

the other sub-basement levels it was

the other sub-basement levels it was narrow with hatch marks drawn evenly

narrow with hatch marks drawn evenly

narrow with hatch marks drawn evenly between the long parallel lines all the

between the long parallel lines all the

between the long parallel lines all the way up

way up

way up what is it

what is it

what is it a tube ladder how do you know it's

a tube ladder how do you know it's

a tube ladder how do you know it's shaped like a tube and it looks like a

shaped like a tube and it looks like a

shaped like a tube and it looks like a ladder how else would they get down

ladder how else would they get down

ladder how else would they get down there

there

there she pointed to the hatchings look these

she pointed to the hatchings look these

she pointed to the hatchings look these are the rungs

are the rungs

are the rungs he was impressed you must go to college

he was impressed you must go to college

he was impressed you must go to college right it's a waste if you don't

right it's a waste if you don't

right it's a waste if you don't I go as much as I can yeah

I go as much as I can yeah

I go as much as I can yeah then you should be smart enough to not

then you should be smart enough to not

then you should be smart enough to not want to go down there

want to go down there

want to go down there come on she said this is the most fun

come on she said this is the most fun

come on she said this is the most fun I've had in years this is a night out

I've had in years this is a night out

I've had in years this is a night out for me

for me

for me Jesus that's depressing you don't go out

Jesus that's depressing you don't go out

Jesus that's depressing you don't go out not really

not really

not really we're not just like for beer I don't

we're not just like for beer I don't

we're not just like for beer I don't drink he persisted not even for one beer

drink he persisted not even for one beer

drink he persisted not even for one beer that would be drinking

that would be drinking

that would be drinking you never go out for one beer this is

you never go out for one beer this is

you never go out for one beer this is getting off the point

getting off the point

getting off the point but he was determined what about a

but he was determined what about a

but he was determined what about a coffee

coffee

coffee I thought you were fun Tea cake you

I thought you were fun Tea cake you

I thought you were fun Tea cake you started out fun

started out fun

started out fun me I'm totally fine I'm huge fun you're

me I'm totally fine I'm huge fun you're

me I'm totally fine I'm huge fun you're the one who just said your best night

the one who just said your best night

the one who just said your best night out in years is vandalizing your

out in years is vandalizing your

out in years is vandalizing your workplace

workplace

workplace I have an inquisitive nature

I have an inquisitive nature

I have an inquisitive nature she held up her phone and snapped a

she held up her phone and snapped a

she held up her phone and snapped a picture of the schematic

picture of the schematic

picture of the schematic yeah I can see that and that's cool I'm

yeah I can see that and that's cool I'm

yeah I can see that and that's cool I'm like cooperating you look at me with

like cooperating you look at me with

like cooperating you look at me with those eyes you got and you say please

those eyes you got and you say please

those eyes you got and you say please throw your chair through the wall and

throw your chair through the wall and

throw your chair through the wall and you know I'm on board I throw my chair

you know I'm on board I throw my chair

you know I'm on board I throw my chair through the wall and then you say go

through the wall and then you say go

through the wall and then you say go crawl into that weird space and check it

crawl into that weird space and check it

crawl into that weird space and check it out still good I'm into it but then you

out still good I'm into it but then you

out still good I'm into it but then you come at me like go down the tube ladder

come at me like go down the tube ladder

come at me like go down the tube ladder a couple hundred feet into the blocked

a couple hundred feet into the blocked

a couple hundred feet into the blocked off part of the [ __ ] up government

off part of the [ __ ] up government

off part of the [ __ ] up government [ __ ] and see why the thermistor alarm is

[ __ ] and see why the thermistor alarm is

[ __ ] and see why the thermistor alarm is going off and you know a man's gonna

going off and you know a man's gonna

going off and you know a man's gonna take a second to think things through

take a second to think things through

take a second to think things through you feel me

you feel me

you feel me she waited a moment

she waited a moment

she waited a moment do you like my eyes in fact I do

do you like my eyes in fact I do

do you like my eyes in fact I do that's very sweet

that's very sweet

that's very sweet my point is I'm kind of easy to talk

my point is I'm kind of easy to talk

my point is I'm kind of easy to talk into things that's why I got the

into things that's why I got the

into things that's why I got the problems I got people say [ __ ] like wait

problems I got people say [ __ ] like wait

problems I got people say [ __ ] like wait in the car and keep it running I just

in the car and keep it running I just

in the car and keep it running I just gotta run in and do something or I know

gotta run in and do something or I know

gotta run in and do something or I know this guy endowsman needs a favor and I

this guy endowsman needs a favor and I

this guy endowsman needs a favor and I say yeah sure I just point the gun at my

say yeah sure I just point the gun at my

say yeah sure I just point the gun at my foot and pull the trigger is that what I

foot and pull the trigger is that what I

foot and pull the trigger is that what I do bang ow what a surprise it blew my

do bang ow what a surprise it blew my

do bang ow what a surprise it blew my toe off should I do it again okay but I

toe off should I do it again okay but I

toe off should I do it again okay but I have spent a lot of time working on my

have spent a lot of time working on my

have spent a lot of time working on my personal self and talking to smart

personal self and talking to smart

personal self and talking to smart people and learning to ask what's good

people and learning to ask what's good

people and learning to ask what's good for me and to not just dive into [ __ ]

for me and to not just dive into [ __ ]

for me and to not just dive into [ __ ] which is what I am doing right now okay

which is what I am doing right now okay

which is what I am doing right now okay I am taking a [ __ ] moment

I am taking a [ __ ] moment

I am taking a [ __ ] moment I understand I respect that

I understand I respect that

I understand I respect that it is very very important to learn to

it is very very important to learn to

it is very very important to learn to tell everybody in the whole world to

tell everybody in the whole world to

tell everybody in the whole world to [ __ ] off all the time it took me forever

[ __ ] off all the time it took me forever

[ __ ] off all the time it took me forever to learn that

to learn that

to learn that I'm not sure that was the exact message

I'm not sure that was the exact message

I'm not sure that was the exact message you were supposed to but he glared at

you were supposed to but he glared at

you were supposed to but he glared at her so she stopped and recharted her

her so she stopped and recharted her

her so she stopped and recharted her course

course

course I'm sorry I get you had some bad stuff

I'm sorry I get you had some bad stuff

I'm sorry I get you had some bad stuff happen to you I was not being cool

happen to you I was not being cool

happen to you I was not being cool okay good

okay good

okay good that's more like it

that's more like it

that's more like it he took a deep breath and let it out

he took a deep breath and let it out

he took a deep breath and let it out again then pulled a flashlight off a

again then pulled a flashlight off a

again then pulled a flashlight off a battery charger on the wall next to the

battery charger on the wall next to the

battery charger on the wall next to the desk and headed for the gate that led

desk and headed for the gate that led

desk and headed for the gate that led deeper into the building

deeper into the building

deeper into the building you coming or what

10.

Mooney must have stared at the trunk of

Mooney must have stared at the trunk of

Mooney must have stared at the trunk of his car for a solid five minutes

his car for a solid five minutes

his car for a solid five minutes the thumps would come in bursts just one

the thumps would come in bursts just one

the thumps would come in bursts just one or two randomly then a whole Furious

or two randomly then a whole Furious

or two randomly then a whole Furious burst of them till it sounded like half

burst of them till it sounded like half

burst of them till it sounded like half a dozen Dutch men in there with wooden

a dozen Dutch men in there with wooden

a dozen Dutch men in there with wooden shoes were clogging on the inside of the

shoes were clogging on the inside of the

shoes were clogging on the inside of the metal trunk lid

metal trunk lid

metal trunk lid the whole car would rock like crazy then

the whole car would rock like crazy then

the whole car would rock like crazy then it'd stop again and everything would go

it'd stop again and everything would go

it'd stop again and everything would go still for 10 or 15 seconds while Mooney

still for 10 or 15 seconds while Mooney

still for 10 or 15 seconds while Mooney pondered The Impossible nature of what

pondered The Impossible nature of what

pondered The Impossible nature of what was occurring

was occurring

was occurring he'd use that moment to question his

he'd use that moment to question his

he'd use that moment to question his sanity his judgment his ability to

sanity his judgment his ability to

sanity his judgment his ability to correctly perceive reality

correctly perceive reality

correctly perceive reality his past history with drug use and abuse

his past history with drug use and abuse

his past history with drug use and abuse and then the dancing Dutch men would

and then the dancing Dutch men would

and then the dancing Dutch men would start back up again

start back up again

start back up again of course it was not possible not the

of course it was not possible not the

of course it was not possible not the slightest dead things don't come back to

slightest dead things don't come back to

slightest dead things don't come back to life decaying corpses don't reanimate

life decaying corpses don't reanimate

life decaying corpses don't reanimate but there was something alive in his

but there was something alive in his

but there was something alive in his trunk to some things wedged in there

trunk to some things wedged in there

trunk to some things wedged in there with the spare tire in the toolbox and

with the spare tire in the toolbox and

with the spare tire in the toolbox and the gun case and they weren't having any

the gun case and they weren't having any

the gun case and they weren't having any fun

fun

fun in the end it was Mooney's essential

in the end it was Mooney's essential

in the end it was Mooney's essential decency that made him open the trunk his

decency that made him open the trunk his

decency that made him open the trunk his goodness and kindness as a human being

goodness and kindness as a human being

goodness and kindness as a human being because the level of suffering going on

because the level of suffering going on

because the level of suffering going on three feet away from him was intense and

three feet away from him was intense and

three feet away from him was intense and what kind of person allows another

what kind of person allows another

what kind of person allows another living thing to endure that sort of

living thing to endure that sort of

living thing to endure that sort of agony

agony

agony what kind of person stands by and does

what kind of person stands by and does

what kind of person stands by and does nothing

nothing

nothing Mooney didn't open the trunk because he

Mooney didn't open the trunk because he

Mooney didn't open the trunk because he was stupid

was stupid

was stupid and he didn't open the trunk because he

and he didn't open the trunk because he

and he didn't open the trunk because he was scared and he didn't open it so that

was scared and he didn't open it so that

was scared and he didn't open it so that he could kill them again he opened the

he could kill them again he opened the

he could kill them again he opened the trunk because we are all God's creatures

trunk because we are all God's creatures

trunk because we are all God's creatures thing of it is even God would have taken

thing of it is even God would have taken

thing of it is even God would have taken one look at the cat and said that [ __ ]

one look at the cat and said that [ __ ]

one look at the cat and said that [ __ ] is not mine

is not mine

is not mine the trunk was only about six inches open

the trunk was only about six inches open

the trunk was only about six inches open when the first paw came out claws flexed

when the first paw came out claws flexed

when the first paw came out claws flexed wide slashing at the air like he wanted

wide slashing at the air like he wanted

wide slashing at the air like he wanted to rip the whole atmosphere a new one

to rip the whole atmosphere a new one

to rip the whole atmosphere a new one he fell back at that point and the cat

he fell back at that point and the cat

he fell back at that point and the cat did the rest it leaped straight up

did the rest it leaped straight up

did the rest it leaped straight up banging into the trunk lid and sending

banging into the trunk lid and sending

banging into the trunk lid and sending it swinging open the rest of the way

it swinging open the rest of the way

it swinging open the rest of the way the cat landed on all fours still in the

the cat landed on all fours still in the

the cat landed on all fours still in the trunk and it snarled at him a look of

trunk and it snarled at him a look of

trunk and it snarled at him a look of such profound intense hatred that Moni's

such profound intense hatred that Moni's

such profound intense hatred that Moni's response came without thought of any

response came without thought of any

response came without thought of any kind a purely synaptic reflex

kind a purely synaptic reflex

kind a purely synaptic reflex I'm sorry he said

I'm sorry he said

I'm sorry he said yes Mooney apologized to the cat and I

yes Mooney apologized to the cat and I

yes Mooney apologized to the cat and I was really the only sensible response

was really the only sensible response

was really the only sensible response the animal was a mess and it was all

the animal was a mess and it was all

the animal was a mess and it was all he's doing

he's doing

he's doing he'd put the 22 slug through the side of

he'd put the 22 slug through the side of

he'd put the 22 slug through the side of the cat's head and even that small

the cat's head and even that small

the cat's head and even that small caliber was enough to blow off the other

caliber was enough to blow off the other

caliber was enough to blow off the other side of its face

side of its face

side of its face now the half cat would never wow the

now the half cat would never wow the

now the half cat would never wow the ladies again

ladies again

ladies again its fur was dark and matted with blood

its fur was dark and matted with blood

its fur was dark and matted with blood its eyes are sickly bright yellow and

its eyes are sickly bright yellow and

its eyes are sickly bright yellow and unless Mooney was hallucinating which he

unless Mooney was hallucinating which he

unless Mooney was hallucinating which he still imagined hoped really was entirely

still imagined hoped really was entirely

still imagined hoped really was entirely possible its midsection was expanding as

possible its midsection was expanding as

possible its midsection was expanding as he watched

he watched

he watched but the cat looked good compared to the

but the cat looked good compared to the

but the cat looked good compared to the deer it was standing on

deer it was standing on

deer it was standing on Tuesday night it started out

Tuesday night it started out

Tuesday night it started out substantially better than this for

substantially better than this for

substantially better than this for Mooney just over 48 hours ago

Mooney just over 48 hours ago

Mooney just over 48 hours ago in need of a little distraction he'd

in need of a little distraction he'd

in need of a little distraction he'd taken himself to the movies with a real

taken himself to the movies with a real

taken himself to the movies with a real quick stop at turdix liquor and cheese

quick stop at turdix liquor and cheese

quick stop at turdix liquor and cheese first braid picked up a six pack of

first braid picked up a six pack of

first braid picked up a six pack of Bartles and James exotic berry wine

Bartles and James exotic berry wine

Bartles and James exotic berry wine coolers he didn't love flavored booze

coolers he didn't love flavored booze

coolers he didn't love flavored booze but they were the only wine coolers that

but they were the only wine coolers that

but they were the only wine coolers that were cold and came in plastic bottles

were cold and came in plastic bottles

were cold and came in plastic bottles the plastic ones had screw-off tops and

the plastic ones had screw-off tops and

the plastic ones had screw-off tops and didn't make a racket if you happen to

didn't make a racket if you happen to

didn't make a racket if you happen to drop say the fourth one on the floor of

drop say the fourth one on the floor of

drop say the fourth one on the floor of the movie theater

the movie theater

the movie theater at his last Mooney's private movie night

at his last Mooney's private movie night

at his last Mooney's private movie night and wine party a bottle had slipped

and wine party a bottle had slipped

and wine party a bottle had slipped through his popcorn greased hands in the

through his popcorn greased hands in the

through his popcorn greased hands in the excruciating clatter of it hitting the

excruciating clatter of it hitting the

excruciating clatter of it hitting the cement and rolling down the sloping

cement and rolling down the sloping

cement and rolling down the sloping theater floor felt like it had lasted

theater floor felt like it had lasted

theater floor felt like it had lasted half an hour

half an hour

half an hour just about every head in the place

just about every head in the place

just about every head in the place turned and that kind of Silent group

turned and that kind of Silent group

turned and that kind of Silent group disapproval was something he could have

disapproval was something he could have

disapproval was something he could have gotten a home for free

gotten a home for free

gotten a home for free so he was no dummy Plastics

so he was no dummy Plastics

so he was no dummy Plastics wine coolers go down easy the problem is

wine coolers go down easy the problem is

wine coolers go down easy the problem is the sugar headache but if you bring five

the sugar headache but if you bring five

the sugar headache but if you bring five or six Advil you're fine

or six Advil you're fine

or six Advil you're fine Mooney was a big fan of the a vitamin

Mooney was a big fan of the a vitamin

Mooney was a big fan of the a vitamin never left the house without it so by

never left the house without it so by

never left the house without it so by the time he drove away from the Regal 18

the time he drove away from the Regal 18

the time he drove away from the Regal 18 on Highway 16 he was more than fine

on Highway 16 he was more than fine

on Highway 16 he was more than fine he had a nice buzz and the movie wasn't

he had a nice buzz and the movie wasn't

he had a nice buzz and the movie wasn't half bad either mindless enough that you

half bad either mindless enough that you

half bad either mindless enough that you could tune out for whole chunks and not

could tune out for whole chunks and not

could tune out for whole chunks and not get lost but not so stupid that you felt

get lost but not so stupid that you felt

get lost but not so stupid that you felt bad about yourself afterward

bad about yourself afterward

bad about yourself afterward he could have done without some of the

he could have done without some of the

he could have done without some of the language

language

language but the best part of all was he still

but the best part of all was he still

but the best part of all was he still had one wine cooler left for the drive

had one wine cooler left for the drive

had one wine cooler left for the drive home and it wasn't even completely warm

home and it wasn't even completely warm

home and it wasn't even completely warm life could be kind

life could be kind

life could be kind he waited till he got through all three

he waited till he got through all three

he waited till he got through all three stoplights in town before he opened it

stoplights in town before he opened it

stoplights in town before he opened it Mooney had a hard and fast rule he never

Mooney had a hard and fast rule he never

Mooney had a hard and fast rule he never ever drank while driving in the busy

ever drank while driving in the busy

ever drank while driving in the busy part of town and he rarely texted or

part of town and he rarely texted or

part of town and he rarely texted or went online behind the wheel unless you

went online behind the wheel unless you

went online behind the wheel unless you know it was going to be super quick

know it was going to be super quick

know it was going to be super quick he was a concerned citizen who cared

he was a concerned citizen who cared

he was a concerned citizen who cared about his fellow man so he didn't crack

about his fellow man so he didn't crack

about his fellow man so he didn't crack the plastic lid on his sixth wine cooler

the plastic lid on his sixth wine cooler

the plastic lid on his sixth wine cooler until he'd hit the long Flat Dark

until he'd hit the long Flat Dark

until he'd hit the long Flat Dark stretch of 16 where it started the Big

stretch of 16 where it started the Big

stretch of 16 where it started the Big Bend

Bend

Bend you're going to want to but you just

you're going to want to but you just

you're going to want to but you just can't blame the accident on the Bartles

can't blame the accident on the Bartles

can't blame the accident on the Bartles and James that wouldn't be fair

and James that wouldn't be fair

and James that wouldn't be fair yes Mooney's blood alcohol was flirting

yes Mooney's blood alcohol was flirting

yes Mooney's blood alcohol was flirting with 0.15 and his reaction time was down

with 0.15 and his reaction time was down

with 0.15 and his reaction time was down but 250 pounds of aggressively stupid

but 250 pounds of aggressively stupid

but 250 pounds of aggressively stupid animal that Springs out of nowhere and

animal that Springs out of nowhere and

animal that Springs out of nowhere and stands Frozen on the center stripe of a

stands Frozen on the center stripe of a

stands Frozen on the center stripe of a dark highway right in the middle of an

dark highway right in the middle of an

dark highway right in the middle of an unlit curve I mean that [ __ ] has to

unlit curve I mean that [ __ ] has to

unlit curve I mean that [ __ ] has to be factored into the equation too

be factored into the equation too

be factored into the equation too character is Destiny and that dumbass

character is Destiny and that dumbass

character is Destiny and that dumbass deer sorry that beautiful creature of

deer sorry that beautiful creature of

deer sorry that beautiful creature of God that thing's character was drawn

God that thing's character was drawn

God that thing's character was drawn within the limitations of a non-sentient

within the limitations of a non-sentient

within the limitations of a non-sentient brain it stood there unmoving as the car

brain it stood there unmoving as the car

brain it stood there unmoving as the car closed the last 50 feet on it it just

closed the last 50 feet on it it just

closed the last 50 feet on it it just hunched there watching death come

hunched there watching death come

hunched there watching death come hurtling at it staring at the car like

hurtling at it staring at the car like

hurtling at it staring at the car like well like exactly what it was there's a

well like exactly what it was there's a

well like exactly what it was there's a goddamn good reason for that cliche so

goddamn good reason for that cliche so

goddamn good reason for that cliche so maybe it was fitting the first thing

maybe it was fitting the first thing

maybe it was fitting the first thing that hit the deer was the headlight

that hit the deer was the headlight

that hit the deer was the headlight the rest was a gruesome blur and Mooney

the rest was a gruesome blur and Mooney

the rest was a gruesome blur and Mooney panicked and blacked out most of it as

panicked and blacked out most of it as

panicked and blacked out most of it as he did sometimes when things got weird

he did sometimes when things got weird

he did sometimes when things got weird next thing he knew he was standing over

next thing he knew he was standing over

next thing he knew he was standing over the wounded animal on the shoulder

the wounded animal on the shoulder

the wounded animal on the shoulder staring down at its broken twitching

staring down at its broken twitching

staring down at its broken twitching form and holding his father's 22 pistol

form and holding his father's 22 pistol

form and holding his father's 22 pistol he kept it in the trunk for situations

he kept it in the trunk for situations

he kept it in the trunk for situations just like this which Believe It or Not

just like this which Believe It or Not

just like this which Believe It or Not were not all that uncommon around here

were not all that uncommon around here

were not all that uncommon around here Mooney knew what he had to do

Mooney knew what he had to do

Mooney knew what he had to do it wasn't hard he point the thing and

it wasn't hard he point the thing and

it wasn't hard he point the thing and pull the trigger and put the Beast out

pull the trigger and put the Beast out

pull the trigger and put the Beast out of its misery that's what any decent

of its misery that's what any decent

of its misery that's what any decent human being would do and there was no

human being would do and there was no

human being would do and there was no law against it either God's Normans the

law against it either God's Normans the

law against it either God's Normans the animal was clearly suffering its mouth

animal was clearly suffering its mouth

animal was clearly suffering its mouth opening and closing soundlessly steam

opening and closing soundlessly steam

opening and closing soundlessly steam rising from its blood as it spilled out

rising from its blood as it spilled out

rising from its blood as it spilled out onto the asphalt still hot from the

onto the asphalt still hot from the

onto the asphalt still hot from the exceptional heat of the day

exceptional heat of the day

exceptional heat of the day just kill it already

just kill it already

just kill it already but Mooney had never killed before never

but Mooney had never killed before never

but Mooney had never killed before never knowingly he didn't even like swatting

knowingly he didn't even like swatting

knowingly he didn't even like swatting flies he tended to send him off into

flies he tended to send him off into

flies he tended to send him off into flights of creepy reverie Reflections on

flights of creepy reverie Reflections on

flights of creepy reverie Reflections on his place in the universe

his place in the universe

his place in the universe he'd always figured he was a Buddhist at

he'd always figured he was a Buddhist at

he'd always figured he was a Buddhist at heart

heart

heart weren't they the ones who were on about

weren't they the ones who were on about

weren't they the ones who were on about reincarnation all the time or was that

reincarnation all the time or was that

reincarnation all the time or was that the Hindus whichever the ones who cared

the Hindus whichever the ones who cared

the Hindus whichever the ones who cared the ones who loved all living things

the ones who loved all living things

the ones who loved all living things that was him but now here he was faced

that was him but now here he was faced

that was him but now here he was faced with the bang

with the bang

with the bang the gun went off while he was still

the gun went off while he was still

the gun went off while he was still mid-thought and had hit the wounded

mid-thought and had hit the wounded

mid-thought and had hit the wounded animal in the gut it screamed oh great

animal in the gut it screamed oh great

animal in the gut it screamed oh great now I got shot the [ __ ] thing how can

now I got shot the [ __ ] thing how can

now I got shot the [ __ ] thing how can this have happened I'm a warm and

this have happened I'm a warm and

this have happened I'm a warm and sensitive and Humane person and oh my

sensitive and Humane person and oh my

sensitive and Humane person and oh my God what is that horrible sound this

God what is that horrible sound this

God what is that horrible sound this disgusting animal is making at me now I

disgusting animal is making at me now I

disgusting animal is making at me now I feel bad enough what is it hacking spit

feel bad enough what is it hacking spit

feel bad enough what is it hacking spit at me

at me

at me and Mooney filled with some other

and Mooney filled with some other

and Mooney filled with some other feeling not guilt not torch reflection

feeling not guilt not torch reflection

feeling not guilt not torch reflection not the milk of human kindness but a new

not the milk of human kindness but a new

not the milk of human kindness but a new one for him

one for him

one for him rage

rage

rage pure undiluted rage had this senseless

pure undiluted rage had this senseless

pure undiluted rage had this senseless animal that had ruined his night his

animal that had ruined his night his

animal that had ruined his night his mental state and the front left end of

mental state and the front left end of

mental state and the front left end of his car

his car

his car he raised the gun again put it to the

he raised the gun again put it to the

he raised the gun again put it to the deer's brain this time and blasted away

deer's brain this time and blasted away

deer's brain this time and blasted away more than once way more than once

more than once way more than once

more than once way more than once in spirit it was more of a murder than a

in spirit it was more of a murder than a

in spirit it was more of a murder than a mercy killing if anybody was keeping

mercy killing if anybody was keeping

mercy killing if anybody was keeping karmic score

karmic score

karmic score the crying Jag Mooney had afterward in

the crying Jag Mooney had afterward in

the crying Jag Mooney had afterward in the car lasted a good 10 or 15 minutes

the car lasted a good 10 or 15 minutes

the car lasted a good 10 or 15 minutes truth is it felt pretty good as guilt

truth is it felt pretty good as guilt

truth is it felt pretty good as guilt flooded through his veins again it was

flooded through his veins again it was

flooded through his veins again it was at least a familiar feeling much better

at least a familiar feeling much better

at least a familiar feeling much better than the Out of Body Experience he'd

than the Out of Body Experience he'd

than the Out of Body Experience he'd been having before that now what to do

been having before that now what to do

been having before that now what to do you can't leave a dead deer by the side

you can't leave a dead deer by the side

you can't leave a dead deer by the side of the road with three broken legs a

of the road with three broken legs a

of the road with three broken legs a bullet in its stomach and four more in

bullet in its stomach and four more in

bullet in its stomach and four more in its head that's just I mean that's sick

its head that's just I mean that's sick

its head that's just I mean that's sick Mooney needed time to think which meant

Mooney needed time to think which meant

Mooney needed time to think which meant that deer had to get off the shoulder of

that deer had to get off the shoulder of

that deer had to get off the shoulder of the road and into the trunk of his car

the road and into the trunk of his car

the road and into the trunk of his car the sight of Mooney 180 pounds and half

the sight of Mooney 180 pounds and half

the sight of Mooney 180 pounds and half in the bag trying to get a dead gangly 1

in the bag trying to get a dead gangly 1

in the bag trying to get a dead gangly 1 8 ton deer into the trunk of his car

8 ton deer into the trunk of his car

8 ton deer into the trunk of his car would have made for some pretty

would have made for some pretty

would have made for some pretty brilliant silent comedy

brilliant silent comedy

brilliant silent comedy it may well have taken all night if not

it may well have taken all night if not

it may well have taken all night if not for Tommy sipel the driver of a 2015

for Tommy sipel the driver of a 2015

for Tommy sipel the driver of a 2015 Lexus

Lexus

Lexus Tommy saw what was happening pulled over

Tommy saw what was happening pulled over

Tommy saw what was happening pulled over immediately asked one question

immediately asked one question

immediately asked one question you loaded and sensing Mooney's answer

you loaded and sensing Mooney's answer

you loaded and sensing Mooney's answer would be in the formative through his

would be in the formative through his

would be in the formative through his own considerable bulk into helping Hoist

own considerable bulk into helping Hoist

own considerable bulk into helping Hoist the mangled the air into the trunk he

the mangled the air into the trunk he

the mangled the air into the trunk he slammed the lid on it wiped his bloody

slammed the lid on it wiped his bloody

slammed the lid on it wiped his bloody hands on Mooney's t-shirt spoke a

hands on Mooney's t-shirt spoke a

hands on Mooney's t-shirt spoke a handful more words how get the [ __ ] out

handful more words how get the [ __ ] out

handful more words how get the [ __ ] out of here if I was you went back on his

of here if I was you went back on his

of here if I was you went back on his way

way

way Mooney occasionally knew good advice

Mooney occasionally knew good advice

Mooney occasionally knew good advice when he heard it and this was the best

when he heard it and this was the best

when he heard it and this was the best advice he'd heard in years

advice he'd heard in years

advice he'd heard in years you jump behind the wheel slammed his

you jump behind the wheel slammed his

you jump behind the wheel slammed his door and did his toll driving off with a

door and did his toll driving off with a

door and did his toll driving off with a dead deer in his trunk

dead deer in his trunk

dead deer in his trunk as he drove where too exactly he started

as he drove where too exactly he started

as he drove where too exactly he started thinking about the deer in those last

thinking about the deer in those last

thinking about the deer in those last gut shot moments when it seemed to be

gut shot moments when it seemed to be

gut shot moments when it seemed to be spitting at him and he got enraged all

spitting at him and he got enraged all

spitting at him and he got enraged all over again

over again

over again what exactly had gotten to him about

what exactly had gotten to him about

what exactly had gotten to him about that was it the temerity of the animal

that was it the temerity of the animal

that was it the temerity of the animal to accuse him of not being able to

to accuse him of not being able to

to accuse him of not being able to handle so simple and act as a mercy

handle so simple and act as a mercy

handle so simple and act as a mercy killing was that thing calling him inept

killing was that thing calling him inept

killing was that thing calling him inept unable telling me he couldn't hold up

unable telling me he couldn't hold up

unable telling me he couldn't hold up his end of the deal

his end of the deal

his end of the deal something had triggered a rush of bad

something had triggered a rush of bad

something had triggered a rush of bad inadequate memories but taking care of

inadequate memories but taking care of

inadequate memories but taking care of that hadn't he he'd answered any

that hadn't he he'd answered any

that hadn't he he'd answered any questions quite definitively with one or

questions quite definitively with one or

questions quite definitively with one or two or okay find four more squeezes of

two or okay find four more squeezes of

two or okay find four more squeezes of the trigger no I am capable quite

the trigger no I am capable quite

the trigger no I am capable quite capable thank you I settled that [ __ ]

capable thank you I settled that [ __ ]

capable thank you I settled that [ __ ] but good and hey what about my parents

but good and hey what about my parents

but good and hey what about my parents [ __ ] cat while I'm at it

[ __ ] cat while I'm at it

[ __ ] cat while I'm at it Mr Scroggins was 14 years old and had

Mr Scroggins was 14 years old and had

Mr Scroggins was 14 years old and had been sick for the last say 12 of those

been sick for the last say 12 of those

been sick for the last say 12 of those he was a diseased and expensive pet the

he was a diseased and expensive pet the

he was a diseased and expensive pet the bills in the Animal Hospital were about

bills in the Animal Hospital were about

bills in the Animal Hospital were about four hundred dollars just since the

four hundred dollars just since the

four hundred dollars just since the beginning of this calendar year

beginning of this calendar year

beginning of this calendar year though his father would have taken out a

though his father would have taken out a

though his father would have taken out a second mortgage to keep that ugly cat in

second mortgage to keep that ugly cat in

second mortgage to keep that ugly cat in the world Mooney knew the toll the

the world Mooney knew the toll the

the world Mooney knew the toll the financial strain was taking on his

financial strain was taking on his

financial strain was taking on his mother

mother

mother plus come on life couldn't be any kind

plus come on life couldn't be any kind

plus come on life couldn't be any kind of fun for Mr Scroggins either all

of fun for Mr Scroggins either all

of fun for Mr Scroggins either all riddled with disease and [ __ ]

riddled with disease and [ __ ]

riddled with disease and [ __ ] Mooney was headed home with a dead deer

Mooney was headed home with a dead deer

Mooney was headed home with a dead deer in the trunk a loaded 22 that he knew

in the trunk a loaded 22 that he knew

in the trunk a loaded 22 that he knew how to use and a head full of righteous

how to use and a head full of righteous

how to use and a head full of righteous killing Fury

killing Fury

killing Fury he liked it

he liked it

he liked it Mr Scroggins was executed down at the

Mr Scroggins was executed down at the

Mr Scroggins was executed down at the public Lake access boat ramp where the

public Lake access boat ramp where the

public Lake access boat ramp where the shop might not be heard

shop might not be heard

shop might not be heard Mooney tossed him in the trunk with the

Mooney tossed him in the trunk with the

Mooney tossed him in the trunk with the mangled deer and so began the 44-hour

mangled deer and so began the 44-hour

mangled deer and so began the 44-hour Odyssey of manly pride and horrified

Odyssey of manly pride and horrified

Odyssey of manly pride and horrified remorse that eventually brought Mooney

remorse that eventually brought Mooney

remorse that eventually brought Mooney to the grassy knoll here at Atchison

to the grassy knoll here at Atchison

to the grassy knoll here at Atchison storage

storage

storage all he wanted to do was give these two

all he wanted to do was give these two

all he wanted to do was give these two innocent dead animals the Christian

innocent dead animals the Christian

innocent dead animals the Christian burial they deserved

burial they deserved

burial they deserved but now Mr Scroggins was alive again

but now Mr Scroggins was alive again

but now Mr Scroggins was alive again Standing On Top of the once dead deer in

Standing On Top of the once dead deer in

Standing On Top of the once dead deer in the trunk of the car

the trunk of the car

the trunk of the car and he seemed royally pissed off

and he seemed royally pissed off

and he seemed royally pissed off the deer whose mortal injuries had been

the deer whose mortal injuries had been

the deer whose mortal injuries had been far worse flailed all four legs at once

far worse flailed all four legs at once

far worse flailed all four legs at once trying to stand up in the trunk but its

trying to stand up in the trunk but its

trying to stand up in the trunk but its broken limbs collapsed underneath it Mr

broken limbs collapsed underneath it Mr

broken limbs collapsed underneath it Mr Scroggins staggered off him but caught

Scroggins staggered off him but caught

Scroggins staggered off him but caught himself on the rear lip of the trunk and

himself on the rear lip of the trunk and

himself on the rear lip of the trunk and clung there hissing

clung there hissing

clung there hissing it had probably been a long ride for

it had probably been a long ride for

it had probably been a long ride for these two and they were sick of each

these two and they were sick of each

these two and they were sick of each other

other

other motivated by something other than normal

motivated by something other than normal

motivated by something other than normal locomotive Powers the deer vaulted

locomotive Powers the deer vaulted

locomotive Powers the deer vaulted itself out of the trunk

itself out of the trunk

itself out of the trunk it fell flat into the gravel its legs

it fell flat into the gravel its legs

it fell flat into the gravel its legs splaying outward cracking again there

splaying outward cracking again there

splaying outward cracking again there had to be a couple new breaks in there

had to be a couple new breaks in there

had to be a couple new breaks in there somewhere that it hauled itself up on

somewhere that it hauled itself up on

somewhere that it hauled itself up on all fours bounded up the hill and just

all fours bounded up the hill and just

all fours bounded up the hill and just kept running upward disappearing Into

kept running upward disappearing Into

kept running upward disappearing Into the Night

the Night

the Night Mooney had staggered back when the trunk

Mooney had staggered back when the trunk

Mooney had staggered back when the trunk first flew open and good thing he'd put

first flew open and good thing he'd put

first flew open and good thing he'd put six or seven feet between himself and

six or seven feet between himself and

six or seven feet between himself and the car because Mr Scroggins just missed

the car because Mr Scroggins just missed

the car because Mr Scroggins just missed him when he sprang off the rear bumper

him when he sprang off the rear bumper

him when he sprang off the rear bumper claws extended half jaw snarling and

claws extended half jaw snarling and

claws extended half jaw snarling and spitting

spitting

spitting apparently Mooney's apology had not been

apparently Mooney's apology had not been

apparently Mooney's apology had not been accepted

accepted

accepted Mr Scroggins landed on all four paws

Mr Scroggins landed on all four paws

Mr Scroggins landed on all four paws turned as if in reaction to a sound and

turned as if in reaction to a sound and

turned as if in reaction to a sound and ran up the hill in the same direction

ran up the hill in the same direction

ran up the hill in the same direction the deer had gone

the deer had gone

the deer had gone but the cat stopped the first tree he

but the cat stopped the first tree he

but the cat stopped the first tree he reached Tall Pine and threw himself at

reached Tall Pine and threw himself at

reached Tall Pine and threw himself at it catching hold of the bark and

it catching hold of the bark and

it catching hold of the bark and starting to climb

starting to climb

starting to climb Mooney got up and walked closer staring

Mooney got up and walked closer staring

Mooney got up and walked closer staring in amazement as the cat climbed the tree

in amazement as the cat climbed the tree

in amazement as the cat climbed the tree with Incredible determination

with Incredible determination

with Incredible determination there are no stops no hesitation no

there are no stops no hesitation no

there are no stops no hesitation no second thoughts only upward movement

second thoughts only upward movement

second thoughts only upward movement the branches thin near the top but still

the branches thin near the top but still

the branches thin near the top but still the dead cat climbed swaying on this one

the dead cat climbed swaying on this one

the dead cat climbed swaying on this one nearly breaking that one but losing no

nearly breaking that one but losing no

nearly breaking that one but losing no speed and no sense of purpose

speed and no sense of purpose

speed and no sense of purpose he reached the top of the tree the trunk

he reached the top of the tree the trunk

he reached the top of the tree the trunk spindly up there but still strong enough

spindly up there but still strong enough

spindly up there but still strong enough to hold an eight pound cat possibly

to hold an eight pound cat possibly

to hold an eight pound cat possibly seven and a half after recent events

seven and a half after recent events

seven and a half after recent events Mr Scroggins finally stopped to the top

Mr Scroggins finally stopped to the top

Mr Scroggins finally stopped to the top when there was nowhere else to go he

when there was nowhere else to go he

when there was nowhere else to go he paused and took a look around as if to

paused and took a look around as if to

paused and took a look around as if to make sure that this was it there really

make sure that this was it there really

make sure that this was it there really were no new mountains to climb not for

were no new mountains to climb not for

were no new mountains to climb not for him anyway

him anyway

him anyway satisfied he opened his mutilated Jaws

satisfied he opened his mutilated Jaws

satisfied he opened his mutilated Jaws as wide as they would go

as wide as they would go

as wide as they would go he turned back to the thinning Central

he turned back to the thinning Central

he turned back to the thinning Central trunk of the tree to its tippy top and

trunk of the tree to its tippy top and

trunk of the tree to its tippy top and snapped his head forward impaling

snapped his head forward impaling

snapped his head forward impaling himself on the treetop

himself on the treetop

himself on the treetop he squeezed with a furious might and

he squeezed with a furious might and

he squeezed with a furious might and indignation sinking his fangs into the

indignation sinking his fangs into the

indignation sinking his fangs into the bark as far as they'd go clamping

bark as far as they'd go clamping

bark as far as they'd go clamping himself down there

himself down there

himself down there From Below Mooney watched slack jawed

From Below Mooney watched slack jawed

From Below Mooney watched slack jawed you almost never see this kind of

you almost never see this kind of

you almost never see this kind of behavior from a common house cat

behavior from a common house cat

behavior from a common house cat thus secured to the very top of the very

thus secured to the very top of the very

thus secured to the very top of the very tall Tree by his embedded fangs and his

tall Tree by his embedded fangs and his

tall Tree by his embedded fangs and his commitment to his cause Mr Scroggins

commitment to his cause Mr Scroggins

commitment to his cause Mr Scroggins began to grow

began to grow

began to grow his remaining cheek billowed his legs

his remaining cheek billowed his legs

his remaining cheek billowed his legs swelled up like four by fours his

swelled up like four by fours his

swelled up like four by fours his stomach ballooned out in both directions

stomach ballooned out in both directions

stomach ballooned out in both directions and if you were close to him which thank

and if you were close to him which thank

and if you were close to him which thank God you were not he would have heard his

God you were not he would have heard his

God you were not he would have heard his tiny ribs snapping like matchsticks one

tiny ribs snapping like matchsticks one

tiny ribs snapping like matchsticks one after the other broken by the tremendous

after the other broken by the tremendous

after the other broken by the tremendous gastric pressure from within

gastric pressure from within

gastric pressure from within Mooney was unaware of even the existence

Mooney was unaware of even the existence

Mooney was unaware of even the existence of cordyceps Novus much less how it had

of cordyceps Novus much less how it had

of cordyceps Novus much less how it had apparently come to penetrate the trunk

apparently come to penetrate the trunk

apparently come to penetrate the trunk of his car he just stared dumbfounded at

of his car he just stared dumbfounded at

of his car he just stared dumbfounded at the swollen once dead cat at the top of

the swollen once dead cat at the top of

the swollen once dead cat at the top of the tree

the tree

the tree how in the name of Jesus

how in the name of Jesus

how in the name of Jesus Mr Scroggins burst

Mr Scroggins burst

Mr Scroggins burst had Mooney not felt the need to express

had Mooney not felt the need to express

had Mooney not felt the need to express his understandable amazement in audible

his understandable amazement in audible

his understandable amazement in audible terms his mouth would not have been open

terms his mouth would not have been open

terms his mouth would not have been open when the cat guts hit him in the face

11.

11.

11. the central hallway through the ground

the central hallway through the ground

the central hallway through the ground floor level of Atchison storage was 200

floor level of Atchison storage was 200

floor level of Atchison storage was 200 feet long with white louvered garage

feet long with white louvered garage

feet long with white louvered garage doors running the length of at 30 per

doors running the length of at 30 per

doors running the length of at 30 per side

side

side there was a pristine Beauty to it if you

there was a pristine Beauty to it if you

there was a pristine Beauty to it if you were into symmetry in the vanishing

were into symmetry in the vanishing

were into symmetry in the vanishing point that optical illusion that makes a

point that optical illusion that makes a

point that optical illusion that makes a pair of infinite seeming parallel lines

pair of infinite seeming parallel lines

pair of infinite seeming parallel lines appear to intersect far on the horizon

appear to intersect far on the horizon

appear to intersect far on the horizon if you had to walk that hallway and a

if you had to walk that hallway and a

if you had to walk that hallway and a few others like it a dozen times every

few others like it a dozen times every

few others like it a dozen times every night for your job it was boring as [ __ ]

night for your job it was boring as [ __ ]

night for your job it was boring as [ __ ] but tonight Tea cake was walking it with

but tonight Tea cake was walking it with

but tonight Tea cake was walking it with Naomi they were headed for the elevator

Naomi they were headed for the elevator

Naomi they were headed for the elevator at the other end and possibly far away

at the other end and possibly far away

at the other end and possibly far away Naomi had the picture she'd taken of the

Naomi had the picture she'd taken of the

Naomi had the picture she'd taken of the schematic up on her phone and she scoots

schematic up on her phone and she scoots

schematic up on her phone and she scoots the image around finding the elevator on

the image around finding the elevator on

the image around finding the elevator on the map and sliding it down to sub

the map and sliding it down to sub

the map and sliding it down to sub basement one where the two bladder's top

basement one where the two bladder's top

basement one where the two bladder's top entrance points seemed to be

entrance points seemed to be

entrance points seemed to be Tea cake was nervous talking

Tea cake was nervous talking

Tea cake was nervous talking gets down to it the whole thing's just a

gets down to it the whole thing's just a

gets down to it the whole thing's just a terrible idea don't pay for stories

terrible idea don't pay for stories

terrible idea don't pay for stories don't ever pay for storage I've seen a

don't ever pay for storage I've seen a

don't ever pay for storage I've seen a half a mountain of [ __ ] come into this

half a mountain of [ __ ] come into this

half a mountain of [ __ ] come into this place and almost none of it ever comes

place and almost none of it ever comes

place and almost none of it ever comes out except for the super short-term

out except for the super short-term

out except for the super short-term stuff people pay anywhere from forty to

stuff people pay anywhere from forty to

stuff people pay anywhere from forty to five hundred dollars a month depending

five hundred dollars a month depending

five hundred dollars a month depending on the space and the climate controls

on the space and the climate controls

on the space and the climate controls and it's all for garbage they 100 do not

and it's all for garbage they 100 do not

and it's all for garbage they 100 do not need

need

need that's a little judgmental isn't it not

that's a little judgmental isn't it not

that's a little judgmental isn't it not really these are sick people man most of

really these are sick people man most of

really these are sick people man most of them and the story's place they're slick

them and the story's place they're slick

them and the story's place they're slick you know it's sales they know what

you know it's sales they know what

you know it's sales they know what they're doing they handle it like

they're doing they handle it like

they're doing they handle it like they're slinging Rock on the corner take

they're slinging Rock on the corner take

they're slinging Rock on the corner take for example somebody's got to move right

for example somebody's got to move right

for example somebody's got to move right they get foreclosed on or whatever this

they get foreclosed on or whatever this

they get foreclosed on or whatever this place gives them the first 30 days free

place gives them the first 30 days free

place gives them the first 30 days free people figure hey cool I don't have to

people figure hey cool I don't have to

people figure hey cool I don't have to throw nothing out I'll just move some of

throw nothing out I'll just move some of

throw nothing out I'll just move some of my extra stuff in here figure it out for

my extra stuff in here figure it out for

my extra stuff in here figure it out for a month no rush then I can eBay some of

a month no rush then I can eBay some of

a month no rush then I can eBay some of it and toss the rest without ever paying

it and toss the rest without ever paying

it and toss the rest without ever paying a dime but that never ever happens

a dime but that never ever happens

a dime but that never ever happens nobody moves out of here so you ratty

nobody moves out of here so you ratty

nobody moves out of here so you ratty couch that you don't even like anymore

couch that you don't even like anymore

couch that you don't even like anymore in your old Christmas decorations and

in your old Christmas decorations and

in your old Christmas decorations and the apparent sheets that you kept after

the apparent sheets that you kept after

the apparent sheets that you kept after they died for some reason now they're

they died for some reason now they're

they died for some reason now they're all just exhibits in your sad Museum oh

all just exhibits in your sad Museum oh

all just exhibits in your sad Museum oh hey no that don't fly [ __ ] nugget

hey no that don't fly [ __ ] nugget

hey no that don't fly [ __ ] nugget it stopped abruptly seeing something on

it stopped abruptly seeing something on

it stopped abruptly seeing something on one of the white doors he went to a

one of the white doors he went to a

one of the white doors he went to a storage closet unlocked it took out a

storage closet unlocked it took out a

storage closet unlocked it took out a heavy duty bolt cutter and returned to

heavy duty bolt cutter and returned to

heavy duty bolt cutter and returned to the third unit back on the left

the third unit back on the left

the third unit back on the left there was a brass padlock hanging from

there was a brass padlock hanging from

there was a brass padlock hanging from the latch sticking up at an angle an

the latch sticking up at an angle an

the latch sticking up at an angle an extra lock put on there by the renter

extra lock put on there by the renter

extra lock put on there by the renter Tea cake snapped it off with one squeeze

Tea cake snapped it off with one squeeze

Tea cake snapped it off with one squeeze the bolt cutters

the bolt cutters

the bolt cutters they ain't supposed to add their own

they ain't supposed to add their own

they ain't supposed to add their own locks or is the onlyest ones you gotta

locks or is the onlyest ones you gotta

locks or is the onlyest ones you gotta use so we have access like in case

use so we have access like in case

use so we have access like in case there's a lethalness going on in there

there's a lethalness going on in there

there's a lethalness going on in there what kind of illegalness

what kind of illegalness

what kind of illegalness by way of an answer TK pulled his master

by way of an answer TK pulled his master

by way of an answer TK pulled his master key out from the retractable keychain

key out from the retractable keychain

key out from the retractable keychain reel on his hip put the key into the

reel on his hip put the key into the

reel on his hip put the key into the main lock on the unit flicked it open

main lock on the unit flicked it open

main lock on the unit flicked it open and cranked up the door

and cranked up the door

and cranked up the door he immediately regretted it and proved

he immediately regretted it and proved

he immediately regretted it and proved the wisdom of the adage don't open a

the wisdom of the adage don't open a

the wisdom of the adage don't open a door unless you know what's on the other

door unless you know what's on the other

door unless you know what's on the other side if any such adage existed

side if any such adage existed

side if any such adage existed inside the unit 24 55-inch Samsung flat

inside the unit 24 55-inch Samsung flat

inside the unit 24 55-inch Samsung flat screen TVs still in the factory

screen TVs still in the factory

screen TVs still in the factory packaging were neatly stacked in rows

packaging were neatly stacked in rows

packaging were neatly stacked in rows leaning against the walls

leaning against the walls

leaning against the walls my mistake Tea cake said everything's

my mistake Tea cake said everything's

my mistake Tea cake said everything's cool

cool

cool he closed the door again and they

he closed the door again and they

he closed the door again and they continued down the hall

continued down the hall

continued down the hall she looked at him

she looked at him

she looked at him he Shrugged I don't care what they got

he Shrugged I don't care what they got

he Shrugged I don't care what they got they just can't hide it from me rules as

they just can't hide it from me rules as

they just can't hide it from me rules as rules

rules

rules she looked at him why do you talk like

she looked at him why do you talk like

she looked at him why do you talk like that

that

that like what

like what

like what like you're from the hood

like you're from the hood

like you're from the hood this is how everybody I know talks

this is how everybody I know talks

this is how everybody I know talks you know me and I don't you got any

you know me and I don't you got any

you know me and I don't you got any other objections to how I am

other objections to how I am

other objections to how I am she thought about it

she thought about it

she thought about it not yet

not yet

not yet they got to the end of the corridor and

they got to the end of the corridor and

they got to the end of the corridor and pushed the button for the elevator he

pushed the button for the elevator he

pushed the button for the elevator he looked at her while he waited you don't

looked at her while he waited you don't

looked at her while he waited you don't talk much do you he said

talk much do you he said

talk much do you he said not as much as you nobody talks as much

not as much as you nobody talks as much

not as much as you nobody talks as much as me

as me

as me she looked back down on her phone moving

she looked back down on her phone moving

she looked back down on her phone moving the image down the ladder through the

the image down the ladder through the

the image down the ladder through the Earthen part toward sp4 he had more

Earthen part toward sp4 he had more

Earthen part toward sp4 he had more questions

questions

questions so you got College you do this sometimes

so you got College you do this sometimes

so you got College you do this sometimes what else that's not enough not really

what else that's not enough not really

what else that's not enough not really you don't get many shifts

you don't get many shifts

you don't get many shifts how do you know hey shroud my job is to

how do you know hey shroud my job is to

how do you know hey shroud my job is to watch the monitors

watch the monitors

watch the monitors yeah I see you too

yeah I see you too

yeah I see you too the elevator arrived and she got in

the elevator arrived and she got in

the elevator arrived and she got in first he followed the door is closed

first he followed the door is closed

first he followed the door is closed you get what maybe two nights a week he

you get what maybe two nights a week he

you get what maybe two nights a week he said

said

said so far

so far

so far so you got another job

so you got another job

so you got another job sorta you got people

sorta you got people

sorta you got people do I have people of course I have people

do I have people of course I have people

do I have people of course I have people TK gear what's your real name

TK gear what's your real name

TK gear what's your real name Travis meet Jim

Travis meet Jim

Travis meet Jim Travis you're kind of sucking all the

Travis you're kind of sucking all the

Travis you're kind of sucking all the fun out of this

fun out of this

fun out of this the truth was he knew she had people and

the truth was he knew she had people and

the truth was he knew she had people and he knew exactly which people she had

he knew exactly which people she had

he knew exactly which people she had but there was no way to bring it up

but there was no way to bring it up

but there was no way to bring it up without seriously creeping her out her

without seriously creeping her out her

without seriously creeping her out her first night at work had been exactly two

first night at work had been exactly two

first night at work had been exactly two weeks ago and he'd noticed her on the

weeks ago and he'd noticed her on the

weeks ago and he'd noticed her on the monitors immediately

monitors immediately

monitors immediately she was taking a shift usually filled by

she was taking a shift usually filled by

she was taking a shift usually filled by alfano cololo an enormous Samoan who had

alfano cololo an enormous Samoan who had

alfano cololo an enormous Samoan who had to go 300 pounds easy

to go 300 pounds easy

to go 300 pounds easy the camera in the Eastern Reception Area

the camera in the Eastern Reception Area

the camera in the Eastern Reception Area was placed close to the desk an alfano

was placed close to the desk an alfano

was placed close to the desk an alfano so dominated the screen that his absence

so dominated the screen that his absence

so dominated the screen that his absence one night fairly screamed at TK to take

one night fairly screamed at TK to take

one night fairly screamed at TK to take notice

notice

notice truth who would not notice a thing like

truth who would not notice a thing like

truth who would not notice a thing like that

that

that when alfano sat on the little metal

when alfano sat on the little metal

when alfano sat on the little metal stool he was a man Mountain who appeared

stool he was a man Mountain who appeared

stool he was a man Mountain who appeared to be eating a four-legged metal insect

to be eating a four-legged metal insect

to be eating a four-legged metal insect with his ass

with his ass

with his ass when that Thursday two weeks ago TK

when that Thursday two weeks ago TK

when that Thursday two weeks ago TK looked up and saw Naomi there instead a

looked up and saw Naomi there instead a

looked up and saw Naomi there instead a Heavenly Choir sang in his head

Heavenly Choir sang in his head

Heavenly Choir sang in his head he'd stared at her image that night with

he'd stared at her image that night with

he'd stared at her image that night with the intensity of a teenager monitoring

the intensity of a teenager monitoring

the intensity of a teenager monitoring his Facebook likes she sat she stood she

his Facebook likes she sat she stood she

his Facebook likes she sat she stood she did her rounds and always she walked in

did her rounds and always she walked in

did her rounds and always she walked in Beauty like the night he'd memorized

Beauty like the night he'd memorized

Beauty like the night he'd memorized that poem in Ellsworth they'd had to

that poem in Ellsworth they'd had to

that poem in Ellsworth they'd had to pick something and learn it by heart for

pick something and learn it by heart for

pick something and learn it by heart for Explorations in poetry and that was the

Explorations in poetry and that was the

Explorations in poetry and that was the shortest of the ones you could pick

shortest of the ones you could pick

shortest of the ones you could pick he knew the poem but he didn't know the

he knew the poem but he didn't know the

he knew the poem but he didn't know the poem until he saw Naomi on the monitor

poem until he saw Naomi on the monitor

poem until he saw Naomi on the monitor when she showed up for work again two

when she showed up for work again two

when she showed up for work again two days later he studied her on the

days later he studied her on the

days later he studied her on the monitors for hours absorbing as much

monitors for hours absorbing as much

monitors for hours absorbing as much detail as one possibly could from a 540

detail as one possibly could from a 540

detail as one possibly could from a 540 pixel image she had a book with her that

pixel image she had a book with her that

pixel image she had a book with her that night

night

night he couldn't quite get the title but he

he couldn't quite get the title but he

he couldn't quite get the title but he loved her Focus the way her brow

loved her Focus the way her brow

loved her Focus the way her brow followed up at parts

followed up at parts

followed up at parts you love the way she turned the pages he

you love the way she turned the pages he

you love the way she turned the pages he loved that she even read it all and

loved that she even read it all and

loved that she even read it all and didn't just stare at her phone like

didn't just stare at her phone like

didn't just stare at her phone like everybody else

everybody else

everybody else when she wasn't back until the following

when she wasn't back until the following

when she wasn't back until the following Sunday he realized she was a fill-in

Sunday he realized she was a fill-in

Sunday he realized she was a fill-in that she was grabbing shifts when and if

that she was grabbing shifts when and if

that she was grabbing shifts when and if she could get them and that there was a

she could get them and that there was a

she could get them and that there was a very real possibility that she would

very real possibility that she would

very real possibility that she would never be back again

never be back again

never be back again so he told himself it wasn't really that

so he told himself it wasn't really that

so he told himself it wasn't really that he followed her after work

he followed her after work

he followed her after work yes he did leave five minutes early so

yes he did leave five minutes early so

yes he did leave five minutes early so he could zip around to the other side of

he could zip around to the other side of

he could zip around to the other side of the Bluffs and be near her parking lot

the Bluffs and be near her parking lot

the Bluffs and be near her parking lot when she left and yes he did swing out

when she left and yes he did swing out

when she left and yes he did swing out onto the highway just after she did and

onto the highway just after she did and

onto the highway just after she did and keep his car safe and unthreatening

keep his car safe and unthreatening

keep his car safe and unthreatening distance behind hers on the road at all

distance behind hers on the road at all

distance behind hers on the road at all times and yes he did speed up when she

times and yes he did speed up when she

times and yes he did speed up when she sped up and slow down when she slowed

sped up and slow down when she slowed

sped up and slow down when she slowed down and make the same turns that she

down and make the same turns that she

down and make the same turns that she made until he eventually reached her

made until he eventually reached her

made until he eventually reached her place of residence but he knew in his

place of residence but he knew in his

place of residence but he knew in his heart it wasn't with weird intent he was

heart it wasn't with weird intent he was

heart it wasn't with weird intent he was just trying to engineer a casual run-in

just trying to engineer a casual run-in

just trying to engineer a casual run-in it just didn't work out

it just didn't work out

it just didn't work out once Naomi left the Atchison parking lot

once Naomi left the Atchison parking lot

once Naomi left the Atchison parking lot it was kind of hopeless all country

it was kind of hopeless all country

it was kind of hopeless all country highways till he got to her apartment

highways till he got to her apartment

highways till he got to her apartment complex and then how on Earth could he

complex and then how on Earth could he

complex and then how on Earth could he pull up in the car next to her in her

pull up in the car next to her in her

pull up in the car next to her in her building and say oh hey don't you work

building and say oh hey don't you work

building and say oh hey don't you work where I do didn't I watch I mean see you

where I do didn't I watch I mean see you

where I do didn't I watch I mean see you on the monitor a couple times and man

on the monitor a couple times and man

on the monitor a couple times and man isn't it weird that you live here 12

isn't it weird that you live here 12

isn't it weird that you live here 12 miles away and I was going the exact

miles away and I was going the exact

miles away and I was going the exact same way but my car started making this

same way but my car started making this

same way but my car started making this weird sound so I had to stop right here

weird sound so I had to stop right here

weird sound so I had to stop right here in the parking lot of the very same

in the parking lot of the very same

in the parking lot of the very same apartment building where you live isn't

apartment building where you live isn't

apartment building where you live isn't that bizarre

that bizarre

that bizarre he couldn't say that the smoothest

he couldn't say that the smoothest

he couldn't say that the smoothest [ __ ] in human history arguably

[ __ ] in human history arguably

[ __ ] in human history arguably Wilt Chamberlain couldn't have pulled

Wilt Chamberlain couldn't have pulled

Wilt Chamberlain couldn't have pulled that one off so rather than scare her TK

that one off so rather than scare her TK

that one off so rather than scare her TK could just sat in the car wait until she

could just sat in the car wait until she

could just sat in the car wait until she went in pretending to be absorbed in his

went in pretending to be absorbed in his

went in pretending to be absorbed in his phone

phone

phone it was a flip by the way so if she'd

it was a flip by the way so if she'd

it was a flip by the way so if she'd noticed him she might well have wondered

noticed him she might well have wondered

noticed him she might well have wondered what the hell he was staring at

what the hell he was staring at

what the hell he was staring at he waited till she got inside then he

he waited till she got inside then he

he waited till she got inside then he waited some more just to see which light

waited some more just to see which light

waited some more just to see which light went on then he waited a Teensy bit more

went on then he waited a Teensy bit more

went on then he waited a Teensy bit more just to see if well because he did and

just to see if well because he did and

just to see if well because he did and before he knew it almost an hour had

before he knew it almost an hour had

before he knew it almost an hour had gone by and he really honestly was about

gone by and he really honestly was about

gone by and he really honestly was about to go when the door of the place opened

to go when the door of the place opened

to go when the door of the place opened again and he saw her come out with the

again and he saw her come out with the

again and he saw her come out with the little girl

little girl

little girl there was no question that the girl was

there was no question that the girl was

there was no question that the girl was her daughter some things you can just

her daughter some things you can just

her daughter some things you can just tell they looked alike for starters but

tell they looked alike for starters but

tell they looked alike for starters but it also was the way Naomi held the

it also was the way Naomi held the

it also was the way Naomi held the little girl's hand nobody holds your

little girl's hand nobody holds your

little girl's hand nobody holds your hand like that except your mama

hand like that except your mama

hand like that except your mama the little girl was cute as hell and

the little girl was cute as hell and

the little girl was cute as hell and dressed in clean pressed clothes a

dressed in clean pressed clothes a

dressed in clean pressed clothes a detailed Tea cake noticed because his

detailed Tea cake noticed because his

detailed Tea cake noticed because his own clothes when he was a kid had always

own clothes when he was a kid had always

own clothes when he was a kid had always been dirty as [ __ ]

been dirty as [ __ ]

been dirty as [ __ ] he blushed right there in his car

he blushed right there in his car

he blushed right there in his car embarrassed not because he was stalking

embarrassed not because he was stalking

embarrassed not because he was stalking this poor woman and now her kid but

this poor woman and now her kid but

this poor woman and now her kid but because of all the times that he went to

because of all the times that he went to

because of all the times that he went to school in filthy clothes and with an

school in filthy clothes and with an

school in filthy clothes and with an unwashed face

unwashed face

unwashed face but this little girl was what a kid was

but this little girl was what a kid was

but this little girl was what a kid was supposed to look like

supposed to look like

supposed to look like she was clean and bright her mom had

she was clean and bright her mom had

she was clean and bright her mom had given her a good breakfast he just knew

given her a good breakfast he just knew

given her a good breakfast he just knew she had even though she'd come off a

she had even though she'd come off a

she had even though she'd come off a 12-hour shift and hadn't slept since God

12-hour shift and hadn't slept since God

12-hour shift and hadn't slept since God knows when

knows when

knows when Naomi had come home and made breakfast

Naomi had come home and made breakfast

Naomi had come home and made breakfast maybe even put some cinnamon sugar on

maybe even put some cinnamon sugar on

maybe even put some cinnamon sugar on the kids toast the way she liked

the kids toast the way she liked

the kids toast the way she liked the little girl was talking a mile a

the little girl was talking a mile a

the little girl was talking a mile a minute and Naomi was listening not

minute and Naomi was listening not

minute and Naomi was listening not uh-huh uh-huh yeah cool kind of

uh-huh uh-huh yeah cool kind of

uh-huh uh-huh yeah cool kind of listening but trying to actually make

listening but trying to actually make

listening but trying to actually make sense of what the kid was saying which

sense of what the kid was saying which

sense of what the kid was saying which had to be nonsense I mean how much can a

had to be nonsense I mean how much can a

had to be nonsense I mean how much can a four-year-old say that matters anyway

four-year-old say that matters anyway

four-year-old say that matters anyway he didn't know from what he'd heard the

he didn't know from what he'd heard the

he didn't know from what he'd heard the percentage was pretty low mostly it was

percentage was pretty low mostly it was

percentage was pretty low mostly it was just I want more frosting or some [ __ ]

just I want more frosting or some [ __ ]

just I want more frosting or some [ __ ] they got to the car the little girl got

they got to the car the little girl got

they got to the car the little girl got into a car seat in the back and Naomi

into a car seat in the back and Naomi

into a car seat in the back and Naomi stood there waiting her hand on the door

stood there waiting her hand on the door

stood there waiting her hand on the door as her daughter finished her pointless

as her daughter finished her pointless

as her daughter finished her pointless point

point

point Tea cake rolled down his window just a

Tea cake rolled down his window just a

Tea cake rolled down his window just a little

little

little he was close enough just barely to make

he was close enough just barely to make

he was close enough just barely to make out a few words

out a few words

out a few words not the little girls those were all

not the little girls those were all

not the little girls those were all faint and little girly and coming too

faint and little girly and coming too

faint and little girly and coming too fast from inside the car but he could

fast from inside the car but he could

fast from inside the car but he could hear what Naomi said in response after

hear what Naomi said in response after

hear what Naomi said in response after waiting until her daughter stopped for a

waiting until her daughter stopped for a

waiting until her daughter stopped for a breath

breath

breath I hear you sweetie that stinks

I hear you sweetie that stinks

I hear you sweetie that stinks and then she closed the door

and then she closed the door

and then she closed the door that was what killed him it wasn't oh

that was what killed him it wasn't oh

that was what killed him it wasn't oh come on it's not that bad or honey

come on it's not that bad or honey

come on it's not that bad or honey please relate or that's some stupid

please relate or that's some stupid

please relate or that's some stupid ridiculous [ __ ] you gotta learn to

ridiculous [ __ ] you gotta learn to

ridiculous [ __ ] you gotta learn to shut up when you talk to people it was I

shut up when you talk to people it was I

shut up when you talk to people it was I hear you that stinks

hear you that stinks

hear you that stinks it was all he ever ever wanted from

it was all he ever ever wanted from

it was all he ever ever wanted from people when he talked to them

people when he talked to them

people when he talked to them to be heard and this lady gave it to a

to be heard and this lady gave it to a

to be heard and this lady gave it to a four-year-old after being up all night

four-year-old after being up all night

four-year-old after being up all night and all that's best of dark and bright

and all that's best of dark and bright

and all that's best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes

meet in her aspect and her eyes

meet in her aspect and her eyes so what Tea cake wanted to say that

so what Tea cake wanted to say that

so what Tea cake wanted to say that night while they rode down in the

night while they rode down in the

night while they rode down in the elevator what he was dying to say was

elevator what he was dying to say was

elevator what he was dying to say was you're [ __ ] awesome with your

you're [ __ ] awesome with your

you're [ __ ] awesome with your daughter

daughter

daughter but is there a good way to ease into

but is there a good way to ease into

but is there a good way to ease into that when you're not even supposed to

that when you're not even supposed to

that when you're not even supposed to know she has a daughter

know she has a daughter

know she has a daughter so instead he said nothing

so instead he said nothing

so instead he said nothing the elevator door slid open

the elevator door slid open

the elevator door slid open sub-basement one was supposed to be the

sub-basement one was supposed to be the

sub-basement one was supposed to be the only sub-basement and it had never

only sub-basement and it had never

only sub-basement and it had never occurred to anybody to question the need

occurred to anybody to question the need

occurred to anybody to question the need for the number

for the number

for the number sb1 looked just fine on the elevator

sb1 looked just fine on the elevator

sb1 looked just fine on the elevator keypad as good as any other number

keypad as good as any other number

keypad as good as any other number the facility's history is a government

the facility's history is a government

the facility's history is a government installation wasn't a secret so finding

installation wasn't a secret so finding

installation wasn't a secret so finding out there had once been other lower

out there had once been other lower

out there had once been other lower levels wouldn't have been much of a

levels wouldn't have been much of a

levels wouldn't have been much of a surprise had anybody ever bothered to

surprise had anybody ever bothered to

surprise had anybody ever bothered to think about it

think about it

think about it but to find out there were three of them

but to find out there were three of them

but to find out there were three of them and they were connected by an elaborate

and they were connected by an elaborate

and they were connected by an elaborate series of sensors and alarms to a

series of sensors and alarms to a

series of sensors and alarms to a control panel that had since been walled

control panel that had since been walled

control panel that had since been walled up behind the reception desk

up behind the reception desk

up behind the reception desk you know that would have raised a few

you know that would have raised a few

you know that would have raised a few eyebrows

eyebrows

eyebrows according to the schematic the top

according to the schematic the top

according to the schematic the top entrance to the tube ladder was located

entrance to the tube ladder was located

entrance to the tube ladder was located at the end of a short dead-end hallway

at the end of a short dead-end hallway

at the end of a short dead-end hallway about 100 feet from the elevator Bank

about 100 feet from the elevator Bank

about 100 feet from the elevator Bank Naomi reached the end first stopped and

Naomi reached the end first stopped and

Naomi reached the end first stopped and turned around in the white painted

turned around in the white painted

turned around in the white painted cinderblock space

cinderblock space

cinderblock space there was nothing there that suggested

there was nothing there that suggested

there was nothing there that suggested an entrance in fact the opposite

an entrance in fact the opposite

an entrance in fact the opposite everything about this space said This is

everything about this space said This is

everything about this space said This is the End

the End

the End there were three larger storage units on

there were three larger storage units on

there were three larger storage units on each side of the hallway the big 200

each side of the hallway the big 200

each side of the hallway the big 200 square foot jobs that were mostly used

square foot jobs that were mostly used

square foot jobs that were mostly used by factories storing overstocks but

by factories storing overstocks but

by factories storing overstocks but there was no door or hatchway or obvious

there was no door or hatchway or obvious

there was no door or hatchway or obvious entrance of any kind except for a small

entrance of any kind except for a small

entrance of any kind except for a small narrow cabinet between two units marked

narrow cabinet between two units marked

narrow cabinet between two units marked staff only

staff only

staff only they only looked from the map to the

they only looked from the map to the

they only looked from the map to the hallway to the map I don't get it

hallway to the map I don't get it

hallway to the map I don't get it you sure it's here she held the map out

you sure it's here she held the map out

you sure it's here she held the map out to him look for yourself

to him look for yourself

to him look for yourself he took the phone held the map one way

he took the phone held the map one way

he took the phone held the map one way then the other slid it around a bit

then the other slid it around a bit

then the other slid it around a bit Naomi went to the far wall the dead end

Naomi went to the far wall the dead end

Naomi went to the far wall the dead end and smacked it a few times here and

and smacked it a few times here and

and smacked it a few times here and there with the flat of her hand

there with the flat of her hand

there with the flat of her hand solid she knocked tapped with a fist

solid she knocked tapped with a fist

solid she knocked tapped with a fist cinder block she said if it's behind

cinder block she said if it's behind

cinder block she said if it's behind here we'd need a sledgehammer or a

here we'd need a sledgehammer or a

here we'd need a sledgehammer or a jackhammer yeah I'm not down for that

jackhammer yeah I'm not down for that

jackhammer yeah I'm not down for that TK turned the phone upside down looking

TK turned the phone upside down looking

TK turned the phone upside down looking at the schematic again

at the schematic again

at the schematic again he looked down the floor

he looked down the floor

he looked down the floor that's interesting man

that's interesting man

that's interesting man he zipped the keys out of his keyring

he zipped the keys out of his keyring

he zipped the keys out of his keyring again had to admit he loved the metallic

again had to admit he loved the metallic

again had to admit he loved the metallic Zing that it made whenever he pulled him

Zing that it made whenever he pulled him

Zing that it made whenever he pulled him out he'd never been a person who had

out he'd never been a person who had

out he'd never been a person who had more than one key before this job and

more than one key before this job and

more than one key before this job and went to the narrow maintenance cabinet

went to the narrow maintenance cabinet

went to the narrow maintenance cabinet he opened the cabinet took a claw hammer

he opened the cabinet took a claw hammer

he opened the cabinet took a claw hammer off a tool rack and went back to the

off a tool rack and went back to the

off a tool rack and went back to the same spot in the hallway where he'd been

same spot in the hallway where he'd been

same spot in the hallway where he'd been standing about three feet from the

standing about three feet from the

standing about three feet from the cinder block dead end

cinder block dead end

cinder block dead end he moved till his back was against the

he moved till his back was against the

he moved till his back was against the wall got down on all fours and tapped

wall got down on all fours and tapped

wall got down on all fours and tapped the hammer once on the floor

the hammer once on the floor

the hammer once on the floor it made an unpromising chunk sound

it made an unpromising chunk sound

it made an unpromising chunk sound that's concrete she said

that's concrete she said

that's concrete she said yep

yep

yep you crawled forward brought the hammer

you crawled forward brought the hammer

you crawled forward brought the hammer down again same sound

down again same sound

down again same sound he kept crawling tapping the hammer

he kept crawling tapping the hammer

he kept crawling tapping the hammer every six inches or so getting the same

every six inches or so getting the same

every six inches or so getting the same sound every time

sound every time

sound every time it's a concrete floor Travis

it's a concrete floor Travis

it's a concrete floor Travis weird to hear my real name

weird to hear my real name

weird to hear my real name he kept moving kept tapping the hammer

he kept moving kept tapping the hammer

he kept moving kept tapping the hammer on the floor

on the floor

on the floor sorry she said it bothers you

sorry she said it bothers you

sorry she said it bothers you can't decide

can't decide

can't decide yes he could and he already had it

yes he could and he already had it

yes he could and he already had it didn't bother him he loved it

didn't bother him he loved it

didn't bother him he loved it his heart skipped a beat every time she

his heart skipped a beat every time she

his heart skipped a beat every time she said his name he couldn't wait till she

said his name he couldn't wait till she

said his name he couldn't wait till she said it again please say it again just

said it again please say it again just

said it again please say it again just one more time

he nearly reached the center of the

he nearly reached the center of the

he nearly reached the center of the hallway and when he brought the hammer

hallway and when he brought the hammer

hallway and when he brought the hammer down there It produced a hollow metallic

down there It produced a hollow metallic

down there It produced a hollow metallic Echo

Echo

Echo he looked up at Naomi she grinned and

he looked up at Naomi she grinned and

he looked up at Naomi she grinned and squatted down on the floor next to him

squatted down on the floor next to him

squatted down on the floor next to him he held up the phone swiping to enlarge

he held up the phone swiping to enlarge

he held up the phone swiping to enlarge a certain portion of the screen right

a certain portion of the screen right

a certain portion of the screen right there that semi-circle made a dash is

there that semi-circle made a dash is

there that semi-circle made a dash is kind of shaded gray can you see it

kind of shaded gray can you see it

kind of shaded gray can you see it yeah barely that's the entrance they

yeah barely that's the entrance they

yeah barely that's the entrance they just paint over it

just paint over it

just paint over it together they look down at the floor he

together they look down at the floor he

together they look down at the floor he spun the hammer around in his hand a

spun the hammer around in his hand a

spun the hammer around in his hand a couple of times thinking he sat back

couple of times thinking he sat back

couple of times thinking he sat back okay look there's no way we could hide

okay look there's no way we could hide

okay look there's no way we could hide this [ __ ] we're about to do

this [ __ ] we're about to do

this [ __ ] we're about to do what are we about to do

what are we about to do

what are we about to do wreck some more stuff he said but here's

wreck some more stuff he said but here's

wreck some more stuff he said but here's how I see it part of our job is security

how I see it part of our job is security

how I see it part of our job is security and there's an alarm going off right

and there's an alarm going off right

and there's an alarm going off right it's too late to call Griffin he's

it's too late to call Griffin he's

it's too late to call Griffin he's wasted by now and he wouldn't know what

wasted by now and he wouldn't know what

wasted by now and he wouldn't know what the [ __ ] it is anyway he'd just call

the [ __ ] it is anyway he'd just call

the [ __ ] it is anyway he'd just call corporate but there's nobody corporate

corporate but there's nobody corporate

corporate but there's nobody corporate either it's not like there's Self

either it's not like there's Self

either it's not like there's Self Storage emergencies and they got

Storage emergencies and they got

Storage emergencies and they got operated standing by see what I'm saying

operated standing by see what I'm saying

operated standing by see what I'm saying the only other people I can think of to

the only other people I can think of to

the only other people I can think of to call are the cops

call are the cops

call are the cops to say there's an old smoke alarm or

to say there's an old smoke alarm or

to say there's an old smoke alarm or something going off in the basement

something going off in the basement

something going off in the basement exactly ridiculous but here we are and

exactly ridiculous but here we are and

exactly ridiculous but here we are and there's an alarm going off and this

there's an alarm going off and this

there's an alarm going off and this whole place is stuffed to the rafters

whole place is stuffed to the rafters

whole place is stuffed to the rafters with incredibly valuable personal

with incredibly valuable personal

with incredibly valuable personal belongings

belongings

belongings right this stuff is Meaningful to people

right this stuff is Meaningful to people

right this stuff is Meaningful to people this is true what you're saying I've

this is true what you're saying I've

this is true what you're saying I've always felt that way

always felt that way

always felt that way he was warming up to it now

he was warming up to it now

he was warming up to it now feeling the creative Buzz of getting

feeling the creative Buzz of getting

feeling the creative Buzz of getting your story straight with somebody

your story straight with somebody

your story straight with somebody there's an alarm going off and we are

there's an alarm going off and we are

there's an alarm going off and we are guards we are people of the security

guards we are people of the security

guards we are people of the security profession

profession

profession we're more like Clerks

we're more like Clerks

we're more like Clerks stay with me yes it is a shitty job but

stay with me yes it is a shitty job but

stay with me yes it is a shitty job but it is our job it's our responsibility

it is our job it's our responsibility

it is our job it's our responsibility yes plus we're curious she added

yes plus we're curious she added

yes plus we're curious she added yeah but we leave that part out she

yeah but we leave that part out she

yeah but we leave that part out she wasn't a natural at lying

wasn't a natural at lying

wasn't a natural at lying that's all right he knew enough about it

that's all right he knew enough about it

that's all right he knew enough about it for both of them

for both of them

for both of them all right we in

all right we in

all right we in you know I am watch your eyes

you know I am watch your eyes

you know I am watch your eyes she raised a hand and turned away and he

she raised a hand and turned away and he

she raised a hand and turned away and he spun the hammer around so it was clawing

spun the hammer around so it was clawing

spun the hammer around so it was clawing down and swung it at the floor hard

down and swung it at the floor hard

down and swung it at the floor hard the hollow metallic boom was louder

the hollow metallic boom was louder

the hollow metallic boom was louder there was definitely something down

there was definitely something down

there was definitely something down there and it wasn't cement floor

there and it wasn't cement floor

there and it wasn't cement floor chunks of dried paint flew

chunks of dried paint flew

chunks of dried paint flew you swung again two three four times in

you swung again two three four times in

you swung again two three four times in quick succession and more pain flecked

quick succession and more pain flecked

quick succession and more pain flecked away

away

away on the last blow a two inch square

on the last blow a two inch square

on the last blow a two inch square section flew off and gave them a good

section flew off and gave them a good

section flew off and gave them a good look at the unfinished surface beneath

look at the unfinished surface beneath

look at the unfinished surface beneath there under several layers of long dried

there under several layers of long dried

there under several layers of long dried oil-based semi-gloss gray floor paint

oil-based semi-gloss gray floor paint

oil-based semi-gloss gray floor paint were the unmistakable metal dimples of a

were the unmistakable metal dimples of a

were the unmistakable metal dimples of a manhole cover

12.

it had been five or six years since

it had been five or six years since

it had been five or six years since Roberto Diaz had gotten a call in the

Roberto Diaz had gotten a call in the

Roberto Diaz had gotten a call in the middle of the night

middle of the night

middle of the night it was a fluke that the phone even rang

it was a fluke that the phone even rang

it was a fluke that the phone even rang on his bedside table

on his bedside table

on his bedside table since retirement he'd gotten in the

since retirement he'd gotten in the

since retirement he'd gotten in the habit of turning the thing off around

habit of turning the thing off around

habit of turning the thing off around nine at night not turning it back on

nine at night not turning it back on

nine at night not turning it back on again until he'd had at least one cup of

again until he'd had at least one cup of

again until he'd had at least one cup of coffee in the morning

coffee in the morning

coffee in the morning he'd been much happier ever since

he'd been much happier ever since

he'd been much happier ever since mellower anyway

mellower anyway

mellower anyway Annie couldn't quite get there with her

Annie couldn't quite get there with her

Annie couldn't quite get there with her devices she always left her phone on in

devices she always left her phone on in

devices she always left her phone on in case one of the kids needed anything

case one of the kids needed anything

case one of the kids needed anything but their youngest was 28 so chances of

but their youngest was 28 so chances of

but their youngest was 28 so chances of that were Slim

that were Slim

that were Slim still she liked to check the New York

still she liked to check the New York

still she liked to check the New York Times in bed first thing after she woke

Times in bed first thing after she woke

Times in bed first thing after she woke up to see if the world had improved in

up to see if the world had improved in

up to see if the world had improved in the last eight hours

the last eight hours

the last eight hours strangely it never had but Annie was not

strangely it never had but Annie was not

strangely it never had but Annie was not one to give up hope

one to give up hope

one to give up hope tonight Roberto had forgotten left his

tonight Roberto had forgotten left his

tonight Roberto had forgotten left his phone on by accident and it's funny how

phone on by accident and it's funny how

phone on by accident and it's funny how the old reflexes kicked in when the

the old reflexes kicked in when the

the old reflexes kicked in when the thing rang shortly after midnight

thing rang shortly after midnight

thing rang shortly after midnight he was wide awake before the echo of the

he was wide awake before the echo of the

he was wide awake before the echo of the first ring had even faded had his hand

first ring had even faded had his hand

first ring had even faded had his hand on the phone by the time the second ring

on the phone by the time the second ring

on the phone by the time the second ring started and was sitting up with both

started and was sitting up with both

started and was sitting up with both feet on the floor when he answered

feet on the floor when he answered

feet on the floor when he answered oh

oh

oh he croaked

he croaked

he croaked whoops oh voice not quite the old

whoops oh voice not quite the old

whoops oh voice not quite the old reflexes he cleared his throat and tried

reflexes he cleared his throat and tried

reflexes he cleared his throat and tried again

again

again hello

hello

hello [Music]

[Music]

[Music] Roberto Diaz it was a woman's voice

Roberto Diaz it was a woman's voice

Roberto Diaz it was a woman's voice speaking

speaking

speaking I'm calling about the 1978 Plymouth

I'm calling about the 1978 Plymouth

I'm calling about the 1978 Plymouth Duster for sale

Duster for sale

Duster for sale he didn't answer for a long moment

he didn't answer for a long moment

he didn't answer for a long moment Mish Diaz

Mish Diaz

Mish Diaz give me five minutes

give me five minutes

give me five minutes he hung up and set the phone back down

he hung up and set the phone back down

he hung up and set the phone back down on the dresser

on the dresser

on the dresser he just sat there for a few seconds

he just sat there for a few seconds

he just sat there for a few seconds thinking

thinking

thinking he regretted the second glass of wine at

he regretted the second glass of wine at

he regretted the second glass of wine at dinner but other than that he didn't

dinner but other than that he didn't

dinner but other than that he didn't feel much of anything at all

feel much of anything at all

feel much of anything at all that's how you knew you were good when

that's how you knew you were good when

that's how you knew you were good when the call didn't change anything

the call didn't change anything

the call didn't change anything emotionally

emotionally

emotionally he counted a few breaths stayed cool and

he counted a few breaths stayed cool and

he counted a few breaths stayed cool and let the Buddhist Mantra he discovered in

let the Buddhist Mantra he discovered in

let the Buddhist Mantra he discovered in his early 50s flowed through his mind

his early 50s flowed through his mind

his early 50s flowed through his mind I'm here now

I'm here now

I'm here now he wanted a cup of tea before he called

he wanted a cup of tea before he called

he wanted a cup of tea before he called back

back

back and he turned and looked at him over her

and he turned and looked at him over her

and he turned and looked at him over her shoulders squinting into the dark

shoulders squinting into the dark

shoulders squinting into the dark who's that

who's that

who's that my other wife

my other wife

my other wife how can you be funny right away in the

how can you be funny right away in the

how can you be funny right away in the middle of the night

middle of the night

middle of the night it's a gift

it's a gift

it's a gift she fumbled around on her night table

she fumbled around on her night table

she fumbled around on her night table feeling for something and not finding it

feeling for something and not finding it

feeling for something and not finding it Knocking a few things around

Knocking a few things around

Knocking a few things around he looked at her

he looked at her

he looked at her what are you doing

what are you doing

what are you doing looking for my glasses

looking for my glasses

looking for my glasses why

why

why she rolled over and looked at him

she rolled over and looked at him

she rolled over and looked at him I don't know

I don't know

I don't know she glanced around the room as if to

she glanced around the room as if to

she glanced around the room as if to make sure everything was still in its

make sure everything was still in its

make sure everything was still in its place then turned back to him

place then turned back to him

place then turned back to him one of the kids

one of the kids

one of the kids no don't worry

no don't worry

no don't worry she paused oh God

she paused oh God

she paused oh God if it wasn't one of the kids and he

if it wasn't one of the kids and he

if it wasn't one of the kids and he hadn't yet told her that somebody they

hadn't yet told her that somebody they

hadn't yet told her that somebody they knew was dead

knew was dead

knew was dead then it could only be them

then it could only be them

then it could only be them it was more of a tired oh God that she

it was more of a tired oh God that she

it was more of a tired oh God that she let out than a fearful oh God the kind

let out than a fearful oh God the kind

let out than a fearful oh God the kind of oh God you'd say if you found out the

of oh God you'd say if you found out the

of oh God you'd say if you found out the cable had gone out again

cable had gone out again

cable had gone out again yep who

yep who

yep who new voice to me somebody's having a

new voice to me somebody's having a

new voice to me somebody's having a panic attack

panic attack

panic attack he leaned over and kissed her on the

he leaned over and kissed her on the

he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead

forehead

forehead he never had cheated on her or even

he never had cheated on her or even

he never had cheated on her or even thought about flirting anymore after the

thought about flirting anymore after the

thought about flirting anymore after the experience in Australia

experience in Australia

experience in Australia he was grateful for that and for her

he was grateful for that and for her

he was grateful for that and for her every day

every day

every day go back to sleep he said I'll make it

go back to sleep he said I'll make it

go back to sleep he said I'll make it quick

quick

quick he got up and pulled on the clean shirt

he got up and pulled on the clean shirt

he got up and pulled on the clean shirt and pair of pants he kept hung over the

and pair of pants he kept hung over the

and pair of pants he kept hung over the chair so they'd be easy to find in the

chair so they'd be easy to find in the

chair so they'd be easy to find in the dark

dark

dark talk about old habits

talk about old habits

talk about old habits Annie rolled over and snuggled back into

Annie rolled over and snuggled back into

Annie rolled over and snuggled back into her pillow

her pillow

her pillow don't make it too quick wait till I'm

don't make it too quick wait till I'm

don't make it too quick wait till I'm asleep again okay

asleep again okay

asleep again okay wasn't born yesterday gorgeous

wasn't born yesterday gorgeous

wasn't born yesterday gorgeous she muttered something sweet and

she muttered something sweet and

she muttered something sweet and inaudible I was back asleep by the time

inaudible I was back asleep by the time

inaudible I was back asleep by the time the door closed

the door closed

the door closed the unexpected was still a routine even

the unexpected was still a routine even

the unexpected was still a routine even after all this time and the calls had

after all this time and the calls had

after all this time and the calls had stopped seriously disrupting her asleep

stopped seriously disrupting her asleep

stopped seriously disrupting her asleep years ago

years ago

years ago Roberto loved being in the North

Roberto loved being in the North

Roberto loved being in the North Carolina house more than any other place

Carolina house more than any other place

Carolina house more than any other place he'd ever owned rented or visited

he'd ever owned rented or visited

he'd ever owned rented or visited it wasn't a great house not by a long

it wasn't a great house not by a long

it wasn't a great house not by a long shot it was late 80s construction and

shot it was late 80s construction and

shot it was late 80s construction and the walls were too thin you could hear

the walls were too thin you could hear

the walls were too thin you could hear water in the pipes no matter where you

water in the pipes no matter where you

water in the pipes no matter where you were

were

were they probably should have torn the whole

they probably should have torn the whole

they probably should have torn the whole thing down and built a new one 10 years

thing down and built a new one 10 years

thing down and built a new one 10 years ago when they bought it but aside from

ago when they bought it but aside from

ago when they bought it but aside from the fact that it would have cost a

the fact that it would have cost a

the fact that it would have cost a fortune they didn't have a teardown

fortune they didn't have a teardown

fortune they didn't have a teardown seemed incredibly wasteful mean almost

seemed incredibly wasteful mean almost

seemed incredibly wasteful mean almost the house had behave well in the world

the house had behave well in the world

the house had behave well in the world it had done what was asked of it with

it had done what was asked of it with

it had done what was asked of it with minimal complaint for 20 years and it

minimal complaint for 20 years and it

minimal complaint for 20 years and it deserved better than a bulldozer

deserved better than a bulldozer

deserved better than a bulldozer they bought it as is recognizing its

they bought it as is recognizing its

they bought it as is recognizing its flaws and made plans to repair and

flaws and made plans to repair and

flaws and made plans to repair and remodel in two stages

remodel in two stages

remodel in two stages they fixed and painted the inside first

they fixed and painted the inside first

they fixed and painted the inside first right after they bought it and put off

right after they bought it and put off

right after they bought it and put off the decaying exterior for as long as

the decaying exterior for as long as

the decaying exterior for as long as possible until a rotting porch and a

possible until a rotting porch and a

possible until a rotting porch and a leaking roof from the patchy siding

leaking roof from the patchy siding

leaking roof from the patchy siding riddled with wasp nests could no longer

riddled with wasp nests could no longer

riddled with wasp nests could no longer be ignored

be ignored

be ignored finally they took a deep breath got out

finally they took a deep breath got out

finally they took a deep breath got out the checkbook and started the exterior

the checkbook and started the exterior

the checkbook and started the exterior work four years ago just before they

work four years ago just before they

work four years ago just before they both retired

both retired

both retired they ran out of cash with half the roof

they ran out of cash with half the roof

they ran out of cash with half the roof and none of the porches done

and none of the porches done

and none of the porches done they didn't actually run out of money

they didn't actually run out of money

they didn't actually run out of money not literally but there were Financial

not literally but there were Financial

not literally but there were Financial lines they had long ago said they'd

lines they had long ago said they'd

lines they had long ago said they'd never cross loans they would not take

never cross loans they would not take

never cross loans they would not take out T bills that would not be sold and

out T bills that would not be sold and

out T bills that would not be sold and damn it if they're about to break their

damn it if they're about to break their

damn it if they're about to break their own rules now when they were so close to

own rules now when they were so close to

own rules now when they were so close to having enough to leave a decent college

having enough to leave a decent college

having enough to leave a decent college fund for each of the grandkids

fund for each of the grandkids

fund for each of the grandkids so Roberta learned Roofing himself

so Roberta learned Roofing himself

so Roberta learned Roofing himself and how to build a deck and how to grin

and how to build a deck and how to grin

and how to build a deck and how to grin and put up with the manly condescension

and put up with the manly condescension

and put up with the manly condescension when he went back to the hardware store

when he went back to the hardware store

when he went back to the hardware store for the third time in the same day with

for the third time in the same day with

for the third time in the same day with more dumb questions

more dumb questions

more dumb questions just before Thanksgiving of last year

just before Thanksgiving of last year

just before Thanksgiving of last year two and a half years after the last

two and a half years after the last

two and a half years after the last professional help had left the premises

professional help had left the premises

professional help had left the premises almost four years after they'd started

almost four years after they'd started

almost four years after they'd started work on the outside and a full decade

work on the outside and a full decade

work on the outside and a full decade after they bought the place

after they bought the place

after they bought the place the house at 67 Fig Tree Road was done

the house at 67 Fig Tree Road was done

the house at 67 Fig Tree Road was done there was a chair on the back porch a

there was a chair on the back porch a

there was a chair on the back porch a rocker that was good for Roberto's bad

rocker that was good for Roberto's bad

rocker that was good for Roberto's bad back

back

back just on the left of the screen door

just on the left of the screen door

just on the left of the screen door it was his favorite spot in the world as

it was his favorite spot in the world as

it was his favorite spot in the world as he knew it and he knew a fair amount of

he knew it and he knew a fair amount of

he knew it and he knew a fair amount of the world

the world

the world that spot was where he sat now waiting

that spot was where he sat now waiting

that spot was where he sat now waiting for the kettle to boil wondering at the

for the kettle to boil wondering at the

for the kettle to boil wondering at the warm Misty March Air that should have

warm Misty March Air that should have

warm Misty March Air that should have been neither warm nor Misty

been neither warm nor Misty

been neither warm nor Misty back in the kitchen he got to the kettle

back in the kitchen he got to the kettle

back in the kitchen he got to the kettle before it had a chance for a

before it had a chance for a

before it had a chance for a full-throated scream

full-throated scream

full-throated scream he poured the hot water into the

he poured the hot water into the

he poured the hot water into the strainer

strainer

strainer he stared out the window while he let it

he stared out the window while he let it

he stared out the window while he let it steep

steep

steep six thousand two hundred dollars to move

six thousand two hundred dollars to move

six thousand two hundred dollars to move the kitchen window from the driveway

the kitchen window from the driveway

the kitchen window from the driveway side to the backyard side the most

side to the backyard side the most

side to the backyard side the most extravagant thing he had ever done and

extravagant thing he had ever done and

extravagant thing he had ever done and he regretted it for not one minute since

he regretted it for not one minute since

he regretted it for not one minute since and poured a few drops of milk into the

and poured a few drops of milk into the

and poured a few drops of milk into the tea after exactly three minutes

tea after exactly three minutes

tea after exactly three minutes he'd picked up the milk habit while on

he'd picked up the milk habit while on

he'd picked up the milk habit while on the London detail

the London detail

the London detail turns out the milk cuts the tiny bit of

turns out the milk cuts the tiny bit of

turns out the milk cuts the tiny bit of acidity in the tea leaves

acidity in the tea leaves

acidity in the tea leaves the things you learn

the things you learn

the things you learn he took a sip and went to the broom

he took a sip and went to the broom

he took a sip and went to the broom closet on the far side of the room it

closet on the far side of the room it

closet on the far side of the room it was a funny angled one that wasn't much

was a funny angled one that wasn't much

was a funny angled one that wasn't much good at holding anything but it was the

good at holding anything but it was the

good at holding anything but it was the compromised solution to a thorny

compromised solution to a thorny

compromised solution to a thorny electrical problem he'd run into when he

electrical problem he'd run into when he

electrical problem he'd run into when he insisted on designing and building this

insisted on designing and building this

insisted on designing and building this one corner of the Cabinetry himself

one corner of the Cabinetry himself

one corner of the Cabinetry himself it allowed no help from anyone else

it allowed no help from anyone else

it allowed no help from anyone else wouldn't even let anybody in the room

wouldn't even let anybody in the room

wouldn't even let anybody in the room while he was working on it

while he was working on it

while he was working on it now Roberto took the brooms and mops out

now Roberto took the brooms and mops out

now Roberto took the brooms and mops out of the closet pulled out the tall vases

of the closet pulled out the tall vases

of the closet pulled out the tall vases from where they were stored in the back

from where they were stored in the back

from where they were stored in the back and took out the small mixer that

and took out the small mixer that

and took out the small mixer that couldn't seem to find a home anyplace

couldn't seem to find a home anyplace

couldn't seem to find a home anyplace else

else

else he used a hidden key to unlock the lock

he used a hidden key to unlock the lock

he used a hidden key to unlock the lock on the angled panel inside swung it open

on the angled panel inside swung it open

on the angled panel inside swung it open and entered the combination into the

and entered the combination into the

and entered the combination into the safe

safe

safe he felt a tiny surge of adrenaline when

he felt a tiny surge of adrenaline when

he felt a tiny surge of adrenaline when he threw the safe handle and it made

he threw the safe handle and it made

he threw the safe handle and it made that solid satisfying clunking sound

that solid satisfying clunking sound

that solid satisfying clunking sound it wasn't excitement far from it but

it wasn't excitement far from it but

it wasn't excitement far from it but something more like self-preservation

something more like self-preservation

something more like self-preservation the old system gearing up in case it was

the old system gearing up in case it was

the old system gearing up in case it was needed

needed

needed fight or fight

fight or fight

fight or fight the safe was small

the safe was small

the safe was small they didn't need much in it just a few

they didn't need much in it just a few

they didn't need much in it just a few currencies and passports that were

currencies and passports that were

currencies and passports that were probably expired by now

probably expired by now

probably expired by now there wasn't a proper run box anymore

there wasn't a proper run box anymore

there wasn't a proper run box anymore just a place to put the secure phone in

just a place to put the secure phone in

just a place to put the secure phone in the snow globe the one they bought at a

the snow globe the one they bought at a

the snow globe the one they bought at a gas station in Vermont the slightly

gas station in Vermont the slightly

gas station in Vermont the slightly cheesy one they couldn't resist because

cheesy one they couldn't resist because

cheesy one they couldn't resist because it had three kids sledding inside it two

it had three kids sledding inside it two

it had three kids sledding inside it two girls and a boy like theirs

girls and a boy like theirs

girls and a boy like theirs he took out the emergency phone turned

he took out the emergency phone turned

he took out the emergency phone turned it on and the screen showed the dull red

it on and the screen showed the dull red

it on and the screen showed the dull red outline of a battery with a big red line

outline of a battery with a big red line

outline of a battery with a big red line through it

through it

through it Roberto was surprised it even had that

Roberto was surprised it even had that

Roberto was surprised it even had that much juice in it he grabbed the cord

much juice in it he grabbed the cord

much juice in it he grabbed the cord plugged it in by the sink and looked out

plugged it in by the sink and looked out

plugged it in by the sink and looked out the window drinking his tea while he

the window drinking his tea while he

the window drinking his tea while he waited for it to charge up

waited for it to charge up

waited for it to charge up after a while the phone binged and

after a while the phone binged and

after a while the phone binged and turned itself on

turned itself on

turned itself on he looked at it for an extra moment not

he looked at it for an extra moment not

he looked at it for an extra moment not thinking much but not grabbing it either

thinking much but not grabbing it either

thinking much but not grabbing it either he wasn't going to rush it was just over

he wasn't going to rush it was just over

he wasn't going to rush it was just over five minutes now since he'd asked for

five minutes now since he'd asked for

five minutes now since he'd asked for that many and the world wasn't going to

that many and the world wasn't going to

that many and the world wasn't going to end if he took an extra 30 seconds

end if he took an extra 30 seconds

end if he took an extra 30 seconds that was one of the nice things about

that was one of the nice things about

that was one of the nice things about being older how comfortable you became

being older how comfortable you became

being older how comfortable you became with the idea of conservation of energy

with the idea of conservation of energy

with the idea of conservation of energy of deliberateness of style

of deliberateness of style

of deliberateness of style youth was all wasted movement and noise

youth was all wasted movement and noise

youth was all wasted movement and noise production thinking the more you looked

production thinking the more you looked

production thinking the more you looked like you were doing something the more

like you were doing something the more

like you were doing something the more you really were when in fact the

you really were when in fact the

you really were when in fact the opposite was most often true

opposite was most often true

opposite was most often true do you have the patience to remain

do you have the patience to remain

do you have the patience to remain completely still until the dirty water

completely still until the dirty water

completely still until the dirty water settles and you can see clearly not if

settles and you can see clearly not if

settles and you can see clearly not if you're under 50 you don't

you're under 50 you don't

you're under 50 you don't when he was ready Roberto dialed the

when he was ready Roberto dialed the

when he was ready Roberto dialed the phone rang once in the same woman's

phone rang once in the same woman's

phone rang once in the same woman's voice answered panel on Imports zero

voice answered panel on Imports zero

voice answered panel on Imports zero four seven four blue indigo thank you Mr

four seven four blue indigo thank you Mr

four seven four blue indigo thank you Mr Diaz

Diaz

Diaz what's up

what's up

what's up we're getting a temperature breach alert

we're getting a temperature breach alert

we're getting a temperature breach alert from a decommissioned facility in the

from a decommissioned facility in the

from a decommissioned facility in the Atchison mines in eastern Kansas

Atchison mines in eastern Kansas

Atchison mines in eastern Kansas you paused I'm here now

you paused I'm here now

you paused I'm here now Miss Diaz

Miss Diaz

Miss Diaz yeah

yeah

yeah I wondered about that given the weather

I wondered about that given the weather

I wondered about that given the weather changes

changes

changes are you I wrote a memo in 1997 on that

are you I wrote a memo in 1997 on that

are you I wrote a memo in 1997 on that very subject he said

very subject he said

very subject he said I don't see it in the file

I don't see it in the file

I don't see it in the file and I called about five years after that

and I called about five years after that

and I called about five years after that and six or seven years after that

and six or seven years after that

and six or seven years after that so you are familiar with that situation

so you are familiar with that situation

so you are familiar with that situation she asked

she asked

she asked yes

yes

yes is it something we need to worry about

is it something we need to worry about

is it something we need to worry about yes it's something you need to worry

yes it's something you need to worry

yes it's something you need to worry about

about

about we thought as a decommissioned facility

we thought as a decommissioned facility

we thought as a decommissioned facility what time did the alert come in

what time did the alert come in

what time did the alert come in he asked

he asked

he asked you're at a pause and some keys clicking

you're at a pause and some keys clicking

you're at a pause and some keys clicking while she checked on a computer

while she checked on a computer

while she checked on a computer 3 11 pm Central Standard Time

3 11 pm Central Standard Time

3 11 pm Central Standard Time and you're just calling me now

and you're just calling me now

and you're just calling me now it took some time to figure out whom to

it took some time to figure out whom to

it took some time to figure out whom to call

call

call what if I didn't answer he asked who

what if I didn't answer he asked who

what if I didn't answer he asked who does it say you call next

does it say you call next

does it say you call next it doesn't

it doesn't

it doesn't Roberto took a breath and looked out the

Roberto took a breath and looked out the

Roberto took a breath and looked out the window

window

window okay

okay

okay I'm 73 miles from Seymour Johnson I can

I'm 73 miles from Seymour Johnson I can

I'm 73 miles from Seymour Johnson I can be there in 90 minutes I'll need a plane

be there in 90 minutes I'll need a plane

be there in 90 minutes I'll need a plane from there and a car waiting on the

from there and a car waiting on the

from there and a car waiting on the other end I'll drive the car myself

other end I'll drive the car myself

other end I'll drive the car myself nobody else goes

nobody else goes

nobody else goes is it your opinion that this qualifies

is it your opinion that this qualifies

is it your opinion that this qualifies as a heightened threat my opinion is it

as a heightened threat my opinion is it

as a heightened threat my opinion is it qualified as an exceptional threat at 3

qualified as an exceptional threat at 3

qualified as an exceptional threat at 3 11 pm

11 pm

11 pm she paused I'll see what I can do about

she paused I'll see what I can do about

she paused I'll see what I can do about Transportation I'm not finished I don't

Transportation I'm not finished I don't

Transportation I'm not finished I don't have any equipment what do you need

have any equipment what do you need

have any equipment what do you need everything on the list I'm sorry Mr Diaz

everything on the list I'm sorry Mr Diaz

everything on the list I'm sorry Mr Diaz I'm just not familiar with I wrote an

I'm just not familiar with I wrote an

I'm just not familiar with I wrote an ECI white paper in 92 it's compartmented

ECI white paper in 92 it's compartmented

ECI white paper in 92 it's compartmented and stored in the clean vault

and stored in the clean vault

and stored in the clean vault it was 25 years ago you'll need

it was 25 years ago you'll need

it was 25 years ago you'll need different software to read it but I

different software to read it but I

different software to read it but I archive the program along with it and a

archive the program along with it and a

archive the program along with it and a floppy drive to run it

floppy drive to run it

floppy drive to run it get Gordon gray to clear you only Gordon

get Gordon gray to clear you only Gordon

get Gordon gray to clear you only Gordon gray you don't need to call anybody else

gray you don't need to call anybody else

gray you don't need to call anybody else read the report and have everything

read the report and have everything

read the report and have everything listed in appendix a I mean everything

listed in appendix a I mean everything

listed in appendix a I mean everything every single thing in the car in Kansas

every single thing in the car in Kansas

every single thing in the car in Kansas when I land understood

when I land understood

when I land understood I can't do all that without multiple

I can't do all that without multiple

I can't do all that without multiple authorizations

authorizations

authorizations what's your name

what's your name

what's your name you know we're not just your first one

you know we're not just your first one

you know we're not just your first one even a fake one something to call you

even a fake one something to call you

even a fake one something to call you she hesitated

she hesitated

she hesitated Abigail

Abigail

Abigail definitely not a real name the slight

definitely not a real name the slight

definitely not a real name the slight rise in her voice gave that away

rise in her voice gave that away

rise in her voice gave that away she enjoyed the flight of fancy good for

she enjoyed the flight of fancy good for

she enjoyed the flight of fancy good for her that's probably why she got into

her that's probably why she got into

her that's probably why she got into this line of work and she didn't get to

this line of work and she didn't get to

this line of work and she didn't get to use it much handling dead file out calls

use it much handling dead file out calls

use it much handling dead file out calls at Fort Belvoir in the middle of the

at Fort Belvoir in the middle of the

at Fort Belvoir in the middle of the night

night

night okay Abigail remember those good grades

okay Abigail remember those good grades

okay Abigail remember those good grades you got in high school

you got in high school

you got in high school and the sports you trained your ass off

and the sports you trained your ass off

and the sports you trained your ass off for

for

for the college you fought to get into the

the college you fought to get into the

the college you fought to get into the number of times you said no when people

number of times you said no when people

number of times you said no when people wanted to go out and party and you knew

wanted to go out and party and you knew

wanted to go out and party and you knew you had to stay in and study

you had to stay in and study

you had to stay in and study remember the looks your family gave you

remember the looks your family gave you

remember the looks your family gave you when you told them what you wanted to do

when you told them what you wanted to do

when you told them what you wanted to do for a living

for a living

for a living the abuse you put up with with your

the abuse you put up with with your

the abuse you put up with with your first year in the department and the

first year in the department and the

first year in the department and the personal life you've given up for the

personal life you've given up for the

personal life you've given up for the last I don't know from your voice it

last I don't know from your voice it

last I don't know from your voice it sounds like maybe 10 12 years now

sounds like maybe 10 12 years now

sounds like maybe 10 12 years now eight

eight

eight okay so it's getting to you quick that

okay so it's getting to you quick that

okay so it's getting to you quick that happens but all those sacrifices all the

happens but all those sacrifices all the

happens but all those sacrifices all the [ __ ] you've had to eat just because you

[ __ ] you've had to eat just because you

[ __ ] you've had to eat just because you wanted to do what was right for your

wanted to do what was right for your

wanted to do what was right for your country this is what it was for Abigail

country this is what it was for Abigail

country this is what it was for Abigail yes sir

yes sir

yes sir he could tell by the tiny Quaver in her

he could tell by the tiny Quaver in her

he could tell by the tiny Quaver in her voice that he could still give a good

voice that he could still give a good

voice that he could still give a good we're in the [ __ ] now speech when he

we're in the [ __ ] now speech when he

we're in the [ __ ] now speech when he needed it

needed it

needed it get the stuff on the list

get the stuff on the list

get the stuff on the list albeit Seymour at 2 15 a.m EST

albeit Seymour at 2 15 a.m EST

albeit Seymour at 2 15 a.m EST he hung up

Annie woke up unprompted about two hours

Annie woke up unprompted about two hours

Annie woke up unprompted about two hours later

later

later fast asleep one second Wide Awake the

fast asleep one second Wide Awake the

fast asleep one second Wide Awake the next

next

next she came out to the kitchen where there

she came out to the kitchen where there

she came out to the kitchen where there was one light on over the sink

was one light on over the sink

was one light on over the sink she knew what she'd find in there even

she knew what she'd find in there even

she knew what she'd find in there even before she came in the room

before she came in the room

before she came in the room Roberto would have washed and dried the

Roberto would have washed and dried the

Roberto would have washed and dried the mug from his tea and put it away the

mug from his tea and put it away the

mug from his tea and put it away the same with the strainer

same with the strainer

same with the strainer the kitchen would be unchanged from the

the kitchen would be unchanged from the

the kitchen would be unchanged from the way they'd left it when they went to bed

way they'd left it when they went to bed

way they'd left it when they went to bed except for the snow globe

except for the snow globe

except for the snow globe it will be sitting on the counter next

it will be sitting on the counter next

it will be sitting on the counter next to the coffee machine on top of a single

to the coffee machine on top of a single

to the coffee machine on top of a single sheet of plain white paper

sheet of plain white paper

sheet of plain white paper on which he would have drawn a heart

on which he would have drawn a heart

on which he would have drawn a heart with a red Sharpie

with a red Sharpie

with a red Sharpie that's how it was

that's how it was

that's how it was Annie stared at the snow globe for a

Annie stared at the snow globe for a

Annie stared at the snow globe for a moment

moment

moment she picked it up and gave it a shake

she picked it up and gave it a shake

she picked it up and gave it a shake snow fell on the kids and their sleds

snow fell on the kids and their sleds

snow fell on the kids and their sleds on the one hand it was kind of nice to

on the one hand it was kind of nice to

on the one hand it was kind of nice to see the thing again

see the thing again

see the thing again it had been more than three years since

it had been more than three years since

it had been more than three years since it had been out of the safe

it had been out of the safe

it had been out of the safe on the other hand

on the other hand

on the other hand she wished to Hell they'd pick something

she wished to Hell they'd pick something

she wished to Hell they'd pick something else to use for the signal

the next four hours

13.

however long most people imagine it

however long most people imagine it

however long most people imagine it takes to chip half a dozen coats of

takes to chip half a dozen coats of

takes to chip half a dozen coats of dried paint and a thin overspread of

dried paint and a thin overspread of

dried paint and a thin overspread of concrete away from the grooved Edge that

concrete away from the grooved Edge that

concrete away from the grooved Edge that runs around a manhole cover

runs around a manhole cover

runs around a manhole cover it was way longer than TK and Naomi had

it was way longer than TK and Naomi had

it was way longer than TK and Naomi had figured

figured

figured if they hadn't found the wide slotted

if they hadn't found the wide slotted

if they hadn't found the wide slotted screwdriver in the tool cabinet

screwdriver in the tool cabinet

screwdriver in the tool cabinet they might never have gotten it open at

they might never have gotten it open at

they might never have gotten it open at all

all

all they took turns with the tools you

they took turns with the tools you

they took turns with the tools you couldn't strike more than six or seven

couldn't strike more than six or seven

couldn't strike more than six or seven Hammer blows in a row without needing a

Hammer blows in a row without needing a

Hammer blows in a row without needing a break from the painful vibrations that

break from the painful vibrations that

break from the painful vibrations that shot through your hands

shot through your hands

shot through your hands as if you just hit an inside fastball

as if you just hit an inside fastball

as if you just hit an inside fastball with the thin end of the bat

with the thin end of the bat

with the thin end of the bat twice TK hit the screwdriver too hard

twice TK hit the screwdriver too hard

twice TK hit the screwdriver too hard he'd thrown both tools down and rolled

he'd thrown both tools down and rolled

he'd thrown both tools down and rolled around on the floor clutching his palms

around on the floor clutching his palms

around on the floor clutching his palms between his thighs showing off the

between his thighs showing off the

between his thighs showing off the breadth and originality of his curse

breadth and originality of his curse

breadth and originality of his curse word vocabulary

word vocabulary

word vocabulary Naomi was more methodical aiming her

Naomi was more methodical aiming her

Naomi was more methodical aiming her blows carefully and measuring their

blows carefully and measuring their

blows carefully and measuring their impact

impact

impact her progress was steady and considered

her progress was steady and considered

her progress was steady and considered and hers was the final blow the one that

and hers was the final blow the one that

and hers was the final blow the one that chipped away the last chunk of paint and

chipped away the last chunk of paint and

chipped away the last chunk of paint and concrete and made the cover Move a

concrete and made the cover Move a

concrete and made the cover Move a fraction of an inch

fraction of an inch

fraction of an inch you got it

you got it

you got it get the pry bar she said

get the pry bar she said

get the pry bar she said he grabbed it from the closet wedged it

he grabbed it from the closet wedged it

he grabbed it from the closet wedged it into one of the four slots evenly spaced

into one of the four slots evenly spaced

into one of the four slots evenly spaced around the circumference of the cover

around the circumference of the cover

around the circumference of the cover the metal disc came up with a slight

the metal disc came up with a slight

the metal disc came up with a slight whoosh of decompression as the fetid air

whoosh of decompression as the fetid air

whoosh of decompression as the fetid air from below swapped places with the Clean

from below swapped places with the Clean

from below swapped places with the Clean Air Above

Air Above

Air Above Tea cake wedged the bar in farther

Tea cake wedged the bar in farther

Tea cake wedged the bar in farther pushed down on it as hard as he could

pushed down on it as hard as he could

pushed down on it as hard as he could and got the hand land almost all the way

and got the hand land almost all the way

and got the hand land almost all the way down to the floor

down to the floor

down to the floor stand on it he told her

stand on it he told her

stand on it he told her she did one foot at a time pinning the

she did one foot at a time pinning the

she did one foot at a time pinning the bar to the ground once all her weight

bar to the ground once all her weight

bar to the ground once all her weight was on it

was on it

was on it Tea cake wiggled his fingers into the

Tea cake wiggled his fingers into the

Tea cake wiggled his fingers into the three-inch gap between the cover and the

three-inch gap between the cover and the

three-inch gap between the cover and the ground don't put your fingers in there

ground don't put your fingers in there

ground don't put your fingers in there she said but he didn't answer because

she said but he didn't answer because

she said but he didn't answer because they were this far and there was no

they were this far and there was no

they were this far and there was no other obvious easy way

other obvious easy way

other obvious easy way plus she hadn't said it with much

plus she hadn't said it with much

plus she hadn't said it with much conviction and he knew that what she

conviction and he knew that what she

conviction and he knew that what she really meant was put your fingers in

really meant was put your fingers in

really meant was put your fingers in there

there

there but that was okay because they were on

but that was okay because they were on

but that was okay because they were on the same page at this point in it

the same page at this point in it

the same page at this point in it together all the way

together all the way

together all the way he strained like hell wishing he'd

he strained like hell wishing he'd

he strained like hell wishing he'd stayed with the chest and upper body

stayed with the chest and upper body

stayed with the chest and upper body work he'd done for a year and a half at

work he'd done for a year and a half at

work he'd done for a year and a half at Ellsworth

Ellsworth

Ellsworth you would have dearly loved for her to

you would have dearly loved for her to

you would have dearly loved for her to see some of that now because he had been

see some of that now because he had been

see some of that now because he had been cut man and he'd been really proud of it

cut man and he'd been really proud of it

cut man and he'd been really proud of it it was such a change he'd been a skinny

it was such a change he'd been a skinny

it was such a change he'd been a skinny kid for as long as he could remember

kid for as long as he could remember

kid for as long as he could remember but almost the minute he got out he felt

but almost the minute he got out he felt

but almost the minute he got out he felt puffy and ridiculous so he'd cut out the

puffy and ridiculous so he'd cut out the

puffy and ridiculous so he'd cut out the gym work and hadn't missed it at all

gym work and hadn't missed it at all

gym work and hadn't missed it at all well maybe he missed the feelings right

well maybe he missed the feelings right

well maybe he missed the feelings right after when everything was flowing and

after when everything was flowing and

after when everything was flowing and you felt sort of happy and angry at the

you felt sort of happy and angry at the

you felt sort of happy and angry at the same time

same time

same time that sensation was cool

that sensation was cool

that sensation was cool but really if she could have seen him

but really if she could have seen him

but really if she could have seen him then

then

then along you know I don't look that bad now

along you know I don't look that bad now

along you know I don't look that bad now was she just looking at my biceps a

was she just looking at my biceps a

was she just looking at my biceps a second ago or oh [ __ ] his mind had

second ago or oh [ __ ] his mind had

second ago or oh [ __ ] his mind had wandered and he was losing his grip the

wandered and he was losing his grip the

wandered and he was losing his grip the thing was slipping he was gonna drop it

thing was slipping he was gonna drop it

thing was slipping he was gonna drop it TK dug in snapped back into the moment

TK dug in snapped back into the moment

TK dug in snapped back into the moment bent his knees and got the cover up past

bent his knees and got the cover up past

bent his knees and got the cover up past the Tipping Point

the Tipping Point

the Tipping Point he leveraged it onto its Edge and had

he leveraged it onto its Edge and had

he leveraged it onto its Edge and had planned to lay it down the same way he

planned to lay it down the same way he

planned to lay it down the same way he picked it up but his muscles were

picked it up but his muscles were

picked it up but his muscles were screaming at him now why didn't you do

screaming at him now why didn't you do

screaming at him now why didn't you do this when we were built for it [ __ ]

this when we were built for it [ __ ]

this when we were built for it [ __ ] as soon as he got it all the way up on

as soon as he got it all the way up on

as soon as he got it all the way up on its Edge he gave the manhole cover a

its Edge he gave the manhole cover a

its Edge he gave the manhole cover a shove and it rolled away toward the wall

shove and it rolled away toward the wall

shove and it rolled away toward the wall it didn't go far though

it didn't go far though

it didn't go far though it must have weighed 200 pounds maybe

it must have weighed 200 pounds maybe

it must have weighed 200 pounds maybe 250 and after six or seven feet it

250 and after six or seven feet it

250 and after six or seven feet it started to tilt over and Arc back

started to tilt over and Arc back

started to tilt over and Arc back rolling right toward them

rolling right toward them

rolling right toward them they danced out of the way absurdly as

they danced out of the way absurdly as

they danced out of the way absurdly as the thing chased them for a few feet

the thing chased them for a few feet

the thing chased them for a few feet pissed off at having been awakened from

pissed off at having been awakened from

pissed off at having been awakened from its comfortable slumber

its comfortable slumber

its comfortable slumber the metal rim ground across the floor a

the metal rim ground across the floor a

the metal rim ground across the floor a few inches from their toes described one

few inches from their toes described one

few inches from their toes described one last dying Circle in the hallway and

last dying Circle in the hallway and

last dying Circle in the hallway and very nearly fell right back into the

very nearly fell right back into the

very nearly fell right back into the hole it had just been covering

hole it had just been covering

hole it had just been covering that would have been a scream

that would have been a scream

that would have been a scream it settled like a spinning quarter on a

it settled like a spinning quarter on a

it settled like a spinning quarter on a tabletop making a grinding cast iron

tabletop making a grinding cast iron

tabletop making a grinding cast iron racket until it finally came to a rest

racket until it finally came to a rest

racket until it finally came to a rest upside down just in front of him

upside down just in front of him

upside down just in front of him when the echo faded TK spoke

when the echo faded TK spoke

when the echo faded TK spoke you know like looking back

you know like looking back

you know like looking back maybe I could have just slid it to the

maybe I could have just slid it to the

maybe I could have just slid it to the side a little bit

side a little bit

side a little bit well sure we know that now

well sure we know that now

well sure we know that now if he didn't love her already he loved

if he didn't love her already he loved

if he didn't love her already he loved her for not telling him he was a [ __ ]

her for not telling him he was a [ __ ]

her for not telling him he was a [ __ ] idiot the way his old man would have

idiot the way his old man would have

idiot the way his old man would have she didn't say much but when she did

she didn't say much but when she did

she didn't say much but when she did talk it wasn't to give anybody [ __ ] not

talk it wasn't to give anybody [ __ ] not

talk it wasn't to give anybody [ __ ] not even as a joke

even as a joke

even as a joke Naomi picked up the flashlight the one

Naomi picked up the flashlight the one

Naomi picked up the flashlight the one he grabbed upstairs she clicked it on

he grabbed upstairs she clicked it on

he grabbed upstairs she clicked it on they walked forward to the edge of the

they walked forward to the edge of the

they walked forward to the edge of the hole got down on all fours and shined

hole got down on all fours and shined

hole got down on all fours and shined the light down into it

the light down into it

the light down into it the light was bright the battery is

the light was bright the battery is

the light was bright the battery is fresh but there isn't much any

fresh but there isn't much any

fresh but there isn't much any flashlight can do to illuminate a

flashlight can do to illuminate a

flashlight can do to illuminate a vertical cylindrical shaft that runs 300

vertical cylindrical shaft that runs 300

vertical cylindrical shaft that runs 300 feet straight down into the Earth

feet straight down into the Earth

feet straight down into the Earth the metal ladder ran along one side of

the metal ladder ran along one side of

the metal ladder ran along one side of it

it

it a ton of newly raised dust floated in

a ton of newly raised dust floated in

a ton of newly raised dust floated in the stale air stirred by the removal of

the stale air stirred by the removal of

the stale air stirred by the removal of the lid but other than that there was

the lid but other than that there was

the lid but other than that there was only the dark

only the dark

only the dark they looked at each other

they looked at each other

they looked at each other neither one of them wanted to back down

neither one of them wanted to back down

neither one of them wanted to back down and neither wanted to go first

and neither wanted to go first

and neither wanted to go first climb 50 feet down and then we talk

climb 50 feet down and then we talk

climb 50 feet down and then we talk again cheaper post

again cheaper post

again cheaper post how many rungs is on that ladder

how many rungs is on that ladder

how many rungs is on that ladder To Shine the Light down on the

To Shine the Light down on the

To Shine the Light down on the corrugated metal rungs and estimated

corrugated metal rungs and estimated

corrugated metal rungs and estimated 50 probably

50 probably

50 probably why

why

why I don't know I was hoping it would help

I don't know I was hoping it would help

I don't know I was hoping it would help she shined the light down into the hole

she shined the light down into the hole

she shined the light down into the hole again playing it around the edges this

again playing it around the edges this

again playing it around the edges this time instead of straight into the black

time instead of straight into the black

time instead of straight into the black some distance below there was the dim

some distance below there was the dim

some distance below there was the dim outline of an indentation in the side of

outline of an indentation in the side of

outline of an indentation in the side of the shaft

the shaft

the shaft too far away to see clearly but there

too far away to see clearly but there

too far away to see clearly but there was at least something there some kind

was at least something there some kind

was at least something there some kind of goal

of goal

of goal okay look let's go to that thing what

okay look let's go to that thing what

okay look let's go to that thing what thing over here

thing over here

thing over here she gestured for him to come around to

she gestured for him to come around to

she gestured for him to come around to her side and he did moving up against

her side and he did moving up against

her side and he did moving up against her on the floor

her on the floor

her on the floor his leg touched hers just barely but he

his leg touched hers just barely but he

his leg touched hers just barely but he was keenly aware of it

was keenly aware of it

was keenly aware of it she traced the light beam around the

she traced the light beam around the

she traced the light beam around the edges of the indentation there what is

edges of the indentation there what is

edges of the indentation there what is that 30 feet Maybe

that 30 feet Maybe

that 30 feet Maybe we'll climb down to that see what it is

we'll climb down to that see what it is

we'll climb down to that see what it is and then what

and then what

and then what then we'll talk if it's cool we keep

then we'll talk if it's cool we keep

then we'll talk if it's cool we keep going if it isn't

going if it isn't

going if it isn't he waved off the rest of her sentence I

he waved off the rest of her sentence I

he waved off the rest of her sentence I get it

get it

get it he took the light from her swung his

he took the light from her swung his

he took the light from her swung his legs around and started to climb down

legs around and started to climb down

legs around and started to climb down into the hole you don't have to go first

into the hole you don't have to go first

into the hole you don't have to go first I'm a gentleman I'll go first and Shine

I'm a gentleman I'll go first and Shine

I'm a gentleman I'll go first and Shine the light up so you can see

the light up so you can see

the light up so you can see you have to admit she said so far this

you have to admit she said so far this

you have to admit she said so far this is cool

is cool

is cool so far I have to admit this is cool

so far I have to admit this is cool

so far I have to admit this is cool you really think so

you really think so

you really think so no I'm just repeating what you told me I

no I'm just repeating what you told me I

no I'm just repeating what you told me I had to say see you in 30 feet

had to say see you in 30 feet

had to say see you in 30 feet she laughed and he started down into the

she laughed and he started down into the

she laughed and he started down into the shaft

shaft

shaft climbing with one hand was harder than

climbing with one hand was harder than

climbing with one hand was harder than he thought but he was so afraid of

he thought but he was so afraid of

he thought but he was so afraid of dropping the flashlight he didn't even

dropping the flashlight he didn't even

dropping the flashlight he didn't even try to use the other

try to use the other

try to use the other one hand holding tight on the light and

one hand holding tight on the light and

one hand holding tight on the light and the other clamped in a death lock on the

the other clamped in a death lock on the

the other clamped in a death lock on the vertical bar of the metal ladder he

vertical bar of the metal ladder he

vertical bar of the metal ladder he broke a sweat within 10 or 15 rungs more

broke a sweat within 10 or 15 rungs more

broke a sweat within 10 or 15 rungs more from Fear than anything else

from Fear than anything else

from Fear than anything else then his mind got the best of him

then his mind got the best of him

then his mind got the best of him it started to wander as it did and he

it started to wander as it did and he

it started to wander as it did and he thought about falling

thought about falling

thought about falling first a foot slipping off a rung then

first a foot slipping off a rung then

first a foot slipping off a rung then his shin banging into it the painful

his shin banging into it the painful

his shin banging into it the painful stretch of tendons as his legs split

stretch of tendons as his legs split

stretch of tendons as his legs split apart both hands flailing at the bars

apart both hands flailing at the bars

apart both hands flailing at the bars maybe one or two fingers snapping trying

maybe one or two fingers snapping trying

maybe one or two fingers snapping trying to support his falling weight as his

to support his falling weight as his

to support his falling weight as his body gained momentum

body gained momentum

body gained momentum and then the moment of Detachment the

and then the moment of Detachment the

and then the moment of Detachment the cartoon suspension as his hands flailed

cartoon suspension as his hands flailed

cartoon suspension as his hands flailed at empty space and his feet popped free

at empty space and his feet popped free

at empty space and his feet popped free would he scream

would he scream

would he scream or would he go silent would all sound

or would he go silent would all sound

or would he go silent would all sound drain away as his eyes popped wide and

drain away as his eyes popped wide and

drain away as his eyes popped wide and his mouth opened in a horrified perfect

his mouth opened in a horrified perfect

his mouth opened in a horrified perfect round O shape making a soundless plea

round O shape making a soundless plea

round O shape making a soundless plea for help as he began to drop into the

for help as he began to drop into the

for help as he began to drop into the darkness a hundred five hundred a

darkness a hundred five hundred a

darkness a hundred five hundred a thousand feet straight down until he hit

thousand feet straight down until he hit

thousand feet straight down until he hit the cement floor at the bottom feet

the cement floor at the bottom feet

the cement floor at the bottom feet first his legs according into his body

first his legs according into his body

first his legs according into his body the long bones slamming upward into his

the long bones slamming upward into his

the long bones slamming upward into his internal organs his femur or tibia or

internal organs his femur or tibia or

internal organs his femur or tibia or whatever the big one was slicing up

whatever the big one was slicing up

whatever the big one was slicing up through his intestines piercing his

through his intestines piercing his

through his intestines piercing his heart and driving itself up into the

heart and driving itself up into the

heart and driving itself up into the base of his skull

base of his skull

base of his skull the official cause of death man killed

the official cause of death man killed

the official cause of death man killed by own leg bone

by own leg bone

by own leg bone then another scenario occurred to him

then another scenario occurred to him

then another scenario occurred to him one in which he did not fall free in

one in which he did not fall free in

one in which he did not fall free in this chain of events one foot wouldn't

this chain of events one foot wouldn't

this chain of events one foot wouldn't slip away clean it'd get hung up in the

slip away clean it'd get hung up in the

slip away clean it'd get hung up in the rungs instead

rungs instead

rungs instead he'd fall but his body would flop over

he'd fall but his body would flop over

he'd fall but his body would flop over backward bending at the left knee and

backward bending at the left knee and

backward bending at the left knee and he'd hear the ligaments on both sides

he'd hear the ligaments on both sides

he'd hear the ligaments on both sides the kneecap pop as it wrenched at an

the kneecap pop as it wrenched at an

the kneecap pop as it wrenched at an unnatural angle bearing weight and

unnatural angle bearing weight and

unnatural angle bearing weight and torque it had never been designed to

torque it had never been designed to

torque it had never been designed to withstand

withstand

withstand in this version he'd scream all right

in this version he'd scream all right

in this version he'd scream all right streak like a wounded animal as he hung

streak like a wounded animal as he hung

streak like a wounded animal as he hung there his shredded knee holding him

there his shredded knee holding him

there his shredded knee holding him upside down head banging against the

upside down head banging against the

upside down head banging against the metal rungs beneath them the flashlight

metal rungs beneath them the flashlight

metal rungs beneath them the flashlight would slip from his hand and fall the

would slip from his hand and fall the

would slip from his hand and fall the beam throwing crazy bouncing light over

beam throwing crazy bouncing light over

beam throwing crazy bouncing light over the inside of the shaft as it dropped

the inside of the shaft as it dropped

the inside of the shaft as it dropped finally smashing the bits on the floor

finally smashing the bits on the floor

finally smashing the bits on the floor Far Below

Far Below

Far Below Naomi would shout from above and try to

Naomi would shout from above and try to

Naomi would shout from above and try to save him

save him

save him she'd climb down three rungs Loop one

she'd climb down three rungs Loop one

she'd climb down three rungs Loop one arm in and lean down as far as she could

arm in and lean down as far as she could

arm in and lean down as far as she could flailing for tea cake in the near total

flailing for tea cake in the near total

flailing for tea cake in the near total darkness

darkness

darkness but she'd miss his outstretched hand and

but she'd miss his outstretched hand and

but she'd miss his outstretched hand and lose her own grip now she'd fall in she

lose her own grip now she'd fall in she

lose her own grip now she'd fall in she would fall clean down three feet and

would fall clean down three feet and

would fall clean down three feet and right into Tea cake

right into Tea cake

right into Tea cake their combined weight would dislocate

their combined weight would dislocate

their combined weight would dislocate his knee and break the tibia of his

his knee and break the tibia of his

his knee and break the tibia of his trapped leg in both versions the tibia

trapped leg in both versions the tibia

trapped leg in both versions the tibia lost big and the fractured leg would

lost big and the fractured leg would

lost big and the fractured leg would Slither formless through the rungs of

Slither formless through the rungs of

Slither formless through the rungs of the ladder

the ladder

the ladder did both pull free the ending would be

did both pull free the ending would be

did both pull free the ending would be pretty much the same as before it

pretty much the same as before it

pretty much the same as before it wouldn't be the fall that did it so much

wouldn't be the fall that did it so much

wouldn't be the fall that did it so much as the sudden stop at the end

as the sudden stop at the end

as the sudden stop at the end except this time tea cake would land

except this time tea cake would land

except this time tea cake would land upside down and the cause of death would

upside down and the cause of death would

upside down and the cause of death would be changed to man falls on head while

be changed to man falls on head while

be changed to man falls on head while hers would read woman dies from hanging

hers would read woman dies from hanging

hers would read woman dies from hanging out with [ __ ] who climbed down a dark

out with [ __ ] who climbed down a dark

out with [ __ ] who climbed down a dark vertical cement shaft with one hand

vertical cement shaft with one hand

vertical cement shaft with one hand TK's mind hadn't just drifted it had

TK's mind hadn't just drifted it had

TK's mind hadn't just drifted it had gone off a little Wanda yar

gone off a little Wanda yar

gone off a little Wanda yar but at least it had killed some time and

but at least it had killed some time and

but at least it had killed some time and had already gone down 34 rungs reaching

had already gone down 34 rungs reaching

had already gone down 34 rungs reaching the gray indentation they'd seen from

the gray indentation they'd seen from

the gray indentation they'd seen from above

above

above cooking one arm through the rungs Tea

cooking one arm through the rungs Tea

cooking one arm through the rungs Tea cake brought his feet together said it

cake brought his feet together said it

cake brought his feet together said it himself and turned the light to shine it

himself and turned the light to shine it

himself and turned the light to shine it on the side of the concrete shaft

on the side of the concrete shaft

on the side of the concrete shaft it's a door

it's a door

it's a door Naomi came down just above him and

Naomi came down just above him and

Naomi came down just above him and looked at it three characters and in

looked at it three characters and in

looked at it three characters and in retrospect they didn't have to climb

retrospect they didn't have to climb

retrospect they didn't have to climb down here to Hazard a good guess as to

down here to Hazard a good guess as to

down here to Hazard a good guess as to what they said

what they said

what they said SP2

SP2

SP2 she nodded yeah that's what I figured

she nodded yeah that's what I figured

she nodded yeah that's what I figured keep going

keep going

keep going TK didn't think he'd gotten what he'd

TK didn't think he'd gotten what he'd

TK didn't think he'd gotten what he'd paid for yet he hadn't smashed up his

paid for yet he hadn't smashed up his

paid for yet he hadn't smashed up his employer's wall hammered through a

employer's wall hammered through a

employer's wall hammered through a cement floor and vividly pictured two

cement floor and vividly pictured two

cement floor and vividly pictured two distinct and gruesome versions of his

distinct and gruesome versions of his

distinct and gruesome versions of his own death so he could stare at a closed

own death so he could stare at a closed

own death so he could stare at a closed door with sb2 written on it and Faded

door with sb2 written on it and Faded

door with sb2 written on it and Faded black letters

black letters

black letters without answering her he shoved the

without answering her he shoved the

without answering her he shoved the flashlight in his pants pocket still

flashlight in his pants pocket still

flashlight in his pants pocket still switched on and with the beam pointing

switched on and with the beam pointing

switched on and with the beam pointing upwards so it could light her way

upwards so it could light her way

upwards so it could light her way with both hands free he'd move a lot

with both hands free he'd move a lot

with both hands free he'd move a lot faster

faster

faster they continued down

14.

after Mooney had thrown up onto the

after Mooney had thrown up onto the

after Mooney had thrown up onto the gravel behind the tailpipe after he'd

gravel behind the tailpipe after he'd

gravel behind the tailpipe after he'd hacked and spit and blown his nose till

hacked and spit and blown his nose till

hacked and spit and blown his nose till it was raw inside after he'd used the

it was raw inside after he'd used the

it was raw inside after he'd used the dirty beach towel from the back seat to

dirty beach towel from the back seat to

dirty beach towel from the back seat to clean every Speck of cat got off his

clean every Speck of cat got off his

clean every Speck of cat got off his face

face

face he was able to think straight

he was able to think straight

he was able to think straight sort of

sort of

sort of he couldn't get a handle on the whole

he couldn't get a handle on the whole

he couldn't get a handle on the whole thing because it was ungraspable

thing because it was ungraspable

thing because it was ungraspable but he'd at least managed to calm his

but he'd at least managed to calm his

but he'd at least managed to calm his breathing and get his heart rate down to

breathing and get his heart rate down to

breathing and get his heart rate down to almost normal levels and to stop

almost normal levels and to stop

almost normal levels and to stop squealing God Jesus oh Jesus God what

squealing God Jesus oh Jesus God what

squealing God Jesus oh Jesus God what the [ __ ] or close variations thereof

the [ __ ] or close variations thereof

the [ __ ] or close variations thereof every few seconds

every few seconds

every few seconds as soon as he was clean a powerful

as soon as he was clean a powerful

as soon as he was clean a powerful thirst overtook him and he was relieved

thirst overtook him and he was relieved

thirst overtook him and he was relieved to see the lone remaining wine cooler

to see the lone remaining wine cooler

to see the lone remaining wine cooler was still mostly full the cap only

was still mostly full the cap only

was still mostly full the cap only loosened in the moment before he hit the

loosened in the moment before he hit the

loosened in the moment before he hit the deer

deer

deer he picked it up out of the Exotic Berry

he picked it up out of the Exotic Berry

he picked it up out of the Exotic Berry puddle it had made on the passenger side

puddle it had made on the passenger side

puddle it had made on the passenger side floor mat and finished it in one long

floor mat and finished it in one long

floor mat and finished it in one long gulp

gulp

gulp it was warm now which made the liquor

it was warm now which made the liquor

it was warm now which made the liquor feel stronger and stronger was what he

feel stronger and stronger was what he

feel stronger and stronger was what he needed

needed

needed a little courage washed through his

a little courage washed through his

a little courage washed through his brain a familiar feeling but different

brain a familiar feeling but different

brain a familiar feeling but different too he could feel himself becoming

too he could feel himself becoming

too he could feel himself becoming stronger calmer better

stronger calmer better

stronger calmer better he was also becoming a walking dispersal

he was also becoming a walking dispersal

he was also becoming a walking dispersal mechanism for cordyceps Novus

mechanism for cordyceps Novus

mechanism for cordyceps Novus Mooney was the 28th human being to be

Mooney was the 28th human being to be

Mooney was the 28th human being to be infected by the fungus but there was an

infected by the fungus but there was an

infected by the fungus but there was an important difference between him and the

important difference between him and the

important difference between him and the others Bartles and James like many wine

others Bartles and James like many wine

others Bartles and James like many wine coolers and wine products in General

coolers and wine products in General

coolers and wine products in General Uses the maximum amount of sulfur

Uses the maximum amount of sulfur

Uses the maximum amount of sulfur dioxide permitted by FDA regulations as

dioxide permitted by FDA regulations as

dioxide permitted by FDA regulations as a preservative

a preservative

a preservative SO2 is one of the most effective

SO2 is one of the most effective

SO2 is one of the most effective antimicrobials on the planet and is

antimicrobials on the planet and is

antimicrobials on the planet and is highly antagonistic to growth

highly antagonistic to growth

highly antagonistic to growth in its gaseous form SO2 can be lethal to

in its gaseous form SO2 can be lethal to

in its gaseous form SO2 can be lethal to any air breathing creature and is in

any air breathing creature and is in

any air breathing creature and is in fact the leading cause of death in a

fact the leading cause of death in a

fact the leading cause of death in a volcanic eruption it's the poison gas

volcanic eruption it's the poison gas

volcanic eruption it's the poison gas that gets you not the lava

that gets you not the lava

that gets you not the lava but in liquid form and in the right

but in liquid form and in the right

but in liquid form and in the right concentration SO2 can be quite helpful

concentration SO2 can be quite helpful

concentration SO2 can be quite helpful it not only prevents invasive microbial

it not only prevents invasive microbial

it not only prevents invasive microbial growth in human digestive systems but it

growth in human digestive systems but it

growth in human digestive systems but it can actually clean and preserve a glass

can actually clean and preserve a glass

can actually clean and preserve a glass wine container itself during both the

wine container itself during both the

wine container itself during both the fermentation and the storage process

fermentation and the storage process

fermentation and the storage process Mooney's last bottle of exotic Berry

Mooney's last bottle of exotic Berry

Mooney's last bottle of exotic Berry aside from being tasty and intoxicating

aside from being tasty and intoxicating

aside from being tasty and intoxicating was also a superb growth inhibitor

was also a superb growth inhibitor

was also a superb growth inhibitor whereas the funguses take over of its

whereas the funguses take over of its

whereas the funguses take over of its previous human victims had been a

previous human victims had been a

previous human victims had been a blitzkrieg in Moonies wine cooler

blitzkrieg in Moonies wine cooler

blitzkrieg in Moonies wine cooler besotted state it was more of a slow and

besotted state it was more of a slow and

besotted state it was more of a slow and steady infantry assault through mud

steady infantry assault through mud

steady infantry assault through mud the invading Army of cordyceps Novus was

the invading Army of cordyceps Novus was

the invading Army of cordyceps Novus was going to win Mooney was going to lose

going to win Mooney was going to lose

going to win Mooney was going to lose but it would take a while

but it would take a while

but it would take a while having unwittingly bought himself a few

having unwittingly bought himself a few

having unwittingly bought himself a few extra hours on the planet he stood back

extra hours on the planet he stood back

extra hours on the planet he stood back from the car to review the events of the

from the car to review the events of the

from the car to review the events of the previous couple of hours

previous couple of hours

previous couple of hours there was a lot to review

there was a lot to review

there was a lot to review the deer had been dead there was no

the deer had been dead there was no

the deer had been dead there was no question about it same for Mr Scroggins

question about it same for Mr Scroggins

question about it same for Mr Scroggins the cat was missing half of face and

the cat was missing half of face and

the cat was missing half of face and skull

skull

skull the notion of him surviving that kind of

the notion of him surviving that kind of

the notion of him surviving that kind of Mutilation was laughable

Mutilation was laughable

Mutilation was laughable that could only mean that something

that could only mean that something

that could only mean that something otherworldly was going on something

otherworldly was going on something

otherworldly was going on something Unholy

Unholy

Unholy whatever the universe was a [ __ ] up

whatever the universe was a [ __ ] up

whatever the universe was a [ __ ] up place with lots of [ __ ] he'd never

place with lots of [ __ ] he'd never

place with lots of [ __ ] he'd never understand

understand

understand but what about me specifically me Mooney

but what about me specifically me Mooney

but what about me specifically me Mooney where do I stand in all this we're not

where do I stand in all this we're not

where do I stand in all this we're not really do after all

really do after all

really do after all Mooney had an analytical mind sometimes

Mooney had an analytical mind sometimes

Mooney had an analytical mind sometimes so he put it to use

so he put it to use

so he put it to use what's the worst that can happen to me

what's the worst that can happen to me

what's the worst that can happen to me yes I had a deer yes I pumped it full of

yes I had a deer yes I pumped it full of

yes I had a deer yes I pumped it full of lead and yes I killed the sick cat but

lead and yes I killed the sick cat but

lead and yes I killed the sick cat but none of these were crimes

none of these were crimes

none of these were crimes burying them on somebody else's

burying them on somebody else's

burying them on somebody else's privately owned land probably was but he

privately owned land probably was but he

privately owned land probably was but he hadn't done that he hadn't had a chance

hadn't done that he hadn't had a chance

hadn't done that he hadn't had a chance the dead deer had run away and the half

the dead deer had run away and the half

the dead deer had run away and the half cat climbed a tree and exploded it's as

cat climbed a tree and exploded it's as

cat climbed a tree and exploded it's as simple as that officer

simple as that officer

simple as that officer so fear of police could be dismissed

so fear of police could be dismissed

so fear of police could be dismissed he'd done nothing illegal

he'd done nothing illegal

he'd done nothing illegal that left only fear of societal

that left only fear of societal

that left only fear of societal condemnation and fear of God

condemnation and fear of God

condemnation and fear of God well the only way Society was going to

well the only way Society was going to

well the only way Society was going to condemn him was if it knew he was a

condemn him was if it knew he was a

condemn him was if it knew he was a weirdo and an animal killer and there

weirdo and an animal killer and there

weirdo and an animal killer and there was no evidence of that other than

was no evidence of that other than

was no evidence of that other than whatever was left in the trunk

whatever was left in the trunk

whatever was left in the trunk he edged over to the car

he edged over to the car

he edged over to the car the first time he'd come within six feet

the first time he'd come within six feet

the first time he'd come within six feet of it since its occupants decamped

of it since its occupants decamped

of it since its occupants decamped there are no guts in the empty trunk

there are no guts in the empty trunk

there are no guts in the empty trunk that was good but the deer had bled a

that was good but the deer had bled a

that was good but the deer had bled a fair amount

fair amount

fair amount it also left some weird green brown ooze

it also left some weird green brown ooze

it also left some weird green brown ooze that covered half the floor of the trunk

that covered half the floor of the trunk

that covered half the floor of the trunk must be the [ __ ] that comes out of you

must be the [ __ ] that comes out of you

must be the [ __ ] that comes out of you when you die or something

when you die or something

when you die or something whatever this could all be cleaned up

whatever this could all be cleaned up

whatever this could all be cleaned up this was totally doable this was a

this was totally doable this was a

this was totally doable this was a garden hose a couple of old towels and

garden hose a couple of old towels and

garden hose a couple of old towels and maybe 20 minutes of his time nobody

maybe 20 minutes of his time nobody

maybe 20 minutes of his time nobody would ever know

would ever know

would ever know so fear of societal condemnation was off

so fear of societal condemnation was off

so fear of societal condemnation was off the list too

the list too

the list too unfortunately that left the biggie God

unfortunately that left the biggie God

unfortunately that left the biggie God knew God knew all this [ __ ] and he could

knew God knew all this [ __ ] and he could

knew God knew all this [ __ ] and he could not possibly be pleased

not possibly be pleased

not possibly be pleased it wasn't a moon he feared for his soul

it wasn't a moon he feared for his soul

it wasn't a moon he feared for his soul his personal concept of God was a bit

his personal concept of God was a bit

his personal concept of God was a bit more Baroque more Old Testament

more Baroque more Old Testament

more Baroque more Old Testament it's enough of life to know that God was

it's enough of life to know that God was

it's enough of life to know that God was big into retribution and the sicker and

big into retribution and the sicker and

big into retribution and the sicker and more ironic the better

more ironic the better

more ironic the better yes he was kind and loving but he also

yes he was kind and loving but he also

yes he was kind and loving but he also invented colorectal cancer and is there

invented colorectal cancer and is there

invented colorectal cancer and is there a super villain anywhere ever who came

a super villain anywhere ever who came

a super villain anywhere ever who came up with a more diabolical way to take

up with a more diabolical way to take

up with a more diabolical way to take somebody out than that

somebody out than that

somebody out than that don't bother checking there isn't

don't bother checking there isn't

don't bother checking there isn't yes God had most certainly taken note of

yes God had most certainly taken note of

yes God had most certainly taken note of what Mooney had done tonight disapproved

what Mooney had done tonight disapproved

what Mooney had done tonight disapproved and started unleashing his righteous

and started unleashing his righteous

and started unleashing his righteous Fury

Fury

Fury bringing the innocent creatures back to

bringing the innocent creatures back to

bringing the innocent creatures back to life to torture him had been step one

life to torture him had been step one

life to torture him had been step one spattering his face with awful was step

spattering his face with awful was step

spattering his face with awful was step two and Mooney knew for certain he

two and Mooney knew for certain he

two and Mooney knew for certain he didn't want to wait for steps three four

didn't want to wait for steps three four

didn't want to wait for steps three four and five whatever they might be

and five whatever they might be

and five whatever they might be he needed to apologize

he needed to apologize

he needed to apologize the last time he decided he owed God a

the last time he decided he owed God a

the last time he decided he owed God a male culpa it had cost him almost four

male culpa it had cost him almost four

male culpa it had cost him almost four years of his life but he was hoping he

years of his life but he was hoping he

years of his life but he was hoping he could wrap this one up in a couple hours

could wrap this one up in a couple hours

could wrap this one up in a couple hours on his knees

on his knees

on his knees Saint Benedict's Abbey on Second Street

Saint Benedict's Abbey on Second Street

Saint Benedict's Abbey on Second Street was open all night and he'd used it

was open all night and he'd used it

was open all night and he'd used it before when he needed to atone

before when he needed to atone

before when he needed to atone the place was run by actual monks a

the place was run by actual monks a

the place was run by actual monks a Franciscan order and the black cowled

Franciscan order and the black cowled

Franciscan order and the black cowled robes conveyed a judgmental asceticism

robes conveyed a judgmental asceticism

robes conveyed a judgmental asceticism that felt pretty legit

that felt pretty legit

that felt pretty legit the modish wooden pews couldn't have

the modish wooden pews couldn't have

the modish wooden pews couldn't have been Vatican approved but there was a

been Vatican approved but there was a

been Vatican approved but there was a granite slab that ran the length of the

granite slab that ran the length of the

granite slab that ran the length of the floor in front of the Altar and Mooney

floor in front of the Altar and Mooney

floor in front of the Altar and Mooney had spent many hours on his knees there

had spent many hours on his knees there

had spent many hours on his knees there praying for divine forgiveness of one

praying for divine forgiveness of one

praying for divine forgiveness of one sword or another

sword or another

sword or another the stone was POC marked and uneven so

the stone was POC marked and uneven so

the stone was POC marked and uneven so after the first five minutes his knees

after the first five minutes his knees

after the first five minutes his knees would start to ache by the time a full

would start to ache by the time a full

would start to ache by the time a full hour had passed he would be in so much

hour had passed he would be in so much

hour had passed he would be in so much pain he couldn't focus

pain he couldn't focus

pain he couldn't focus when his transgression was bad enough

when his transgression was bad enough

when his transgression was bad enough Mooney would stay so long that the skin

Mooney would stay so long that the skin

Mooney would stay so long that the skin would grind into the inside of his pants

would grind into the inside of his pants

would grind into the inside of his pants and when he stood whole layers of Flesh

and when he stood whole layers of Flesh

and when he stood whole layers of Flesh would tear away

would tear away

would tear away by the time he got in the car the blood

by the time he got in the car the blood

by the time he got in the car the blood would be seeping through the knees of

would be seeping through the knees of

would be seeping through the knees of his pants and that was the sign that

his pants and that was the sign that

his pants and that was the sign that he'd done things right and they were

he'd done things right and they were

he'd done things right and they were Square

Square

Square of course there was the time no amount

of course there was the time no amount

of course there was the time no amount of penance at the Abbey was enough

of penance at the Abbey was enough

of penance at the Abbey was enough to all those prayers God's answer had

to all those prayers God's answer had

to all those prayers God's answer had been a consistent [ __ ] no

been a consistent [ __ ] no

been a consistent [ __ ] no half an hour on his knees to ask for the

half an hour on his knees to ask for the

half an hour on his knees to ask for the strength to resist her no a full hour on

strength to resist her no a full hour on

strength to resist her no a full hour on his knees to ask for forgiveness after

his knees to ask for forgiveness after

his knees to ask for forgiveness after he [ __ ] her and more important might I

he [ __ ] her and more important might I

he [ __ ] her and more important might I please just this one time have a pass on

please just this one time have a pass on

please just this one time have a pass on consequences could she please not be

consequences could she please not be

consequences could she please not be pregnant nope

pregnant nope

pregnant nope another two hours to ask God to guide

another two hours to ask God to guide

another two hours to ask God to guide her with his wisdom and judgment and

her with his wisdom and judgment and

her with his wisdom and judgment and convince her to marry him forget it

convince her to marry him forget it

convince her to marry him forget it [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] and finally he'd spent three days on his

and finally he'd spent three days on his

and finally he'd spent three days on his knees coupled with fasting so severe

knees coupled with fasting so severe

knees coupled with fasting so severe that he'd fainted he fainted so many

that he'd fainted he fainted so many

that he'd fainted he fainted so many times that brother Dennis had asked him

times that brother Dennis had asked him

times that brother Dennis had asked him to either stop coming or at least use a

to either stop coming or at least use a

to either stop coming or at least use a kneeler

kneeler

kneeler but the object of those prayers was

but the object of those prayers was

but the object of those prayers was vehemently denied as well

vehemently denied as well

vehemently denied as well the baby did not die in utero the baby

the baby did not die in utero the baby

the baby did not die in utero the baby was not stillborn the baby was healthy

was not stillborn the baby was healthy

was not stillborn the baby was healthy and was his daughter his bastard

and was his daughter his bastard

and was his daughter his bastard daughter with Naomi Williams

daughter with Naomi Williams

daughter with Naomi Williams though the entire rest of the Snyder

though the entire rest of the Snyder

though the entire rest of the Snyder family had forgiven him it was

family had forgiven him it was

family had forgiven him it was abundantly clear that God in heaven had

abundantly clear that God in heaven had

abundantly clear that God in heaven had not and did not intend to do so for a

not and did not intend to do so for a

not and did not intend to do so for a good long while

good long while

good long while Mike he was still Mike back then came

Mike he was still Mike back then came

Mike he was still Mike back then came across Luke 12 48 the day after she'd

across Luke 12 48 the day after she'd

across Luke 12 48 the day after she'd brought the baby home from the hospital

brought the baby home from the hospital

brought the baby home from the hospital but the one who does not know and does

but the one who does not know and does

but the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be

things deserving punishment will be

things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows

beaten with few blows

beaten with few blows from everyone who has been given much

from everyone who has been given much

from everyone who has been given much much will be demanded and from the one

much will be demanded and from the one

much will be demanded and from the one who has been entrusted with much much

who has been entrusted with much much

who has been entrusted with much much more will be asked

more will be asked

more will be asked clearly God was not screwing around this

clearly God was not screwing around this

clearly God was not screwing around this time he was demanding an Isaac in the

time he was demanding an Isaac in the

time he was demanding an Isaac in the desert type sacrifice and Mike Snyder

desert type sacrifice and Mike Snyder

desert type sacrifice and Mike Snyder just had to figure out what it was

just had to figure out what it was

just had to figure out what it was the advantages of joining the Peace

the advantages of joining the Peace

the advantages of joining the Peace Corps were numerous escape the chance to

Corps were numerous escape the chance to

Corps were numerous escape the chance to serve his fellow man escape a settling

serve his fellow man escape a settling

serve his fellow man escape a settling of accounts with the Lord and oh yeah

of accounts with the Lord and oh yeah

of accounts with the Lord and oh yeah Escape

Escape

Escape sadly they rejected him

sadly they rejected him

sadly they rejected him turns out the Peace Corps looks for

turns out the Peace Corps looks for

turns out the Peace Corps looks for college graduates with decent resumes

college graduates with decent resumes

college graduates with decent resumes and real skills you know people who

and real skills you know people who

and real skills you know people who actually have something to offer who

actually have something to offer who

actually have something to offer who knew

knew

knew service Brigade Inc however would take

service Brigade Inc however would take

service Brigade Inc however would take just about anybody provided you were not

just about anybody provided you were not

just about anybody provided you were not currently under indictment in your

currently under indictment in your

currently under indictment in your country of origin

country of origin

country of origin the Brigade had a contract with Buchanan

the Brigade had a contract with Buchanan

the Brigade had a contract with Buchanan government to build affordable housing

government to build affordable housing

government to build affordable housing for a modest fee which in local terms

for a modest fee which in local terms

for a modest fee which in local terms meant a fee that was highly inflated and

meant a fee that was highly inflated and

meant a fee that was highly inflated and heavily kicked back to the government

heavily kicked back to the government

heavily kicked back to the government officials who distributed it

officials who distributed it

officials who distributed it whatever Mike was out of a bad situation

whatever Mike was out of a bad situation

whatever Mike was out of a bad situation at home service Brigade was willing to

at home service Brigade was willing to

at home service Brigade was willing to pay him a decent amount on the table and

pay him a decent amount on the table and

pay him a decent amount on the table and his family thought he was a saint so he

his family thought he was a saint so he

his family thought he was a saint so he took it

took it

took it within a few weeks of his arrival in

within a few weeks of his arrival in

within a few weeks of his arrival in Uganda the local workers he was teamed

Uganda the local workers he was teamed

Uganda the local workers he was teamed with started calling him Mooney

with started calling him Mooney

with started calling him Mooney short for muniyaga

short for muniyaga

short for muniyaga he liked the sound of it so even after

he liked the sound of it so even after

he liked the sound of it so even after he found out that muniyaga means one who

he found out that muniyaga means one who

he found out that muniyaga means one who bothers other people in some goddamn

bothers other people in some goddamn

bothers other people in some goddamn African language or another he stayed

African language or another he stayed

African language or another he stayed with his new name

with his new name

with his new name he was Mooney it was a fresh start

he was Mooney it was a fresh start

he was Mooney it was a fresh start he returned home to Atchison just a few

he returned home to Atchison just a few

he returned home to Atchison just a few months ago was given a hero's welcome

months ago was given a hero's welcome

months ago was given a hero's welcome and drawn into the uncomfortably tight

and drawn into the uncomfortably tight

and drawn into the uncomfortably tight Embrace of his family once again

Embrace of his family once again

Embrace of his family once again he regretted coming back almost the

he regretted coming back almost the

he regretted coming back almost the minute he got there as soon as he felt

minute he got there as soon as he felt

minute he got there as soon as he felt their brimming eyes on him judging the

their brimming eyes on him judging the

their brimming eyes on him judging the living [ __ ] out of him telling him they

living [ __ ] out of him telling him they

living [ __ ] out of him telling him they forgave him for everything for his

forgave him for everything for his

forgave him for everything for his weakness for his cowardice for it turned

weakness for his cowardice for it turned

weakness for his cowardice for it turned out to be his complete lack of artistic

out to be his complete lack of artistic

out to be his complete lack of artistic ability

ability

ability they'd tried to get him to take an

they'd tried to get him to take an

they'd tried to get him to take an interest in his daughter to at least go

interest in his daughter to at least go

interest in his daughter to at least go see Sarah but that wasn't gonna happen

see Sarah but that wasn't gonna happen

see Sarah but that wasn't gonna happen her mother sure that'd be hot but not

her mother sure that'd be hot but not

her mother sure that'd be hot but not the kid never the kid

the kid never the kid

the kid never the kid but Naomi wouldn't see him at all

but Naomi wouldn't see him at all

but Naomi wouldn't see him at all three days after coming home Mike had

three days after coming home Mike had

three days after coming home Mike had started planning how to get out again

started planning how to get out again

started planning how to get out again maybe he'd meet his buddy Daniel mafabi

maybe he'd meet his buddy Daniel mafabi

maybe he'd meet his buddy Daniel mafabi back in buddhadiri where mafabi had

back in buddhadiri where mafabi had

back in buddhadiri where mafabi had worked out a sweet deal with the

worked out a sweet deal with the

worked out a sweet deal with the ministry of works and transport to build

ministry of works and transport to build

ministry of works and transport to build schools all across the country at Double

schools all across the country at Double

schools all across the country at Double cost

cost

cost there were a lot of Ugandan shillings

there were a lot of Ugandan shillings

there were a lot of Ugandan shillings sloshing around the budget since

sloshing around the budget since

sloshing around the budget since nakadama took office and Mike knew the

nakadama took office and Mike knew the

nakadama took office and Mike knew the people who knew the people

people who knew the people

people who knew the people another couple of years over there and

another couple of years over there and

another couple of years over there and he'd be sitting on enough cash to split

he'd be sitting on enough cash to split

he'd be sitting on enough cash to split on his family for good to never ever

on his family for good to never ever

on his family for good to never ever have to hear that they'd forgiven him

have to hear that they'd forgiven him

have to hear that they'd forgiven him again

again

again but God was another matter

but God was another matter

but God was another matter those eyes followed him wherever he went

those eyes followed him wherever he went

those eyes followed him wherever he went so tonight he needed to get his ass to

so tonight he needed to get his ass to

so tonight he needed to get his ass to Saint Benedict's make his apologies and

Saint Benedict's make his apologies and

Saint Benedict's make his apologies and call this awful night to an end

call this awful night to an end

call this awful night to an end he got in the car turned the key

he got in the car turned the key

he got in the car turned the key and it clicked

and it clicked

and it clicked of course

of course

of course he tried again not even a grind just a

he tried again not even a grind just a

he tried again not even a grind just a click

click

click dead starter

dead starter

dead starter he got out of the car and slammed the

he got out of the car and slammed the

he got out of the car and slammed the door as hard as he could it bounced open

door as hard as he could it bounced open

door as hard as he could it bounced open so he slammed it even harder than kicked

so he slammed it even harder than kicked

so he slammed it even harder than kicked it Square in the middle leaving a good

it Square in the middle leaving a good

it Square in the middle leaving a good sized dent

sized dent

sized dent one more thing for the insurance report

one more thing for the insurance report

one more thing for the insurance report he looked around assessing the middle of

he looked around assessing the middle of

he looked around assessing the middle of nowhereness of it all the car at the

nowhereness of it all the car at the

nowhereness of it all the car at the bottom of the hill caught his eye again

bottom of the hill caught his eye again

bottom of the hill caught his eye again it was parked near the entrance to the

it was parked near the entrance to the

it was parked near the entrance to the storage place just under a mercury vapor

storage place just under a mercury vapor

storage place just under a mercury vapor light that lit up the parking lot

light that lit up the parking lot

light that lit up the parking lot in the yellowy haze of the light he

in the yellowy haze of the light he

in the yellowy haze of the light he could see the rear end of the car a

could see the rear end of the car a

could see the rear end of the car a ten-year-old Toyota Celica

ten-year-old Toyota Celica

ten-year-old Toyota Celica it rang a distant Bell somewhere in his

it rang a distant Bell somewhere in his

it rang a distant Bell somewhere in his mind

mind

mind he started walking down the driveway

he started walking down the driveway

he started walking down the driveway toward the car

toward the car

toward the car and as he got closer he saw a sticker on

and as he got closer he saw a sticker on

and as he got closer he saw a sticker on the back left bumper

the back left bumper

the back left bumper closer still and he could make out what

closer still and he could make out what

closer still and he could make out what it said

it said

it said proud parent of an AHS honor roll

proud parent of an AHS honor roll

proud parent of an AHS honor roll student 2012.

student 2012.

student 2012. unbelievable

unbelievable

unbelievable he knew that car it was Naomi's parents

he knew that car it was Naomi's parents

he knew that car it was Naomi's parents car or it used to be it was probably

car or it used to be it was probably

car or it used to be it was probably hers now

hers now

hers now he'd had some good times in that car

he'd had some good times in that car

he'd had some good times in that car he started to smile and walk faster

he started to smile and walk faster

he started to smile and walk faster drawn to the car as if by the ghosts of

drawn to the car as if by the ghosts of

drawn to the car as if by the ghosts of makeouts past

makeouts past

makeouts past he'd heard she was going to school and

he'd heard she was going to school and

he'd heard she was going to school and working nights someplace evidently she

working nights someplace evidently she

working nights someplace evidently she was here right here where he needed her

was here right here where he needed her

was here right here where he needed her when he needed her and if that wasn't

when he needed her and if that wasn't

when he needed her and if that wasn't Providence speaking to him what was

Providence speaking to him what was

Providence speaking to him what was Mike took a deep breath of the moist

Mike took a deep breath of the moist

Mike took a deep breath of the moist night air feeling better now definitely

night air feeling better now definitely

night air feeling better now definitely better thinking more clearly

better thinking more clearly

better thinking more clearly go inside and find Naomi that's what

go inside and find Naomi that's what

go inside and find Naomi that's what I'll do find Naomi find Naomi going more

I'll do find Naomi find Naomi going more

I'll do find Naomi find Naomi going more comfortable in his body and mind

comfortable in his body and mind

comfortable in his body and mind improving by the minute he walked faster

improving by the minute he walked faster

improving by the minute he walked faster stretching out his neck everything was

stretching out his neck everything was

stretching out his neck everything was going to be okay Naomi would be so happy

going to be okay Naomi would be so happy

going to be okay Naomi would be so happy to see him

to see him

to see him things were clarifying

15.

TK and Naomi had reached the bottom of

TK and Naomi had reached the bottom of

TK and Naomi had reached the bottom of the ladder and damn it felt good to put

the ladder and damn it felt good to put

the ladder and damn it felt good to put his feet on Solid Ground again

his feet on Solid Ground again

his feet on Solid Ground again the flashlight in his pocket had been

the flashlight in his pocket had been

the flashlight in his pocket had been shining upward the whole way and TK had

shining upward the whole way and TK had

shining upward the whole way and TK had long since settled into a kind of Trance

long since settled into a kind of Trance

long since settled into a kind of Trance his body moving mechanically stepped

his body moving mechanically stepped

his body moving mechanically stepped down slide hands step down slide hands

down slide hands step down slide hands

down slide hands step down slide hands step down slide hands no use looking

step down slide hands no use looking

step down slide hands no use looking down since it was all just a big black

down since it was all just a big black

down since it was all just a big black Inky puddle down there step down slide

Inky puddle down there step down slide

Inky puddle down there step down slide hands

hands

hands he'd hesitated briefly when they reached

he'd hesitated briefly when they reached

he'd hesitated briefly when they reached the gray door for sb3 but Naomi hadn't

the gray door for sb3 but Naomi hadn't

the gray door for sb3 but Naomi hadn't even bothered to look down and if she

even bothered to look down and if she

even bothered to look down and if she had he would have grinned and kept on

had he would have grinned and kept on

had he would have grinned and kept on knowing perfectly well neither one of

knowing perfectly well neither one of

knowing perfectly well neither one of them would settle for anything less than

them would settle for anything less than

them would settle for anything less than making it all the way to the bottom at

making it all the way to the bottom at

making it all the way to the bottom at this point

this point

this point so they'd continued on

so they'd continued on

so they'd continued on and that's when the climb got long

and that's when the climb got long

and that's when the climb got long really long

really long

really long from the schematic you would have

from the schematic you would have

from the schematic you would have guessed the lowermost floor to be about

guessed the lowermost floor to be about

guessed the lowermost floor to be about a hundred feet below sb3

a hundred feet below sb3

a hundred feet below sb3 but now that he thought about it that

but now that he thought about it that

but now that he thought about it that section of the drawing had been broken

section of the drawing had been broken

section of the drawing had been broken by a jagged line with a space through it

by a jagged line with a space through it

by a jagged line with a space through it which must have meant a whole lot of

which must have meant a whole lot of

which must have meant a whole lot of Earth was left out

Earth was left out

Earth was left out step down slide hands keep going

step down slide hands keep going

step down slide hands keep going his mind had gone for a little stroll a

his mind had gone for a little stroll a

his mind had gone for a little stroll a pleasant one this time since the only

pleasant one this time since the only

pleasant one this time since the only thing that was illuminated in the area

thing that was illuminated in the area

thing that was illuminated in the area was above him

was above him

was above him and the only thing he could see clearly

and the only thing he could see clearly

and the only thing he could see clearly up there was Naomi's backside

up there was Naomi's backside

up there was Naomi's backside he refrained from calling it or thinking

he refrained from calling it or thinking

he refrained from calling it or thinking about it as her ass it was her backside

about it as her ass it was her backside

about it as her ass it was her backside and it was a very nice one but hang on

and it was a very nice one but hang on

and it was a very nice one but hang on that's exactly what he was trying not to

that's exactly what he was trying not to

that's exactly what he was trying not to think about out of respect

think about out of respect

think about out of respect he wondered what they would do if they

he wondered what they would do if they

he wondered what they would do if they went out on a date since she didn't

went out on a date since she didn't

went out on a date since she didn't drink

drink

drink truth was he didn't like alcohol as much

truth was he didn't like alcohol as much

truth was he didn't like alcohol as much as he used to it made his moods

as he used to it made his moods

as he used to it made his moods unpredictable he'd get mad when he

unpredictable he'd get mad when he

unpredictable he'd get mad when he shouldn't happy for no reason and wasted

shouldn't happy for no reason and wasted

shouldn't happy for no reason and wasted people bugged him more as he got older

people bugged him more as he got older

people bugged him more as he got older plus there was the waking up in the

plus there was the waking up in the

plus there was the waking up in the night he couldn't sleep 12 hours at a

night he couldn't sleep 12 hours at a

night he couldn't sleep 12 hours at a time like he could even a few years ago

time like he could even a few years ago

time like he could even a few years ago too bad he missed those days but he'd

too bad he missed those days but he'd

too bad he missed those days but he'd noticed the mornings when he was 100

noticed the mornings when he was 100

noticed the mornings when he was 100 clear-headed were kind of cool

clear-headed were kind of cool

clear-headed were kind of cool so okay that's all right but when people

so okay that's all right but when people

so okay that's all right but when people don't drink or get high like what do

don't drink or get high like what do

don't drink or get high like what do they do around here

they do around here

they do around here imagine the two of them jacked out of

imagine the two of them jacked out of

imagine the two of them jacked out of their minds on coffee but who wants that

their minds on coffee but who wants that

their minds on coffee but who wants that then he pictured them working out

then he pictured them working out

then he pictured them working out together and she was very sweaty and

together and she was very sweaty and

together and she was very sweaty and glisteny ma'am was she put together

glisteny ma'am was she put together

glisteny ma'am was she put together tight and whoops hang on things were

tight and whoops hang on things were

tight and whoops hang on things were headed off in that direction again so

headed off in that direction again so

headed off in that direction again so then he saw them taking her daughter to

then he saw them taking her daughter to

then he saw them taking her daughter to the movies

the movies

the movies and maybe the kid got scared at one

and maybe the kid got scared at one

and maybe the kid got scared at one point and jumped in his lap and he'd say

point and jumped in his lap and he'd say

point and jumped in his lap and he'd say that's okay you're okay kid turn your

that's okay you're okay kid turn your

that's okay you're okay kid turn your head away hide your eyes don't cover

head away hide your eyes don't cover

head away hide your eyes don't cover your ears I'll tell you when it's safe

your ears I'll tell you when it's safe

your ears I'll tell you when it's safe to come out I'll protect you and Naomi

to come out I'll protect you and Naomi

to come out I'll protect you and Naomi would look over at him and she'd smile

would look over at him and she'd smile

would look over at him and she'd smile he was good with kids he didn't mind

he was good with kids he didn't mind

he was good with kids he didn't mind them after all maybe he could actually

them after all maybe he could actually

them after all maybe he could actually in the end he did fall but it was only

in the end he did fall but it was only

in the end he did fall but it was only one step his right foot hit bottom hard

one step his right foot hit bottom hard

one step his right foot hit bottom hard he hadn't seen it coming he lost his

he hadn't seen it coming he lost his

he hadn't seen it coming he lost his balance and his left slipped off the

balance and his left slipped off the

balance and his left slipped off the last rung he oofed Naomi turned and he

last rung he oofed Naomi turned and he

last rung he oofed Naomi turned and he reached a hand up to help her

reached a hand up to help her

reached a hand up to help her careful

careful

careful she took his hand he helped her off the

she took his hand he helped her off the

she took his hand he helped her off the last rung and they stood together at the

last rung and they stood together at the

last rung and they stood together at the bottom it was colder down here maybe 60

bottom it was colder down here maybe 60

bottom it was colder down here maybe 60 degrees and surprisingly humid

degrees and surprisingly humid

degrees and surprisingly humid he pulled the flashlight out of his

he pulled the flashlight out of his

he pulled the flashlight out of his pocket and shined it upward till the

pocket and shined it upward till the

pocket and shined it upward till the light disappeared into the endless black

light disappeared into the endless black

light disappeared into the endless black tunnel now above them

tunnel now above them

tunnel now above them he turned it toward the door in front of

he turned it toward the door in front of

he turned it toward the door in front of them it was another gray indentation but

them it was another gray indentation but

them it was another gray indentation but this one was bigger than the others

this one was bigger than the others

this one was bigger than the others heavily reinforced with a series of bars

heavily reinforced with a series of bars

heavily reinforced with a series of bars and levers that a black stencil spray

and levers that a black stencil spray

and levers that a black stencil spray painted across it

painted across it

painted across it dtra access only

dtra access only

dtra access only what's dtra

what's dtra

what's dtra he asked let's find out she pulled out

he asked let's find out she pulled out

he asked let's find out she pulled out her phone to Google it

her phone to Google it

her phone to Google it no signal shocker

no signal shocker

no signal shocker he thought

he thought

he thought he looked at the door which was more

he looked at the door which was more

he looked at the door which was more like a submarine hatch crisscrossed with

like a submarine hatch crisscrossed with

like a submarine hatch crisscrossed with a complex lattice work of Steel slats

a complex lattice work of Steel slats

a complex lattice work of Steel slats all joined together at the corners and

all joined together at the corners and

all joined together at the corners and leading to a large black handle

leading to a large black handle

leading to a large black handle pull on the handle the hinge slats pull

pull on the handle the hinge slats pull

pull on the handle the hinge slats pull against each other the door opens

against each other the door opens

against each other the door opens you want to do it she asked him

you want to do it she asked him

you want to do it she asked him I'd really like to know what those

I'd really like to know what those

I'd really like to know what those letters stand for me too

letters stand for me too

letters stand for me too I get the feeling I'd like to know more

I get the feeling I'd like to know more

I get the feeling I'd like to know more what if it's don't touch radiation

what if it's don't touch radiation

what if it's don't touch radiation [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] yeah that would be some amusing [ __ ] he

yeah that would be some amusing [ __ ] he

yeah that would be some amusing [ __ ] he said

said

said I'm cool if you want to just go back up

I'm cool if you want to just go back up

I'm cool if you want to just go back up yeah yeah like that was gonna happen

yeah yeah like that was gonna happen

yeah yeah like that was gonna happen you reach for the handle but she put her

you reach for the handle but she put her

you reach for the handle but she put her hand on his arm and caught his eye

hand on his arm and caught his eye

hand on his arm and caught his eye I mean it

I mean it

I mean it he looked back at her and thought about

he looked back at her and thought about

he looked back at her and thought about that for a nanosecond or two and really

that for a nanosecond or two and really

that for a nanosecond or two and really could things have been going any better

could things have been going any better

could things have been going any better at this point

at this point

at this point there was a kiss moment coming there had

there was a kiss moment coming there had

there was a kiss moment coming there had to be or at least a gripping each other

to be or at least a gripping each other

to be or at least a gripping each other in fear moment

in fear moment

in fear moment anyone who these kinds of moments with a

anyone who these kinds of moments with a

anyone who these kinds of moments with a woman like Naomi did he think they grew

woman like Naomi did he think they grew

woman like Naomi did he think they grew on [ __ ] trees

on [ __ ] trees

on [ __ ] trees not in the barren Rocky ground that had

not in the barren Rocky ground that had

not in the barren Rocky ground that had been his love life they didn't the seeds

been his love life they didn't the seeds

been his love life they didn't the seeds of romance had found no purchase there

of romance had found no purchase there

of romance had found no purchase there since oh God the middle of high school

since oh God the middle of high school

since oh God the middle of high school no he was not going back up they were

no he was not going back up they were

no he was not going back up they were going to finish this

going to finish this

going to finish this the handle moved so much more easily

the handle moved so much more easily

the handle moved so much more easily than he thought it would the door

than he thought it would the door

than he thought it would the door opening mechanism was a work of

opening mechanism was a work of

opening mechanism was a work of engineering genius

engineering genius

engineering genius you gave one gentle pull on the black

you gave one gentle pull on the black

you gave one gentle pull on the black bar and the rest of the pieces glided

bar and the rest of the pieces glided

bar and the rest of the pieces glided about their business each tugging on the

about their business each tugging on the

about their business each tugging on the other with just the right amount of

other with just the right amount of

other with just the right amount of force at precisely the correct angle

force at precisely the correct angle

force at precisely the correct angle even after Decades of disuse the high

even after Decades of disuse the high

even after Decades of disuse the high quality metal had not yielded to rust

quality metal had not yielded to rust

quality metal had not yielded to rust even in the human environment

even in the human environment

even in the human environment the Dozen moving pieces struck Up the

the Dozen moving pieces struck Up the

the Dozen moving pieces struck Up the Music in their Symphony of movement and

Music in their Symphony of movement and

Music in their Symphony of movement and eight deadbolt locks pulled out of the

eight deadbolt locks pulled out of the

eight deadbolt locks pulled out of the recessed metal slots in the door jambs

recessed metal slots in the door jambs

recessed metal slots in the door jambs where they had rested for the last 30

where they had rested for the last 30

where they had rested for the last 30 years

years

years TK pushed the door open

TK pushed the door open

TK pushed the door open something rushed out and slammed into

something rushed out and slammed into

something rushed out and slammed into them

them

them but it wasn't anything nearly as

but it wasn't anything nearly as

but it wasn't anything nearly as horrible as what their imaginations had

horrible as what their imaginations had

horrible as what their imaginations had been Conjuring

been Conjuring

been Conjuring it was cold air

it was cold air

it was cold air cool really maybe 50 degrees

cool really maybe 50 degrees

cool really maybe 50 degrees after the climb down they'd both worked

after the climb down they'd both worked

after the climb down they'd both worked up a half decent sweat so when the blast

up a half decent sweat so when the blast

up a half decent sweat so when the blast hit them it woke them right up

hit them it woke them right up

hit them it woke them right up after the cold the second thing they

after the cold the second thing they

after the cold the second thing they noticed was the sound a whooshing that

noticed was the sound a whooshing that

noticed was the sound a whooshing that was coming from right over their heads

was coming from right over their heads

was coming from right over their heads like water rushing through pipes

like water rushing through pipes

like water rushing through pipes Tea cake raised his flashlight toward

Tea cake raised his flashlight toward

Tea cake raised his flashlight toward the source of the sound and saw that was

the source of the sound and saw that was

the source of the sound and saw that was exactly what it was

exactly what it was

exactly what it was they were standing on a water pipes a

they were standing on a water pipes a

they were standing on a water pipes a dozen of them side by side lining the

dozen of them side by side lining the

dozen of them side by side lining the ceiling of the underground tunnel and

ceiling of the underground tunnel and

ceiling of the underground tunnel and water was circulating through them fast

water was circulating through them fast

water was circulating through them fast it was a low ceiling down here so TK

it was a low ceiling down here so TK

it was a low ceiling down here so TK stretched up to reach them and his hand

stretched up to reach them and his hand

stretched up to reach them and his hand came away wet

came away wet

came away wet the pipes were sweating

the pipes were sweating

the pipes were sweating Naomi looked at him hot

Naomi looked at him hot

Naomi looked at him hot cold freezing

cold freezing

cold freezing I don't hear any pumps or anything

I don't hear any pumps or anything

I don't hear any pumps or anything TK looked at the moisture on his hand

TK looked at the moisture on his hand

TK looked at the moisture on his hand but they're sweating must be humid down

but they're sweating must be humid down

but they're sweating must be humid down here

here

here it is I can feel it why would it be

it is I can feel it why would it be

it is I can feel it why would it be humid underground he asked

humid underground he asked

humid underground he asked can I see that

can I see that

can I see that she meant the flashlight he handed it to

she meant the flashlight he handed it to

she meant the flashlight he handed it to her and she shined it around the place

her and she shined it around the place

her and she shined it around the place they were in another long tunnel a

they were in another long tunnel a

they were in another long tunnel a mammoth concrete lined underground space

mammoth concrete lined underground space

mammoth concrete lined underground space she looked up at the pipes rushing with

she looked up at the pipes rushing with

she looked up at the pipes rushing with water

water

water where is it coming from she asked like

where is it coming from she asked like

where is it coming from she asked like an underground Cold Spring

an underground Cold Spring

an underground Cold Spring guess so

guess so

guess so from the far end of the corridor they

from the far end of the corridor they

from the far end of the corridor they heard a familiar sound

heard a familiar sound

heard a familiar sound beep

beep

beep the goddamn beep again accompanied

the goddamn beep again accompanied

the goddamn beep again accompanied simultaneously by a pinpoint of white

simultaneously by a pinpoint of white

simultaneously by a pinpoint of white light a super bright strobe about 20

light a super bright strobe about 20

light a super bright strobe about 20 yards away

yards away

yards away Naomi turned and looked at him

Naomi turned and looked at him

Naomi turned and looked at him dude we are so close

dude we are so close

dude we are so close beep

beep

beep he took the light back I carry this

he took the light back I carry this

he took the light back I carry this he started down the hallway shining the

he started down the hallway shining the

he started down the hallway shining the light in front of him following the

light in front of him following the

light in front of him following the pipes as they went

pipes as they went

pipes as they went she stayed close

she stayed close

she stayed close the beeping got louder the strobe

the beeping got louder the strobe

the beeping got louder the strobe brighter as they moved toward it

brighter as they moved toward it

brighter as they moved toward it farther in they could make out the

farther in they could make out the

farther in they could make out the shapes of other doorways

shapes of other doorways

shapes of other doorways it wasn't just a long tunnel but another

it wasn't just a long tunnel but another

it wasn't just a long tunnel but another level of a storage complex

level of a storage complex

level of a storage complex there were half a dozen doorways on

there were half a dozen doorways on

there were half a dozen doorways on either side of the corridor all heavily

either side of the corridor all heavily

either side of the corridor all heavily reinforced steel with the same kind of

reinforced steel with the same kind of

reinforced steel with the same kind of complicated locking mechanism as the

complicated locking mechanism as the

complicated locking mechanism as the entry door had

entry door had

entry door had there were panels and sensors outside

there were panels and sensors outside

there were panels and sensors outside each door but they were all deactivated

each door but they were all deactivated

each door but they were all deactivated two of the doors had been left open

two of the doors had been left open

two of the doors had been left open altogether but a quick shine of the

altogether but a quick shine of the

altogether but a quick shine of the light inside showed them to be empty

light inside showed them to be empty

light inside showed them to be empty just blank concrete walls and vacant

just blank concrete walls and vacant

just blank concrete walls and vacant space

space

space to be fair there could have been more of

to be fair there could have been more of

to be fair there could have been more of the rooms than that but TK had little

the rooms than that but TK had little

the rooms than that but TK had little interest in going into them or even

interest in going into them or even

interest in going into them or even diverting the light away from the path

diverting the light away from the path

diverting the light away from the path ahead for long enough to get a good look

ahead for long enough to get a good look

ahead for long enough to get a good look he had a plan a very clear plan both

he had a plan a very clear plan both

he had a plan a very clear plan both short-term and long-term shine light

short-term and long-term shine light

short-term and long-term shine light walk forward figure out goddamn beeping

walk forward figure out goddamn beeping

walk forward figure out goddamn beeping get your ass back upstairs ask for her

get your ass back upstairs ask for her

get your ass back upstairs ask for her number call it a night

number call it a night

number call it a night steps one and two of his plan were going

steps one and two of his plan were going

steps one and two of his plan were going fine the beeping continued to get louder

fine the beeping continued to get louder

fine the beeping continued to get louder the strobing light brighter as they drew

the strobing light brighter as they drew

the strobing light brighter as they drew close to the source though step three

close to the source though step three

close to the source though step three was looking to be a real [ __ ]

was looking to be a real [ __ ]

was looking to be a real [ __ ] they slowed to a stop at the last door

they slowed to a stop at the last door

they slowed to a stop at the last door on the right where there was a vertical

on the right where there was a vertical

on the right where there was a vertical display panel similar to the one they'd

display panel similar to the one they'd

display panel similar to the one they'd seen upstairs but more detailed

seen upstairs but more detailed

seen upstairs but more detailed uncovering only the room Beyond this

uncovering only the room Beyond this

uncovering only the room Beyond this door

door

door many of the sensors and indicators had

many of the sensors and indicators had

many of the sensors and indicators had been deactivated but there's one that

been deactivated but there's one that

been deactivated but there's one that still worked and it was going off now

still worked and it was going off now

still worked and it was going off now NTC thermistor breach

NTC thermistor breach

NTC thermistor breach Tea cake looked up because the whooshing

Tea cake looked up because the whooshing

Tea cake looked up because the whooshing of water through corrugated metal pipes

of water through corrugated metal pipes

of water through corrugated metal pipes was even louder down at this end of the

was even louder down at this end of the

was even louder down at this end of the hall

hall

hall he shined his light up at the ceiling

he shined his light up at the ceiling

he shined his light up at the ceiling and saw that the pipes all of them made

and saw that the pipes all of them made

and saw that the pipes all of them made a right turn just over their heads and

a right turn just over their heads and

a right turn just over their heads and went directly into this room threw half

went directly into this room threw half

went directly into this room threw half a dozen specially cut holes in the thick

a dozen specially cut holes in the thick

a dozen specially cut holes in the thick concrete outer wall

concrete outer wall

concrete outer wall beep

beep

beep there's only one door left TK and Naomi

there's only one door left TK and Naomi

there's only one door left TK and Naomi looked at each other

looked at each other

looked at each other to open or not to open

to open or not to open

to open or not to open she spoke first

she spoke first

she spoke first no I'm good me too they turned to get

no I'm good me too they turned to get

no I'm good me too they turned to get out of there at almost exactly the same

out of there at almost exactly the same

out of there at almost exactly the same moment like a couple of synchronized

moment like a couple of synchronized

moment like a couple of synchronized swimmers enough is enough although he

swimmers enough is enough although he

swimmers enough is enough although he had to admit that was fun of course he

had to admit that was fun of course he

had to admit that was fun of course he thought something awful was going to

thought something awful was going to

thought something awful was going to happen but what do you know it didn't

happen but what do you know it didn't

happen but what do you know it didn't for once and no they still didn't know

for once and no they still didn't know

for once and no they still didn't know what was defrosting but they knew enough

what was defrosting but they knew enough

what was defrosting but they knew enough and they both felt alive and he was

and they both felt alive and he was

and they both felt alive and he was definitely getting a phone number out of

definitely getting a phone number out of

definitely getting a phone number out of this

this

this that's when they heard the squeaking

that's when they heard the squeaking

that's when they heard the squeaking it had been there all along they just

it had been there all along they just

it had been there all along they just didn't pick it up until the moment they

didn't pick it up until the moment they

didn't pick it up until the moment they turned away from the door it was the

turned away from the door it was the

turned away from the door it was the squeak of an animal

squeak of an animal

squeak of an animal or many animals

or many animals

or many animals Tea cake swung his flashlight beam over

Tea cake swung his flashlight beam over

Tea cake swung his flashlight beam over toward it fast and the light fell on a

toward it fast and the light fell on a

toward it fast and the light fell on a lump of fur on the floor a few feet

lump of fur on the floor a few feet

lump of fur on the floor a few feet behind them

behind them

behind them it looked just like that at first a

it looked just like that at first a

it looked just like that at first a chunk of mohair or animal hide

chunk of mohair or animal hide

chunk of mohair or animal hide but this thing was moving birthing on

but this thing was moving birthing on

but this thing was moving birthing on the floor

the floor

the floor they edged closer in spite of themselves

they edged closer in spite of themselves

they edged closer in spite of themselves the flashlight's pool of light getting

the flashlight's pool of light getting

the flashlight's pool of light getting smaller and brighter as they drew up on

smaller and brighter as they drew up on

smaller and brighter as they drew up on the thing

the thing

the thing there was a lot of movement there

there was a lot of movement there

there was a lot of movement there the center of the object was fairly

the center of the object was fairly

the center of the object was fairly still but all around its edges there

still but all around its edges there

still but all around its edges there were irregular shapes moving

were irregular shapes moving

were irregular shapes moving independently stretching and snapping

independently stretching and snapping

independently stretching and snapping they were rats heads

they were rats heads

they were rats heads there were a dozen of them arranged in a

there were a dozen of them arranged in a

there were a dozen of them arranged in a rough circle around a tangled mass of

rough circle around a tangled mass of

rough circle around a tangled mass of ropey cartilage in the center it was

ropey cartilage in the center it was

ropey cartilage in the center it was like staring at an optical illusion at

like staring at an optical illusion at

like staring at an optical illusion at first trying to figure out what in God's

first trying to figure out what in God's

first trying to figure out what in God's name this thing could be

name this thing could be

name this thing could be it was a rat it was one rat

it was a rat it was one rat

it was a rat it was one rat but it was also a dozen rats fused

but it was also a dozen rats fused

but it was also a dozen rats fused together into one body of the Tails all

together into one body of the Tails all

together into one body of the Tails all screeching and snarling and biting at

screeching and snarling and biting at

screeching and snarling and biting at each other

each other

each other two or three of the heads were still

two or three of the heads were still

two or three of the heads were still cannibalized by their neighbors

cannibalized by their neighbors

cannibalized by their neighbors blood dripped from the rat's teeth and

blood dripped from the rat's teeth and

blood dripped from the rat's teeth and flowed from missing ears

flowed from missing ears

flowed from missing ears the pile of snarling rodents was bound

the pile of snarling rodents was bound

the pile of snarling rodents was bound together their conjoined Tales by a

together their conjoined Tales by a

together their conjoined Tales by a strange greenish sap that had oozed over

strange greenish sap that had oozed over

strange greenish sap that had oozed over them

them

them Tea cake expressed his feelings Jesus

Tea cake expressed his feelings Jesus

Tea cake expressed his feelings Jesus [ __ ] Christ

[ __ ] Christ

[ __ ] Christ Naomi was repulsed but also fascinated

Naomi was repulsed but also fascinated

Naomi was repulsed but also fascinated it's a rat king

it's a rat king

it's a rat king a what

a what

a what a rat king it's a

a rat king it's a

a rat king it's a whoa

whoa

whoa that

that

that she gestured because there were no words

she gestured because there were no words

she gestured because there were no words that could take the place of one quick

that could take the place of one quick

that could take the place of one quick look at the horrific thing

look at the horrific thing

look at the horrific thing they wrote about them in the Middle Ages

they wrote about them in the Middle Ages

they wrote about them in the Middle Ages during the black plague people thought

during the black plague people thought

during the black plague people thought they were a bad Omen no [ __ ] it's a bad

they were a bad Omen no [ __ ] it's a bad

they were a bad Omen no [ __ ] it's a bad Omen it's called a [ __ ] Rat King

Omen it's called a [ __ ] Rat King

Omen it's called a [ __ ] Rat King Naomi leaned in to get a closer look

Naomi leaned in to get a closer look

Naomi leaned in to get a closer look there was an intellectual Detachment to

there was an intellectual Detachment to

there was an intellectual Detachment to her she was going to make a good vet if

her she was going to make a good vet if

her she was going to make a good vet if she ever got that far she could look at

she ever got that far she could look at

she ever got that far she could look at pain and deformity and see the clinical

pain and deformity and see the clinical

pain and deformity and see the clinical side of it rather than the emotional one

side of it rather than the emotional one

side of it rather than the emotional one Tea cake had no clinical side he was all

Tea cake had no clinical side he was all

Tea cake had no clinical side he was all feeling and freak out so he kept his

feeling and freak out so he kept his

feeling and freak out so he kept his distance how do they get like that

distance how do they get like that

distance how do they get like that nobody knows for sure their tails get

nobody knows for sure their tails get

nobody knows for sure their tails get knotted and stuck together like from

knotted and stuck together like from

knotted and stuck together like from pine sap or something

pine sap or something

pine sap or something she looked around and picked up a long

she looked around and picked up a long

she looked around and picked up a long piece of scrap metal from the floor

piece of scrap metal from the floor

piece of scrap metal from the floor nearby

nearby

nearby she prodded the mass of fused tails

she prodded the mass of fused tails

she prodded the mass of fused tails if they found a dead one of these they

if they found a dead one of these they

if they found a dead one of these they used to preserve it and put it in a

used to preserve it and put it in a

used to preserve it and put it in a museum

museum

museum yeah well that one's not dead would you

yeah well that one's not dead would you

yeah well that one's not dead would you get the [ __ ] back please

get the [ __ ] back please

get the [ __ ] back please what are they gonna do run up my leg

what are they gonna do run up my leg

what are they gonna do run up my leg they can't even move

they can't even move

they can't even move she got closer turning on her phone's

she got closer turning on her phone's

she got closer turning on her phone's flashlight again and shining it on the

flashlight again and shining it on the

flashlight again and shining it on the fused tails

fused tails

fused tails from this close she could see that the

from this close she could see that the

from this close she could see that the dull pink chords of the Tails were

dull pink chords of the Tails were

dull pink chords of the Tails were covered over with a lime green growth of

covered over with a lime green growth of

covered over with a lime green growth of some kind

some kind

some kind that's not pine sap she said she bent

that's not pine sap she said she bent

that's not pine sap she said she bent closer

closer

closer it's like a a slime mold yeah cool he

it's like a a slime mold yeah cool he

it's like a a slime mold yeah cool he looked around coming up on time to go

looked around coming up on time to go

looked around coming up on time to go but she moved even closer to the

but she moved even closer to the

but she moved even closer to the squirming rats

squirming rats

squirming rats they squeaked louder as she Drew toward

they squeaked louder as she Drew toward

they squeaked louder as she Drew toward them thrashing trying to get at her get

them thrashing trying to get at her get

them thrashing trying to get at her get away from her it was hard to tell which

away from her it was hard to tell which

away from her it was hard to tell which um it seems like you're pissing them off

um it seems like you're pissing them off

um it seems like you're pissing them off Naomi's light was close to the snarl of

Naomi's light was close to the snarl of

Naomi's light was close to the snarl of tails

tails

tails no it's not a slime mold there's no

no it's not a slime mold there's no

no it's not a slime mold there's no froth and it seems like it's moving a

froth and it seems like it's moving a

froth and it seems like it's moving a little bit like a fungal ooze but God

little bit like a fungal ooze but God

little bit like a fungal ooze but God that's a lot of fungus

that's a lot of fungus

that's a lot of fungus Tea cake edged a tiny bit closer shining

Tea cake edged a tiny bit closer shining

Tea cake edged a tiny bit closer shining the more powerful flashlights Beam on

the more powerful flashlights Beam on

the more powerful flashlights Beam on the wriggling Mass

the wriggling Mass

the wriggling Mass moving the light around to get another

moving the light around to get another

moving the light around to get another angle on it he noticed that the fungal

angle on it he noticed that the fungal

angle on it he noticed that the fungal growth wasn't only on the rat's tails

growth wasn't only on the rat's tails

growth wasn't only on the rat's tails there was a thin smear of it that ran

there was a thin smear of it that ran

there was a thin smear of it that ran across one side of the Rat King covering

across one side of the Rat King covering

across one side of the Rat King covering two or three of the entangled animals

two or three of the entangled animals

two or three of the entangled animals and continued onto the floor below

and continued onto the floor below

and continued onto the floor below a jagged ribbon of green LED away from

a jagged ribbon of green LED away from

a jagged ribbon of green LED away from the rodents toward the wall

the rodents toward the wall

the rodents toward the wall TK grazed the flashlight beam following

TK grazed the flashlight beam following

TK grazed the flashlight beam following the trail to the wall where it had crept

the trail to the wall where it had crept

the trail to the wall where it had crept up onto or down from the wall itself and

up onto or down from the wall itself and

up onto or down from the wall itself and then across a Groove in between cement

then across a Groove in between cement

then across a Groove in between cement slabs all the way to the edge of the

slabs all the way to the edge of the

slabs all the way to the edge of the door to the sealed room

door to the sealed room

door to the sealed room he walked closer

he walked closer

he walked closer and saw that the green trail of oozing

and saw that the green trail of oozing

and saw that the green trail of oozing fungal matter led into one of the

fungal matter led into one of the

fungal matter led into one of the deadbolt slots and disappeared into the

deadbolt slots and disappeared into the

deadbolt slots and disappeared into the room itself

room itself

room itself from this close he could feel something

from this close he could feel something

from this close he could feel something emanating from the door

emanating from the door

emanating from the door eat

eat

eat slowly he reached out his hand and laid

slowly he reached out his hand and laid

slowly he reached out his hand and laid his palm flat against the metal

his palm flat against the metal

his palm flat against the metal beep

beep

beep he jerked his hand away from the door

he jerked his hand away from the door

he jerked his hand away from the door and nearly jumped out of his skin at

and nearly jumped out of his skin at

and nearly jumped out of his skin at that one because he was standing just a

that one because he was standing just a

that one because he was standing just a few inches from the thermistor alarm

few inches from the thermistor alarm

few inches from the thermistor alarm when it went off and the sound was right

when it went off and the sound was right

when it went off and the sound was right in his ear

in his ear

in his ear he shouted in Surprise Naomi looked up

he shouted in Surprise Naomi looked up

he shouted in Surprise Naomi looked up what door's hot I mean the door is hot

what door's hot I mean the door is hot

what door's hot I mean the door is hot and the green [ __ ] is coming out of that

and the green [ __ ] is coming out of that

and the green [ __ ] is coming out of that room and there's a [ __ ] rat king and

room and there's a [ __ ] rat king and

room and there's a [ __ ] rat king and curiosity is awesome and everything but

curiosity is awesome and everything but

curiosity is awesome and everything but I feel like this is about as far as this

I feel like this is about as far as this

I feel like this is about as far as this [ __ ] goes for me

[ __ ] goes for me

[ __ ] goes for me she stood me too let's get out of here

she stood me too let's get out of here

she stood me too let's get out of here we can't leave them like that though she

we can't leave them like that though she

we can't leave them like that though she gestured to the rats he looked at her

gestured to the rats he looked at her

gestured to the rats he looked at her uncomprehending what you want to take

uncomprehending what you want to take

uncomprehending what you want to take him with us of course not but they're

him with us of course not but they're

him with us of course not but they're suffering yeah well I don't have any oxy

suffering yeah well I don't have any oxy

suffering yeah well I don't have any oxy on me I can do it she said

on me I can do it she said

on me I can do it she said you look down at the metal pipe in her

you look down at the metal pipe in her

you look down at the metal pipe in her hand are you serious

hand are you serious

hand are you serious you want to leave a dozen animals in

you want to leave a dozen animals in

you want to leave a dozen animals in agony to starve to death no I would like

agony to starve to death no I would like

agony to starve to death no I would like to get the [ __ ] out of here and not

to get the [ __ ] out of here and not

to get the [ __ ] out of here and not think about them

think about them

think about them wait by the door I'll be right there

wait by the door I'll be right there

wait by the door I'll be right there fine cool you're weird as [ __ ] but I

fine cool you're weird as [ __ ] but I

fine cool you're weird as [ __ ] but I don't know I'm cool with it he started

don't know I'm cool with it he started

don't know I'm cool with it he started to walk away

to walk away

to walk away can I have the flashlight hell no

can I have the flashlight hell no

can I have the flashlight hell no she looked at him

she looked at him

she looked at him he clarified

he clarified

he clarified I mean um wouldn't it be better without

I mean um wouldn't it be better without

I mean um wouldn't it be better without it you know just get the job done not

it you know just get the job done not

it you know just get the job done not have to look at a lot of gross [ __ ]

have to look at a lot of gross [ __ ]

have to look at a lot of gross [ __ ] I'm fine go ahead

I'm fine go ahead

I'm fine go ahead he felt like a heel and a coward but he

he felt like a heel and a coward but he

he felt like a heel and a coward but he also felt like getting as far away from

also felt like getting as far away from

also felt like getting as far away from the whole situation as humanly possible

the whole situation as humanly possible

the whole situation as humanly possible as far as the fight between his

as far as the fight between his

as far as the fight between his competing needs went his need to put

competing needs went his need to put

competing needs went his need to put some distance between himself and the

some distance between himself and the

some distance between himself and the hot room and its weird fungal [ __ ] beat

hot room and its weird fungal [ __ ] beat

hot room and its weird fungal [ __ ] beat his need to impress Naomi in a first

his need to impress Naomi in a first

his need to impress Naomi in a first round knockout

round knockout

round knockout he covered the length of the tunnel in

he covered the length of the tunnel in

he covered the length of the tunnel in about 30 seconds looking back over his

about 30 seconds looking back over his

about 30 seconds looking back over his shoulder only once

shoulder only once

shoulder only once he caught just a glimpse of her bending

he caught just a glimpse of her bending

he caught just a glimpse of her bending down over the Rat King staring at it

down over the Rat King staring at it

down over the Rat King staring at it enthralled

enthralled

enthralled he reached the hatch at the far end and

he reached the hatch at the far end and

he reached the hatch at the far end and came out into the dark space at the base

came out into the dark space at the base

came out into the dark space at the base of the tube ladder

of the tube ladder

of the tube ladder he'd never been so glad to be at the

he'd never been so glad to be at the

he'd never been so glad to be at the bottom of a 300 foot concrete shaft in

bottom of a 300 foot concrete shaft in

bottom of a 300 foot concrete shaft in his life

his life

his life he closed the door most of the way just

he closed the door most of the way just

he closed the door most of the way just enough to not see or hear whatever it

enough to not see or hear whatever it

enough to not see or hear whatever it was she felt she had to do and he waited

was she felt she had to do and he waited

was she felt she had to do and he waited it took her longer than he thought it

it took her longer than he thought it

it took her longer than he thought it should have but then he'd never had to

should have but then he'd never had to

should have but then he'd never had to put a dozen conjoined rats out of their

put a dozen conjoined rats out of their

put a dozen conjoined rats out of their misery so what did he know about how

misery so what did he know about how

misery so what did he know about how much time a person needed to get that

much time a person needed to get that

much time a person needed to get that [ __ ] done

[ __ ] done

[ __ ] done after a few minutes he got impatient and

after a few minutes he got impatient and

after a few minutes he got impatient and opened the door to take a look

opened the door to take a look

opened the door to take a look but he could already see the weak beam

but he could already see the weak beam

but he could already see the weak beam of Naomi's phone light coming at him

of Naomi's phone light coming at him

of Naomi's phone light coming at him bouncing as she walked

bouncing as she walked

bouncing as she walked as she Drew close she switched off her

as she Drew close she switched off her

as she Drew close she switched off her phone and he waved the flashlight beam

phone and he waved the flashlight beam

phone and he waved the flashlight beam in her direction to lighter steps

in her direction to lighter steps

in her direction to lighter steps he raised it to her as she got close

he raised it to her as she got close

he raised it to her as she got close you get any of that [ __ ] on you

you get any of that [ __ ] on you

you get any of that [ __ ] on you yes

yes

yes no you sure I'm sure

no you sure I'm sure

no you sure I'm sure she came through the hatch and he closed

she came through the hatch and he closed

she came through the hatch and he closed it shoving the big black handle into

it shoving the big black handle into

it shoving the big black handle into place

place

place the locking mechanism did its job again

the locking mechanism did its job again

the locking mechanism did its job again it must have been thrilled to get to

it must have been thrilled to get to

it must have been thrilled to get to open and closed twice in 10 minutes

open and closed twice in 10 minutes

open and closed twice in 10 minutes after Decades of just sitting there

after Decades of just sitting there

after Decades of just sitting there minding the store

minding the store

minding the store it sealed up the tunnel with a

it sealed up the tunnel with a

it sealed up the tunnel with a reassuring chunk of metal in metal

reassuring chunk of metal in metal

reassuring chunk of metal in metal Tea cake shined the light up the ladder

Tea cake shined the light up the ladder

Tea cake shined the light up the ladder assessing the climb ahead of them

assessing the climb ahead of them

assessing the climb ahead of them you want to go first this time or

you want to go first this time or

you want to go first this time or you didn't see the kiss coming

you didn't see the kiss coming

you didn't see the kiss coming and if he had the moment to live over

and if he had the moment to live over

and if he had the moment to live over again of course he would have done his

again of course he would have done his

again of course he would have done his part differently

part differently

part differently one second he was looking up and talking

one second he was looking up and talking

one second he was looking up and talking and the next he felt her lips on his

and the next he felt her lips on his

and the next he felt her lips on his cheek and her hand on his other cheek

cheek and her hand on his other cheek

cheek and her hand on his other cheek turning Him Softly toward her

turning Him Softly toward her

turning Him Softly toward her then they were kissing well she was

then they were kissing well she was

then they were kissing well she was kissing him really and it was a soft and

kissing him really and it was a soft and

kissing him really and it was a soft and sweet and full-lipped kiss just the

sweet and full-lipped kiss just the

sweet and full-lipped kiss just the right kind

right kind

right kind it was over before he'd had a chance to

it was over before he'd had a chance to

it was over before he'd had a chance to get his bearings and maybe for that

get his bearings and maybe for that

get his bearings and maybe for that reason it was the perfect first kiss the

reason it was the perfect first kiss the

reason it was the perfect first kiss the kind that leaves you feeling fresh and

kind that leaves you feeling fresh and

kind that leaves you feeling fresh and alive and wanting another one exactly

alive and wanting another one exactly

alive and wanting another one exactly like it

like it

like it because he could not help himself he

because he could not help himself he

because he could not help himself he spoke

spoke

spoke wait what

wait what

wait what she smiled

she smiled

she smiled thank you

thank you

thank you that was bizarre and cool

that was bizarre and cool

that was bizarre and cool without another word she turned away and

without another word she turned away and

without another word she turned away and started climbing back up the ladder

started climbing back up the ladder

started climbing back up the ladder toward the top

toward the top

toward the top TK grinned some things you just couldn't

TK grinned some things you just couldn't

TK grinned some things you just couldn't call

call

call so are you lady

so are you lady

so are you lady you shoved the flashlight back in his

you shoved the flashlight back in his

you shoved the flashlight back in his pocket and followed her

pocket and followed her

pocket and followed her he smiled all the way up and he did not

he smiled all the way up and he did not

he smiled all the way up and he did not look at her ass not even one time

16.

the moment he pulled onto the base

the moment he pulled onto the base

the moment he pulled onto the base Roberto knew that Abigail hadn't called

Roberto knew that Abigail hadn't called

Roberto knew that Abigail hadn't called Gordon gray after all

Gordon gray after all

Gordon gray after all if she had they wouldn't have stopped

if she had they wouldn't have stopped

if she had they wouldn't have stopped him at the back gate on Andrews and sent

him at the back gate on Andrews and sent

him at the back gate on Andrews and sent him around to the main entrance on Pope

him around to the main entrance on Pope

him around to the main entrance on Pope he wouldn't have had to wait 10 minutes

he wouldn't have had to wait 10 minutes

he wouldn't have had to wait 10 minutes for the two base security lunk heads to

for the two base security lunk heads to

for the two base security lunk heads to put him in a Jeep and drive him to the

put him in a Jeep and drive him to the

put him in a Jeep and drive him to the runway and stratcom certainly would not

runway and stratcom certainly would not

runway and stratcom certainly would not have put him in the care of The 416th

have put him in the care of The 416th

have put him in the care of The 416th Fighter Squadron with a priority

Fighter Squadron with a priority

Fighter Squadron with a priority clearance and a passenger manifest that

clearance and a passenger manifest that

clearance and a passenger manifest that showed up on every screen in Omaha

showed up on every screen in Omaha

showed up on every screen in Omaha Gordon would have moved with speed and

Gordon would have moved with speed and

Gordon would have moved with speed and with stealth Roberto would have taken

with stealth Roberto would have taken

with stealth Roberto would have taken off 15 minutes ago on an already

off 15 minutes ago on an already

off 15 minutes ago on an already scheduled Flight of the 916th air

scheduled Flight of the 916th air

scheduled Flight of the 916th air refueling Wing just another retired

refueling Wing just another retired

refueling Wing just another retired officer hitching a free ride West to see

officer hitching a free ride West to see

officer hitching a free ride West to see the kids

the kids

the kids he would have been the kind of old

he would have been the kind of old

he would have been the kind of old Duffer the Pilot's belly even notice and

Duffer the Pilot's belly even notice and

Duffer the Pilot's belly even notice and certainly don't chart

certainly don't chart

certainly don't chart instead he was alone in the back of a

instead he was alone in the back of a

instead he was alone in the back of a c40a as obvious and traceable as the Air

c40a as obvious and traceable as the Air

c40a as obvious and traceable as the Air Force could possibly make him

Force could possibly make him

Force could possibly make him darn it

darn it

darn it was such a good speech to Abigail too he

was such a good speech to Abigail too he

was such a good speech to Abigail too he really thought he'd put the fear of God

really thought he'd put the fear of God

really thought he'd put the fear of God into her

into her

into her six or seven minutes after takeoff the

six or seven minutes after takeoff the

six or seven minutes after takeoff the phone rang in the burnished walnut

phone rang in the burnished walnut

phone rang in the burnished walnut cabinet next to his absurdly comfortable

cabinet next to his absurdly comfortable

cabinet next to his absurdly comfortable leather chair and he picked it up

leather chair and he picked it up

leather chair and he picked it up hello

hello

hello designator please

designator please

designator please I had such high hopes for you Abigail

I had such high hopes for you Abigail

I had such high hopes for you Abigail could you please tell me your designator

could you please tell me your designator

could you please tell me your designator I guess I might have done the same thing

I guess I might have done the same thing

I guess I might have done the same thing at your age all right we can recover

at your age all right we can recover

at your age all right we can recover makes everything a little harder but

makes everything a little harder but

makes everything a little harder but we'll fix it

we'll fix it

we'll fix it she hung up

she hung up

she hung up of course he'd known she'd hang up she

of course he'd known she'd hang up she

of course he'd known she'd hang up she had to he was just having a little fun

had to he was just having a little fun

had to he was just having a little fun with her

with her

with her he had to admit even though he was tired

he had to admit even though he was tired

he had to admit even though he was tired and even though the fate of everybody

and even though the fate of everybody

and even though the fate of everybody could possibly think of was hanging in

could possibly think of was hanging in

could possibly think of was hanging in the balance

the balance

the balance it was nice to feel useful again

it was nice to feel useful again

it was nice to feel useful again retirement had been a little

retirement had been a little

retirement had been a little disorienting so far

disorienting so far

disorienting so far he'd look forward to it for years but he

he'd look forward to it for years but he

he'd look forward to it for years but he hadn't really prepared

hadn't really prepared

hadn't really prepared he knew deep down that all the work on

he knew deep down that all the work on

he knew deep down that all the work on the house had been something of a Dodge

the house had been something of a Dodge

the house had been something of a Dodge and now even that was done

and now even that was done

and now even that was done you can't just go from 40 Years of

you can't just go from 40 Years of

you can't just go from 40 Years of movement and activity and forced but

movement and activity and forced but

movement and activity and forced but enjoyable camaraderie with an

enjoyable camaraderie with an

enjoyable camaraderie with an unbelievably varied cast of characters

unbelievably varied cast of characters

unbelievably varied cast of characters from all over the world to well sitting

from all over the world to well sitting

from all over the world to well sitting in a chair

in a chair

in a chair not overnight not without motion-induced

not overnight not without motion-induced

not overnight not without motion-induced nerve damage from the sudden stop

nerve damage from the sudden stop

nerve damage from the sudden stop no matter how nice the chair is

no matter how nice the chair is

no matter how nice the chair is adored his wife any day spent in

adored his wife any day spent in

adored his wife any day spent in conversation with her was a good day by

conversation with her was a good day by

conversation with her was a good day by him

him

him but a person's got his habits and

but a person's got his habits and

but a person's got his habits and Roberto Diaz was used to being in motion

Roberto Diaz was used to being in motion

Roberto Diaz was used to being in motion the phone rang again

the phone rang again

the phone rang again he was still holding it so he tapped the

he was still holding it so he tapped the

he was still holding it so he tapped the button with his thumb and answered

button with his thumb and answered

button with his thumb and answered Midway through the first ring he spared

Midway through the first ring he spared

Midway through the first ring he spared her the [ __ ] around this time

her the [ __ ] around this time

her the [ __ ] around this time zero four seven four blue indigo thank

zero four seven four blue indigo thank

zero four seven four blue indigo thank you

you

you que paso Abigail

que paso Abigail

que paso Abigail that was very specific

that was very specific

that was very specific is there a problem with the transport my

is there a problem with the transport my

is there a problem with the transport my screen has you over Fayetteville already

screen has you over Fayetteville already

screen has you over Fayetteville already you didn't call Gordon gray you said

you didn't call Gordon gray you said

you didn't call Gordon gray you said he was unavailable

he was unavailable

he was unavailable of course he's unavailable it's 2 am

of course he's unavailable it's 2 am

of course he's unavailable it's 2 am everybody's unavailable until they

everybody's unavailable until they

everybody's unavailable until they aren't you found me I'm sure you could

aren't you found me I'm sure you could

aren't you found me I'm sure you could have

have

have Mr Gray passed away in January

Mr Gray passed away in January

Mr Gray passed away in January his brain processed that statement in

his brain processed that statement in

his brain processed that statement in three distinct steps

three distinct steps

three distinct steps the first two were achingly familiar

the first two were achingly familiar

the first two were achingly familiar because they'd happened so often over

because they'd happened so often over

because they'd happened so often over the past 10 years

the past 10 years

the past 10 years step one was the absorption of the

step one was the absorption of the

step one was the absorption of the information

information

information Gordon gray was dead

Gordon gray was dead

Gordon gray was dead the man who had once refused to cross a

the man who had once refused to cross a

the man who had once refused to cross a casino picket line at a moral principle

casino picket line at a moral principle

casino picket line at a moral principle was gone

was gone

was gone Gordon Roberto had said at the time

Gordon Roberto had said at the time

Gordon Roberto had said at the time you're drunk as a skunk you're gambling

you're drunk as a skunk you're gambling

you're drunk as a skunk you're gambling with your rent money you just broke a

with your rent money you just broke a

with your rent money you just broke a guy's nose because he stepped on your

guy's nose because he stepped on your

guy's nose because he stepped on your foot and you're in Las Vegas

foot and you're in Las Vegas

foot and you're in Las Vegas why exactly are you making a stand here

why exactly are you making a stand here

why exactly are you making a stand here Gordon had just smiled at him and

Gordon had just smiled at him and

Gordon had just smiled at him and Shrugged I'm full of contradictions

Shrugged I'm full of contradictions

Shrugged I'm full of contradictions there were a thousand other memories

there were a thousand other memories

there were a thousand other memories most of them far less benign but that

most of them far less benign but that

most of them far less benign but that was how he always chose to remember

was how he always chose to remember

was how he always chose to remember Gordon as a pretty amusing bundle of

Gordon as a pretty amusing bundle of

Gordon as a pretty amusing bundle of non-matching character traits

non-matching character traits

non-matching character traits now that particular molecular

now that particular molecular

now that particular molecular combination of soul and Folly no longer

combination of soul and Folly no longer

combination of soul and Folly no longer existed

existed

existed once Roberto forgot about that endearing

once Roberto forgot about that endearing

once Roberto forgot about that endearing moment in Las Vegas it would be gone

moment in Las Vegas it would be gone

moment in Las Vegas it would be gone into The Ether

into The Ether

into The Ether it would never have occurred

it would never have occurred

it would never have occurred that was step one the sudden and

that was step one the sudden and

that was step one the sudden and vertiginous emptiness of death

vertiginous emptiness of death

vertiginous emptiness of death step two came close on the heels of that

step two came close on the heels of that

step two came close on the heels of that feeling

feeling

feeling and it was compassion

and it was compassion

and it was compassion he was sad about the hole that Gordon's

he was sad about the hole that Gordon's

he was sad about the hole that Gordon's death must have left behind with his

death must have left behind with his

death must have left behind with his family his friends his brothers and

family his friends his brothers and

family his friends his brothers and sisters in arms

sisters in arms

sisters in arms Roberto now had some people too

Roberto now had some people too

Roberto now had some people too belatedly console a few phone calls to

belatedly console a few phone calls to

belatedly console a few phone calls to make

make

make and that was what brought on step three

and that was what brought on step three

and that was what brought on step three which was an entirely new thought one he

which was an entirely new thought one he

which was an entirely new thought one he hadn't had with any friend's death till

hadn't had with any friend's death till

hadn't had with any friend's death till this moment

this moment

this moment Roberto had the Grim feeling that he'd

Roberto had the Grim feeling that he'd

Roberto had the Grim feeling that he'd just moved into a new phase of proximity

just moved into a new phase of proximity

just moved into a new phase of proximity to death

to death

to death because no one had called him to say

because no one had called him to say

because no one had called him to say Gordon's dead

Gordon's dead

Gordon's dead when you're young the reaction is holy

when you're young the reaction is holy

when you're young the reaction is holy [ __ ] so-and-so is dead can you believe

[ __ ] so-and-so is dead can you believe

[ __ ] so-and-so is dead can you believe it

it

it then you get older and start glancing at

then you get older and start glancing at

then you get older and start glancing at the obituaries to see if there's anybody

the obituaries to see if there's anybody

the obituaries to see if there's anybody you know in there

you know in there

you know in there but that stage doesn't come as a

but that stage doesn't come as a

but that stage doesn't come as a surprise because every middle-aged

surprise because every middle-aged

surprise because every middle-aged person you've ever met tells you they do

person you've ever met tells you they do

person you've ever met tells you they do that

that

that then when you're older still starts the

then when you're older still starts the

then when you're older still starts the sad Litany of phone calls coming in as

sad Litany of phone calls coming in as

sad Litany of phone calls coming in as Nature's sniper starts picking off your

Nature's sniper starts picking off your

Nature's sniper starts picking off your friends and family one by one

friends and family one by one

friends and family one by one you buy a funeral suit and then a couple

you buy a funeral suit and then a couple

you buy a funeral suit and then a couple of different ties for it so you don't

of different ties for it so you don't

of different ties for it so you don't have to wear the same thing every time

have to wear the same thing every time

have to wear the same thing every time you get used to all that

you get used to all that

you get used to all that but this thing

but this thing

but this thing this was brand new

this was brand new

this was brand new at 68 Roberto had reached the age where

at 68 Roberto had reached the age where

at 68 Roberto had reached the age where somebody died and nobody called not

somebody died and nobody called not

somebody died and nobody called not because they didn't care but because

because they didn't care but because

because they didn't care but because it's too [ __ ] depressing

it's too [ __ ] depressing

it's too [ __ ] depressing that was a new one

that was a new one

that was a new one he didn't say any of this to Abigail to

he didn't say any of this to Abigail to

he didn't say any of this to Abigail to her he said

her he said

her he said I see

I see

I see in January she repeated

in January she repeated

in January she repeated who did you call instead

who did you call instead

who did you call instead a man's voice answered for her

a man's voice answered for her

a man's voice answered for her thank you Belvoir you can clear the line

thank you Belvoir you can clear the line

thank you Belvoir you can clear the line Roberto kicked himself for imagining

Roberto kicked himself for imagining

Roberto kicked himself for imagining they'd been alone on the line

they'd been alone on the line

they'd been alone on the line only a few years out and his edges had

only a few years out and his edges had

only a few years out and his edges had been dulled already

been dulled already

been dulled already there was a faint click as Abigail

there was a faint click as Abigail

there was a faint click as Abigail disconnected and Roberto could hear the

disconnected and Roberto could hear the

disconnected and Roberto could hear the colonel breathing on the other end

colonel breathing on the other end

colonel breathing on the other end hello Roberto

hello Roberto

hello Roberto hey Jara Beck how's that rash

hey Jara Beck how's that rash

hey Jara Beck how's that rash your wife said put some cream on it it's

your wife said put some cream on it it's

your wife said put some cream on it it's fine now

fine now

fine now why did men talk like this to each other

why did men talk like this to each other

why did men talk like this to each other why not just agree to meet up and punch

why not just agree to meet up and punch

why not just agree to meet up and punch each other in the face until they felt

each other in the face until they felt

each other in the face until they felt better about things

better about things

better about things Jeremy went on enjoying the role

Jeremy went on enjoying the role

Jeremy went on enjoying the role reversal

reversal

reversal when Roberto had retired the colonel had

when Roberto had retired the colonel had

when Roberto had retired the colonel had moved up and that was the spot from

moved up and that was the spot from

moved up and that was the spot from which he looked down at this time

which he looked down at this time

which he looked down at this time I thought you put this one to bed 30

I thought you put this one to bed 30

I thought you put this one to bed 30 years ago

years ago

years ago apparently it woke up Roberto said

apparently it woke up Roberto said

apparently it woke up Roberto said sounds like a broken thermistor to me

sounds like a broken thermistor to me

sounds like a broken thermistor to me that would be nice to think I'll be

that would be nice to think I'll be

that would be nice to think I'll be frank with you Roberto you're on that

frank with you Roberto you're on that

frank with you Roberto you're on that airplane is a gesture of respect to

airplane is a gesture of respect to

airplane is a gesture of respect to Gordon gray no other reason

Gordon gray no other reason

Gordon gray no other reason again why the [ __ ] had no one called to

again why the [ __ ] had no one called to

again why the [ __ ] had no one called to tell him Gordon was dead people sucked

tell him Gordon was dead people sucked

tell him Gordon was dead people sucked threat assessment and sober report

threat assessment and sober report

threat assessment and sober report that's what I want and that's all I want

that's what I want and that's all I want

that's what I want and that's all I want clear

clear

clear gotcha Roberto said

gotcha Roberto said

gotcha Roberto said hey you got a cell number for Leffler

hey you got a cell number for Leffler

hey you got a cell number for Leffler see you're saying that to irritate me

see you're saying that to irritate me

see you're saying that to irritate me Roberto and I understand I would do the

Roberto and I understand I would do the

Roberto and I understand I would do the same thing this is the sort of jocular

same thing this is the sort of jocular

same thing this is the sort of jocular back and forth I so enjoy with you but

back and forth I so enjoy with you but

back and forth I so enjoy with you but I'm not kidding around this is going to

I'm not kidding around this is going to

I'm not kidding around this is going to go quietly and quickly assassin report

go quietly and quickly assassin report

go quietly and quickly assassin report no off the book stuff

no off the book stuff

no off the book stuff Phil I'm [ __ ] with you it's probably

Phil I'm [ __ ] with you it's probably

Phil I'm [ __ ] with you it's probably nothing I'll check it out and go home

nothing I'll check it out and go home

nothing I'll check it out and go home and by the way you're welcome I'm not

and by the way you're welcome I'm not

and by the way you're welcome I'm not exactly on the clock anymore

exactly on the clock anymore

exactly on the clock anymore jerbeck took a moment deciding whether

jerbeck took a moment deciding whether

jerbeck took a moment deciding whether or not to trust him and opted for some

or not to trust him and opted for some

or not to trust him and opted for some of both

of both

of both I know that thank you for making

I know that thank you for making

I know that thank you for making yourself available

yourself available

yourself available you should probably take me off the file

you should probably take me off the file

you should probably take me off the file I will do that keep in touch

I will do that keep in touch

I will do that keep in touch the phone went dead

the phone went dead

the phone went dead Roberto held it for a moment thinking

Roberto held it for a moment thinking

Roberto held it for a moment thinking he looked out the window at the lights

he looked out the window at the lights

he looked out the window at the lights of Charlotte down below off to his right

of Charlotte down below off to his right

of Charlotte down below off to his right broken thermistor my ass [ __ ] that guy

broken thermistor my ass [ __ ] that guy

broken thermistor my ass [ __ ] that guy off the books was exactly where he was

off the books was exactly where he was

off the books was exactly where he was going

going

going he'd be on the ground in Kansas in less

he'd be on the ground in Kansas in less

he'd be on the ground in Kansas in less than two hours that would make it tight

than two hours that would make it tight

than two hours that would make it tight but if Trinny answered he had an outside

but if Trinny answered he had an outside

but if Trinny answered he had an outside shot at it

shot at it

shot at it the trick would be coding the call and

the trick would be coding the call and

the trick would be coding the call and he certainly couldn't do it on the

he certainly couldn't do it on the

he certainly couldn't do it on the plane's phone

plane's phone

plane's phone he reached into his flight bag took out

he reached into his flight bag took out

he reached into his flight bag took out the MacBook Air his son Alexander had

the MacBook Air his son Alexander had

the MacBook Air his son Alexander had given him for Christmas too much makes

given him for Christmas too much makes

given him for Christmas too much makes everybody uncomfortable tone it down

everybody uncomfortable tone it down

everybody uncomfortable tone it down Alexander and turned it on

Alexander and turned it on

Alexander and turned it on the plane's Wi-Fi signal was half decent

the plane's Wi-Fi signal was half decent

the plane's Wi-Fi signal was half decent and he called up tour to Webb without

and he called up tour to Webb without

and he called up tour to Webb without hitting a DOD Net Nanny for a stroke of

hitting a DOD Net Nanny for a stroke of

hitting a DOD Net Nanny for a stroke of look

look

look John dunam and the other two or three

John dunam and the other two or three

John dunam and the other two or three other dot onion rerouters he knew were

other dot onion rerouters he knew were

other dot onion rerouters he knew were already dead

already dead

already dead the dark net had pretty fast moving

the dark net had pretty fast moving

the dark net had pretty fast moving currents and he wasn't surprised to see

currents and he wasn't surprised to see

currents and he wasn't surprised to see he was already out of date

he was already out of date

he was already out of date he was trying to think of next steps

he was trying to think of next steps

he was trying to think of next steps when something in his jacket pocket

when something in his jacket pocket

when something in his jacket pocket buzzed

buzzed

buzzed it was a satellite phone the one he'd

it was a satellite phone the one he'd

it was a satellite phone the one he'd taken out of the safe back in his

taken out of the safe back in his

taken out of the safe back in his kitchen

kitchen

kitchen he looked at the screen didn't recognize

he looked at the screen didn't recognize

he looked at the screen didn't recognize a number

a number

a number he made an educated guess

he made an educated guess

he made an educated guess Abigail

Abigail

Abigail I can talk for two minutes

I can talk for two minutes

I can talk for two minutes it was her Roberto was genuinely

it was her Roberto was genuinely

it was her Roberto was genuinely delighted

delighted

delighted I think you have the wrong number he

I think you have the wrong number he

I think you have the wrong number he replied and hung up the satellite phone

replied and hung up the satellite phone

replied and hung up the satellite phone which was most certainly monitored he

which was most certainly monitored he

which was most certainly monitored he tapped a few keys on a laptop accessed a

tapped a few keys on a laptop accessed a

tapped a few keys on a laptop accessed a deep beep sight he trusted thank God

deep beep sight he trusted thank God

deep beep sight he trusted thank God that one was still there and leeched

that one was still there and leeched

that one was still there and leeched into the first number with at least 10

into the first number with at least 10

into the first number with at least 10 nodes of encryption that scrolled by

nodes of encryption that scrolled by

nodes of encryption that scrolled by he called her back and she picked up on

he called her back and she picked up on

he called her back and she picked up on the first ring

the first ring

the first ring I'm on my personal cell in the ladies

I'm on my personal cell in the ladies

I'm on my personal cell in the ladies room

room

room he could hear the echo of her voice off

he could hear the echo of her voice off

he could hear the echo of her voice off the tile

the tile

the tile I take it you read my white paper

I take it you read my white paper

I take it you read my white paper I did

I did

I did she said and you believed it

she said and you believed it

she said and you believed it what do you need me to

what do you need me to

what do you need me to she stopped and he could hear that the

she stopped and he could hear that the

she stopped and he could hear that the door to the bathroom had just opened

door to the bathroom had just opened

door to the bathroom had just opened someone had come in

someone had come in

someone had come in Roberto took over

Roberto took over

Roberto took over okay I'll talk you listen

okay I'll talk you listen

okay I'll talk you listen even with encryption airplane Wi-Fi

even with encryption airplane Wi-Fi

even with encryption airplane Wi-Fi won't be secure enough for the

won't be secure enough for the

won't be secure enough for the conversations I need to have so you'll

conversations I need to have so you'll

conversations I need to have so you'll need to make the calls for me find a

need to make the calls for me find a

need to make the calls for me find a reason to get yourself out of there on

reason to get yourself out of there on

reason to get yourself out of there on the double go buy a burner and call a

the double go buy a burner and call a

the double go buy a burner and call a former agent named Trini Romano I'll

former agent named Trini Romano I'll

former agent named Trini Romano I'll repeat that name before I hang up when

repeat that name before I hang up when

repeat that name before I hang up when she answers tell her Margot is under the

she answers tell her Margot is under the

she answers tell her Margot is under the weather

weather

weather Margo is under the weather I'm sorry to

Margo is under the weather I'm sorry to

Margo is under the weather I'm sorry to hear that still with this tilted voice

hear that still with this tilted voice

hear that still with this tilted voice she wasn't alone in the bathroom

she wasn't alone in the bathroom

she wasn't alone in the bathroom that's it

that's it

that's it then tell her what you know she'll help

then tell her what you know she'll help

then tell her what you know she'll help you with the list even number seven

you with the list even number seven

you with the list even number seven especially number seven we're under two

especially number seven we're under two

especially number seven we're under two hours so you have to move fast

hours so you have to move fast

hours so you have to move fast in the background here to toilet flush

in the background here to toilet flush

in the background here to toilet flush he continued texture burner number to

he continued texture burner number to

he continued texture burner number to meet through a mix master and I'll call

meet through a mix master and I'll call

meet through a mix master and I'll call you when I'm rolling

you when I'm rolling

you when I'm rolling what a rat in the bathroom someone was

what a rat in the bathroom someone was

what a rat in the bathroom someone was washing your hands

washing your hands

washing your hands Abigail side

Abigail side

Abigail side I understand Mom I just think it's kind

I understand Mom I just think it's kind

I understand Mom I just think it's kind of soon after your knee replacement

of soon after your knee replacement

of soon after your knee replacement Roberto smiled she was pretty good All

Roberto smiled she was pretty good All

Roberto smiled she was pretty good All Things Considered

Things Considered

Things Considered I'm dying to know why you decided to

I'm dying to know why you decided to

I'm dying to know why you decided to believe me but that can wait doesn't

believe me but that can wait doesn't

believe me but that can wait doesn't matter I guess

matter I guess

matter I guess you could hear the bathroom door open

you could hear the bathroom door open

you could hear the bathroom door open and close again

and close again

and close again Abigail's tone changed is it as bad as

Abigail's tone changed is it as bad as

Abigail's tone changed is it as bad as what you wrote in the report

what you wrote in the report

what you wrote in the report every bit and none of the people who

every bit and none of the people who

every bit and none of the people who understand that are in power anymore

understand that are in power anymore

understand that are in power anymore Jared back is not going to bed he'll

Jared back is not going to bed he'll

Jared back is not going to bed he'll keep an eye on things and he will not be

keep an eye on things and he will not be

keep an eye on things and he will not be helpful but believe it or not I've done

helpful but believe it or not I've done

helpful but believe it or not I've done all this before

all this before

all this before including item seven

including item seven

including item seven you didn't answer that

you didn't answer that

you didn't answer that Trini Romano

Trini Romano

Trini Romano he hung up

17.

when Tea cake was 14 he fell in love for

when Tea cake was 14 he fell in love for

when Tea cake was 14 he fell in love for the first time

the first time

the first time Patty Wisniewski was 17 and he never

Patty Wisniewski was 17 and he never

Patty Wisniewski was 17 and he never really had much of a shot with her

really had much of a shot with her

really had much of a shot with her but he'd started hanging around with

but he'd started hanging around with

but he'd started hanging around with seniors when he was a freshman thanks to

seniors when he was a freshman thanks to

seniors when he was a freshman thanks to his overpowering sex drive

his overpowering sex drive

his overpowering sex drive like any 14 year old boy TK had powerful

like any 14 year old boy TK had powerful

like any 14 year old boy TK had powerful erections and he followed his dick

erections and he followed his dick

erections and he followed his dick wherever it led him

wherever it led him

wherever it led him one day it dragged him to auditions for

one day it dragged him to auditions for

one day it dragged him to auditions for the school play of all places

the school play of all places

the school play of all places it was the last thing a frankly thuggish

it was the last thing a frankly thuggish

it was the last thing a frankly thuggish kid like TK would have done under normal

kid like TK would have done under normal

kid like TK would have done under normal circumstances but he had an angle to

circumstances but he had an angle to

circumstances but he had an angle to work

work

work the whole school had to watch the fall

the whole school had to watch the fall

the whole school had to watch the fall Musical one afternoon and he would have

Musical one afternoon and he would have

Musical one afternoon and he would have been blind not to have noticed that

been blind not to have noticed that

been blind not to have noticed that there was an inordinately high

there was an inordinately high

there was an inordinately high percentage of attractive young women up

percentage of attractive young women up

percentage of attractive young women up there on stage almost entirely

there on stage almost entirely

there on stage almost entirely surrounded by losers

surrounded by losers

surrounded by losers three weeks later he went to auditions

three weeks later he went to auditions

three weeks later he went to auditions for the new play

for the new play

for the new play because he was a human male and alive on

because he was a human male and alive on

because he was a human male and alive on the planet he was cast immediately

the planet he was cast immediately

the planet he was cast immediately it was some shitty old play about a

it was some shitty old play about a

it was some shitty old play about a bunch of actresses sitting around a New

bunch of actresses sitting around a New

bunch of actresses sitting around a New York City Apartment waiting for their

York City Apartment waiting for their

York City Apartment waiting for their big break he barely knew the name of it

big break he barely knew the name of it

big break he barely knew the name of it then and certainly couldn't remember it

then and certainly couldn't remember it

then and certainly couldn't remember it now

now

now he played Frank the Butler and had

he played Frank the Butler and had

he played Frank the Butler and had exactly two lines

exactly two lines

exactly two lines should I call a taxi Miss Louise

should I call a taxi Miss Louise

should I call a taxi Miss Louise and in the second act the kicker

and in the second act the kicker

and in the second act the kicker taxis waiting Miss Louise

taxis waiting Miss Louise

taxis waiting Miss Louise one night he screwed him up and switched

one night he screwed him up and switched

one night he screwed him up and switched the order around which should have

the order around which should have

the order around which should have brought the play to a crashing halt but

brought the play to a crashing halt but

brought the play to a crashing halt but nobody really noticed

nobody really noticed

nobody really noticed he never talked loud enough anyway

he never talked loud enough anyway

he never talked loud enough anyway the other two shows he managed to

the other two shows he managed to

the other two shows he managed to deliver both lines at the right times

deliver both lines at the right times

deliver both lines at the right times and without laughing

and without laughing

and without laughing but his real accomplishment was getting

but his real accomplishment was getting

but his real accomplishment was getting himself accepted into the sex and

himself accepted into the sex and

himself accepted into the sex and drug-filled Paradise of 17 year old life

drug-filled Paradise of 17 year old life

drug-filled Paradise of 17 year old life he was kind of cute for his age smart

he was kind of cute for his age smart

he was kind of cute for his age smart enough from hanging around his older

enough from hanging around his older

enough from hanging around his older brother to know what to say and what not

brother to know what to say and what not

brother to know what to say and what not to say and the seniors took him under

to say and the seniors took him under

to say and the seniors took him under their wing as a sort of mascot

their wing as a sort of mascot

their wing as a sort of mascot he wasn't fully developed so his

he wasn't fully developed so his

he wasn't fully developed so his sexuality wasn't particularly

sexuality wasn't particularly

sexuality wasn't particularly threatening and that gave him all sorts

threatening and that gave him all sorts

threatening and that gave him all sorts of access to older women

of access to older women

of access to older women he worked it as hard as he'd ever worked

he worked it as hard as he'd ever worked

he worked it as hard as he'd ever worked anything in his life and at the cast

anything in his life and at the cast

anything in his life and at the cast party on opening night Paddy Wisniewski

party on opening night Paddy Wisniewski

party on opening night Paddy Wisniewski gave him a mercy hand job in the

gave him a mercy hand job in the

gave him a mercy hand job in the bathroom of cress peckham's stepdad's

bathroom of cress peckham's stepdad's

bathroom of cress peckham's stepdad's house

house

house the only shame was that he was too drunk

the only shame was that he was too drunk

the only shame was that he was too drunk to remember it

to remember it

to remember it that was a thing if asked TK could be

that was a thing if asked TK could be

that was a thing if asked TK could be hard-pressed to come up with a single

hard-pressed to come up with a single

hard-pressed to come up with a single sexual encounter or romantic Overture at

sexual encounter or romantic Overture at

sexual encounter or romantic Overture at high school that wasn't fueled by booze

high school that wasn't fueled by booze

high school that wasn't fueled by booze or drugs

or drugs

or drugs he started smoking weed in seventh grade

he started smoking weed in seventh grade

he started smoking weed in seventh grade like most people he knew but that was

like most people he knew but that was

like most people he knew but that was the sort of thing you did with your

the sort of thing you did with your

the sort of thing you did with your buddies when you didn't care how stupid

buddies when you didn't care how stupid

buddies when you didn't care how stupid you came off

you came off

you came off with women you wanted to be drunk

with women you wanted to be drunk

with women you wanted to be drunk Coke was nice if you could get it but

Coke was nice if you could get it but

Coke was nice if you could get it but there was such an ugly price to pay for

there was such an ugly price to pay for

there was such an ugly price to pay for it some creepy 20-something [ __ ]

it some creepy 20-something [ __ ]

it some creepy 20-something [ __ ] you'd have to hang around with the cash

you'd have to hang around with the cash

you'd have to hang around with the cash that had to be scooped out of the tail

that had to be scooped out of the tail

that had to be scooped out of the tail at work or stolen from somebody's

at work or stolen from somebody's

at work or stolen from somebody's parents too much hassle involved

parents too much hassle involved

parents too much hassle involved Rock was cheaper for sure but you didn't

Rock was cheaper for sure but you didn't

Rock was cheaper for sure but you didn't have to be a genius to see that smoking

have to be a genius to see that smoking

have to be a genius to see that smoking that [ __ ] would take you no place good

that [ __ ] would take you no place good

that [ __ ] would take you no place good that kind of high had nothing to do with

that kind of high had nothing to do with

that kind of high had nothing to do with getting off anyway you lost interest in

getting off anyway you lost interest in

getting off anyway you lost interest in sex almost immediately

sex almost immediately

sex almost immediately things in his romantic life didn't

things in his romantic life didn't

things in his romantic life didn't change all that much after high school

change all that much after high school

change all that much after high school when he got the job at the asphalt place

when he got the job at the asphalt place

when he got the job at the asphalt place by that time his moms had split and his

by that time his moms had split and his

by that time his moms had split and his dad was enjoying his own intimate

dad was enjoying his own intimate

dad was enjoying his own intimate relationship with the sauce

relationship with the sauce

relationship with the sauce you'd always drunk a lot his old man but

you'd always drunk a lot his old man but

you'd always drunk a lot his old man but TK didn't think much of it because

TK didn't think much of it because

TK didn't think much of it because everyone around here drank too much

everyone around here drank too much

everyone around here drank too much Atchison was [ __ ] Bleak in the winter

Atchison was [ __ ] Bleak in the winter

Atchison was [ __ ] Bleak in the winter Dark Side of the Moon there wasn't

Dark Side of the Moon there wasn't

Dark Side of the Moon there wasn't anything else to do besides get loaded

anything else to do besides get loaded

anything else to do besides get loaded and then it's not like you're going to

and then it's not like you're going to

and then it's not like you're going to give it up for the spring and summer

give it up for the spring and summer

give it up for the spring and summer at best his dad's drinking became a

at best his dad's drinking became a

at best his dad's drinking became a little more joyful as the weather

little more joyful as the weather

little more joyful as the weather improved he could at least hide it under

improved he could at least hide it under

improved he could at least hide it under the cover of Celebration

the cover of Celebration

the cover of Celebration TK didn't care if he were his old man he

TK didn't care if he were his old man he

TK didn't care if he were his old man he would have gotten wasted every night too

would have gotten wasted every night too

would have gotten wasted every night too the guy was a loser with a series of

the guy was a loser with a series of

the guy was a loser with a series of shit-ass jobs that kept going away

shit-ass jobs that kept going away

shit-ass jobs that kept going away he was a cuckold who couldn't hang on to

he was a cuckold who couldn't hang on to

he was a cuckold who couldn't hang on to a wife and he was stuck Raising a Son to

a wife and he was stuck Raising a Son to

a wife and he was stuck Raising a Son to whom he could find nothing that he

whom he could find nothing that he

whom he could find nothing that he wanted to say

wanted to say

wanted to say closest they got to bonding was when his

closest they got to bonding was when his

closest they got to bonding was when his dad would stumble across a Three Stooges

dad would stumble across a Three Stooges

dad would stumble across a Three Stooges marathon on TV when he was half in the

marathon on TV when he was half in the

marathon on TV when he was half in the bag and Shout upstairs to Tea cake get

bag and Shout upstairs to Tea cake get

bag and Shout upstairs to Tea cake get down here and watch this [ __ ] with me I

down here and watch this [ __ ] with me I

down here and watch this [ __ ] with me I love these [ __ ]

love these [ __ ]

love these [ __ ] they tried to stay out of each other's

they tried to stay out of each other's

they tried to stay out of each other's way as much as possible and mostly

way as much as possible and mostly

way as much as possible and mostly succeeded both of them got [ __ ] up a

succeeded both of them got [ __ ] up a

succeeded both of them got [ __ ] up a lot

lot

lot what was there to stay sober for

what was there to stay sober for

what was there to stay sober for Atchison had been nice once

Atchison had been nice once

Atchison had been nice once but now was your basic deserted Main

but now was your basic deserted Main

but now was your basic deserted Main Street with 30 unemployment

Street with 30 unemployment

Street with 30 unemployment the majority of the populists saw

the majority of the populists saw

the majority of the populists saw inebriation of one kind or another as a

inebriation of one kind or another as a

inebriation of one kind or another as a valid survival mechanism they weren't

valid survival mechanism they weren't

valid survival mechanism they weren't wrong it works at least in the short

wrong it works at least in the short

wrong it works at least in the short term

term

term a few months after high school TK got

a few months after high school TK got

a few months after high school TK got his own place with a buddy covered his

his own place with a buddy covered his

his own place with a buddy covered his end of the rent okay most of the time

end of the rent okay most of the time

end of the rent okay most of the time with a few different jobs and got

with a few different jobs and got

with a few different jobs and got shit-faced of dates there were none

shit-faced of dates there were none

shit-faced of dates there were none hookups a few but always under the

hookups a few but always under the

hookups a few but always under the influence

influence

influence within a year and a half of graduation

within a year and a half of graduation

within a year and a half of graduation he was in front of the judge for a drunk

he was in front of the judge for a drunk

he was in front of the judge for a drunk and disorderly and resisting arrest and

and disorderly and resisting arrest and

and disorderly and resisting arrest and that was when the judge said it's the

that was when the judge said it's the

that was when the judge said it's the military or jail TK said hello drill

military or jail TK said hello drill

military or jail TK said hello drill sergeant

sergeant

sergeant although since he picked the Navy it was

although since he picked the Navy it was

although since he picked the Navy it was hello recruit division Commander

hello recruit division Commander

hello recruit division Commander there was two years moving from port to

there was two years moving from port to

there was two years moving from port to port overseas where there were a

port overseas where there were a

port overseas where there were a surprising number of women and

surprising number of women and

surprising number of women and opportunities the lady journalists in

opportunities the lady journalists in

opportunities the lady journalists in particular were always down for it but

particular were always down for it but

particular were always down for it but they like to get blitzed even more

they like to get blitzed even more

they like to get blitzed even more heated

heated

heated now Tea cake was 24. 10 years of

now Tea cake was 24. 10 years of

now Tea cake was 24. 10 years of romantic history were a cloud a haze A

romantic history were a cloud a haze A

romantic history were a cloud a haze A Rush of dulled sensation only dimly

Rush of dulled sensation only dimly

Rush of dulled sensation only dimly remembered

remembered

remembered and then this March 15 2 26 a.m standing

and then this March 15 2 26 a.m standing

and then this March 15 2 26 a.m standing at the bottom of a 300 foot deep

at the bottom of a 300 foot deep

at the bottom of a 300 foot deep concrete shaft

concrete shaft

concrete shaft that was the time and place that was the

that was the time and place that was the

that was the time and place that was the moment

moment

moment it was the first time Travis Meacham had

it was the first time Travis Meacham had

it was the first time Travis Meacham had ever kissed a woman sober

ever kissed a woman sober

ever kissed a woman sober there was an awful lot to be said for it

there was an awful lot to be said for it

there was an awful lot to be said for it for Naomi the kiss was a momentary

for Naomi the kiss was a momentary

for Naomi the kiss was a momentary impulse that had been building for

impulse that had been building for

impulse that had been building for several hours

several hours

several hours she'd come to work that night in a mood

she'd come to work that night in a mood

she'd come to work that night in a mood most foul stuck in a fog of anger and

most foul stuck in a fog of anger and

most foul stuck in a fog of anger and despair in which she'd awakened that

despair in which she'd awakened that

despair in which she'd awakened that afternoon

afternoon

afternoon she'd had a shift the night before

she'd had a shift the night before

she'd had a shift the night before making this a rare and welcome two

making this a rare and welcome two

making this a rare and welcome two shifts in a row which meant a better

shifts in a row which meant a better

shifts in a row which meant a better paycheck but were sleep

paycheck but were sleep

paycheck but were sleep after a night shift she'd come home get

after a night shift she'd come home get

after a night shift she'd come home get Sarah ready and take her to school and

Sarah ready and take her to school and

Sarah ready and take her to school and with any luck she could be in bed by 8

with any luck she could be in bed by 8

with any luck she could be in bed by 8 30 am

30 am

30 am that meant about five and a half hours

that meant about five and a half hours

that meant about five and a half hours of sleep because she had to be back at

of sleep because she had to be back at

of sleep because she had to be back at the school to pick her up at 2 50.

the school to pick her up at 2 50.

the school to pick her up at 2 50. that was on a day with no classes for

that was on a day with no classes for

that was on a day with no classes for herself

herself

herself a year ago she would have been able to

a year ago she would have been able to

a year ago she would have been able to put Sarah in the after school and not

put Sarah in the after school and not

put Sarah in the after school and not have to pick her up until 4 30. luxury

have to pick her up until 4 30. luxury

have to pick her up until 4 30. luxury but the school lost its Federal grant

but the school lost its Federal grant

but the school lost its Federal grant for that program at the end of last year

for that program at the end of last year

for that program at the end of last year now the after school was called Extended

now the after school was called Extended

now the after school was called Extended Learning opportunities and it was run by

Learning opportunities and it was run by

Learning opportunities and it was run by a for-profit group that charged 40

a for-profit group that charged 40

a for-profit group that charged 40 dollars a day

dollars a day

dollars a day that was half a day's after tax wage for

that was half a day's after tax wage for

that was half a day's after tax wage for Naomi and made no economic sense

Naomi and made no economic sense

Naomi and made no economic sense whatsoever

whatsoever

whatsoever she might as well not do the extra work

she might as well not do the extra work

she might as well not do the extra work point is today she woke up tired at two

point is today she woke up tired at two

point is today she woke up tired at two in the afternoon and the last thing she

in the afternoon and the last thing she

in the afternoon and the last thing she needed was for one of the dark moods

needed was for one of the dark moods

needed was for one of the dark moods that had haunted her for the past

that had haunted her for the past

that had haunted her for the past several years to come roaring back

several years to come roaring back

several years to come roaring back but she knew the moment she opened her

but she knew the moment she opened her

but she knew the moment she opened her eyes that the black dog had returned

eyes that the black dog had returned

eyes that the black dog had returned that was Naomi's private nickname for

that was Naomi's private nickname for

that was Naomi's private nickname for the depression that periodically

the depression that periodically

the depression that periodically engulfed her and this thing was no

engulfed her and this thing was no

engulfed her and this thing was no friendly Labrador it was a mangy

friendly Labrador it was a mangy

friendly Labrador it was a mangy skeletal Cur all bones and teeth and

skeletal Cur all bones and teeth and

skeletal Cur all bones and teeth and when it came she could see it loping at

when it came she could see it loping at

when it came she could see it loping at her out of the woods tongue loling off

her out of the woods tongue loling off

her out of the woods tongue loling off to one side yellow eyes fixed on her

to one side yellow eyes fixed on her

to one side yellow eyes fixed on her the black dog would stick around on

the black dog would stick around on

the black dog would stick around on average three or four days

average three or four days

average three or four days sometimes there'd be a day of false hope

sometimes there'd be a day of false hope

sometimes there'd be a day of false hope in the middle a day when she'd feel okay

in the middle a day when she'd feel okay

in the middle a day when she'd feel okay and assume it had gone back into the

and assume it had gone back into the

and assume it had gone back into the primordial Forest where it lived

primordial Forest where it lived

primordial Forest where it lived but no the mat had only been hiding the

but no the mat had only been hiding the

but no the mat had only been hiding the better to screw with her head and it

better to screw with her head and it

better to screw with her head and it would come back to finish its run of

would come back to finish its run of

would come back to finish its run of Despair the following day

Despair the following day

Despair the following day she knew she was impossible to be around

she knew she was impossible to be around

she knew she was impossible to be around during those periods but she didn't care

during those periods but she didn't care

during those periods but she didn't care it was everyone else's fault anyway they

it was everyone else's fault anyway they

it was everyone else's fault anyway they were the ones who'd called the dog in

were the ones who'd called the dog in

were the ones who'd called the dog in the first place

the first place

the first place how exactly she did not know but

how exactly she did not know but

how exactly she did not know but rationality was in short supply when she

rationality was in short supply when she

rationality was in short supply when she was in a mood

was in a mood

was in a mood she learned after a few years that the

she learned after a few years that the

she learned after a few years that the best thing was to just stay away from

best thing was to just stay away from

best thing was to just stay away from people as much as possible during those

people as much as possible during those

people as much as possible during those times

times

times to hide in a room curled up on the bed

to hide in a room curled up on the bed

to hide in a room curled up on the bed with a door shut

with a door shut

with a door shut if you can't be a pleasant part of

if you can't be a pleasant part of

if you can't be a pleasant part of things my mother used to say to her when

things my mother used to say to her when

things my mother used to say to her when she was little then you need to go

she was little then you need to go

she was little then you need to go somewhere else and leave us alone

somewhere else and leave us alone

somewhere else and leave us alone that was before her mother decided that

that was before her mother decided that

that was before her mother decided that she herself could not be a pleasant part

she herself could not be a pleasant part

she herself could not be a pleasant part of things and went somewhere else for

of things and went somewhere else for

of things and went somewhere else for good

good

good so the black dog had followed Naomi to

so the black dog had followed Naomi to

so the black dog had followed Naomi to work that night and it stuck around

work that night and it stuck around

work that night and it stuck around until the moment she started talking to

until the moment she started talking to

until the moment she started talking to Tea cake

Tea cake

Tea cake that hadn't ever happened before

that hadn't ever happened before

that hadn't ever happened before no one person could make the darkness go

no one person could make the darkness go

no one person could make the darkness go away l50 of them couldn't

away l50 of them couldn't

away l50 of them couldn't but TK had

but TK had

but TK had sensed it the moment they started

sensed it the moment they started

sensed it the moment they started chatting on the loading dock

chatting on the loading dock

chatting on the loading dock she'd gone with him to check out the

she'd gone with him to check out the

she'd gone with him to check out the beeping sound in part because she was

beeping sound in part because she was

beeping sound in part because she was curious

curious

curious but also because being around him made

but also because being around him made

but also because being around him made her feel better

her feel better

her feel better the black dog in her mind had skittered

the black dog in her mind had skittered

the black dog in her mind had skittered away back into the trees and disappeared

away back into the trees and disappeared

away back into the trees and disappeared further and further into the forest the

further and further into the forest the

further and further into the forest the longer she talked to Tea cake

longer she talked to Tea cake

longer she talked to Tea cake why

why

why it wasn't impossibly sexy

it wasn't impossibly sexy

it wasn't impossibly sexy and he wasn't impossibly smart and he

and he wasn't impossibly smart and he

and he wasn't impossibly smart and he was not to put too fine a point on it an

was not to put too fine a point on it an

was not to put too fine a point on it an ex-con

ex-con

ex-con but he made her laugh and he kept the

but he made her laugh and he kept the

but he made her laugh and he kept the dog at Bay

dog at Bay

dog at Bay whatever that mysterious thing was Tea

whatever that mysterious thing was Tea

whatever that mysterious thing was Tea cake had it and Naomi wanted to be

cake had it and Naomi wanted to be

cake had it and Naomi wanted to be around it at least for tonight to see if

around it at least for tonight to see if

around it at least for tonight to see if it was real

it was real

it was real so yes A Kiss is Just a Kiss but this

so yes A Kiss is Just a Kiss but this

so yes A Kiss is Just a Kiss but this one meant something to both of them

one meant something to both of them

one meant something to both of them ground had been broken Moore was

ground had been broken Moore was

ground had been broken Moore was expected

expected

expected they exited the top of the tube ladder

they exited the top of the tube ladder

they exited the top of the tube ladder through the open manhole in the Floor of

through the open manhole in the Floor of

through the open manhole in the Floor of sb1 they were laughing exhilarated by

sb1 they were laughing exhilarated by

sb1 they were laughing exhilarated by the brush with weirdness down below

the brush with weirdness down below

the brush with weirdness down below they talked about it all the way up fast

they talked about it all the way up fast

they talked about it all the way up fast and excited the obvious next move was to

and excited the obvious next move was to

and excited the obvious next move was to call Griffin the broken wall was

call Griffin the broken wall was

call Griffin the broken wall was something they were prepared to live

something they were prepared to live

something they were prepared to live with because they actually had found

with because they actually had found

with because they actually had found something there was a real problem down

something there was a real problem down

something there was a real problem down there and it would likely involve the

there and it would likely involve the

there and it would likely involve the police and corporate and God knows who

police and corporate and God knows who

police and corporate and God knows who else they might even be rewarded for

else they might even be rewarded for

else they might even be rewarded for having found a gas leak or animal

having found a gas leak or animal

having found a gas leak or animal infestation or some other nightmare

infestation or some other nightmare

infestation or some other nightmare scenario in the making

scenario in the making

scenario in the making Naomi was first out of the manhole

Naomi was first out of the manhole

Naomi was first out of the manhole she swung her legs around so they're out

she swung her legs around so they're out

she swung her legs around so they're out of TK's way and sat cross-legged on the

of TK's way and sat cross-legged on the

of TK's way and sat cross-legged on the cement floor while she waited for him

cement floor while she waited for him

cement floor while she waited for him she had her phone out of her pocket in a

she had her phone out of her pocket in a

she had her phone out of her pocket in a minute and typed in the four letters

minute and typed in the four letters

minute and typed in the four letters that were stenciled on the door down at

that were stenciled on the door down at

that were stenciled on the door down at the bottom of the tube d t r a

the bottom of the tube d t r a

the bottom of the tube d t r a the first hit she got off Google was the

the first hit she got off Google was the

the first hit she got off Google was the dirt track writers association but she

dirt track writers association but she

dirt track writers association but she didn't even have to think about that one

didn't even have to think about that one

didn't even have to think about that one to know that wasn't it

to know that wasn't it

to know that wasn't it it was never a serious candidate not

it was never a serious candidate not

it was never a serious candidate not even for the Split Second it took for

even for the Split Second it took for

even for the Split Second it took for her eyes to skip down to the second link

her eyes to skip down to the second link

her eyes to skip down to the second link on the page

on the page

on the page defense threat reduction agency

defense threat reduction agency

defense threat reduction agency she read

she read

she read Tea cake just coming out of the manhole

Tea cake just coming out of the manhole

Tea cake just coming out of the manhole didn't respond right away but she

didn't respond right away but she

didn't respond right away but she wouldn't have heard him if he had

wouldn't have heard him if he had

wouldn't have heard him if he had because she'd already hit the link and

because she'd already hit the link and

because she'd already hit the link and was scrolling through the U.S

was scrolling through the U.S

was scrolling through the U.S government's homepage for the dtra

government's homepage for the dtra

government's homepage for the dtra her attention was fully consumed by

her attention was fully consumed by

her attention was fully consumed by unreassuring headlines like stepnagorsk

unreassuring headlines like stepnagorsk

unreassuring headlines like stepnagorsk biotoxin production facility briefing

biotoxin production facility briefing

biotoxin production facility briefing notes

notes

notes and Joint improvised threat defeat

and Joint improvised threat defeat

and Joint improvised threat defeat organization links with dtra and death

organization links with dtra and death

organization links with dtra and death by nerve gas to arrests many questions

by nerve gas to arrests many questions

by nerve gas to arrests many questions holy [ __ ] she said

holy [ __ ] she said

holy [ __ ] she said holy [ __ ] he replied

holy [ __ ] he replied

holy [ __ ] he replied they'd said the same thing at more or

they'd said the same thing at more or

they'd said the same thing at more or less the same time because they were

less the same time because they were

less the same time because they were each looking at something unexpected for

each looking at something unexpected for

each looking at something unexpected for Naomi it was the dtra website pretty

Naomi it was the dtra website pretty

Naomi it was the dtra website pretty cake it was the bloated deer

cake it was the bloated deer

cake it was the bloated deer the animal was standing at the end of

the animal was standing at the end of

the animal was standing at the end of the short hallway just staring at them

the short hallway just staring at them

the short hallway just staring at them this in itself wasn't a big deal that

this in itself wasn't a big deal that

this in itself wasn't a big deal that was sort of what deer did they stood

was sort of what deer did they stood

was sort of what deer did they stood there and stared at you frozen wondering

there and stared at you frozen wondering

there and stared at you frozen wondering how it's all come to this

how it's all come to this

how it's all come to this but this deer's insides were moving

but this deer's insides were moving

but this deer's insides were moving you could see it in every breath it took

you could see it in every breath it took

you could see it in every breath it took either it was about to give birth

either it was about to give birth

either it was about to give birth or it had eaten something that seriously

or it had eaten something that seriously

or it had eaten something that seriously disagreed with it

disagreed with it

disagreed with it Naomi saw it and stood slowly phone in

Naomi saw it and stood slowly phone in

Naomi saw it and stood slowly phone in one hand and the other held out to the

one hand and the other held out to the

one hand and the other held out to the deer as if to say

deer as if to say

deer as if to say wait you don't make sense

wait you don't make sense

wait you don't make sense the deer lifted its chin and made a

the deer lifted its chin and made a

the deer lifted its chin and made a grotesque hacking sound at them

grotesque hacking sound at them

grotesque hacking sound at them TK climbed out of the manhole slowly and

TK climbed out of the manhole slowly and

TK climbed out of the manhole slowly and stood next to Naomi what's the matter

stood next to Naomi what's the matter

stood next to Naomi what's the matter with it yes

with it yes

with it yes it's sick distended belly

it's sick distended belly

it's sick distended belly the deer took a couple of steps toward

the deer took a couple of steps toward

the deer took a couple of steps toward them hacking some more

them hacking some more

them hacking some more Tea cake picked up the pry bar he'd used

Tea cake picked up the pry bar he'd used

Tea cake picked up the pry bar he'd used to open the manhole cover

to open the manhole cover

to open the manhole cover don't Naomi said tell it not to come any

don't Naomi said tell it not to come any

don't Naomi said tell it not to come any closer

closer

closer she looked at him like I talked to

she looked at him like I talked to

she looked at him like I talked to animals wait a minute Tea cake said

animals wait a minute Tea cake said

animals wait a minute Tea cake said the deer froze again as if obeying him

the deer froze again as if obeying him

the deer froze again as if obeying him TK thought

TK thought

TK thought so okay sick deer staring at them but

so okay sick deer staring at them but

so okay sick deer staring at them but this sick deer was in an underground

this sick deer was in an underground

this sick deer was in an underground storage facility all the way down in sub

storage facility all the way down in sub

storage facility all the way down in sub basement one

basement one

basement one there's only one way it could have

there's only one way it could have

there's only one way it could have gotten to sb1 the elevator

gotten to sb1 the elevator

gotten to sb1 the elevator how the [ __ ] did it get down here

how the [ __ ] did it get down here

how the [ __ ] did it get down here the deer cocked its head suddenly as if

the deer cocked its head suddenly as if

the deer cocked its head suddenly as if called then turned around and trotted

called then turned around and trotted

called then turned around and trotted back toward the mouth of a hallway

back toward the mouth of a hallway

back toward the mouth of a hallway throwing a look back over its shoulder

throwing a look back over its shoulder

throwing a look back over its shoulder to hack at them one more time

to hack at them one more time

to hack at them one more time it rounded the corner only a bit

it rounded the corner only a bit

it rounded the corner only a bit unsteady considering deer hooves were

unsteady considering deer hooves were

unsteady considering deer hooves were not at all made for concrete and then

not at all made for concrete and then

not at all made for concrete and then clattered off and out of sight it steps

clattered off and out of sight it steps

clattered off and out of sight it steps echoing off the walls

echoing off the walls

echoing off the walls Tea cake and Naomi glanced at each other

Tea cake and Naomi glanced at each other

Tea cake and Naomi glanced at each other but neither one needed any convincing

but neither one needed any convincing

but neither one needed any convincing they followed it

they followed it

they followed it they came around the corner but were

they came around the corner but were

they came around the corner but were falling behind the thing

falling behind the thing

falling behind the thing it had picked up to a trot and was just

it had picked up to a trot and was just

it had picked up to a trot and was just now turning a second corner at the far

now turning a second corner at the far

now turning a second corner at the far end of the hallway

end of the hallway

end of the hallway they walked faster

they walked faster

they walked faster it turned a final corner and this one

it turned a final corner and this one

it turned a final corner and this one came to a dead end at the only elevator

came to a dead end at the only elevator

came to a dead end at the only elevator the deer trotted toward it

the deer trotted toward it

the deer trotted toward it TK and Naomi slowed approaching it

TK and Naomi slowed approaching it

TK and Naomi slowed approaching it warily

warily

warily uh what do we do once we catch it he

uh what do we do once we catch it he

uh what do we do once we catch it he asked

asked

asked I don't want to catch it she said I want

I don't want to catch it she said I want

I don't want to catch it she said I want to help it get out of here

to help it get out of here

to help it get out of here the deer reached the elevated doors at

the deer reached the elevated doors at

the deer reached the elevated doors at the far end and stopped looking back

the far end and stopped looking back

the far end and stopped looking back over its shoulder at them

over its shoulder at them

over its shoulder at them TK walked even slower I'm not getting in

TK walked even slower I'm not getting in

TK walked even slower I'm not getting in an elevator with that thing

an elevator with that thing

an elevator with that thing at that moment the elevated door is

at that moment the elevated door is

at that moment the elevated door is banged and slid open the deer turned as

banged and slid open the deer turned as

banged and slid open the deer turned as if fully expecting that click clacked

if fully expecting that click clacked

if fully expecting that click clacked its way into the elevator turned back

its way into the elevator turned back

its way into the elevator turned back around to face them and swear to God it

around to face them and swear to God it

around to face them and swear to God it glanced up at the floor numbers as the

glanced up at the floor numbers as the

glanced up at the floor numbers as the door slid shut

door slid shut

door slid shut Tea cake and Naomi stared

Tea cake and Naomi stared

Tea cake and Naomi stared TK spoke first

TK spoke first

TK spoke first the [ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ]

the [ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ]

the [ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ] elevator

elevator

elevator Naomi looked around as if seeing the

Naomi looked around as if seeing the

Naomi looked around as if seeing the walls on either side of her for the

walls on either side of her for the

walls on either side of her for the first time what the hell is this place

18.

consider the night the deer was having

consider the night the deer was having

consider the night the deer was having after the animal's execution by Mike's

after the animal's execution by Mike's

after the animal's execution by Mike's handgun at the side of highway 16. it

handgun at the side of highway 16. it

handgun at the side of highway 16. it had gone through a period of Blackness

had gone through a period of Blackness

had gone through a period of Blackness from which it abruptly awakened in the

from which it abruptly awakened in the

from which it abruptly awakened in the trunk of a car with a lunatic half-faced

trunk of a car with a lunatic half-faced

trunk of a car with a lunatic half-faced cat standing on top of it

cat standing on top of it

cat standing on top of it cordyceps Novus having pulled off the

cordyceps Novus having pulled off the

cordyceps Novus having pulled off the seemingly impossible migration into the

seemingly impossible migration into the

seemingly impossible migration into the trunk of the car had spent more than

trunk of the car had spent more than

trunk of the car had spent more than eight hours marinating inside the

eight hours marinating inside the

eight hours marinating inside the helpless creature's brain

helpless creature's brain

helpless creature's brain the fungus had gone to work to repair

the fungus had gone to work to repair

the fungus had gone to work to repair damage from the bullets in the process

damage from the bullets in the process

damage from the bullets in the process rewiring neural connections to alter the

rewiring neural connections to alter the

rewiring neural connections to alter the animal's behavior

animal's behavior

animal's behavior the amygdala was expanded the frontal

the amygdala was expanded the frontal

the amygdala was expanded the frontal cortex was inhibited

cortex was inhibited

cortex was inhibited all the animals Basic Instincts eat

all the animals Basic Instincts eat

all the animals Basic Instincts eat reproduce run away have been

reproduce run away have been

reproduce run away have been subordinated to the primary goal of

subordinated to the primary goal of

subordinated to the primary goal of helping the fungus sporulate and

helping the fungus sporulate and

helping the fungus sporulate and disperse

disperse

disperse the deer didn't have much in the sense

the deer didn't have much in the sense

the deer didn't have much in the sense of wonder so it had no interest in

of wonder so it had no interest in

of wonder so it had no interest in trying to puzzle out how a pathogenic

trying to puzzle out how a pathogenic

trying to puzzle out how a pathogenic mutating fungus that had been stored in

mutating fungus that had been stored in

mutating fungus that had been stored in a sealed Subterranean environment ended

a sealed Subterranean environment ended

a sealed Subterranean environment ended up above ground in the trunk of a 96

up above ground in the trunk of a 96

up above ground in the trunk of a 96 Chevy Caprice in the first place

Chevy Caprice in the first place

Chevy Caprice in the first place still it's a question worth asking

still it's a question worth asking

still it's a question worth asking by the early 1990s the cordyceps Novus

by the early 1990s the cordyceps Novus

by the early 1990s the cordyceps Novus sample that had been recovered in

sample that had been recovered in

sample that had been recovered in Australia and stored Atchison was

Australia and stored Atchison was

Australia and stored Atchison was brutally unhappy

brutally unhappy

brutally unhappy when you have one biological imperative

when you have one biological imperative

when you have one biological imperative and that imperative is thwarted it gets

and that imperative is thwarted it gets

and that imperative is thwarted it gets pretty depressing

pretty depressing

pretty depressing but even though the temperature inside

but even though the temperature inside

but even though the temperature inside the bioseal tank was 14 degrees below

the bioseal tank was 14 degrees below

the bioseal tank was 14 degrees below zero and the fungus was nearly inert 14

zero and the fungus was nearly inert 14

zero and the fungus was nearly inert 14 below zero is still a lot warmer than

below zero is still a lot warmer than

below zero is still a lot warmer than absolute zero and nearly inert is not at

absolute zero and nearly inert is not at

absolute zero and nearly inert is not at all the same thing as completely inert

all the same thing as completely inert

all the same thing as completely inert deep underground sealed in a tank that

deep underground sealed in a tank that

deep underground sealed in a tank that was shut in a box that was locked in a

was shut in a box that was locked in a

was shut in a box that was locked in a crate the fungus continued its pattern

crate the fungus continued its pattern

crate the fungus continued its pattern of consumptive evolution albeit slowly

of consumptive evolution albeit slowly

of consumptive evolution albeit slowly given the temperature in the

given the temperature in the

given the temperature in the inhospitable chemical composition of the

inhospitable chemical composition of the

inhospitable chemical composition of the stainless steel tube itself

stainless steel tube itself

stainless steel tube itself manganese and aluminum are abundant in

manganese and aluminum are abundant in

manganese and aluminum are abundant in its makeup but they were of almost no

its makeup but they were of almost no

its makeup but they were of almost no use given their non-reactive nature

use given their non-reactive nature

use given their non-reactive nature a full 16 of the tube was chromium which

a full 16 of the tube was chromium which

a full 16 of the tube was chromium which was actually a growth inhibitor for

was actually a growth inhibitor for

was actually a growth inhibitor for cordyceps Novus so that was a downer and

cordyceps Novus so that was a downer and

cordyceps Novus so that was a downer and carbon which was what the fungus truly

carbon which was what the fungus truly

carbon which was what the fungus truly craved made up a scant 0.15 of its

craved made up a scant 0.15 of its

craved made up a scant 0.15 of its chemical surroundings

chemical surroundings

chemical surroundings the fungus did grow but barely

the fungus did grow but barely

the fungus did grow but barely still time marched on by 2005 after

still time marched on by 2005 after

still time marched on by 2005 after almost 20 years of ceaseless effort the

almost 20 years of ceaseless effort the

almost 20 years of ceaseless effort the fungus had managed to transform and

fungus had managed to transform and

fungus had managed to transform and occupy an area of the tube a few microns

occupy an area of the tube a few microns

occupy an area of the tube a few microns Square

Square

Square through that tiny opening the fungus

through that tiny opening the fungus

through that tiny opening the fungus trickled out into the larger storage

trickled out into the larger storage

trickled out into the larger storage container in which the tube rested

container in which the tube rested

container in which the tube rested it picked up a little nourishment from

it picked up a little nourishment from

it picked up a little nourishment from the polyurethane foam in which the tube

the polyurethane foam in which the tube

the polyurethane foam in which the tube was nestled

was nestled

was nestled at least Polly had more than two

at least Polly had more than two

at least Polly had more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule a

reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule a

reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule a fungus could work with that

fungus could work with that

fungus could work with that but it wasn't until it made its way

but it wasn't until it made its way

but it wasn't until it made its way through the portable sample Kit's outer

through the portable sample Kit's outer

through the portable sample Kit's outer shell in late 2014 the cordyceps Novus

shell in late 2014 the cordyceps Novus

shell in late 2014 the cordyceps Novus hit its digestive stride

hit its digestive stride

hit its digestive stride because the outer box the big one the

because the outer box the big one the

because the outer box the big one the crate Roberto and Trini had watched so

crate Roberto and Trini had watched so

crate Roberto and Trini had watched so carefully in the back of the truck 27

carefully in the back of the truck 27

carefully in the back of the truck 27 years before was made of carbon fiber

years before was made of carbon fiber

years before was made of carbon fiber SuperFood

SuperFood

SuperFood the fungus was out of containment and

the fungus was out of containment and

the fungus was out of containment and loose in the sealed room at this point

loose in the sealed room at this point

loose in the sealed room at this point but still slowed by the underground

but still slowed by the underground

but still slowed by the underground temperature

temperature

temperature slowed not stopped

slowed not stopped

slowed not stopped the powerful Cold Spring fed by the

the powerful Cold Spring fed by the

the powerful Cold Spring fed by the deeper undercurrence of the Missouri

deeper undercurrence of the Missouri

deeper undercurrence of the Missouri River had spent most of the 21st century

River had spent most of the 21st century

River had spent most of the 21st century warming up along with the rest of the

warming up along with the rest of the

warming up along with the rest of the planet

planet

planet the river surface got hotter the spring

the river surface got hotter the spring

the river surface got hotter the spring got hotter the ambient temperature

got hotter the ambient temperature

got hotter the ambient temperature inside sub-level 4 had risen 7 degrees

inside sub-level 4 had risen 7 degrees

inside sub-level 4 had risen 7 degrees since the fungus had first been

since the fungus had first been

since the fungus had first been incarcerated

incarcerated

incarcerated and the temperature only went up as the

and the temperature only went up as the

and the temperature only went up as the fungus produced its own chemical

fungus produced its own chemical

fungus produced its own chemical reactions

reactions

reactions its conquest of the sealed room was

its conquest of the sealed room was

its conquest of the sealed room was completed by mid-summer of 2018.

completed by mid-summer of 2018.

completed by mid-summer of 2018. the fungus ooze through the wiring in

the fungus ooze through the wiring in

the fungus ooze through the wiring in the wall in the Autumn of that year and

the wall in the Autumn of that year and

the wall in the Autumn of that year and spread into the main Corridor of sp4 in

spread into the main Corridor of sp4 in

spread into the main Corridor of sp4 in November

November

November an unusually cold winter delayed its

an unusually cold winter delayed its

an unusually cold winter delayed its growth briefly but when a

growth briefly but when a

growth briefly but when a record-breaking Heat Wave hit in early

record-breaking Heat Wave hit in early

record-breaking Heat Wave hit in early March of this year cordyceps Novus got

March of this year cordyceps Novus got

March of this year cordyceps Novus got the few extra degrees it needed to crank

the few extra degrees it needed to crank

the few extra degrees it needed to crank up its metabolic machinery

up its metabolic machinery

up its metabolic machinery it infected organic matter again for the

it infected organic matter again for the

it infected organic matter again for the first time since its birth in Australia

first time since its birth in Australia

first time since its birth in Australia that was when it found the roach

that was when it found the roach

that was when it found the roach the American cockroach has several

the American cockroach has several

the American cockroach has several impressive evolutionary characteristics

impressive evolutionary characteristics

impressive evolutionary characteristics besides its ability to survive a nuclear

besides its ability to survive a nuclear

besides its ability to survive a nuclear winter

winter

winter one is that it can live without its head

one is that it can live without its head

one is that it can live without its head for up to a week

for up to a week

for up to a week respiration occurs through small holes

respiration occurs through small holes

respiration occurs through small holes in each of its body segments so even

in each of its body segments so even

in each of its body segments so even after the first cordyceps Novus

after the first cordyceps Novus

after the first cordyceps Novus cockroach hybrid was decapitated in a

cockroach hybrid was decapitated in a

cockroach hybrid was decapitated in a snarl of Mayhem with a dozen other

snarl of Mayhem with a dozen other

snarl of Mayhem with a dozen other infected roaches who attacked and tried

infected roaches who attacked and tried

infected roaches who attacked and tried to consume each other

to consume each other

to consume each other CN roach one was able to continue on its

CN roach one was able to continue on its

CN roach one was able to continue on its purposeful way

purposeful way

purposeful way and it did have a purpose

and it did have a purpose

and it did have a purpose from the moment of its hijacking CN

from the moment of its hijacking CN

from the moment of its hijacking CN roach one became imbued with a

roach one became imbued with a

roach one became imbued with a biological purpose greater than any

biological purpose greater than any

biological purpose greater than any roach in history

roach in history

roach in history that's saying something for a 280

that's saying something for a 280

that's saying something for a 280 million year old genus

million year old genus

million year old genus cordyceps Novus was driven

cordyceps Novus was driven

cordyceps Novus was driven over 32 years of isolation it had

over 32 years of isolation it had

over 32 years of isolation it had changed very little except to note that

changed very little except to note that

changed very little except to note that its growth environment was for [ __ ]

its growth environment was for [ __ ]

its growth environment was for [ __ ] its epigenetic memory of its initial

its epigenetic memory of its initial

its epigenetic memory of its initial expansion back in kirakura community was

expansion back in kirakura community was

expansion back in kirakura community was one of extreme fertility

one of extreme fertility

one of extreme fertility the first living thing it had come into

the first living thing it had come into

the first living thing it had come into contact with was Enos namajira's uncle

contact with was Enos namajira's uncle

contact with was Enos namajira's uncle whom it had entered to a loose flap of

whom it had entered to a loose flap of

whom it had entered to a loose flap of skin under a torn fingernail Line's

skin under a torn fingernail Line's

skin under a torn fingernail Line's right hand

right hand

right hand the warmth and fertility of the inside

the warmth and fertility of the inside

the warmth and fertility of the inside of a human body had caused explosive

of a human body had caused explosive

of a human body had caused explosive proliferation

proliferation

proliferation human beings were also highly mobile and

human beings were also highly mobile and

human beings were also highly mobile and as a species had a tendency to

as a species had a tendency to

as a species had a tendency to congregate

congregate

congregate it was as if God had drawn these

it was as if God had drawn these

it was as if God had drawn these creatures up specifically to make life

creatures up specifically to make life

creatures up specifically to make life easy for the fungus

easy for the fungus

easy for the fungus the complete takeover of 27 human flesh

the complete takeover of 27 human flesh

the complete takeover of 27 human flesh pots was fast and easy

pots was fast and easy

pots was fast and easy oh how glorious things had been back

oh how glorious things had been back

oh how glorious things had been back then before the fungus was jailed inside

then before the fungus was jailed inside

then before the fungus was jailed inside this tin can

this tin can

this tin can if there's one thing prison gives you

if there's one thing prison gives you

if there's one thing prison gives you it's plenty of time to sit around and

it's plenty of time to sit around and

it's plenty of time to sit around and long for the good old days

long for the good old days

long for the good old days cordyceps Novus had tasted humans and it

cordyceps Novus had tasted humans and it

cordyceps Novus had tasted humans and it wanted more

wanted more

wanted more first it had to get out of here

first it had to get out of here

first it had to get out of here and CN roach one was a means to that end

and CN roach one was a means to that end

and CN roach one was a means to that end The Headless insect had moved

The Headless insect had moved

The Headless insect had moved methodically back and forth across the

methodically back and forth across the

methodically back and forth across the floor of sb4 for four days skirting a

floor of sb4 for four days skirting a

floor of sb4 for four days skirting a path around the shrieking cannibalistic

path around the shrieking cannibalistic

path around the shrieking cannibalistic Rat King until they reached the far end

Rat King until they reached the far end

Rat King until they reached the far end of the corridor

of the corridor

of the corridor there the roach discovered a four

there the roach discovered a four

there the roach discovered a four centimeter tube opening at the base of

centimeter tube opening at the base of

centimeter tube opening at the base of the wall covered by a small metal Grille

the wall covered by a small metal Grille

the wall covered by a small metal Grille the tube was required by law in any

the tube was required by law in any

the tube was required by law in any underground structure more than 50 feet

underground structure more than 50 feet

underground structure more than 50 feet below ground level in order to prevent

below ground level in order to prevent

below ground level in order to prevent the type of CO2 buildup that had killed

the type of CO2 buildup that had killed

the type of CO2 buildup that had killed so many Mine Workers in the 19th century

so many Mine Workers in the 19th century

so many Mine Workers in the 19th century from a containment point of view the

from a containment point of view the

from a containment point of view the opening was a terrible idea but the

opening was a terrible idea but the

opening was a terrible idea but the sub-level had never been designated for

sub-level had never been designated for

sub-level had never been designated for storage of biohazards in the opening was

storage of biohazards in the opening was

storage of biohazards in the opening was just small enough to have escaped the

just small enough to have escaped the

just small enough to have escaped the notice of the team that entombed the

notice of the team that entombed the

notice of the team that entombed the fungus 32 years ago

fungus 32 years ago

fungus 32 years ago CN roach 1 didn't care why the tube was

CN roach 1 didn't care why the tube was

CN roach 1 didn't care why the tube was there it just sensed fresh oxygen

there it just sensed fresh oxygen

there it just sensed fresh oxygen crawled inside and followed an upward

crawled inside and followed an upward

crawled inside and followed an upward curve in the pipe which rose gradually

curve in the pipe which rose gradually

curve in the pipe which rose gradually to vertical

to vertical

to vertical the incept climbed

the incept climbed

the incept climbed two days later nearing the end of its

two days later nearing the end of its

two days later nearing the end of its life but about to achieve its greatest

life but about to achieve its greatest

life but about to achieve its greatest success and late success really is the

success and late success really is the

success and late success really is the sweetest CN roach one reached the ground

sweetest CN roach one reached the ground

sweetest CN roach one reached the ground level grading of the ventilation tube's

level grading of the ventilation tube's

level grading of the ventilation tube's emission port and wriggled out onto the

emission port and wriggled out onto the

emission port and wriggled out onto the surface of the hot loamy Earth

surface of the hot loamy Earth

surface of the hot loamy Earth it was 50 yards from the entrance to

it was 50 yards from the entrance to

it was 50 yards from the entrance to Atchison storage and a warm late winter

Atchison storage and a warm late winter

Atchison storage and a warm late winter afternoon

afternoon

afternoon what a piece of work was this Roach

what a piece of work was this Roach

what a piece of work was this Roach it endured infection by a hostile fungus

it endured infection by a hostile fungus

it endured infection by a hostile fungus it had survived its own decapitation it

it had survived its own decapitation it

it had survived its own decapitation it had methodically searched for and found

had methodically searched for and found

had methodically searched for and found a way out of a prison specifically

a way out of a prison specifically

a way out of a prison specifically designed by intellects far superior to

designed by intellects far superior to

designed by intellects far superior to its own to allow No Escape

its own to allow No Escape

its own to allow No Escape but little CN roach one had done just

but little CN roach one had done just

but little CN roach one had done just that

that

that headless

headless

headless dehydrated and dying it had climbed 323

dehydrated and dying it had climbed 323

dehydrated and dying it had climbed 323 feet straight up on a slick surface

feet straight up on a slick surface

feet straight up on a slick surface given its tiny size this feat was the

given its tiny size this feat was the

given its tiny size this feat was the human equivalent of climbing Kilimanjaro

human equivalent of climbing Kilimanjaro

human equivalent of climbing Kilimanjaro on your knees right after going to the

on your knees right after going to the

on your knees right after going to the guillotine

guillotine

guillotine the tiny Road should perform perhaps the

the tiny Road should perform perhaps the

the tiny Road should perform perhaps the greatest act of physical Conquest in the

greatest act of physical Conquest in the

greatest act of physical Conquest in the history of Earthly life

history of Earthly life

history of Earthly life then a car parked on top of it

then a car parked on top of it

then a car parked on top of it CN roach one died with a squishy pop

CN roach one died with a squishy pop

CN roach one died with a squishy pop beneath the right rear tire

beneath the right rear tire

beneath the right rear tire the car was Mike's

the car was Mike's

the car was Mike's and this was this afternoon when he'd

and this was this afternoon when he'd

and this was this afternoon when he'd come to Atchison storage looking to bury

come to Atchison storage looking to bury

come to Atchison storage looking to bury the cat and deer he'd murdered

the cat and deer he'd murdered

the cat and deer he'd murdered while Mike walked up to the hilltop and

while Mike walked up to the hilltop and

while Mike walked up to the hilltop and searched for the right spot cordyceps

searched for the right spot cordyceps

searched for the right spot cordyceps novas faced the latest obstacle in its

novas faced the latest obstacle in its

novas faced the latest obstacle in its 32-year Journey

32-year Journey

32-year Journey 10 30 seconds of an inch of thick rubber

10 30 seconds of an inch of thick rubber

10 30 seconds of an inch of thick rubber car tire

car tire

car tire but it had been confronted with

but it had been confronted with

but it had been confronted with something similar once and knew just who

something similar once and knew just who

something similar once and knew just who to call

to call

to call the sheen of benzene X that lived on the

the sheen of benzene X that lived on the

the sheen of benzene X that lived on the surface of the fungus activated almost

surface of the fungus activated almost

surface of the fungus activated almost immediately

immediately

immediately it invaded the rubber in the tire ate

it invaded the rubber in the tire ate

it invaded the rubber in the tire ate its way through and opened a doorway for

its way through and opened a doorway for

its way through and opened a doorway for the fungus to pass into the Airy

the fungus to pass into the Airy

the fungus to pass into the Airy interior of the wheel

interior of the wheel

interior of the wheel cordyceps Novus floated upward and the

cordyceps Novus floated upward and the

cordyceps Novus floated upward and the fungus and its endosymbion repeated the

fungus and its endosymbion repeated the

fungus and its endosymbion repeated the penetrative process through the tread at

penetrative process through the tread at

penetrative process through the tread at the top of the wheel

the top of the wheel

the top of the wheel from there they rode along a bit of

from there they rode along a bit of

from there they rode along a bit of wiring that led into the trunk of the

wiring that led into the trunk of the

wiring that led into the trunk of the Chevy Caprice where cordyceps Novus

Chevy Caprice where cordyceps Novus

Chevy Caprice where cordyceps Novus discovered abundant consumable organic

discovered abundant consumable organic

discovered abundant consumable organic matter in the form of a dead deer and Mr

matter in the form of a dead deer and Mr

matter in the form of a dead deer and Mr Scroggins the former cat

Scroggins the former cat

Scroggins the former cat that was more like it

19.

the [ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ]

the [ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ]

the [ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ] elevator

elevator

elevator Naomi who is still staring at the closed

Naomi who is still staring at the closed

Naomi who is still staring at the closed doors in amazement didn't even look at

doors in amazement didn't even look at

doors in amazement didn't even look at Tea cake still trying to digest what had

Tea cake still trying to digest what had

Tea cake still trying to digest what had happened

happened

happened she murmured you said that already

she murmured you said that already

she murmured you said that already I think it's 100 worth repeating the

I think it's 100 worth repeating the

I think it's 100 worth repeating the [ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ]

[ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ]

[ __ ] deer just took the [ __ ] elevator

elevator

elevator Naomi looked back at the phone in her

Naomi looked back at the phone in her

Naomi looked back at the phone in her right hand

right hand

right hand she didn't know exactly what the defense

she didn't know exactly what the defense

she didn't know exactly what the defense threat reduction agency did

threat reduction agency did

threat reduction agency did but it was a safe bet that a rat king

but it was a safe bet that a rat king

but it was a safe bet that a rat king and a deer that knows how to work an

and a deer that knows how to work an

and a deer that knows how to work an elevator were probably right up their

elevator were probably right up their

elevator were probably right up their alley

alley

alley she turned her phone around and showed

she turned her phone around and showed

she turned her phone around and showed him the website

him the website

him the website we need to call this place be my [ __ ]

we need to call this place be my [ __ ]

we need to call this place be my [ __ ] guest do you mind with the language

guest do you mind with the language

guest do you mind with the language sorry

sorry

sorry he was

he was

he was anything for her

anything for her

anything for her please call them

please call them

please call them Naomi scrolled to the contact us header

Naomi scrolled to the contact us header

Naomi scrolled to the contact us header clicked on it and list of phone numbers

clicked on it and list of phone numbers

clicked on it and list of phone numbers popped up

popped up

popped up there's got to be a hundred numbers

there's got to be a hundred numbers

there's got to be a hundred numbers listed here like what

listed here like what

listed here like what Naomi thumbed her phone again rolling

Naomi thumbed her phone again rolling

Naomi thumbed her phone again rolling past the numbers and job titles director

past the numbers and job titles director

past the numbers and job titles director deputy director command senior enlisted

deputy director command senior enlisted

deputy director command senior enlisted leader counter wmd Technologies

leader counter wmd Technologies

leader counter wmd Technologies TK looked around nervous as hell what

TK looked around nervous as hell what

TK looked around nervous as hell what about like green [ __ ] leaking everywhere

about like green [ __ ] leaking everywhere

about like green [ __ ] leaking everywhere and animals acting all [ __ ] up

and animals acting all [ __ ] up

and animals acting all [ __ ] up chem bioanalysis Center doj radiation

chem bioanalysis Center doj radiation

chem bioanalysis Center doj radiation exposure program

exposure program

exposure program from the Elevator Shaft they heard an

from the Elevator Shaft they heard an

from the Elevator Shaft they heard an inhuman catawalling echoing off the

inhuman catawalling echoing off the

inhuman catawalling echoing off the concrete walls

concrete walls

concrete walls they took a step back

they took a step back

they took a step back or TK offered maybe we put a couple

or TK offered maybe we put a couple

or TK offered maybe we put a couple miles between us and this place and then

miles between us and this place and then

miles between us and this place and then we call them

we call them

we call them I'm cool with that

I'm cool with that

I'm cool with that another howl came from inside the

another howl came from inside the

another howl came from inside the Elevator Shaft

Elevator Shaft

Elevator Shaft stairwell Naomi suggested this way

stairwell Naomi suggested this way

stairwell Naomi suggested this way he led her down the hall at a run around

he led her down the hall at a run around

he led her down the hall at a run around the first corner and they reached the

the first corner and they reached the

the first corner and they reached the lot stairwell TK zipped his key off the

lot stairwell TK zipped his key off the

lot stairwell TK zipped his key off the ring still loved that sound no matter

ring still loved that sound no matter

ring still loved that sound no matter what else was going on unlock the door

what else was going on unlock the door

what else was going on unlock the door and they pushed through

and they pushed through

and they pushed through they bounded up two flights of stairs

they bounded up two flights of stairs

they bounded up two flights of stairs reached ground level and used his key to

reached ground level and used his key to

reached ground level and used his key to open the door there

open the door there

open the door there they stepped out into the all-white

they stepped out into the all-white

they stepped out into the all-white hallway never so grateful to be above

hallway never so grateful to be above

hallway never so grateful to be above ground in their lives

ground in their lives

ground in their lives he took her by the hand damn she's got

he took her by the hand damn she's got

he took her by the hand damn she's got some soft skin soft but strong hands you

some soft skin soft but strong hands you

some soft skin soft but strong hands you can feel it I wonder if that's from

can feel it I wonder if that's from

can feel it I wonder if that's from carrying her kid around nah that'll make

carrying her kid around nah that'll make

carrying her kid around nah that'll make your arms strong but not necessarily

your arms strong but not necessarily

your arms strong but not necessarily your hands how come she's got such

your hands how come she's got such

your hands how come she's got such strong hands weight Focus man we gotta

strong hands weight Focus man we gotta

strong hands weight Focus man we gotta get out of here

get out of here

get out of here and let her down the hallway headed for

and let her down the hallway headed for

and let her down the hallway headed for the lobby

the lobby

the lobby not far away the deer stood in the

not far away the deer stood in the

not far away the deer stood in the elevator awaiting further instruction

elevator awaiting further instruction

elevator awaiting further instruction it's not that the deal was sentient it

it's not that the deal was sentient it

it's not that the deal was sentient it had no sense of selfhood what it had was

had no sense of selfhood what it had was

had no sense of selfhood what it had was a clearly articulated purpose

a clearly articulated purpose

a clearly articulated purpose as long as it was moving toward

as long as it was moving toward

as long as it was moving toward fulfillment of that purpose the pain in

fulfillment of that purpose the pain in

fulfillment of that purpose the pain in its belly was not as intense

its belly was not as intense

its belly was not as intense the deer didn't have the faintest idea

the deer didn't have the faintest idea

the deer didn't have the faintest idea why any of this should be the case

why any of this should be the case

why any of this should be the case but then it didn't understand much of

but then it didn't understand much of

but then it didn't understand much of what had happened to it in the last 48

what had happened to it in the last 48

what had happened to it in the last 48 hours

the elevated doors opened at the far end

the elevated doors opened at the far end

the elevated doors opened at the far end of the ground floor level of Atchison

of the ground floor level of Atchison

of the ground floor level of Atchison storage and Tea cake and Naomi both

storage and Tea cake and Naomi both

storage and Tea cake and Naomi both screamed

screamed

screamed they had taken the stairs specifically

they had taken the stairs specifically

they had taken the stairs specifically to avoid the disfigured resourceful deer

to avoid the disfigured resourceful deer

to avoid the disfigured resourceful deer that seemed to know how to operate an

that seemed to know how to operate an

that seemed to know how to operate an elevator and now that deer was standing

elevator and now that deer was standing

elevator and now that deer was standing right in front of him

right in front of him

right in front of him how the [ __ ] Tea cake shouted the deer

how the [ __ ] Tea cake shouted the deer

how the [ __ ] Tea cake shouted the deer which took three shaky steps toward them

which took three shaky steps toward them

which took three shaky steps toward them making a flemmy hacking sound at the

making a flemmy hacking sound at the

making a flemmy hacking sound at the back of its throat

back of its throat

back of its throat Tea cake and Naomi stared in horrified

Tea cake and Naomi stared in horrified

Tea cake and Naomi stared in horrified fascination

fascination

fascination from this closer perspective they could

from this closer perspective they could

from this closer perspective they could see the deer had numerous gunshot wounds

see the deer had numerous gunshot wounds

see the deer had numerous gunshot wounds to its head and one hindquarter appeared

to its head and one hindquarter appeared

to its head and one hindquarter appeared to have been completely crushed and then

to have been completely crushed and then

to have been completely crushed and then re-inflated somewhat off shape

re-inflated somewhat off shape

re-inflated somewhat off shape the deer's belly seemed to expand as

the deer's belly seemed to expand as

the deer's belly seemed to expand as they watched and its once spindly limbs

they watched and its once spindly limbs

they watched and its once spindly limbs had taken on the shape of piano legs

had taken on the shape of piano legs

had taken on the shape of piano legs Naomi held her hands out one toward the

Naomi held her hands out one toward the

Naomi held her hands out one toward the deer and one toward Tea cake just just

deer and one toward Tea cake just just

deer and one toward Tea cake just just tigate looked at her his voice an octave

tigate looked at her his voice an octave

tigate looked at her his voice an octave higher than usual yeah

higher than usual yeah

higher than usual yeah don't don't don't

don't don't don't

don't don't don't are you talking to me or the thing he

are you talking to me or the thing he

are you talking to me or the thing he wasn't sure

wasn't sure

wasn't sure the deer took another few steps toward

the deer took another few steps toward

the deer took another few steps toward them and they in turn took a few steps

them and they in turn took a few steps

them and they in turn took a few steps back

back

back they continued to back away moving

they continued to back away moving

they continued to back away moving toward the t-junction of the hallway

toward the t-junction of the hallway

toward the t-junction of the hallway inside the deer's head a Civil War was

inside the deer's head a Civil War was

inside the deer's head a Civil War was taking place

taking place

taking place every one of the animals Natural

every one of the animals Natural

every one of the animals Natural Instincts was screaming at it to turn

Instincts was screaming at it to turn

Instincts was screaming at it to turn and run away from these scary two-legged

and run away from these scary two-legged

and run away from these scary two-legged creatures

creatures

creatures but an even stronger Instinct a new one

but an even stronger Instinct a new one

but an even stronger Instinct a new one that had taken hold only recently

that had taken hold only recently

that had taken hold only recently insisted on just the opposite

insisted on just the opposite

insisted on just the opposite and this new voice was loud and firm

and this new voice was loud and firm

and this new voice was loud and firm move forward

move forward

move forward the new voice said get as close as you

the new voice said get as close as you

the new voice said get as close as you can go to them go to them walk walk walk

can go to them go to them walk walk walk

can go to them go to them walk walk walk and then the pain will stop

and then the pain will stop

and then the pain will stop cordyceps Novus knew what it wanted and

cordyceps Novus knew what it wanted and

cordyceps Novus knew what it wanted and it wasn't a cockroach cat or deer it was

it wasn't a cockroach cat or deer it was

it wasn't a cockroach cat or deer it was the intelligent highly ambulatory

the intelligent highly ambulatory

the intelligent highly ambulatory communal creatures that were 10 yards

communal creatures that were 10 yards

communal creatures that were 10 yards away at the end of the hall

away at the end of the hall

away at the end of the hall the deer kept moving toward them in TK

the deer kept moving toward them in TK

the deer kept moving toward them in TK and Naomi continued to back up until

and Naomi continued to back up until

and Naomi continued to back up until they reached the cinder block wall at

they reached the cinder block wall at

they reached the cinder block wall at the end of the corridor

the end of the corridor

the end of the corridor they could have turned and run in either

they could have turned and run in either

they could have turned and run in either direction but that would have meant

direction but that would have meant

direction but that would have meant tearing their eyes away from the

tearing their eyes away from the

tearing their eyes away from the unnatural spectacle that was unfolding

unnatural spectacle that was unfolding

unnatural spectacle that was unfolding in front of them and that they could not

in front of them and that they could not

in front of them and that they could not do

do

do the deer was still swelling its body

the deer was still swelling its body

the deer was still swelling its body creaking and groaning and snapping on

creaking and groaning and snapping on

creaking and groaning and snapping on the inside

the inside

the inside it was puffing up like a water balloon

it was puffing up like a water balloon

it was puffing up like a water balloon at the end of a hose

at the end of a hose

at the end of a hose there were just a few seconds left

there were just a few seconds left

there were just a few seconds left before his gut let go

before his gut let go

before his gut let go Naomi and TK were directly within its

Naomi and TK were directly within its

Naomi and TK were directly within its spatter radius and didn't realize how

spatter radius and didn't realize how

spatter radius and didn't realize how close they were to a certain and painful

close they were to a certain and painful

close they were to a certain and painful death

death

death but at the very last moment Naomi's

but at the very last moment Naomi's

but at the very last moment Naomi's four-year-old daughter Sarah stepped in

four-year-old daughter Sarah stepped in

four-year-old daughter Sarah stepped in and saved both of their lives

and saved both of their lives

and saved both of their lives for the last three months Sarah had been

for the last three months Sarah had been

for the last three months Sarah had been deep in the throes of a Willy Wonka

deep in the throes of a Willy Wonka

deep in the throes of a Willy Wonka obsession

obsession

obsession Sarah and therefore her mother had

Sarah and therefore her mother had

Sarah and therefore her mother had watched the 1971 version of that movie

watched the 1971 version of that movie

watched the 1971 version of that movie in whole or in part more times than

in whole or in part more times than

in whole or in part more times than Naomi cared to count

Naomi cared to count

Naomi cared to count sometimes Naomi was awake actually

sometimes Naomi was awake actually

sometimes Naomi was awake actually watching it with her daughter sometimes

watching it with her daughter sometimes

watching it with her daughter sometimes she was asleep dreaming it or folding

she was asleep dreaming it or folding

she was asleep dreaming it or folding laundry in the other room the audio

laundry in the other room the audio

laundry in the other room the audio bouncing off the walls and into her head

bouncing off the walls and into her head

bouncing off the walls and into her head and we knew every line every lyric every

and we knew every line every lyric every

and we knew every line every lyric every part of it by heart and the part she

part of it by heart and the part she

part of it by heart and the part she knew best were the parts that scared

knew best were the parts that scared

knew best were the parts that scared Sarah the parts where she needed her

Sarah the parts where she needed her

Sarah the parts where she needed her mama to come over and sit down and pull

mama to come over and sit down and pull

mama to come over and sit down and pull her onto her lap and stroke her hair

her onto her lap and stroke her hair

her onto her lap and stroke her hair until it was all just pretend

until it was all just pretend

until it was all just pretend Naomi didn't mind

Naomi didn't mind

Naomi didn't mind she actually liked her kid best of all

she actually liked her kid best of all

she actually liked her kid best of all in those moments because those were the

in those moments because those were the

in those moments because those were the times she felt like a halfway okay

times she felt like a halfway okay

times she felt like a halfway okay mother

mother

mother the scary parts of Willy Wonka were some

the scary parts of Willy Wonka were some

the scary parts of Willy Wonka were some of the most peaceful moments of Naomi's

of the most peaceful moments of Naomi's

of the most peaceful moments of Naomi's life which of course made her feel

life which of course made her feel

life which of course made her feel guilty

guilty

guilty does my kid have to be terrified and

does my kid have to be terrified and

does my kid have to be terrified and clingy in order for me to be happy

clingy in order for me to be happy

clingy in order for me to be happy well no but sometimes it helps

well no but sometimes it helps

well no but sometimes it helps What mattered now was the part of the

What mattered now was the part of the

What mattered now was the part of the movie that scared Sarah the most when

movie that scared Sarah the most when

movie that scared Sarah the most when Violet Beauregard stole three coursed in

Violet Beauregard stole three coursed in

Violet Beauregard stole three coursed in a gum began to swell and blow up into an

a gum began to swell and blow up into an

a gum began to swell and blow up into an enormous blueberry

enormous blueberry

enormous blueberry Sarah would cover her eyes and scream

Sarah would cover her eyes and scream

Sarah would cover her eyes and scream and panic she's gonna pop she's gonna

and panic she's gonna pop she's gonna

and panic she's gonna pop she's gonna pop Mama she's gonna pop

pop Mama she's gonna pop

pop Mama she's gonna pop the deer was going to pop

the deer was going to pop

the deer was going to pop Naomi grabbed Tea cake by the arm and

Naomi grabbed Tea cake by the arm and

Naomi grabbed Tea cake by the arm and hauled him to the side pulling him

hauled him to the side pulling him

hauled him to the side pulling him around the corner and slamming them both

around the corner and slamming them both

around the corner and slamming them both up against the wall hard just as the

up against the wall hard just as the

up against the wall hard just as the deer's over text frame gave out

deer's over text frame gave out

deer's over text frame gave out it is inaccurate to say that the deer

it is inaccurate to say that the deer

it is inaccurate to say that the deer burst like Mr Scroggins and Enos

burst like Mr Scroggins and Enos

burst like Mr Scroggins and Enos namachira's uncle had this was different

namachira's uncle had this was different

namachira's uncle had this was different one second the deer stood there swollen

one second the deer stood there swollen

one second the deer stood there swollen nearly to round like violet Beauregard

nearly to round like violet Beauregard

nearly to round like violet Beauregard and the next second the deer was not

and the next second the deer was not

and the next second the deer was not standing there but the ceiling floor and

standing there but the ceiling floor and

standing there but the ceiling floor and walls of the hallway were painted with

walls of the hallway were painted with

walls of the hallway were painted with thick foamy green fungus

thick foamy green fungus

thick foamy green fungus Naomi held TK pressed firmly against the

Naomi held TK pressed firmly against the

Naomi held TK pressed firmly against the wall inches out of the line of fire safe

wall inches out of the line of fire safe

wall inches out of the line of fire safe behind their blast Shield when the goo

behind their blast Shield when the goo

behind their blast Shield when the goo flew

flew

flew there was a second there where TK could

there was a second there where TK could

there was a second there where TK could look into her eyes from up close without

look into her eyes from up close without

look into her eyes from up close without coming off as creepy

coming off as creepy

coming off as creepy a second where it was just gratitude and

a second where it was just gratitude and

a second where it was just gratitude and connection

connection

connection the first half of that second was

the first half of that second was

the first half of that second was thrilling her eyes were home they were

thrilling her eyes were home they were

thrilling her eyes were home they were the only place he ever wanted to be

the only place he ever wanted to be

the only place he ever wanted to be and the last lines of the only poem he

and the last lines of the only poem he

and the last lines of the only poem he knew flitted through his mind

knew flitted through his mind

knew flitted through his mind a mind at peace with all below a heart

a mind at peace with all below a heart

a mind at peace with all below a heart whose love is innocent

whose love is innocent

whose love is innocent but then came the other half second and

but then came the other half second and

but then came the other half second and his mind was no longer at peace

his mind was no longer at peace

his mind was no longer at peace felt only sorrow

felt only sorrow

felt only sorrow because he knew

because he knew

because he knew no matter how she felt tonight

no matter how she felt tonight

no matter how she felt tonight no matter the thrill or danger or

no matter the thrill or danger or

no matter the thrill or danger or exhilaration of discovery

exhilaration of discovery

exhilaration of discovery inevitably tomorrow morning would come

inevitably tomorrow morning would come

inevitably tomorrow morning would come those feelings would fade

those feelings would fade

those feelings would fade and she would realize they couldn't

and she would realize they couldn't

and she would realize they couldn't possibly be together

possibly be together

possibly be together a single mother no an outstanding single

a single mother no an outstanding single

a single mother no an outstanding single mother would not could not choose to be

mother would not could not choose to be

mother would not could not choose to be with a minimum wage worker with a prison

with a minimum wage worker with a prison

with a minimum wage worker with a prison record

record

record specifically she would not choose to be

specifically she would not choose to be

specifically she would not choose to be with him

with him

with him if she did she wouldn't be her and he

if she did she wouldn't be her and he

if she did she wouldn't be her and he wouldn't respect her

wouldn't respect her

wouldn't respect her he'd spare her the awkwardness of

he'd spare her the awkwardness of

he'd spare her the awkwardness of telling him once they got out of this

telling him once they got out of this

telling him once they got out of this he'd just slip away she wouldn't know

he'd just slip away she wouldn't know

he'd just slip away she wouldn't know why

why

why but maybe she'd know he'd saved her the

but maybe she'd know he'd saved her the

but maybe she'd know he'd saved her the trouble

trouble

trouble from around the corner they heard the

from around the corner they heard the

from around the corner they heard the elevator doors open again and the sound

elevator doors open again and the sound

elevator doors open again and the sound of footsteps on the hard cement floor

of footsteps on the hard cement floor

of footsteps on the hard cement floor what now

what now

what now Naomi pulled back from Tea cake and they

Naomi pulled back from Tea cake and they

Naomi pulled back from Tea cake and they looked at each other in confusion and

looked at each other in confusion and

looked at each other in confusion and alarm

alarm

alarm still hidden around the corner they

still hidden around the corner they

still hidden around the corner they stayed silent gesturing to each other

stayed silent gesturing to each other

stayed silent gesturing to each other her furrowed brow and cocked head asked

her furrowed brow and cocked head asked

her furrowed brow and cocked head asked who the hell is that and his upturned

who the hell is that and his upturned

who the hell is that and his upturned palms and a quick Shake of his head

palms and a quick Shake of his head

palms and a quick Shake of his head answered like I know

answered like I know

answered like I know the footsteps Drew closer and louder

the footsteps Drew closer and louder

the footsteps Drew closer and louder they were definitely human

they were definitely human

they were definitely human but there are no other workers in the

but there are no other workers in the

but there are no other workers in the place of this hour and neither one of

place of this hour and neither one of

place of this hour and neither one of them had buzzed anyone in

them had buzzed anyone in

them had buzzed anyone in TK called out from around the corner

TK called out from around the corner

TK called out from around the corner hello

hello

hello you tried to sound authoritative but say

you tried to sound authoritative but say

you tried to sound authoritative but say where he was hidden from View

where he was hidden from View

where he was hidden from View the footsteps paused and started walking

the footsteps paused and started walking

the footsteps paused and started walking again

again

again they heard a soft gush as the feet must

they heard a soft gush as the feet must

they heard a soft gush as the feet must have hit the edge of the wet carpet of

have hit the edge of the wet carpet of

have hit the edge of the wet carpet of fungus in the middle of the hall and

fungus in the middle of the hall and

fungus in the middle of the hall and kept coming toward them

kept coming toward them

kept coming toward them Naomi's turn louder

Naomi's turn louder

Naomi's turn louder who is that

who is that

who is that the footsteps stopped again but only for

the footsteps stopped again but only for

the footsteps stopped again but only for a second before they resumed faster

a second before they resumed faster

a second before they resumed faster splatting through the fungus they would

splatting through the fungus they would

splatting through the fungus they would just around the corner now

just around the corner now

just around the corner now TK and Naomi backed up a few feet into

TK and Naomi backed up a few feet into

TK and Naomi backed up a few feet into the middle of the hallway a safe enough

the middle of the hallway a safe enough

the middle of the hallway a safe enough distance away to still turn and run if

distance away to still turn and run if

distance away to still turn and run if they had to

they had to

they had to a man came around the corner and stopped

a man came around the corner and stopped

a man came around the corner and stopped staring at them

staring at them

staring at them it took Naomi a moment to comprehend the

it took Naomi a moment to comprehend the

it took Naomi a moment to comprehend the weirdness of what she was seeing

weirdness of what she was seeing

weirdness of what she was seeing Mike

Mike

Mike pulled back his lips and showed his

pulled back his lips and showed his

pulled back his lips and showed his teeth which was not at all the same

teeth which was not at all the same

teeth which was not at all the same thing as a smile but it was the best he

thing as a smile but it was the best he

thing as a smile but it was the best he could do

could do

could do hi honey

hi honey

hi honey Tea cake looked back and forth between

Tea cake looked back and forth between

Tea cake looked back and forth between them three legitimate questions in his

them three legitimate questions in his

them three legitimate questions in his mind he elected to skip two of the more

mind he elected to skip two of the more

mind he elected to skip two of the more mundane ones you guys know each other

mundane ones you guys know each other

mundane ones you guys know each other and honey and move immediately to the

and honey and move immediately to the

and honey and move immediately to the more mysterious issue

more mysterious issue

more mysterious issue you were in the elevator with that thing

you were in the elevator with that thing

you were in the elevator with that thing you said the mic

you said the mic

you said the mic Mike turned his head as if noticing Tea

Mike turned his head as if noticing Tea

Mike turned his head as if noticing Tea cake for the first time I was in the

cake for the first time I was in the

cake for the first time I was in the elevator with that thing

elevator with that thing

elevator with that thing TK looked at Mike then at Naomi he's

TK looked at Mike then at Naomi he's

TK looked at Mike then at Naomi he's your weirdo but he pressed on turning

your weirdo but he pressed on turning

your weirdo but he pressed on turning back to Mike so you pushed the buttons

back to Mike so you pushed the buttons

back to Mike so you pushed the buttons Mike blinked I pushed the buttons a deer

Mike blinked I pushed the buttons a deer

Mike blinked I pushed the buttons a deer can't push buttons

can't push buttons

can't push buttons TK squinted

TK squinted

TK squinted he had an odd conversational style this

he had an odd conversational style this

he had an odd conversational style this guy and he ended every sentence with

guy and he ended every sentence with

guy and he ended every sentence with that weird half open mouth like he was

that weird half open mouth like he was

that weird half open mouth like he was trying to smile but his lips kept

trying to smile but his lips kept

trying to smile but his lips kept getting stuck to his teeth

getting stuck to his teeth

getting stuck to his teeth what are you doing here Mike Naomi

what are you doing here Mike Naomi

what are you doing here Mike Naomi jumped in what the hell happened to that

jumped in what the hell happened to that

jumped in what the hell happened to that thing

thing

thing she pointed to the mass of Goo that Mike

she pointed to the mass of Goo that Mike

she pointed to the mass of Goo that Mike had just walked through then looked back

had just walked through then looked back

had just walked through then looked back at him noticing the sleeves of his shirt

at him noticing the sleeves of his shirt

at him noticing the sleeves of his shirt was soaked red with blood that oozed out

was soaked red with blood that oozed out

was soaked red with blood that oozed out of a series of long Jagged Cuts running

of a series of long Jagged Cuts running

of a series of long Jagged Cuts running up the length of both arms

up the length of both arms

up the length of both arms what the hell happened to your arms

what the hell happened to your arms

what the hell happened to your arms that was way more interrogation than

that was way more interrogation than

that was way more interrogation than whatever was left of Mike's brain could

whatever was left of Mike's brain could

whatever was left of Mike's brain could handle

handle

handle he'd been feeling pretty good outside

he'd been feeling pretty good outside

he'd been feeling pretty good outside especially when he saw Naomi's car and

especially when he saw Naomi's car and

especially when he saw Naomi's car and realized there was another human being

realized there was another human being

realized there was another human being in the immediate vicinity not just any

in the immediate vicinity not just any

in the immediate vicinity not just any human but one whom he knew and could get

human but one whom he knew and could get

human but one whom he knew and could get close to

close to

close to that's something I should do right yes

that's something I should do right yes

that's something I should do right yes the feeling in his head that's something

the feeling in his head that's something

the feeling in his head that's something I should do right away isn't it

I should do right away isn't it

I should do right away isn't it oh yes the feeling told him

oh yes the feeling told him

oh yes the feeling told him cordyceps Novus after the failure in

cordyceps Novus after the failure in

cordyceps Novus after the failure in Australia and The Limited Success With

Australia and The Limited Success With

Australia and The Limited Success With Mr Scroggins had lost interest in height

Mr Scroggins had lost interest in height

Mr Scroggins had lost interest in height as a prerequisite for contagion and had

as a prerequisite for contagion and had

as a prerequisite for contagion and had now seen the wisdom of lateral Mobility

now seen the wisdom of lateral Mobility

now seen the wisdom of lateral Mobility yes get as close to them as you can as

yes get as close to them as you can as

yes get as close to them as you can as soon as you can yes please

soon as you can yes please

soon as you can yes please so Mike had moved he was confident he

so Mike had moved he was confident he

so Mike had moved he was confident he had a purpose which was more than he'd

had a purpose which was more than he'd

had a purpose which was more than he'd been able to say for a long time

been able to say for a long time

been able to say for a long time the locked front door of the storage

the locked front door of the storage

the locked front door of the storage facility hadn't deterred him he'd found

facility hadn't deterred him he'd found

facility hadn't deterred him he'd found a side door with a glass panel in it

a side door with a glass panel in it

a side door with a glass panel in it smashed it with a rock and riddled

smashed it with a rock and riddled

smashed it with a rock and riddled through

through

through the broken glass didn't hurt that much

the broken glass didn't hurt that much

the broken glass didn't hurt that much when it sliced up his arms and when he

when it sliced up his arms and when he

when it sliced up his arms and when he landed on the other side of the door and

landed on the other side of the door and

landed on the other side of the door and stood up he'd been delighted to see the

stood up he'd been delighted to see the

stood up he'd been delighted to see the deer through the broken window standing

deer through the broken window standing

deer through the broken window standing at the edge of the Woods 10 yards away

at the edge of the Woods 10 yards away

at the edge of the Woods 10 yards away staring at him

staring at him

staring at him Mike was thrilled he'd felt bad about

Mike was thrilled he'd felt bad about

Mike was thrilled he'd felt bad about the deer for two days but there it was

the deer for two days but there it was

the deer for two days but there it was alive

alive

alive and somehow he knew this it was on his

and somehow he knew this it was on his

and somehow he knew this it was on his side

side

side he'd open the door held it wide and a

he'd open the door held it wide and a

he'd open the door held it wide and a deer trotted inside the building

deer trotted inside the building

deer trotted inside the building together they walked the halls of

together they walked the halls of

together they walked the halls of Atchison storage for a good 20 minutes

Atchison storage for a good 20 minutes

Atchison storage for a good 20 minutes looking for Naomi but not finding her or

looking for Naomi but not finding her or

looking for Naomi but not finding her or anyone else for that matter

anyone else for that matter

anyone else for that matter they'd moved on wordlessly to the

they'd moved on wordlessly to the

they'd moved on wordlessly to the basement taking the elevator down a

basement taking the elevator down a

basement taking the elevator down a level to continue their search

level to continue their search

level to continue their search she had to be here somewhere

she had to be here somewhere

she had to be here somewhere Mike and the deer had the same

Mike and the deer had the same

Mike and the deer had the same imperative

imperative

imperative find a human and infected repeat as many

find a human and infected repeat as many

find a human and infected repeat as many times as possible until you're dead and

times as possible until you're dead and

times as possible until you're dead and God damn it they were gonna carry it out

God damn it they were gonna carry it out

God damn it they were gonna carry it out he was gonna be good at something

he was gonna be good at something

he was gonna be good at something it was when they'd reached sb1 and the

it was when they'd reached sb1 and the

it was when they'd reached sb1 and the elevated doors opened that Mike had

elevated doors opened that Mike had

elevated doors opened that Mike had Frozen up because there he'd heard her

Frozen up because there he'd heard her

Frozen up because there he'd heard her voice coming from around the corner

voice coming from around the corner

voice coming from around the corner talking to T cake and the 49 of his

talking to T cake and the 49 of his

talking to T cake and the 49 of his brain that still contained useful human

brain that still contained useful human

brain that still contained useful human feelings like guilt and remorse kicked

feelings like guilt and remorse kicked

feelings like guilt and remorse kicked into overdrive he remembered what he'd

into overdrive he remembered what he'd

into overdrive he remembered what he'd done and that he'd fled and that he had

done and that he'd fled and that he had

done and that he'd fled and that he had a child somewhere whom he had failed to

a child somewhere whom he had failed to

a child somewhere whom he had failed to father

father

father as Naomi's voice Drew closer Mike had

as Naomi's voice Drew closer Mike had

as Naomi's voice Drew closer Mike had pressed his body back against the wall

pressed his body back against the wall

pressed his body back against the wall of the elevator out of sight next to the

of the elevator out of sight next to the

of the elevator out of sight next to the control panel and prayed to be anywhere

control panel and prayed to be anywhere

control panel and prayed to be anywhere but here

but here

but here prayer is a powerful psychic Force more

prayer is a powerful psychic Force more

prayer is a powerful psychic Force more powerful even than cordyceps Novus or at

powerful even than cordyceps Novus or at

powerful even than cordyceps Novus or at least it was for those 60 seconds or so

least it was for those 60 seconds or so

least it was for those 60 seconds or so Mike coward in the elevator out of sight

Mike coward in the elevator out of sight

Mike coward in the elevator out of sight able to temporarily fight back the urge

able to temporarily fight back the urge

able to temporarily fight back the urge to go get them

to go get them

to go get them when the deer walked back into the

when the deer walked back into the

when the deer walked back into the elevator and Mike was able to push door

elevator and Mike was able to push door

elevator and Mike was able to push door closed a wave of relief washed over him

closed a wave of relief washed over him

closed a wave of relief washed over him he wouldn't have to see her again he

he wouldn't have to see her again he

he wouldn't have to see her again he wouldn't have to face the weight of his

wouldn't have to face the weight of his

wouldn't have to face the weight of his sins

sins

sins they'd reached ground level and the deer

they'd reached ground level and the deer

they'd reached ground level and the deer God bless you you beautiful Intrepid

God bless you you beautiful Intrepid

God bless you you beautiful Intrepid creature had Strode out of the elevator

creature had Strode out of the elevator

creature had Strode out of the elevator toward the pair of humans swelled up and

toward the pair of humans swelled up and

toward the pair of humans swelled up and done its level best to coat them in

done its level best to coat them in

done its level best to coat them in fungus

fungus

fungus but it failed

but it failed

but it failed and the religious rebellion in Mike's

and the religious rebellion in Mike's

and the religious rebellion in Mike's brain was quashed under the boot heel of

brain was quashed under the boot heel of

brain was quashed under the boot heel of cordyceps Novus which simply said next

cordyceps Novus which simply said next

cordyceps Novus which simply said next man up and pushed Mike forward to do his

man up and pushed Mike forward to do his

man up and pushed Mike forward to do his biological Duty

biological Duty

biological Duty now Naomi waited for him to answer her

now Naomi waited for him to answer her

now Naomi waited for him to answer her questions any of them really

questions any of them really

questions any of them really he blinked just looking at her

he blinked just looking at her

he blinked just looking at her TK tried like hell to figure this out

TK tried like hell to figure this out

TK tried like hell to figure this out you okay man yes Mike but Mike just

you okay man yes Mike but Mike just

you okay man yes Mike but Mike just opened his mouth and then closed it

opened his mouth and then closed it

opened his mouth and then closed it again TK turned to Naomi you know this

again TK turned to Naomi you know this

again TK turned to Naomi you know this guy

guy

guy yes she hesitated because she hated

yes she hesitated because she hated

yes she hesitated because she hated saying it

saying it

saying it yeah Tea cake was waiting

yeah Tea cake was waiting

yeah Tea cake was waiting he's my kid's dad

he's my kid's dad

he's my kid's dad Mike opened and closed his mouth three

Mike opened and closed his mouth three

Mike opened and closed his mouth three times clicking his teeth

times clicking his teeth

times clicking his teeth TK took that in then turned back to

TK took that in then turned back to

TK took that in then turned back to Naomi

Naomi

Naomi uh for real

uh for real

uh for real Mike moved toward Naomi open your mouth

Mike moved toward Naomi open your mouth

Mike moved toward Naomi open your mouth she took a step back

she took a step back

she took a step back what

what

what Tea cake stepped in front of her holding

Tea cake stepped in front of her holding

Tea cake stepped in front of her holding a hand out to Mike palmout oh whoa dude

a hand out to Mike palmout oh whoa dude

a hand out to Mike palmout oh whoa dude what kind of [ __ ] are you talking what's

what kind of [ __ ] are you talking what's

what kind of [ __ ] are you talking what's the matter with you

the matter with you

the matter with you Mike opened his own mouth wide as if

Mike opened his own mouth wide as if

Mike opened his own mouth wide as if stretching out his jaw muscles then

stretching out his jaw muscles then

stretching out his jaw muscles then clicked his teeth at Naomi again

clicked his teeth at Naomi again

clicked his teeth at Naomi again open

open

open your mouth

your mouth

your mouth of all the unpleasant things Naomi had

of all the unpleasant things Naomi had

of all the unpleasant things Naomi had seen and heard tonight this was perhaps

seen and heard tonight this was perhaps

seen and heard tonight this was perhaps the unpleasantist

the unpleasantist

the unpleasantist what the hell was wrong with her that

what the hell was wrong with her that

what the hell was wrong with her that she'd ever given this jerk the time of

she'd ever given this jerk the time of

she'd ever given this jerk the time of day much less conceived a child with him

day much less conceived a child with him

day much less conceived a child with him why was he now heaving his stomach in

why was he now heaving his stomach in

why was he now heaving his stomach in and out like a cat trying to bring up a

and out like a cat trying to bring up a

and out like a cat trying to bring up a hairball

hairball

hairball and why was he reaching around behind

and why was he reaching around behind

and why was he reaching around behind his back

his back

his back TK had been around guns in the military

TK had been around guns in the military

TK had been around guns in the military and spent his fair share of time on the

and spent his fair share of time on the

and spent his fair share of time on the rifle range

rifle range

rifle range but mostly sarlo movies and he knew

but mostly sarlo movies and he knew

but mostly sarlo movies and he knew there was only one reason to make that

there was only one reason to make that

there was only one reason to make that gesture ever

gesture ever

gesture ever it wasn't because you had a sudden itch

it wasn't because you had a sudden itch

it wasn't because you had a sudden itch of the top of your butt crack

of the top of your butt crack

of the top of your butt crack while Mike sucked his gut in and out and

while Mike sucked his gut in and out and

while Mike sucked his gut in and out and closed his right hand around the handle

closed his right hand around the handle

closed his right hand around the handle of the 22 he'd shoved into the waistband

of the 22 he'd shoved into the waistband

of the 22 he'd shoved into the waistband in the back of his pants Tea cake

in the back of his pants Tea cake

in the back of his pants Tea cake studded the geography

studded the geography

studded the geography Mike was between them and the exit

Mike was between them and the exit

Mike was between them and the exit but just behind them was the open

but just behind them was the open

but just behind them was the open hallway that led to units 201 through

hallway that led to units 201 through

hallway that led to units 201 through 249.

249.

249. at the end of that was the jog to the

at the end of that was the jog to the

at the end of that was the jog to the right

right

right maybe that would buy them enough time

maybe that would buy them enough time

maybe that would buy them enough time some units had deadbolts on the inside

some units had deadbolts on the inside

some units had deadbolts on the inside they both had phones so maybe

they both had phones so maybe

they both had phones so maybe Mike wedged words in between the haves

Mike wedged words in between the haves

Mike wedged words in between the haves open heave your Eve mouth

open heave your Eve mouth

open heave your Eve mouth Eve

Eve

Eve the gun came out but TK had already

the gun came out but TK had already

the gun came out but TK had already turned and taken off pulling Naomi along

turned and taken off pulling Naomi along

turned and taken off pulling Naomi along with him

with him

with him the vomit that Mike finally succeeded in

the vomit that Mike finally succeeded in

the vomit that Mike finally succeeded in dredging up from his guts spewed a good

dredging up from his guts spewed a good

dredging up from his guts spewed a good eight or nine feet but fell short

eight or nine feet but fell short

eight or nine feet but fell short splatting on the cement in the spot they

splatting on the cement in the spot they

splatting on the cement in the spot they just vacated

just vacated

just vacated TK and Naomi turned the corner as Mike

TK and Naomi turned the corner as Mike

TK and Naomi turned the corner as Mike raised the gun fired a shot at them and

raised the gun fired a shot at them and

raised the gun fired a shot at them and took a chunk out of the cement block

took a chunk out of the cement block

took a chunk out of the cement block near their heads

near their heads

near their heads neither one of them had ever been shot

neither one of them had ever been shot

neither one of them had ever been shot at before it was not enjoyable

at before it was not enjoyable

at before it was not enjoyable they raced down the corridor and no

they raced down the corridor and no

they raced down the corridor and no words just flight and could hear the

words just flight and could hear the

words just flight and could hear the anguished angry Cry of Mike as he chased

anguished angry Cry of Mike as he chased

anguished angry Cry of Mike as he chased after them

after them

after them the only way out of the building was

the only way out of the building was

the only way out of the building was back the way they'd come back where the

back the way they'd come back where the

back the way they'd come back where the guy with the gun and the bar from the

guy with the gun and the bar from the

guy with the gun and the bar from the exploding deer were so that wasn't

exploding deer were so that wasn't

exploding deer were so that wasn't happening

happening

happening teacakes minded the mental math and

teacakes minded the mental math and

teacakes minded the mental math and didn't like the numbers not one bit he's

didn't like the numbers not one bit he's

didn't like the numbers not one bit he's always real long and was nobody could

always real long and was nobody could

always real long and was nobody could outrun a bullet

outrun a bullet

outrun a bullet he'd be willing to take his chances if

he'd be willing to take his chances if

he'd be willing to take his chances if it were just him what were the odds that

it were just him what were the odds that

it were just him what were the odds that pukey weirdo could actually land a shot

pukey weirdo could actually land a shot

pukey weirdo could actually land a shot on a moving Target while running

on a moving Target while running

on a moving Target while running but that wasn't a risk he was willing to

but that wasn't a risk he was willing to

but that wasn't a risk he was willing to take with Naomi's life

take with Naomi's life

take with Naomi's life he took the next Corner hard pulled them

he took the next Corner hard pulled them

he took the next Corner hard pulled them both to a stop in front of unit

both to a stop in front of unit

both to a stop in front of unit 231-232 a sweet combo Unit 8 feet wide

231-232 a sweet combo Unit 8 feet wide

231-232 a sweet combo Unit 8 feet wide and 16 feet deep he zipped the master

and 16 feet deep he zipped the master

and 16 feet deep he zipped the master key up off his hip flipped the lock open

key up off his hip flipped the lock open

key up off his hip flipped the lock open and yanked the door up a couple feet off

and yanked the door up a couple feet off

and yanked the door up a couple feet off the ground

the ground

the ground Naomi knew the only option when she saw

Naomi knew the only option when she saw

Naomi knew the only option when she saw it she dropped to the floor and rolled

it she dropped to the floor and rolled

it she dropped to the floor and rolled into the door into the darkness on the

into the door into the darkness on the

into the door into the darkness on the other side

other side

other side Tea cake didn't open the door any

Tea cake didn't open the door any

Tea cake didn't open the door any farther he didn't want to in case he had

farther he didn't want to in case he had

farther he didn't want to in case he had to close it quickly and lock her in

to close it quickly and lock her in

to close it quickly and lock her in which he was fully prepared to do if

which he was fully prepared to do if

which he was fully prepared to do if Mike had been rounding the corner

Mike had been rounding the corner

Mike had been rounding the corner already he would have done it and fought

already he would have done it and fought

already he would have done it and fought the [ __ ] one-on-one gun or no gun when

the [ __ ] one-on-one gun or no gun when

the [ __ ] one-on-one gun or no gun when he looked back the hallway was clear

he looked back the hallway was clear

he looked back the hallway was clear though Mike's semi-human cries of Rage

though Mike's semi-human cries of Rage

though Mike's semi-human cries of Rage were coming this way fast

were coming this way fast

were coming this way fast T cake dropped to the floor

T cake dropped to the floor

T cake dropped to the floor as he hit the ground he saw Mike's feet

as he hit the ground he saw Mike's feet

as he hit the ground he saw Mike's feet come around the corner they're only

come around the corner they're only

come around the corner they're only about 10 feet away and he heard the

about 10 feet away and he heard the

about 10 feet away and he heard the sharp cracks of three wild gunshots and

sharp cracks of three wild gunshots and

sharp cracks of three wild gunshots and the clang of bullets hitting metal

the clang of bullets hitting metal

the clang of bullets hitting metal TK's view of the feet spun over upside

TK's view of the feet spun over upside

TK's view of the feet spun over upside down as you rolled under the door into

down as you rolled under the door into

down as you rolled under the door into the storage unit then the feet were

the storage unit then the feet were

the storage unit then the feet were right outside the door and Mike's hands

right outside the door and Mike's hands

right outside the door and Mike's hands were reaching down to rip the overhead

were reaching down to rip the overhead

were reaching down to rip the overhead door open the rest of the way and TK

door open the rest of the way and TK

door open the rest of the way and TK knew he'd miscalculated just by a few

knew he'd miscalculated just by a few

knew he'd miscalculated just by a few seconds but it was enough he'd [ __ ]

seconds but it was enough he'd [ __ ]

seconds but it was enough he'd [ __ ] this up he was in no physical position

this up he was in no physical position

this up he was in no physical position to get up and pull the door down before

to get up and pull the door down before

to get up and pull the door down before Mike succeeded in ripping it open the

Mike succeeded in ripping it open the

Mike succeeded in ripping it open the rest of the way [ __ ] great plan [ __ ]

rest of the way [ __ ] great plan [ __ ]

rest of the way [ __ ] great plan [ __ ] he'd LED them straight into a dead end a

he'd LED them straight into a dead end a

he'd LED them straight into a dead end a sealed storage unit they were cornered

sealed storage unit they were cornered

sealed storage unit they were cornered but Naomi was on her feet already of

but Naomi was on her feet already of

but Naomi was on her feet already of course she was

course she was

course she was she'd leaked to her feet as soon as

she'd leaked to her feet as soon as

she'd leaked to her feet as soon as she'd come through

she'd come through

she'd come through she was up and braced and had both hands

she was up and braced and had both hands

she was up and braced and had both hands on the door's Center handle she got

on the door's Center handle she got

on the door's Center handle she got leverage on you [ __ ] TK thought

leverage on you [ __ ] TK thought

leverage on you [ __ ] TK thought and she put everything she had into it

and she put everything she had into it

and she put everything she had into it and slammed the door down so hard the

and slammed the door down so hard the

and slammed the door down so hard the clang echoed all the way down the hall

clang echoed all the way down the hall

clang echoed all the way down the hall Mike howled in agony his hands crushed

Mike howled in agony his hands crushed

Mike howled in agony his hands crushed underneath the metal lip of the door

underneath the metal lip of the door

underneath the metal lip of the door pinned there for a moment

pinned there for a moment

pinned there for a moment Naomi pulled it back up three inches not

Naomi pulled it back up three inches not

Naomi pulled it back up three inches not out of sympathy but just to let him get

out of sympathy but just to let him get

out of sympathy but just to let him get his sorry ass hands out of there

his sorry ass hands out of there

his sorry ass hands out of there Mike yanked them back Naomi slammed the

Mike yanked them back Naomi slammed the

Mike yanked them back Naomi slammed the door again and TK now on his feet threw

door again and TK now on his feet threw

door again and TK now on his feet threw the metal locking pin at one end of the

the metal locking pin at one end of the

the metal locking pin at one end of the door then darted over and threw the pin

door then darted over and threw the pin

door then darted over and threw the pin on the other

on the other

on the other the two of them stood in the pitch dark

the two of them stood in the pitch dark

the two of them stood in the pitch dark for a few seconds Breathing heavily

for a few seconds Breathing heavily

for a few seconds Breathing heavily listening while Mike yelled and raged in

listening while Mike yelled and raged in

listening while Mike yelled and raged in the hallway outside

the hallway outside

the hallway outside he banged on the metal with both fists

he banged on the metal with both fists

he banged on the metal with both fists it rattled and clanged

it rattled and clanged

it rattled and clanged he fired another half dozen gunshots at

he fired another half dozen gunshots at

he fired another half dozen gunshots at it and dimples bloomed on the inside of

it and dimples bloomed on the inside of

it and dimples bloomed on the inside of the door as bullets slammed into the

the door as bullets slammed into the

the door as bullets slammed into the thin metal

thin metal

thin metal Mike kicked it then he tried like crazy

Mike kicked it then he tried like crazy

Mike kicked it then he tried like crazy to open it again

to open it again

to open it again light from outside streaked underneath

light from outside streaked underneath

light from outside streaked underneath as the door lifted and fell but it would

as the door lifted and fell but it would

as the door lifted and fell but it would only rise a half inch and the steel pins

only rise a half inch and the steel pins

only rise a half inch and the steel pins at either end had no intention of ever

at either end had no intention of ever

at either end had no intention of ever giving more ground than that

giving more ground than that

giving more ground than that TK spoke first to loud a breath

TK spoke first to loud a breath

TK spoke first to loud a breath so that's that huh

so that's that huh

so that's that huh I know right

I know right

I know right outside the door it went quiet

outside the door it went quiet

outside the door it went quiet they waited

they waited

they waited after almost a minute

after almost a minute

after almost a minute they heard footsteps as Mike walked away

they heard footsteps as Mike walked away

they heard footsteps as Mike walked away they waited another 30 seconds and they

they waited another 30 seconds and they

they waited another 30 seconds and they both pulled out their phones and the

both pulled out their phones and the

both pulled out their phones and the screens lit up their faces

screens lit up their faces

screens lit up their faces TK looked at his first

TK looked at his first

TK looked at his first Griffin called me 11 times

Griffin called me 11 times

Griffin called me 11 times do you really give a [ __ ] right now she

do you really give a [ __ ] right now she

do you really give a [ __ ] right now she asked yeah just I need to keep this job

asked yeah just I need to keep this job

asked yeah just I need to keep this job you've mentioned

you've mentioned

you've mentioned she squinted at her phone which was

she squinted at her phone which was

she squinted at her phone which was still showing the dtra website there's a

still showing the dtra website there's a

still showing the dtra website there's a number for a place called Fort Belvoir

number for a place called Fort Belvoir

number for a place called Fort Belvoir Fort Belvoir that's an army base

Fort Belvoir that's an army base

Fort Belvoir that's an army base should I call it or the cops

should I call it or the cops

should I call it or the cops outside the door they heard the faint

outside the door they heard the faint

outside the door they heard the faint pattern of footsteps approaching again

pattern of footsteps approaching again

pattern of footsteps approaching again fast

fast

fast someone was running straight toward them

someone was running straight toward them

someone was running straight toward them the footsteps abruptly stopped as the

the footsteps abruptly stopped as the

the footsteps abruptly stopped as the someone launched himself into the air

someone launched himself into the air

someone launched himself into the air there was a split second of silence as

there was a split second of silence as

there was a split second of silence as he sailed toward the door and then the

he sailed toward the door and then the

he sailed toward the door and then the corrugated metal shuddered with a

corrugated metal shuddered with a

corrugated metal shuddered with a tremendous vibration as he slammed into

tremendous vibration as he slammed into

tremendous vibration as he slammed into the middle of it denting it inward ever

the middle of it denting it inward ever

the middle of it denting it inward ever so slightly

so slightly

so slightly but the door held fast

but the door held fast

but the door held fast they could hear Mike's body crunched to

they could hear Mike's body crunched to

they could hear Mike's body crunched to the cement floor outside and he let

the cement floor outside and he let

the cement floor outside and he let loose an animal Cry of frustration a

loose an animal Cry of frustration a

loose an animal Cry of frustration a shriek that sounded unlike anything

shriek that sounded unlike anything

shriek that sounded unlike anything produced by human vocal cords

produced by human vocal cords

produced by human vocal cords TK looked at Naomi yeah call the [ __ ]

TK looked at Naomi yeah call the [ __ ]

TK looked at Naomi yeah call the [ __ ] Army

20.

the runway rushed up at him and Roberto

the runway rushed up at him and Roberto

the runway rushed up at him and Roberto stretched one last time

stretched one last time

stretched one last time he'd moved around as much as he could on

he'd moved around as much as he could on

he'd moved around as much as he could on the flight but at 68 his body stiffened

the flight but at 68 his body stiffened

the flight but at 68 his body stiffened up a lot quicker than it used to and in

up a lot quicker than it used to and in

up a lot quicker than it used to and in surprising areas

surprising areas

surprising areas wait a minute I pulled a muscle in my

wait a minute I pulled a muscle in my

wait a minute I pulled a muscle in my ass how does that even happen

ass how does that even happen

ass how does that even happen he and Annie talked about it all the

he and Annie talked about it all the

he and Annie talked about it all the time they'd started to strain muscles in

time they'd started to strain muscles in

time they'd started to strain muscles in odd places or trigger back spasms by

odd places or trigger back spasms by

odd places or trigger back spasms by doing formerly uncontroversial things

doing formerly uncontroversial things

doing formerly uncontroversial things like oh standing up or opening a jar of

like oh standing up or opening a jar of

like oh standing up or opening a jar of peanut butter

peanut butter

peanut butter that was the last thing he needed

that was the last thing he needed

that was the last thing he needed tonight some pop-up infirmity to slow

tonight some pop-up infirmity to slow

tonight some pop-up infirmity to slow him down and thirty thousand people die

him down and thirty thousand people die

him down and thirty thousand people die as a result

as a result

as a result the plane landed and taxi toward the far

the plane landed and taxi toward the far

the plane landed and taxi toward the far Hangar the one the airstrip at

Hangar the one the airstrip at

Hangar the one the airstrip at Leavenworth saved for visiting

Leavenworth saved for visiting

Leavenworth saved for visiting dignitaries and emergencies

dignitaries and emergencies

dignitaries and emergencies thanks a lot again jeremek way to keep

thanks a lot again jeremek way to keep

thanks a lot again jeremek way to keep it all low profile

it all low profile

it all low profile Roberto couldn't wait to get off the

Roberto couldn't wait to get off the

Roberto couldn't wait to get off the government plane drop his cell phone in

government plane drop his cell phone in

government plane drop his cell phone in a faraday bag to block signal detection

a faraday bag to block signal detection

a faraday bag to block signal detection and failed to call in for a good four or

and failed to call in for a good four or

and failed to call in for a good four or five hours until this was sorted

five hours until this was sorted

five hours until this was sorted sorted he'd picked up that expression in

sorted he'd picked up that expression in

sorted he'd picked up that expression in London too and always loved it sorted

London too and always loved it sorted

London too and always loved it sorted handled fell with

handled fell with

handled fell with everything put in its proper place

everything put in its proper place

everything put in its proper place quietly and efficiently like a clerk in

quietly and efficiently like a clerk in

quietly and efficiently like a clerk in an office

an office

an office well this one wouldn't be quiet but it

well this one wouldn't be quiet but it

well this one wouldn't be quiet but it would be thorough as hell if all went

would be thorough as hell if all went

would be thorough as hell if all went according to plan

according to plan

according to plan permanent

permanent

permanent sorted

sorted

sorted he looked out the window and saw the

he looked out the window and saw the

he looked out the window and saw the open doors of the far Hangar the lights

open doors of the far Hangar the lights

open doors of the far Hangar the lights were on inside but it appeared to be

were on inside but it appeared to be

were on inside but it appeared to be empty just a large expanse of gleaming

empty just a large expanse of gleaming

empty just a large expanse of gleaming floor

floor

floor there was a van parked in front in a

there was a van parked in front in a

there was a van parked in front in a figure in a dog coat standing beside it

figure in a dog coat standing beside it

figure in a dog coat standing beside it a cloud of smoke curling up above the

a cloud of smoke curling up above the

a cloud of smoke curling up above the person's head backlit by the

person's head backlit by the

person's head backlit by the fluorescence inside

fluorescence inside

fluorescence inside the pickup truck with the air stair

the pickup truck with the air stair

the pickup truck with the air stair reached the plane just as it came to a

reached the plane just as it came to a

reached the plane just as it came to a stop inside Roberto was already at the

stop inside Roberto was already at the

stop inside Roberto was already at the door

door

door the co-pilot met him there with just an

the co-pilot met him there with just an

the co-pilot met him there with just an odd no loose talk

odd no loose talk

odd no loose talk that was one thing he missed about the

that was one thing he missed about the

that was one thing he missed about the service pleasantries were kept to an

service pleasantries were kept to an

service pleasantries were kept to an absolute minimum which felt honest and

absolute minimum which felt honest and

absolute minimum which felt honest and God knows it saved time

God knows it saved time

God knows it saved time they both waited a few seconds for the

they both waited a few seconds for the

they both waited a few seconds for the tap tap pause tap from outside then the

tap tap pause tap from outside then the

tap tap pause tap from outside then the co-pilot flicked a few switches pulled

co-pilot flicked a few switches pulled

co-pilot flicked a few switches pulled the handles and the door sucked Inward

the handles and the door sucked Inward

the handles and the door sucked Inward and rotated open

and rotated open

and rotated open the co-pilot gave another nod and a

the co-pilot gave another nod and a

the co-pilot gave another nod and a tight good night sir

tight good night sir

tight good night sir and Roberto stepped out into the 4 AM

and Roberto stepped out into the 4 AM

and Roberto stepped out into the 4 AM Kansas mist

Kansas mist

Kansas mist he hurried down the middle stairs

he hurried down the middle stairs

he hurried down the middle stairs returned a salute from the Airmen at the

returned a salute from the Airmen at the

returned a salute from the Airmen at the bottom and walked across the tarmac

bottom and walked across the tarmac

bottom and walked across the tarmac toward the van

toward the van

toward the van he closed the distance between himself

he closed the distance between himself

he closed the distance between himself and Trinny and each of them was struck

and Trinny and each of them was struck

and Trinny and each of them was struck by how much older the other one looked

by how much older the other one looked

by how much older the other one looked he hadn't seen her in 15 years which

he hadn't seen her in 15 years which

he hadn't seen her in 15 years which meant Trini was in her 70s by now

meant Trini was in her 70s by now

meant Trini was in her 70s by now her health habits had never been good

her health habits had never been good

her health habits had never been good and they had not improved judging by the

and they had not improved judging by the

and they had not improved judging by the bright red glow at the end of the

bright red glow at the end of the

bright red glow at the end of the Newport Menthol King she was inhaling

Newport Menthol King she was inhaling

Newport Menthol King she was inhaling the cigarette didn't stand a chance

the cigarette didn't stand a chance

the cigarette didn't stand a chance Roberto reached her and stopped

Roberto reached her and stopped

Roberto reached her and stopped he looked around the empty tarmac

he looked around the empty tarmac

he looked around the empty tarmac no base security escort

no base security escort

no base security escort golden to buzz off and go back to bed

golden to buzz off and go back to bed

golden to buzz off and go back to bed and they did

and they did

and they did she nodded I'm persuasive

she nodded I'm persuasive

she nodded I'm persuasive she went into a hacking cough and held

she went into a hacking cough and held

she went into a hacking cough and held up a finger hang on

up a finger hang on

up a finger hang on Roberto waited until she finished how is

Roberto waited until she finished how is

Roberto waited until she finished how is it possible you're not dead yet

it possible you're not dead yet

it possible you're not dead yet she Shrugged too mean

she Shrugged too mean

she Shrugged too mean she turned open the driver's door got in

she turned open the driver's door got in

she turned open the driver's door got in and slammed it shut Roberto walked

and slammed it shut Roberto walked

and slammed it shut Roberto walked around eyeing the boxy white Mazda

around eyeing the boxy white Mazda

around eyeing the boxy white Mazda minivan with disdain and gotten the

minivan with disdain and gotten the

minivan with disdain and gotten the passenger side he settled into the white

passenger side he settled into the white

passenger side he settled into the white fake leather passenger seat

fake leather passenger seat

fake leather passenger seat go Wheels this is your personal ride

go Wheels this is your personal ride

go Wheels this is your personal ride right you don't expect me to drive it

right you don't expect me to drive it

right you don't expect me to drive it Trini shook her head and put it in gear

Trini shook her head and put it in gear

Trini shook her head and put it in gear oh you're a real Beauty

oh you're a real Beauty

oh you're a real Beauty she hit the gas cut the wheel drove

she hit the gas cut the wheel drove

she hit the gas cut the wheel drove right through the open airplane Hangar

right through the open airplane Hangar

right through the open airplane Hangar and came out the far side

and came out the far side

and came out the far side she took a left and headed for the Pope

she took a left and headed for the Pope

she took a left and headed for the Pope Avenue exit from the base

Avenue exit from the base

Avenue exit from the base seriously Trini I'm concerned didn't you

seriously Trini I'm concerned didn't you

seriously Trini I'm concerned didn't you get lung cancer about 10 years ago

get lung cancer about 10 years ago

get lung cancer about 10 years ago I do not have lung cancer you

I do not have lung cancer you

I do not have lung cancer you inconsiderate prick and I never have I

inconsiderate prick and I never have I

inconsiderate prick and I never have I have emphysema which is completely

have emphysema which is completely

have emphysema which is completely different and a hundred percent

different and a hundred percent

different and a hundred percent survivable

survivable

survivable she took another drag on her cigarette

she took another drag on her cigarette

she took another drag on her cigarette could you at least open a window

could you at least open a window

could you at least open a window she opened his and it sucked all the

she opened his and it sucked all the

she opened his and it sucked all the smoke right past his face

smoke right past his face

smoke right past his face come on sorry she closed it and opened

come on sorry she closed it and opened

come on sorry she closed it and opened hers instead that Tootsie from Bell War

hers instead that Tootsie from Bell War

hers instead that Tootsie from Bell War sounded like you put the fear of God in

sounded like you put the fear of God in

sounded like you put the fear of God in her would you tell her

her would you tell her

her would you tell her tiny bit of the truth

tiny bit of the truth

tiny bit of the truth yeah well that'd do it

yeah well that'd do it

yeah well that'd do it she gestured toward the rear of the

she gestured toward the rear of the

she gestured toward the rear of the minivan it's all there

minivan it's all there

minivan it's all there Roberto turned and looked in the back

Roberto turned and looked in the back

Roberto turned and looked in the back the rear seats were folded down and

the rear seats were folded down and

the rear seats were folded down and there was a tarp Throne over several

there was a tarp Throne over several

there was a tarp Throne over several storage crates that looked like about

storage crates that looked like about

storage crates that looked like about the right size and amount

the right size and amount

the right size and amount including number seven

including number seven

including number seven she shook her head we have to stop and

she shook her head we have to stop and

she shook her head we have to stop and pick that one up

pick that one up

pick that one up he looked at his watch

he looked at his watch

he looked at his watch are you kidding me you know we're

are you kidding me you know we're

are you kidding me you know we're critical right

critical right

critical right there have been a shift in their power

there have been a shift in their power

there have been a shift in their power Dynamic about 20 years earlier when

Dynamic about 20 years earlier when

Dynamic about 20 years earlier when Trini stopped advancing in ranked and

Trini stopped advancing in ranked and

Trini stopped advancing in ranked and Roberto continued his upward trajectory

Roberto continued his upward trajectory

Roberto continued his upward trajectory he'd given the orders to her after that

he'd given the orders to her after that

he'd given the orders to her after that not that she really cared all that much

not that she really cared all that much

not that she really cared all that much she turned to him now offended the balls

she turned to him now offended the balls

she turned to him now offended the balls it takes for you to complain two hours

it takes for you to complain two hours

it takes for you to complain two hours ago I was asleep now I'm driving you

ago I was asleep now I'm driving you

ago I was asleep now I'm driving you around at 4am with half a dozen

around at 4am with half a dozen

around at 4am with half a dozen Contraband items that could get me sent

Contraband items that could get me sent

Contraband items that could get me sent to prison for the rest of my life

to prison for the rest of my life

to prison for the rest of my life so what would that be like three or four

so what would that be like three or four

so what would that be like three or four days

days

days she laughed until she hacked so hard she

she laughed until she hacked so hard she

she laughed until she hacked so hard she almost had to pull over

almost had to pull over

almost had to pull over a smiled at her

a smiled at her

a smiled at her you miss it

you miss it

you miss it like crazy

like crazy

like crazy which part

which part

which part she gestured back and forth between them

she gestured back and forth between them

she gestured back and forth between them this stuff the [ __ ]

this stuff the [ __ ]

this stuff the [ __ ] he enjoyed it too and hadn't realized

he enjoyed it too and hadn't realized

he enjoyed it too and hadn't realized how much he'd missed her

how much he'd missed her

how much he'd missed her Gordon's dead

Gordon's dead

Gordon's dead he said

he said

he said yeah I know it was a beautiful service

yeah I know it was a beautiful service

yeah I know it was a beautiful service we looked at her annoyed how does

we looked at her annoyed how does

we looked at her annoyed how does everybody know this except me why didn't

everybody know this except me why didn't

everybody know this except me why didn't you call me not my job to call around

you call me not my job to call around

you call me not my job to call around every time somebody dies I'd never get

every time somebody dies I'd never get

every time somebody dies I'd never get off the [ __ ] phone

off the [ __ ] phone

off the [ __ ] phone well that was true

well that was true

well that was true Roberto looked out the window for a

Roberto looked out the window for a

Roberto looked out the window for a moment trying to remember the last time

moment trying to remember the last time

moment trying to remember the last time he'd seen or talked to Gordon but he

he'd seen or talked to Gordon but he

he'd seen or talked to Gordon but he couldn't call it up

couldn't call it up

couldn't call it up he returned to the present and turned

he returned to the present and turned

he returned to the present and turned back to Trinny

back to Trinny

back to Trinny you know you actually look pretty good

you know you actually look pretty good

you know you actually look pretty good kid

kid

kid I look like hell [ __ ] and you know it

I look like hell [ __ ] and you know it

I look like hell [ __ ] and you know it you look great sort of over-the-top

you look great sort of over-the-top

you look great sort of over-the-top handsome as usual like a Mexican Ken

handsome as usual like a Mexican Ken

handsome as usual like a Mexican Ken doll

doll

doll a picture you with no private parts

a picture you with no private parts

a picture you with no private parts don't picture that what should I picture

don't picture that what should I picture

don't picture that what should I picture why do you have to picture anything at

why do you have to picture anything at

why do you have to picture anything at all

all

all she Shrugged they reached the main gate

she Shrugged they reached the main gate

she Shrugged they reached the main gate and she opened her window the rest of

and she opened her window the rest of

and she opened her window the rest of the way throwing a Stern glance at

the way throwing a Stern glance at

the way throwing a Stern glance at Roberto

Roberto

Roberto see if you can shut up for a minute

see if you can shut up for a minute

see if you can shut up for a minute while Trini signed them out of the base

while Trini signed them out of the base

while Trini signed them out of the base and discharged a wave of Newport smoke

and discharged a wave of Newport smoke

and discharged a wave of Newport smoke into the guard shack Roberto took the

into the guard shack Roberto took the

into the guard shack Roberto took the Faraday pouch from his jacket pocket and

Faraday pouch from his jacket pocket and

Faraday pouch from his jacket pocket and opened the double-grade military-tested

opened the double-grade military-tested

opened the double-grade military-tested fabric

fabric

fabric just as he was about to drop his phone

just as he was about to drop his phone

just as he was about to drop his phone inside it buzzed he looked at the screen

inside it buzzed he looked at the screen

inside it buzzed he looked at the screen the number had a 703 area code

the number had a 703 area code

the number had a 703 area code he plugged one ear hit answer and

he plugged one ear hit answer and

he plugged one ear hit answer and listened for a moment

listened for a moment

listened for a moment a woman's voice spoke hello

a woman's voice spoke hello

a woman's voice spoke hello Roberta listened he heard the sound of

Roberta listened he heard the sound of

Roberta listened he heard the sound of wet tires on pavement on the other end

wet tires on pavement on the other end

wet tires on pavement on the other end two minutes he said into the phone

two minutes he said into the phone

two minutes he said into the phone then he hung up

then he hung up

then he hung up he went into the weather app on his

he went into the weather app on his

he went into the weather app on his phone entered Fort Belvoir Virginia and

phone entered Fort Belvoir Virginia and

phone entered Fort Belvoir Virginia and saw it was raining there

saw it was raining there

saw it was raining there satisfied the call came from where it

satisfied the call came from where it

satisfied the call came from where it said it was and had not been put through

said it was and had not been put through

said it was and had not been put through a rerouter he dropped the government

a rerouter he dropped the government

a rerouter he dropped the government issue cell phone into the Faraday bag

issue cell phone into the Faraday bag

issue cell phone into the Faraday bag and zipped it shut he pulled his laptop

and zipped it shut he pulled his laptop

and zipped it shut he pulled his laptop out of his backpack slipped a card into

out of his backpack slipped a card into

out of his backpack slipped a card into one of the free USB ports put in a

one of the free USB ports put in a

one of the free USB ports put in a Bluetooth earpiece and called up the

Bluetooth earpiece and called up the

Bluetooth earpiece and called up the Deep beep site he'd access on the plane

Deep beep site he'd access on the plane

Deep beep site he'd access on the plane he typed in the phone number that it

he typed in the phone number that it

he typed in the phone number that it just called him on his phone it was

just called him on his phone it was

just called him on his phone it was answered on the first ring but Roberto

answered on the first ring but Roberto

answered on the first ring but Roberto spoke first

spoke first

spoke first you're outside now

you're outside now

you're outside now Abigail's voice replied yes in the rain

Abigail's voice replied yes in the rain

Abigail's voice replied yes in the rain y was here when I landed in heavy well

y was here when I landed in heavy well

y was here when I landed in heavy well done I don't need anything else

done I don't need anything else

done I don't need anything else he was about to hang up but Abigail

he was about to hang up but Abigail

he was about to hang up but Abigail spoke again

spoke again

spoke again it's been a development Roberto tensed

it's been a development Roberto tensed

it's been a development Roberto tensed what kind of development

what kind of development

what kind of development on the ground in Atchison someone might

on the ground in Atchison someone might

on the ground in Atchison someone might have called a Belvoir from inside the

have called a Belvoir from inside the

have called a Belvoir from inside the facility

facility

facility ooh a civilian 23 year old woman

ooh a civilian 23 year old woman

ooh a civilian 23 year old woman that's too bad how'd she get your number

that's too bad how'd she get your number

that's too bad how'd she get your number she Googled dtra off a door okay she's

she Googled dtra off a door okay she's

she Googled dtra off a door okay she's not stupid what do you do

not stupid what do you do

not stupid what do you do Abigail paused and Roberto could hear

Abigail paused and Roberto could hear

Abigail paused and Roberto could hear voices on the other end as people

voices on the other end as people

voices on the other end as people hurried past her in the rain

hurried past her in the rain

hurried past her in the rain when they faded Abigail went on a hung

when they faded Abigail went on a hung

when they faded Abigail went on a hung up on her came outside and called her

up on her came outside and called her

up on her came outside and called her back on one of the burners I got I have

back on one of the burners I got I have

back on one of the burners I got I have her on the other line now want to talk

her on the other line now want to talk

her on the other line now want to talk to her

to her

to her Roberto continued to be impressed by

Roberto continued to be impressed by

Roberto continued to be impressed by Abigail but this was going to be even

Abigail but this was going to be even

Abigail but this was going to be even more complicated than he thought and he

more complicated than he thought and he

more complicated than he thought and he knew he'd need her again

knew he'd need her again

knew he'd need her again he was careful not to over praise

he was careful not to over praise

he was careful not to over praise yes

yes

yes what's her name

what's her name

what's her name Naomi toss your burner into the back of

Naomi toss your burner into the back of

Naomi toss your burner into the back of a moving truck when we're done and text

a moving truck when we're done and text

a moving truck when we're done and text me a new number will do hang on

me a new number will do hang on

me a new number will do hang on Roberto waited

Roberto waited

Roberto waited Trini looked at him and climbed her chin

Trini looked at him and climbed her chin

Trini looked at him and climbed her chin what's up

what's up

what's up he covered the phone's mic with his

he covered the phone's mic with his

he covered the phone's mic with his thumb civilian inside the mines

thumb civilian inside the mines

thumb civilian inside the mines Trinny winced I hope she's enjoyed a

Trinny winced I hope she's enjoyed a

Trinny winced I hope she's enjoyed a full life

full life

full life the connection worsened and the

the connection worsened and the

the connection worsened and the frightened voice of a young woman came

frightened voice of a young woman came

frightened voice of a young woman came through Roberto's earpiece trying hard

through Roberto's earpiece trying hard

through Roberto's earpiece trying hard to sound authoritative

to sound authoritative

to sound authoritative okay who is this now

okay who is this now

okay who is this now hello Naomi my name's Roberto I'd like

hello Naomi my name's Roberto I'd like

hello Naomi my name's Roberto I'd like to talk to you about what's going on

to talk to you about what's going on

to talk to you about what's going on okay why did that first lady hang up on

okay why did that first lady hang up on

okay why did that first lady hang up on me because she cares about your

me because she cares about your

me because she cares about your situation and wants to see it resolved

situation and wants to see it resolved

situation and wants to see it resolved in the right way like I do

in the right way like I do

in the right way like I do in the background Roberto could hear

in the background Roberto could hear

in the background Roberto could hear shouting a man's voice something along

shouting a man's voice something along

shouting a man's voice something along the lines of ask him what the [ __ ] is

the lines of ask him what the [ __ ] is

the lines of ask him what the [ __ ] is going on or words to that effect I hear

going on or words to that effect I hear

going on or words to that effect I hear someone there with you what's his name

someone there with you what's his name

someone there with you what's his name Travis were security guards here

Travis were security guards here

Travis were security guards here okay could you do me a favor and ask

okay could you do me a favor and ask

okay could you do me a favor and ask Travis to shut up while I'm talking to

Travis to shut up while I'm talking to

Travis to shut up while I'm talking to you her voice was fainter as she turned

you her voice was fainter as she turned

you her voice was fainter as she turned her head and said he says you should

her head and said he says you should

her head and said he says you should shut up then a pause some mumbling and

shut up then a pause some mumbling and

shut up then a pause some mumbling and she spoke into the phone again

she spoke into the phone again

she spoke into the phone again we have a serious problem here there's

we have a serious problem here there's

we have a serious problem here there's this virus or a fungus

this virus or a fungus

this virus or a fungus right on the second one I know all about

right on the second one I know all about

right on the second one I know all about it I know more about it than anyone else

it I know more about it than anyone else

it I know more about it than anyone else are you somewhere safe right now

are you somewhere safe right now

are you somewhere safe right now we're locked in a storage unit okay

we're locked in a storage unit okay

we're locked in a storage unit okay could be worse stay in there no kidding

could be worse stay in there no kidding

could be worse stay in there no kidding for how long are you sending people

for how long are you sending people

for how long are you sending people has anyone come into direct physical

has anyone come into direct physical

has anyone come into direct physical contact with it you'd know if they had

contact with it you'd know if they had

contact with it you'd know if they had because they'd have yes

because they'd have yes

because they'd have yes Roberto mouthed [ __ ] silently

Roberto mouthed [ __ ] silently

Roberto mouthed [ __ ] silently Trini looked at him as often as she

Trini looked at him as often as she

Trini looked at him as often as she dared while driving at 70 miles per hour

dared while driving at 70 miles per hour

dared while driving at 70 miles per hour with Centennial Bridge

with Centennial Bridge

with Centennial Bridge hello Naomi asked

hello Naomi asked

hello Naomi asked yes I was just calling something up on

yes I was just calling something up on

yes I was just calling something up on my screen he lied how many people have

my screen he lied how many people have

my screen he lied how many people have been infected just one I think

been infected just one I think

been infected just one I think and is that person still inside the

and is that person still inside the

and is that person still inside the facility

facility

facility yes he keeps trying to get in here where

yes he keeps trying to get in here where

yes he keeps trying to get in here where we are

we are

we are in the background he heard more shouting

in the background he heard more shouting

in the background he heard more shouting the ranting guy was at it again

the ranting guy was at it again

the ranting guy was at it again Naomi conferred with him quickly and

Naomi conferred with him quickly and

Naomi conferred with him quickly and said okay okay okay and came back on the

said okay okay okay and came back on the

said okay okay okay and came back on the line

line

line also there was a deer a deer was

also there was a deer a deer was

also there was a deer a deer was infected

infected

infected where is the deer now it blew up outside

where is the deer now it blew up outside

where is the deer now it blew up outside or inside did you hear me I said it blew

or inside did you hear me I said it blew

or inside did you hear me I said it blew up yes I heard can you tell me where I

up yes I heard can you tell me where I

up yes I heard can you tell me where I blew up in the hallway

blew up in the hallway

blew up in the hallway her tone said like that matters but

her tone said like that matters but

her tone said like that matters but Roberto breathed a tiny sigh of relief

Roberto breathed a tiny sigh of relief

Roberto breathed a tiny sigh of relief that was still inside the building

that was still inside the building

that was still inside the building he continued

he continued

he continued okay listen to me Naomi you're going to

okay listen to me Naomi you're going to

okay listen to me Naomi you're going to be all right you called exactly the

be all right you called exactly the

be all right you called exactly the right place and you're speaking to

right place and you're speaking to

right place and you're speaking to exactly the right person

exactly the right person

exactly the right person you have some excellent instincts and

you have some excellent instincts and

you have some excellent instincts and they've served you well so far

they've served you well so far

they've served you well so far now it's time to trust somebody else

now it's time to trust somebody else

now it's time to trust somebody else I'm on my way there and I know what it

I'm on my way there and I know what it

I'm on my way there and I know what it takes to resolve this situation

takes to resolve this situation

takes to resolve this situation there are several of us who've

there are several of us who've

there are several of us who've encountered this before and we've

encountered this before and we've

encountered this before and we've planned for a situation where we might

planned for a situation where we might

planned for a situation where we might have to deal with it again I'm going to

have to deal with it again I'm going to

have to deal with it again I'm going to be there in

be there in

be there in a lot of training less than an hour

a lot of training less than an hour

a lot of training less than an hour she said

she said

she said he spoke back into the phone

he spoke back into the phone

he spoke back into the phone a little over an hour stay right where

a little over an hour stay right where

a little over an hour stay right where you are don't open the door don't call

you are don't open the door don't call

you are don't open the door don't call anyone else not even a Fort Belvoir the

anyone else not even a Fort Belvoir the

anyone else not even a Fort Belvoir the woman who put us in touch will call you

woman who put us in touch will call you

woman who put us in touch will call you every 10 minutes speak only to her or to

every 10 minutes speak only to her or to

every 10 minutes speak only to her or to me don't pick up your phone again unless

me don't pick up your phone again unless

me don't pick up your phone again unless it rings do you understand

it rings do you understand

it rings do you understand what are you gonna do tell me you

what are you gonna do tell me you

what are you gonna do tell me you understand I understand

understand I understand

understand I understand who should you call nobody you'll call

who should you call nobody you'll call

who should you call nobody you'll call me every 10. there you go a plus keep

me every 10. there you go a plus keep

me every 10. there you go a plus keep Travis calm he sounds like the type who

Travis calm he sounds like the type who

Travis calm he sounds like the type who might want to try to leave don't let him

might want to try to leave don't let him

might want to try to leave don't let him the deer exploded

the deer exploded

the deer exploded I know some crazy [ __ ] right

I know some crazy [ __ ] right

I know some crazy [ __ ] right I'll tell you all about it when I see

I'll tell you all about it when I see

I'll tell you all about it when I see you you're gonna be fine one hour

you you're gonna be fine one hour

you you're gonna be fine one hour you close the computer took out the

you close the computer took out the

you close the computer took out the earpiece and rubbed his head Trini

earpiece and rubbed his head Trini

earpiece and rubbed his head Trini looked at him three people and a deer

looked at him three people and a deer

looked at him three people and a deer one person infected still in the

one person infected still in the

one person infected still in the building the other two are clean locked

building the other two are clean locked

building the other two are clean locked in a storage unit the deer burst but it

in a storage unit the deer burst but it

in a storage unit the deer burst but it was contained I guess that's workable

was contained I guess that's workable

was contained I guess that's workable he looked at her are you kidding it's a

he looked at her are you kidding it's a

he looked at her are you kidding it's a gift from God let's hope it lasts an

gift from God let's hope it lasts an

gift from God let's hope it lasts an hour

hour

hour Trini nodded eyes on the road weighing

Trini nodded eyes on the road weighing

Trini nodded eyes on the road weighing it all

it all

it all finally she spoke just a few words

finally she spoke just a few words

finally she spoke just a few words they're dead aren't they

they're dead aren't they

they're dead aren't they you thought

you thought

you thought probably

probably

probably he didn't like that answer so he thought

he didn't like that answer so he thought

he didn't like that answer so he thought some more he thought it all the way

some more he thought it all the way

some more he thought it all the way through but came up with the same

through but came up with the same

through but came up with the same conclusion

conclusion

conclusion probably

21.

the hours first 15 minutes had gone

the hours first 15 minutes had gone

the hours first 15 minutes had gone pretty well my could settle down outside

pretty well my could settle down outside

pretty well my could settle down outside just sitting on the floor across the

just sitting on the floor across the

just sitting on the floor across the hall from unit

hall from unit

hall from unit 231-232 staring at the metal door

231-232 staring at the metal door

231-232 staring at the metal door You Didn't Know Much Anymore only that

You Didn't Know Much Anymore only that

You Didn't Know Much Anymore only that he had to get in there

he had to get in there

he had to get in there I have to get in there the doors closed

I have to get in there the doors closed

I have to get in there the doors closed I have to get in I have two door closed

I have to get in I have two door closed

I have to get in I have two door closed as for a solution to that problem his

as for a solution to that problem his

as for a solution to that problem his complex reasoning and problem solving

complex reasoning and problem solving

complex reasoning and problem solving weren't firing in all cylinders but they

weren't firing in all cylinders but they

weren't firing in all cylinders but they were grinding away as best they could

were grinding away as best they could

were grinding away as best they could and come up with a few different

and come up with a few different

and come up with a few different approaches

approaches

approaches the first strategy had been based on a

the first strategy had been based on a

the first strategy had been based on a fragment of song his father used to love

fragment of song his father used to love

fragment of song his father used to love that was bouncing around somewhere in

that was bouncing around somewhere in

that was bouncing around somewhere in Mike's subconscious

Mike's subconscious

Mike's subconscious something about throwing yourself

something about throwing yourself

something about throwing yourself against a wall

against a wall

against a wall but that strategy hadn't worked out very

but that strategy hadn't worked out very

but that strategy hadn't worked out very well

well

well you likely separated his shoulder when

you likely separated his shoulder when

you likely separated his shoulder when he crashed his body into the metal door

he crashed his body into the metal door

he crashed his body into the metal door and for sure he broke two fingers

and for sure he broke two fingers

and for sure he broke two fingers underneath himself when he fell to the

underneath himself when he fell to the

underneath himself when he fell to the cement

cement

cement the pinky finger on his right hand stuck

the pinky finger on his right hand stuck

the pinky finger on his right hand stuck out at an angle Mike had never seen

out at an angle Mike had never seen

out at an angle Mike had never seen before but he didn't give it much

before but he didn't give it much

before but he didn't give it much thought he didn't have the thought to

thought he didn't have the thought to

thought he didn't have the thought to spare have to get indoor closed get in

spare have to get indoor closed get in

spare have to get indoor closed get in strategy number two involved more vomit

strategy number two involved more vomit

strategy number two involved more vomit This Time by lifting up the garage door

This Time by lifting up the garage door

This Time by lifting up the garage door a crack and trying some Target specific

a crack and trying some Target specific

a crack and trying some Target specific barfing through the half-inch space

barfing through the half-inch space

barfing through the half-inch space underneath it

underneath it

underneath it but the appeal of that approach had been

but the appeal of that approach had been

but the appeal of that approach had been dimmed by the sensory memory of his

dimmed by the sensory memory of his

dimmed by the sensory memory of his fingers which had been crushed beneath

fingers which had been crushed beneath

fingers which had been crushed beneath the door when Naomi had slammed it down

the door when Naomi had slammed it down

the door when Naomi had slammed it down and he never tried it

and he never tried it

and he never tried it the strategy number three was as they

the strategy number three was as they

the strategy number three was as they say still in development

say still in development

say still in development while Mike waited for that idea to come

while Mike waited for that idea to come

while Mike waited for that idea to come he sat and stared at the corrugated

he sat and stared at the corrugated

he sat and stared at the corrugated metal door dead-eyed he wait

metal door dead-eyed he wait

metal door dead-eyed he wait behind the door Naomi and TK were

behind the door Naomi and TK were

behind the door Naomi and TK were considerably more comfortable but their

considerably more comfortable but their

considerably more comfortable but their minds were no more at ease

minds were no more at ease

minds were no more at ease the unit in which they'd taken Refuge

the unit in which they'd taken Refuge

the unit in which they'd taken Refuge was a lucky choice

was a lucky choice

was a lucky choice it looked like someone's overflow

it looked like someone's overflow

it looked like someone's overflow furniture from when they'd had to move

furniture from when they'd had to move

furniture from when they'd had to move to a smaller house

to a smaller house

to a smaller house maybe the renters were sure the move was

maybe the renters were sure the move was

maybe the renters were sure the move was only temporary they'd be back on top one

only temporary they'd be back on top one

only temporary they'd be back on top one day soon and they'd need all their stuff

day soon and they'd need all their stuff

day soon and they'd need all their stuff again

again

again the extra couches and chairs had been in

the extra couches and chairs had been in

the extra couches and chairs had been in there for a few years now but they

there for a few years now but they

there for a few years now but they didn't stink the owners had covered them

didn't stink the owners had covered them

didn't stink the owners had covered them Loosely and loaded the cushions up with

Loosely and loaded the cushions up with

Loosely and loaded the cushions up with silica packets the way you're supposed

silica packets the way you're supposed

silica packets the way you're supposed to

to

to there was even a dehumidifier plugged

there was even a dehumidifier plugged

there was even a dehumidifier plugged into one of the outlets

into one of the outlets

into one of the outlets Naomi and TK had thrown the cheap sheets

Naomi and TK had thrown the cheap sheets

Naomi and TK had thrown the cheap sheets off a couple of the armchairs shoved

off a couple of the armchairs shoved

off a couple of the armchairs shoved them toward the back of the unit to stay

them toward the back of the unit to stay

them toward the back of the unit to stay as far away from the door as possible

as far away from the door as possible

as far away from the door as possible and even found a lamp with a bulb in it

and even found a lamp with a bulb in it

and even found a lamp with a bulb in it that still worked

that still worked

that still worked they sat there armchair to armchair lamp

they sat there armchair to armchair lamp

they sat there armchair to armchair lamp on a box between them and they stared at

on a box between them and they stared at

on a box between them and they stared at each other wondering how it all come to

each other wondering how it all come to

each other wondering how it all come to this

this

this Tea cake who abhorred silence was the

Tea cake who abhorred silence was the

Tea cake who abhorred silence was the first to speak

first to speak

first to speak so that's Dad please stop saying that

so that's Dad please stop saying that

so that's Dad please stop saying that sorry it's just kind of hard to get my

sorry it's just kind of hard to get my

sorry it's just kind of hard to get my head around that's all how does that guy

head around that's all how does that guy

head around that's all how does that guy have a chance with you

have a chance with you

have a chance with you she looked at him he wasn't always like

she looked at him he wasn't always like

she looked at him he wasn't always like that well yeah obviously I get that I

that well yeah obviously I get that I

that well yeah obviously I get that I don't think anybody on Earth has ever

don't think anybody on Earth has ever

don't think anybody on Earth has ever been quite like that but I mean he had

been quite like that but I mean he had

been quite like that but I mean he had to be some version of that right

to be some version of that right

to be some version of that right I guess so

I guess so

I guess so and you're you know you

and you're you know you

and you're you know you thank you she wished you'd stop talking

thank you she wished you'd stop talking

thank you she wished you'd stop talking and she's a beautiful kid

and she's a beautiful kid

and she's a beautiful kid oops

oops

oops Naomi tilted her head looking at him

Naomi tilted her head looking at him

Naomi tilted her head looking at him thinking

thinking

thinking oh God how he wished he could snatch

oh God how he wished he could snatch

oh God how he wished he could snatch those last five words out of the air

those last five words out of the air

those last five words out of the air before they found her ears how he wished

before they found her ears how he wished

before they found her ears how he wished he could go back in time just three

he could go back in time just three

he could go back in time just three seconds would do it

seconds would do it

seconds would do it but he couldn't he'd said it she'd heard

but he couldn't he'd said it she'd heard

but he couldn't he'd said it she'd heard it and she understood what it meant

it and she understood what it meant

it and she understood what it meant his mind sorted through options his

his mind sorted through options his

his mind sorted through options his ordinary Instinct would have been to

ordinary Instinct would have been to

ordinary Instinct would have been to keep talking to paper over it with more

keep talking to paper over it with more

keep talking to paper over it with more and more fulminations to bury the slip

and more fulminations to bury the slip

and more fulminations to bury the slip of the tongue so deeply and blather that

of the tongue so deeply and blather that

of the tongue so deeply and blather that she might not notice or would forget

she might not notice or would forget

she might not notice or would forget that he just announced he not only knew

that he just announced he not only knew

that he just announced he not only knew she had a child prior to tonight but had

she had a child prior to tonight but had

she had a child prior to tonight but had actually seen that child a clandestine

actually seen that child a clandestine

actually seen that child a clandestine event she had most certainly been

event she had most certainly been

event she had most certainly been unaware of till now

unaware of till now

unaware of till now he was about to turn on the fire hose of

he was about to turn on the fire hose of

he was about to turn on the fire hose of Lies but something stopped him

Lies but something stopped him

Lies but something stopped him this had been a long and bizarre night

this had been a long and bizarre night

this had been a long and bizarre night and Naomi was different

and Naomi was different

and Naomi was different and it occurred to him that maybe his

and it occurred to him that maybe his

and it occurred to him that maybe his instincts all these years had been the

instincts all these years had been the

instincts all these years had been the wrong ones

wrong ones

wrong ones maybe those instincts were the reason he

maybe those instincts were the reason he

maybe those instincts were the reason he had a [ __ ] job and no girlfriend maybe

had a [ __ ] job and no girlfriend maybe

had a [ __ ] job and no girlfriend maybe TK thought he should go with the truth

TK thought he should go with the truth

TK thought he should go with the truth for once

for once

for once maybe he should admit an unpleasant

maybe he should admit an unpleasant

maybe he should admit an unpleasant reality before it became impossible to

reality before it became impossible to

reality before it became impossible to do so maybe he should speak frankly and

do so maybe he should speak frankly and

do so maybe he should speak frankly and self-deprecatingly and forthrightly as

self-deprecatingly and forthrightly as

self-deprecatingly and forthrightly as soon as it was necessary he could

soon as it was necessary he could

soon as it was necessary he could actually show a little [ __ ] class for

actually show a little [ __ ] class for

actually show a little [ __ ] class for once he thought maybe he could speak

once he thought maybe he could speak

once he thought maybe he could speak with such charm and Grace such wit and

with such charm and Grace such wit and

with such charm and Grace such wit and style that this moment this admission

style that this moment this admission

style that this moment this admission this candor

this candor

this candor might actually win her over rather than

might actually win her over rather than

might actually win her over rather than drive her away

drive her away

drive her away I followed your ass home one morning it

I followed your ass home one morning it

I followed your ass home one morning it was [ __ ] up sorry

was [ __ ] up sorry

was [ __ ] up sorry or you know he could do it that way

or you know he could do it that way

or you know he could do it that way Naomi's phone buzzed

Naomi's phone buzzed

Naomi's phone buzzed she picked it up immediately glance at

she picked it up immediately glance at

she picked it up immediately glance at the number and answered hello she paused

the number and answered hello she paused

the number and answered hello she paused listening staring at Tea cake she

listening staring at Tea cake she

listening staring at Tea cake she continued the perfunctory conversation

continued the perfunctory conversation

continued the perfunctory conversation her eyes pinning him to his chair the

her eyes pinning him to his chair the

her eyes pinning him to his chair the whole time yes yes same as 10 minutes

whole time yes yes same as 10 minutes

whole time yes yes same as 10 minutes ago

ago

ago no he hasn't tried

no he hasn't tried

no he hasn't tried I assume he is we haven't heard him walk

I assume he is we haven't heard him walk

I assume he is we haven't heard him walk away

away

away yes okay

yes okay

yes okay she hung up TK tipped his chin for

she hung up TK tipped his chin for

she hung up TK tipped his chin for information she'd say anything new

information she'd say anything new

information she'd say anything new no

no

no so like are they getting here soon or

so like are they getting here soon or

so like are they getting here soon or what

what

what he made an exaggerated show of checking

he made an exaggerated show of checking

he made an exaggerated show of checking the time on his phone profoundly

the time on his phone profoundly

the time on his phone profoundly grateful for the change in subject she'd

grateful for the change in subject she'd

grateful for the change in subject she'd forget maybe she forgot already he kept

forget maybe she forgot already he kept

forget maybe she forgot already he kept talking like 45 minutes from now so okay

talking like 45 minutes from now so okay

talking like 45 minutes from now so okay it was like around four when you talked

it was like around four when you talked

it was like around four when you talked to the guy so you're a flip phone guy

to the guy so you're a flip phone guy

to the guy so you're a flip phone guy she hadn't forgotten

she hadn't forgotten

she hadn't forgotten he sighed I apologize Naomi I get I do

he sighed I apologize Naomi I get I do

he sighed I apologize Naomi I get I do dumb stuff sometimes I wasn't

dumb stuff sometimes I wasn't

dumb stuff sometimes I wasn't I didn't

I didn't

I didn't oh [ __ ]

oh [ __ ]

oh [ __ ] in the parking lot of my building right

in the parking lot of my building right

in the parking lot of my building right about a week ago

about a week ago

about a week ago staring at your flip phone

staring at your flip phone

staring at your flip phone you saw me

you saw me

you saw me yeah I saw you

yeah I saw you

yeah I saw you I knew you looked familiar tonight but I

I knew you looked familiar tonight but I

I knew you looked familiar tonight but I couldn't figure out where I saw you

couldn't figure out where I saw you

couldn't figure out where I saw you before

before

before I should have got it when you pulled

I should have got it when you pulled

I should have got it when you pulled your phone out nobody has those anymore

your phone out nobody has those anymore

your phone out nobody has those anymore I'm sorry I are you a stalker Travis no

I'm sorry I are you a stalker Travis no

I'm sorry I are you a stalker Travis no I swear because that's creepy I know I

I swear because that's creepy I know I

I swear because that's creepy I know I apologize

apologize

apologize I never did that before

I never did that before

I never did that before I would hope not

I would hope not

I would hope not I just wanted to talk to you and then I

I just wanted to talk to you and then I

I just wanted to talk to you and then I got in a jam and I didn't know how to

got in a jam and I didn't know how to

got in a jam and I didn't know how to get out I'm sorry

get out I'm sorry

get out I'm sorry she looked at him for a long moment

she looked at him for a long moment

she looked at him for a long moment analytically as if evaluating every

analytically as if evaluating every

analytically as if evaluating every piece of him

piece of him

piece of him dissecting his entire character based on

dissecting his entire character based on

dissecting his entire character based on the look on his face in that one moment

the look on his face in that one moment

the look on his face in that one moment finally okay

finally okay

finally okay don't do it again

don't do it again

don't do it again and it was done

and it was done

and it was done he was stunned this was not how he'd

he was stunned this was not how he'd

he was stunned this was not how he'd expected this to go

expected this to go

expected this to go she was letting him off the hook

she was letting him off the hook

she was letting him off the hook she was really truly for serious letting

she was really truly for serious letting

she was really truly for serious letting him take a pass she wasn't repulsed or

him take a pass she wasn't repulsed or

him take a pass she wasn't repulsed or any [ __ ] like that

any [ __ ] like that

any [ __ ] like that he told the truth and it worked

he told the truth and it worked

he told the truth and it worked he smiled and for nearly a full minute

he smiled and for nearly a full minute

he smiled and for nearly a full minute the two of them had forgotten where they

the two of them had forgotten where they

the two of them had forgotten where they were and what was happening

were and what was happening

were and what was happening then they heard it

then they heard it

then they heard it was faint and far away

was faint and far away

was faint and far away but it was so deep and down low that it

but it was so deep and down low that it

but it was so deep and down low that it vibrated through the entire cement and

vibrated through the entire cement and

vibrated through the entire cement and metal building

metal building

metal building the overhead door rattled in its tracks

the overhead door rattled in its tracks

the overhead door rattled in its tracks ever so slightly

ever so slightly

ever so slightly they both looked at it and then at each

they both looked at it and then at each

they both looked at it and then at each other at the same time

other at the same time

other at the same time is this what it sounds like when the

is this what it sounds like when the

is this what it sounds like when the Cavalry arrives

Cavalry arrives

Cavalry arrives Tea cake stood almost involuntarily

Tea cake stood almost involuntarily

Tea cake stood almost involuntarily they're here

they're here

they're here Naomi checked the time on her phone this

Naomi checked the time on her phone this

Naomi checked the time on her phone this didn't feel right I don't think so

didn't feel right I don't think so

didn't feel right I don't think so on the other side of the metal door Mike

on the other side of the metal door Mike

on the other side of the metal door Mike had heard it too

had heard it too

had heard it too it'd be impossible not to it was louder

it'd be impossible not to it was louder

it'd be impossible not to it was louder out here

out here

out here echoing off the cinder block

echoing off the cinder block

echoing off the cinder block the dull Roar was getting louder fast

the dull Roar was getting louder fast

the dull Roar was getting louder fast and coming from outside

and coming from outside

and coming from outside there were Vehicles approaching Mike

there were Vehicles approaching Mike

there were Vehicles approaching Mike knew that much and vehicles meant there

knew that much and vehicles meant there

knew that much and vehicles meant there were people in them and people meant

were people in them and people meant

were people in them and people meant grouping and spread and migration that

grouping and spread and migration that

grouping and spread and migration that was all good and much easier to deal

was all good and much easier to deal

was all good and much easier to deal with than the metal door that made his

with than the metal door that made his

with than the metal door that made his whole body hurt just from looking at it

whole body hurt just from looking at it

whole body hurt just from looking at it I'll have to get in there after all

I'll have to get in there after all

I'll have to get in there after all don't have two other people

don't have two other people

don't have two other people he turned and walked away down the

he turned and walked away down the

he turned and walked away down the corridor toward the sound

outside the entrance of the building

outside the entrance of the building

outside the entrance of the building headlights swept down the driveway and

headlights swept down the driveway and

headlights swept down the driveway and splashed across the front facade

splashed across the front facade

splashed across the front facade there are nine lights in all a pair from

there are nine lights in all a pair from

there are nine lights in all a pair from the black half ton pickup and one each

the black half ton pickup and one each

the black half ton pickup and one each from the seven Harleys which were the

from the seven Harleys which were the

from the seven Harleys which were the ones making all the noise

ones making all the noise

ones making all the noise Griffin's fat boy outfitted with the

Griffin's fat boy outfitted with the

Griffin's fat boy outfitted with the straight pipe exhaust was the loudest of

straight pipe exhaust was the loudest of

straight pipe exhaust was the loudest of them all so loud that even his fellow

them all so loud that even his fellow

them all so loud that even his fellow Riders would have told you that it was a

Riders would have told you that it was a

Riders would have told you that it was a little over the top you know dude there

little over the top you know dude there

little over the top you know dude there are other people in the world

are other people in the world

are other people in the world Griffin backed the bike around in a

Griffin backed the bike around in a

Griffin backed the bike around in a semi-circle by the front door got off

semi-circle by the front door got off

semi-circle by the front door got off tossed his goggles over the handlebars

tossed his goggles over the handlebars

tossed his goggles over the handlebars and spit in the gravel he'd been drunk

and spit in the gravel he'd been drunk

and spit in the gravel he'd been drunk for nearly 10 hours at this point which

for nearly 10 hours at this point which

for nearly 10 hours at this point which wasn't that big a deal for him but along

wasn't that big a deal for him but along

wasn't that big a deal for him but along with the weed he'd smoked in the half

with the weed he'd smoked in the half

with the weed he'd smoked in the half pound beef burrito he'd wolfed down

pound beef burrito he'd wolfed down

pound beef burrito he'd wolfed down around 2 A.M things were starting to

around 2 A.M things were starting to

around 2 A.M things were starting to repeat on him a little bit even a fat

repeat on him a little bit even a fat

repeat on him a little bit even a fat gut has its limits

gut has its limits

gut has its limits the other Harleys rolled to a stop

the other Harleys rolled to a stop

the other Harleys rolled to a stop around him and the drivers got off one

around him and the drivers got off one

around him and the drivers got off one by one Cedric Ironhead wino Cuba garbage

by one Cedric Ironhead wino Cuba garbage

by one Cedric Ironhead wino Cuba garbage and Dr Stephen Friedman

and Dr Stephen Friedman

and Dr Stephen Friedman Dr Friedman like Griffin was the sort of

Dr Friedman like Griffin was the sort of

Dr Friedman like Griffin was the sort of person who was impossible to nickname

person who was impossible to nickname

person who was impossible to nickname nothing seemed to stick ever

nothing seemed to stick ever

nothing seemed to stick ever there was just something about him that

there was just something about him that

there was just something about him that screamed Dr Stephen Friedman and so Dr

screamed Dr Stephen Friedman and so Dr

screamed Dr Stephen Friedman and so Dr Stephen Friedman he remained a

Stephen Friedman he remained a

Stephen Friedman he remained a reasonably nice dentist who liked to

reasonably nice dentist who liked to

reasonably nice dentist who liked to ride and wear leathers

ride and wear leathers

ride and wear leathers shorty and the Rev got out of the truck

shorty and the Rev got out of the truck

shorty and the Rev got out of the truck most of them were in various stages and

most of them were in various stages and

most of them were in various stages and types of inebriation with the exception

types of inebriation with the exception

types of inebriation with the exception of Dr Friedman who had his 18-month chip

of Dr Friedman who had his 18-month chip

of Dr Friedman who had his 18-month chip and shorty who was straight edge

and shorty who was straight edge

and shorty who was straight edge the night has started innocently enough

the night has started innocently enough

the night has started innocently enough at Griffin's rented house a sparsely

at Griffin's rented house a sparsely

at Griffin's rented house a sparsely furnished two-bedroom ranch style near

furnished two-bedroom ranch style near

furnished two-bedroom ranch style near Cedar Lake that was down a long driveway

Cedar Lake that was down a long driveway

Cedar Lake that was down a long driveway at the end of a cul-de-sac

at the end of a cul-de-sac

at the end of a cul-de-sac the neighbors were far enough away that

the neighbors were far enough away that

the neighbors were far enough away that they didn't complain about noise and

they didn't complain about noise and

they didn't complain about noise and Griffin didn't care what happened to the

Griffin didn't care what happened to the

Griffin didn't care what happened to the place or what she did

place or what she did

place or what she did you could get wasted pass out score just

you could get wasted pass out score just

you could get wasted pass out score just about anything you wanted and Griffin

about anything you wanted and Griffin

about anything you wanted and Griffin had 55-inch curved Samsung premium Ultra

had 55-inch curved Samsung premium Ultra

had 55-inch curved Samsung premium Ultra 4K TVs in the living room in both

4K TVs in the living room in both

4K TVs in the living room in both bedrooms all three hooked up to bootleg

bedrooms all three hooked up to bootleg

bedrooms all three hooked up to bootleg cable which meant nobody ever had to

cable which meant nobody ever had to

cable which meant nobody ever had to fight over what to watch

fight over what to watch

fight over what to watch they'd come to the storage place at four

they'd come to the storage place at four

they'd come to the storage place at four in the morning because of the TVs after

in the morning because of the TVs after

in the morning because of the TVs after five months of sitting on a stash of two

five months of sitting on a stash of two

five months of sitting on a stash of two dozen hot Samsungs Griffin had finally

dozen hot Samsungs Griffin had finally

dozen hot Samsungs Griffin had finally sold half of them tonight

sold half of them tonight

sold half of them tonight it hadn't been easy he had been working

it hadn't been easy he had been working

it hadn't been easy he had been working on this group since midnight and it

on this group since midnight and it

on this group since midnight and it wasn't until he brought out the last of

wasn't until he brought out the last of

wasn't until he brought out the last of his meager supply of coke and pass it

his meager supply of coke and pass it

his meager supply of coke and pass it around but they all agreed to give him a

around but they all agreed to give him a

around but they all agreed to give him a hundred bucks each and take a TV home

hundred bucks each and take a TV home

hundred bucks each and take a TV home tonight in the revs truck that was one

tonight in the revs truck that was one

tonight in the revs truck that was one TV for everybody and five for garbage

TV for everybody and five for garbage

TV for everybody and five for garbage who thought he could unload them to his

who thought he could unload them to his

who thought he could unload them to his buddy in the electronics department at

buddy in the electronics department at

buddy in the electronics department at Walmart for sale out back that would be

Walmart for sale out back that would be

Walmart for sale out back that would be pretty hilarious as Griffin was pretty

pretty hilarious as Griffin was pretty

pretty hilarious as Griffin was pretty sure the Walmart resupply Depot in

sure the Walmart resupply Depot in

sure the Walmart resupply Depot in Topeka was where the TVs had come from

Topeka was where the TVs had come from

Topeka was where the TVs had come from in the first place

in the first place

in the first place but he knew better than to ask questions

but he knew better than to ask questions

but he knew better than to ask questions Griffin had agreed to store and sell the

Griffin had agreed to store and sell the

Griffin had agreed to store and sell the stolen TVs back in October and had grown

stolen TVs back in October and had grown

stolen TVs back in October and had grown to hate the things

to hate the things

to hate the things they retail for 799 dollars and were

they retail for 799 dollars and were

they retail for 799 dollars and were supposed to be this big deal when they

supposed to be this big deal when they

supposed to be this big deal when they came out but then nobody gave a [ __ ]

came out but then nobody gave a [ __ ]

came out but then nobody gave a [ __ ] that the screen was curved or that it

that the screen was curved or that it

that the screen was curved or that it was 4K or LED or Ultra any of that [ __ ]

was 4K or LED or Ultra any of that [ __ ]

was 4K or LED or Ultra any of that [ __ ] because you could get almost the same tv

because you could get almost the same tv

because you could get almost the same tv anywhere for half the price and the

anywhere for half the price and the

anywhere for half the price and the picture looked exactly the same

picture looked exactly the same

picture looked exactly the same the deal Griffin and the guy made was

the deal Griffin and the guy made was

the deal Griffin and the guy made was that they would split any sales Griffin

that they would split any sales Griffin

that they would split any sales Griffin could make 50 50 which meant that

could make 50 50 which meant that

could make 50 50 which meant that tonight for his troubles he would clear

tonight for his troubles he would clear

tonight for his troubles he would clear all of six hundred dollars

all of six hundred dollars

all of six hundred dollars it was barely more than the cost of the

it was barely more than the cost of the

it was barely more than the cost of the storage unit for the five months he'd

storage unit for the five months he'd

storage unit for the five months he'd had it but at least he wouldn't be on

had it but at least he wouldn't be on

had it but at least he wouldn't be on the water anymore and he'd be halfway

the water anymore and he'd be halfway

the water anymore and he'd be halfway out of this problem

out of this problem

out of this problem he arrived at the storage place angry he

he arrived at the storage place angry he

he arrived at the storage place angry he must have called that little turd Tea

must have called that little turd Tea

must have called that little turd Tea cake a dozen times in the past hour to

cake a dozen times in the past hour to

cake a dozen times in the past hour to tell him he's on his way with some

tell him he's on his way with some

tell him he's on his way with some serious people and if TK knew what was

serious people and if TK knew what was

serious people and if TK knew what was good for him he'd piss off to the other

good for him he'd piss off to the other

good for him he'd piss off to the other side of the complex and not see things

side of the complex and not see things

side of the complex and not see things he'd wish he hadn't

he'd wish he hadn't

he'd wish he hadn't but the kid never answered his phone

but the kid never answered his phone

but the kid never answered his phone the [ __ ] apparently gotten the

the [ __ ] apparently gotten the

the [ __ ] apparently gotten the message though because as Griffin

message though because as Griffin

message though because as Griffin stomped to the door he could see the

stomped to the door he could see the

stomped to the door he could see the front desk was unoccupied

front desk was unoccupied

front desk was unoccupied but then he froze past key in mid-air

but then he froze past key in mid-air

but then he froze past key in mid-air when he saw the wall

when he saw the wall

when he saw the wall he's already bulging eyes bulged out

he's already bulging eyes bulged out

he's already bulging eyes bulged out even farther

even farther

even farther there was a hole in the wall behind the

there was a hole in the wall behind the

there was a hole in the wall behind the desk two holes as a matter of fact big

desk two holes as a matter of fact big

desk two holes as a matter of fact big ones messy four foot wide gashes in the

ones messy four foot wide gashes in the

ones messy four foot wide gashes in the drywall

drywall

drywall Griffin's entire bald head flushed

Griffin's entire bald head flushed

Griffin's entire bald head flushed Crimson hot blood rushing into it

Crimson hot blood rushing into it

Crimson hot blood rushing into it what the [ __ ] that little [ __ ] what the

what the [ __ ] that little [ __ ] what the

what the [ __ ] that little [ __ ] what the [ __ ] what the [ __ ] he wondered

[ __ ] what the [ __ ] he wondered

[ __ ] what the [ __ ] he wondered he swiped his card through the reader

he swiped his card through the reader

he swiped his card through the reader the door buzzed and he stormed inside he

the door buzzed and he stormed inside he

the door buzzed and he stormed inside he hunched like a boxer getting ready to

hunched like a boxer getting ready to

hunched like a boxer getting ready to throw a punch and stalked over to the

throw a punch and stalked over to the

throw a punch and stalked over to the desk

desk

desk staring at the holes aghast

staring at the holes aghast

staring at the holes aghast Ironhead stepped up beside him horror

Ironhead stepped up beside him horror

Ironhead stepped up beside him horror Griffin your shit's [ __ ] up what kind

Griffin your shit's [ __ ] up what kind

Griffin your shit's [ __ ] up what kind of place you want here

of place you want here

of place you want here I'm gonna [ __ ] rip him a new one what

I'm gonna [ __ ] rip him a new one what

I'm gonna [ __ ] rip him a new one what the [ __ ] did that little [ __ ] do to my

the [ __ ] did that little [ __ ] do to my

the [ __ ] did that little [ __ ] do to my [ __ ] place of business

[ __ ] place of business

[ __ ] place of business Cedric and garbage seemed to think it

Cedric and garbage seemed to think it

Cedric and garbage seemed to think it was kind of funny

was kind of funny

was kind of funny Iron Head hopped over the desk drawn by

Iron Head hopped over the desk drawn by

Iron Head hopped over the desk drawn by the blinking lights behind the wall

the blinking lights behind the wall

the blinking lights behind the wall there's a whole bunch of electronics and

there's a whole bunch of electronics and

there's a whole bunch of electronics and [ __ ] back here what is this

[ __ ] back here what is this

[ __ ] back here what is this Dr Stephen Friedman stepped up next to

Dr Stephen Friedman stepped up next to

Dr Stephen Friedman stepped up next to Griffin sober and sympathetic

Griffin sober and sympathetic

Griffin sober and sympathetic looks like you have some personal

looks like you have some personal

looks like you have some personal problems Daryl

problems Daryl

problems Daryl Griffin hated Dr Friedman even though he

Griffin hated Dr Friedman even though he

Griffin hated Dr Friedman even though he was the only one who used Griffin's

was the only one who used Griffin's

was the only one who used Griffin's Christian name

Christian name

Christian name Griffin pulled out his phone and stabbed

Griffin pulled out his phone and stabbed

Griffin pulled out his phone and stabbed a thick finger at TK's number again but

a thick finger at TK's number again but

a thick finger at TK's number again but The rev's Voice boomed through the lobby

The rev's Voice boomed through the lobby

The rev's Voice boomed through the lobby impatient we doing this or what

impatient we doing this or what

impatient we doing this or what Griffin hung up he would kill TK later

Griffin hung up he would kill TK later

Griffin hung up he would kill TK later yeah this way

yeah this way

yeah this way he walked to the gate that led to the

he walked to the gate that led to the

he walked to the gate that led to the storage units and swiped his card again

storage units and swiped his card again

storage units and swiped his card again the gate buzzed and they pushed through

the gate buzzed and they pushed through

the gate buzzed and they pushed through headed into the back

headed into the back

headed into the back as they made their noisy way down the

as they made their noisy way down the

as they made their noisy way down the corridor and into the depths of the

corridor and into the depths of the

corridor and into the depths of the storage facility Cuba heard a sound to

storage facility Cuba heard a sound to

storage facility Cuba heard a sound to her left and turned to look

her left and turned to look

her left and turned to look they were passing the open mouth of

they were passing the open mouth of

they were passing the open mouth of another hallway she got a glimpse of a

another hallway she got a glimpse of a

another hallway she got a glimpse of a person not a security guard but a

person not a security guard but a

person not a security guard but a slightly puffy guy in two tight jeans

slightly puffy guy in two tight jeans

slightly puffy guy in two tight jeans and a work shirt that was green

and a work shirt that was green

and a work shirt that was green spattered and strained at the buttons

spattered and strained at the buttons

spattered and strained at the buttons is if you put on a lot of weight

is if you put on a lot of weight

is if you put on a lot of weight recently and refused to buy new clothes

recently and refused to buy new clothes

recently and refused to buy new clothes the guy was looking their way as he

the guy was looking their way as he

the guy was looking their way as he walked through another intersection a

walked through another intersection a

walked through another intersection a hundred feet away

hundred feet away

hundred feet away they made eye contact and she found his

they made eye contact and she found his

they made eye contact and she found his look disconcerting his face is swollen

look disconcerting his face is swollen

look disconcerting his face is swollen as the rest of him and his stare a bit

as the rest of him and his stare a bit

as the rest of him and his stare a bit too intense

too intense

too intense she saw him only for a second or two and

she saw him only for a second or two and

she saw him only for a second or two and then he passed out a sight moving

then he passed out a sight moving

then he passed out a sight moving parallel to them in the same direction

parallel to them in the same direction

parallel to them in the same direction as if following them from one Corridor

as if following them from one Corridor

as if following them from one Corridor away

away

away Cuba who had not one ounce of Latino

Cuba who had not one ounce of Latino

Cuba who had not one ounce of Latino blood in her but did enjoy ropa Vieja

blood in her but did enjoy ropa Vieja

blood in her but did enjoy ropa Vieja wondered what kind of weirdo would hang

wondered what kind of weirdo would hang

wondered what kind of weirdo would hang out in a self-storage place at four

out in a self-storage place at four

out in a self-storage place at four o'clock in the morning

o'clock in the morning

o'clock in the morning she hurried to catch up with the others

22.

Trinny turned off the lights when they

Trinny turned off the lights when they

Trinny turned off the lights when they were half a block away and rolled to a

were half a block away and rolled to a

were half a block away and rolled to a quiet stop on the Suburban Street

quiet stop on the Suburban Street

quiet stop on the Suburban Street Roberto who'd known enough not to ask

Roberto who'd known enough not to ask

Roberto who'd known enough not to ask questions of Trini until they were

questions of Trini until they were

questions of Trini until they were immediately relevant

immediately relevant

immediately relevant asked the obvious one now

asked the obvious one now

asked the obvious one now where are we going

where are we going

where are we going Trini killed the engine unzipped her

Trini killed the engine unzipped her

Trini killed the engine unzipped her purse and rummaged around until she

purse and rummaged around until she

purse and rummaged around until she found a small rolled Leather Pouch

found a small rolled Leather Pouch

found a small rolled Leather Pouch where item 7 is

where item 7 is

where item 7 is she got out of the car looked up and

she got out of the car looked up and

she got out of the car looked up and down the deserted Street and headed off

down the deserted Street and headed off

down the deserted Street and headed off staying just beyond the throw of the

staying just beyond the throw of the

staying just beyond the throw of the infrequent street lights

infrequent street lights

infrequent street lights Roberto got out closed his door softly

Roberto got out closed his door softly

Roberto got out closed his door softly and caught up

and caught up

and caught up he didn't say anything just kept pace

he didn't say anything just kept pace

he didn't say anything just kept pace with her as she counted off the houses

with her as she counted off the houses

with her as she counted off the houses the lights were out in all of them no

the lights were out in all of them no

the lights were out in all of them no respectable person up at this hour

respectable person up at this hour

respectable person up at this hour Trini stopped just before a pleasant

Trini stopped just before a pleasant

Trini stopped just before a pleasant looking two-story stepped up off the

looking two-story stepped up off the

looking two-story stepped up off the street started across the grass toward

street started across the grass toward

street started across the grass toward the house

the house

the house she didn't bother with the front door

she didn't bother with the front door

she didn't bother with the front door instead she went into the narrow yard

instead she went into the narrow yard

instead she went into the narrow yard about 50 feet of space between the house

about 50 feet of space between the house

about 50 feet of space between the house and the one next to it

and the one next to it

and the one next to it she reached the side door dropped to her

she reached the side door dropped to her

she reached the side door dropped to her knees on the cement slab just outside it

knees on the cement slab just outside it

knees on the cement slab just outside it and unrolled The Leather Pouch on the

and unrolled The Leather Pouch on the

and unrolled The Leather Pouch on the ground in front of her a little like

ground in front of her a little like

ground in front of her a little like please

please

please Roberto pulled out a keychain with a

Roberto pulled out a keychain with a

Roberto pulled out a keychain with a tiny matte light on it and bent down to

tiny matte light on it and bent down to

tiny matte light on it and bent down to contain the beam he clicked it on and

contain the beam he clicked it on and

contain the beam he clicked it on and held the beam on the pouch

held the beam on the pouch

held the beam on the pouch as it rolled open the light glinted off

as it rolled open the light glinted off

as it rolled open the light glinted off a pick set half a dozen metal tools of

a pick set half a dozen metal tools of

a pick set half a dozen metal tools of varying shapes and sizes

varying shapes and sizes

varying shapes and sizes forget your keys he whispered

forget your keys he whispered

forget your keys he whispered Trini didn't answer the less he knew the

Trini didn't answer the less he knew the

Trini didn't answer the less he knew the better so she offered nothing

better so she offered nothing

better so she offered nothing she skimmed her fingers over the torsion

she skimmed her fingers over the torsion

she skimmed her fingers over the torsion wrench in the offset Pig glanced up at

wrench in the offset Pig glanced up at

wrench in the offset Pig glanced up at the style of the lock on the door and

the style of the lock on the door and

the style of the lock on the door and selected an L rake she wiggled it into

selected an L rake she wiggled it into

selected an L rake she wiggled it into the lock and maneuvered it carefully

the lock and maneuvered it carefully

the lock and maneuvered it carefully listening

listening

listening Roberto looked around and back at her in

Roberto looked around and back at her in

Roberto looked around and back at her in mild annoyance

mild annoyance

mild annoyance this is really the best storage plan you

this is really the best storage plan you

this is really the best storage plan you could come up with

could come up with

could come up with work for 30 years didn't it

work for 30 years didn't it

work for 30 years didn't it she kept wiggling the L rake but wasn't

she kept wiggling the L rake but wasn't

she kept wiggling the L rake but wasn't getting anywhere so she pulled it out

getting anywhere so she pulled it out

getting anywhere so she pulled it out switched to a diamond offset pick and

switched to a diamond offset pick and

switched to a diamond offset pick and went back to work with that

went back to work with that

went back to work with that only pain in the ass was when they moved

only pain in the ass was when they moved

only pain in the ass was when they moved took me six weeks of very creative lying

took me six weeks of very creative lying

took me six weeks of very creative lying to get them to let me pack the basement

to get them to let me pack the basement

to get them to let me pack the basement by my there we go

by my there we go

by my there we go the law could clicked

the law could clicked

the law could clicked she turned it gently using the pick

she turned it gently using the pick

she turned it gently using the pick the door opened a crack

the door opened a crack

the door opened a crack slid the tools back into the leather

slid the tools back into the leather

slid the tools back into the leather roll tied it quickly and shoved it in

roll tied it quickly and shoved it in

roll tied it quickly and shoved it in the back of her pants as she stood up

the back of her pants as she stood up

the back of her pants as she stood up she looked at Roberto expecting praise

she looked at Roberto expecting praise

she looked at Roberto expecting praise but not getting any then Shrugged

but not getting any then Shrugged

but not getting any then Shrugged there's no pleasing some people she

there's no pleasing some people she

there's no pleasing some people she opened the door and stepped inside

opened the door and stepped inside

opened the door and stepped inside Roberto followed

Roberto followed

Roberto followed they were in a kitchen a busy family one

they were in a kitchen a busy family one

they were in a kitchen a busy family one from the looks of it even in the dark

from the looks of it even in the dark

from the looks of it even in the dark they could make out the counter crowded

they could make out the counter crowded

they could make out the counter crowded with olive oil jugs and spice bottles

with olive oil jugs and spice bottles

with olive oil jugs and spice bottles and half-read books and somebody's

and half-read books and somebody's

and half-read books and somebody's homework and assorted plastic crap

homework and assorted plastic crap

homework and assorted plastic crap Trini nodded her head and Roberto

Trini nodded her head and Roberto

Trini nodded her head and Roberto followed her across the room silently to

followed her across the room silently to

followed her across the room silently to a section of the wall that was covered

a section of the wall that was covered

a section of the wall that was covered by a pin board filled with kids drawings

by a pin board filled with kids drawings

by a pin board filled with kids drawings and ribbons and schedules and reminders

and ribbons and schedules and reminders

and ribbons and schedules and reminders Trini reached down to a half hidden

Trini reached down to a half hidden

Trini reached down to a half hidden handle turned it and opened the door

handle turned it and opened the door

handle turned it and opened the door light again

light again

light again Roberto shined his tiny matte light

Roberto shined his tiny matte light

Roberto shined his tiny matte light ahead of them revealing a staircase that

ahead of them revealing a staircase that

ahead of them revealing a staircase that led to a basement

led to a basement

led to a basement they glided down the stairs

they glided down the stairs

they glided down the stairs he kept his light on this time shining a

he kept his light on this time shining a

he kept his light on this time shining a path ahead of Trini as she moved through

path ahead of Trini as she moved through

path ahead of Trini as she moved through the half converted downstairs space past

the half converted downstairs space past

the half converted downstairs space past the ratty sofa and the broken

the ratty sofa and the broken

the ratty sofa and the broken permanently reclined recliner around the

permanently reclined recliner around the

permanently reclined recliner around the bumper pool table into another door at

bumper pool table into another door at

bumper pool table into another door at the far end of the room

the far end of the room

the far end of the room she turned the handle and pushed into an

she turned the handle and pushed into an

she turned the handle and pushed into an unfinished storage room

unfinished storage room

unfinished storage room the family had lived there for quite a

the family had lived there for quite a

the family had lived there for quite a while and there must have been a number

while and there must have been a number

while and there must have been a number of kids spread out over a fairly wide

of kids spread out over a fairly wide

of kids spread out over a fairly wide age range because there was everything

age range because there was everything

age range because there was everything down here from old big wheels to a rack

down here from old big wheels to a rack

down here from old big wheels to a rack of frequently used skis

of frequently used skis

of frequently used skis the back half of the storage room was

the back half of the storage room was

the back half of the storage room was curtained off and whatever was piled

curtained off and whatever was piled

curtained off and whatever was piled back there bulged threatening to push

back there bulged threatening to push

back there bulged threatening to push right through the curtain

right through the curtain

right through the curtain Trini pulled it aside

Trini pulled it aside

Trini pulled it aside the character of the stuff in the back

the character of the stuff in the back

the character of the stuff in the back half of the room was different

half of the room was different

half of the room was different there was no kid paraphernalia back here

there was no kid paraphernalia back here

there was no kid paraphernalia back here just a lot of beat up old crates and

just a lot of beat up old crates and

just a lot of beat up old crates and cases packed on top of one another

cases packed on top of one another

cases packed on top of one another unsentimental keepsakes like Camp Trunks

unsentimental keepsakes like Camp Trunks

unsentimental keepsakes like Camp Trunks and an old snowblower

and an old snowblower

and an old snowblower there was a narrow path through the

there was a narrow path through the

there was a narrow path through the cases a definite method to someone's

cases a definite method to someone's

cases a definite method to someone's pack rat Madness and Trini held her hand

pack rat Madness and Trini held her hand

pack rat Madness and Trini held her hand out for the light

out for the light

out for the light Roberto gave it to her and she turned

Roberto gave it to her and she turned

Roberto gave it to her and she turned sideways making her way between the

sideways making her way between the

sideways making her way between the cases toward the very back of the very

cases toward the very back of the very

cases toward the very back of the very back

back

back there was a large storage container

there was a large storage container

there was a large storage container there locked in three places along its

there locked in three places along its

there locked in three places along its front edge

front edge

front edge Trini pulled out a set of keys added the

Trini pulled out a set of keys added the

Trini pulled out a set of keys added the light back to Roberto and opened the

light back to Roberto and opened the

light back to Roberto and opened the blocks then the lid

blocks then the lid

blocks then the lid inside the trunk was a large flat wooden

inside the trunk was a large flat wooden

inside the trunk was a large flat wooden tray with divisions of all shapes and

tray with divisions of all shapes and

tray with divisions of all shapes and sizes filled with colorful pieces of

sizes filled with colorful pieces of

sizes filled with colorful pieces of paper

paper

paper Roberto's first thought was that it was

Roberto's first thought was that it was

Roberto's first thought was that it was currencies maybe Trini had a run box

currencies maybe Trini had a run box

currencies maybe Trini had a run box down here

down here

down here but on closer examination the paper

but on closer examination the paper

but on closer examination the paper wasn't money at all it was much too

wasn't money at all it was much too

wasn't money at all it was much too small and square

small and square

small and square Trini Drew her breath in sharply as if

Trini Drew her breath in sharply as if

Trini Drew her breath in sharply as if she'd forgotten what was in the box and

she'd forgotten what was in the box and

she'd forgotten what was in the box and he flipped the light up to her face

he flipped the light up to her face

he flipped the light up to her face she was grinning like a six-year-old my

she was grinning like a six-year-old my

she was grinning like a six-year-old my stamp collection

stamp collection

stamp collection she ran her fingers lightly over the

she ran her fingers lightly over the

she ran her fingers lightly over the rows of neatly mounted stamps sorted by

rows of neatly mounted stamps sorted by

rows of neatly mounted stamps sorted by country and continent each one on a tiny

country and continent each one on a tiny

country and continent each one on a tiny piece of stiff cardboard its date

piece of stiff cardboard its date

piece of stiff cardboard its date Norridge in neatly lettered beside it

Norridge in neatly lettered beside it

Norridge in neatly lettered beside it she picked one up fascinated

she picked one up fascinated

she picked one up fascinated campojia that's rare

campojia that's rare

campojia that's rare maybe not right this second

maybe not right this second

maybe not right this second sorry forgot I was here

sorry forgot I was here

sorry forgot I was here she spread her arms out reaching all the

she spread her arms out reaching all the

she spread her arms out reaching all the way to both sides of the five foot long

way to both sides of the five foot long

way to both sides of the five foot long box and locked her hands around the wood

box and locked her hands around the wood

box and locked her hands around the wood frame of its top tray she wiggled it a

frame of its top tray she wiggled it a

frame of its top tray she wiggled it a little and lifted pulling the whole tray

little and lifted pulling the whole tray

little and lifted pulling the whole tray out the way you would the top level of a

out the way you would the top level of a

out the way you would the top level of a Foot Locker

Foot Locker

Foot Locker she turned found a flat place nearby

she turned found a flat place nearby

she turned found a flat place nearby while she set it down Roberto turned the

while she set it down Roberto turned the

while she set it down Roberto turned the light back to the trunk

light back to the trunk

light back to the trunk beneath the top shelf was a mountain of

beneath the top shelf was a mountain of

beneath the top shelf was a mountain of bubble wrap he started pulling it aside

bubble wrap he started pulling it aside

bubble wrap he started pulling it aside Trini turned back and pulled the rest

Trini turned back and pulled the rest

Trini turned back and pulled the rest out and finally they uncovered what

out and finally they uncovered what

out and finally they uncovered what they'd come for

they'd come for

they'd come for the thing was big and shaped like a

the thing was big and shaped like a

the thing was big and shaped like a water barrel that had been cut in half

water barrel that had been cut in half

water barrel that had been cut in half vertically

vertically

vertically the flat portion had a series of straps

the flat portion had a series of straps

the flat portion had a series of straps and ropes and buckles and clamps and

and ropes and buckles and clamps and

and ropes and buckles and clamps and they wrapped around the barrel itself

they wrapped around the barrel itself

they wrapped around the barrel itself with three or four leather straps

with three or four leather straps

with three or four leather straps as a container it was meant to be

as a container it was meant to be

as a container it was meant to be lightweight but with that size it wasn't

lightweight but with that size it wasn't

lightweight but with that size it wasn't much of a chance it actually was

much of a chance it actually was

much of a chance it actually was the exterior was covered in a light

the exterior was covered in a light

the exterior was covered in a light colored canvas with some kind of hard

colored canvas with some kind of hard

colored canvas with some kind of hard shell underneath

shell underneath

shell underneath it was exactly as Roberto remembered it

it was exactly as Roberto remembered it

it was exactly as Roberto remembered it from 30 years ago

from 30 years ago

from 30 years ago you wasn't sure why it thought it would

you wasn't sure why it thought it would

you wasn't sure why it thought it would be any different

be any different

be any different looks old

looks old

looks old Trini Shrugged so away we still work

Trini Shrugged so away we still work

Trini Shrugged so away we still work true but they were human bodies meant to

true but they were human bodies meant to

true but they were human bodies meant to Mage and Decay and malfunction from time

Mage and Decay and malfunction from time

Mage and Decay and malfunction from time to time and the half-barrel backpack was

to time and the half-barrel backpack was

to time and the half-barrel backpack was a t-41 cloudburst a selectable yield Man

a t-41 cloudburst a selectable yield Man

a t-41 cloudburst a selectable yield Man portable nuclear weapon

portable nuclear weapon

portable nuclear weapon if trini's or Roberto's body broke down

if trini's or Roberto's body broke down

if trini's or Roberto's body broke down they'd die and a few people would cry

they'd die and a few people would cry

they'd die and a few people would cry for a while if the t-41 broke down

for a while if the t-41 broke down

for a while if the t-41 broke down everybody within a 10 mile radius died

everybody within a 10 mile radius died

everybody within a 10 mile radius died the t-41 was a product of the operation

the t-41 was a product of the operation

the t-41 was a product of the operation nougat tests in the early 1960s after

nougat tests in the early 1960s after

nougat tests in the early 1960s after Eisenhower had first authorized and

Eisenhower had first authorized and

Eisenhower had first authorized and implemented the concept of Battlefield

implemented the concept of Battlefield

implemented the concept of Battlefield nuclear weapons

nuclear weapons

nuclear weapons subsequent models were refined and

subsequent models were refined and

subsequent models were refined and deployed throughout the late 60s most of

deployed throughout the late 60s most of

deployed throughout the late 60s most of them to various Western European hot

them to various Western European hot

them to various Western European hot spots

spots

spots the idea behind the weapons was that

the idea behind the weapons was that

the idea behind the weapons was that they could be used to Stave off a

they could be used to Stave off a

they could be used to Stave off a Russian invasion

Russian invasion

Russian invasion they would be delivered where needed by

they would be delivered where needed by

they would be delivered where needed by U.S army green light teams Elite squads

U.S army green light teams Elite squads

U.S army green light teams Elite squads of soldiers specially schooled in the

of soldiers specially schooled in the

of soldiers specially schooled in the care and activation of portable nuclear

care and activation of portable nuclear

care and activation of portable nuclear weapons

weapons

weapons the weapons were designed so that they

the weapons were designed so that they

the weapons were designed so that they could be carried Behind Enemy Lines by a

could be carried Behind Enemy Lines by a

could be carried Behind Enemy Lines by a one or two-man Squad set with a timer

one or two-man Squad set with a timer

one or two-man Squad set with a timer radio Detonator and used to destroy

radio Detonator and used to destroy

radio Detonator and used to destroy strategic locations such as Bridges

strategic locations such as Bridges

strategic locations such as Bridges Munitions dumps or tank encampments

Munitions dumps or tank encampments

Munitions dumps or tank encampments they could also be delivered by

they could also be delivered by

they could also be delivered by Parachute or into water or buried to a

Parachute or into water or buried to a

Parachute or into water or buried to a depth of up to 20 feet although

depth of up to 20 feet although

depth of up to 20 feet although detonation was significantly less

detonation was significantly less

detonation was significantly less reliable than when accompanied by a

reliable than when accompanied by a

reliable than when accompanied by a technician

technician

technician the t-41 like most of the w54 series of

the t-41 like most of the w54 series of

the t-41 like most of the w54 series of special Atomic demolition Munitions

special Atomic demolition Munitions

special Atomic demolition Munitions sadms could be adjusted to a yield as

sadms could be adjusted to a yield as

sadms could be adjusted to a yield as low as 10 tons or as high as one kiloton

low as 10 tons or as high as one kiloton

low as 10 tons or as high as one kiloton which was enough to destroy either two

which was enough to destroy either two

which was enough to destroy either two city blocks or the entirety of the

city blocks or the entirety of the

city blocks or the entirety of the country of Liechtenstein

country of Liechtenstein

country of Liechtenstein in the latter Circumstance the safe

in the latter Circumstance the safe

in the latter Circumstance the safe Escape of the green light team was

Escape of the green light team was

Escape of the green light team was highly in doubt and the soldiers who had

highly in doubt and the soldiers who had

highly in doubt and the soldiers who had taken the job have been told to view it

taken the job have been told to view it

taken the job have been told to view it as a Kamikaze mission

as a Kamikaze mission

as a Kamikaze mission this particular t41 had been built and

this particular t41 had been built and

this particular t41 had been built and deployed in 1971 for use in the folder

deployed in 1971 for use in the folder

deployed in 1971 for use in the folder Gap in West Germany

Gap in West Germany

Gap in West Germany strategically critical for most of the

strategically critical for most of the

strategically critical for most of the modern era the full the Gap contains two

modern era the full the Gap contains two

modern era the full the Gap contains two corridors of low lands through which it

corridors of low lands through which it

corridors of low lands through which it was feared Soviet tanks might drive in a

was feared Soviet tanks might drive in a

was feared Soviet tanks might drive in a surprise attack on the Rhine River

surprise attack on the Rhine River

surprise attack on the Rhine River Valley their entrance to Western Europe

Valley their entrance to Western Europe

Valley their entrance to Western Europe to prevent a drawn-out tank battle the

to prevent a drawn-out tank battle the

to prevent a drawn-out tank battle the idea was that a single t-41 would remove

idea was that a single t-41 would remove

idea was that a single t-41 would remove the threat in a controlled burst of

the threat in a controlled burst of

the threat in a controlled burst of Destruction

Destruction

Destruction nuclear weapons in those early days were

nuclear weapons in those early days were

nuclear weapons in those early days were viewed by some in the Pentagon is just

viewed by some in the Pentagon is just

viewed by some in the Pentagon is just bigger and more effective versions of

bigger and more effective versions of

bigger and more effective versions of conventional bombs

conventional bombs

conventional bombs by 1988 sentiment had changed the INF

by 1988 sentiment had changed the INF

by 1988 sentiment had changed the INF treaty had taken firm hold and the last

treaty had taken firm hold and the last

treaty had taken firm hold and the last 300 sadms were removed from Western

300 sadms were removed from Western

300 sadms were removed from Western Europe decommissioned and dismantled

Europe decommissioned and dismantled

Europe decommissioned and dismantled except for this one

except for this one

except for this one for three years after confirmation of

for three years after confirmation of

for three years after confirmation of the success of the kirakura firebombing

the success of the kirakura firebombing

the success of the kirakura firebombing Roberto Trini Gordon gray and two other

Roberto Trini Gordon gray and two other

Roberto Trini Gordon gray and two other cohorts in the dtra had been on a

cohorts in the dtra had been on a

cohorts in the dtra had been on a fruitless and frustrating quest to warn

fruitless and frustrating quest to warn

fruitless and frustrating quest to warn their superiors of the need for a

their superiors of the need for a

their superiors of the need for a contingency plan should cordyceps Novus

contingency plan should cordyceps Novus

contingency plan should cordyceps Novus ever escape its confinement beneath the

ever escape its confinement beneath the

ever escape its confinement beneath the Atchison mines

Atchison mines

Atchison mines the nature of the storage facility was

the nature of the storage facility was

the nature of the storage facility was ideally suited to a controlled

ideally suited to a controlled

ideally suited to a controlled detonation of a nuclear device it argued

detonation of a nuclear device it argued

detonation of a nuclear device it argued with proper planning and placement they

with proper planning and placement they

with proper planning and placement they could closely limit loss of life even an

could closely limit loss of life even an

could closely limit loss of life even an underground nuclear blast would be

underground nuclear blast would be

underground nuclear blast would be impossible to conceal they granted but

impossible to conceal they granted but

impossible to conceal they granted but after all this was a break the glass

after all this was a break the glass

after all this was a break the glass scenario that would likely never have to

scenario that would likely never have to

scenario that would likely never have to be used

be used

be used still shouldn't they be ready for it

still shouldn't they be ready for it

still shouldn't they be ready for it rebuffed or ignored at every turn they

rebuffed or ignored at every turn they

rebuffed or ignored at every turn they had finally taken matters into their own

had finally taken matters into their own

had finally taken matters into their own hands

hands

hands as disarmament activities swept through

as disarmament activities swept through

as disarmament activities swept through Western Europe they falsified movement

Western Europe they falsified movement

Western Europe they falsified movement records within the joint elimination

records within the joint elimination

records within the joint elimination coordination element and 30 years later

coordination element and 30 years later

coordination element and 30 years later here was the contingency plan in a box

here was the contingency plan in a box

here was the contingency plan in a box in a basement underneath trini's stamp

in a basement underneath trini's stamp

in a basement underneath trini's stamp collection

collection

collection Roberto started to lift the unit out of

Roberto started to lift the unit out of

Roberto started to lift the unit out of the crate and felt a twinge in his back

the crate and felt a twinge in his back

the crate and felt a twinge in his back he stopped immediately don't push it

he stopped immediately don't push it

he stopped immediately don't push it more on bent his knees straightened his

more on bent his knees straightened his

more on bent his knees straightened his torso to vertical and lifted

torso to vertical and lifted

torso to vertical and lifted the t-41 weighed 58 pounds heavier than

the t-41 weighed 58 pounds heavier than

the t-41 weighed 58 pounds heavier than he expected or remembered

he expected or remembered

he expected or remembered he set it on the edge of the crate and

he set it on the edge of the crate and

he set it on the edge of the crate and looked up a trini hold on to that for a

looked up a trini hold on to that for a

looked up a trini hold on to that for a second will you

second will you

second will you she reached out and studied it he turned

she reached out and studied it he turned

she reached out and studied it he turned around squatted down facing away from it

around squatted down facing away from it

around squatted down facing away from it he looped his arms through the straps

he looped his arms through the straps

he looped his arms through the straps tightened them as much as he could

tightened them as much as he could

tightened them as much as he could exhaled and stood up again he could feel

exhaled and stood up again he could feel

exhaled and stood up again he could feel it in his thighs already this thing was

it in his thighs already this thing was

it in his thighs already this thing was heavy and he was not the man he used to

heavy and he was not the man he used to

heavy and he was not the man he used to be

be

be okay to go

okay to go

okay to go she turned Shine the Light on him and

she turned Shine the Light on him and

she turned Shine the Light on him and laughed what he asked the [ __ ] we get

laughed what he asked the [ __ ] we get

laughed what he asked the [ __ ] we get ourselves into

ourselves into

ourselves into keeps retirement interesting he said

keeps retirement interesting he said

keeps retirement interesting he said after you

after you

after you they headed off back to the other side

they headed off back to the other side

they headed off back to the other side of the curtain in the unfinished storage

of the curtain in the unfinished storage

of the curtain in the unfinished storage area around the bumper pool table past

area around the bumper pool table past

area around the bumper pool table past the broken recliner into the stairs that

the broken recliner into the stairs that

the broken recliner into the stairs that led to the kitchen

led to the kitchen

led to the kitchen she was on the fourth step up and

she was on the fourth step up and

she was on the fourth step up and Roberto had his foot on the very first

Roberto had his foot on the very first

Roberto had his foot on the very first one when the basement fluorescence all

one when the basement fluorescence all

one when the basement fluorescence all switched on

switched on

switched on they froze momentarily blinded

they froze momentarily blinded

they froze momentarily blinded they looked up wincing at the light and

they looked up wincing at the light and

they looked up wincing at the light and could make out the silhouette of a man

could make out the silhouette of a man

could make out the silhouette of a man at the top of the stairs a guy in boxes

at the top of the stairs a guy in boxes

at the top of the stairs a guy in boxes shorts and a Kansas City Chiefs t-shirt

shorts and a Kansas City Chiefs t-shirt

shorts and a Kansas City Chiefs t-shirt pointing a shotgun at them

pointing a shotgun at them

pointing a shotgun at them roto's mind flicked through options and

roto's mind flicked through options and

roto's mind flicked through options and found none

found none

found none with this refrigerator strapped to his

with this refrigerator strapped to his

with this refrigerator strapped to his back and not in this position second up

back and not in this position second up

back and not in this position second up at the base of a flight of stairs facing

at the base of a flight of stairs facing

at the base of a flight of stairs facing a guy who already had the drop on him

a guy who already had the drop on him

a guy who already had the drop on him with a 12 cage

with a 12 cage

with a 12 cage for the first time in a long while he

for the first time in a long while he

for the first time in a long while he searched his mind instincts and

searched his mind instincts and

searched his mind instincts and experiences and came up with exactly

experiences and came up with exactly

experiences and came up with exactly nothing

nothing

nothing uh he said

uh he said

uh he said the guy at the top of the stairs died he

the guy at the top of the stairs died he

the guy at the top of the stairs died he pulled the gun back looking at Trini

pulled the gun back looking at Trini

pulled the gun back looking at Trini mom really

mom really

mom really smiled hi sweetie

smiled hi sweetie

smiled hi sweetie she looked him up and down you look

she looked him up and down you look

she looked him up and down you look heavy

heavy

heavy it was true Roberto noticed that t-shirt

it was true Roberto noticed that t-shirt

it was true Roberto noticed that t-shirt was a little clingy in the punch

was a little clingy in the punch

was a little clingy in the punch the man came down a few steps cautious

the man came down a few steps cautious

the man came down a few steps cautious with the shotgun and even more careful

with the shotgun and even more careful

with the shotgun and even more careful with his voice keeping it low what are

with his voice keeping it low what are

with his voice keeping it low what are you doing

you doing

you doing Trini continued up the stairs toward him

Trini continued up the stairs toward him

Trini continued up the stairs toward him and Roberto followed I'll just grabbing

and Roberto followed I'll just grabbing

and Roberto followed I'll just grabbing something she said out of your hair in

something she said out of your hair in

something she said out of your hair in two seconds

two seconds

two seconds remembering she wasn't alone she turned

remembering she wasn't alone she turned

remembering she wasn't alone she turned around sorry Anthony this is my friend

around sorry Anthony this is my friend

around sorry Anthony this is my friend Roberto

Roberto

Roberto Roberto came up another step reaching a

Roberto came up another step reaching a

Roberto came up another step reaching a hand Pastor to shake we met I think

hand Pastor to shake we met I think

hand Pastor to shake we met I think you're about three years old

you're about three years old

you're about three years old Anthony took it reflexively uh-huh

Anthony took it reflexively uh-huh

Anthony took it reflexively uh-huh he turned back to Trini Janet would kill

he turned back to Trini Janet would kill

he turned back to Trini Janet would kill you and me

you and me

you and me Trini made a zipping motion across her

Trini made a zipping motion across her

Trini made a zipping motion across her lips gestured up the stairs and Anthony

lips gestured up the stairs and Anthony

lips gestured up the stairs and Anthony turned he trudged back upstairs reached

turned he trudged back upstairs reached

turned he trudged back upstairs reached the kitchen and stepped out of the way

the kitchen and stepped out of the way

the kitchen and stepped out of the way letting them pass

letting them pass

letting them pass he couldn't help but see the enormous

he couldn't help but see the enormous

he couldn't help but see the enormous military-looking thing Roberto had

military-looking thing Roberto had

military-looking thing Roberto had strapped to his back

strapped to his back

strapped to his back but he just rolled his eyes and looked

but he just rolled his eyes and looked

but he just rolled his eyes and looked the other way

the other way

the other way he went to the kitchen door and opened

he went to the kitchen door and opened

he went to the kitchen door and opened it showing him out wordlessly

it showing him out wordlessly

it showing him out wordlessly Trini turned back to him when he got

Trini turned back to him when he got

Trini turned back to him when he got outside maybe Thanksgiving

outside maybe Thanksgiving

outside maybe Thanksgiving maybe I'll work on it love you sweetie

maybe I'll work on it love you sweetie

maybe I'll work on it love you sweetie love you too Mom

love you too Mom

love you too Mom the door closed Softly

the door closed Softly

the door closed Softly as they made their way back across the

as they made their way back across the

as they made their way back across the dark and Lawn to the minivan Roberto

dark and Lawn to the minivan Roberto

dark and Lawn to the minivan Roberto couldn't take the silence

couldn't take the silence

couldn't take the silence it seems like it turned out nice yeah

it seems like it turned out nice yeah

it seems like it turned out nice yeah good kid

good kid

good kid Roberto looked at her as they approached

Roberto looked at her as they approached

Roberto looked at her as they approached the van I'm just wondering yeah

the van I'm just wondering yeah

the van I'm just wondering yeah well the

well the

well the um location that you chose to store this

um location that you chose to store this

um location that you chose to store this what about it

what about it

what about it um the children

um the children

um the children 20 rolled her eyes oh come on it's not

20 rolled her eyes oh come on it's not

20 rolled her eyes oh come on it's not like they know how to activate it Jesus

like they know how to activate it Jesus

like they know how to activate it Jesus you're over cautious

you're over cautious

you're over cautious Roberto dropped it Trinny was Trini and

Roberto dropped it Trinny was Trini and

Roberto dropped it Trinny was Trini and that's what he liked about her

ten minutes later they were parked

ten minutes later they were parked

ten minutes later they were parked outside trini's house her work done

outside trini's house her work done

outside trini's house her work done Roberto was behind the wheel now item

Roberto was behind the wheel now item

Roberto was behind the wheel now item number seven in the back he'd been on

number seven in the back he'd been on

number seven in the back he'd been on the ground in Kansas for 32 minutes

the ground in Kansas for 32 minutes

the ground in Kansas for 32 minutes Trini gestured pointing down the street

Trini gestured pointing down the street

Trini gestured pointing down the street turn right here second left after that

turn right here second left after that

turn right here second left after that he hit the on-ramp in about half a mile

he hit the on-ramp in about half a mile

he hit the on-ramp in about half a mile it's a straight shot up to 73.

it's a straight shot up to 73.

it's a straight shot up to 73. along to Atchison 25 minutes you sure

along to Atchison 25 minutes you sure

along to Atchison 25 minutes you sure you don't want me to

you don't want me to

you don't want me to she cut off going into a hacking cough

she cut off going into a hacking cough

she cut off going into a hacking cough that sounded painful

that sounded painful

that sounded painful Roberto looked at her the Knight had

Roberto looked at her the Knight had

Roberto looked at her the Knight had drained her almost completely and they

drained her almost completely and they

drained her almost completely and they both knew there was no way she could or

both knew there was no way she could or

both knew there was no way she could or should go with him

should go with him

should go with him I'll be okay he said you still got it

I'll be okay he said you still got it

I'll be okay he said you still got it you know

you know

you know she shook another cigarette out of the

she shook another cigarette out of the

she shook another cigarette out of the box and lit it

box and lit it

box and lit it you will try to get those two out won't

you will try to get those two out won't

you will try to get those two out won't you

you

you you thought for a moment

you thought for a moment

you thought for a moment I don't know if I can

I don't know if I can

I don't know if I can try

try

try okay

you're getting soft in your Sunset years

you're getting soft in your Sunset years

you're getting soft in your Sunset years Trini smiled

Trini smiled

Trini smiled Sun's already down Guapo the fireflies

Sun's already down Guapo the fireflies

Sun's already down Guapo the fireflies are out

are out

are out shook a deep drag off the cigarette and

shook a deep drag off the cigarette and

shook a deep drag off the cigarette and blew out a big billowy Cloud it swirled

blew out a big billowy Cloud it swirled

blew out a big billowy Cloud it swirled and wrapped around her head in the still

and wrapped around her head in the still

and wrapped around her head in the still night air

night air

night air Roberto reached a hand out the window

Roberto reached a hand out the window

Roberto reached a hand out the window and rested it on our shoulder

and rested it on our shoulder

and rested it on our shoulder she tilted her head toward it grateful

she tilted her head toward it grateful

she tilted her head toward it grateful for the human touch

for the human touch

for the human touch you call me up anytime you want he said

you call me up anytime you want he said

you call me up anytime you want he said I'll Sling all the [ __ ] you can

I'll Sling all the [ __ ] you can

I'll Sling all the [ __ ] you can handle

handle

handle she smiled

she smiled

she smiled that'd be nice

23.

Mary Rooney had fallen asleep on the

Mary Rooney had fallen asleep on the

Mary Rooney had fallen asleep on the daybed in her storage unit hours ago and

daybed in her storage unit hours ago and

daybed in her storage unit hours ago and might well have slept there all night if

might well have slept there all night if

might well have slept there all night if it weren't for Mike's gunshots

it weren't for Mike's gunshots

it weren't for Mike's gunshots it wouldn't have been the first time

it wouldn't have been the first time

it wouldn't have been the first time she'd spent the night in good old sb211

she'd spent the night in good old sb211

she'd spent the night in good old sb211 in fact she'd found that lately was the

in fact she'd found that lately was the

in fact she'd found that lately was the only place she slept well at all anymore

only place she slept well at all anymore

only place she slept well at all anymore she'd started with short naps every once

she'd started with short naps every once

she'd started with short naps every once in a while just taking a few extra

in a while just taking a few extra

in a while just taking a few extra minutes to spend with her lifetime of

minutes to spend with her lifetime of

minutes to spend with her lifetime of memories

memories

memories but once she'd move the day bed out of

but once she'd move the day bed out of

but once she'd move the day bed out of the guest room at home and into storage

the guest room at home and into storage

the guest room at home and into storage things got awfully cozy in here the Naps

things got awfully cozy in here the Naps

things got awfully cozy in here the Naps got longer and longer where else was it

got longer and longer where else was it

got longer and longer where else was it completely peaceful where else could she

completely peaceful where else could she

completely peaceful where else could she be surrounded by her loved ones things

be surrounded by her loved ones things

be surrounded by her loved ones things and where else did she feel is safe

and where else did she feel is safe

and where else did she feel is safe certainly not in her apartment with the

certainly not in her apartment with the

certainly not in her apartment with the ill-advised roommate she'd taken in at

ill-advised roommate she'd taken in at

ill-advised roommate she'd taken in at the assistance of her kids who were

the assistance of her kids who were

the assistance of her kids who were worried about living alone

worried about living alone

worried about living alone Mary had come in today with the last of

Mary had come in today with the last of

Mary had come in today with the last of Tom's things a couple shoeboxes filled

Tom's things a couple shoeboxes filled

Tom's things a couple shoeboxes filled with his mementos and certificates of

with his mementos and certificates of

with his mementos and certificates of meritorious service from his time on the

meritorious service from his time on the

meritorious service from his time on the force

force

force as she'd set about putting it all in its

as she'd set about putting it all in its

as she'd set about putting it all in its proper bin the walk down memory lane

proper bin the walk down memory lane

proper bin the walk down memory lane became exhausting and she laid down and

became exhausting and she laid down and

became exhausting and she laid down and drifted off

drifted off

drifted off she was awake now that was for sure

she was awake now that was for sure

she was awake now that was for sure the first report from the 22 had done

the first report from the 22 had done

the first report from the 22 had done the trick

the trick

the trick this place was an echo chamber and there

this place was an echo chamber and there

this place was an echo chamber and there was no mistaking a gunshot

was no mistaking a gunshot

was no mistaking a gunshot Marriott sat up wide awake for the next

Marriott sat up wide awake for the next

Marriott sat up wide awake for the next half dozen shots which fully answered

half dozen shots which fully answered

half dozen shots which fully answered the question did I dream that no she did

the question did I dream that no she did

the question did I dream that no she did not

not

not someone was shooting out there from

someone was shooting out there from

someone was shooting out there from somewhere above her who the hell was

somewhere above her who the hell was

somewhere above her who the hell was robbing a storage facility in the middle

robbing a storage facility in the middle

robbing a storage facility in the middle of the night and why were they killing

of the night and why were they killing

of the night and why were they killing people to do it that made no sense to

people to do it that made no sense to

people to do it that made no sense to her at all

her at all

her at all or maybe she thought it was one of those

or maybe she thought it was one of those

or maybe she thought it was one of those crazy Mass Shooters you see all the time

crazy Mass Shooters you see all the time

crazy Mass Shooters you see all the time but that made even less sense didn't

but that made even less sense didn't

but that made even less sense didn't they want to kill a lot of people wasn't

they want to kill a lot of people wasn't

they want to kill a lot of people wasn't that sort of the whole point

that sort of the whole point

that sort of the whole point she'd never seen one two people in this

she'd never seen one two people in this

she'd never seen one two people in this place at a time

place at a time

place at a time married sat stock still for the next 15

married sat stock still for the next 15

married sat stock still for the next 15 minutes or so not daring to leave her

minutes or so not daring to leave her

minutes or so not daring to leave her locked storage unit

locked storage unit

locked storage unit there's no way she was going to be able

there's no way she was going to be able

there's no way she was going to be able to go back to sleep either

to go back to sleep either

to go back to sleep either when the Roar of the motorcycles echoed

when the Roar of the motorcycles echoed

when the Roar of the motorcycles echoed from outside she'd heard voices in the

from outside she'd heard voices in the

from outside she'd heard voices in the hallway a lot of voices and she'd

hallway a lot of voices and she'd

hallway a lot of voices and she'd started trying to come up with a plan

started trying to come up with a plan

started trying to come up with a plan staying in here all night until the

staying in here all night until the

staying in here all night until the situation resolved was probably the best

situation resolved was probably the best

situation resolved was probably the best idea

idea

idea but what if there are people in danger

but what if there are people in danger

but what if there are people in danger what could she do about it

what could she do about it

what could she do about it a better question what would Tom do

a better question what would Tom do

a better question what would Tom do she looked at her husband's things

she looked at her husband's things

she looked at her husband's things sorted and piled so neatly and lovingly

sorted and piled so neatly and lovingly

sorted and piled so neatly and lovingly on the metal and particle board storage

on the metal and particle board storage

on the metal and particle board storage rack she'd ordered off Amazon and

rack she'd ordered off Amazon and

rack she'd ordered off Amazon and assembled all by herself

assembled all by herself

assembled all by herself she tried to put Tom In Her Shoes

she tried to put Tom In Her Shoes

she tried to put Tom In Her Shoes because Tom would definitely do

because Tom would definitely do

because Tom would definitely do something

24.

nearby Tea cake and Naomi have been

nearby Tea cake and Naomi have been

nearby Tea cake and Naomi have been sorting through plans of their own ever

sorting through plans of their own ever

sorting through plans of their own ever since they'd heard the sound of the

since they'd heard the sound of the

since they'd heard the sound of the Harleys they'd heard Mike's footsteps as

Harleys they'd heard Mike's footsteps as

Harleys they'd heard Mike's footsteps as he headed off down the hallway

he headed off down the hallway

he headed off down the hallway apparently drawn by the sound himself

apparently drawn by the sound himself

apparently drawn by the sound himself TK could come to a conclusion about it

TK could come to a conclusion about it

TK could come to a conclusion about it all that he was unwilling to be moved

all that he was unwilling to be moved

all that he was unwilling to be moved off of this is like some kind of zombie

off of this is like some kind of zombie

off of this is like some kind of zombie [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] Naomi was feeling more reasonable okay

Naomi was feeling more reasonable okay

Naomi was feeling more reasonable okay first of all zombies are not real

first of all zombies are not real

first of all zombies are not real zombies are real zombies are 100 real

zombies are real zombies are 100 real

zombies are real zombies are 100 real no they're not Travis that's TV that's

no they're not Travis that's TV that's

no they're not Travis that's TV that's movies

movies

movies yes and some really [ __ ] excellent TV

yes and some really [ __ ] excellent TV

yes and some really [ __ ] excellent TV and movies I'd like to point out but

and movies I'd like to point out but

and movies I'd like to point out but that's not what I'm talking about

that's not what I'm talking about

that's not what I'm talking about zombies are totally real they're based

zombies are totally real they're based

zombies are totally real they're based on this [ __ ] in Haiti it's like common

on this [ __ ] in Haiti it's like common

on this [ __ ] in Haiti it's like common knowledge or whatever it's dead bodies

knowledge or whatever it's dead bodies

knowledge or whatever it's dead bodies they make into slaves with magic I

they make into slaves with magic I

they make into slaves with magic I cannot believe you don't know that and

cannot believe you don't know that and

cannot believe you don't know that and you want to be a vet

you want to be a vet

you want to be a vet you looked at him do you actually

you looked at him do you actually

you looked at him do you actually believe that's what's going on here

believe that's what's going on here

believe that's what's going on here Haitian magic what [ __ ] no I'm not an

Haitian magic what [ __ ] no I'm not an

Haitian magic what [ __ ] no I'm not an idiot is getting impatient

idiot is getting impatient

idiot is getting impatient so what is your point

so what is your point

so what is your point I said this is like some kind of zombie

I said this is like some kind of zombie

I said this is like some kind of zombie [ __ ] as opposed to exact zombie [ __ ]

[ __ ] as opposed to exact zombie [ __ ]

[ __ ] as opposed to exact zombie [ __ ] which I understand is like not a thing

which I understand is like not a thing

which I understand is like not a thing in Kansas okay whereas I.E that is to

in Kansas okay whereas I.E that is to

in Kansas okay whereas I.E that is to say in reality here tonight there is

say in reality here tonight there is

say in reality here tonight there is some growing green fungus and a rat king

some growing green fungus and a rat king

some growing green fungus and a rat king an exploding deer and a dude that wants

an exploding deer and a dude that wants

an exploding deer and a dude that wants to throw up in your [ __ ] mouth

to throw up in your [ __ ] mouth

to throw up in your [ __ ] mouth he made a gesture that said his point

he made a gesture that said his point

he made a gesture that said his point was proven

was proven

was proven right

right

right and the thing whatever it is it's

and the thing whatever it is it's

and the thing whatever it is it's spreading it wants to spread call it

spreading it wants to spread call it

spreading it wants to spread call it whatever you want but the thing is in

whatever you want but the thing is in

whatever you want but the thing is in here in this building and he wants to

here in this building and he wants to

here in this building and he wants to get out there into the world so what are

get out there into the world so what are

get out there into the world so what are we gonna do about it 20 years from now

we gonna do about it 20 years from now

we gonna do about it 20 years from now when you and me are sitting around the

when you and me are sitting around the

when you and me are sitting around the fire and our great grandchildren are

fire and our great grandchildren are

fire and our great grandchildren are asking us what we did way back in the

asking us what we did way back in the

asking us what we did way back in the great big zombie war what are we gonna

great big zombie war what are we gonna

great big zombie war what are we gonna be able to tell them

be able to tell them

be able to tell them she opened her mouth to speak but he

she opened her mouth to speak but he

she opened her mouth to speak but he held up a hand to stop her and kept

held up a hand to stop her and kept

held up a hand to stop her and kept talking and yeah I know my math doesn't

talking and yeah I know my math doesn't

talking and yeah I know my math doesn't add up on the great grandchildren thing

add up on the great grandchildren thing

add up on the great grandchildren thing so don't even start

so don't even start

so don't even start she wasn't gonna quibble with his math

she wasn't gonna quibble with his math

she wasn't gonna quibble with his math she'd been about to point out that he

she'd been about to point out that he

she'd been about to point out that he had just assumed they were going to have

had just assumed they were going to have

had just assumed they were going to have children together

children together

children together but that seemed beside the point kind of

but that seemed beside the point kind of

but that seemed beside the point kind of sweet anyway so she let him keep going

sweet anyway so she let him keep going

sweet anyway so she let him keep going we gotta go out there and stop that dude

we gotta go out there and stop that dude

we gotta go out there and stop that dude before he throws up in somebody else's

before he throws up in somebody else's

before he throws up in somebody else's mouth

mouth

mouth why do we have to do it the guy on the

why do we have to do it the guy on the

why do we have to do it the guy on the phone said he'll be here in 20 minutes

phone said he'll be here in 20 minutes

phone said he'll be here in 20 minutes yeah and who is that exactly yes a guy

yeah and who is that exactly yes a guy

yeah and who is that exactly yes a guy on the phone who talks a big game a lady

on the phone who talks a big game a lady

on the phone who talks a big game a lady at Fort Belvoir who had to hang up on

at Fort Belvoir who had to hang up on

at Fort Belvoir who had to hang up on you and call you back on her cell phone

you and call you back on her cell phone

you and call you back on her cell phone why would she do that these are [ __ ]

why would she do that these are [ __ ]

why would she do that these are [ __ ] amateurs man they're just as scared as

amateurs man they're just as scared as

amateurs man they're just as scared as we are I don't know why but they are now

we are I don't know why but they are now

we are I don't know why but they are now if you talk to Colonel dick Steele

if you talk to Colonel dick Steele

if you talk to Colonel dick Steele whoever and he said there were half a

whoever and he said there were half a

whoever and he said there were half a dozen sikorski's flying in here with

dozen sikorski's flying in here with

dozen sikorski's flying in here with missiles armed and playing Don't Fear

missiles armed and playing Don't Fear

missiles armed and playing Don't Fear the Reaper on big speakers I'd maybe

the Reaper on big speakers I'd maybe

the Reaper on big speakers I'd maybe wait around let that happen but I don't

wait around let that happen but I don't

wait around let that happen but I don't think we have time to sit here hoping a

think we have time to sit here hoping a

think we have time to sit here hoping a couple Freelancers show up and don't get

couple Freelancers show up and don't get

couple Freelancers show up and don't get eaten before they get out of their own

eaten before they get out of their own

eaten before they get out of their own car we gotta go out there and do

car we gotta go out there and do

car we gotta go out there and do something

something

something the debate bounced back and forth for

the debate bounced back and forth for

the debate bounced back and forth for another minute or two

another minute or two

another minute or two TK had by now played Griffin's messages

TK had by now played Griffin's messages

TK had by now played Griffin's messages and knew it was him and his low-life

and knew it was him and his low-life

and knew it was him and his low-life biker buddies who had arrived probably

biker buddies who had arrived probably

biker buddies who had arrived probably to pick up the stolen merchandise

to pick up the stolen merchandise

to pick up the stolen merchandise it was all TK's fault of course because

it was all TK's fault of course because

it was all TK's fault of course because he'd been unwilling to bend the rules

he'd been unwilling to bend the rules

he'd been unwilling to bend the rules yet another example of doing the right

yet another example of doing the right

yet another example of doing the right thing and getting screwed because of it

thing and getting screwed because of it

thing and getting screwed because of it but he and Naomi finally agreed that

but he and Naomi finally agreed that

but he and Naomi finally agreed that Griffin and his friends though

Griffin and his friends though

Griffin and his friends though admittedly detestable were human beings

admittedly detestable were human beings

admittedly detestable were human beings and didn't deserve to die

and didn't deserve to die

and didn't deserve to die or if they must it would be great if

or if they must it would be great if

or if they must it would be great if they didn't spread a deadly fungus to

they didn't spread a deadly fungus to

they didn't spread a deadly fungus to the rest of the world on their way out

the rest of the world on their way out

the rest of the world on their way out they agreed that starting with a phone

they agreed that starting with a phone

they agreed that starting with a phone call made sense

call made sense

call made sense TK hit call back on Griffin's last

TK hit call back on Griffin's last

TK hit call back on Griffin's last incoming call to him and waited

incoming call to him and waited

incoming call to him and waited the phone rang twice before Griffin

the phone rang twice before Griffin

the phone rang twice before Griffin answered here's talking before the phone

answered here's talking before the phone

answered here's talking before the phone got to his mouth so it picked up

got to his mouth so it picked up

got to his mouth so it picked up mid-sentence you [ __ ] would you

mid-sentence you [ __ ] would you

mid-sentence you [ __ ] would you evergnore my calls again I'll [ __ ]

evergnore my calls again I'll [ __ ]

evergnore my calls again I'll [ __ ] fire you think there's some kind of

fire you think there's some kind of

fire you think there's some kind of [ __ ] game I promise you it and then

[ __ ] game I promise you it and then

[ __ ] game I promise you it and then his voice Fades away again as he lowered

his voice Fades away again as he lowered

his voice Fades away again as he lowered the phone and hung it up also

the phone and hung it up also

the phone and hung it up also mid-sentence

mid-sentence

mid-sentence Tea cake looked at the phone

Tea cake looked at the phone

Tea cake looked at the phone wow what

wow what

wow what he's just such an [ __ ] I'm always

he's just such an [ __ ] I'm always

he's just such an [ __ ] I'm always kind of taken aback

kind of taken aback

kind of taken aback he hung up TK nodded and called again it

he hung up TK nodded and called again it

he hung up TK nodded and called again it went straight to voicemail

went straight to voicemail

went straight to voicemail ticket load his phone stumped

ticket load his phone stumped

ticket load his phone stumped I have to admit I did not see that

I have to admit I did not see that

I have to admit I did not see that coming

coming

coming did he sound all right

did he sound all right

did he sound all right well

well

well he sounded like a jerk-off so I guess it

he sounded like a jerk-off so I guess it

he sounded like a jerk-off so I guess it was him and he's all right let's get to

was him and he's all right let's get to

was him and he's all right let's get to him before your friend does he's not my

him before your friend does he's not my

him before your friend does he's not my friend she said indignant whatever the

friend she said indignant whatever the

friend she said indignant whatever the guy you had a baby with let's stop him

guy you had a baby with let's stop him

guy you had a baby with let's stop him he went to the door and threw the bolt

he went to the door and threw the bolt

he went to the door and threw the bolt on one end

on one end

on one end she stepped in front of the boat and the

she stepped in front of the boat and the

she stepped in front of the boat and the other end not done talking about this

other end not done talking about this

other end not done talking about this yet

yet

yet he has a gun

he has a gun

he has a gun he has a 22. yes a 22 can [ __ ] you up

he has a 22. yes a 22 can [ __ ] you up

he has a 22. yes a 22 can [ __ ] you up but the magazine only holds 10 rounds

but the magazine only holds 10 rounds

but the magazine only holds 10 rounds and I think he used them all

and I think he used them all

and I think he used them all how do you know she asked but that's why

how do you know she asked but that's why

how do you know she asked but that's why we sat here for the last 15 minutes I

we sat here for the last 15 minutes I

we sat here for the last 15 minutes I counted him in my head one in the

counted him in my head one in the

counted him in my head one in the hallway when we were running away from

hallway when we were running away from

hallway when we were running away from him three outside the door when I was

him three outside the door when I was

him three outside the door when I was rolling under it and six that he shot at

rolling under it and six that he shot at

rolling under it and six that he shot at the door after we had it locked look you

the door after we had it locked look you

the door after we had it locked look you can see where every one of them hit

can see where every one of them hit

can see where every one of them hit she looked up and indeed there were six

she looked up and indeed there were six

she looked up and indeed there were six little dimples spread out over a

little dimples spread out over a

little dimples spread out over a three-foot area in the middle door where

three-foot area in the middle door where

three-foot area in the middle door where the Slugs had dented the outside

the Slugs had dented the outside

the Slugs had dented the outside she was impressed

she was impressed

she was impressed TK continued so he can't shoot us right

TK continued so he can't shoot us right

TK continued so he can't shoot us right he could only barf at us or blow up on

he could only barf at us or blow up on

he could only barf at us or blow up on us but if we stay far enough away that's

us but if we stay far enough away that's

us but if we stay far enough away that's not gonna matter

not gonna matter

not gonna matter we get Griffin and whatever [ __ ] he

we get Griffin and whatever [ __ ] he

we get Griffin and whatever [ __ ] he showed up with to clear out keep your

showed up with to clear out keep your

showed up with to clear out keep your baby daddy inside this place please stop

baby daddy inside this place please stop

baby daddy inside this place please stop that and wait for the Cavalry to come if

that and wait for the Cavalry to come if

that and wait for the Cavalry to come if they know what they're doing then boom

they know what they're doing then boom

they know what they're doing then boom we saved the world or at least eastern

we saved the world or at least eastern

we saved the world or at least eastern Kansas

Kansas

Kansas he passed

he passed

he passed when a good salesman knew he had a

when a good salesman knew he had a

when a good salesman knew he had a kicker he always saved it till last and

kicker he always saved it till last and

kicker he always saved it till last and used as few words to express it as

used as few words to express it as

used as few words to express it as possible

possible

possible TK knew he had it so he took a suitable

TK knew he had it so he took a suitable

TK knew he had it so he took a suitable pause and then deployed it

pause and then deployed it

pause and then deployed it and your kid too

and your kid too

and your kid too Naomi looked at him touched

Naomi looked at him touched

Naomi looked at him touched Tea cake went on and this was the part

Tea cake went on and this was the part

Tea cake went on and this was the part that meant more to him than all the rest

that meant more to him than all the rest

that meant more to him than all the rest it was the party hadn't realized until

it was the party hadn't realized until

it was the party hadn't realized until he got almost all the way through his

he got almost all the way through his

he got almost all the way through his speech and understood why he was selling

speech and understood why he was selling

speech and understood why he was selling so hard why he was campaigning for the

so hard why he was campaigning for the

so hard why he was campaigning for the right to open the door and go risk his

right to open the door and go risk his

right to open the door and go risk his life when he didn't absolutely have to

life when he didn't absolutely have to

life when he didn't absolutely have to this bit came from the heart

this bit came from the heart

this bit came from the heart look I know they pay us for [ __ ] here

look I know they pay us for [ __ ] here

look I know they pay us for [ __ ] here but this place hired me straight out of

but this place hired me straight out of

but this place hired me straight out of jail and nobody else would do that I'm

jail and nobody else would do that I'm

jail and nobody else would do that I'm supposed to take care of it and for once

supposed to take care of it and for once

supposed to take care of it and for once in my life it would be nice to not [ __ ]

in my life it would be nice to not [ __ ]

in my life it would be nice to not [ __ ] something up

something up

something up this is my one job and yes it's a shitty

this is my one job and yes it's a shitty

this is my one job and yes it's a shitty one but it's the only one I've got or

one but it's the only one I've got or

one but it's the only one I've got or that I'm gonna get

that I'm gonna get

that I'm gonna get you don't have to come with I'll leave

you don't have to come with I'll leave

you don't have to come with I'll leave you lock the door I'll come back and get

you lock the door I'll come back and get

you lock the door I'll come back and get you when it's clear

you when it's clear

you when it's clear Naomi looked at him and she thought it's

Naomi looked at him and she thought it's

Naomi looked at him and she thought it's funny some things improve with closer

funny some things improve with closer

funny some things improve with closer inspection

inspection

inspection he sure did

he sure did

he sure did she threw a bolt on the other side of

she threw a bolt on the other side of

she threw a bolt on the other side of the door and together they pulled it up

the door and together they pulled it up

the door and together they pulled it up over their heads and stepped out into

over their heads and stepped out into

over their heads and stepped out into the hallway

the hallway

the hallway immediately Tea cake was proven right

immediately Tea cake was proven right

immediately Tea cake was proven right about one thing the gun must have been

about one thing the gun must have been

about one thing the gun must have been empty because Mike had left it behind on

empty because Mike had left it behind on

empty because Mike had left it behind on the floor where he'd sat

the floor where he'd sat

the floor where he'd sat they started down the corridor they'd

they started down the corridor they'd

they started down the corridor they'd taken only three or four steps when

taken only three or four steps when

taken only three or four steps when Naomi's phone buzzed she sailed to Tea

Naomi's phone buzzed she sailed to Tea

Naomi's phone buzzed she sailed to Tea cake stopped and answered it whispering

cake stopped and answered it whispering

cake stopped and answered it whispering still here it was Abigail 10 minutes on

still here it was Abigail 10 minutes on

still here it was Abigail 10 minutes on the dots and she had last called good

the dots and she had last called good

the dots and she had last called good just checking is your situation

just checking is your situation

just checking is your situation unchanged Naomi hesitated not exactly

unchanged Naomi hesitated not exactly

unchanged Naomi hesitated not exactly does that mean we left the locker

does that mean we left the locker

does that mean we left the locker Abigail paused thinking

Abigail paused thinking

Abigail paused thinking I am at a loss as to why you would do

I am at a loss as to why you would do

I am at a loss as to why you would do that

that

that there are more people here now

there are more people here now

there are more people here now we gotta tell them

we gotta tell them

we gotta tell them how many people I don't know call me

how many people I don't know call me

how many people I don't know call me back

back

back she hung up and looked at Tea cake

she hung up and looked at Tea cake

she hung up and looked at Tea cake she was not happy

she was not happy

she was not happy Tea cake Shrugged

Tea cake Shrugged

Tea cake Shrugged who is

the last 34 minutes

25.

the loading of the Samsung boxes had

the loading of the Samsung boxes had

the loading of the Samsung boxes had gone pretty well so far but was taking

gone pretty well so far but was taking

gone pretty well so far but was taking longer than Griffin wanted

longer than Griffin wanted

longer than Griffin wanted the renegotiation had slowed everything

the renegotiation had slowed everything

the renegotiation had slowed everything down

down

down after all the work of finally selling

after all the work of finally selling

after all the work of finally selling these bozos on the TVs that prick

these bozos on the TVs that prick

these bozos on the TVs that prick Ironhead had tried to lower the price to

Ironhead had tried to lower the price to

Ironhead had tried to lower the price to 75 dollars at the last minute

75 dollars at the last minute

75 dollars at the last minute and it wasn't like you did it quietly

and it wasn't like you did it quietly

and it wasn't like you did it quietly either everybody heard and everybody

either everybody heard and everybody

either everybody heard and everybody wanted the same

wanted the same

wanted the same Ironhead was good at this they didn't

Ironhead was good at this they didn't

Ironhead was good at this they didn't call him Iron Head just because of the

call him Iron Head just because of the

call him Iron Head just because of the bike he rode he worked in sales at IRT

bike he rode he worked in sales at IRT

bike he rode he worked in sales at IRT and negotiating with second nature to

and negotiating with second nature to

and negotiating with second nature to him so he waited till they were standing

him so he waited till they were standing

him so he waited till they were standing in the unit took one look around at the

in the unit took one look around at the

in the unit took one look around at the Overstock and knew he had Griffin over a

Overstock and knew he had Griffin over a

Overstock and knew he had Griffin over a barrel

barrel

barrel they haggled for a couple minutes but

they haggled for a couple minutes but

they haggled for a couple minutes but Griffin's head was throbbing by this

Griffin's head was throbbing by this

Griffin's head was throbbing by this point and the idea of everybody walking

point and the idea of everybody walking

point and the idea of everybody walking out of here and leaving these things was

out of here and leaving these things was

out of here and leaving these things was unthinkable

unthinkable

unthinkable so 75 it was the grand total take-home

so 75 it was the grand total take-home

so 75 it was the grand total take-home for the night was going to be 450

for the night was going to be 450

for the night was going to be 450 instead of 600 whatever Griffin took it

instead of 600 whatever Griffin took it

instead of 600 whatever Griffin took it the TVs were heavy and awkwardly shaped

the TVs were heavy and awkwardly shaped

the TVs were heavy and awkwardly shaped so it took two people to carry them out

so it took two people to carry them out

so it took two people to carry them out one at a time

one at a time

one at a time Cedric and wino had taken the first one

Cedric and wino had taken the first one

Cedric and wino had taken the first one out Cuba and garbage II shorty and the

out Cuba and garbage II shorty and the

out Cuba and garbage II shorty and the Rev III and Griffin and Dr Stephen

Rev III and Griffin and Dr Stephen

Rev III and Griffin and Dr Stephen Friedman had made two trips already

Friedman had made two trips already

Friedman had made two trips already iron headed somehow managed to cast

iron headed somehow managed to cast

iron headed somehow managed to cast himself in more of a supervisory

himself in more of a supervisory

himself in more of a supervisory capacity and was leaning against the

capacity and was leaning against the

capacity and was leaning against the inside wall of the unit grabbing a quick

inside wall of the unit grabbing a quick

inside wall of the unit grabbing a quick Vape when Mike showed up in the doorway

Vape when Mike showed up in the doorway

Vape when Mike showed up in the doorway Mike stood there for a long moment his

Mike stood there for a long moment his

Mike stood there for a long moment his breath wheezing in and out

breath wheezing in and out

breath wheezing in and out he stared at Ironhead who looked back at

he stared at Ironhead who looked back at

he stared at Ironhead who looked back at him what the [ __ ] do you want

him what the [ __ ] do you want

him what the [ __ ] do you want Mike didn't answer just stared

Mike didn't answer just stared

Mike didn't answer just stared Ironhead blew out a cloud of smoke I

Ironhead blew out a cloud of smoke I

Ironhead blew out a cloud of smoke I asked you a question big head

asked you a question big head

asked you a question big head Mike still didn't answer Ironhead took a

Mike still didn't answer Ironhead took a

Mike still didn't answer Ironhead took a step forward

step forward

step forward you are about to have a serious problem

you are about to have a serious problem

you are about to have a serious problem man

man

man privacy of the eyes [ __ ]

privacy of the eyes [ __ ]

privacy of the eyes [ __ ] either you take two steps back and look

either you take two steps back and look

either you take two steps back and look away from me right this [ __ ] second

away from me right this [ __ ] second

away from me right this [ __ ] second or I will bounce your head off that wall

or I will bounce your head off that wall

or I will bounce your head off that wall till it goes pop

till it goes pop

till it goes pop you understand

you understand

you understand Mike turned away and looked down the

Mike turned away and looked down the

Mike turned away and looked down the hallway not because iron had told him to

hallway not because iron had told him to

hallway not because iron had told him to but because he heard voices

but because he heard voices

but because he heard voices Cedric wino

Cedric wino

Cedric wino Cuba and garbage were headed back from

Cuba and garbage were headed back from

Cuba and garbage were headed back from their first load to the truck coming

their first load to the truck coming

their first load to the truck coming from Aura and they were drawing close

from Aura and they were drawing close

from Aura and they were drawing close they saw Mike but he took a few steps

they saw Mike but he took a few steps

they saw Mike but he took a few steps back giving them plenty of space

back giving them plenty of space

back giving them plenty of space iron had assumed he had managed to

iron had assumed he had managed to

iron had assumed he had managed to intimidate the psycho had been staring

intimidate the psycho had been staring

intimidate the psycho had been staring at him

at him

at him that's what I thought he said to Mike as

that's what I thought he said to Mike as

that's what I thought he said to Mike as the others came back into the unit to

the others came back into the unit to

the others came back into the unit to get another TV

get another TV

get another TV Cuba looked over her shoulder

Cuba looked over her shoulder

Cuba looked over her shoulder recognizing the weirdo had watched them

recognizing the weirdo had watched them

recognizing the weirdo had watched them earlier his shirt was even tighter than

earlier his shirt was even tighter than

earlier his shirt was even tighter than before two of the buttons already popped

before two of the buttons already popped

before two of the buttons already popped over his swollen midsection and a couple

over his swollen midsection and a couple

over his swollen midsection and a couple others looking like they're about to

others looking like they're about to

others looking like they're about to give way

give way

give way what's that guy want

what's that guy want

what's that guy want yes Ironhead I saw him before

yes Ironhead I saw him before

yes Ironhead I saw him before kefano don't worry about him just keep

kefano don't worry about him just keep

kefano don't worry about him just keep going we don't got all night

going we don't got all night

going we don't got all night Cedric had seen enough of ironhead's

Cedric had seen enough of ironhead's

Cedric had seen enough of ironhead's bossy Behavior over the years to be sick

bossy Behavior over the years to be sick

bossy Behavior over the years to be sick of it why are you gonna grab on your

of it why are you gonna grab on your

of it why are you gonna grab on your lazy piece of [ __ ] hey I'm coordinating

lazy piece of [ __ ] hey I'm coordinating

lazy piece of [ __ ] hey I'm coordinating you should be thanking me I should be

you should be thanking me I should be

you should be thanking me I should be charging you commission for the money I

charging you commission for the money I

charging you commission for the money I saved you

saved you

saved you from outside they heard shouts two

from outside they heard shouts two

from outside they heard shouts two voices some are far away and they looked

voices some are far away and they looked

voices some are far away and they looked again past that weird staring guy but

again past that weird staring guy but

again past that weird staring guy but didn't see anybody

didn't see anybody

didn't see anybody iron had turned back to the others

iron had turned back to the others

iron had turned back to the others waving them along with some urgency get

waving them along with some urgency get

waving them along with some urgency get a TV come on let's get the hell out of

a TV come on let's get the hell out of

a TV come on let's get the hell out of here

here

here there was a low tearing sound like a

there was a low tearing sound like a

there was a low tearing sound like a sheet ripping in half and they all

sheet ripping in half and they all

sheet ripping in half and they all turned at the same time

turned at the same time

turned at the same time Mike was back in the doorway and the

Mike was back in the doorway and the

Mike was back in the doorway and the sound had come from his midsection

sound had come from his midsection

sound had come from his midsection is stomach lining stretched Beyond its

is stomach lining stretched Beyond its

is stomach lining stretched Beyond its elastic capacity had finally separated

elastic capacity had finally separated

elastic capacity had finally separated from the stomach wall and was now a

from the stomach wall and was now a

from the stomach wall and was now a free-floating mass of viscous jelly

free-floating mass of viscous jelly

free-floating mass of viscous jelly inside his abdomen

inside his abdomen

inside his abdomen he had less than 90 Seconds To Live

he had less than 90 Seconds To Live

he had less than 90 Seconds To Live Jaws dropped open but only iron had

Jaws dropped open but only iron had

Jaws dropped open but only iron had managed to get a couple of words out

managed to get a couple of words out

managed to get a couple of words out Waldorf he cut off because all at once

Waldorf he cut off because all at once

Waldorf he cut off because all at once Mike's stomach collapsed inward as his

Mike's stomach collapsed inward as his

Mike's stomach collapsed inward as his body forced his insides up through his

body forced his insides up through his

body forced his insides up through his throat into his mouth and out into the

throat into his mouth and out into the

throat into his mouth and out into the air at 25 miles per hour

air at 25 miles per hour

air at 25 miles per hour that's not very fast for a car but for

that's not very fast for a car but for

that's not very fast for a car but for puke it's super quick and it covered the

puke it's super quick and it covered the

puke it's super quick and it covered the distance between Mike and the rest of

distance between Mike and the rest of

distance between Mike and the rest of them in less than a second

them in less than a second

them in less than a second certainly it was less time than any of

certainly it was less time than any of

certainly it was less time than any of them had to react and the spray of the

them had to react and the spray of the

them had to react and the spray of the droplets was wide so they were all

droplets was wide so they were all

droplets was wide so they were all caught and contaminated by the blast

caught and contaminated by the blast

caught and contaminated by the blast they screamed staggered back and Mike

they screamed staggered back and Mike

they screamed staggered back and Mike reached up slamming the overhead door

reached up slamming the overhead door

reached up slamming the overhead door and slipping the padlock back through

and slipping the padlock back through

and slipping the padlock back through the hole it wasn't exactly sure why but

the hole it wasn't exactly sure why but

the hole it wasn't exactly sure why but he knew he had more work to do and

he knew he had more work to do and

he knew he had more work to do and needed them to stay out of the way

needed them to stay out of the way

needed them to stay out of the way the evolved form of cordyceps Novus

the evolved form of cordyceps Novus

the evolved form of cordyceps Novus inside Mike was racking up one positive

inside Mike was racking up one positive

inside Mike was racking up one positive growth experience after another

growth experience after another

growth experience after another and now it had learned the value of not

and now it had learned the value of not

and now it had learned the value of not detonating a host's body at the very

detonating a host's body at the very

detonating a host's body at the very first opportunity

first opportunity

first opportunity Mike's spread of the fungal Mass had

Mike's spread of the fungal Mass had

Mike's spread of the fungal Mass had proven just as effective via vomit as it

proven just as effective via vomit as it

proven just as effective via vomit as it would have been by the fruiting burst of

would have been by the fruiting burst of

would have been by the fruiting burst of his entire body plus it had the

his entire body plus it had the

his entire body plus it had the additional advantage of leaving him

additional advantage of leaving him

additional advantage of leaving him somewhat intact and mobile for at least

somewhat intact and mobile for at least

somewhat intact and mobile for at least another 60 Seconds

another 60 Seconds

another 60 Seconds the fungus was an excellent student it

the fungus was an excellent student it

the fungus was an excellent student it learned

learned

learned from inside the storage locker Mike

from inside the storage locker Mike

from inside the storage locker Mike heard shouts and screams but they were

heard shouts and screams but they were

heard shouts and screams but they were contained they just needed to stay that

contained they just needed to stay that

contained they just needed to stay that way for a minute or two Mike didn't have

way for a minute or two Mike didn't have

way for a minute or two Mike didn't have much left inside he was consuming and

much left inside he was consuming and

much left inside he was consuming and expelling himself rapidly he had to make

expelling himself rapidly he had to make

expelling himself rapidly he had to make sure that what little it was left of him

sure that what little it was left of him

sure that what little it was left of him went to a good cause

went to a good cause

went to a good cause the other humans

the other humans

the other humans he turned toward where the shouts had

he turned toward where the shouts had

he turned toward where the shouts had come from

less than two minutes earlier Naomi and

less than two minutes earlier Naomi and

less than two minutes earlier Naomi and TK could come out of the storage unit

TK could come out of the storage unit

TK could come out of the storage unit Naomi had answered Abigail's call hung

Naomi had answered Abigail's call hung

Naomi had answered Abigail's call hung up on her and they'd pressed on making

up on her and they'd pressed on making

up on her and they'd pressed on making their way cautiously down the corridor

their way cautiously down the corridor

their way cautiously down the corridor Naomi's phone buzzed again but she

Naomi's phone buzzed again but she

Naomi's phone buzzed again but she ignored it this time hit the button on

ignored it this time hit the button on

ignored it this time hit the button on the side and sent the call to voicemail

the side and sent the call to voicemail

the side and sent the call to voicemail from up ahead they heard voices

from up ahead they heard voices

from up ahead they heard voices Tea cake moved to an intersection leaned

Tea cake moved to an intersection leaned

Tea cake moved to an intersection leaned around the edge and looked down the next

around the edge and looked down the next

around the edge and looked down the next hallway where he knew Griffin kept the

hallway where he knew Griffin kept the

hallway where he knew Griffin kept the storage unit with the stolen TVs

storage unit with the stolen TVs

storage unit with the stolen TVs the unit was about 50 feet away and he

the unit was about 50 feet away and he

the unit was about 50 feet away and he could see the door to it was wide open

could see the door to it was wide open

could see the door to it was wide open Mike was standing in the open doorway

Mike was standing in the open doorway

Mike was standing in the open doorway looking inside and TK could see shapes

looking inside and TK could see shapes

looking inside and TK could see shapes inside the unit four or five people they

inside the unit four or five people they

inside the unit four or five people they were doing something but they sure as

were doing something but they sure as

were doing something but they sure as hell weren't paying attention to Mike

hell weren't paying attention to Mike

hell weren't paying attention to Mike which was what they should have been

which was what they should have been

which was what they should have been doing

doing

doing Naomi came around the corner as Mike

Naomi came around the corner as Mike

Naomi came around the corner as Mike started to suck his gut in and out

started to suck his gut in and out

started to suck his gut in and out they both knew what was coming next and

they both knew what was coming next and

they both knew what was coming next and shouted at the same time to the poor

shouted at the same time to the poor

shouted at the same time to the poor bastards inside the unit look out get

bastards inside the unit look out get

bastards inside the unit look out get away get the hell out of there but they

away get the hell out of there but they

away get the hell out of there but they were too late

were too late

were too late they could only watch as Mike's stomach

they could only watch as Mike's stomach

they could only watch as Mike's stomach emptied itself on the fungus sprayed

emptied itself on the fungus sprayed

emptied itself on the fungus sprayed into the storage unit

into the storage unit

into the storage unit they watched as he reached up slammed

they watched as he reached up slammed

they watched as he reached up slammed the door locked it

the door locked it

the door locked it and turned to them

and turned to them

and turned to them he stared at them for a moment

he stared at them for a moment

he stared at them for a moment then he ran at them

then he ran at them

then he ran at them from the looks of Mike's decomposing

from the looks of Mike's decomposing

from the looks of Mike's decomposing body it didn't seem like he'd be capable

body it didn't seem like he'd be capable

body it didn't seem like he'd be capable of running but he was in a rapid

of running but he was in a rapid

of running but he was in a rapid shambling sort of way coming at them

shambling sort of way coming at them

shambling sort of way coming at them hard and fast

hard and fast

hard and fast he was already too close for them to

he was already too close for them to

he was already too close for them to turn and run themselves and TK realized

turn and run themselves and TK realized

turn and run themselves and TK realized with some regret that his Grand heroic

with some regret that his Grand heroic

with some regret that his Grand heroic plan had consisted of almost zero real

plan had consisted of almost zero real

plan had consisted of almost zero real ideas

ideas

ideas leave the unit tell the others save the

leave the unit tell the others save the

leave the unit tell the others save the Earth

Earth

Earth honestly that was a for [ __ ] plan it

honestly that was a for [ __ ] plan it

honestly that was a for [ __ ] plan it didn't deserve the word plan it didn't

didn't deserve the word plan it didn't

didn't deserve the word plan it didn't deserve to be mentioned in the context

deserve to be mentioned in the context

deserve to be mentioned in the context of real plans he'd convinced Naomi this

of real plans he'd convinced Naomi this

of real plans he'd convinced Naomi this totally decent woman and awesome mother

totally decent woman and awesome mother

totally decent woman and awesome mother who actually mattered on this Earth to

who actually mattered on this Earth to

who actually mattered on this Earth to leave the safety of their hiding place

leave the safety of their hiding place

leave the safety of their hiding place and step out into a dangerous situation

and step out into a dangerous situation

and step out into a dangerous situation with no concrete strategy and nobody but

with no concrete strategy and nobody but

with no concrete strategy and nobody but him the planless Wonder to protect her

him the planless Wonder to protect her

him the planless Wonder to protect her Tea cake heard his father's voice in his

Tea cake heard his father's voice in his

Tea cake heard his father's voice in his head telling his idiot son the same

head telling his idiot son the same

head telling his idiot son the same thing he told him for the last 15 years

thing he told him for the last 15 years

thing he told him for the last 15 years if you didn't have [ __ ] for brains you'd

if you didn't have [ __ ] for brains you'd

if you didn't have [ __ ] for brains you'd have no brains at all

have no brains at all

have no brains at all Mike was only a second away from them

Mike was only a second away from them

Mike was only a second away from them now and TK squatted low to Lunge himself

now and TK squatted low to Lunge himself

now and TK squatted low to Lunge himself at their attacker to at least block him

at their attacker to at least block him

at their attacker to at least block him long enough so that Naomi would have

long enough so that Naomi would have

long enough so that Naomi would have time to run

time to run

time to run he tensed his legs ready to spring

he tensed his legs ready to spring

he tensed his legs ready to spring forward

forward

forward Naomi heard the gunshots first because

Naomi heard the gunshots first because

Naomi heard the gunshots first because they came from a foot and a half behind

they came from a foot and a half behind

they came from a foot and a half behind her left ear

her left ear

her left ear it was so loud they burst her left

it was so loud they burst her left

it was so loud they burst her left eardrum and temporarily deafened her in

eardrum and temporarily deafened her in

eardrum and temporarily deafened her in the right

the right

the right a Glock 21sf-45 automatic has been

a Glock 21sf-45 automatic has been

a Glock 21sf-45 automatic has been standard issue for the Kansas Highway

standard issue for the Kansas Highway

standard issue for the Kansas Highway Patrol since 2009.

Patrol since 2009.

Patrol since 2009. nobody really had any idea why they felt

nobody really had any idea why they felt

nobody really had any idea why they felt they needed quite that much Firepower

they needed quite that much Firepower

they needed quite that much Firepower but the last people who would complained

but the last people who would complained

but the last people who would complained tonight were TK and Naomi

tonight were TK and Naomi

tonight were TK and Naomi six slugs from the 45 whistle past

six slugs from the 45 whistle past

six slugs from the 45 whistle past Naomi's head over TK's shoulder and

Naomi's head over TK's shoulder and

Naomi's head over TK's shoulder and slammed into Mike's chest with such

slammed into Mike's chest with such

slammed into Mike's chest with such force that they reversed his course of

force that they reversed his course of

force that they reversed his course of motion

motion

motion they lifted him off his feet blew him

they lifted him off his feet blew him

they lifted him off his feet blew him back two yards in the air and dropped

back two yards in the air and dropped

back two yards in the air and dropped him to the cement floor dead

him to the cement floor dead

him to the cement floor dead his fungus riddled body was in such a

his fungus riddled body was in such a

his fungus riddled body was in such a state of disrepair and disarray that he

state of disrepair and disarray that he

state of disrepair and disarray that he nearly disintegrated on impact

nearly disintegrated on impact

nearly disintegrated on impact Naomi completely deaf in her left ear

Naomi completely deaf in her left ear

Naomi completely deaf in her left ear and overwhelmed by a loud ringing in her

and overwhelmed by a loud ringing in her

and overwhelmed by a loud ringing in her right turned and saw the woman standing

right turned and saw the woman standing

right turned and saw the woman standing behind her holding the smoking weapon

behind her holding the smoking weapon

behind her holding the smoking weapon Tea cake Rose looking at the woman with

Tea cake Rose looking at the woman with

Tea cake Rose looking at the woman with eyes wide

eyes wide

eyes wide Mrs Rooney

Mrs Rooney

Mrs Rooney Mary Rooney lowered her dead husband's

Mary Rooney lowered her dead husband's

Mary Rooney lowered her dead husband's service weapon the one she had reported

service weapon the one she had reported

service weapon the one she had reported lost rather than turn in when he died

lost rather than turn in when he died

lost rather than turn in when he died the one she brought to the storage unit

the one she brought to the storage unit

the one she brought to the storage unit in the shoebox that very day

in the shoebox that very day

in the shoebox that very day she turned from Mike's scattered remains

she turned from Mike's scattered remains

she turned from Mike's scattered remains and looked back at Naomi and T cake

and looked back at Naomi and T cake

and looked back at Naomi and T cake that boy just wasn't right

the gunshots were still echoing in the

the gunshots were still echoing in the

the gunshots were still echoing in the lobby when shorty and the Rev turned on

lobby when shorty and the Rev turned on

lobby when shorty and the Rev turned on their heels and took off for the pickup

their heels and took off for the pickup

their heels and took off for the pickup truck

truck

truck the situation wasn't the sort of thing

the situation wasn't the sort of thing

the situation wasn't the sort of thing you needed to stick around and try to

you needed to stick around and try to

you needed to stick around and try to figure out six gunshots like cannon

figure out six gunshots like cannon

figure out six gunshots like cannon shots these things coming from what

shots these things coming from what

shots these things coming from what sounded like a semi-automatic weapon

sounded like a semi-automatic weapon

sounded like a semi-automatic weapon somewhere 100 feet ahead of you while

somewhere 100 feet ahead of you while

somewhere 100 feet ahead of you while you were in the process of loading

you were in the process of loading

you were in the process of loading stolen merchandise into your truck in

stolen merchandise into your truck in

stolen merchandise into your truck in the middle of the night

the middle of the night

the middle of the night yeah you go ahead and get the hell out

yeah you go ahead and get the hell out

yeah you go ahead and get the hell out of there as fast as you can

of there as fast as you can

of there as fast as you can he jumped in the truck shorty threw it

he jumped in the truck shorty threw it

he jumped in the truck shorty threw it in reverse and stomped on the gas and

in reverse and stomped on the gas and

in reverse and stomped on the gas and gravel flew so hard and so far that left

gravel flew so hard and so far that left

gravel flew so hard and so far that left the spatter of cut marks in the glass

the spatter of cut marks in the glass

the spatter of cut marks in the glass entry doors

entry doors

entry doors she spun the wheel the truck skidded

she spun the wheel the truck skidded

she spun the wheel the truck skidded around a neat 180 and they took off up

around a neat 180 and they took off up

around a neat 180 and they took off up the driveway without a look back

the driveway without a look back

the driveway without a look back Griffin and Dr Stephen Friedman weren't

Griffin and Dr Stephen Friedman weren't

Griffin and Dr Stephen Friedman weren't positionally advantaged in the same way

positionally advantaged in the same way

positionally advantaged in the same way however they were already on their way

however they were already on their way

however they were already on their way back to the storage locker for another

back to the storage locker for another

back to the storage locker for another loaded TVs just around the corner from

loaded TVs just around the corner from

loaded TVs just around the corner from it when they heard the blasts

it when they heard the blasts

it when they heard the blasts Dr Friedman ducked low and threw his

Dr Friedman ducked low and threw his

Dr Friedman ducked low and threw his hands up to cover his ears a

hands up to cover his ears a

hands up to cover his ears a biologically useless response left him a

biologically useless response left him a

biologically useless response left him a Sitting Duck in the middle of the

Sitting Duck in the middle of the

Sitting Duck in the middle of the hallway but his years in dental school

hallway but his years in dental school

hallway but his years in dental school included no training for this sort of

included no training for this sort of

included no training for this sort of predicament

predicament

predicament Griffin was different

Griffin was different

Griffin was different Griffin had gamed out this kind of

Griffin had gamed out this kind of

Griffin had gamed out this kind of scenario 100 times while playing school

scenario 100 times while playing school

scenario 100 times while playing school shooter North American tour 2012.

shooter North American tour 2012.

shooter North American tour 2012. a modification for Half-Life 2 that he

a modification for Half-Life 2 that he

a modification for Half-Life 2 that he downloaded off the internet

downloaded off the internet

downloaded off the internet he responded instinctively joyfully

he responded instinctively joyfully

he responded instinctively joyfully flattening himself against the wall and

flattening himself against the wall and

flattening himself against the wall and pulling the Smith and Wesson m p 40

pulling the Smith and Wesson m p 40

pulling the Smith and Wesson m p 40 caliber from the shoulder holster under

caliber from the shoulder holster under

caliber from the shoulder holster under his jacket

his jacket

his jacket before the shots had faded he'd done a

before the shots had faded he'd done a

before the shots had faded he'd done a quick Recon left right left and saw the

quick Recon left right left and saw the

quick Recon left right left and saw the hallway was clear except for Dr Friedman

hallway was clear except for Dr Friedman

hallway was clear except for Dr Friedman who was still crouched in the middle of

who was still crouched in the middle of

who was still crouched in the middle of it

it

it Riven took one step forward grabbed the

Riven took one step forward grabbed the

Riven took one step forward grabbed the dentist by the collar with his hammy

dentist by the collar with his hammy

dentist by the collar with his hammy left hand and dragged him back against

left hand and dragged him back against

left hand and dragged him back against the wall

the wall

the wall Dr Friedman looked up at him still

Dr Friedman looked up at him still

Dr Friedman looked up at him still crouched terrified

crouched terrified

crouched terrified what the hell is going on he asked in a

what the hell is going on he asked in a

what the hell is going on he asked in a trembling whisper

trembling whisper

trembling whisper active shooter Griffin said

active shooter Griffin said

active shooter Griffin said he hadn't felt this good in years

26.

Roberto was on Highway 73 just eight

Roberto was on Highway 73 just eight

Roberto was on Highway 73 just eight miles outside of Atchison when Abigail's

miles outside of Atchison when Abigail's

miles outside of Atchison when Abigail's call came

call came

call came his cell phone was still sealed in the

his cell phone was still sealed in the

his cell phone was still sealed in the pouch

pouch

pouch so he left his laptop open on the

so he left his laptop open on the

so he left his laptop open on the passenger seat using an ATT card to stay

passenger seat using an ATT card to stay

passenger seat using an ATT card to stay connected to the internet

connected to the internet

connected to the internet he put in his Bluetooth hit the space

he put in his Bluetooth hit the space

he put in his Bluetooth hit the space bar to answer and listened while she

bar to answer and listened while she

bar to answer and listened while she explained the latest development from

explained the latest development from

explained the latest development from inside the storage place

inside the storage place

inside the storage place he wasn't quite sure he actually

he wasn't quite sure he actually

he wasn't quite sure he actually understood

understood

understood they left what do you mean they left

they left what do you mean they left

they left what do you mean they left they're not in the unit

they're not in the unit

they're not in the unit why the hell not

why the hell not

why the hell not she said there were others inside the

she said there were others inside the

she said there were others inside the facility and they had to warn them great

facility and they had to warn them great

facility and they had to warn them great they're Noble how many others she didn't

they're Noble how many others she didn't

they're Noble how many others she didn't say can you get her back on the phone

say can you get her back on the phone

say can you get her back on the phone I've tried four times she doesn't answer

I've tried four times she doesn't answer

I've tried four times she doesn't answer how long ago was this less than two

how long ago was this less than two

how long ago was this less than two minutes

minutes

minutes what about the other person he asked the

what about the other person he asked the

what about the other person he asked the infected one outside their door

infected one outside their door

infected one outside their door she didn't say

she didn't say

she didn't say you didn't ask

you didn't ask

you didn't ask it was a very short conversation she

it was a very short conversation she

it was a very short conversation she hung up on me you know everything I know

hung up on me you know everything I know

hung up on me you know everything I know okay he said thinking okay okay

okay he said thinking okay okay

okay he said thinking okay okay he repeated everything she just said

he repeated everything she just said

he repeated everything she just said because that's what he'd been taught 40

because that's what he'd been taught 40

because that's what he'd been taught 40 years ago

years ago

years ago Naomi told you she and the other clean

Naomi told you she and the other clean

Naomi told you she and the other clean body were leaving the storage unit

body were leaving the storage unit

body were leaving the storage unit because they heard others had arrived

because they heard others had arrived

because they heard others had arrived she did not say how many you have not

she did not say how many you have not

she did not say how many you have not had contact with her since this was

had contact with her since this was

had contact with her since this was about two minutes ago do I have that

about two minutes ago do I have that

about two minutes ago do I have that right

right

right yes sir do you know their names he asked

yes sir do you know their names he asked

yes sir do you know their names he asked Roberto thought quickly

Roberto thought quickly

Roberto thought quickly damage assessment diminishing returns

damage assessment diminishing returns

damage assessment diminishing returns risk versus reward evaluating the rotten

risk versus reward evaluating the rotten

risk versus reward evaluating the rotten situation and deciding on the least

situation and deciding on the least

situation and deciding on the least rotten course of action

rotten course of action

rotten course of action he had an idea but it meant widening the

he had an idea but it meant widening the

he had an idea but it meant widening the circle

circle

circle could help but it would have to be a

could help but it would have to be a

could help but it would have to be a cloudless night

cloudless night

cloudless night he put down his window stuck his head

he put down his window stuck his head

he put down his window stuck his head outside and looked up

outside and looked up

outside and looked up Sky directly overhead was clear a

Sky directly overhead was clear a

Sky directly overhead was clear a brilliant canopy of stars

brilliant canopy of stars

brilliant canopy of stars okay they got lucky on the weather

okay they got lucky on the weather

okay they got lucky on the weather he put the window back up

he put the window back up

he put the window back up I'm gonna need some aerial help

I'm gonna need some aerial help

I'm gonna need some aerial help he said into the phone

he said into the phone

he said into the phone there was a pause on the other end

there was a pause on the other end

there was a pause on the other end I don't see how that's possible

I don't see how that's possible

I don't see how that's possible anything's possible Abigail some things

anything's possible Abigail some things

anything's possible Abigail some things are just more possible than others

are just more possible than others

are just more possible than others I don't have those types of resources

I don't have those types of resources

I don't have those types of resources I know exactly what kinds of resources

I know exactly what kinds of resources

I know exactly what kinds of resources you do and do not have okay

you do and do not have okay

you do and do not have okay he didn't mean to snap at her and he

he didn't mean to snap at her and he

he didn't mean to snap at her and he softened his tone he had exactly one

softened his tone he had exactly one

softened his tone he had exactly one Ally at the moment and couldn't afford

Ally at the moment and couldn't afford

Ally at the moment and couldn't afford to lose her

to lose her

to lose her you want satellite reconnaissance

you want satellite reconnaissance

you want satellite reconnaissance she said it the way someone would say

she said it the way someone would say

she said it the way someone would say you want a billion dollars

you want a billion dollars

you want a billion dollars I want a global hawk directly overhead

I want a global hawk directly overhead

I want a global hawk directly overhead at 10 000 feet but we'd never get one

at 10 000 feet but we'd never get one

at 10 000 feet but we'd never get one here from Edwards in time I'll settle

here from Edwards in time I'll settle

here from Edwards in time I'll settle for a keyhole a 10 minute redirect would

for a keyhole a 10 minute redirect would

for a keyhole a 10 minute redirect would do it

do it

do it that would require attorney general

that would require attorney general

that would require attorney general approval yeah if we were going that

approval yeah if we were going that

approval yeah if we were going that route but we're a little more informal

route but we're a little more informal

route but we're a little more informal on this one

on this one

on this one you're crazy operationally I mean you're

you're crazy operationally I mean you're

you're crazy operationally I mean you're almost delusional no I'm ambitious

almost delusional no I'm ambitious

almost delusional no I'm ambitious Abigail and so are you

Abigail and so are you

Abigail and so are you come on who do you know the nro

come on who do you know the nro

come on who do you know the nro the national reconnaissance office

the national reconnaissance office

the national reconnaissance office handled coordination of surveillance

handled coordination of surveillance

handled coordination of surveillance satellites and dissemination of data

satellites and dissemination of data

satellites and dissemination of data within and among the NSA CIA FBI and

within and among the NSA CIA FBI and

within and among the NSA CIA FBI and Homeland Security

Homeland Security

Homeland Security I don't know anybody there she said with

I don't know anybody there she said with

I don't know anybody there she said with irritation

irritation

irritation can you please lose the attitude I'll be

can you please lose the attitude I'll be

can you please lose the attitude I'll be on site in nine minutes

on site in nine minutes

on site in nine minutes he looked down at his speed and saw he

he looked down at his speed and saw he

he looked down at his speed and saw he was over 80. he lightened up on the gas

was over 80. he lightened up on the gas

was over 80. he lightened up on the gas there was another pause on the other end

there was another pause on the other end

there was another pause on the other end of the line then Abigail's voice came

of the line then Abigail's voice came

of the line then Abigail's voice came back still tentative but he could almost

back still tentative but he could almost

back still tentative but he could almost feel her mind engaging with the problem

feel her mind engaging with the problem

feel her mind engaging with the problem my friend Stephanie dates a guy at the

my friend Stephanie dates a guy at the

my friend Stephanie dates a guy at the adfe

adfe

adfe the Aerospace data facility East was

the Aerospace data facility East was

the Aerospace data facility East was located just on the other side of Fort

located just on the other side of Fort

located just on the other side of Fort Belvoir and was the operational Hub of

Belvoir and was the operational Hub of

Belvoir and was the operational Hub of reconnaissance satellites all over the

reconnaissance satellites all over the

reconnaissance satellites all over the world

world

world see Roberto said you see what you can do

see Roberto said you see what you can do

see Roberto said you see what you can do but I'd have to wake her up he'd have to

but I'd have to wake her up he'd have to

but I'd have to wake her up he'd have to be on duty

be on duty

be on duty we'll need a few things to break our way

we'll need a few things to break our way

we'll need a few things to break our way no question I'll call you back wait he

no question I'll call you back wait he

no question I'll call you back wait he said have you ever met this guy

said have you ever met this guy

said have you ever met this guy no I saw a picture of him once

no I saw a picture of him once

no I saw a picture of him once who's better looking him or Stephanie

who's better looking him or Stephanie

who's better looking him or Stephanie I don't know do we really have time for

I don't know do we really have time for

I don't know do we really have time for that

that

that Stephanie I mean Abigail God damn it he

Stephanie I mean Abigail God damn it he

Stephanie I mean Abigail God damn it he was getting tired and seriously cranky

was getting tired and seriously cranky

was getting tired and seriously cranky please just answer the question who is

please just answer the question who is

please just answer the question who is better looking

better looking

better looking Stephanie's gorgeous she's way out of

Stephanie's gorgeous she's way out of

Stephanie's gorgeous she's way out of his League

his League

his League that's our first break right there wake

that's our first break right there wake

that's our first break right there wake her up

her up

her up you have the coordinates already I need

you have the coordinates already I need

you have the coordinates already I need eyes overhead in five minutes if any

eyes overhead in five minutes if any

eyes overhead in five minutes if any infected people leave that place I need

infected people leave that place I need

infected people leave that place I need to know how many there are and where

to know how many there are and where

to know how many there are and where they go got it got it

they go got it got it

they go got it got it and get me some personal information on

and get me some personal information on

and get me some personal information on both of the people inside that place the

both of the people inside that place the

both of the people inside that place the clean ones work history favorite ice

clean ones work history favorite ice

clean ones work history favorite ice cream whatever you can come up with I

cream whatever you can come up with I

cream whatever you can come up with I might need it understood understood

might need it understood understood

might need it understood understood Abigail hung up to get to work

Abigail hung up to get to work

Abigail hung up to get to work Roberto pulled out the earpiece and

Roberto pulled out the earpiece and

Roberto pulled out the earpiece and closed the laptop he allowed himself a

closed the laptop he allowed himself a

closed the laptop he allowed himself a tiny sigh

tiny sigh

tiny sigh this was sort of possibly maybe gonna

this was sort of possibly maybe gonna

this was sort of possibly maybe gonna work out

work out

work out he'd forgotten how many people he knew

he'd forgotten how many people he knew

he'd forgotten how many people he knew and how good he was at getting the best

and how good he was at getting the best

and how good he was at getting the best out of the ones he didn't

out of the ones he didn't

out of the ones he didn't wrinkles appeared and he ironed them out

wrinkles appeared and he ironed them out

wrinkles appeared and he ironed them out there's just no substitute for

there's just no substitute for

there's just no substitute for experience

experience

experience you take a lifetime of acquired skills

you take a lifetime of acquired skills

you take a lifetime of acquired skills season it with the wisdom of age

season it with the wisdom of age

season it with the wisdom of age throw in some good instincts and

throw in some good instincts and

throw in some good instincts and reflexes you can't learn those you have

reflexes you can't learn those you have

reflexes you can't learn those you have to bring them to the party and you got

to bring them to the party and you got

to bring them to the party and you got yourself a pretty damn effective

yourself a pretty damn effective

yourself a pretty damn effective operative

operative

operative hell maybe he never should have retired

hell maybe he never should have retired

hell maybe he never should have retired in the first place he'd be there in

in the first place he'd be there in

in the first place he'd be there in eight minutes and have this resolve

eight minutes and have this resolve

eight minutes and have this resolve within the hour

within the hour

within the hour he smiled

he smiled

he smiled then the cop popped his lights

then the cop popped his lights

then the cop popped his lights Roberto looked up into the rearview

Roberto looked up into the rearview

Roberto looked up into the rearview mirror a familiar sinking feeling in his

mirror a familiar sinking feeling in his

mirror a familiar sinking feeling in his stomach the cop was so close behind him

stomach the cop was so close behind him

stomach the cop was so close behind him in the flashing red cherries so bright

in the flashing red cherries so bright

in the flashing red cherries so bright they stung his eyes

they stung his eyes

they stung his eyes you look down at the speedometer the

you look down at the speedometer the

you look down at the speedometer the needle was pushing 90.

needle was pushing 90.

needle was pushing 90. beating he was speeding yeah you're a

beating he was speeding yeah you're a

beating he was speeding yeah you're a real genius Roberto

real genius Roberto

real genius Roberto he banged a fist off the steering wheel

he banged a fist off the steering wheel

he banged a fist off the steering wheel and drove on for a moment in his mind

and drove on for a moment in his mind

and drove on for a moment in his mind racing in 18 different directions every

racing in 18 different directions every

racing in 18 different directions every single one of them a dead end

single one of them a dead end

single one of them a dead end the cop double tapped the siren and the

the cop double tapped the siren and the

the cop double tapped the siren and the whoop whoop almost made Roberto jump out

whoop whoop almost made Roberto jump out

whoop whoop almost made Roberto jump out of his skin

of his skin

of his skin he had no choice he pulled over

he had no choice he pulled over

he had no choice he pulled over the gravel shoulder crunched under

the gravel shoulder crunched under

the gravel shoulder crunched under Roberto's tires and he brought the

Roberto's tires and he brought the

Roberto's tires and he brought the minivan to a smooth and responsible stop

minivan to a smooth and responsible stop

minivan to a smooth and responsible stop he looked up into the rear view to see

he looked up into the rear view to see

he looked up into the rear view to see if there was anything he could learn

if there was anything he could learn

if there was anything he could learn the cop's car was a standard four-door

the cop's car was a standard four-door

the cop's car was a standard four-door sedan probably a Chevy Impala it had a

sedan probably a Chevy Impala it had a

sedan probably a Chevy Impala it had a red light bar on the roof square

red light bar on the roof square

red light bar on the roof square headlights with alternately flashing

headlights with alternately flashing

headlights with alternately flashing high beams and a blue zipper light in

high beams and a blue zipper light in

high beams and a blue zipper light in the front grille

the front grille

the front grille this information taken as a whole was of

this information taken as a whole was of

this information taken as a whole was of absolutely no use whatsoever

absolutely no use whatsoever

absolutely no use whatsoever a look back over his shoulder was too

a look back over his shoulder was too

a look back over his shoulder was too much an admission of guilt so Roberto

much an admission of guilt so Roberto

much an admission of guilt so Roberto switched to the side view where the

switched to the side view where the

switched to the side view where the angle would mean he was a bit less

angle would mean he was a bit less

angle would mean he was a bit less blinded

blinded

blinded the police car hadn't pulled as far into

the police car hadn't pulled as far into

the police car hadn't pulled as far into the shoulders he had so he could make

the shoulders he had so he could make

the shoulders he had so he could make out the cop's silhouette through the

out the cop's silhouette through the

out the cop's silhouette through the windshield

windshield

windshield the man was looking down radio in hand

the man was looking down radio in hand

the man was looking down radio in hand probably just ran the plates and was

probably just ran the plates and was

probably just ran the plates and was waiting for a response

waiting for a response

waiting for a response Roberto stated his breathing running

Roberto stated his breathing running

Roberto stated his breathing running through options

through options

through options there weren't any good ones

there weren't any good ones

there weren't any good ones taking off was the worst he can't outrun

taking off was the worst he can't outrun

taking off was the worst he can't outrun radio waves he'd end up in a high-speed

radio waves he'd end up in a high-speed

radio waves he'd end up in a high-speed chase that he would lose

chase that he would lose

chase that he would lose he thought about throwing the minivan in

he thought about throwing the minivan in

he thought about throwing the minivan in reverse and slamming into the cops front

reverse and slamming into the cops front

reverse and slamming into the cops front end hoping he'd get lucky and pop a tire

end hoping he'd get lucky and pop a tire

end hoping he'd get lucky and pop a tire but he was just as likely to blow one of

but he was just as likely to blow one of

but he was just as likely to blow one of his own which would make it a real short

his own which would make it a real short

his own which would make it a real short Chase

Chase

Chase and even if he got lucky and disabled a

and even if he got lucky and disabled a

and even if he got lucky and disabled a police car without damaging his own

police car without damaging his own

police car without damaging his own C-section regarding radio waves

C-section regarding radio waves

C-section regarding radio waves reluctantly he thought about killing the

reluctantly he thought about killing the

reluctantly he thought about killing the cop even if he could get his head around

cop even if he could get his head around

cop even if he could get his head around murdering an innocent officer of the law

murdering an innocent officer of the law

murdering an innocent officer of the law who was just doing his job he had no

who was just doing his job he had no

who was just doing his job he had no weapon on his person the nearest gun

weapon on his person the nearest gun

weapon on his person the nearest gun would be an unloaded M9 in one of the

would be an unloaded M9 in one of the

would be an unloaded M9 in one of the trunks in back

trunks in back

trunks in back Trini would have left a full clip in the

Trini would have left a full clip in the

Trini would have left a full clip in the foam packing beside it that he could

foam packing beside it that he could

foam packing beside it that he could slap in in a second but getting to it

slap in in a second but getting to it

slap in in a second but getting to it would be a problem

would be a problem

would be a problem if he made the slightest move toward the

if he made the slightest move toward the

if he made the slightest move toward the rear of the car that cop would be out of

rear of the car that cop would be out of

rear of the car that cop would be out of his own vehicle and crouched behind his

his own vehicle and crouched behind his

his own vehicle and crouched behind his door with his weapon drawn in seconds

door with his weapon drawn in seconds

door with his weapon drawn in seconds and then there was that part about

and then there was that part about

and then there was that part about killing an innocent cop he'd never done

killing an innocent cop he'd never done

killing an innocent cop he'd never done that before

that before

that before the door of the police car opened and

the door of the police car opened and

the door of the police car opened and the cop got out he was tall maybe six

the cop got out he was tall maybe six

the cop got out he was tall maybe six feet four inches and he had his round

feet four inches and he had his round

feet four inches and he had his round brimmed hat in one hand

brimmed hat in one hand

brimmed hat in one hand he paused closed his door and took a

he paused closed his door and took a

he paused closed his door and took a good long time putting on his hat and

good long time putting on his hat and

good long time putting on his hat and adjusting it just so

adjusting it just so

adjusting it just so great he was a dick on top of everything

great he was a dick on top of everything

great he was a dick on top of everything else

else

else he started to walk toward Roberto's car

he started to walk toward Roberto's car

he started to walk toward Roberto's car Roberto watched in the side view still

Roberto watched in the side view still

Roberto watched in the side view still thinking a bribe seemed unlikely to have

thinking a bribe seemed unlikely to have

thinking a bribe seemed unlikely to have any effect and he had only a few hundred

any effect and he had only a few hundred

any effect and he had only a few hundred dollars in his pocket anyway

dollars in his pocket anyway

dollars in his pocket anyway as the cop reached his window one last

as the cop reached his window one last

as the cop reached his window one last desperate thought popped into Roberto's

desperate thought popped into Roberto's

desperate thought popped into Roberto's mind

mind

mind maybe try the truth

maybe try the truth

maybe try the truth never work in a million years

never work in a million years

never work in a million years he opened the window the cop glanced at

he opened the window the cop glanced at

he opened the window the cop glanced at him bent down ever so slightly and

him bent down ever so slightly and

him bent down ever so slightly and checked to reconfirm that Roberto was

checked to reconfirm that Roberto was

checked to reconfirm that Roberto was the only passenger

the only passenger

the only passenger license and registration please

license and registration please

license and registration please was I speeding Jesus was that it the

was I speeding Jesus was that it the

was I speeding Jesus was that it the skilled professional and that was what

skilled professional and that was what

skilled professional and that was what he came up with the exact same thing

he came up with the exact same thing

he came up with the exact same thing that every single motorist who's ever

that every single motorist who's ever

that every single motorist who's ever been pulled over in the history of the

been pulled over in the history of the

been pulled over in the history of the interstate highway system said was I

interstate highway system said was I

interstate highway system said was I speeding

speeding

speeding you were licensed and registration

you were licensed and registration

you were licensed and registration I'm going to open my glove compartment

I'm going to open my glove compartment

I'm going to open my glove compartment Roberto said

Roberto said

Roberto said see I'm a good citizen I'm a responsible

see I'm a good citizen I'm a responsible

see I'm a good citizen I'm a responsible guy like you you can trust me see

guy like you you can trust me see

guy like you you can trust me see go ahead

go ahead

go ahead the cop replied

the cop replied

the cop replied Roberto leaned over and opened the glove

Roberto leaned over and opened the glove

Roberto leaned over and opened the glove compartment having no idea what he would

compartment having no idea what he would

compartment having no idea what he would see inside

see inside

see inside it occurred to him as he pushed the

it occurred to him as he pushed the

it occurred to him as he pushed the button on the front that there very well

button on the front that there very well

button on the front that there very well could be a weapon in there

could be a weapon in there

could be a weapon in there Trini was thorough and she would have

Trini was thorough and she would have

Trini was thorough and she would have sent him out into that good night fully

sent him out into that good night fully

sent him out into that good night fully prepared for any situation that might

prepared for any situation that might

prepared for any situation that might arise including a sudden need to arm

arise including a sudden need to arm

arise including a sudden need to arm himself

himself

himself he hesitated his finger on the button of

he hesitated his finger on the button of

he hesitated his finger on the button of the glove compartment and thought about

the glove compartment and thought about

the glove compartment and thought about how mistakes can Cascade on you

how mistakes can Cascade on you

how mistakes can Cascade on you he let it hang there for a second while

he let it hang there for a second while

he let it hang there for a second while he thought

he thought

he thought revealing a gun in the glove box was

revealing a gun in the glove box was

revealing a gun in the glove box was going to deteriorate the situation in a

going to deteriorate the situation in a

going to deteriorate the situation in a big hurry

big hurry

big hurry Sarah

Sarah

Sarah Roberto's head was turned toward the

Roberto's head was turned toward the

Roberto's head was turned toward the glove compartment so he couldn't see the

glove compartment so he couldn't see the

glove compartment so he couldn't see the cup but he could feel his presence and

cup but he could feel his presence and

cup but he could feel his presence and he could hear the rustle of the man's

he could hear the rustle of the man's

he could hear the rustle of the man's shirt as his arm moved

shirt as his arm moved

shirt as his arm moved there was a very subtle Creak of leather

there was a very subtle Creak of leather

there was a very subtle Creak of leather and Roberto knew the cop's right hand

and Roberto knew the cop's right hand

and Roberto knew the cop's right hand was now resting on the butt end of his

was now resting on the butt end of his

was now resting on the butt end of his sidearm moving it infinite testimony in

sidearm moving it infinite testimony in

sidearm moving it infinite testimony in its holster to make sure it wasn't stuck

its holster to make sure it wasn't stuck

its holster to make sure it wasn't stuck things were falling apart fast

things were falling apart fast

things were falling apart fast again he had no choice he had to open

again he had no choice he had to open

again he had no choice he had to open the glove compartment and Hope

the glove compartment and Hope

the glove compartment and Hope he released the button it clicked and

he released the button it clicked and

he released the button it clicked and the door fell open

the door fell open

the door fell open there was no gun

there was no gun

there was no gun he closed his eyes and willed himself to

he closed his eyes and willed himself to

he closed his eyes and willed himself to breathe still okay Not only was there no

breathe still okay Not only was there no

breathe still okay Not only was there no gun but there was a neat yellow rental

gun but there was a neat yellow rental

gun but there was a neat yellow rental car jacket the paperwork exactly where

car jacket the paperwork exactly where

car jacket the paperwork exactly where it should be

it should be

it should be Roberto picked it up turned and offered

Roberto picked it up turned and offered

Roberto picked it up turned and offered it out the window to the cop

it out the window to the cop

it out the window to the cop it's a rental

it's a rental

it's a rental the cop took the papers your license

the cop took the papers your license

the cop took the papers your license inside my jacket he held up his hand

inside my jacket he held up his hand

inside my jacket he held up his hand just outside his jacket may I go ahead

just outside his jacket may I go ahead

just outside his jacket may I go ahead Roberto reached into his jacket took out

Roberto reached into his jacket took out

Roberto reached into his jacket took out his wallet removed his license and

his wallet removed his license and

his wallet removed his license and handed that out the window too the cop

handed that out the window too the cop

handed that out the window too the cop took it

took it

took it Roberto waited while the cop inspected

Roberto waited while the cop inspected

Roberto waited while the cop inspected the documents if Trini had rented the

the documents if Trini had rented the

the documents if Trini had rented the car in her own name he would have some

car in her own name he would have some

car in her own name he would have some explaining to do but that was the least

explaining to do but that was the least

explaining to do but that was the least of his problems at the moment

of his problems at the moment

of his problems at the moment that one he could talk his way out of

that one he could talk his way out of

that one he could talk his way out of he looked at the dashboard clock he lost

he looked at the dashboard clock he lost

he looked at the dashboard clock he lost three minutes already he needed to be

three minutes already he needed to be

three minutes already he needed to be rolling in another two or the satellite

rolling in another two or the satellite

rolling in another two or the satellite window he'd asked for which he had no

window he'd asked for which he had no

window he'd asked for which he had no reason to think Abigail was even going

reason to think Abigail was even going

reason to think Abigail was even going to be able to open would be closed by

to be able to open would be closed by

to be able to open would be closed by the time he needed it

the time he needed it

the time he needed it how could everything be so much worse

how could everything be so much worse

how could everything be so much worse now than it was just 180 seconds ago

now than it was just 180 seconds ago

now than it was just 180 seconds ago thank you Mr Diaz

thank you Mr Diaz

thank you Mr Diaz Roberto heard a slight pause and a tiny

Roberto heard a slight pause and a tiny

Roberto heard a slight pause and a tiny bit of spin the cop put in his last name

bit of spin the cop put in his last name

bit of spin the cop put in his last name tried to think about whether that casual

tried to think about whether that casual

tried to think about whether that casual racism would help or hurt matters and

racism would help or hurt matters and

racism would help or hurt matters and concluded it made no difference

concluded it made no difference

concluded it made no difference the policeman handed him back his

the policeman handed him back his

the policeman handed him back his documents saying nothing about the

documents saying nothing about the

documents saying nothing about the rental car registration

rental car registration

rental car registration damn Trini was a star she'd even put the

damn Trini was a star she'd even put the

damn Trini was a star she'd even put the car in his name Roberto took the papers

car in his name Roberto took the papers

car in his name Roberto took the papers as the cop turned his Focus From the

as the cop turned his Focus From the

as the cop turned his Focus From the documents to the inside of the car his

documents to the inside of the car his

documents to the inside of the car his gaze stopped abruptly on the back

gaze stopped abruptly on the back

gaze stopped abruptly on the back the tarp that Trini had thrown over the

the tarp that Trini had thrown over the

the tarp that Trini had thrown over the military crates wasn't big enough to

military crates wasn't big enough to

military crates wasn't big enough to completely conceal them

completely conceal them

completely conceal them not with the addition of the half barrel

not with the addition of the half barrel

not with the addition of the half barrel shaped t41

shaped t41

shaped t41 to anyone who had any experience at all

to anyone who had any experience at all

to anyone who had any experience at all or even watch the right kind of TV shows

or even watch the right kind of TV shows

or even watch the right kind of TV shows the stuff in back looked exactly like

the stuff in back looked exactly like

the stuff in back looked exactly like what it was

what it was

what it was crated weapons

crated weapons

crated weapons the cop pulled a flashlight from his

the cop pulled a flashlight from his

the cop pulled a flashlight from his belt and clicked it on

belt and clicked it on

belt and clicked it on he couldn't look in a trunk without

he couldn't look in a trunk without

he couldn't look in a trunk without permission or cause but he could sure as

permission or cause but he could sure as

permission or cause but he could sure as hell look into a car through an open

hell look into a car through an open

hell look into a car through an open window

window

window Roberto glanced up at the cop taking

Roberto glanced up at the cop taking

Roberto glanced up at the cop taking advantage of the momentary distraction

advantage of the momentary distraction

advantage of the momentary distraction to size up his opponent

to size up his opponent

to size up his opponent he thought briefly about throwing open

he thought briefly about throwing open

he thought briefly about throwing open the driver's door slamming it into the

the driver's door slamming it into the

the driver's door slamming it into the cop hard enough to knock him over or

cop hard enough to knock him over or

cop hard enough to knock him over or wind him or get a lucky door handle in

wind him or get a lucky door handle in

wind him or get a lucky door handle in the guy's balls

the guy's balls

the guy's balls if that went his way he'd keep his

if that went his way he'd keep his

if that went his way he'd keep his momentum going lunge out of the door

momentum going lunge out of the door

momentum going lunge out of the door disarm the cop and pop him twice in the

disarm the cop and pop him twice in the

disarm the cop and pop him twice in the head with his own gun

head with his own gun

head with his own gun that was a lot of IFS

that was a lot of IFS

that was a lot of IFS and most likely it ended with Roberto

and most likely it ended with Roberto

and most likely it ended with Roberto dead by the side of the road Oren stuck

dead by the side of the road Oren stuck

dead by the side of the road Oren stuck in a Kansas jail cell while a plate-like

in a Kansas jail cell while a plate-like

in a Kansas jail cell while a plate-like fungus ravaged the land so not so good

fungus ravaged the land so not so good

fungus ravaged the land so not so good that one

that one

that one but then he saw the tattoo

but then he saw the tattoo

but then he saw the tattoo because the cop had to keep his right

because the cop had to keep his right

because the cop had to keep his right hand near his weapon at all times he'd

hand near his weapon at all times he'd

hand near his weapon at all times he'd pulled the flashlight with his left and

pulled the flashlight with his left and

pulled the flashlight with his left and had to reach across his body to shine it

had to reach across his body to shine it

had to reach across his body to shine it into the back of the car

into the back of the car

into the back of the car the warm weather Manny was wearing his

the warm weather Manny was wearing his

the warm weather Manny was wearing his summer uniform a short sleeved light

summer uniform a short sleeved light

summer uniform a short sleeved light blue shirt that cut just below the

blue shirt that cut just below the

blue shirt that cut just below the biceps

biceps

biceps his arms were big worked as the cop

his arms were big worked as the cop

his arms were big worked as the cop moved his arm around with the light the

moved his arm around with the light the

moved his arm around with the light the sleeve slipped up over the curve of

sleeve slipped up over the curve of

sleeve slipped up over the curve of muscle revealing an extra four inches of

muscle revealing an extra four inches of

muscle revealing an extra four inches of bare skin

bare skin

bare skin Roberto saw the thick black X tattooed

Roberto saw the thick black X tattooed

Roberto saw the thick black X tattooed there meant to fall just above the line

there meant to fall just above the line

there meant to fall just above the line of the uniform discreetly kept under the

of the uniform discreetly kept under the

of the uniform discreetly kept under the fabric

fabric

fabric but tonight at this moment in this

but tonight at this moment in this

but tonight at this moment in this position it was revealed lit by the red

position it was revealed lit by the red

position it was revealed lit by the red flashing lights of the cop's own

flashing lights of the cop's own

flashing lights of the cop's own cherries

cherries

cherries the X was just two thick bars their tips

the X was just two thick bars their tips

the X was just two thick bars their tips pointed into triangles at either end

pointed into triangles at either end

pointed into triangles at either end nothing fancy nothing colorful just

nothing fancy nothing colorful just

nothing fancy nothing colorful just black ink

black ink

black ink but Roberto was reasonably certain it

but Roberto was reasonably certain it

but Roberto was reasonably certain it was a southern nationalist flag symbol

was a southern nationalist flag symbol

was a southern nationalist flag symbol the Bars were meant to evoke the Saint

the Bars were meant to evoke the Saint

the Bars were meant to evoke the Saint Andrews cross and the blue Star-Spangled

Andrews cross and the blue Star-Spangled

Andrews cross and the blue Star-Spangled X of the Confederate Battle Flag

X of the Confederate Battle Flag

X of the Confederate Battle Flag but the color and stars had been removed

but the color and stars had been removed

but the color and stars had been removed for those who wanted or needed to keep

for those who wanted or needed to keep

for those who wanted or needed to keep their alt-right political views to

their alt-right political views to

their alt-right political views to themselves in certain situations

themselves in certain situations

themselves in certain situations like being at work when you're a police

like being at work when you're a police

like being at work when you're a police officer

officer

officer the cop shifted the flashlight back to

the cop shifted the flashlight back to

the cop shifted the flashlight back to the front seat momentarily shining it

the front seat momentarily shining it

the front seat momentarily shining it right in Roberto's face as he put it

right in Roberto's face as he put it

right in Roberto's face as he put it away

away

away what have you got back there Mr Diaz

what have you got back there Mr Diaz

what have you got back there Mr Diaz aha the pause was longer this time and

aha the pause was longer this time and

aha the pause was longer this time and the tiny emphasis on Roberto's last name

the tiny emphasis on Roberto's last name

the tiny emphasis on Roberto's last name confirmed any lingering suspicions

confirmed any lingering suspicions

confirmed any lingering suspicions aha you racist son of a [ __ ] I got you

aha you racist son of a [ __ ] I got you

aha you racist son of a [ __ ] I got you figured out now you're a white

figured out now you're a white

figured out now you're a white nationalist

nationalist

nationalist okay that was something Roberto could

okay that was something Roberto could

okay that was something Roberto could work with that

work with that

work with that you got me brother

you got me brother

you got me brother the cop looked at him brother that was

the cop looked at him brother that was

the cop looked at him brother that was starting out awfully strong but hey when

starting out awfully strong but hey when

starting out awfully strong but hey when you only got one card you play it for

you only got one card you play it for

you only got one card you play it for all it's worth

all it's worth

all it's worth I got you doing what Mr Diaz

I got you doing what Mr Diaz

I got you doing what Mr Diaz the cop's face was unreadable he gave

the cop's face was unreadable he gave

the cop's face was unreadable he gave nothing away

nothing away

nothing away being ready

being ready

being ready for what sir

for what sir

for what sir for when the day comes

for when the day comes

for when the day comes the cops stared at him for a long moment

the cops stared at him for a long moment

the cops stared at him for a long moment he gave no reason for Roberto to feel

he gave no reason for Roberto to feel

he gave no reason for Roberto to feel encouraged

encouraged

encouraged but he didn't ask him to get out of the

but he didn't ask him to get out of the

but he didn't ask him to get out of the car either

car either

car either Roberto took that as license to continue

Roberto took that as license to continue

Roberto took that as license to continue he shoved the rest of his chips into the

he shoved the rest of his chips into the

he shoved the rest of his chips into the middle of the table

middle of the table

middle of the table saw your tattoo

saw your tattoo

saw your tattoo if we lived in a free country I'm

if we lived in a free country I'm

if we lived in a free country I'm guessing you'd put three percent on

guessing you'd put three percent on

guessing you'd put three percent on there am I right

there am I right

there am I right the cop just held eye contact thinking

the cop just held eye contact thinking

the cop just held eye contact thinking over the last seven or eight years

over the last seven or eight years

over the last seven or eight years Roberto was at dtra there had been a

Roberto was at dtra there had been a

Roberto was at dtra there had been a sharp increase in reporting on weapons

sharp increase in reporting on weapons

sharp increase in reporting on weapons acquisitions by well-armed domestic

acquisitions by well-armed domestic

acquisitions by well-armed domestic militias

militias

militias he'd read those sections of the daily

he'd read those sections of the daily

he'd read those sections of the daily security briefings only cursorly as his

security briefings only cursorly as his

security briefings only cursorly as his purview was almost exclusively overseas

purview was almost exclusively overseas

purview was almost exclusively overseas but he knew enough to know the names of

but he knew enough to know the names of

but he knew enough to know the names of a few of the more prominent nationalist

a few of the more prominent nationalist

a few of the more prominent nationalist movements which included the three

movements which included the three

movements which included the three percenters

percenters

percenters an American paramilitary movement its

an American paramilitary movement its

an American paramilitary movement its members pledged armed resistance against

members pledged armed resistance against

members pledged armed resistance against any attempts to limit private gun

any attempts to limit private gun

any attempts to limit private gun ownership by a tyrannical government

ownership by a tyrannical government

ownership by a tyrannical government the name was derived from the claim that

the name was derived from the claim that

the name was derived from the claim that only three percent of the population of

only three percent of the population of

only three percent of the population of the original 13 colonies fought against

the original 13 colonies fought against

the original 13 colonies fought against and defeated Great Britain in the

and defeated Great Britain in the

and defeated Great Britain in the Revolutionary War

Revolutionary War

Revolutionary War in truth the number was closer to 15 but

in truth the number was closer to 15 but

in truth the number was closer to 15 but who's counting when there's a rhetorical

who's counting when there's a rhetorical

who's counting when there's a rhetorical point to be made

point to be made

point to be made the three percenters counted among their

the three percenters counted among their

the three percenters counted among their numbers a fair amount of law enforcement

numbers a fair amount of law enforcement

numbers a fair amount of law enforcement and in fact a group of Jersey City

and in fact a group of Jersey City

and in fact a group of Jersey City police officers had been suspended in

police officers had been suspended in

police officers had been suspended in 2013 for wearing patches that read one

2013 for wearing patches that read one

2013 for wearing patches that read one of the three percent

of the three percent

of the three percent since then members in public roles knew

since then members in public roles knew

since then members in public roles knew better and kept their beliefs on the

better and kept their beliefs on the

better and kept their beliefs on the down low

down low

down low the southern nationalist flag tat was a

the southern nationalist flag tat was a

the southern nationalist flag tat was a popular and subtle marking

popular and subtle marking

popular and subtle marking Roberto had no doubt the cop was in the

Roberto had no doubt the cop was in the

Roberto had no doubt the cop was in the only question was how far

only question was how far

only question was how far the cop held eye contact with him for a

the cop held eye contact with him for a

the cop held eye contact with him for a good 10 seconds

good 10 seconds

good 10 seconds Roberto looked back steadily

Roberto looked back steadily

Roberto looked back steadily the day is coming my man the country we

the day is coming my man the country we

the day is coming my man the country we love and honor needs us to be ready

love and honor needs us to be ready

love and honor needs us to be ready the cop turned a flashlight on again

the cop turned a flashlight on again

the cop turned a flashlight on again playing it over the military crates in

playing it over the military crates in

playing it over the military crates in the back taking one more look

the back taking one more look

the back taking one more look he turned back to Roberto the only

he turned back to Roberto the only

he turned back to Roberto the only question was did Roberto look white

question was did Roberto look white

question was did Roberto look white enough to this prick to overcome his

enough to this prick to overcome his

enough to this prick to overcome his last name

last name

last name the cop fought for a long moment

the cop fought for a long moment

the cop fought for a long moment drive safe Patriot

drive safe Patriot

drive safe Patriot apparently he did

apparently he did

apparently he did the cop clicked off the light turned and

the cop clicked off the light turned and

the cop clicked off the light turned and walked back to his car his shoes

walked back to his car his shoes

walked back to his car his shoes crunching on the gravel

crunching on the gravel

crunching on the gravel Roberto didn't stick around for

Roberto didn't stick around for

Roberto didn't stick around for confirmation he put the minivan in gear

confirmation he put the minivan in gear

confirmation he put the minivan in gear and pulled away not too fast and not too

and pulled away not too fast and not too

and pulled away not too fast and not too slow lifting his hand up into the beam

slow lifting his hand up into the beam

slow lifting his hand up into the beam of the cop's lights and giving a little

of the cop's lights and giving a little

of the cop's lights and giving a little thank you wave as he put distance

thank you wave as he put distance

thank you wave as he put distance between them

between them

between them in his mind he reverted back to his

in his mind he reverted back to his

in his mind he reverted back to his original position

original position

original position I am very good at my job

I am very good at my job

I am very good at my job he'd be an Atchison in seven minutes

27.

within 30 seconds and when Mary Rooney

within 30 seconds and when Mary Rooney

within 30 seconds and when Mary Rooney fired six shots into the chest of the

fired six shots into the chest of the

fired six shots into the chest of the weird guy who'd exploded a thought

weird guy who'd exploded a thought

weird guy who'd exploded a thought occurred to her she just killed a man

occurred to her she just killed a man

occurred to her she just killed a man the unreal fact that he'd burst in a

the unreal fact that he'd burst in a

the unreal fact that he'd burst in a haze of green goo was less relevant to

haze of green goo was less relevant to

haze of green goo was less relevant to her than the objective reality of her

her than the objective reality of her

her than the objective reality of her situation

situation

situation she'd committed murder okay possibly

she'd committed murder okay possibly

she'd committed murder okay possibly manslaughter depending on how you slice

manslaughter depending on how you slice

manslaughter depending on how you slice it and he had been running at them at

it and he had been running at them at

it and he had been running at them at the time

the time

the time but he was also clearly unarmed and she

but he was also clearly unarmed and she

but he was also clearly unarmed and she was holding a weapon that in the Law's

was holding a weapon that in the Law's

was holding a weapon that in the Law's eyes had been stolen from the state of

eyes had been stolen from the state of

eyes had been stolen from the state of Kansas

Kansas

Kansas it didn't have to be a legal scholar to

it didn't have to be a legal scholar to

it didn't have to be a legal scholar to know this would not hold up well in a

know this would not hold up well in a

know this would not hold up well in a courtroom

courtroom

courtroom Naomi was doubled over holding her ears

Naomi was doubled over holding her ears

Naomi was doubled over holding her ears in pain some blood seeping between her

in pain some blood seeping between her

in pain some blood seeping between her fingers

fingers

fingers Tea cake turned to Mrs Rooney eyes wide

Tea cake turned to Mrs Rooney eyes wide

Tea cake turned to Mrs Rooney eyes wide Mrs Rooney Jesus thank you God where the

Mrs Rooney Jesus thank you God where the

Mrs Rooney Jesus thank you God where the hell did you get that he asked all at

hell did you get that he asked all at

hell did you get that he asked all at once his eyes fixed on the Smoking

once his eyes fixed on the Smoking

once his eyes fixed on the Smoking Cannon in her hand

Cannon in her hand

Cannon in her hand I have to get out of here

I have to get out of here

I have to get out of here she said no no no you're fine you're

she said no no no you're fine you're

she said no no no you're fine you're cool you had to this guy he's infected

cool you had to this guy he's infected

cool you had to this guy he's infected with like this horrible zombie [ __ ]

with like this horrible zombie [ __ ]

with like this horrible zombie [ __ ] there was this deer that blew up and

there was this deer that blew up and

there was this deer that blew up and weird [ __ ] in the basement and he was he

weird [ __ ] in the basement and he was he

weird [ __ ] in the basement and he was he was trying to barf on us and

was trying to barf on us and

was trying to barf on us and she was just staring at him he trailed

she was just staring at him he trailed

she was just staring at him he trailed off hearing how he must sound

off hearing how he must sound

off hearing how he must sound you're right you gotta get out of here

you're right you gotta get out of here

you're right you gotta get out of here from around the corner ahead of them

from around the corner ahead of them

from around the corner ahead of them they heard voices low and muttering TK

they heard voices low and muttering TK

they heard voices low and muttering TK thought he recognized Griffin's guttural

thought he recognized Griffin's guttural

thought he recognized Griffin's guttural grunting he turned back to Mrs Rooney

grunting he turned back to Mrs Rooney

grunting he turned back to Mrs Rooney took her by the shoulders and talked

took her by the shoulders and talked

took her by the shoulders and talked fast not the front go back that way turn

fast not the front go back that way turn

fast not the front go back that way turn right twice go out the side door he

right twice go out the side door he

right twice go out the side door he pointed to the gun still in her hand

pointed to the gun still in her hand

pointed to the gun still in her hand dumped that in the river

dumped that in the river

dumped that in the river she didn't move

she didn't move

she didn't move from around the corner Griffin raised

from around the corner Griffin raised

from around the corner Griffin raised his voice I'm armed [ __ ]

his voice I'm armed [ __ ]

his voice I'm armed [ __ ] he was full of bravado but TK could hear

he was full of bravado but TK could hear

he was full of bravado but TK could hear the Quaver in it he turned back to Mrs

the Quaver in it he turned back to Mrs

the Quaver in it he turned back to Mrs Rooney go

Rooney go

Rooney go thank you she said she took off in the

thank you she said she took off in the

thank you she said she took off in the direction he'd indicated

direction he'd indicated

direction he'd indicated you hear me

you hear me

you hear me Griffin shouted again I'm all loaded I'm

Griffin shouted again I'm all loaded I'm

Griffin shouted again I'm all loaded I'm coming in strapped

coming in strapped

coming in strapped Tea cake turned and shouted back Griffin

Tea cake turned and shouted back Griffin

Tea cake turned and shouted back Griffin be cool man it's me TK

be cool man it's me TK

be cool man it's me TK Griffin yelled I got a gun [ __ ]

Griffin yelled I got a gun [ __ ]

Griffin yelled I got a gun [ __ ] Tea cake bent down next to Naomi and

Tea cake bent down next to Naomi and

Tea cake bent down next to Naomi and pulled her hands gently from her ears

pulled her hands gently from her ears

pulled her hands gently from her ears Naomi looked up at him her whole head

Naomi looked up at him her whole head

Naomi looked up at him her whole head hurt but the left side had a strange

hurt but the left side had a strange

hurt but the left side had a strange numbness to it a total disorienting

numbness to it a total disorienting

numbness to it a total disorienting silence that felt like a weight

silence that felt like a weight

silence that felt like a weight the loud sharp ringing in her right ear

the loud sharp ringing in her right ear

the loud sharp ringing in her right ear more than cancel out any quieting effect

more than cancel out any quieting effect

more than cancel out any quieting effect the silence might have had and her whole

the silence might have had and her whole

the silence might have had and her whole head throbbed

head throbbed

head throbbed her vision was fine she could see Tea

her vision was fine she could see Tea

her vision was fine she could see Tea cake was just in front of her his eyes

cake was just in front of her his eyes

cake was just in front of her his eyes full of concern his mouth was moving he

full of concern his mouth was moving he

full of concern his mouth was moving he was saying something to her she couldn't

was saying something to her she couldn't

was saying something to her she couldn't hear a word but she could read his face

hear a word but she could read his face

hear a word but she could read his face every expression heightened and more

every expression heightened and more

every expression heightened and more easily understood with her attention

easily understood with her attention

easily understood with her attention focused on it

focused on it

focused on it maybe not hearing him was just the right

maybe not hearing him was just the right

maybe not hearing him was just the right thing for her at the moment she watched

thing for her at the moment she watched

thing for her at the moment she watched his lips she looked into his eyes and

his lips she looked into his eyes and

his lips she looked into his eyes and registered every minute change of his

registered every minute change of his

registered every minute change of his features

features

features she didn't know what he was saying but

she didn't know what he was saying but

she didn't know what he was saying but better than that she knew what he meant

better than that she knew what he meant

better than that she knew what he meant that she was going to be okay that he

that she was going to be okay that he

that she was going to be okay that he would not let her down

would not let her down

would not let her down she saw him turn and Shout angrily back

she saw him turn and Shout angrily back

she saw him turn and Shout angrily back over his shoulder at someone around the

over his shoulder at someone around the

over his shoulder at someone around the corner maybe the police were coming she

corner maybe the police were coming she

corner maybe the police were coming she saw the smear on the floor that had been

saw the smear on the floor that had been

saw the smear on the floor that had been Mike and it was moving seething as if

Mike and it was moving seething as if

Mike and it was moving seething as if still alive

still alive

still alive it was inching toward them

it was inching toward them

it was inching toward them now Tea cake was pulling her to her feet

now Tea cake was pulling her to her feet

now Tea cake was pulling her to her feet urging her to do something to leave yes

urging her to do something to leave yes

urging her to do something to leave yes that was it he wanted her to leave in

that was it he wanted her to leave in

that was it he wanted her to leave in the other direction whatever the danger

the other direction whatever the danger

the other direction whatever the danger or whatever had to be done he didn't

or whatever had to be done he didn't

or whatever had to be done he didn't want her to be a part of it

want her to be a part of it

want her to be a part of it Naomi was moved maybe because she could

Naomi was moved maybe because she could

Naomi was moved maybe because she could only feel him and his feelings were so

only feel him and his feelings were so

only feel him and his feelings were so powerful

powerful

powerful he was saying one thing over and over

he was saying one thing over and over

he was saying one thing over and over again she was no lip reader but could

again she was no lip reader but could

again she was no lip reader but could recognize her daughter's name

recognize her daughter's name

recognize her daughter's name he was telling her to get out of there

he was telling her to get out of there

he was telling her to get out of there right now because maybe he didn't matter

right now because maybe he didn't matter

right now because maybe he didn't matter and maybe she didn't either but her

and maybe she didn't either but her

and maybe she didn't either but her daughter did and she had to take care of

daughter did and she had to take care of

daughter did and she had to take care of her

her

her Tea cake turned and shouted something

Tea cake turned and shouted something

Tea cake turned and shouted something over his shoulder again Naomi couldn't

over his shoulder again Naomi couldn't

over his shoulder again Naomi couldn't make it out but whoever was at the other

make it out but whoever was at the other

make it out but whoever was at the other end of the hall was coming this way and

end of the hall was coming this way and

end of the hall was coming this way and there was Danger

there was Danger

there was Danger Tea cake turned his body and shoved

Tea cake turned his body and shoved

Tea cake turned his body and shoved Naomi behind him pushing her down the

Naomi behind him pushing her down the

Naomi behind him pushing her down the corridor in the other direction

corridor in the other direction

corridor in the other direction she could tell by the strength of the

she could tell by the strength of the

she could tell by the strength of the shove that he would not be argued with

shove that he would not be argued with

shove that he would not be argued with she staggered back and moved around the

she staggered back and moved around the

she staggered back and moved around the corner just out of sight if whoever was

corner just out of sight if whoever was

corner just out of sight if whoever was going to come down the hallway

going to come down the hallway

going to come down the hallway she lingered there for a moment hidden

she lingered there for a moment hidden

she lingered there for a moment hidden unsure what to do next

unsure what to do next

unsure what to do next she couldn't hear her head felt like he

she couldn't hear her head felt like he

she couldn't hear her head felt like he was going to split in half from the pain

was going to split in half from the pain

was going to split in half from the pain rattling around inside it she had no

rattling around inside it she had no

rattling around inside it she had no idea who was coming and the only person

idea who was coming and the only person

idea who was coming and the only person who could explain it to her had just

who could explain it to her had just

who could explain it to her had just told her in no uncertain terms to get

told her in no uncertain terms to get

told her in no uncertain terms to get the hell out of there

the hell out of there

the hell out of there Naomi froze

Naomi froze

Naomi froze a second later Griffin came around the

a second later Griffin came around the

a second later Griffin came around the corner at the other end of the hall from

corner at the other end of the hall from

corner at the other end of the hall from TK gun in front of him his body was

TK gun in front of him his body was

TK gun in front of him his body was hunched coiled in a SWAT team Crouch he

hunched coiled in a SWAT team Crouch he

hunched coiled in a SWAT team Crouch he swung the gun from side to side as if

swung the gun from side to side as if

swung the gun from side to side as if expecting someone to Lunge from one of

expecting someone to Lunge from one of

expecting someone to Lunge from one of the units and go after him

the units and go after him

the units and go after him Tea cake shouted to him from his end of

Tea cake shouted to him from his end of

Tea cake shouted to him from his end of the hall Griffin you [ __ ] put the

the hall Griffin you [ __ ] put the

the hall Griffin you [ __ ] put the [ __ ] gun away

[ __ ] gun away

[ __ ] gun away instead Griffin put both hands on the

instead Griffin put both hands on the

instead Griffin put both hands on the grip and extended it in front of him

grip and extended it in front of him

grip and extended it in front of him pointing it at TK's head as he advanced

pointing it at TK's head as he advanced

pointing it at TK's head as he advanced hands in the air

hands in the air

hands in the air TK put his hands up it's me okay

TK put his hands up it's me okay

TK put his hands up it's me okay Griffin kept coming stalking forward on

Griffin kept coming stalking forward on

Griffin kept coming stalking forward on bent legs both hands on the gun

bent legs both hands on the gun

bent legs both hands on the gun unconsciously mimicking the movements

unconsciously mimicking the movements

unconsciously mimicking the movements and posture of his Avatar in his copy of

and posture of his Avatar in his copy of

and posture of his Avatar in his copy of school shooter

school shooter

school shooter drop the gun

drop the gun

drop the gun TK looked up at his own hands which were

TK looked up at his own hands which were

TK looked up at his own hands which were both empty what gun drop it

both empty what gun drop it

both empty what gun drop it Griffin I don't have a gun okay

Griffin I don't have a gun okay

Griffin I don't have a gun okay from behind Griffin Dr Friedman peeked

from behind Griffin Dr Friedman peeked

from behind Griffin Dr Friedman peeked out assessing the situation

out assessing the situation

out assessing the situation it's true Daryl he does not appear to

it's true Daryl he does not appear to

it's true Daryl he does not appear to have a gun

have a gun

have a gun TK trying to keep his hands in the air

TK trying to keep his hands in the air

TK trying to keep his hands in the air pointed at the mess on the floor that

pointed at the mess on the floor that

pointed at the mess on the floor that had been Mike a short while ago

had been Mike a short while ago

had been Mike a short while ago don't get any closer to that man

don't get any closer to that man

don't get any closer to that man Griffin stopped staring down at the

Griffin stopped staring down at the

Griffin stopped staring down at the remains revolted he looked back up at T

remains revolted he looked back up at T

remains revolted he looked back up at T cake pointing the gun at him again down

cake pointing the gun at him again down

cake pointing the gun at him again down on the floor why against the wall

on the floor why against the wall

on the floor why against the wall tku had been about to get down on the

tku had been about to get down on the

tku had been about to get down on the floor stopped

floor stopped

floor stopped which do it seriously you want me to get

which do it seriously you want me to get

which do it seriously you want me to get down the floor or up against the wall

down the floor or up against the wall

down the floor or up against the wall Griffin hearing something behind him

Griffin hearing something behind him

Griffin hearing something behind him Whirled around with the gun Dr Friedman

Whirled around with the gun Dr Friedman

Whirled around with the gun Dr Friedman whose right boot had squeaked on the

whose right boot had squeaked on the

whose right boot had squeaked on the floor barely got its head out of the way

floor barely got its head out of the way

floor barely got its head out of the way as the barrel swung toward him aimed

as the barrel swung toward him aimed

as the barrel swung toward him aimed wildly around the empty hallway and then

wildly around the empty hallway and then

wildly around the empty hallway and then swiveled back to Tea cake where is the

swiveled back to Tea cake where is the

swiveled back to Tea cake where is the shooter Griffin shouted bringing some

shooter Griffin shouted bringing some

shooter Griffin shouted bringing some Focus to his ever-changing List of

Focus to his ever-changing List of

Focus to his ever-changing List of Demands

Demands

Demands he's gone Tea cake said lying only in

he's gone Tea cake said lying only in

he's gone Tea cake said lying only in the sense that he used the wrong pronoun

the sense that he used the wrong pronoun

the sense that he used the wrong pronoun took off as soon as he shot

took off as soon as he shot

took off as soon as he shot Griffin looked down at Mike's body again

Griffin looked down at Mike's body again

Griffin looked down at Mike's body again who is that

who is that

who is that that's what I'm trying to tell you TK

that's what I'm trying to tell you TK

that's what I'm trying to tell you TK said taking a step forward don't come

said taking a step forward don't come

said taking a step forward don't come any closer

any closer

any closer to cake sighed and stopped

to cake sighed and stopped

to cake sighed and stopped then I had been weird then exciting then

then I had been weird then exciting then

then I had been weird then exciting then terrifying

terrifying

terrifying and now with Griffin in the mix it was

and now with Griffin in the mix it was

and now with Griffin in the mix it was just annoying

just annoying

just annoying I don't know he got some kind of disease

I don't know he got some kind of disease

I don't know he got some kind of disease or something it's contagious it'll kill

or something it's contagious it'll kill

or something it's contagious it'll kill you the [ __ ] army's coming or at

you the [ __ ] army's coming or at

you the [ __ ] army's coming or at least some guy who knows the army or can

least some guy who knows the army or can

least some guy who knows the army or can I put my hands down or what you call it

I put my hands down or what you call it

I put my hands down or what you call it the cops yeah sort of dtra what the hell

the cops yeah sort of dtra what the hell

the cops yeah sort of dtra what the hell is that

is that

is that before TK could answer a sharp banging

before TK could answer a sharp banging

before TK could answer a sharp banging sound from the right startled Griffin

sound from the right startled Griffin

sound from the right startled Griffin and he swung the gun around again

and he swung the gun around again

and he swung the gun around again Dr Friedman Dove out of the way faster

Dr Friedman Dove out of the way faster

Dr Friedman Dove out of the way faster this time doing a good job of not

this time doing a good job of not

this time doing a good job of not getting his head shot off and Griffin

getting his head shot off and Griffin

getting his head shot off and Griffin pointed the gun at the storage unit

pointed the gun at the storage unit

pointed the gun at the storage unit right next to them what's that

right next to them what's that

right next to them what's that voices from inside the unit more fists

voices from inside the unit more fists

voices from inside the unit more fists pouted on the door Griffin recognized

pouted on the door Griffin recognized

pouted on the door Griffin recognized them Ironhead what the [ __ ] are you

them Ironhead what the [ __ ] are you

them Ironhead what the [ __ ] are you doing man

doing man

doing man the voices shouted some more the door

the voices shouted some more the door

the voices shouted some more the door rattled and banged and Griffin noticed

rattled and banged and Griffin noticed

rattled and banged and Griffin noticed the lock hanging unlocked in the hasp

the lock hanging unlocked in the hasp

the lock hanging unlocked in the hasp it was enough to hold the door closed

it was enough to hold the door closed

it was enough to hold the door closed but it wasn't clicked shut so if the

but it wasn't clicked shut so if the

but it wasn't clicked shut so if the door rattled long enough it was bound to

door rattled long enough it was bound to

door rattled long enough it was bound to be dislodged

be dislodged

be dislodged Griffin turned the gun back on T cake

Griffin turned the gun back on T cake

Griffin turned the gun back on T cake would you all come in there for

would you all come in there for

would you all come in there for I didn't that guy did

I didn't that guy did

I didn't that guy did he pointed to Mike's residue Griffin

he pointed to Mike's residue Griffin

he pointed to Mike's residue Griffin frowned his Reptilian Brain trying to

frowned his Reptilian Brain trying to

frowned his Reptilian Brain trying to process it all

process it all

process it all keeping the gun on TK key moved toward

keeping the gun on TK key moved toward

keeping the gun on TK key moved toward the locker

the locker

the locker TK took a step forward

TK took a step forward

TK took a step forward don't man

don't man

don't man Griffin stopped swinging the gun back on

Griffin stopped swinging the gun back on

Griffin stopped swinging the gun back on him why not they're infected

him why not they're infected

him why not they're infected Dr Friedman stepped out of Griffin's

Dr Friedman stepped out of Griffin's

Dr Friedman stepped out of Griffin's Shadow recognizing he might have some

Shadow recognizing he might have some

Shadow recognizing he might have some role in this conversation after all

role in this conversation after all

role in this conversation after all infected with what

infected with what

infected with what I don't [ __ ] know TK said his

I don't [ __ ] know TK said his

I don't [ __ ] know TK said his patience nearing an end bad [ __ ] for

patience nearing an end bad [ __ ] for

patience nearing an end bad [ __ ] for last time we put that [ __ ] gun down

last time we put that [ __ ] gun down

last time we put that [ __ ] gun down already

already

already Griffin squinted at him

Griffin squinted at him

Griffin squinted at him there was a dead guy on the floor his

there was a dead guy on the floor his

there was a dead guy on the floor his friends were all locked in a storage

friends were all locked in a storage

friends were all locked in a storage unit and Tea cake was the only one in

unit and Tea cake was the only one in

unit and Tea cake was the only one in the hallway no he would not put the

the hallway no he would not put the

the hallway no he would not put the [ __ ] gun down no goddamn way

[ __ ] gun down no goddamn way

[ __ ] gun down no goddamn way he took two steps back from the storage

he took two steps back from the storage

he took two steps back from the storage unit gesturing with his gun from TK to

unit gesturing with his gun from TK to

unit gesturing with his gun from TK to the door you open it he said

the door you open it he said

the door you open it he said TK looked at him there was no reasoning

TK looked at him there was no reasoning

TK looked at him there was no reasoning with this lump

with this lump

with this lump he looked over at the door he saw the

he looked over at the door he saw the

he looked over at the door he saw the lock dangling in the hasp clicking

lock dangling in the hasp clicking

lock dangling in the hasp clicking against the sides of the metal loop as

against the sides of the metal loop as

against the sides of the metal loop as the people inside the storage unit

the people inside the storage unit

the people inside the storage unit continued to pound on the door demanding

continued to pound on the door demanding

continued to pound on the door demanding to be let out

to be let out

to be let out no [ __ ] way he said no

no [ __ ] way he said no

no [ __ ] way he said no Griffin shouted taking a step forward

Griffin shouted taking a step forward

Griffin shouted taking a step forward with the gun

with the gun

with the gun as he moved his sweaty right index

as he moved his sweaty right index

as he moved his sweaty right index finger tense on the trigger which he'd

finger tense on the trigger which he'd

finger tense on the trigger which he'd adjusted for maximum sensitivity

adjusted for maximum sensitivity

adjusted for maximum sensitivity he inadvertently squeezed off around

he inadvertently squeezed off around

he inadvertently squeezed off around which leaped from the barrel and sliced

which leaped from the barrel and sliced

which leaped from the barrel and sliced through the very outer edge of tea

through the very outer edge of tea

through the very outer edge of tea Cake's left ear drawing a spurt of blood

Cake's left ear drawing a spurt of blood

Cake's left ear drawing a spurt of blood before it flew the rest of the way down

before it flew the rest of the way down

before it flew the rest of the way down the hallway ricocheting off two metal

the hallway ricocheting off two metal

the hallway ricocheting off two metal doors and finally burying itself in a

doors and finally burying itself in a

doors and finally burying itself in a cement wall

cement wall

cement wall Tea cake screamed and grabbed his ear in

Tea cake screamed and grabbed his ear in

Tea cake screamed and grabbed his ear in pain what the [ __ ] man he shouted

pain what the [ __ ] man he shouted

pain what the [ __ ] man he shouted he pulled his hand back in amazement and

he pulled his hand back in amazement and

he pulled his hand back in amazement and saw it was now smeared with blood

saw it was now smeared with blood

saw it was now smeared with blood it wasn't much of a gunshot wound more

it wasn't much of a gunshot wound more

it wasn't much of a gunshot wound more like a razor slice but it was a gunshot

like a razor slice but it was a gunshot

like a razor slice but it was a gunshot wound Griffin had definitely shot him

wound Griffin had definitely shot him

wound Griffin had definitely shot him the [ __ ] had shot him

the [ __ ] had shot him

the [ __ ] had shot him you shot me TK pointed out

you shot me TK pointed out

you shot me TK pointed out you shot him Dr Friedman confirmed

you shot him Dr Friedman confirmed

you shot him Dr Friedman confirmed Griffin did everything he could to

Griffin did everything he could to

Griffin did everything he could to conceal the fact that he had in no way

conceal the fact that he had in no way

conceal the fact that he had in no way meant to do that

meant to do that

meant to do that he took a second to erase the stunned

he took a second to erase the stunned

he took a second to erase the stunned look from his face then stiffened

look from his face then stiffened

look from his face then stiffened pointing the gun back at T cake and I'll

pointing the gun back at T cake and I'll

pointing the gun back at T cake and I'll do it again if you don't open the

do it again if you don't open the

do it again if you don't open the goddamn door those are my friends in

goddamn door those are my friends in

goddamn door those are my friends in there

there

there they're also his customers but he didn't

they're also his customers but he didn't

they're also his customers but he didn't bother with that detail

bother with that detail

bother with that detail in his mind there was a chance

in his mind there was a chance

in his mind there was a chance admittedly an outside one but at least a

admittedly an outside one but at least a

admittedly an outside one but at least a tiny chance that the rest of the stolen

tiny chance that the rest of the stolen

tiny chance that the rest of the stolen TVs could still be moved out of here

TVs could still be moved out of here

TVs could still be moved out of here before the cops or the army or whoever

before the cops or the army or whoever

before the cops or the army or whoever showed up

showed up

showed up there was still 450 on the table Griffin

there was still 450 on the table Griffin

there was still 450 on the table Griffin intended to take it home with him

intended to take it home with him

intended to take it home with him Tea cake needed time to think

Tea cake needed time to think

Tea cake needed time to think he wiped the blood from his ear on his

he wiped the blood from his ear on his

he wiped the blood from his ear on his pants and walked forward toward the door

pants and walked forward toward the door

pants and walked forward toward the door as slowly as he could

as slowly as he could

as slowly as he could he kept an eye on Griffin who was

he kept an eye on Griffin who was

he kept an eye on Griffin who was following him with the gun and that

following him with the gun and that

following him with the gun and that increasingly unhinged look on his face

increasingly unhinged look on his face

increasingly unhinged look on his face he'd never shot anyone before and on Dr

he'd never shot anyone before and on Dr

he'd never shot anyone before and on Dr Stephen Friedman who was backing up

Stephen Friedman who was backing up

Stephen Friedman who was backing up putting a bit more distance between

putting a bit more distance between

putting a bit more distance between himself and Griffin

himself and Griffin

himself and Griffin TK looked back at the Lock dangling

TK looked back at the Lock dangling

TK looked back at the Lock dangling there unlocked

there unlocked

there unlocked sounds from inside which had stopped for

sounds from inside which had stopped for

sounds from inside which had stopped for a few minutes after The Gunshot had

a few minutes after The Gunshot had

a few minutes after The Gunshot had resumed frantic voice is calling hands

resumed frantic voice is calling hands

resumed frantic voice is calling hands pounding on the door people demanding to

pounding on the door people demanding to

pounding on the door people demanding to be let out

be let out

be let out their tone of panic was Rising

their tone of panic was Rising

their tone of panic was Rising TK got closer he reached out to the lock

TK got closer he reached out to the lock

TK got closer he reached out to the lock he closed his fingers around it

he closed his fingers around it

he closed his fingers around it from the other end of the hallway a

from the other end of the hallway a

from the other end of the hallway a woman's voice cried out

woman's voice cried out

woman's voice cried out hey Griffin

hey Griffin

hey Griffin Griffin turned and then everything

Griffin turned and then everything

Griffin turned and then everything happened at once

happened at once

happened at once foam exploded from the spout of the fire

foam exploded from the spout of the fire

foam exploded from the spout of the fire extinguisher Naomi was holding from

extinguisher Naomi was holding from

extinguisher Naomi was holding from about 30 feet away and it sprayed

about 30 feet away and it sprayed

about 30 feet away and it sprayed Griffin and Dr Friedman in the face

Griffin and Dr Friedman in the face

Griffin and Dr Friedman in the face momentarily blinding them

momentarily blinding them

momentarily blinding them Griffin swung his gun crazily and

Griffin swung his gun crazily and

Griffin swung his gun crazily and another shot went off again by accident

another shot went off again by accident

another shot went off again by accident Tea cake reached out to the lock and

Tea cake reached out to the lock and

Tea cake reached out to the lock and snapped it shut and Dr Friedman who'd

snapped it shut and Dr Friedman who'd

snapped it shut and Dr Friedman who'd had enough of Griffin's Reckless

had enough of Griffin's Reckless

had enough of Griffin's Reckless [ __ ] grabbed Griffin's gun hand and

[ __ ] grabbed Griffin's gun hand and

[ __ ] grabbed Griffin's gun hand and tried to wrestle the thing away from him

tried to wrestle the thing away from him

tried to wrestle the thing away from him before he actually killed somebody

before he actually killed somebody

before he actually killed somebody that was all the opening Tea cake needed

that was all the opening Tea cake needed

that was all the opening Tea cake needed he turned and took off racing down the

he turned and took off racing down the

he turned and took off racing down the hallway toward Naomi she was turning as

hallway toward Naomi she was turning as

hallway toward Naomi she was turning as he got to her dropped the fire

he got to her dropped the fire

he got to her dropped the fire extinguisher with a noisy clang grabbed

extinguisher with a noisy clang grabbed

extinguisher with a noisy clang grabbed his hand and they took off into the

his hand and they took off into the

his hand and they took off into the other hallway

other hallway

other hallway they headed for the side door through

they headed for the side door through

they headed for the side door through which Mary Rooney had just escaped

which Mary Rooney had just escaped

which Mary Rooney had just escaped add the storage locker Griffin wrestled

add the storage locker Griffin wrestled

add the storage locker Griffin wrestled his gun hand free and gave Dr Friedman a

his gun hand free and gave Dr Friedman a

his gun hand free and gave Dr Friedman a ferocious shove knocking him on his ass

ferocious shove knocking him on his ass

ferocious shove knocking him on his ass the [ __ ] is the matter with you he

the [ __ ] is the matter with you he

the [ __ ] is the matter with you he shouted at the dentist wiping foam from

shouted at the dentist wiping foam from

shouted at the dentist wiping foam from his eyes

his eyes

his eyes he turned back to the locker door and

he turned back to the locker door and

he turned back to the locker door and potted the lock

potted the lock

potted the lock there was more pounding from inside the

there was more pounding from inside the

there was more pounding from inside the locker frantic now and the voices were

locker frantic now and the voices were

locker frantic now and the voices were changing rising in pitch and intensity

changing rising in pitch and intensity

changing rising in pitch and intensity there was Panic inside the locker the

there was Panic inside the locker the

there was Panic inside the locker the situation in there was changing

situation in there was changing

situation in there was changing something was happening and it wasn't

something was happening and it wasn't

something was happening and it wasn't good

good

good Griffin shouted at the door iron head

Griffin shouted at the door iron head

Griffin shouted at the door iron head you got my key you got my key [ __ ]

you got my key you got my key [ __ ]

you got my key you got my key [ __ ] from inside the locker there were sounds

from inside the locker there were sounds

from inside the locker there were sounds of a struggle and a body slammed up

of a struggle and a body slammed up

of a struggle and a body slammed up against the door hard

against the door hard

against the door hard Griffin stumbled back something else hit

Griffin stumbled back something else hit

Griffin stumbled back something else hit the door something heavy maybe another

the door something heavy maybe another

the door something heavy maybe another body and the door dented outward

body and the door dented outward

body and the door dented outward the struggles seemed to intensify the

the struggles seemed to intensify the

the struggles seemed to intensify the shouting and screaming accompanied by

shouting and screaming accompanied by

shouting and screaming accompanied by unfamiliar sounds now low gurgle a wet

unfamiliar sounds now low gurgle a wet

unfamiliar sounds now low gurgle a wet slap

slap

slap the sound of a Samsung premium Ultra 4K

the sound of a Samsung premium Ultra 4K

the sound of a Samsung premium Ultra 4K smashing into a million tiny pieces

smashing into a million tiny pieces

smashing into a million tiny pieces and then it went quiet

and then it went quiet

and then it went quiet Griffin and Dr Friedman just stared at

Griffin and Dr Friedman just stared at

Griffin and Dr Friedman just stared at the door for a long moment

the door for a long moment

the door for a long moment Ironhead

Ironhead

Ironhead Griffin asked Soto voce

Griffin asked Soto voce

Griffin asked Soto voce there is no answer Cedric nothing

there is no answer Cedric nothing

there is no answer Cedric nothing but then the door lifted an inch a

but then the door lifted an inch a

but then the door lifted an inch a shadow moved inside and with the soft

shadow moved inside and with the soft

shadow moved inside and with the soft scrape of metal on cement a key slid out

scrape of metal on cement a key slid out

scrape of metal on cement a key slid out from inside

from inside

from inside ironhead's voice came from the other

ironhead's voice came from the other

ironhead's voice came from the other side calm now

side calm now

side calm now Griffin

Griffin

Griffin Griffin didn't answer you there Griffin

Griffin didn't answer you there Griffin

Griffin didn't answer you there Griffin Griffin picked up the key he looked at

Griffin picked up the key he looked at

Griffin picked up the key he looked at Dr Friedman

Dr Friedman

Dr Friedman ironhead's voice came from the other

ironhead's voice came from the other

ironhead's voice came from the other side of the door again

side of the door again

side of the door again below chuckle oh it's cool man just got

below chuckle oh it's cool man just got

below chuckle oh it's cool man just got a little hurry there for a second

a little hurry there for a second

a little hurry there for a second they didn't answer

they didn't answer

they didn't answer hello

hello

hello Griffin

Griffin

Griffin Griffin hesitated

Griffin hesitated

Griffin hesitated you there

you there

you there Griffin and Dr Friedman just looked at

Griffin and Dr Friedman just looked at

Griffin and Dr Friedman just looked at each other no idea what to do

each other no idea what to do

each other no idea what to do Ironhead spoke again Griffin

Ironhead spoke again Griffin

Ironhead spoke again Griffin Griff

Griff

Griff Griffin turned back to the door

Griffin turned back to the door

Griffin turned back to the door he had waited 31 years for someone to

he had waited 31 years for someone to

he had waited 31 years for someone to use his self-chosen nickname

use his self-chosen nickname

use his self-chosen nickname hearing it was a bomb on his soul

hearing it was a bomb on his soul

hearing it was a bomb on his soul he put the key in the lock

28.

Roberto answered the phone on the first

Roberto answered the phone on the first

Roberto answered the phone on the first ring

ring

ring I'm a minute and a half out

I'm a minute and a half out

I'm a minute and a half out Abigail replied puzzled

Abigail replied puzzled

Abigail replied puzzled I had you there six minutes ago

I had you there six minutes ago

I had you there six minutes ago a bit of a snag I worked it out

a bit of a snag I worked it out

a bit of a snag I worked it out I'm just west of the Missouri River and

I'm just west of the Missouri River and

I'm just west of the Missouri River and about to make the turn onto White Clay

about to make the turn onto White Clay

about to make the turn onto White Clay Road

Road

Road what have you got I got a hold of

what have you got I got a hold of

what have you got I got a hold of Stephanie and and the name of the guy at

Stephanie and and the name of the guy at

Stephanie and and the name of the guy at adfe is Oscar andar he's not on duty

adfe is Oscar andar he's not on duty

adfe is Oscar andar he's not on duty right now [ __ ] but Abigail wasn't done

right now [ __ ] but Abigail wasn't done

right now [ __ ] but Abigail wasn't done better than that he's in bed with her at

better than that he's in bed with her at

better than that he's in bed with her at her place and he can redirect to kh11

her place and he can redirect to kh11

her place and he can redirect to kh11 from his laptop

from his laptop

from his laptop Roberto closed his eyes and promised God

Roberto closed his eyes and promised God

Roberto closed his eyes and promised God that if this worked out he would never

that if this worked out he would never

that if this worked out he would never take his name in vain again God damn you

take his name in vain again God damn you

take his name in vain again God damn you know after tonight that's great will you

know after tonight that's great will you

know after tonight that's great will you do it

do it

do it he's not happy but he's doing it

he's not happy but he's doing it

he's not happy but he's doing it apparently it's something he's done

apparently it's something he's done

apparently it's something he's done before to impress her on their third

before to impress her on their third

before to impress her on their third date he grabbed video of them in front

date he grabbed video of them in front

date he grabbed video of them in front of her house waving up at the sky

of her house waving up at the sky

of her house waving up at the sky our national security is in good hands I

our national security is in good hands I

our national security is in good hands I hope he got laid it would seem

hope he got laid it would seem

hope he got laid it would seem Roberto slowed his headlights revealing

Roberto slowed his headlights revealing

Roberto slowed his headlights revealing the entrance to a long gravel driveway

the entrance to a long gravel driveway

the entrance to a long gravel driveway through a break in the tree line up

through a break in the tree line up

through a break in the tree line up ahead

ahead

ahead do we have visual yet yes nine minutes

do we have visual yet yes nine minutes

do we have visual yet yes nine minutes left of a look down before we lose

left of a look down before we lose

left of a look down before we lose orbital View and control passes off to

orbital View and control passes off to

orbital View and control passes off to camera

camera

camera anybody leave the place one a little

anybody leave the place one a little

anybody leave the place one a little over a minute ago a woman late 60s

over a minute ago a woman late 60s

over a minute ago a woman late 60s driving a late model Subaru Outback do

driving a late model Subaru Outback do

driving a late model Subaru Outback do you want the license number

you want the license number

you want the license number if she was able to drive a car I'm not

if she was able to drive a car I'm not

if she was able to drive a car I'm not worried about her Let It Go anybody on

worried about her Let It Go anybody on

worried about her Let It Go anybody on foot I need to know immediately

foot I need to know immediately

foot I need to know immediately he turned into the driveway and

he turned into the driveway and

he turned into the driveway and approached the crest of a hill he could

approached the crest of a hill he could

approached the crest of a hill he could see the lights of the storage facility

see the lights of the storage facility

see the lights of the storage facility glowing just over the rise he slowed

glowing just over the rise he slowed

glowing just over the rise he slowed I'm pulling into the driveway now you

I'm pulling into the driveway now you

I'm pulling into the driveway now you have Oscar live

have Oscar live

have Oscar live Hey sir stay with him anything you know

Hey sir stay with him anything you know

Hey sir stay with him anything you know I need to know when you know it

I need to know when you know it

I need to know when you know it he reached up to his earpiece to end the

he reached up to his earpiece to end the

he reached up to his earpiece to end the call but then had another thought hey

call but then had another thought hey

call but then had another thought hey Abigail yes sir

Abigail yes sir

Abigail yes sir you know what I have to do right

you know what I have to do right

you know what I have to do right yes I do sir you're okay with that

yes I do sir you're okay with that

yes I do sir you're okay with that she paused

she paused

she paused I read the white paper sir

I read the white paper sir

I read the white paper sir there were good smart young people out

there were good smart young people out

there were good smart young people out there Roberto hoped they'd get to stick

there Roberto hoped they'd get to stick

there Roberto hoped they'd get to stick around to be good old people

around to be good old people

around to be good old people it wasn't so bad being old as long as

it wasn't so bad being old as long as

it wasn't so bad being old as long as you were with the right person

you were with the right person

you were with the right person but better not to think of Annie right

but better not to think of Annie right

but better not to think of Annie right now don't tug on that thread the whole

now don't tug on that thread the whole

now don't tug on that thread the whole sweater will come apart and you won't do

sweater will come apart and you won't do

sweater will come apart and you won't do what needs to be done

what needs to be done

what needs to be done tell me quick what you found out about

tell me quick what you found out about

tell me quick what you found out about the people inside

the people inside

the people inside he said

he said

he said Abigail told him what she knew he made

Abigail told him what she knew he made

Abigail told him what she knew he made mental notes of what he could remember

mental notes of what he could remember

mental notes of what he could remember and wrapped it up

and wrapped it up

and wrapped it up I'll have to use my cell that means

I'll have to use my cell that means

I'll have to use my cell that means cherubeck will know I'm here and he

cherubeck will know I'm here and he

cherubeck will know I'm here and he might get curious

might get curious

might get curious watch you back

watch you back

watch you back I always do sir

I always do sir

I always do sir Roberto hung up over the crest of the

Roberto hung up over the crest of the

Roberto hung up over the crest of the rise now he saw the front entrance of

rise now he saw the front entrance of

rise now he saw the front entrance of the storage place sticking out from the

the storage place sticking out from the

the storage place sticking out from the hillside like a fat lip

hillside like a fat lip

hillside like a fat lip up at the top of the hill just to his

up at the top of the hill just to his

up at the top of the hill just to his right he saw a car pulled over at the

right he saw a car pulled over at the

right he saw a car pulled over at the side of the drive its trunk hanging open

side of the drive its trunk hanging open

side of the drive its trunk hanging open not a good sign

not a good sign

not a good sign in its trunk he thought he detected a

in its trunk he thought he detected a

in its trunk he thought he detected a slight phosphorescent glow and traces of

slight phosphorescent glow and traces of

slight phosphorescent glow and traces of more of it scattered out in the hillside

more of it scattered out in the hillside

more of it scattered out in the hillside behind it it was faint damn faint and he

behind it it was faint damn faint and he

behind it it was faint damn faint and he could have easily been wrong about it

could have easily been wrong about it

could have easily been wrong about it but he had a feeling he wasn't

but he had a feeling he wasn't

but he had a feeling he wasn't down at the bottom of the drive a Honda

down at the bottom of the drive a Honda

down at the bottom of the drive a Honda Civic and half a dozen Harleys were

Civic and half a dozen Harleys were

Civic and half a dozen Harleys were parked in front of the main entrance

parked in front of the main entrance

parked in front of the main entrance he turned off his headlights and pulled

he turned off his headlights and pulled

he turned off his headlights and pulled to a stop 100 feet short of them

to a stop 100 feet short of them

to a stop 100 feet short of them he was halfway between the entrance and

he was halfway between the entrance and

he was halfway between the entrance and the car with the open trunk

the car with the open trunk

the car with the open trunk he took a breath

he took a breath

he took a breath let it out slowly

let it out slowly

let it out slowly and got out of the van

29.

Tea cake and Naomi banged through the

Tea cake and Naomi banged through the

Tea cake and Naomi banged through the broken side door of the building took a

broken side door of the building took a

broken side door of the building took a sharp right turn and ran toward the

sharp right turn and ran toward the

sharp right turn and ran toward the parking lot my car's right here TK

parking lot my car's right here TK

parking lot my car's right here TK shouted

shouted

shouted Naomi could hear his voice just barely

Naomi could hear his voice just barely

Naomi could hear his voice just barely over the ringing sound in her right ear

over the ringing sound in her right ear

over the ringing sound in her right ear but her left ear was still dead

but her left ear was still dead

but her left ear was still dead they raced along the side of the

they raced along the side of the

they raced along the side of the building triggering the motion detector

building triggering the motion detector

building triggering the motion detector lights all along the upper part of the

lights all along the upper part of the

lights all along the upper part of the wall as they ran

wall as they ran

wall as they ran they came around the front past the

they came around the front past the

they came around the front past the Harleys and were just reaching TK's

Harleys and were just reaching TK's

Harleys and were just reaching TK's Honda when a halogen beam flipped on on

Honda when a halogen beam flipped on on

Honda when a halogen beam flipped on on a commanding voice shouted from 50 feet

a commanding voice shouted from 50 feet

a commanding voice shouted from 50 feet away

away

away stop

stop

stop the order was clear and the voice was

the order was clear and the voice was

the order was clear and the voice was the kind you don't argue with so without

the kind you don't argue with so without

the kind you don't argue with so without even thinking about it they stopped

even thinking about it they stopped

even thinking about it they stopped they turn toward it raising their hands

they turn toward it raising their hands

they turn toward it raising their hands in the air

in the air

in the air the flashlight beam was brilliant

the flashlight beam was brilliant

the flashlight beam was brilliant piercing and they both winced blind to

piercing and they both winced blind to

piercing and they both winced blind to whoever was behind it

whoever was behind it

whoever was behind it there was another light coming from the

there was another light coming from the

there was another light coming from the same spot and this one was a sharp red

same spot and this one was a sharp red

same spot and this one was a sharp red beam

beam

beam TK looked down and saw the laser dot

TK looked down and saw the laser dot

TK looked down and saw the laser dot right over his heart

right over his heart

right over his heart as you watched it flicked over to Naomi

as you watched it flicked over to Naomi

as you watched it flicked over to Naomi and centered up on her chest

and centered up on her chest

and centered up on her chest shoes crunched on gravel as the figure

shoes crunched on gravel as the figure

shoes crunched on gravel as the figure walked toward them cautious

walked toward them cautious

walked toward them cautious as the man Drew closer and came into the

as the man Drew closer and came into the

as the man Drew closer and came into the light He Slipped the flashlight into his

light He Slipped the flashlight into his

light He Slipped the flashlight into his belt but still held a gun on them

belt but still held a gun on them

belt but still held a gun on them he had a pair of green owl-like goggles

he had a pair of green owl-like goggles

he had a pair of green owl-like goggles on his head but not down over his eyes

on his head but not down over his eyes

on his head but not down over his eyes he was holding an M16 with a laser scope

he was holding an M16 with a laser scope

he was holding an M16 with a laser scope Naomi spoke first

Naomi spoke first

Naomi spoke first it came out more of a shout as she could

it came out more of a shout as she could

it came out more of a shout as she could barely hear herself

barely hear herself

barely hear herself Roberto

Roberto

Roberto Roberto stopped

Roberto stopped

Roberto stopped Naomi

Naomi

Naomi Tea cake wiped more blood from his

Tea cake wiped more blood from his

Tea cake wiped more blood from his dripping injured ear

dripping injured ear

dripping injured ear do you mind he said gesturing down at

do you mind he said gesturing down at

do you mind he said gesturing down at his chest where the red dotted

his chest where the red dotted

his chest where the red dotted re-centered itself over his heart

re-centered itself over his heart

re-centered itself over his heart I've had about enough of [ __ ] guns

I've had about enough of [ __ ] guns

I've had about enough of [ __ ] guns pointing at me okay [ __ ]

pointing at me okay [ __ ]

pointing at me okay [ __ ] Roberto lowered the rifle and you must

Roberto lowered the rifle and you must

Roberto lowered the rifle and you must be the other guy

be the other guy

be the other guy TK looked around the parking area the

TK looked around the parking area the

TK looked around the parking area the driveway the hillside

driveway the hillside

driveway the hillside where's the rest of your crew man

where's the rest of your crew man

where's the rest of your crew man Roberto took a moment

Roberto took a moment

Roberto took a moment I'm it

I'm it

I'm it you're it Naomi shouted

you're it Naomi shouted

you're it Naomi shouted Roberto looked at Tea cake

Roberto looked at Tea cake

Roberto looked at Tea cake why is she shouting

why is she shouting

why is she shouting gunshots a 45 next to her ear I think

gunshots a 45 next to her ear I think

gunshots a 45 next to her ear I think she can hear a little bit in the right

she can hear a little bit in the right

she can hear a little bit in the right Roberto looked at the building

Roberto looked at the building

Roberto looked at the building who's got a gun in there

who's got a gun in there

who's got a gun in there so far everybody but us

so far everybody but us

so far everybody but us Roberto nodded and hoped Trini still

Roberto nodded and hoped Trini still

Roberto nodded and hoped Trini still knew how to pack

what was especially sweet about the

what was especially sweet about the

what was especially sweet about the minivan was that both the side doors

minivan was that both the side doors

minivan was that both the side doors could slide open electronically and the

could slide open electronically and the

could slide open electronically and the back hatch went up too

back hatch went up too

back hatch went up too TK had been singularly unimpressed by

TK had been singularly unimpressed by

TK had been singularly unimpressed by the white Mazda when Roberto first led

the white Mazda when Roberto first led

the white Mazda when Roberto first led them toward it you gotta be kidding me

them toward it you gotta be kidding me

them toward it you gotta be kidding me they sent one guy and he's in a [ __ ]

they sent one guy and he's in a [ __ ]

they sent one guy and he's in a [ __ ] Hyundai or whatever

Hyundai or whatever

Hyundai or whatever but he'd come around as soon as the

but he'd come around as soon as the

but he'd come around as soon as the doors opened and he saw the array of

doors opened and he saw the array of

doors opened and he saw the array of military crates inside

military crates inside

military crates inside the first one Roberto opened held one of

the first one Roberto opened held one of

the first one Roberto opened held one of the hazmat suits newly folded with its

the hazmat suits newly folded with its

the hazmat suits newly folded with its dead faced helmet staring up at them

dead faced helmet staring up at them

dead faced helmet staring up at them like a scream mask

like a scream mask

like a scream mask the next several cases were standard

the next several cases were standard

the next several cases were standard Navy SEAL gear a tactical vest k-bar

Navy SEAL gear a tactical vest k-bar

Navy SEAL gear a tactical vest k-bar knife Heckler and Coke machine pistol

knife Heckler and Coke machine pistol

knife Heckler and Coke machine pistol sniper rifle half a dozen breaching

sniper rifle half a dozen breaching

sniper rifle half a dozen breaching charges for moving iron doors that might

charges for moving iron doors that might

charges for moving iron doors that might stand in the way and a surprising number

stand in the way and a surprising number

stand in the way and a surprising number and variety of MREs

and variety of MREs

and variety of MREs Trini was a mom and she worried about

Trini was a mom and she worried about

Trini was a mom and she worried about people getting hungry

people getting hungry

people getting hungry but there's nothing that really catches

but there's nothing that really catches

but there's nothing that really catches your attention like a nuclear weapon

your attention like a nuclear weapon

your attention like a nuclear weapon Naomi's eyes had fallen on the half

Naomi's eyes had fallen on the half

Naomi's eyes had fallen on the half barrel size backpack immediately and its

barrel size backpack immediately and its

barrel size backpack immediately and its obvious age military origin and strange

obvious age military origin and strange

obvious age military origin and strange shape gave it away as the Joker in the

shape gave it away as the Joker in the

shape gave it away as the Joker in the deck

deck

deck what the hell is that she'd asked

what the hell is that she'd asked

what the hell is that she'd asked but Roberto declined to answer right

but Roberto declined to answer right

but Roberto declined to answer right away arming up instead

away arming up instead

away arming up instead given all that it transpired in the past

given all that it transpired in the past

given all that it transpired in the past four or five hours they required very

four or five hours they required very

four or five hours they required very little bringing up to speed

little bringing up to speed

little bringing up to speed Roberto told them what he knew about the

Roberto told them what he knew about the

Roberto told them what he knew about the fungus and they were already perfectly

fungus and they were already perfectly

fungus and they were already perfectly aware of its lethality

aware of its lethality

aware of its lethality after Roberto was satisfied that they

after Roberto was satisfied that they

after Roberto was satisfied that they were both uninfected there was a brief

were both uninfected there was a brief

were both uninfected there was a brief period of debate during which he

period of debate during which he

period of debate during which he unconvincingly offered them the chance

unconvincingly offered them the chance

unconvincingly offered them the chance to leave

to leave

to leave but that argument had collapsed under

but that argument had collapsed under

but that argument had collapsed under the weight of reality

the weight of reality

the weight of reality there were now as many as seven infected

there were now as many as seven infected

there were now as many as seven infected humans inside the storage facility

humans inside the storage facility

humans inside the storage facility the three of them out here three of the

the three of them out here three of the

the three of them out here three of the only people on the planet who had seen

only people on the planet who had seen

only people on the planet who had seen cordyceps Novus in action first hand

cordyceps Novus in action first hand

cordyceps Novus in action first hand were the ones who truly understood the

were the ones who truly understood the

were the ones who truly understood the need to eradicate it right here and now

need to eradicate it right here and now

need to eradicate it right here and now and Roberto couldn't be in two places at

and Roberto couldn't be in two places at

and Roberto couldn't be in two places at once

once

once the only way to pull off his plan was

the only way to pull off his plan was

the only way to pull off his plan was with someone upstairs making sure no

with someone upstairs making sure no

with someone upstairs making sure no infected bodies left the building while

infected bodies left the building while

infected bodies left the building while the others went back down to sub-level

the others went back down to sub-level

the others went back down to sub-level four

four

four back downstairs TK cast are you crazy to

back downstairs TK cast are you crazy to

back downstairs TK cast are you crazy to do what

do what

do what Roberto reached in and pulled the pack

Roberto reached in and pulled the pack

Roberto reached in and pulled the pack forward feeling his back twinge again

forward feeling his back twinge again

forward feeling his back twinge again how long would it take him to learn that

how long would it take him to learn that

how long would it take him to learn that leaning at bizarre angles and trying to

leaning at bizarre angles and trying to

leaning at bizarre angles and trying to move heavy weights was a bad idea from

move heavy weights was a bad idea from

move heavy weights was a bad idea from an orthopedic standpoint

an orthopedic standpoint

an orthopedic standpoint this time he felt the pain shoot out

this time he felt the pain shoot out

this time he felt the pain shoot out from his sacroiliac and radiate all the

from his sacroiliac and radiate all the

from his sacroiliac and radiate all the way down his right leg a hot searing

way down his right leg a hot searing

way down his right leg a hot searing feeling that reached his big toe

feeling that reached his big toe

feeling that reached his big toe the muscles of his lower back having

the muscles of his lower back having

the muscles of his lower back having voiced their objection released their

voiced their objection released their

voiced their objection released their hold on his spine after a few seconds

hold on his spine after a few seconds

hold on his spine after a few seconds but their point had been made

but their point had been made

but their point had been made Roberto bent his knees and dragged the

Roberto bent his knees and dragged the

Roberto bent his knees and dragged the pack carefully to the edge of the cargo

pack carefully to the edge of the cargo

pack carefully to the edge of the cargo area

area

area he stopped and thought for a long moment

he stopped and thought for a long moment

he stopped and thought for a long moment there was no escaping reality he could

there was no escaping reality he could

there was no escaping reality he could Bob and weave for as long as he wanted

Bob and weave for as long as he wanted

Bob and weave for as long as he wanted but eventually it was going to punch him

but eventually it was going to punch him

but eventually it was going to punch him in the face

in the face

in the face he decided to stop dancing with it

he decided to stop dancing with it

he decided to stop dancing with it he turned and looked at TK and Naomi

he turned and looked at TK and Naomi

he turned and looked at TK and Naomi you're going to have to place the device

you're going to have to place the device

you're going to have to place the device Naomi Who had most of the hearing back

Naomi Who had most of the hearing back

Naomi Who had most of the hearing back in her right ear picked up that part

in her right ear picked up that part

in her right ear picked up that part clearly

clearly

clearly she stared down at the half barrel shape

she stared down at the half barrel shape

she stared down at the half barrel shape what kind of device

what kind of device

what kind of device she asked

she asked

she asked think of it as a big bomb

think of it as a big bomb

think of it as a big bomb how Big T cake asked Roberto gave it to

how Big T cake asked Roberto gave it to

how Big T cake asked Roberto gave it to them straight

them straight

them straight .35 10 or 80 kilotons it has a

.35 10 or 80 kilotons it has a

.35 10 or 80 kilotons it has a selectable yield

selectable yield

selectable yield Naomi closed her eyes her fears

Naomi closed her eyes her fears

Naomi closed her eyes her fears confirmed but tea cake went through the

confirmed but tea cake went through the

confirmed but tea cake went through the motions of pretending he had not seen

motions of pretending he had not seen

motions of pretending he had not seen that one coming

that one coming

that one coming it's a nuke a [ __ ] suitcase bomb

it's a nuke a [ __ ] suitcase bomb

it's a nuke a [ __ ] suitcase bomb no it isn't a suitcase bomb Roberto said

no it isn't a suitcase bomb Roberto said

no it isn't a suitcase bomb Roberto said irritated as he strapped on the tactical

irritated as he strapped on the tactical

irritated as he strapped on the tactical vest there's no such thing as a suitcase

vest there's no such thing as a suitcase

vest there's no such thing as a suitcase bomb what kind of invading Ground Force

bomb what kind of invading Ground Force

bomb what kind of invading Ground Force carries suitcases

carries suitcases

carries suitcases dude you know what I mean it's a Roberto

dude you know what I mean it's a Roberto

dude you know what I mean it's a Roberto cut him off yes

cut him off yes

cut him off yes it is he turned to Naomi you asked if we

it is he turned to Naomi you asked if we

it is he turned to Naomi you asked if we had a contingency plan this is it

had a contingency plan this is it

had a contingency plan this is it you saw how that fungus spreads how fast

you saw how that fungus spreads how fast

you saw how that fungus spreads how fast and how far and how lethal

and how far and how lethal

and how far and how lethal a group of us have spent 30 years

a group of us have spent 30 years

a group of us have spent 30 years thinking about this

thinking about this

thinking about this precautions have been taken Arrangements

precautions have been taken Arrangements

precautions have been taken Arrangements were made

were made

were made this is the only way

this is the only way

this is the only way TK looked at Naomi who seemed calm but

TK looked at Naomi who seemed calm but

TK looked at Naomi who seemed calm but he couldn't believe what he was hearing

he couldn't believe what he was hearing

he couldn't believe what he was hearing you're gonna kill everybody in eastern

you're gonna kill everybody in eastern

you're gonna kill everybody in eastern Kansas

Kansas

Kansas we're not going to kill anyone that

we're not going to kill anyone that

we're not going to kill anyone that Nation will be hundreds of feet

Nation will be hundreds of feet

Nation will be hundreds of feet underground this immediate area will be

underground this immediate area will be

underground this immediate area will be irradiated and they're going to sell a

irradiated and they're going to sell a

irradiated and they're going to sell a lot of bottled water around here for the

lot of bottled water around here for the

lot of bottled water around here for the next 20 years but there will be no

next 20 years but there will be no

next 20 years but there will be no atmospheric Fallout and the problem will

atmospheric Fallout and the problem will

atmospheric Fallout and the problem will be solved

be solved

be solved once everything sorts out we'll all get

once everything sorts out we'll all get

once everything sorts out we'll all get Awards let's just hope they aren't

Awards let's just hope they aren't

Awards let's just hope they aren't posthumous

posthumous

posthumous you're out of your goddamn mind TK said

you're out of your goddamn mind TK said

you're out of your goddamn mind TK said no he's right

no he's right

no he's right Roberto smiled at Naomi strapping the

Roberto smiled at Naomi strapping the

Roberto smiled at Naomi strapping the k-bar knife to his thigh she'd sounded

k-bar knife to his thigh she'd sounded

k-bar knife to his thigh she'd sounded smart when he talked to her on the phone

smart when he talked to her on the phone

smart when he talked to her on the phone he was glad it was true he turned to TK

he was glad it was true he turned to TK

he was glad it was true he turned to TK and looked him up and down

and looked him up and down

and looked him up and down how much can you deadlift I don't know

how much can you deadlift I don't know

how much can you deadlift I don't know 200

200

200 Roberto looked doubtful

Roberto looked doubtful

Roberto looked doubtful what is that too much

what is that too much

what is that too much we'll find out

we'll find out

we'll find out Roberto said you two are going to carry

Roberto said you two are going to carry

Roberto said you two are going to carry this down to sub-level 4 and activate

this down to sub-level 4 and activate

this down to sub-level 4 and activate the triggering mechanism I'll show you

the triggering mechanism I'll show you

the triggering mechanism I'll show you how I'm going to stay up top and remove

how I'm going to stay up top and remove

how I'm going to stay up top and remove any infected organisms that try to

any infected organisms that try to

any infected organisms that try to escape the area prior to detonation

escape the area prior to detonation

escape the area prior to detonation remove Naomi asked she knew but she

remove Naomi asked she knew but she

remove Naomi asked she knew but she asked anyway

asked anyway

asked anyway I'm going to kill them he said I'm going

I'm going to kill them he said I'm going

I'm going to kill them he said I'm going to execute people whose only crime is

to execute people whose only crime is

to execute people whose only crime is that they were exposed to a deadly

that they were exposed to a deadly

that they were exposed to a deadly fungus would you rather do my part of

fungus would you rather do my part of

fungus would you rather do my part of the job or yours

the job or yours

the job or yours they didn't answer

they didn't answer

they didn't answer Roberto continued after you start the

Roberto continued after you start the

Roberto continued after you start the timer you'll have between 8 and 13

timer you'll have between 8 and 13

timer you'll have between 8 and 13 minutes to get back up here get in the

minutes to get back up here get in the

minutes to get back up here get in the van and get at least half a mile away

van and get at least half a mile away

van and get at least half a mile away 8 to 13.

8 to 13.

8 to 13. Naomi asked

Naomi asked

Naomi asked the timer duration is unstable without a

the timer duration is unstable without a

the timer duration is unstable without a mechanical wire

mechanical wire

mechanical wire Tea cake was aghast so it could blow up

Tea cake was aghast so it could blow up

Tea cake was aghast so it could blow up at any [ __ ] time

at any [ __ ] time

at any [ __ ] time Roberto looked at him and repeated

Roberto looked at him and repeated

Roberto looked at him and repeated himself keeping his tone neutral

himself keeping his tone neutral

himself keeping his tone neutral the timer duration is unstable

the timer duration is unstable

the timer duration is unstable Tea cake looked at the backpack

Tea cake looked at the backpack

Tea cake looked at the backpack incredulous what did they used to say to

incredulous what did they used to say to

incredulous what did they used to say to the poor [ __ ] grunts they sent out

the poor [ __ ] grunts they sent out

the poor [ __ ] grunts they sent out with these

with these

with these tell your parents that you love them and

tell your parents that you love them and

tell your parents that you love them and they still did it blew themselves up

they still did it blew themselves up

they still did it blew themselves up no Travis no one did it these were never

no Travis no one did it these were never

no Travis no one did it these were never used you would have heard about that in

used you would have heard about that in

used you would have heard about that in school but people were willing to do it

school but people were willing to do it

school but people were willing to do it because they thought the future of the

because they thought the future of the

because they thought the future of the world depended on it which it does right

world depended on it which it does right

world depended on it which it does right now

now

now he picked up the Heckler and Coke

he picked up the Heckler and Coke

he picked up the Heckler and Coke slapped a Fresh Magazine into it and

slapped a Fresh Magazine into it and

slapped a Fresh Magazine into it and straightened using every inch of his

straightened using every inch of his

straightened using every inch of his height advantage over TK in an attempt

height advantage over TK in an attempt

height advantage over TK in an attempt to inspire

to inspire

to inspire E3 semen Meacham you're what I've got

E3 semen Meacham you're what I've got

E3 semen Meacham you're what I've got right now and frankly it's more than I

right now and frankly it's more than I

right now and frankly it's more than I expected you were on a ballistic subs or

expected you were on a ballistic subs or

expected you were on a ballistic subs or you know dummy and you know at least the

you know dummy and you know at least the

you know dummy and you know at least the fundamentals if you weren't too stoned

fundamentals if you weren't too stoned

fundamentals if you weren't too stoned in recruit training I suspect you're a

in recruit training I suspect you're a

in recruit training I suspect you're a much better Soldier than the general

much better Soldier than the general

much better Soldier than the general discharge honorable conditions they gave

discharge honorable conditions they gave

discharge honorable conditions they gave you

you

you come on squid why don't you prove it

come on squid why don't you prove it

come on squid why don't you prove it tonight

tonight

tonight Travis looked at him stunned how'd you

Travis looked at him stunned how'd you

Travis looked at him stunned how'd you know

know

know we had your first names in your place of

we had your first names in your place of

we had your first names in your place of business these aren't State secrets

business these aren't State secrets

business these aren't State secrets he turned to Naomi I know you've got a

he turned to Naomi I know you've got a

he turned to Naomi I know you've got a child at home Ms Williams but that pack

child at home Ms Williams but that pack

child at home Ms Williams but that pack is 58 pounds and Travis can't get it

is 58 pounds and Travis can't get it

is 58 pounds and Travis can't get it down the tube ladder by himself not

down the tube ladder by himself not

down the tube ladder by himself not safely can you shoot a gun

safely can you shoot a gun

safely can you shoot a gun she nodded sort of

she nodded sort of

she nodded sort of Roberto took a Glock 19 from an open

Roberto took a Glock 19 from an open

Roberto took a Glock 19 from an open case loaded it and turned it around

case loaded it and turned it around

case loaded it and turned it around offering it to Naomi Handel first

offering it to Naomi Handel first

offering it to Naomi Handel first Travis will have his hands full so

Travis will have his hands full so

Travis will have his hands full so you'll watch both your backs you've got

you'll watch both your backs you've got

you'll watch both your backs you've got a 12 shot magazine a trigger safety here

a 12 shot magazine a trigger safety here

a 12 shot magazine a trigger safety here and a thumb lock over there you need to

and a thumb lock over there you need to

and a thumb lock over there you need to flip both of them to pull the trigger

flip both of them to pull the trigger

flip both of them to pull the trigger once you've pulled each shot requires

once you've pulled each shot requires

once you've pulled each shot requires another pull but the safeties won't

another pull but the safeties won't

another pull but the safeties won't re-engage unless you take your finger

re-engage unless you take your finger

re-engage unless you take your finger off the trigger got it

off the trigger got it

off the trigger got it she nodded taking the gun she'd never

she nodded taking the gun she'd never

she nodded taking the gun she'd never held one before and it always hated them

held one before and it always hated them

held one before and it always hated them on principle

on principle

on principle she's still dead

she's still dead

she's still dead I'm not gonna fire it she said

I'm not gonna fire it she said

I'm not gonna fire it she said you will if you need to

you will if you need to

you will if you need to Roberto replied I doubt it she said

Roberto replied I doubt it she said

Roberto replied I doubt it she said Roberto continued

Roberto continued

Roberto continued when he put somebody down you aim for

when he put somebody down you aim for

when he put somebody down you aim for the chest it's the biggest target wait

the chest it's the biggest target wait

the chest it's the biggest target wait till they get close enough and you won't

till they get close enough and you won't

till they get close enough and you won't miss two shots in the chest then once

miss two shots in the chest then once

miss two shots in the chest then once they're on the floor another one in the

they're on the floor another one in the

they're on the floor another one in the head no more than that that's four

head no more than that that's four

head no more than that that's four people per clip count your shots

people per clip count your shots

people per clip count your shots if you get below three shots left you

if you get below three shots left you

if you get below three shots left you change Clips understood

change Clips understood

change Clips understood she nodded

she nodded

she nodded Roberto looked at them

Roberto looked at them

Roberto looked at them you too may have started the night as

you too may have started the night as

you too may have started the night as minimum wage security guards

minimum wage security guards

minimum wage security guards but you're ending it as a green light

but you're ending it as a green light

but you're ending it as a green light team

team

team America's Finest

America's Finest

America's Finest Now put on the suits

30.

at that moment there existed on Earth

at that moment there existed on Earth

at that moment there existed on Earth four distinct colonies of cordyceps

four distinct colonies of cordyceps

four distinct colonies of cordyceps novas each with its own chromosomal

novas each with its own chromosomal

novas each with its own chromosomal characteristics growth rate and

characteristics growth rate and

characteristics growth rate and Ambitions for expansion

Ambitions for expansion

Ambitions for expansion deep underground in sub-level 4 the

deep underground in sub-level 4 the

deep underground in sub-level 4 the original colony or more accurately the

original colony or more accurately the

original colony or more accurately the original American colony remained in a

original American colony remained in a

original American colony remained in a multiplication phase though its growth

multiplication phase though its growth

multiplication phase though its growth had plateaued since its expansion into

had plateaued since its expansion into

had plateaued since its expansion into the hallway outside the cell in which it

the hallway outside the cell in which it

the hallway outside the cell in which it had first escaped from the biotube in

had first escaped from the biotube in

had first escaped from the biotube in terms of organic nutrients the rats it

terms of organic nutrients the rats it

terms of organic nutrients the rats it had infested and fused together Were Far

had infested and fused together Were Far

had infested and fused together Were Far and Away the most abundant source of

and Away the most abundant source of

and Away the most abundant source of fuel but that had been exhausted

fuel but that had been exhausted

fuel but that had been exhausted the Rat King Mass was already in stasis

the Rat King Mass was already in stasis

the Rat King Mass was already in stasis the precursor to decay in disintegration

the precursor to decay in disintegration

the precursor to decay in disintegration a tributary of growth was making its way

a tributary of growth was making its way

a tributary of growth was making its way across the dry cement floor toward a

across the dry cement floor toward a

across the dry cement floor toward a puddle of water beneath one of the

puddle of water beneath one of the

puddle of water beneath one of the sweaty overhead water pipes that made up

sweaty overhead water pipes that made up

sweaty overhead water pipes that made up the cooling system but it hadn't reached

the cooling system but it hadn't reached

the cooling system but it hadn't reached it yet

it yet

it yet once it did it was hard to predict the

once it did it was hard to predict the

once it did it was hard to predict the fungus's reaction since it had never

fungus's reaction since it had never

fungus's reaction since it had never encountered water in its pure form

encountered water in its pure form

encountered water in its pure form before only as a component of a human

before only as a component of a human

before only as a component of a human body

body

body safe to say it was going to like it but

safe to say it was going to like it but

safe to say it was going to like it but it wasn't there yet

it wasn't there yet

it wasn't there yet this colony of cordyceps Novus was a bit

this colony of cordyceps Novus was a bit

this colony of cordyceps Novus was a bit like Reno Nevada popular once but

like Reno Nevada popular once but

like Reno Nevada popular once but limited by location and climate and not

limited by location and climate and not

limited by location and climate and not anywhere a serious person would want to

anywhere a serious person would want to

anywhere a serious person would want to go

go

go above ground on the hillside behind

above ground on the hillside behind

above ground on the hillside behind Roberto's van was the second colony the

Roberto's van was the second colony the

Roberto's van was the second colony the one CN roach one had founded a little

one CN roach one had founded a little

one CN roach one had founded a little over 15 hours ago

over 15 hours ago

over 15 hours ago this colony had begun in the trunk of

this colony had begun in the trunk of

this colony had begun in the trunk of Mike's car where it still maintained a

Mike's car where it still maintained a

Mike's car where it still maintained a strong presence

strong presence

strong presence but after the deer and Mr Scroggins had

but after the deer and Mr Scroggins had

but after the deer and Mr Scroggins had taken off the fungus had the content

taken off the fungus had the content

taken off the fungus had the content itself with feeding on Old towels steel

itself with feeding on Old towels steel

itself with feeding on Old towels steel Rubber and other unsexy fuels

Rubber and other unsexy fuels

Rubber and other unsexy fuels more successful was The Outpost begun by

more successful was The Outpost begun by

more successful was The Outpost begun by Mr Scroggins when he had exploded to the

Mr Scroggins when he had exploded to the

Mr Scroggins when he had exploded to the top of the tree

top of the tree

top of the tree it had spattered in all directions and

it had spattered in all directions and

it had spattered in all directions and Fallen to Earth as far as 75 feet from

Fallen to Earth as far as 75 feet from

Fallen to Earth as far as 75 feet from the tree itself

the tree itself

the tree itself it currently thrived on the moist humid

it currently thrived on the moist humid

it currently thrived on the moist humid forest floor spreading at a rate of

forest floor spreading at a rate of

forest floor spreading at a rate of three to four feet per hour

three to four feet per hour

three to four feet per hour it was a nearly ideal environment for

it was a nearly ideal environment for

it was a nearly ideal environment for the fungus but its expansion was held

the fungus but its expansion was held

the fungus but its expansion was held tenuously in check by the lack of

tenuously in check by the lack of

tenuously in check by the lack of carriers with rapid and independent

carriers with rapid and independent

carriers with rapid and independent locomotion

locomotion

locomotion the whole area was just one stray coyote

the whole area was just one stray coyote

the whole area was just one stray coyote or an ill-fated squirrel away from

or an ill-fated squirrel away from

or an ill-fated squirrel away from Boomtown status

Boomtown status

Boomtown status but for the moment the fungus had to be

but for the moment the fungus had to be

but for the moment the fungus had to be content to continue its leisurely but

content to continue its leisurely but

content to continue its leisurely but steady growth here

steady growth here

steady growth here still given enough time there was no

still given enough time there was no

still given enough time there was no telling how far its sprawl would spread

telling how far its sprawl would spread

telling how far its sprawl would spread this colony was similar to Los Angeles

this colony was similar to Los Angeles

this colony was similar to Los Angeles slow inevitable and in no one's best

slow inevitable and in no one's best

slow inevitable and in no one's best interests

interests

interests on the main floor of the storage

on the main floor of the storage

on the main floor of the storage facility the third colony was enjoying

facility the third colony was enjoying

facility the third colony was enjoying the least success

the least success

the least success spread out over the cement walls and

spread out over the cement walls and

spread out over the cement walls and floor the Jackson Pollock painting that

floor the Jackson Pollock painting that

floor the Jackson Pollock painting that was once Mike Snyder was now largely

was once Mike Snyder was now largely

was once Mike Snyder was now largely inert at least by human time standards

inert at least by human time standards

inert at least by human time standards it wasn't dead or even dormant but its

it wasn't dead or even dormant but its

it wasn't dead or even dormant but its growth had slowed to a barely

growth had slowed to a barely

growth had slowed to a barely perceptible rate

perceptible rate

perceptible rate the floor and walls were made of

the floor and walls were made of

the floor and walls were made of Portland cement the industry standard

Portland cement the industry standard

Portland cement the industry standard composed primarily of lime silica and

composed primarily of lime silica and

composed primarily of lime silica and alumina about as nutritious for a

alumina about as nutritious for a

alumina about as nutritious for a growing fungus as a sand sandwich

growing fungus as a sand sandwich

growing fungus as a sand sandwich still cordyceps Novus was no stranger to

still cordyceps Novus was no stranger to

still cordyceps Novus was no stranger to adverse conditions it had grown its way

adverse conditions it had grown its way

adverse conditions it had grown its way out of a biotube it could certainly

out of a biotube it could certainly

out of a biotube it could certainly handle a hallway

handle a hallway

handle a hallway it festered and burrowed and shifted as

it festered and burrowed and shifted as

it festered and burrowed and shifted as best it could

best it could

best it could but the kind of booming growth that it

but the kind of booming growth that it

but the kind of booming growth that it experienced when it first entered Mike's

experienced when it first entered Mike's

experienced when it first entered Mike's living body was long over

living body was long over

living body was long over maybe it would get lucky hit a vein of

maybe it would get lucky hit a vein of

maybe it would get lucky hit a vein of Iron Stone somewhere in the cement floor

Iron Stone somewhere in the cement floor

Iron Stone somewhere in the cement floor in 10 years or so and enjoy a comeback

in 10 years or so and enjoy a comeback

in 10 years or so and enjoy a comeback but until that happened it was going

but until that happened it was going

but until that happened it was going nowhere fast

nowhere fast

nowhere fast in urban terms this third colony was

in urban terms this third colony was

in urban terms this third colony was Atlantic City used to be a big deal dead

Atlantic City used to be a big deal dead

Atlantic City used to be a big deal dead on its feet now

on its feet now

on its feet now as for the fourth colony

as for the fourth colony

as for the fourth colony that was another story

that was another story

that was another story in 1950 Shenzhen China was a fishing

in 1950 Shenzhen China was a fishing

in 1950 Shenzhen China was a fishing village with three thousand inhabitants

village with three thousand inhabitants

village with three thousand inhabitants by 2025 12 million people will live

by 2025 12 million people will live

by 2025 12 million people will live there

there

there in terms of rampant unchecked dangerous

in terms of rampant unchecked dangerous

in terms of rampant unchecked dangerous growth there's no place on earth like it

growth there's no place on earth like it

growth there's no place on earth like it except for what was going on inside unit

except for what was going on inside unit

except for what was going on inside unit g413 at Atchison storage

g413 at Atchison storage

g413 at Atchison storage from the moment Mike's wide pattern

from the moment Mike's wide pattern

from the moment Mike's wide pattern projectile vomit had launched from the

projectile vomit had launched from the

projectile vomit had launched from the open doorway the fungus had found

open doorway the fungus had found

open doorway the fungus had found abundant organic nutrients

abundant organic nutrients

abundant organic nutrients spray had landed on all five of the

spray had landed on all five of the

spray had landed on all five of the occupants of the locker but Cedric wino

occupants of the locker but Cedric wino

occupants of the locker but Cedric wino and garbage had been caught open-mouthed

and garbage had been caught open-mouthed

and garbage had been caught open-mouthed infection was immediate in their cases

infection was immediate in their cases

infection was immediate in their cases and the fungus penetrated the complex

and the fungus penetrated the complex

and the fungus penetrated the complex substrate of their biological systems

substrate of their biological systems

substrate of their biological systems with Zeal and aptitude It produced

with Zeal and aptitude It produced

with Zeal and aptitude It produced immediate and exponential growth

immediate and exponential growth

immediate and exponential growth Ironhead in Cuba who had no Cuts

Ironhead in Cuba who had no Cuts

Ironhead in Cuba who had no Cuts crevices or orifices through which the

crevices or orifices through which the

crevices or orifices through which the molecules could enter them without

molecules could enter them without

molecules could enter them without effort were a few minutes behind

effort were a few minutes behind

effort were a few minutes behind cordyceps Novus had to deploy Benzene X

cordyceps Novus had to deploy Benzene X

cordyceps Novus had to deploy Benzene X to First burn a pathway through their

to First burn a pathway through their

to First burn a pathway through their pores which took a bit longer

pores which took a bit longer

pores which took a bit longer but within minutes there is a fungal

but within minutes there is a fungal

but within minutes there is a fungal party raging inside all five of their

party raging inside all five of their

party raging inside all five of their systems that could not be stopped or

systems that could not be stopped or

systems that could not be stopped or curfewed

curfewed

curfewed the fungus entered the most productive

the fungus entered the most productive

the fungus entered the most productive phase in its history joyfully increasing

phase in its history joyfully increasing

phase in its history joyfully increasing its biomass through the perfectly

its biomass through the perfectly

its biomass through the perfectly balanced human carbon nitrogen ratio of

balanced human carbon nitrogen ratio of

balanced human carbon nitrogen ratio of 12 to 1.

12 to 1.

12 to 1. it started with a familiar if

it started with a familiar if

it started with a familiar if accelerated growth expansion expulsion

accelerated growth expansion expulsion

accelerated growth expansion expulsion pattern inside wino whose blood alcohol

pattern inside wino whose blood alcohol

pattern inside wino whose blood alcohol content provided additional glucose

content provided additional glucose

content provided additional glucose while Griffin was outside the locker

while Griffin was outside the locker

while Griffin was outside the locker door ordering Tea cake to remove the

door ordering Tea cake to remove the

door ordering Tea cake to remove the lock wino was bulging screaming and

lock wino was bulging screaming and

lock wino was bulging screaming and bursting inside the locker so the

bursting inside the locker so the

bursting inside the locker so the extreme consternation of the others

extreme consternation of the others

extreme consternation of the others Cedric and garbage went in the next 30

Cedric and garbage went in the next 30

Cedric and garbage went in the next 30 seconds swelling and rupturing in quick

seconds swelling and rupturing in quick

seconds swelling and rupturing in quick succession

succession

succession Ironhead in Cuba their systems lagging

Ironhead in Cuba their systems lagging

Ironhead in Cuba their systems lagging behind were left to scream in horror

behind were left to scream in horror

behind were left to scream in horror but then something extraordinary

but then something extraordinary

but then something extraordinary happened

happened

happened the growth in the last two human hosts

the growth in the last two human hosts

the growth in the last two human hosts slowed down

slowed down

slowed down intentionally

intentionally

intentionally perhaps the fungus recognized The

perhaps the fungus recognized The

perhaps the fungus recognized The Limited supply of human tissue in the

Limited supply of human tissue in the

Limited supply of human tissue in the confined space of the storage locker

confined space of the storage locker

confined space of the storage locker or maybe it registered that the walls of

or maybe it registered that the walls of

or maybe it registered that the walls of the locker to which it was now largely

the locker to which it was now largely

the locker to which it was now largely affixed were of limited food value

affixed were of limited food value

affixed were of limited food value or maybe it even bore some sort of

or maybe it even bore some sort of

or maybe it even bore some sort of cellular memory of the successful result

cellular memory of the successful result

cellular memory of the successful result of the slowed down fruiting and bursting

of the slowed down fruiting and bursting

of the slowed down fruiting and bursting process it had gone through with Mike

process it had gone through with Mike

process it had gone through with Mike whatever the reason it tamped down its

whatever the reason it tamped down its

whatever the reason it tamped down its formerly unbridled surge of growth

formerly unbridled surge of growth

formerly unbridled surge of growth the process is consuming the bodies and

the process is consuming the bodies and

the process is consuming the bodies and minds of Cuba and Ironhead the last

minds of Cuba and Ironhead the last

minds of Cuba and Ironhead the last remaining humans inside the locker

remaining humans inside the locker

remaining humans inside the locker actually decelerated

actually decelerated

actually decelerated this implied if not volition then at

this implied if not volition then at

this implied if not volition then at least Airborne endocrine signaling a

least Airborne endocrine signaling a

least Airborne endocrine signaling a cell's ability to transmit information

cell's ability to transmit information

cell's ability to transmit information and instructions Beyond its own walls

and instructions Beyond its own walls

and instructions Beyond its own walls cordyceps Novus had for the first time

cordyceps Novus had for the first time

cordyceps Novus had for the first time since its initial human contacts in the

since its initial human contacts in the

since its initial human contacts in the Australian Outback modified its

Australian Outback modified its

Australian Outback modified its mechanism of control

mechanism of control

mechanism of control the fungus racing through the brains of

the fungus racing through the brains of

the fungus racing through the brains of Ironhead and Cuba got the message and

Ironhead and Cuba got the message and

Ironhead and Cuba got the message and curtailed its development

curtailed its development

curtailed its development their brains were allowed to retain a

their brains were allowed to retain a

their brains were allowed to retain a measure of autonomous control but the

measure of autonomous control but the

measure of autonomous control but the fungus wiped out massive portions of

fungus wiped out massive portions of

fungus wiped out massive portions of their amygdalas home to their fear and

their amygdalas home to their fear and

their amygdalas home to their fear and panic centers

panic centers

panic centers as a result they thought everything was

as a result they thought everything was

as a result they thought everything was okay they thought they were still in

okay they thought they were still in

okay they thought they were still in charge

charge

charge all's cool man

all's cool man

all's cool man iron had said through the door to

iron had said through the door to

iron had said through the door to Griffin

Griffin

Griffin to sculpt little Hillary there for a

to sculpt little Hillary there for a

to sculpt little Hillary there for a second

second

second Griffin turned the key in the lock and

Griffin turned the key in the lock and

Griffin turned the key in the lock and unlocked the door

31.

31.

31. a full hazmat suit weighs about 10

a full hazmat suit weighs about 10

a full hazmat suit weighs about 10 pounds the oxygen tank and breathing

pounds the oxygen tank and breathing

pounds the oxygen tank and breathing apparatus another 21 and the t-41 unit T

apparatus another 21 and the t-41 unit T

apparatus another 21 and the t-41 unit T cake head strapped to his back was

cake head strapped to his back was

cake head strapped to his back was nearly 60. that meant every step he took

nearly 60. that meant every step he took

nearly 60. that meant every step he took he was moving an additional 90 pounds

he was moving an additional 90 pounds

he was moving an additional 90 pounds over his own body weight give or take

over his own body weight give or take

over his own body weight give or take his shoulders ached almost right away as

his shoulders ached almost right away as

his shoulders ached almost right away as the straps bit into them through the

the straps bit into them through the

the straps bit into them through the suit his thighs started to burn after

suit his thighs started to burn after

suit his thighs started to burn after the first dozen steps and by the time

the first dozen steps and by the time

the first dozen steps and by the time they reached the front door of the

they reached the front door of the

they reached the front door of the building the sweat was running down his

building the sweat was running down his

building the sweat was running down his neck and into the suit

neck and into the suit

neck and into the suit Naomi had less weight on her back but

Naomi had less weight on her back but

Naomi had less weight on her back but the burden of being the soul Lookout and

the burden of being the soul Lookout and

the burden of being the soul Lookout and guard coupled with the amount of effort

guard coupled with the amount of effort

guard coupled with the amount of effort it took to keep turning from side to

it took to keep turning from side to

it took to keep turning from side to side in the bulky suit meant she was

side in the bulky suit meant she was

side in the bulky suit meant she was expending as much effort as he was

expending as much effort as he was

expending as much effort as he was the gun in her hand Felt Like a Stone

the gun in her hand Felt Like a Stone

the gun in her hand Felt Like a Stone they'd gotten into the suits quickly

they'd gotten into the suits quickly

they'd gotten into the suits quickly enough with Roberto's help the idea of

enough with Roberto's help the idea of

enough with Roberto's help the idea of climbing back down the ladder in the

climbing back down the ladder in the

climbing back down the ladder in the bulky things was harder to imagine but

bulky things was harder to imagine but

bulky things was harder to imagine but they tried not to think too far ahead

they tried not to think too far ahead

they tried not to think too far ahead Roberto secured the suits around their

Roberto secured the suits around their

Roberto secured the suits around their wrists ankles faces necks and waists and

wrists ankles faces necks and waists and

wrists ankles faces necks and waists and showed them how to use the two-way

showed them how to use the two-way

showed them how to use the two-way radios in their headsets

radios in their headsets

radios in their headsets he flirted briefly with the notion that

he flirted briefly with the notion that

he flirted briefly with the notion that he could somehow Bluetooth his cell

he could somehow Bluetooth his cell

he could somehow Bluetooth his cell phone to their headsets but gave up on

phone to their headsets but gave up on

phone to their headsets but gave up on the idea

the idea

the idea there wasn't much he could have done to

there wasn't much he could have done to

there wasn't much he could have done to help them from this point anyway

help them from this point anyway

help them from this point anyway it's shown them both how to arm and

it's shown them both how to arm and

it's shown them both how to arm and activate the t-41 which was fairly

activate the t-41 which was fairly

activate the t-41 which was fairly straightforward it had been designed for

straightforward it had been designed for

straightforward it had been designed for soldiers in the field to operate under

soldiers in the field to operate under

soldiers in the field to operate under pressure and simplicity without its core

pressure and simplicity without its core

pressure and simplicity without its core that and fissile Fuel That Could sustain

that and fissile Fuel That Could sustain

that and fissile Fuel That Could sustain a nuclear chain reaction

a nuclear chain reaction

a nuclear chain reaction there was no third suit for Roberto

there was no third suit for Roberto

there was no third suit for Roberto TK could ask why he'd brought two in the

TK could ask why he'd brought two in the

TK could ask why he'd brought two in the first place and Roberto had just looked

first place and Roberto had just looked

first place and Roberto had just looked at him blankly

at him blankly

at him blankly for the same reason I brought two of

for the same reason I brought two of

for the same reason I brought two of everything else what if one breaks

everything else what if one breaks

everything else what if one breaks Roberto would never understand some

Roberto would never understand some

Roberto would never understand some people

people

people with that he wished them luck told him

with that he wished them luck told him

with that he wished them luck told him to hurry and sent them on their way into

to hurry and sent them on their way into

to hurry and sent them on their way into the building

the building

the building he watched them walk toward the front

he watched them walk toward the front

he watched them walk toward the front doors the way a parent watches his kid

doors the way a parent watches his kid

doors the way a parent watches his kid walk into a freshman dorm for the first

walk into a freshman dorm for the first

walk into a freshman dorm for the first time

time

time thinking of a thousand things he should

thinking of a thousand things he should

thinking of a thousand things he should have said a million pieces of advice he

have said a million pieces of advice he

have said a million pieces of advice he could have given and knowing it was too

could have given and knowing it was too

could have given and knowing it was too late for all of that

late for all of that

late for all of that Roberto knew he should be the one

Roberto knew he should be the one

Roberto knew he should be the one wearing the pack

wearing the pack

wearing the pack he knew it should be him carrying it

he knew it should be him carrying it

he knew it should be him carrying it down to sub-level for himself and if

down to sub-level for himself and if

down to sub-level for himself and if necessary waiting there with it to

necessary waiting there with it to

necessary waiting there with it to ensure a successful detonation the way

ensure a successful detonation the way

ensure a successful detonation the way he and Trini and Gordon had planned and

he and Trini and Gordon had planned and

he and Trini and Gordon had planned and discussed 30 years ago

discussed 30 years ago

discussed 30 years ago and he also knew with complete certainty

and he also knew with complete certainty

and he also knew with complete certainty that he couldn't

that he couldn't

that he couldn't accepting that reality and trusting

accepting that reality and trusting

accepting that reality and trusting 220-somethings he'd met 15 minutes ago

220-somethings he'd met 15 minutes ago

220-somethings he'd met 15 minutes ago was the most difficult decision he'd

was the most difficult decision he'd

was the most difficult decision he'd ever made in his life

ever made in his life

ever made in his life but he had no choice

but he had no choice

but he had no choice of course he left himself a Fail-Safe a

of course he left himself a Fail-Safe a

of course he left himself a Fail-Safe a contingency for the contingency

contingency for the contingency

contingency for the contingency Ian shared that part with TK and Naomi

Ian shared that part with TK and Naomi

Ian shared that part with TK and Naomi they had plenty of information already

they had plenty of information already

they had plenty of information already more than they could probably handle and

more than they could probably handle and

more than they could probably handle and the rest would be revealed at the exact

the rest would be revealed at the exact

the rest would be revealed at the exact moment they needed to know it

moment they needed to know it

moment they needed to know it he watched them open the doors and walk

he watched them open the doors and walk

he watched them open the doors and walk into the building then turned his

into the building then turned his

into the building then turned his attention to the parking area in front

attention to the parking area in front

attention to the parking area in front next order of business make sure nobody

next order of business make sure nobody

next order of business make sure nobody goes anywhere

goes anywhere

goes anywhere he pulled the k-bar from the sleeve on

he pulled the k-bar from the sleeve on

he pulled the k-bar from the sleeve on his thigh and started with tea Cake's

his thigh and started with tea Cake's

his thigh and started with tea Cake's Honda Civic parked on the far right side

Honda Civic parked on the far right side

Honda Civic parked on the far right side he drove the blade deep into the edge of

he drove the blade deep into the edge of

he drove the blade deep into the edge of the back right tire and jerked It

the back right tire and jerked It

the back right tire and jerked It Forward six inches

Forward six inches

Forward six inches a puncture would take too long to drain

a puncture would take too long to drain

a puncture would take too long to drain the air and was no guarantee the car

the air and was no guarantee the car

the air and was no guarantee the car couldn't limp out of the parking lot

couldn't limp out of the parking lot

couldn't limp out of the parking lot but a slash did the job immediately

but a slash did the job immediately

but a slash did the job immediately the tire deflated and he moved on to the

the tire deflated and he moved on to the

the tire deflated and he moved on to the other rear wheel and did the same thing

other rear wheel and did the same thing

other rear wheel and did the same thing the car's chassis dropped a few inches

the car's chassis dropped a few inches

the car's chassis dropped a few inches anybody who tried to drive it now would

anybody who tried to drive it now would

anybody who tried to drive it now would be on the rims by the time they turned

be on the rims by the time they turned

be on the rims by the time they turned around and the axle would snap before

around and the axle would snap before

around and the axle would snap before they got up the driveway

they got up the driveway

they got up the driveway the Harleys were easier he only had to

the Harleys were easier he only had to

the Harleys were easier he only had to stab and slash one tire on each bike

stab and slash one tire on each bike

stab and slash one tire on each bike they maybe could have limped out of the

they maybe could have limped out of the

they maybe could have limped out of the lot with a flat rear but a flat front

lot with a flat rear but a flat front

lot with a flat rear but a flat front would break the fork

would break the fork

would break the fork nobody was driving out of this place

nobody was driving out of this place

nobody was driving out of this place unless they took his Mazda and you could

unless they took his Mazda and you could

unless they took his Mazda and you could have my minivan keys when you pry them

have my minivan keys when you pry them

have my minivan keys when you pry them from my cold dead hand

from my cold dead hand

from my cold dead hand he slashed for the bikes and had three

he slashed for the bikes and had three

he slashed for the bikes and had three to go when his cell phone rang he

to go when his cell phone rang he

to go when his cell phone rang he touched the Bluetooth in his ear to

touched the Bluetooth in his ear to

touched the Bluetooth in his ear to answer

answer

answer you have incoming Abigail said Roberto

you have incoming Abigail said Roberto

you have incoming Abigail said Roberto straightened sharply and turned around

straightened sharply and turned around

straightened sharply and turned around where

where

where around the corner of the building 10

around the corner of the building 10

around the corner of the building 10 seconds mail moving fast major heat

seconds mail moving fast major heat

seconds mail moving fast major heat signature

signature

signature Roberto turned taking a few quick steps

Roberto turned taking a few quick steps

Roberto turned taking a few quick steps to his left toward the front door far

to his left toward the front door far

to his left toward the front door far enough to clear the sight line between

enough to clear the sight line between

enough to clear the sight line between him and the Eastern edge of the building

him and the Eastern edge of the building

him and the Eastern edge of the building he pulled the machine pistol from a

he pulled the machine pistol from a

he pulled the machine pistol from a holster on his hip and flipped the

holster on his hip and flipped the

holster on his hip and flipped the safety off with his right thumb

safety off with his right thumb

safety off with his right thumb with his left hand he reached up and

with his left hand he reached up and

with his left hand he reached up and pulled down his thermal imaging goggles

pulled down his thermal imaging goggles

pulled down his thermal imaging goggles which activated with a hum and a were

which activated with a hum and a were

which activated with a hum and a were showing the landscape in Vivid purple

showing the landscape in Vivid purple

showing the landscape in Vivid purple and orange tinted images

and orange tinted images

and orange tinted images he didn't need the goggles for light

he didn't need the goggles for light

he didn't need the goggles for light there was plenty to see by and more

there was plenty to see by and more

there was plenty to see by and more streamed around the corner of the

streamed around the corner of the

streamed around the corner of the building as the motion Central lights

building as the motion Central lights

building as the motion Central lights went on triggered by whoever was running

went on triggered by whoever was running

went on triggered by whoever was running toward him

toward him

toward him what Roberto needed was heat detection

what Roberto needed was heat detection

what Roberto needed was heat detection when he'd first put on the goggles and

when he'd first put on the goggles and

when he'd first put on the goggles and looked at the hillside the bits of

looked at the hillside the bits of

looked at the hillside the bits of fungus scattered there had glowed a warm

fungus scattered there had glowed a warm

fungus scattered there had glowed a warm red and traces of that same red were

red and traces of that same red were

red and traces of that same red were visible in the open trunk of Mike's

visible in the open trunk of Mike's

visible in the open trunk of Mike's abandoned car

abandoned car

abandoned car there was live growth in those areas and

there was live growth in those areas and

there was live growth in those areas and the chemical reactions of the growing

the chemical reactions of the growing

the chemical reactions of the growing fungus gave off heat

fungus gave off heat

fungus gave off heat if he could see the heat he could avoid

if he could see the heat he could avoid

if he could see the heat he could avoid contact with the fungus and could get a

contact with the fungus and could get a

contact with the fungus and could get a quick read on whether a human being was

quick read on whether a human being was

quick read on whether a human being was infected

infected

infected it would be pleasant to avoid killing

it would be pleasant to avoid killing

it would be pleasant to avoid killing innocent people

innocent people

innocent people if possible

if possible

if possible Roberto's eyes stung at a sudden blast

Roberto's eyes stung at a sudden blast

Roberto's eyes stung at a sudden blast of harsh yellow inside the goggles every

of harsh yellow inside the goggles every

of harsh yellow inside the goggles every last cone in his retina is getting a

last cone in his retina is getting a

last cone in his retina is getting a wake-up call at the exact same moment

wake-up call at the exact same moment

wake-up call at the exact same moment he hadn't fully adjusted when the figure

he hadn't fully adjusted when the figure

he hadn't fully adjusted when the figure came barreling around the corner of the

came barreling around the corner of the

came barreling around the corner of the building looking less like a human being

building looking less like a human being

building looking less like a human being through the goggles than a blazing

through the goggles than a blazing

through the goggles than a blazing burning white hot chunk of melted iron

burning white hot chunk of melted iron

burning white hot chunk of melted iron that answered the infection question

that answered the infection question

that answered the infection question get this [ __ ] off of me the figure

get this [ __ ] off of me the figure

get this [ __ ] off of me the figure screamed

screamed

screamed Roberto didn't pause to wonder how the

Roberto didn't pause to wonder how the

Roberto didn't pause to wonder how the man and motorcycle Leathers had come to

man and motorcycle Leathers had come to

man and motorcycle Leathers had come to be completely covered front and back in

be completely covered front and back in

be completely covered front and back in mutating fungus

mutating fungus

mutating fungus yet still remain in possession of his

yet still remain in possession of his

yet still remain in possession of his faculties

faculties

faculties he just aimed the machine pistol pulled

he just aimed the machine pistol pulled

he just aimed the machine pistol pulled the trigger and put five rounds in the

the trigger and put five rounds in the

the trigger and put five rounds in the center of Dr Stephen Friedman's chest

center of Dr Stephen Friedman's chest

center of Dr Stephen Friedman's chest a Heckler and Coke machine pistol has a

a Heckler and Coke machine pistol has a

a Heckler and Coke machine pistol has a short recoil action meaning the barrel

short recoil action meaning the barrel

short recoil action meaning the barrel moves back sharply rotates the link and

moves back sharply rotates the link and

moves back sharply rotates the link and causes the rear of the tube to tip down

causes the rear of the tube to tip down

causes the rear of the tube to tip down and disengage from the slide

and disengage from the slide

and disengage from the slide it's a hard jerking motion and its

it's a hard jerking motion and its

it's a hard jerking motion and its effect on the shooter is usually

effect on the shooter is usually

effect on the shooter is usually mitigated by putting a stabilizing hand

mitigated by putting a stabilizing hand

mitigated by putting a stabilizing hand on the front handle

on the front handle

on the front handle because he'd had so little reaction time

because he'd had so little reaction time

because he'd had so little reaction time and he needed his left hand to pull down

and he needed his left hand to pull down

and he needed his left hand to pull down and activate the goggles Roberto had

and activate the goggles Roberto had

and activate the goggles Roberto had been forced to fire the gun with one

been forced to fire the gun with one

been forced to fire the gun with one hand

hand

hand that in itself was no big deal all it

that in itself was no big deal all it

that in itself was no big deal all it meant was that his right elbow needed to

meant was that his right elbow needed to

meant was that his right elbow needed to be snugged up against his right hip to

be snugged up against his right hip to

be snugged up against his right hip to reduce uncontrolled movement

reduce uncontrolled movement

reduce uncontrolled movement he'd made that firing maneuver dozens of

he'd made that firing maneuver dozens of

he'd made that firing maneuver dozens of times in the field and of the range

times in the field and of the range

times in the field and of the range but he'd never done it at the age of 68.

but he'd never done it at the age of 68.

but he'd never done it at the age of 68. his body absorbed the first three

his body absorbed the first three

his body absorbed the first three recoils without incident but on the

recoils without incident but on the

recoils without incident but on the fourth one his back rebelled

fourth one his back rebelled

fourth one his back rebelled the spasm was sudden and fierce the low

the spasm was sudden and fierce the low

the spasm was sudden and fierce the low back tissues seizing up and sending a

back tissues seizing up and sending a

back tissues seizing up and sending a red alert throughout his nervous system

red alert throughout his nervous system

red alert throughout his nervous system The Recoil from the fifth shot which

The Recoil from the fifth shot which

The Recoil from the fifth shot which Roberto's brain had already ordered

Roberto's brain had already ordered

Roberto's brain had already ordered before he could count Amanda and remove

before he could count Amanda and remove

before he could count Amanda and remove his finger from the trigger finish the

his finger from the trigger finish the

his finger from the trigger finish the job

job

job a blinding pain lit itself on fire in

a blinding pain lit itself on fire in

a blinding pain lit itself on fire in his back and lower extremities and

his back and lower extremities and

his back and lower extremities and Roberto's legs went out from under him

Roberto's legs went out from under him

Roberto's legs went out from under him he collapsed hitting the ground just a

he collapsed hitting the ground just a

he collapsed hitting the ground just a second after Dr Friedman did the

second after Dr Friedman did the

second after Dr Friedman did the difference being that the dentist

difference being that the dentist

difference being that the dentist problems were over for good and Robertos

problems were over for good and Robertos

problems were over for good and Robertos were just beginning

were just beginning

were just beginning he landed on his side and rolled

he landed on his side and rolled

he landed on his side and rolled helplessly onto his back staring up at

helplessly onto his back staring up at

helplessly onto his back staring up at the stars overhead

the stars overhead

the stars overhead he knew immediately the way you know he

he knew immediately the way you know he

he knew immediately the way you know he hadn't just pulled something he'd torn

hadn't just pulled something he'd torn

hadn't just pulled something he'd torn it in half

it in half

it in half could be ligaments could be tendons or

could be ligaments could be tendons or

could be ligaments could be tendons or maybe he'd ruptured a disc whatever it

maybe he'd ruptured a disc whatever it

maybe he'd ruptured a disc whatever it was it didn't matter

was it didn't matter

was it didn't matter What mattered was that he couldn't move

32.

a few minutes earlier outside unit g413

a few minutes earlier outside unit g413

a few minutes earlier outside unit g413 Griffin had removed the lock from the

Griffin had removed the lock from the

Griffin had removed the lock from the hasp on the door turned the handle and

hasp on the door turned the handle and

hasp on the door turned the handle and swung the overhead door open

swung the overhead door open

swung the overhead door open he and Dr Friedman both recoiled

he and Dr Friedman both recoiled

he and Dr Friedman both recoiled involuntarily falling back a few steps

involuntarily falling back a few steps

involuntarily falling back a few steps the visual was bad enough there were

the visual was bad enough there were

the visual was bad enough there were three dead bodies in there or at least

three dead bodies in there or at least

three dead bodies in there or at least they're barely recognizable remains but

they're barely recognizable remains but

they're barely recognizable remains but what had overcome them was the stench

what had overcome them was the stench

what had overcome them was the stench intense chemical reactions give off

intense chemical reactions give off

intense chemical reactions give off intense odors densely packed clouds of

intense odors densely packed clouds of

intense odors densely packed clouds of fetid molecules that invade the nasal

fetid molecules that invade the nasal

fetid molecules that invade the nasal passages and cling to the olfactory

passages and cling to the olfactory

passages and cling to the olfactory sensors

sensors

sensors the rancid waves of smell would roll out

the rancid waves of smell would roll out

the rancid waves of smell would roll out of the storage unit were dense and alive

of the storage unit were dense and alive

of the storage unit were dense and alive they overwhelmed all of their senses for

they overwhelmed all of their senses for

they overwhelmed all of their senses for a moment

a moment

a moment the now highly mobile cordyceps Novus

the now highly mobile cordyceps Novus

the now highly mobile cordyceps Novus hitchhiking aboard the bodies of the

hitchhiking aboard the bodies of the

hitchhiking aboard the bodies of the people once known as Ironhead and Cuba

people once known as Ironhead and Cuba

people once known as Ironhead and Cuba stepped calmly out of the unit and

stepped calmly out of the unit and

stepped calmly out of the unit and smiled

smiled

smiled what up Griff

what up Griff

what up Griff Ironhead asked Cuba winked Dr Friedman

Ironhead asked Cuba winked Dr Friedman

Ironhead asked Cuba winked Dr Friedman the uninfected stared at the infected

the uninfected stared at the infected

the uninfected stared at the infected with horror

with horror

with horror though cubas and ironhead's outward

though cubas and ironhead's outward

though cubas and ironhead's outward Expressions were calm friendly even

Expressions were calm friendly even

Expressions were calm friendly even there was no mistaking their sickness

there was no mistaking their sickness

there was no mistaking their sickness a strange color had seeped into their

a strange color had seeped into their

a strange color had seeped into their faces and The Tell-Tale swelling of

faces and The Tell-Tale swelling of

faces and The Tell-Tale swelling of their abdomens had begun albeit more

their abdomens had begun albeit more

their abdomens had begun albeit more slowly and smaller since the fungus had

slowly and smaller since the fungus had

slowly and smaller since the fungus had modified its takeover approach still

modified its takeover approach still

modified its takeover approach still there were vast and rapid changes

there were vast and rapid changes

there were vast and rapid changes occurring in the victim's body chemistry

occurring in the victim's body chemistry

occurring in the victim's body chemistry and beneath the skin of their faces

and beneath the skin of their faces

and beneath the skin of their faces necks and hands there was movement a

necks and hands there was movement a

necks and hands there was movement a sieve a roiling of their bloodstreams

sieve a roiling of their bloodstreams

sieve a roiling of their bloodstreams that was visible to the naked eye

that was visible to the naked eye

that was visible to the naked eye Dr Friedman who had seen a lot of rotted

Dr Friedman who had seen a lot of rotted

Dr Friedman who had seen a lot of rotted gums and decayed molars in his day had

gums and decayed molars in his day had

gums and decayed molars in his day had never seen this he staggered back

never seen this he staggered back

never seen this he staggered back screaming

screaming

screaming afraid to turn his back on Ironhead and

afraid to turn his back on Ironhead and

afraid to turn his back on Ironhead and Cuba he failed to notice he was moving

Cuba he failed to notice he was moving

Cuba he failed to notice he was moving directly toward Mike Snyder's remains

directly toward Mike Snyder's remains

directly toward Mike Snyder's remains which were now are viscous slippery

which were now are viscous slippery

which were now are viscous slippery coating on the floor and wall of the

coating on the floor and wall of the

coating on the floor and wall of the hallway behind him

hallway behind him

hallway behind him Dr Friedman hit the edge of the slick

Dr Friedman hit the edge of the slick

Dr Friedman hit the edge of the slick and his feet went out from under him he

and his feet went out from under him he

and his feet went out from under him he fell spinning and landed face down in

fell spinning and landed face down in

fell spinning and landed face down in the Merc of green

the Merc of green

the Merc of green he screamed again lifted his hands and

he screamed again lifted his hands and

he screamed again lifted his hands and stared in Terror at the excited fungal

stared in Terror at the excited fungal

stared in Terror at the excited fungal residue there

residue there

residue there he whipped his hands around in the air

he whipped his hands around in the air

he whipped his hands around in the air trying to shake the clingy substance off

trying to shake the clingy substance off

trying to shake the clingy substance off but it held fast

but it held fast

but it held fast he slapped his hands back down right in

he slapped his hands back down right in

he slapped his hands back down right in the middle of it to push off the floor

the middle of it to push off the floor

the middle of it to push off the floor and stand up his right hand slipped out

and stand up his right hand slipped out

and stand up his right hand slipped out from under him he fell back down onto

from under him he fell back down onto

from under him he fell back down onto his side rolled over onto his back and

his side rolled over onto his back and

his side rolled over onto his back and thrust himself back up on his feet

thrust himself back up on his feet

thrust himself back up on his feet now covered front and back in fungus Dr

now covered front and back in fungus Dr

now covered front and back in fungus Dr Friedman looked up at Griffin and the

Friedman looked up at Griffin and the

Friedman looked up at Griffin and the others eyes wide mouth a gape struck

others eyes wide mouth a gape struck

others eyes wide mouth a gape struck mute

mute

mute Griffin who still had his gun on his

Griffin who still had his gun on his

Griffin who still had his gun on his right hand swung it around and pointed

right hand swung it around and pointed

right hand swung it around and pointed it at Dr Friedman then panicked as he

it at Dr Friedman then panicked as he

it at Dr Friedman then panicked as he realized he was leaving Ironhead in Cuba

realized he was leaving Ironhead in Cuba

realized he was leaving Ironhead in Cuba uncovered and swung it back to them

uncovered and swung it back to them

uncovered and swung it back to them what the [ __ ] going on what the [ __ ]

what the [ __ ] going on what the [ __ ]

what the [ __ ] going on what the [ __ ] what the [ __ ] was all he could spit out

what the [ __ ] was all he could spit out

what the [ __ ] was all he could spit out blind with panic Dr Friedman turned and

blind with panic Dr Friedman turned and

blind with panic Dr Friedman turned and ran the others stood between him and the

ran the others stood between him and the

ran the others stood between him and the main exit but he'd seen both Tea cake

main exit but he'd seen both Tea cake

main exit but he'd seen both Tea cake and Naomi run in the other direction

and Naomi run in the other direction

and Naomi run in the other direction which meant there was probably a side

which meant there was probably a side

which meant there was probably a side entrance to be found someplace

entrance to be found someplace

entrance to be found someplace he barreled down the hallway around the

he barreled down the hallway around the

he barreled down the hallway around the corner and saw a red exit sign lit up at

corner and saw a red exit sign lit up at

corner and saw a red exit sign lit up at the far end he ran toward it as fast as

the far end he ran toward it as fast as

the far end he ran toward it as fast as he could

he could

he could raising his right hand he looked at the

raising his right hand he looked at the

raising his right hand he looked at the fungus while he ran it was on the move

fungus while he ran it was on the move

fungus while he ran it was on the move too wrapping around his fingers and

too wrapping around his fingers and

too wrapping around his fingers and penetrating his pores pushing the

penetrating his pores pushing the

penetrating his pores pushing the openings in his skin wider and wider

openings in his skin wider and wider

openings in his skin wider and wider clawing its way into his system

clawing its way into his system

clawing its way into his system through bobbing Vision he saw a door up

through bobbing Vision he saw a door up

through bobbing Vision he saw a door up ahead the one with the hole in the glass

ahead the one with the hole in the glass

ahead the one with the hole in the glass that Mike had smashed earlier he ran

that Mike had smashed earlier he ran

that Mike had smashed earlier he ran toward it knowing only that if he could

toward it knowing only that if he could

toward it knowing only that if he could get to his Harley he could go someplace

get to his Harley he could go someplace

get to his Harley he could go someplace safe somewhere he could wash this stuff

safe somewhere he could wash this stuff

safe somewhere he could wash this stuff off him and figure out what the hell was

off him and figure out what the hell was

off him and figure out what the hell was happening

happening

happening maybe he would drive straight to the

maybe he would drive straight to the

maybe he would drive straight to the hospital

hospital

hospital he banged through the door and hit the

he banged through the door and hit the

he banged through the door and hit the night air and felt a tiny bit better

night air and felt a tiny bit better

night air and felt a tiny bit better still moving as fast as he could he cut

still moving as fast as he could he cut

still moving as fast as he could he cut right and ran along the outer edge of

right and ran along the outer edge of

right and ran along the outer edge of the building

the building

the building motion sensor lights flicked on as he

motion sensor lights flicked on as he

motion sensor lights flicked on as he passed them there was a strange warmth

passed them there was a strange warmth

passed them there was a strange warmth spreading in his chest maybe it was just

spreading in his chest maybe it was just

spreading in his chest maybe it was just the exertion he thought but then he got

the exertion he thought but then he got

the exertion he thought but then he got the distinct and unsettling feeling that

the distinct and unsettling feeling that

the distinct and unsettling feeling that his scalp was crawling

his scalp was crawling

his scalp was crawling it was as if he wore a toupee and it had

it was as if he wore a toupee and it had

it was as if he wore a toupee and it had come to life moving around his head at

come to life moving around his head at

come to life moving around his head at will

will

will yes for sure the hospital he told

yes for sure the hospital he told

yes for sure the hospital he told himself as he neared the corner of the

himself as he neared the corner of the

himself as he neared the corner of the building I am definitely going to the

building I am definitely going to the

building I am definitely going to the hospital where am I again which one is

hospital where am I again which one is

hospital where am I again which one is closest oh yeah Waukesha Memorial on

closest oh yeah Waukesha Memorial on

closest oh yeah Waukesha Memorial on Highway 18. that's it I'll go straight

Highway 18. that's it I'll go straight

Highway 18. that's it I'll go straight there but [ __ ] I wonder if I can still

there but [ __ ] I wonder if I can still

there but [ __ ] I wonder if I can still ride he thought it's a dizzy fog started

ride he thought it's a dizzy fog started

ride he thought it's a dizzy fog started to descend on his brain

to descend on his brain

to descend on his brain he rounded a corner of the building now

he rounded a corner of the building now

he rounded a corner of the building now certain that he couldn't handle Harley

certain that he couldn't handle Harley

certain that he couldn't handle Harley in this condition hell he could barely

in this condition hell he could barely

in this condition hell he could barely ride one when he was in full possession

ride one when he was in full possession

ride one when he was in full possession of his faculties so when he saw the guy

of his faculties so when he saw the guy

of his faculties so when he saw the guy standing there the guy with the funny

standing there the guy with the funny

standing there the guy with the funny goggles on and something in his right

goggles on and something in his right

goggles on and something in his right hand he was relieved this this guy can

hand he was relieved this this guy can

hand he was relieved this this guy can help me this guy can do something

help me this guy can do something

help me this guy can do something get this [ __ ] off me he shouted to the

get this [ __ ] off me he shouted to the

get this [ __ ] off me he shouted to the man in the goggles

man in the goggles

man in the goggles then the something in the guy's right

then the something in the guy's right

then the something in the guy's right hand spat fire a few times something

hand spat fire a few times something

hand spat fire a few times something heavy and hot slammed into the dentist's

heavy and hot slammed into the dentist's

heavy and hot slammed into the dentist's chest and he started to fall

chest and he started to fall

chest and he started to fall that's weird he thought as the ground

that's weird he thought as the ground

that's weird he thought as the ground came up at him I get that I've just been

came up at him I get that I've just been

came up at him I get that I've just been shot but why is the guy with the gun

shot but why is the guy with the gun

shot but why is the guy with the gun falling too

falling too

falling too Dr Friedman hit the ground still alive

Dr Friedman hit the ground still alive

Dr Friedman hit the ground still alive for a few more seconds and saw his right

for a few more seconds and saw his right

for a few more seconds and saw his right hand erupt in what looked like green

hand erupt in what looked like green

hand erupt in what looked like green mushrooms

mushrooms

mushrooms he knew he was dying

he knew he was dying

he knew he was dying probably just as well

probably just as well

probably just as well he thought

33.

TK can Naomi were halfway down the tube

TK can Naomi were halfway down the tube

TK can Naomi were halfway down the tube ladder when TK realized he was going to

ladder when TK realized he was going to

ladder when TK realized he was going to have to get the rest of the way there

have to get the rest of the way there

have to get the rest of the way there mostly blind

mostly blind

mostly blind it was too bad because their entrance

it was too bad because their entrance

it was too bad because their entrance into the building and moved to the

into the building and moved to the

into the building and moved to the elevator had gone more smoothly than

elevator had gone more smoothly than

elevator had gone more smoothly than they'd anticipated

they'd anticipated

they'd anticipated hearing the shouts from the hallway near

hearing the shouts from the hallway near

hearing the shouts from the hallway near Griffin's storage locker they'd cut to

Griffin's storage locker they'd cut to

Griffin's storage locker they'd cut to the left gone down a parallel hallway

the left gone down a parallel hallway

the left gone down a parallel hallway and made it to the elevator without

and made it to the elevator without

and made it to the elevator without incident

incident

incident TK had insisted on going down the ladder

TK had insisted on going down the ladder

TK had insisted on going down the ladder first because the t-41 was a son of a

first because the t-41 was a son of a

first because the t-41 was a son of a [ __ ] on his back and his legs were

[ __ ] on his back and his legs were

[ __ ] on his back and his legs were trembling with lactic acid before they

trembling with lactic acid before they

trembling with lactic acid before they got to the first rung

got to the first rung

got to the first rung he was by no means confident he was

he was by no means confident he was

he was by no means confident he was going to be able to make it all the way

going to be able to make it all the way

going to be able to make it all the way down without slipping and falling and

down without slipping and falling and

down without slipping and falling and the backpack was so large it was pressed

the backpack was so large it was pressed

the backpack was so large it was pressed firmly up against the wall of the tube

firmly up against the wall of the tube

firmly up against the wall of the tube if he fell and Naomi was below him he

if he fell and Naomi was below him he

if he fell and Naomi was below him he would take her all the way down too

would take her all the way down too

would take her all the way down too couldn't let that happen

couldn't let that happen

couldn't let that happen everything about the suit made the climb

everything about the suit made the climb

everything about the suit made the climb down difficult the gloves were clunky

down difficult the gloves were clunky

down difficult the gloves were clunky and His Hands moved around inside them

and His Hands moved around inside them

and His Hands moved around inside them which made his grip on the ladder

which made his grip on the ladder

which made his grip on the ladder uncertain

uncertain

uncertain shifting his weight from one rung to the

shifting his weight from one rung to the

shifting his weight from one rung to the next required full concentration and a

next required full concentration and a

next required full concentration and a bit of luck

bit of luck

bit of luck the pack scraped along the wall as he

the pack scraped along the wall as he

the pack scraped along the wall as he went down producing friction that slowed

went down producing friction that slowed

went down producing friction that slowed him and made every movement harder than

him and made every movement harder than

him and made every movement harder than it needed to be

it needed to be

it needed to be but worst of all was the clouded mask

but worst of all was the clouded mask

but worst of all was the clouded mask the effort of lugging the extra 90

the effort of lugging the extra 90

the effort of lugging the extra 90 pounds that far had been grueling and he

pounds that far had been grueling and he

pounds that far had been grueling and he was sweating profusely by the time they

was sweating profusely by the time they

was sweating profusely by the time they started down the ladder

started down the ladder

started down the ladder the sweat wasn't the problem that was

the sweat wasn't the problem that was

the sweat wasn't the problem that was just uncomfortable but the inside of the

just uncomfortable but the inside of the

just uncomfortable but the inside of the plastic Shield was fogging up from his

plastic Shield was fogging up from his

plastic Shield was fogging up from his labored breathing

labored breathing

labored breathing the suit's oxygen recirculating system

the suit's oxygen recirculating system

the suit's oxygen recirculating system had been designed with some amount of

had been designed with some amount of

had been designed with some amount of condensation in mind but not this much

condensation in mind but not this much

condensation in mind but not this much the designers had never anticipated a

the designers had never anticipated a

the designers had never anticipated a full body workout while wearing the suit

full body workout while wearing the suit

full body workout while wearing the suit and the Heat and CO2 that TK was

and the Heat and CO2 that TK was

and the Heat and CO2 that TK was throwing off were more than it could

throwing off were more than it could

throwing off were more than it could compensate for

compensate for

compensate for I can't see he said to Naomi through the

I can't see he said to Naomi through the

I can't see he said to Naomi through the radio what she replied I can't see he

radio what she replied I can't see he

radio what she replied I can't see he shouted into the mask great he thought

shouted into the mask great he thought

shouted into the mask great he thought one of us is blind the other one's deaf

one of us is blind the other one's deaf

one of us is blind the other one's deaf this should be a breeze

this should be a breeze

this should be a breeze Naomi indeed had problems of her own

Naomi indeed had problems of her own

Naomi indeed had problems of her own climbing down with two hands had been

climbing down with two hands had been

climbing down with two hands had been difficult enough with no suit but now

difficult enough with no suit but now

difficult enough with no suit but now she faced all the same obstacles as tea

she faced all the same obstacles as tea

she faced all the same obstacles as tea cake plus she was clutching a fully

cake plus she was clutching a fully

cake plus she was clutching a fully loaded Glock 19.

loaded Glock 19.

loaded Glock 19. she'd had to climb every rung with her

she'd had to climb every rung with her

she'd had to climb every rung with her left hand while her right held the gun

left hand while her right held the gun

left hand while her right held the gun free that meant her left arm her weaker

free that meant her left arm her weaker

free that meant her left arm her weaker arm had been doing all the work it

arm had been doing all the work it

arm had been doing all the work it already burned so badly she almost

already burned so badly she almost

already burned so badly she almost couldn't feel it

couldn't feel it

couldn't feel it and then there was a hearing she was

and then there was a hearing she was

and then there was a hearing she was still deaf in her left ear in the ring

still deaf in her left ear in the ring

still deaf in her left ear in the ring in the right though it had abated

in the right though it had abated

in the right though it had abated intensified whenever the radio frequency

intensified whenever the radio frequency

intensified whenever the radio frequency was activated

was activated

was activated it was as if the suit was deliberately

it was as if the suit was deliberately

it was as if the suit was deliberately trying to mute everything TK said

trying to mute everything TK said

trying to mute everything TK said raising the level of the ringing to

raising the level of the ringing to

raising the level of the ringing to obscure his words then going back down

obscure his words then going back down

obscure his words then going back down when he was silent

when he was silent

when he was silent but his second shouted I can't see had

but his second shouted I can't see had

but his second shouted I can't see had gotten through clearly enough anyway and

gotten through clearly enough anyway and

gotten through clearly enough anyway and she shouted back why not sweat fogged up

she shouted back why not sweat fogged up

she shouted back why not sweat fogged up can you

can you

can you yeah mostly

yeah mostly

yeah mostly how much farther he asked

how much farther he asked

how much farther he asked she paused wrapping her left arm to the

she paused wrapping her left arm to the

she paused wrapping her left arm to the rungs of the ladder bending her torso

rungs of the ladder bending her torso

rungs of the ladder bending her torso back and to the right as much as she

back and to the right as much as she

back and to the right as much as she possibly could and strained her eyes all

possibly could and strained her eyes all

possibly could and strained her eyes all the way to the edge of her mask

the way to the edge of her mask

the way to the edge of her mask about 50 rungs maybe less

about 50 rungs maybe less

about 50 rungs maybe less okay

okay

okay he kept climbing down

he kept climbing down

he kept climbing down Naomi's left arm shook violently and she

Naomi's left arm shook violently and she

Naomi's left arm shook violently and she knew she'd have to take a chance and

knew she'd have to take a chance and

knew she'd have to take a chance and switch gun hands

switch gun hands

switch gun hands she pulled her right arm up and reached

she pulled her right arm up and reached

she pulled her right arm up and reached behind the rungs to pass the gun to her

behind the rungs to pass the gun to her

behind the rungs to pass the gun to her left

left

left it clanked against the rungs and she

it clanked against the rungs and she

it clanked against the rungs and she lost her grip on it

lost her grip on it

lost her grip on it her hand lashed out pinning the gun

her hand lashed out pinning the gun

her hand lashed out pinning the gun against the wall she was no longer

against the wall she was no longer

against the wall she was no longer holding it she was just sort of trapping

holding it she was just sort of trapping

holding it she was just sort of trapping it there with pressure

it there with pressure

it there with pressure TK must have heard the Clank and he

TK must have heard the Clank and he

TK must have heard the Clank and he asked her something in the headset but

asked her something in the headset but

asked her something in the headset but it was lost to her under the ringing

it was lost to her under the ringing

it was lost to her under the ringing sound

sound

sound she ignored him eyes focused on the gun

she ignored him eyes focused on the gun

she ignored him eyes focused on the gun still held tenuously up against the

still held tenuously up against the

still held tenuously up against the cement wall of the tube

cement wall of the tube

cement wall of the tube she stretched out the fingers of her

she stretched out the fingers of her

she stretched out the fingers of her left hand got one of them through the

left hand got one of them through the

left hand got one of them through the trigger housing and pulled her right arm

trigger housing and pulled her right arm

trigger housing and pulled her right arm free the gun spun over upside down held

free the gun spun over upside down held

free the gun spun over upside down held up only by her left index finger

up only by her left index finger

up only by her left index finger she readjusted her grip on the ladder

she readjusted her grip on the ladder

she readjusted her grip on the ladder now with her freed right arm and slowly

now with her freed right arm and slowly

now with her freed right arm and slowly withdrew her left from behind the ladder

withdrew her left from behind the ladder

withdrew her left from behind the ladder she closed her left hand around the

she closed her left hand around the

she closed her left hand around the handle of the gun and moved that arm

handle of the gun and moved that arm

handle of the gun and moved that arm free of the ladder

free of the ladder

free of the ladder blood flowed through her left biceps

blood flowed through her left biceps

blood flowed through her left biceps again washing away enough of the built

again washing away enough of the built

again washing away enough of the built up acid to give her some amount of

up acid to give her some amount of

up acid to give her some amount of relief

relief

relief she closed her eyes grateful

she closed her eyes grateful

she closed her eyes grateful she looked down

she looked down

she looked down Tea cake was about 10 rungs below her

Tea cake was about 10 rungs below her

Tea cake was about 10 rungs below her she continued her descent

34.

flat on his back Roberto stared up at

flat on his back Roberto stared up at

flat on his back Roberto stared up at the sky

the sky

the sky this is why he thought this is why I

this is why he thought this is why I

this is why he thought this is why I didn't take the backpack in case this

didn't take the backpack in case this

didn't take the backpack in case this happened

happened

happened God I hate being right all the time

God I hate being right all the time

God I hate being right all the time there weren't as many stars out as

there weren't as many stars out as

there weren't as many stars out as before heavy clouds had blown in and

before heavy clouds had blown in and

before heavy clouds had blown in and obscured them making the night darker

obscured them making the night darker

obscured them making the night darker he looked up at the heavens and wondered

he looked up at the heavens and wondered

he looked up at the heavens and wondered if the satellite looked down window was

if the satellite looked down window was

if the satellite looked down window was still open if the thing was somewhere

still open if the thing was somewhere

still open if the thing was somewhere overhead right now

overhead right now

overhead right now were osgar andar and his girlfriend

were osgar andar and his girlfriend

were osgar andar and his girlfriend Stephanie watching him at this very

Stephanie watching him at this very

Stephanie watching him at this very moment on Oscar's laptop sitting up in

moment on Oscar's laptop sitting up in

moment on Oscar's laptop sitting up in bed wondering why the hell the guy who

bed wondering why the hell the guy who

bed wondering why the hell the guy who fired the gun was just lying there on

fired the gun was just lying there on

fired the gun was just lying there on his back not doing anything

his back not doing anything

his back not doing anything being right was little Comfort to

being right was little Comfort to

being right was little Comfort to Roberto given his current position

Roberto given his current position

Roberto given his current position initially he thought he was paralyzed

initially he thought he was paralyzed

initially he thought he was paralyzed from the waist down but after a minute

from the waist down but after a minute

from the waist down but after a minute or two some of the tingling had eased

or two some of the tingling had eased

or two some of the tingling had eased replaced by intense paralyzing pain in

replaced by intense paralyzing pain in

replaced by intense paralyzing pain in the lower half of his body

the lower half of his body

the lower half of his body getting up was out of the question as

getting up was out of the question as

getting up was out of the question as we're crawling rolling and any other

we're crawling rolling and any other

we're crawling rolling and any other form of locomotion he could think of

form of locomotion he could think of

form of locomotion he could think of he was on his back with his head near

he was on his back with his head near

he was on his back with his head near the front door of the building and if he

the front door of the building and if he

the front door of the building and if he turned it to the left which was only

turned it to the left which was only

turned it to the left which was only possible with its own unique hell of

possible with its own unique hell of

possible with its own unique hell of shooting pain he could see Dr Friedman's

shooting pain he could see Dr Friedman's

shooting pain he could see Dr Friedman's dead body on the ground five or six feet

dead body on the ground five or six feet

dead body on the ground five or six feet away from him

away from him

away from him okay Roberto thought okay he counted

okay Roberto thought okay he counted

okay Roberto thought okay he counted breaths to steady himself

breaths to steady himself

breaths to steady himself I'm here now

I'm here now

I'm here now I'm here now

I'm here now

I'm here now he was still wearing the thermal imaging

he was still wearing the thermal imaging

he was still wearing the thermal imaging goggles and he could see that the dense

goggles and he could see that the dense

goggles and he could see that the dense amount of thick fungus on the dead man's

amount of thick fungus on the dead man's

amount of thick fungus on the dead man's body was very much alive and quite

body was very much alive and quite

body was very much alive and quite industrious

industrious

industrious the churning ooze was already moving off

the churning ooze was already moving off

the churning ooze was already moving off the Corpse to explore its environment

the Corpse to explore its environment

the Corpse to explore its environment but it seemed to have slowed as soon as

but it seemed to have slowed as soon as

but it seemed to have slowed as soon as it hit the gravel on the ground beneath

it hit the gravel on the ground beneath

it hit the gravel on the ground beneath them

them

them slowed but not stopped

slowed but not stopped

slowed but not stopped Roberto heard a chirping sound from

Roberto heard a chirping sound from

Roberto heard a chirping sound from nearby and his eyes searched the area

nearby and his eyes searched the area

nearby and his eyes searched the area around him his Bluetooth had been

around him his Bluetooth had been

around him his Bluetooth had been knocked out when he hit the ground and

knocked out when he hit the ground and

knocked out when he hit the ground and lay about five feet from him lighting up

lay about five feet from him lighting up

lay about five feet from him lighting up with a soft blue glow as it rang

with a soft blue glow as it rang

with a soft blue glow as it rang it would be Abigail calling in to say

it would be Abigail calling in to say

it would be Abigail calling in to say what are you doing man why don't you get

what are you doing man why don't you get

what are you doing man why don't you get up but getting himself five feet across

up but getting himself five feet across

up but getting himself five feet across the gravel to answer a phone call was

the gravel to answer a phone call was

the gravel to answer a phone call was beyond his capabilities

beyond his capabilities

beyond his capabilities Roberto turned his head again this time

Roberto turned his head again this time

Roberto turned his head again this time craning it backward digging the back of

craning it backward digging the back of

craning it backward digging the back of his skull into the gravel as hard as he

his skull into the gravel as hard as he

his skull into the gravel as hard as he could and rolling his eyes up to get a

could and rolling his eyes up to get a

could and rolling his eyes up to get a look at the entrance to the building

look at the entrance to the building

look at the entrance to the building it was upside down but he could see it

it was upside down but he could see it

it was upside down but he could see it the lights were on inside and he could

the lights were on inside and he could

the lights were on inside and he could hear screaming and shouting

hear screaming and shouting

hear screaming and shouting no one appeared to be coming out at

no one appeared to be coming out at

no one appeared to be coming out at least not yet and he wasn't sure what he

least not yet and he wasn't sure what he

least not yet and he wasn't sure what he would do if they did

would do if they did

would do if they did he looked down at the ground and saw the

he looked down at the ground and saw the

he looked down at the ground and saw the machine pistol just a foot away from his

machine pistol just a foot away from his

machine pistol just a foot away from his right hand

right hand

right hand a foot

a foot

a foot 12 inches

12 inches

12 inches that was maybe possible

that was maybe possible

that was maybe possible he dug his fingers into the gravel

he dug his fingers into the gravel

he dug his fingers into the gravel summoned himself and clawed toward it

summoned himself and clawed toward it

summoned himself and clawed toward it his upper body moved an inch and a half

his upper body moved an inch and a half

his upper body moved an inch and a half and he screamed in agony his vision

and he screamed in agony his vision

and he screamed in agony his vision blurred and doubled and he felt himself

blurred and doubled and he felt himself

blurred and doubled and he felt himself nearly pass out

nearly pass out

nearly pass out but then it cleared and he was an inch

but then it cleared and he was an inch

but then it cleared and he was an inch and a half closer

and a half closer

and a half closer he raised his eyes looking at the three

he raised his eyes looking at the three

he raised his eyes looking at the three still operative Harleys leaning on their

still operative Harleys leaning on their

still operative Harleys leaning on their kickstands awaiting their Riders

kickstands awaiting their Riders

kickstands awaiting their Riders nobody leaves

nobody leaves

nobody leaves Roberto dug his fingers into the gravel

Roberto dug his fingers into the gravel

Roberto dug his fingers into the gravel again repeated the motion screamed again

again repeated the motion screamed again

again repeated the motion screamed again and felt the darkness nearly descend

and felt the darkness nearly descend

and felt the darkness nearly descend nearly but not quite

nearly but not quite

nearly but not quite nine inches to go

nine inches to go

nine inches to go he would get to the gun or pass out

he would get to the gun or pass out

he would get to the gun or pass out trying

back in the hallway outside g413 Griffin

back in the hallway outside g413 Griffin

back in the hallway outside g413 Griffin had pivoted from Dr Friedman as soon as

had pivoted from Dr Friedman as soon as

had pivoted from Dr Friedman as soon as the dentist had disappeared around the

the dentist had disappeared around the

the dentist had disappeared around the corner

corner

corner he pointed the gun at Ironhead in Cuba

he pointed the gun at Ironhead in Cuba

he pointed the gun at Ironhead in Cuba swinging it wildly from one to the other

swinging it wildly from one to the other

swinging it wildly from one to the other stay the [ __ ] away from me the [ __ ] away

stay the [ __ ] away from me the [ __ ] away

stay the [ __ ] away from me the [ __ ] away from me stay the [ __ ] he'd managed to

from me stay the [ __ ] he'd managed to

from me stay the [ __ ] he'd managed to spit out though they were making no

spit out though they were making no

spit out though they were making no attempt to advance on him

attempt to advance on him

attempt to advance on him Cuba raised her hands and spoke first

Cuba raised her hands and spoke first

Cuba raised her hands and spoke first easy man

easy man

easy man yo come on Griff Ironhead chimed in

yo come on Griff Ironhead chimed in

yo come on Griff Ironhead chimed in soothingly we're all in the same boat

soothingly we're all in the same boat

soothingly we're all in the same boat here

here

here Griffin looked at the locker behind him

Griffin looked at the locker behind him

Griffin looked at the locker behind him its walls ceiling floor and TV boxes

its walls ceiling floor and TV boxes

its walls ceiling floor and TV boxes covered with pulsating Globs of fungus

covered with pulsating Globs of fungus

covered with pulsating Globs of fungus What boat what the [ __ ] kind of boat

What boat what the [ __ ] kind of boat

What boat what the [ __ ] kind of boat what [ __ ] boat are you [ __ ]

what [ __ ] boat are you [ __ ]

what [ __ ] boat are you [ __ ] talking about what the [ __ ] is going on

talking about what the [ __ ] is going on

talking about what the [ __ ] is going on Ironhead took a step forward his hands

Ironhead took a step forward his hands

Ironhead took a step forward his hands up Palms out and his tone calm

up Palms out and his tone calm

up Palms out and his tone calm definitely some strange what have you

definitely some strange what have you

definitely some strange what have you taken place here my friend I know you

taken place here my friend I know you

taken place here my friend I know you weren't even in there man

weren't even in there man

weren't even in there man that was horrible Cuba added and she

that was horrible Cuba added and she

that was horrible Cuba added and she meant it it's okay her brain told it

meant it it's okay her brain told it

meant it it's okay her brain told it everything's fine better if you all just

everything's fine better if you all just

everything's fine better if you all just get out of here

get out of here

get out of here what do you say we all get out of here

what do you say we all get out of here

what do you say we all get out of here she suggested

she suggested

she suggested yeah no [ __ ] we're leaving you first

yeah no [ __ ] we're leaving you first

yeah no [ __ ] we're leaving you first Griffin said gesturing with the gun you

Griffin said gesturing with the gun you

Griffin said gesturing with the gun you go ahead of me sure man no problem iin

go ahead of me sure man no problem iin

go ahead of me sure man no problem iin had said he turned and looked at Cuba

had said he turned and looked at Cuba

had said he turned and looked at Cuba and nodded his head toward the entrance

and nodded his head toward the entrance

and nodded his head toward the entrance and started walking that way she fell

and started walking that way she fell

and started walking that way she fell and destroyed beside him

and destroyed beside him

and destroyed beside him Ironhead was cool best he'd felt in a

Ironhead was cool best he'd felt in a

Ironhead was cool best he'd felt in a long time but dude behind you is crazy

long time but dude behind you is crazy

long time but dude behind you is crazy his brain told him don't do anything to

his brain told him don't do anything to

his brain told him don't do anything to upset him he doesn't know up from down

upset him he doesn't know up from down

upset him he doesn't know up from down let's just go

let's just go

let's just go they kept walking as they reached the

they kept walking as they reached the

they kept walking as they reached the corner Griffin looked back over his

corner Griffin looked back over his

corner Griffin looked back over his shoulder at the mess in the hallway and

shoulder at the mess in the hallway and

shoulder at the mess in the hallway and the greater mass oozing out of the

the greater mass oozing out of the

the greater mass oozing out of the storage locker forget figuring out what

storage locker forget figuring out what

storage locker forget figuring out what was going on none of it made any sense

was going on none of it made any sense

was going on none of it made any sense he just wanted to get gone

he just wanted to get gone

he just wanted to get gone he turned back to the front and watched

he turned back to the front and watched

he turned back to the front and watched Ironhead and Cuba as they walked ahead

Ironhead and Cuba as they walked ahead

Ironhead and Cuba as they walked ahead there was something on the backs of

there was something on the backs of

there was something on the backs of their necks or in the back of their

their necks or in the back of their

their necks or in the back of their necks Maybe

necks Maybe

necks Maybe the skin was modeled and moving

the skin was modeled and moving

the skin was modeled and moving pulsating from underneath

pulsating from underneath

pulsating from underneath didn't care what they did once they got

didn't care what they did once they got

didn't care what they did once they got outside but for himself he was getting

outside but for himself he was getting

outside but for himself he was getting on his fat boy and putting as many miles

on his fat boy and putting as many miles

on his fat boy and putting as many miles between him and this place as he

between him and this place as he

between him and this place as he possibly could

possibly could

possibly could if anybody got in his way they were

if anybody got in his way they were

if anybody got in his way they were going down

going down

going down ahead of him Ironhead and Cuba were calm

ahead of him Ironhead and Cuba were calm

ahead of him Ironhead and Cuba were calm they weren't thinking much the thoughts

they weren't thinking much the thoughts

they weren't thinking much the thoughts they had were clean and focused

they had were clean and focused

they had were clean and focused cordyceps Novus was a quick study and it

cordyceps Novus was a quick study and it

cordyceps Novus was a quick study and it modulated its technique with enormous

modulated its technique with enormous

modulated its technique with enormous success in the last 24 hours

success in the last 24 hours

success in the last 24 hours a singular urge to climb that had been

a singular urge to climb that had been

a singular urge to climb that had been effective as a means of escape from

effective as a means of escape from

effective as a means of escape from sub-level 4 had proven less useful in

sub-level 4 had proven less useful in

sub-level 4 had proven less useful in the case of Mr Scroggins who blew his

the case of Mr Scroggins who blew his

the case of Mr Scroggins who blew his gut to the top of a tree for relatively

gut to the top of a tree for relatively

gut to the top of a tree for relatively little payoff

little payoff

little payoff Mike Snyder on the other hand had proven

Mike Snyder on the other hand had proven

Mike Snyder on the other hand had proven the vastly superior dispersal

the vastly superior dispersal

the vastly superior dispersal possibilities available in lateral

possibilities available in lateral

possibilities available in lateral movement and the many colonies of the

movement and the many colonies of the

movement and the many colonies of the fungus that had sprung up in human

fungus that had sprung up in human

fungus that had sprung up in human beings needed only to find others like

beings needed only to find others like

beings needed only to find others like themselves to ensure maximum spread and

themselves to ensure maximum spread and

themselves to ensure maximum spread and reproduction

reproduction

reproduction though it can't think in those terms or

though it can't think in those terms or

though it can't think in those terms or think at all per se a fungus knows what

think at all per se a fungus knows what

think at all per se a fungus knows what works and what doesn't and it pursues

works and what doesn't and it pursues

works and what doesn't and it pursues the former as vigorously and completely

the former as vigorously and completely

the former as vigorously and completely as it disregards the latter

as it disregards the latter

as it disregards the latter climbing houses and trees was out

climbing houses and trees was out

climbing houses and trees was out spreading further into the human

spreading further into the human

spreading further into the human population was in

population was in

population was in Ironhead and Cuba were completely at

Ironhead and Cuba were completely at

Ironhead and Cuba were completely at peace focused on one goal leave

peace focused on one goal leave

peace focused on one goal leave go to town their brains told them right

go to town their brains told them right

go to town their brains told them right out of here and into town where more

out of here and into town where more

out of here and into town where more people are

people are

people are they rounded another corner

they rounded another corner

they rounded another corner up ahead the fluorescent lights of the

up ahead the fluorescent lights of the

up ahead the fluorescent lights of the lobby were visible

lobby were visible

lobby were visible they headed toward them

35.

the floor of the sub-basement thunked

the floor of the sub-basement thunked

the floor of the sub-basement thunked into the bottom of tea Cake's boot

into the bottom of tea Cake's boot

into the bottom of tea Cake's boot didn't see that last step coming this

didn't see that last step coming this

didn't see that last step coming this time either

time either

time either he stepped off the ladder and wedged

he stepped off the ladder and wedged

he stepped off the ladder and wedged himself back against the wall of the

himself back against the wall of the

himself back against the wall of the tube as far as he could get

tube as far as he could get

tube as far as he could get but it wasn't far enough to clear any

but it wasn't far enough to clear any

but it wasn't far enough to clear any room for Naomi to join him

room for Naomi to join him

room for Naomi to join him hang on he said into his helmet

hang on he said into his helmet

hang on he said into his helmet Naomi winced at the Screech and crackle

Naomi winced at the Screech and crackle

Naomi winced at the Screech and crackle in her ear and couldn't make out the

in her ear and couldn't make out the

in her ear and couldn't make out the words but she caught the meaning she

words but she caught the meaning she

words but she caught the meaning she stopped and turned looking down

stopped and turned looking down

stopped and turned looking down she could see Tea cake at the bottom but

she could see Tea cake at the bottom but

she could see Tea cake at the bottom but the half barrel shaped pack was so big

the half barrel shaped pack was so big

the half barrel shaped pack was so big he could barely turn around much less

he could barely turn around much less

he could barely turn around much less move enough to make room for her

move enough to make room for her

move enough to make room for her opening the pack and activating the

opening the pack and activating the

opening the pack and activating the device in that tiny space was out of the

device in that tiny space was out of the

device in that tiny space was out of the question

question

question you're gonna have to open the door she

you're gonna have to open the door she

you're gonna have to open the door she shouted into her microphone

shouted into her microphone

shouted into her microphone and enraged inarticulate Screech came

and enraged inarticulate Screech came

and enraged inarticulate Screech came back from Tea cake but she understood

back from Tea cake but she understood

back from Tea cake but she understood perfectly well what it meant

perfectly well what it meant

perfectly well what it meant under no circumstances would he open

under no circumstances would he open

under no circumstances would he open that door

that door

that door she proceeded on that assumption and

she proceeded on that assumption and

she proceeded on that assumption and replied

replied

replied there's no room to take that thing off

there's no room to take that thing off

there's no room to take that thing off TK looked up at her through the thickly

TK looked up at her through the thickly

TK looked up at her through the thickly clouded face mask

clouded face mask

clouded face mask you can see the white blur of her suit

you can see the white blur of her suit

you can see the white blur of her suit and her arm extended pointing toward the

and her arm extended pointing toward the

and her arm extended pointing toward the heavy metal door

heavy metal door

heavy metal door he turned tried shaking his head in the

he turned tried shaking his head in the

he turned tried shaking his head in the hoped that some beads of sweat would fly

hoped that some beads of sweat would fly

hoped that some beads of sweat would fly off his face hit the mask and streak

off his face hit the mask and streak

off his face hit the mask and streak paths through the condensation

paths through the condensation

paths through the condensation it worked sort of and a tiny ribbon was

it worked sort of and a tiny ribbon was

it worked sort of and a tiny ribbon was wiped clear just enough for him to get a

wiped clear just enough for him to get a

wiped clear just enough for him to get a sense of where the large handle was that

sense of where the large handle was that

sense of where the large handle was that would release the door mechanism

would release the door mechanism

would release the door mechanism he reached out and gripped it

he reached out and gripped it

he reached out and gripped it if he hadn't been wearing the Hazmat

if he hadn't been wearing the Hazmat

if he hadn't been wearing the Hazmat gloves Tea cake would have felt the heat

gloves Tea cake would have felt the heat

gloves Tea cake would have felt the heat immediately and there's no way in hell

immediately and there's no way in hell

immediately and there's no way in hell he would have opened the door but

he would have opened the door but

he would have opened the door but through the thick plastic layer he

through the thick plastic layer he

through the thick plastic layer he couldn't tell there was any difference

couldn't tell there was any difference

couldn't tell there was any difference on the other side of the door the

on the other side of the door the

on the other side of the door the situation had changed radically in the

situation had changed radically in the

situation had changed radically in the past 10 minutes

past 10 minutes

past 10 minutes the trail of fungus that had been

the trail of fungus that had been

the trail of fungus that had been creeping across the floor from the

creeping across the floor from the

creeping across the floor from the depleted mass of the Rat King had

depleted mass of the Rat King had

depleted mass of the Rat King had reached the small puddle of water on the

reached the small puddle of water on the

reached the small puddle of water on the floor beneath one of the sweaty cooling

floor beneath one of the sweaty cooling

floor beneath one of the sweaty cooling pipes

pipes

pipes throughout its entire history as a

throughout its entire history as a

throughout its entire history as a species cordyceps Novus in all its

species cordyceps Novus in all its

species cordyceps Novus in all its mutated forms had never run across pure

mutated forms had never run across pure

mutated forms had never run across pure H2O

H2O

H2O from its birth inside a sealed oxygen

from its birth inside a sealed oxygen

from its birth inside a sealed oxygen tank through its brief childhood in the

tank through its brief childhood in the

tank through its brief childhood in the Arid Australian Outback and even in its

Arid Australian Outback and even in its

Arid Australian Outback and even in its recent experiences inside the

recent experiences inside the

recent experiences inside the bloodstream of human bodies water had

bloodstream of human bodies water had

bloodstream of human bodies water had been a rare and heavily diluted

been a rare and heavily diluted

been a rare and heavily diluted substance

substance

substance even in abundance inside a mammal it was

even in abundance inside a mammal it was

even in abundance inside a mammal it was corrupted by other elements its

corrupted by other elements its

corrupted by other elements its essential power limited

essential power limited

essential power limited the moment the fungus broke the surface

the moment the fungus broke the surface

the moment the fungus broke the surface tension of the water molecules at the

tension of the water molecules at the

tension of the water molecules at the edge of the puddle it had undergone a

edge of the puddle it had undergone a

edge of the puddle it had undergone a profound and spectacular blossoming

profound and spectacular blossoming

profound and spectacular blossoming it bloomed into the puddle like a

it bloomed into the puddle like a

it bloomed into the puddle like a time-lapse film of a flower in

time-lapse film of a flower in

time-lapse film of a flower in springtime

springtime

springtime it shot up the rivulet that had run down

it shot up the rivulet that had run down

it shot up the rivulet that had run down the wall within a matter of seconds

the wall within a matter of seconds

the wall within a matter of seconds and it attacked the outside of the

and it attacked the outside of the

and it attacked the outside of the sweaty overhead pipe with fervor

sweaty overhead pipe with fervor

sweaty overhead pipe with fervor it grew along the length of the pipe in

it grew along the length of the pipe in

it grew along the length of the pipe in both directions

both directions

both directions sprouting and dripping onto the floor in

sprouting and dripping onto the floor in

sprouting and dripping onto the floor in great gobs of living organism

great gobs of living organism

great gobs of living organism everywhere it contacted the pipe it set

everywhere it contacted the pipe it set

everywhere it contacted the pipe it set to work with great industry deploying

to work with great industry deploying

to work with great industry deploying copious amounts of benzene X now a steel

copious amounts of benzene X now a steel

copious amounts of benzene X now a steel eating acidic substance determined to

eating acidic substance determined to

eating acidic substance determined to chew through the pipe and free the

chew through the pipe and free the

chew through the pipe and free the flowing Waters Within

flowing Waters Within

flowing Waters Within once it broke through it would open the

once it broke through it would open the

once it broke through it would open the way for the fungus to spread like

way for the fungus to spread like

way for the fungus to spread like wildfire through the pipe into the

wildfire through the pipe into the

wildfire through the pipe into the groundwater

groundwater

groundwater and then the Missouri River Beyond

and then the Missouri River Beyond

and then the Missouri River Beyond as the chemical reactions rage the

as the chemical reactions rage the

as the chemical reactions rage the temperature in the hallway had risen it

temperature in the hallway had risen it

temperature in the hallway had risen it topped 80 degrees when Tea cake turned

topped 80 degrees when Tea cake turned

topped 80 degrees when Tea cake turned the handle on the door

the handle on the door

the handle on the door the interlocking metal bolts slid out of

the interlocking metal bolts slid out of

the interlocking metal bolts slid out of their guide tracks and the door swung

their guide tracks and the door swung

their guide tracks and the door swung inward

inward

inward holy Jesus Christ he said looking into

holy Jesus Christ he said looking into

holy Jesus Christ he said looking into the hot house now dense with active

the hot house now dense with active

the hot house now dense with active visible growth

visible growth

visible growth aerosolized bits and spores hung and

aerosolized bits and spores hung and

aerosolized bits and spores hung and swirled heavily in the air all around

swirled heavily in the air all around

swirled heavily in the air all around him

him

him through Naomi's headset all she heard of

through Naomi's headset all she heard of

through Naomi's headset all she heard of his voice was a tooth grinding shriek

his voice was a tooth grinding shriek

his voice was a tooth grinding shriek but she saw what he saw and had no

but she saw what he saw and had no

but she saw what he saw and had no interest in pausing to admire it

interest in pausing to admire it

interest in pausing to admire it around shouting into her microphone

around shouting into her microphone

around shouting into her microphone unbuckle the front straps

unbuckle the front straps

unbuckle the front straps he's set to work with fumbling hands to

he's set to work with fumbling hands to

he's set to work with fumbling hands to undo the leather straps and get the t-41

undo the leather straps and get the t-41

undo the leather straps and get the t-41 off his back so they could activate it

off his back so they could activate it

off his back so they could activate it and get the hell out of there

and get the hell out of there

and get the hell out of there the buckles on the bottom came off

the buckles on the bottom came off

the buckles on the bottom came off easily enough and his shoulders seemed

easily enough and his shoulders seemed

easily enough and his shoulders seemed to float as Naomi lifted the weight off

to float as Naomi lifted the weight off

to float as Naomi lifted the weight off from behind

from behind

from behind he fell forward his upper body surging

he fell forward his upper body surging

he fell forward his upper body surging with relief and for a moment he felt

with relief and for a moment he felt

with relief and for a moment he felt like he was flying

like he was flying

like he was flying he could hear the backpack thud to the

he could hear the backpack thud to the

he could hear the backpack thud to the cement floor behind him and he stumbled

cement floor behind him and he stumbled

cement floor behind him and he stumbled forward against the tube wall staring in

forward against the tube wall staring in

forward against the tube wall staring in disbelief for the gurgling mass of

disbelief for the gurgling mass of

disbelief for the gurgling mass of fungus covering the walls and floor of

fungus covering the walls and floor of

fungus covering the walls and floor of the hallway

the hallway

the hallway you could hear the snap of the leather

you could hear the snap of the leather

you could hear the snap of the leather and the rustle of canvas as Naomi opened

and the rustle of canvas as Naomi opened

and the rustle of canvas as Naomi opened the pack in the way Roberto had

the pack in the way Roberto had

the pack in the way Roberto had demonstrated

demonstrated

demonstrated son of a [ __ ] she said

son of a [ __ ] she said

son of a [ __ ] she said Tea cake pushed himself against the wall

Tea cake pushed himself against the wall

Tea cake pushed himself against the wall and turned around

and turned around

and turned around Naomi was on her knees bent over the

Naomi was on her knees bent over the

Naomi was on her knees bent over the backpack its top was opened a tangle of

backpack its top was opened a tangle of

backpack its top was opened a tangle of belts ropes and buckles dripping off its

belts ropes and buckles dripping off its

belts ropes and buckles dripping off its sides there were enough warning stickers

sides there were enough warning stickers

sides there were enough warning stickers plastered to the inside of the lid to

plastered to the inside of the lid to

plastered to the inside of the lid to scare off all but the most dedicated

scare off all but the most dedicated

scare off all but the most dedicated Kamikaze Soldier

Kamikaze Soldier

Kamikaze Soldier nestled on a padded bottom of the pack

nestled on a padded bottom of the pack

nestled on a padded bottom of the pack was an impossibly Antiquated looking

was an impossibly Antiquated looking

was an impossibly Antiquated looking pair of metal tubes lying side by side

pair of metal tubes lying side by side

pair of metal tubes lying side by side there was a small square box beside each

there was a small square box beside each

there was a small square box beside each of them a neutron generator and a red

of them a neutron generator and a red

of them a neutron generator and a red fitted cap at one end of each the bullet

fitted cap at one end of each the bullet

fitted cap at one end of each the bullet that would fire into the tube's fissile

that would fire into the tube's fissile

that would fire into the tube's fissile core

core

core there was a snarl of wires that led from

there was a snarl of wires that led from

there was a snarl of wires that led from the explosive caps to a thing that

the explosive caps to a thing that

the explosive caps to a thing that looked suspiciously like an on off

looked suspiciously like an on off

looked suspiciously like an on off switch set in its downward position

switch set in its downward position

switch set in its downward position it seemed like it could be maneuvered

it seemed like it could be maneuvered

it seemed like it could be maneuvered manually if necessary but was also

manually if necessary but was also

manually if necessary but was also connected by a web of wires to a small

connected by a web of wires to a small

connected by a web of wires to a small square digital timer

square digital timer

square digital timer the timer was the problem

the timer was the problem

the timer was the problem it was set at four minutes and 47

it was set at four minutes and 47

it was set at four minutes and 47 seconds

seconds

seconds and it was already counting down

and it was already counting down

and it was already counting down Naomi looked up a tea cake

Naomi looked up a tea cake

Naomi looked up a tea cake the son of a [ __ ] started it

36.

upstairs the son of a [ __ ] sincerely

upstairs the son of a [ __ ] sincerely

upstairs the son of a [ __ ] sincerely hoped they'd reached the bottom open the

hoped they'd reached the bottom open the

hoped they'd reached the bottom open the pack and seen the timer by now

pack and seen the timer by now

pack and seen the timer by now he'd hated to do it to them but there

he'd hated to do it to them but there

he'd hated to do it to them but there really was no other choice

really was no other choice

really was no other choice they'd look strong and fit and if they'd

they'd look strong and fit and if they'd

they'd look strong and fit and if they'd made it this far through the night

made it this far through the night

made it this far through the night without dying he figured it was

without dying he figured it was

without dying he figured it was reasonable to think they'd be

reasonable to think they'd be

reasonable to think they'd be resourceful enough to get themselves out

resourceful enough to get themselves out

resourceful enough to get themselves out in time

in time

in time he truly believed that

he truly believed that

he truly believed that or maybe he just decided to believe it

or maybe he just decided to believe it

or maybe he just decided to believe it as for himself things didn't look

as for himself things didn't look

as for himself things didn't look promising he finally had his fingers on

promising he finally had his fingers on

promising he finally had his fingers on the butt end of the machine pistol but

the butt end of the machine pistol but

the butt end of the machine pistol but the darkness kept creeping in around the

the darkness kept creeping in around the

the darkness kept creeping in around the corners of his Consciousness every time

corners of his Consciousness every time

corners of his Consciousness every time he moved

he moved

he moved the kind of pain he'd experienced in

the kind of pain he'd experienced in

the kind of pain he'd experienced in moving his body 12 inches across the

moving his body 12 inches across the

moving his body 12 inches across the gravel had been entirely new to him an

gravel had been entirely new to him an

gravel had been entirely new to him an intensity of discomfort he hadn't

intensity of discomfort he hadn't

intensity of discomfort he hadn't dreamed possible

dreamed possible

dreamed possible still he'd managed to get his hand on

still he'd managed to get his hand on

still he'd managed to get his hand on the gun and with one last superhuman

the gun and with one last superhuman

the gun and with one last superhuman effort he brought it up off the ground

effort he brought it up off the ground

effort he brought it up off the ground aiming it unsteadily at the last three

aiming it unsteadily at the last three

aiming it unsteadily at the last three motorcycles and squeezing the trigger

motorcycles and squeezing the trigger

motorcycles and squeezing the trigger the Heckler and Coke could hold

the Heckler and Coke could hold

the Heckler and Coke could hold magazines of either 15 30 or 40 rounds

magazines of either 15 30 or 40 rounds

magazines of either 15 30 or 40 rounds but Roberto didn't know which was in at

but Roberto didn't know which was in at

but Roberto didn't know which was in at the moment there's no way Trinny would

the moment there's no way Trinny would

the moment there's no way Trinny would have left him with just 15 but the 40

have left him with just 15 but the 40

have left him with just 15 but the 40 had an extra couple of inches that made

had an extra couple of inches that made

had an extra couple of inches that made the gun harder to maneuver so he was

the gun harder to maneuver so he was

the gun harder to maneuver so he was betting on 30.

betting on 30.

betting on 30. the first two-shot burst collapsed the

the first two-shot burst collapsed the

the first two-shot burst collapsed the front end of the first bike which

front end of the first bike which

front end of the first bike which toppled over into the second

toppled over into the second

toppled over into the second as the second bike fell away from him he

as the second bike fell away from him he

as the second bike fell away from him he closed one eye and aimed for its rear

closed one eye and aimed for its rear

closed one eye and aimed for its rear tire but on its side it now offered a

tire but on its side it now offered a

tire but on its side it now offered a more slender angle

more slender angle

more slender angle it took three shots for him to be

it took three shots for him to be

it took three shots for him to be certain that bike was disabled and when

certain that bike was disabled and when

certain that bike was disabled and when it fell it left a clear path to the

it fell it left a clear path to the

it fell it left a clear path to the third bike

third bike

third bike that one was farthest away and the

that one was farthest away and the

that one was farthest away and the thermal imaging goggles weren't helpful

thermal imaging goggles weren't helpful

thermal imaging goggles weren't helpful with no heat coming off the thing so he

with no heat coming off the thing so he

with no heat coming off the thing so he sprayed four shots along the length of

sprayed four shots along the length of

sprayed four shots along the length of the Harley to be sure it was left

the Harley to be sure it was left

the Harley to be sure it was left unusable

unusable

unusable if his count was true he had used 14

if his count was true he had used 14

if his count was true he had used 14 shots which left him with 16 for anybody

shots which left him with 16 for anybody

shots which left him with 16 for anybody who came out the door

who came out the door

who came out the door behind him he heard voices he arched his

behind him he heard voices he arched his

behind him he heard voices he arched his head back again digging the back of his

head back again digging the back of his

head back again digging the back of his skull into the gravel and looking at the

skull into the gravel and looking at the

skull into the gravel and looking at the door to the lobby upside down through

door to the lobby upside down through

door to the lobby upside down through the heat vision goggles

the heat vision goggles

the heat vision goggles he blinked the sweat out of his eyes and

he blinked the sweat out of his eyes and

he blinked the sweat out of his eyes and could make out figures coming this way a

could make out figures coming this way a

could make out figures coming this way a man and a woman in front and someone

man and a woman in front and someone

man and a woman in front and someone behind them they'd heard the gunshots

behind them they'd heard the gunshots

behind them they'd heard the gunshots and were running

and were running

and were running the man and woman were infected they

the man and woman were infected they

the man and woman were infected they glowed red hot

glowed red hot

glowed red hot not quite as Vivid as Dr Friedman and

not quite as Vivid as Dr Friedman and

not quite as Vivid as Dr Friedman and Ben but clearly alive with mutating

Ben but clearly alive with mutating

Ben but clearly alive with mutating fungus

fungus

fungus the figure behind them looked normal but

the figure behind them looked normal but

the figure behind them looked normal but the angle of his arm suggested that he

the angle of his arm suggested that he

the angle of his arm suggested that he had a gun

had a gun

had a gun Roberto sucked in his breath and with

Roberto sucked in his breath and with

Roberto sucked in his breath and with the great groan of pain he flopped the

the great groan of pain he flopped the

the great groan of pain he flopped the machine pistol over onto his chest

machine pistol over onto his chest

machine pistol over onto his chest gritting his teeth so hard he thought he

gritting his teeth so hard he thought he

gritting his teeth so hard he thought he might crack a molar he slid the gun up

might crack a molar he slid the gun up

might crack a molar he slid the gun up the length of his body and over his left

the length of his body and over his left

the length of his body and over his left shoulder trying to get the barrel as far

shoulder trying to get the barrel as far

shoulder trying to get the barrel as far away from his ear as possible that

away from his ear as possible that

away from his ear as possible that wasn't very far maybe six inches the

wasn't very far maybe six inches the

wasn't very far maybe six inches the most

most

most the lobby door swung open inward

the lobby door swung open inward

the lobby door swung open inward the man was in front of the woman a

the man was in front of the woman a

the man was in front of the woman a blurry red-hot Target almost impossible

blurry red-hot Target almost impossible

blurry red-hot Target almost impossible to miss

to miss

to miss Roberto knew that as soon as he fired

Roberto knew that as soon as he fired

Roberto knew that as soon as he fired the others would start to disperse so

the others would start to disperse so

the others would start to disperse so it's gonna have to be three very short

it's gonna have to be three very short

it's gonna have to be three very short and precise bursts of gunfire rather

and precise bursts of gunfire rather

and precise bursts of gunfire rather than one long one

than one long one

than one long one you squeezed the trigger as the first

you squeezed the trigger as the first

you squeezed the trigger as the first man came out the door

man came out the door

man came out the door ironhead's chest exploded and he

ironhead's chest exploded and he

ironhead's chest exploded and he staggered back into Cuba that was a bit

staggered back into Cuba that was a bit

staggered back into Cuba that was a bit of bad luck for Roberto as it meant his

of bad luck for Roberto as it meant his

of bad luck for Roberto as it meant his aim was obscured and he'd need to take a

aim was obscured and he'd need to take a

aim was obscured and he'd need to take a moment to wait for another clean window

moment to wait for another clean window

moment to wait for another clean window he found it quickly as Cuba moved to the

he found it quickly as Cuba moved to the

he found it quickly as Cuba moved to the side against the door frame burdened by

side against the door frame burdened by

side against the door frame burdened by Iron head's weight as he fell dead into

Iron head's weight as he fell dead into

Iron head's weight as he fell dead into her

her

her three shots have been spent on Ironhead

three shots have been spent on Ironhead

three shots have been spent on Ironhead and four more ought to take out Cuba

and four more ought to take out Cuba

and four more ought to take out Cuba quickly enough

quickly enough

quickly enough two of them hit her but the guns recoil

two of them hit her but the guns recoil

two of them hit her but the guns recoil triggered a spasm of hideous pain in

triggered a spasm of hideous pain in

triggered a spasm of hideous pain in Roberto's back

Roberto's back

Roberto's back it hand twitched and the gun jumped to

it hand twitched and the gun jumped to

it hand twitched and the gun jumped to the side

the side

the side the other two shots hit the door jamb

the other two shots hit the door jamb

the other two shots hit the door jamb shattering the lower hinge and sparking

shattering the lower hinge and sparking

shattering the lower hinge and sparking off its metal surface

off its metal surface

off its metal surface one of the Slugs ricocheted back at

one of the Slugs ricocheted back at

one of the Slugs ricocheted back at Roberto slamming into the dirt just a

Roberto slamming into the dirt just a

Roberto slamming into the dirt just a few inches from his face

few inches from his face

few inches from his face Ironhead and Cuba fell backward out of

Ironhead and Cuba fell backward out of

Ironhead and Cuba fell backward out of his line of fire but the few seconds

his line of fire but the few seconds

his line of fire but the few seconds he'd used to adjust his aim had given

he'd used to adjust his aim had given

he'd used to adjust his aim had given the third guy time to flee

the third guy time to flee

the third guy time to flee Griffin was on the Move heading for the

Griffin was on the Move heading for the

Griffin was on the Move heading for the front desk and was nearly there already

front desk and was nearly there already

front desk and was nearly there already Roberto sucked his breath in held it and

Roberto sucked his breath in held it and

Roberto sucked his breath in held it and fired unsteadly at Griffin as he vaulted

fired unsteadly at Griffin as he vaulted

fired unsteadly at Griffin as he vaulted over the counter

over the counter

over the counter Roberto counted seven shots all of which

Roberto counted seven shots all of which

Roberto counted seven shots all of which went wider their Mark smashing through

went wider their Mark smashing through

went wider their Mark smashing through the broken drywall behind the counter

the broken drywall behind the counter

the broken drywall behind the counter but missing Griffin somehow the lucky

but missing Griffin somehow the lucky

but missing Griffin somehow the lucky bastard had threaded the needle he'd

bastard had threaded the needle he'd

bastard had threaded the needle he'd made it over the counter on hurt and

made it over the counter on hurt and

made it over the counter on hurt and landed on the other side out of Harm's

landed on the other side out of Harm's

landed on the other side out of Harm's Way

Way

Way [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] Roberto had just used the best of his

Roberto had just used the best of his

Roberto had just used the best of his knowledge 28 shots which left just two

knowledge 28 shots which left just two

knowledge 28 shots which left just two in the clip

in the clip

in the clip there was an armed man who had taken

there was an armed man who had taken

there was an armed man who had taken cover behind a wooden counter that

cover behind a wooden counter that

cover behind a wooden counter that completely obscured him

completely obscured him

completely obscured him and Roberto still couldn't get off the

and Roberto still couldn't get off the

and Roberto still couldn't get off the ground

ground

ground the situation was less than ideal

the situation was less than ideal

the situation was less than ideal Roberto blinked as something patterned

Roberto blinked as something patterned

Roberto blinked as something patterned under the lens of the goggles

under the lens of the goggles

under the lens of the goggles he looked up at the sky and a few drops

he looked up at the sky and a few drops

he looked up at the sky and a few drops of water appeared in his field of vision

of water appeared in his field of vision

of water appeared in his field of vision accompanied by a low Rumble somewhere in

accompanied by a low Rumble somewhere in

accompanied by a low Rumble somewhere in the distance

the distance

the distance it was starting to rain

it was starting to rain

it was starting to rain hearing a sound from his left Roberto

hearing a sound from his left Roberto

hearing a sound from his left Roberto turned and looked over at the body of Dr

turned and looked over at the body of Dr

turned and looked over at the body of Dr Stephen Friedman

Stephen Friedman

Stephen Friedman the green globules of fungus were

the green globules of fungus were

the green globules of fungus were swelling outward off his dead flesh

swelling outward off his dead flesh

swelling outward off his dead flesh ballooning up as the raindrops hit them

ballooning up as the raindrops hit them

ballooning up as the raindrops hit them as if activated

as if activated

as if activated cordyceps Novus greeted the rain with

cordyceps Novus greeted the rain with

cordyceps Novus greeted the rain with unbridled Joy

unbridled Joy

unbridled Joy the fungal Mass re-energized dripped off

the fungal Mass re-energized dripped off

the fungal Mass re-energized dripped off the dentist and moved expanding across

the dentist and moved expanding across

the dentist and moved expanding across the gravel driveway on the light carpet

the gravel driveway on the light carpet

the gravel driveway on the light carpet of water that the rain was laying down

of water that the rain was laying down

of water that the rain was laying down it moved toward Roberto

it moved toward Roberto

it moved toward Roberto [Music]

foreign

foreign

foreign [Music]

[Music]

[Music] 37.

TK and Naomi had both stepped in smears

TK and Naomi had both stepped in smears

TK and Naomi had both stepped in smears of active fungal colonies when they were

of active fungal colonies when they were

of active fungal colonies when they were in the main hallway of sub-level 4.

in the main hallway of sub-level 4.

in the main hallway of sub-level 4. it would have been impossible not to

it would have been impossible not to

it would have been impossible not to even if they had been aware that

even if they had been aware that

even if they had been aware that benzenex had the Adaptive capability to

benzenex had the Adaptive capability to

benzenex had the Adaptive capability to eat through the thick rubber soles of

eat through the thick rubber soles of

eat through the thick rubber soles of the boots

the boots

the boots the bottoms of all four of their boots

the bottoms of all four of their boots

the bottoms of all four of their boots were alive with that process even now as

were alive with that process even now as

were alive with that process even now as they made their frantic way back up the

they made their frantic way back up the

they made their frantic way back up the tube ladder

tube ladder

tube ladder they didn't know it but they had less

they didn't know it but they had less

they didn't know it but they had less than a minute to get out of the suits

than a minute to get out of the suits

than a minute to get out of the suits before benzenex finished its work and

before benzenex finished its work and

before benzenex finished its work and the fungus would be able to pass through

the fungus would be able to pass through

the fungus would be able to pass through and make contact with their flesh

and make contact with their flesh

and make contact with their flesh that wasn't the only clock they were on

that wasn't the only clock they were on

that wasn't the only clock they were on as soon as they'd seen that the timer on

as soon as they'd seen that the timer on

as soon as they'd seen that the timer on the t-41 was already activated the only

the t-41 was already activated the only

the t-41 was already activated the only thing left for them to do was to get the

thing left for them to do was to get the

thing left for them to do was to get the hell back upstairs and get out

hell back upstairs and get out

hell back upstairs and get out Tea cake was livid cursing Roberto with

Tea cake was livid cursing Roberto with

Tea cake was livid cursing Roberto with every step

every step

every step but Naomi saw the logic behind what he'd

but Naomi saw the logic behind what he'd

but Naomi saw the logic behind what he'd done

done

done they'd had limited time to do the job he

they'd had limited time to do the job he

they'd had limited time to do the job he couldn't take the chance that they'd

couldn't take the chance that they'd

couldn't take the chance that they'd fail to activate the device correctly

fail to activate the device correctly

fail to activate the device correctly and so he'd made a judgment call

and so he'd made a judgment call

and so he'd made a judgment call all he really needed them for was

all he really needed them for was

all he really needed them for was transportation and placement of the

transportation and placement of the

transportation and placement of the device anyway and he'd gambled they had

device anyway and he'd gambled they had

device anyway and he'd gambled they had a better chance of getting it down there

a better chance of getting it down there

a better chance of getting it down there quickly than he did

quickly than he did

quickly than he did and more important that they could get

and more important that they could get

and more important that they could get back up even faster

back up even faster

back up even faster tactically speaking it made sense

tactically speaking it made sense

tactically speaking it made sense Tea cake fairly flew up the ladder 58

Tea cake fairly flew up the ladder 58

Tea cake fairly flew up the ladder 58 pounds lighter than when he'd climbed

pounds lighter than when he'd climbed

pounds lighter than when he'd climbed down

down

down Naomi you still had to hold the gun in

Naomi you still had to hold the gun in

Naomi you still had to hold the gun in one hand was a bit slower but only a

one hand was a bit slower but only a

one hand was a bit slower but only a dozen rungs behind him

dozen rungs behind him

dozen rungs behind him she looked up and could see the small

she looked up and could see the small

she looked up and could see the small round circle of light where they'd

round circle of light where they'd

round circle of light where they'd remove the manhole cover

remove the manhole cover

remove the manhole cover they climbed fast both running mental

they climbed fast both running mental

they climbed fast both running mental timers that told them they had it best

timers that told them they had it best

timers that told them they had it best three minutes to get in a car and get a

three minutes to get in a car and get a

three minutes to get in a car and get a survivable distance away from the

survivable distance away from the

survivable distance away from the underground blast

underground blast

underground blast whatever the hell that was going to be

whatever the hell that was going to be

whatever the hell that was going to be like

like

like TK got to the top and pulled himself up

TK got to the top and pulled himself up

TK got to the top and pulled himself up through the manhole cover with all the

through the manhole cover with all the

through the manhole cover with all the grace of a dog climbing out of swimming

grace of a dog climbing out of swimming

grace of a dog climbing out of swimming pool

pool

pool he got the bulk of his body up onto the

he got the bulk of his body up onto the

he got the bulk of his body up onto the floor rolled over on his back and

floor rolled over on his back and

floor rolled over on his back and unzipped the neck area of his hazmat

unzipped the neck area of his hazmat

unzipped the neck area of his hazmat suit ripping the helmet off his head

suit ripping the helmet off his head

suit ripping the helmet off his head the burst of fresh air was great but

the burst of fresh air was great but

the burst of fresh air was great but having Clear Vision again was even

having Clear Vision again was even

having Clear Vision again was even better

better

better he slid his body over clearing the way

he slid his body over clearing the way

he slid his body over clearing the way for Naomi to come up through the manhole

for Naomi to come up through the manhole

for Naomi to come up through the manhole and he started wriggling out of the suit

and he started wriggling out of the suit

and he started wriggling out of the suit rolling it down over his torso and hips

rolling it down over his torso and hips

rolling it down over his torso and hips Naomi came out of the hole a few seconds

Naomi came out of the hole a few seconds

Naomi came out of the hole a few seconds later and the first thing she saw was

later and the first thing she saw was

later and the first thing she saw was the moving green ooze on the bottoms of

the moving green ooze on the bottoms of

the moving green ooze on the bottoms of tea Cake's boots she gasped and shouted

tea Cake's boots she gasped and shouted

tea Cake's boots she gasped and shouted but he could only hear her muted voice

but he could only hear her muted voice

but he could only hear her muted voice from inside her mask he got the gist

from inside her mask he got the gist

from inside her mask he got the gist though there was something on his boots

though there was something on his boots

though there was something on his boots and he didn't bother look just moved

and he didn't bother look just moved

and he didn't bother look just moved even faster wriggling desperately to get

even faster wriggling desperately to get

even faster wriggling desperately to get the suit and the contaminated boots off

the suit and the contaminated boots off

the suit and the contaminated boots off him

him

him Naomi shouted louder from inside her

Naomi shouted louder from inside her

Naomi shouted louder from inside her mask and this time he could hear her

mask and this time he could hear her

mask and this time he could hear her what are you doing you can't take it off

what are you doing you can't take it off

what are you doing you can't take it off we'll never get out of here in these

we'll never get out of here in these

we'll never get out of here in these things take yours off

things take yours off

things take yours off you saw his point they were hard enough

you saw his point they were hard enough

you saw his point they were hard enough to walk in forget running

to walk in forget running

to walk in forget running she rolled herself the rest of the way

she rolled herself the rest of the way

she rolled herself the rest of the way out of the hole pulling off her helmet

out of the hole pulling off her helmet

out of the hole pulling off her helmet Tea cake freed from his suit got the

Tea cake freed from his suit got the

Tea cake freed from his suit got the hell away from it and it's contamination

hell away from it and it's contamination

hell away from it and it's contamination and moved over to her

and moved over to her

and moved over to her avoiding her boots he ripped the suit

avoiding her boots he ripped the suit

avoiding her boots he ripped the suit off her as fast as their combined

off her as fast as their combined

off her as fast as their combined efforts would allow

efforts would allow

efforts would allow she kicked the suit away got to her feet

she kicked the suit away got to her feet

she kicked the suit away got to her feet and they took off down the hallway in

and they took off down the hallway in

and they took off down the hallway in their socks

their socks

their socks downstairs there was less than two

downstairs there was less than two

downstairs there was less than two minutes showing on the timer

minutes showing on the timer

minutes showing on the timer but Roberto's voice floated through

but Roberto's voice floated through

but Roberto's voice floated through Naomi's mind as she ran

Naomi's mind as she ran

Naomi's mind as she ran the timer duration is unstable

the timer duration is unstable

the timer duration is unstable it said

38.

in front of the building the rain was

in front of the building the rain was

in front of the building the rain was falling harder now and the creeping

falling harder now and the creeping

falling harder now and the creeping fungus was bubbling across the gravel in

fungus was bubbling across the gravel in

fungus was bubbling across the gravel in Lively fashion only a foot or two from

Lively fashion only a foot or two from

Lively fashion only a foot or two from Roberto

Roberto

Roberto through the thermal imaging goggles he

through the thermal imaging goggles he

through the thermal imaging goggles he saw it as a blazing white foam headed

saw it as a blazing white foam headed

saw it as a blazing white foam headed right for him

right for him

right for him he turned his head and looked toward the

he turned his head and looked toward the

he turned his head and looked toward the lobby entrance again

lobby entrance again

lobby entrance again the shooter was still out of sight

the shooter was still out of sight

the shooter was still out of sight hidden somewhere behind the front

hidden somewhere behind the front

hidden somewhere behind the front counter but Roberto had a more immediate

counter but Roberto had a more immediate

counter but Roberto had a more immediate concern

concern

concern and an idea

and an idea

and an idea his eyes went to the front door the

his eyes went to the front door the

his eyes went to the front door the lower hinge of which had been shot off

lower hinge of which had been shot off

lower hinge of which had been shot off by the errant rounds he'd fired at Cuba

by the errant rounds he'd fired at Cuba

by the errant rounds he'd fired at Cuba the glass door was hanging at an angle

the glass door was hanging at an angle

the glass door was hanging at an angle held in its frame by just its upper

held in its frame by just its upper

held in its frame by just its upper hinge now

hinge now

hinge now the door was designed to open inward and

the door was designed to open inward and

the door was designed to open inward and Roberto was lying directly in front of

Roberto was lying directly in front of

Roberto was lying directly in front of it or at least he hoped he was

it or at least he hoped he was

it or at least he hoped he was he glanced over at the advancing fungus

he glanced over at the advancing fungus

he glanced over at the advancing fungus which was dancing exuberantly in the

which was dancing exuberantly in the

which was dancing exuberantly in the falling rain

falling rain

falling rain it was only a foot or so from his left

it was only a foot or so from his left

it was only a foot or so from his left hand now and Roberto took a breath and

hand now and Roberto took a breath and

hand now and Roberto took a breath and dragged his arm closer to his body

dragged his arm closer to his body

dragged his arm closer to his body the movement produced a stabbing pain

the movement produced a stabbing pain

the movement produced a stabbing pain that radiated all the way down his left

that radiated all the way down his left

that radiated all the way down his left leg and caused his foot to spasm which

leg and caused his foot to spasm which

leg and caused his foot to spasm which in turn produced a fresh round of

in turn produced a fresh round of

in turn produced a fresh round of Torment

Torment

Torment but that gave him a few more seconds

but that gave him a few more seconds

but that gave him a few more seconds he looked back up at the top door hinge

he looked back up at the top door hinge

he looked back up at the top door hinge tilted the barrel the gun upward studied

tilted the barrel the gun upward studied

tilted the barrel the gun upward studied his aim on it as best he could and

his aim on it as best he could and

his aim on it as best he could and prayed he'd counted the shots correctly

prayed he'd counted the shots correctly

prayed he'd counted the shots correctly he had

he had

he had the two remaining rounds tore into the

the two remaining rounds tore into the

the two remaining rounds tore into the medal of the top hinge blasting it off

medal of the top hinge blasting it off

medal of the top hinge blasting it off the door frame and the glass door fell

the door frame and the glass door fell

the door frame and the glass door fell over like a domino straight toward him

over like a domino straight toward him

over like a domino straight toward him Roberto closed his eyes as the heavy

Roberto closed his eyes as the heavy

Roberto closed his eyes as the heavy door whooshed downward slamming into his

door whooshed downward slamming into his

door whooshed downward slamming into his body hard

body hard

body hard he screamed underneath the heavy glass

he screamed underneath the heavy glass

he screamed underneath the heavy glass as his body torqued unnaturally but he

as his body torqued unnaturally but he

as his body torqued unnaturally but he made use of the moment of Agony dragging

made use of the moment of Agony dragging

made use of the moment of Agony dragging himself to his right as far as he could

himself to his right as far as he could

himself to his right as far as he could so that the door settled on top of him

so that the door settled on top of him

so that the door settled on top of him at an angle

at an angle

at an angle its left Edge bit into the gravel it

its left Edge bit into the gravel it

its left Edge bit into the gravel it sloped upward over his left arm hip and

sloped upward over his left arm hip and

sloped upward over his left arm hip and leg and angled out at his top Edge like

leg and angled out at his top Edge like

leg and angled out at his top Edge like a lean-to

a lean-to

a lean-to it now lay like a shield between him and

it now lay like a shield between him and

it now lay like a shield between him and the advancing fungus

the advancing fungus

the advancing fungus and just in time

and just in time

and just in time the fungus oozed up onto the door frame

the fungus oozed up onto the door frame

the fungus oozed up onto the door frame slithering and spreading over the glass

slithering and spreading over the glass

slithering and spreading over the glass just above Roberto

just above Roberto

just above Roberto Benzene X got down to business

Benzene X got down to business

Benzene X got down to business immediately trying to decipher this new

immediately trying to decipher this new

immediately trying to decipher this new silicon-based barrier and how it might

silicon-based barrier and how it might

silicon-based barrier and how it might burrow its way through it

burrow its way through it

burrow its way through it Roberto hadn't bought much time but a

Roberto hadn't bought much time but a

Roberto hadn't bought much time but a little was better than nothing

little was better than nothing

little was better than nothing inside the lobby Griffin poked his head

inside the lobby Griffin poked his head

inside the lobby Griffin poked his head up over the counter

up over the counter

up over the counter whoever was out there shooting at him

whoever was out there shooting at him

whoever was out there shooting at him he'd heard their gun go dry with a

he'd heard their gun go dry with a

he'd heard their gun go dry with a series of soft clicks

series of soft clicks

series of soft clicks Griffin didn't so much care if the guy

Griffin didn't so much care if the guy

Griffin didn't so much care if the guy lived or died he just wanted to get out

lived or died he just wanted to get out

lived or died he just wanted to get out of there before he ended up dead like

of there before he ended up dead like

of there before he ended up dead like everybody else

everybody else

everybody else it's in the pile of trashed Harleys so

it's in the pile of trashed Harleys so

it's in the pile of trashed Harleys so he knew that was a no-go but whoever

he knew that was a no-go but whoever

he knew that was a no-go but whoever that was lying out there they had to

that was lying out there they had to

that was lying out there they had to have gotten here somehow

have gotten here somehow

have gotten here somehow which meant they had car keys

which meant they had car keys

which meant they had car keys Griffin straightened holding his gun in

Griffin straightened holding his gun in

Griffin straightened holding his gun in front of him and headed for the space

front of him and headed for the space

front of him and headed for the space where the front door had been

where the front door had been

where the front door had been he stepped over the bodies of Ironhead

he stepped over the bodies of Ironhead

he stepped over the bodies of Ironhead and Cuba trying not to look at them

and Cuba trying not to look at them

and Cuba trying not to look at them instead keeping the gun trained on the

instead keeping the gun trained on the

instead keeping the gun trained on the figure beneath the glass door

figure beneath the glass door

figure beneath the glass door somehow the dumb [ __ ] had managed to

somehow the dumb [ __ ] had managed to

somehow the dumb [ __ ] had managed to miss him with an automatic weapon and

miss him with an automatic weapon and

miss him with an automatic weapon and his last desperate act the guy had shot

his last desperate act the guy had shot

his last desperate act the guy had shot a door off its hinges and pinned himself

a door off its hinges and pinned himself

a door off its hinges and pinned himself beneath it

beneath it

beneath it jokes on you [ __ ]

jokes on you [ __ ]

jokes on you [ __ ] Griffin stepped through the door and

Griffin stepped through the door and

Griffin stepped through the door and looked left and right to make sure there

looked left and right to make sure there

looked left and right to make sure there was no one else outside

was no one else outside

was no one else outside he saw Dr Friedman's dead body covered

he saw Dr Friedman's dead body covered

he saw Dr Friedman's dead body covered with the same bizarre foam that had been

with the same bizarre foam that had been

with the same bizarre foam that had been spattered all over the inside of the

spattered all over the inside of the

spattered all over the inside of the storage locker Griffin shuddered TK gave

storage locker Griffin shuddered TK gave

storage locker Griffin shuddered TK gave him right there was some zombie [ __ ]

him right there was some zombie [ __ ]

him right there was some zombie [ __ ] going on here all right and heated out

going on here all right and heated out

going on here all right and heated out fast

fast

fast he double checked the bikes confirmed

he double checked the bikes confirmed

he double checked the bikes confirmed they were all down and unusable and then

they were all down and unusable and then

they were all down and unusable and then spotted the minivan parked a little way

spotted the minivan parked a little way

spotted the minivan parked a little way up the hill

up the hill

up the hill it must belong to the shooter trapped

it must belong to the shooter trapped

it must belong to the shooter trapped under the door

under the door

under the door hey [ __ ]

hey [ __ ]

hey [ __ ] Griffin said and Roberto squirmed

Griffin said and Roberto squirmed

Griffin said and Roberto squirmed turning his head slightly to look up at

turning his head slightly to look up at

turning his head slightly to look up at him

him

him Griffin edged closer the gun shaking in

Griffin edged closer the gun shaking in

Griffin edged closer the gun shaking in front of him he'd kill this guy if he

front of him he'd kill this guy if he

front of him he'd kill this guy if he had to he'd kill anybody who got in his

had to he'd kill anybody who got in his

had to he'd kill anybody who got in his way now

way now

way now Griffin came around to the side staring

Griffin came around to the side staring

Griffin came around to the side staring wearily at the green ooze that was

wearily at the green ooze that was

wearily at the green ooze that was moving over the glass just a few inches

moving over the glass just a few inches

moving over the glass just a few inches above the guy's face

above the guy's face

above the guy's face Roberto looked up at him his eyes asked

Roberto looked up at him his eyes asked

Roberto looked up at him his eyes asked for help but he wasn't saying so

for help but he wasn't saying so

for help but he wasn't saying so wouldn't matter if he did Griffin

wouldn't matter if he did Griffin

wouldn't matter if he did Griffin thought

thought

thought [ __ ] you I'm gonna help you this is some

[ __ ] you I'm gonna help you this is some

[ __ ] you I'm gonna help you this is some every man for himself kind of [ __ ] going

every man for himself kind of [ __ ] going

every man for himself kind of [ __ ] going on here

on here

on here he squatted down and shoved his hand

he squatted down and shoved his hand

he squatted down and shoved his hand inside the guy's right pants pocket

inside the guy's right pants pocket

inside the guy's right pants pocket feeling around for his car keys

feeling around for his car keys

feeling around for his car keys Roberto screamed in pain at the movement

Roberto screamed in pain at the movement

Roberto screamed in pain at the movement Griffin didn't care the others were all

Griffin didn't care the others were all

Griffin didn't care the others were all dead and he didn't plan on joining them

dead and he didn't plan on joining them

dead and he didn't plan on joining them he felt the fob of the car keys and

he felt the fob of the car keys and

he felt the fob of the car keys and yanked them out

yanked them out

yanked them out still squatting he turned and pointed

still squatting he turned and pointed

still squatting he turned and pointed his gun at Roberto's head

his gun at Roberto's head

his gun at Roberto's head the last thing he needed was this guy

the last thing he needed was this guy

the last thing he needed was this guy surviving the Night by some miracle and

surviving the Night by some miracle and

surviving the Night by some miracle and pointing a finger at him in a courtroom

pointing a finger at him in a courtroom

pointing a finger at him in a courtroom and saying that's him your honor that's

and saying that's him your honor that's

and saying that's him your honor that's the guy who left me to die

the guy who left me to die

the guy who left me to die Griffin wasn't sure what crime that

Griffin wasn't sure what crime that

Griffin wasn't sure what crime that would be exactly but why take chances

would be exactly but why take chances

would be exactly but why take chances don't look at me he shouted and

don't look at me he shouted and

don't look at me he shouted and stiffened his arm aiming the gun at the

stiffened his arm aiming the gun at the

stiffened his arm aiming the gun at the center of Roberto's forehead

center of Roberto's forehead

center of Roberto's forehead Griffin

Griffin

Griffin The Voice called from behind him a

The Voice called from behind him a

The Voice called from behind him a woman's voice and Griffin turned

woman's voice and Griffin turned

woman's voice and Griffin turned it was her the hottie somehow she'd come

it was her the hottie somehow she'd come

it was her the hottie somehow she'd come back she had a gun too but she wasn't

back she had a gun too but she wasn't

back she had a gun too but she wasn't bothering to point it at him it was

bothering to point it at him it was

bothering to point it at him it was dangling at her side

dangling at her side

dangling at her side we have to get out of here

we have to get out of here

we have to get out of here Griffin looked at her cold

Griffin looked at her cold

Griffin looked at her cold well you know what

well you know what

well you know what she was gonna have to go too and that

she was gonna have to go too and that

she was gonna have to go too and that little [ __ ] Tea cake along with her

little [ __ ] Tea cake along with her

little [ __ ] Tea cake along with her because he wasn't taking any chances

because he wasn't taking any chances

because he wasn't taking any chances with any more semi-infected

with any more semi-infected

with any more semi-infected [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] once a life or death situation starts

once a life or death situation starts

once a life or death situation starts you gotta play it out all the way down

you gotta play it out all the way down

you gotta play it out all the way down the line

the line

the line and was she or was she not coming at him

and was she or was she not coming at him

and was she or was she not coming at him with a gun those two had to go if that

with a gun those two had to go if that

with a gun those two had to go if that made him an [ __ ] so be it

made him an [ __ ] so be it

made him an [ __ ] so be it Griffin started to stand springing out

Griffin started to stand springing out

Griffin started to stand springing out of his Crouch

of his Crouch

of his Crouch the barrel of his gun which had been

the barrel of his gun which had been

the barrel of his gun which had been just underneath the lip of the glass

just underneath the lip of the glass

just underneath the lip of the glass caught there just by an inch or so and

caught there just by an inch or so and

caught there just by an inch or so and only for a second but combined with the

only for a second but combined with the

only for a second but combined with the force of his rapid rise it was enough to

force of his rapid rise it was enough to

force of his rapid rise it was enough to tip its aim downward pointing it

tip its aim downward pointing it

tip its aim downward pointing it straight at the ground

straight at the ground

straight at the ground the sudden unpredictable movement in his

the sudden unpredictable movement in his

the sudden unpredictable movement in his hand caused Griffin to tense up his grip

hand caused Griffin to tense up his grip

hand caused Griffin to tense up his grip and he blasted off a shot as he stood up

and he blasted off a shot as he stood up

and he blasted off a shot as he stood up straight into his foot

straight into his foot

straight into his foot Griffin screamed as an angry fire

Griffin screamed as an angry fire

Griffin screamed as an angry fire erupted in his foot and he hopped up to

erupted in his foot and he hopped up to

erupted in his foot and he hopped up to take the weight off he lost balance

take the weight off he lost balance

take the weight off he lost balance windmilled his arms and toppled over

windmilled his arms and toppled over

windmilled his arms and toppled over onto his right side

onto his right side

onto his right side his gun hand pinned beneath him the

his gun hand pinned beneath him the

his gun hand pinned beneath him the barrel pressed against his chest the

barrel pressed against his chest the

barrel pressed against his chest the thick fleshy weight of his torso crushed

thick fleshy weight of his torso crushed

thick fleshy weight of his torso crushed his fingers and the gun fired again

his fingers and the gun fired again

his fingers and the gun fired again this time the bullet went into his heart

this time the bullet went into his heart

this time the bullet went into his heart in this way Daryl Griffin became the

in this way Daryl Griffin became the

in this way Daryl Griffin became the latest in the long line of homo sapiens

latest in the long line of homo sapiens

latest in the long line of homo sapiens killed not four being an [ __ ] but by

killed not four being an [ __ ] but by

killed not four being an [ __ ] but by being an [ __ ]

being an [ __ ]

being an [ __ ] Tea cake turned away and saw the green

Tea cake turned away and saw the green

Tea cake turned away and saw the green foam on the glass just over Roberto's

foam on the glass just over Roberto's

foam on the glass just over Roberto's face he ran to the Fallen door dug his

face he ran to the Fallen door dug his

face he ran to the Fallen door dug his fingers underneath the edge and flipped

fingers underneath the edge and flipped

fingers underneath the edge and flipped it off freeing him

it off freeing him

it off freeing him Roberto shouted up at them

Roberto shouted up at them

Roberto shouted up at them car keys are in his hand

car keys are in his hand

car keys are in his hand Naomi clawed the keys out of Griffin's

Naomi clawed the keys out of Griffin's

Naomi clawed the keys out of Griffin's exposed left hand and looked back at

exposed left hand and looked back at

exposed left hand and looked back at Roberto get up I can't drag me

Roberto get up I can't drag me

Roberto get up I can't drag me figuring he'd been shot but knowing

figuring he'd been shot but knowing

figuring he'd been shot but knowing there was no time to dwell on it they

there was no time to dwell on it they

there was no time to dwell on it they each grabbed him by an arm and dragged

each grabbed him by an arm and dragged

each grabbed him by an arm and dragged him screaming up the short driveway to

him screaming up the short driveway to

him screaming up the short driveway to the minivan

the minivan

the minivan the heat vision goggles had fallen off

the heat vision goggles had fallen off

the heat vision goggles had fallen off Roberto's head but he didn't need them

Roberto's head but he didn't need them

Roberto's head but he didn't need them to see the fungal growth anymore

to see the fungal growth anymore

to see the fungal growth anymore as they hauled him up the hillside he

as they hauled him up the hillside he

as they hauled him up the hillside he could see the forest floor lit up with

could see the forest floor lit up with

could see the forest floor lit up with its glowing green tendrils spreading

its glowing green tendrils spreading

its glowing green tendrils spreading rapidly in the now heavy rain

rapidly in the now heavy rain

rapidly in the now heavy rain they reached the minivan and threw him

they reached the minivan and threw him

they reached the minivan and threw him into the back producing more screams

into the back producing more screams

into the back producing more screams Tea cake jumped in beside him Naomi slid

Tea cake jumped in beside him Naomi slid

Tea cake jumped in beside him Naomi slid behind the wheel and she started the

behind the wheel and she started the

behind the wheel and she started the engine

engine

engine Tea cake shouted at Roberto you started

Tea cake shouted at Roberto you started

Tea cake shouted at Roberto you started the timer on us I knew you could get out

the timer on us I knew you could get out

the timer on us I knew you could get out you did not know that but you did but

you did not know that but you did but

you did not know that but you did but you didn't know but you did

you didn't know but you did

you didn't know but you did they only dropped the van in Reverse

they only dropped the van in Reverse

they only dropped the van in Reverse through her arm over the seat and

through her arm over the seat and

through her arm over the seat and floored it backing up at top speed guys

floored it backing up at top speed guys

floored it backing up at top speed guys shut up she reached the top of the

shut up she reached the top of the

shut up she reached the top of the driveway spun the wheel and the minivan

driveway spun the wheel and the minivan

driveway spun the wheel and the minivan slid around almost knocking Roberto and

slid around almost knocking Roberto and

slid around almost knocking Roberto and TK out the still open side door

TK out the still open side door

TK out the still open side door how much time do we have she asked

how much time do we have she asked

how much time do we have she asked Roberto

Roberto

Roberto he turned his head painfully and looked

he turned his head painfully and looked

he turned his head painfully and looked at the timer that he'd sat in his watch

at the timer that he'd sat in his watch

at the timer that he'd sat in his watch when he first activated the device

when he first activated the device

when he first activated the device it was at minus one minute seven seconds

it was at minus one minute seven seconds

it was at minus one minute seven seconds and counting

and counting

and counting it should have gone off a minute ago

it should have gone off a minute ago

it should have gone off a minute ago Naomi dropped the van and drive and they

Naomi dropped the van and drive and they

Naomi dropped the van and drive and they took off down White Clay Road and toward

took off down White Clay Road and toward

took off down White Clay Road and toward the highway

the highway

the highway for a moment nobody spoke

for a moment nobody spoke

for a moment nobody spoke finally Naomi did

finally Naomi did

finally Naomi did well the timer is unstable you said

well the timer is unstable you said

well the timer is unstable you said yep Roberto replied they drove still

yep Roberto replied they drove still

yep Roberto replied they drove still nothing

nothing

nothing no bright light no Tremors in the earth

no bright light no Tremors in the earth

no bright light no Tremors in the earth no fire and brimstone

no fire and brimstone

no fire and brimstone nothing

nothing

nothing how we know if it goes off DK cast

how we know if it goes off DK cast

how we know if it goes off DK cast you'll know

you'll know

you'll know Britto said

Britto said

Britto said he looked at his watch again minus one

he looked at his watch again minus one

he looked at his watch again minus one minute 49 seconds

minute 49 seconds

minute 49 seconds Naomi drove fast they wrote in silence

Naomi drove fast they wrote in silence

Naomi drove fast they wrote in silence waiting

waiting

waiting every second seemed to take forever and

every second seemed to take forever and

every second seemed to take forever and tea Cake's vivid imagination went to

tea Cake's vivid imagination went to

tea Cake's vivid imagination went to work he had time to imagine three

work he had time to imagine three

work he had time to imagine three possible scenarios each more Vivid than

possible scenarios each more Vivid than

possible scenarios each more Vivid than the last

the last

the last in the first scenario the t-41 failed to

in the first scenario the t-41 failed to

in the first scenario the t-41 failed to detonate

detonate

detonate the pipes in the basement buckled under

the pipes in the basement buckled under

the pipes in the basement buckled under cordyceps novus's assault within a few

cordyceps novus's assault within a few

cordyceps novus's assault within a few minutes

minutes

minutes and the fungus exploded in growth

and the fungus exploded in growth

and the fungus exploded in growth billowing through the water in the pipes

billowing through the water in the pipes

billowing through the water in the pipes flowing into the groundwater and

flowing into the groundwater and

flowing into the groundwater and eventually into the Missouri River

eventually into the Missouri River

eventually into the Missouri River within a matter of days the powerful

within a matter of days the powerful

within a matter of days the powerful Waterway would be converted to a carpet

Waterway would be converted to a carpet

Waterway would be converted to a carpet of solid green fungal matter which would

of solid green fungal matter which would

of solid green fungal matter which would spread over the surrounding lands

spread over the surrounding lands

spread over the surrounding lands unchecked and Unstoppable rewriting the

unchecked and Unstoppable rewriting the

unchecked and Unstoppable rewriting the rules for life on the planet and

rules for life on the planet and

rules for life on the planet and bringing about a sixth Extinction a mass

bringing about a sixth Extinction a mass

bringing about a sixth Extinction a mass die off that this time would include all

die off that this time would include all

die off that this time would include all human and animal life on Earth

human and animal life on Earth

human and animal life on Earth so that one was pretty bad

so that one was pretty bad

so that one was pretty bad in the second scenario Tea cake imagined

in the second scenario Tea cake imagined

in the second scenario Tea cake imagined the blasting caps went off and the

the blasting caps went off and the

the blasting caps went off and the device detonated as planned but a few

device detonated as planned but a few

device detonated as planned but a few hundred feet underground wasn't nearly

hundred feet underground wasn't nearly

hundred feet underground wasn't nearly deep enough for a nuclear explosion and

deep enough for a nuclear explosion and

deep enough for a nuclear explosion and in this version he imagined the

in this version he imagined the

in this version he imagined the explosion erupting out of the ground

explosion erupting out of the ground

explosion erupting out of the ground building up into the sky in a massive

building up into the sky in a massive

building up into the sky in a massive mushroom cloud just like the ones he'd

mushroom cloud just like the ones he'd

mushroom cloud just like the ones he'd seen in movies and on TV

seen in movies and on TV

seen in movies and on TV the poisonous cloud of radiation would

the poisonous cloud of radiation would

the poisonous cloud of radiation would blow Eastward on prevailing winds

blow Eastward on prevailing winds

blow Eastward on prevailing winds spreading death and disease over the

spreading death and disease over the

spreading death and disease over the eastern half of the United States

eastern half of the United States

eastern half of the United States admittedly this scenario wasn't as bad

admittedly this scenario wasn't as bad

admittedly this scenario wasn't as bad as the first one but it wasn't a lot of

as the first one but it wasn't a lot of

as the first one but it wasn't a lot of fun either

fun either

fun either the third scenario was TK's favorite and

the third scenario was TK's favorite and

the third scenario was TK's favorite and it was for this that he now prayed to a

it was for this that he now prayed to a

it was for this that he now prayed to a god he didn't believe in

god he didn't believe in

god he didn't believe in this version the blasting caps went off

this version the blasting caps went off

this version the blasting caps went off that are late and not at all exploding

that are late and not at all exploding

that are late and not at all exploding inward on the metal tubes and beginning

inward on the metal tubes and beginning

inward on the metal tubes and beginning the process of nuclear compression

the process of nuclear compression

the process of nuclear compression The Chain Reaction commenced producing

The Chain Reaction commenced producing

The Chain Reaction commenced producing an outpouring of heat somewhere between

an outpouring of heat somewhere between

an outpouring of heat somewhere between 50 million and 150 million degrees

50 million and 150 million degrees

50 million and 150 million degrees Fahrenheit

Fahrenheit

Fahrenheit the sub-basement and the layers of rock

the sub-basement and the layers of rock

the sub-basement and the layers of rock closest to the backpack would be

closest to the backpack would be

closest to the backpack would be vaporized instantly forming a crater

vaporized instantly forming a crater

vaporized instantly forming a crater into which the entire contents of the

into which the entire contents of the

into which the entire contents of the storage facility would collapse

storage facility would collapse

storage facility would collapse all the unneeded furniture the contents

all the unneeded furniture the contents

all the unneeded furniture the contents of homes that would never be reoccupied

of homes that would never be reoccupied

of homes that would never be reoccupied the rat pack hoardings of a thousand

the rat pack hoardings of a thousand

the rat pack hoardings of a thousand unhappy people the stolen Samsung TVs

unhappy people the stolen Samsung TVs

unhappy people the stolen Samsung TVs Mrs Rooney's 27 bankers boxes filled

Mrs Rooney's 27 bankers boxes filled

Mrs Rooney's 27 bankers boxes filled with her children's school reports and

with her children's school reports and

with her children's school reports and holiday cards

holiday cards

holiday cards her 42 ceramic coffee mugs and pencil

her 42 ceramic coffee mugs and pencil

her 42 ceramic coffee mugs and pencil jars Made It pottery for fun between

jars Made It pottery for fun between

jars Made It pottery for fun between 1995 and 2008.

1995 and 2008.

1995 and 2008. her seven nylon duffel bags stuffed with

her seven nylon duffel bags stuffed with

her seven nylon duffel bags stuffed with newspapers from major events in world

newspapers from major events in world

newspapers from major events in world history and even her vinyl Baywatch

history and even her vinyl Baywatch

history and even her vinyl Baywatch pencil case stuffed with six and a half

pencil case stuffed with six and a half

pencil case stuffed with six and a half thousand dollars in cash she was saving

thousand dollars in cash she was saving

thousand dollars in cash she was saving for the day the banks crashed for real

for the day the banks crashed for real

for the day the banks crashed for real all of it all the junk in all the sealed

all of it all the junk in all the sealed

all of it all the junk in all the sealed boxes and all the lockers some of their

boxes and all the lockers some of their

boxes and all the lockers some of their contents long forgotten all the [ __ ]

contents long forgotten all the [ __ ]

contents long forgotten all the [ __ ] [ __ ] [ __ ] [ __ ]

[ __ ] [ __ ] [ __ ]

[ __ ] [ __ ] [ __ ] all of it would melt collapsing downward

all of it would melt collapsing downward

all of it would melt collapsing downward into the cavity forming a rubble chimney

into the cavity forming a rubble chimney

into the cavity forming a rubble chimney that would swell upward

that would swell upward

that would swell upward from ground level Tea cake imagined a

from ground level Tea cake imagined a

from ground level Tea cake imagined a perfectly round crater might emerge

perfectly round crater might emerge

perfectly round crater might emerge sucking the entire facility in the

sucking the entire facility in the

sucking the entire facility in the hillside all around down into it in a

hillside all around down into it in a

hillside all around down into it in a matter of seconds

matter of seconds

matter of seconds as if it were on some giant round

as if it were on some giant round

as if it were on some giant round elevator as if God had pushed the down

elevator as if God had pushed the down

elevator as if God had pushed the down button and called everything back inside

button and called everything back inside

button and called everything back inside Mother Earth to be reconfigured

Mother Earth to be reconfigured

Mother Earth to be reconfigured repurposed used another day for a

repurposed used another day for a

repurposed used another day for a greater end

greater end

greater end the fungus itself would be incinerated

the fungus itself would be incinerated

the fungus itself would be incinerated TK thought burned off the face of the

TK thought burned off the face of the

TK thought burned off the face of the planet for good

planet for good

planet for good and as the explosion settled a harmless

and as the explosion settled a harmless

and as the explosion settled a harmless cloud of dirt and dust would rise up all

cloud of dirt and dust would rise up all

cloud of dirt and dust would rise up all that was left of the Atchison storage

that was left of the Atchison storage

that was left of the Atchison storage facility and this [ __ ] up night

facility and this [ __ ] up night

facility and this [ __ ] up night and in the end

and in the end

and in the end two minutes and 26 seconds behind

two minutes and 26 seconds behind

two minutes and 26 seconds behind schedule

schedule

schedule that was exactly what happened

afterwards

39.

39.

39. the snow globe was back in the cabinet

the snow globe was back in the cabinet

the snow globe was back in the cabinet Roberto had upgraded the emergency cell

Roberto had upgraded the emergency cell

Roberto had upgraded the emergency cell phone and given it a fresh charge just

phone and given it a fresh charge just

phone and given it a fresh charge just in case

in case

in case both were locked away in the secret

both were locked away in the secret

both were locked away in the secret kitchen cupboard again and on most days

kitchen cupboard again and on most days

kitchen cupboard again and on most days he hoped they'd never come back out

he hoped they'd never come back out

he hoped they'd never come back out on the other days the days when he felt

on the other days the days when he felt

on the other days the days when he felt particularly proud of himself he'd Muse

particularly proud of himself he'd Muse

particularly proud of himself he'd Muse about how awfully good he was at his job

about how awfully good he was at his job

about how awfully good he was at his job after all and what a shame it would be

after all and what a shame it would be

after all and what a shame it would be to park those skills on a shelf forever

to park those skills on a shelf forever

to park those skills on a shelf forever the government attention had been

the government attention had been

the government attention had been flattering in the immediate aftermath of

flattering in the immediate aftermath of

flattering in the immediate aftermath of the Atchison event as it was now

the Atchison event as it was now

the Atchison event as it was now universally called in the media

universally called in the media

universally called in the media in the first hours after the blast

in the first hours after the blast

in the first hours after the blast jarabek had tried hard to play that

jarabek had tried hard to play that

jarabek had tried hard to play that traitor terrorist rogue agent card but

traitor terrorist rogue agent card but

traitor terrorist rogue agent card but Roberto was much too skilled a player to

Roberto was much too skilled a player to

Roberto was much too skilled a player to be snookered

be snookered

be snookered the initial white paper he'd written on

the initial white paper he'd written on

the initial white paper he'd written on the fungus had been archived in three

the fungus had been archived in three

the fungus had been archived in three separate backup locations to ensure it

separate backup locations to ensure it

separate backup locations to ensure it could never be destroyed without being

could never be destroyed without being

could never be destroyed without being widely read and inevitably leaked to the

widely read and inevitably leaked to the

widely read and inevitably leaked to the Press

Press

Press Abigail whose real name actually was

Abigail whose real name actually was

Abigail whose real name actually was Abigail huh guess he didn't know

Abigail huh guess he didn't know

Abigail huh guess he didn't know everything had proven to be a determined

everything had proven to be a determined

everything had proven to be a determined truth teller and a Savvy player of

truth teller and a Savvy player of

truth teller and a Savvy player of government games

government games

government games within 24 hours the real story was out

within 24 hours the real story was out

within 24 hours the real story was out and they were Heroes

and they were Heroes

and they were Heroes talk of renegade deep State actors gave

talk of renegade deep State actors gave

talk of renegade deep State actors gave way quickly to serious conversations

way quickly to serious conversations

way quickly to serious conversations about planning for potential future

about planning for potential future

about planning for potential future hostile biological invasions and a

hostile biological invasions and a

hostile biological invasions and a lively debate about real estate values

lively debate about real estate values

lively debate about real estate values along the Missouri River Bluffs

along the Missouri River Bluffs

along the Missouri River Bluffs speculation ensued

speculation ensued

speculation ensued Roberto sat now on the back porch of the

Roberto sat now on the back porch of the

Roberto sat now on the back porch of the house in North Carolina in The Rocker

house in North Carolina in The Rocker

house in North Carolina in The Rocker the one that felt good on his back he

the one that felt good on his back he

the one that felt good on his back he was nowhere near full strength but at

was nowhere near full strength but at

was nowhere near full strength but at least the surgery was over with and he

least the surgery was over with and he

least the surgery was over with and he was in the sweet zone of his second

was in the sweet zone of his second

was in the sweet zone of his second Percocet of the day so pain wasn't an

Percocet of the day so pain wasn't an

Percocet of the day so pain wasn't an issue at the moment

issue at the moment

issue at the moment he was watching Annie who was working in

he was watching Annie who was working in

he was watching Annie who was working in the garden

the garden

the garden he loved the wide brimmed hat she wore

he loved the wide brimmed hat she wore

he loved the wide brimmed hat she wore in the Sun the one she bought on the

in the Sun the one she bought on the

in the Sun the one she bought on the trip to Harbor Island

trip to Harbor Island

trip to Harbor Island he loved the blue Wellington she stomped

he loved the blue Wellington she stomped

he loved the blue Wellington she stomped around in the pair she bought at the

around in the pair she bought at the

around in the pair she bought at the Clarks on Kensington High Street in

Clarks on Kensington High Street in

Clarks on Kensington High Street in 2005.

2005.

2005. he loved the way she stood back after

he loved the way she stood back after

he loved the way she stood back after clipping or weeding a particular area

clipping or weeding a particular area

clipping or weeding a particular area the way she assessed what she'd done and

the way she assessed what she'd done and

the way she assessed what she'd done and thought about whether it was good enough

thought about whether it was good enough

thought about whether it was good enough or needed more

or needed more

or needed more invariably she'd see that it needed a

invariably she'd see that it needed a

invariably she'd see that it needed a little more pruning a bit of extra

little more pruning a bit of extra

little more pruning a bit of extra shaping and she'd keep working

shaping and she'd keep working

shaping and she'd keep working he loved watching her form her shape was

he loved watching her form her shape was

he loved watching her form her shape was the shape of home to him and he never

the shape of home to him and he never

the shape of home to him and he never tired of admiring her

tired of admiring her

tired of admiring her beside him his cell phone bust

beside him his cell phone bust

beside him his cell phone bust he looked at it and smiled recognizing

he looked at it and smiled recognizing

he looked at it and smiled recognizing the number

the number

the number he picked it up

he picked it up

he picked it up you're still terrible on TV

you're still terrible on TV

you're still terrible on TV like I know right TK replied I don't

like I know right TK replied I don't

like I know right TK replied I don't even know why I do that [ __ ]

even know why I do that [ __ ]

even know why I do that [ __ ] I do how much do you get tea cake left

I do how much do you get tea cake left

I do how much do you get tea cake left five grand you're selling yourself cheap

five grand you're selling yourself cheap

five grand you're selling yourself cheap that ain't what I called about [ __ ]

that ain't what I called about [ __ ]

that ain't what I called about [ __ ] what the [ __ ] is this

what the [ __ ] is this

what the [ __ ] is this you'll have to be more specific notice

you'll have to be more specific notice

you'll have to be more specific notice of expungement I got in the mail what

of expungement I got in the mail what

of expungement I got in the mail what the [ __ ] is this dude

the [ __ ] is this dude

the [ __ ] is this dude it's exactly what it says Travis

it's exactly what it says Travis

it's exactly what it says Travis nobody called him Tea cake anymore and

nobody called him Tea cake anymore and

nobody called him Tea cake anymore and he didn't miss it Roberto continued your

he didn't miss it Roberto continued your

he didn't miss it Roberto continued your conviction has been set aside in your

conviction has been set aside in your

conviction has been set aside in your record permanently sealed it's as if it

record permanently sealed it's as if it

record permanently sealed it's as if it never happened

never happened

never happened how the [ __ ] did you do that

how the [ __ ] did you do that

how the [ __ ] did you do that it isn't that hard well [ __ ] man thanks

it isn't that hard well [ __ ] man thanks

it isn't that hard well [ __ ] man thanks [ __ ]

[ __ ]

[ __ ] got to learn another word enough when

got to learn another word enough when

got to learn another word enough when you want to emphasize something I've

you want to emphasize something I've

you want to emphasize something I've tried other words man nothing else is as

tried other words man nothing else is as

tried other words man nothing else is as good anyway thank you you're welcome hey

good anyway thank you you're welcome hey

good anyway thank you you're welcome hey go easy on them painkillers I can hear

go easy on them painkillers I can hear

go easy on them painkillers I can hear it in your voice you got the thick

it in your voice you got the thick

it in your voice you got the thick tongue

tongue

tongue Roberto smiled will do that's a slippery

Roberto smiled will do that's a slippery

Roberto smiled will do that's a slippery slope man I've seen it so have I my

slope man I've seen it so have I my

slope man I've seen it so have I my friend later dude later Travis

friend later dude later Travis

friend later dude later Travis Roberto hung up he watched his wife as

Roberto hung up he watched his wife as

Roberto hung up he watched his wife as she worked in the garden

she worked in the garden

she worked in the garden I'm here now

Travis put the phone in his pocket and

Travis put the phone in his pocket and

Travis put the phone in his pocket and took Naomi's hand again Sarah ran ahead

took Naomi's hand again Sarah ran ahead

took Naomi's hand again Sarah ran ahead of them

of them

of them they were headed for the playground he

they were headed for the playground he

they were headed for the playground he glanced over at Naomi figured now was as

glanced over at Naomi figured now was as

glanced over at Naomi figured now was as good a time as any

good a time as any

good a time as any he spoke soft and halting at first then

he spoke soft and halting at first then

he spoke soft and halting at first then picking up steam

picking up steam

picking up steam so like I gave it a lot of thought and

so like I gave it a lot of thought and

so like I gave it a lot of thought and it's not something I say much or have

it's not something I say much or have

it's not something I say much or have said much and I don't want to come off

said much and I don't want to come off

said much and I don't want to come off like oh I'm this guy who knows all this

like oh I'm this guy who knows all this

like oh I'm this guy who knows all this [ __ ] about whatever what have you but

[ __ ] about whatever what have you but

[ __ ] about whatever what have you but you know given what's up and how it is I

you know given what's up and how it is I

you know given what's up and how it is I mean you probably know what I'm gonna

mean you probably know what I'm gonna

mean you probably know what I'm gonna say and I can't honestly say that I've

say and I can't honestly say that I've

say and I can't honestly say that I've ever said it before or maybe what I

ever said it before or maybe what I

ever said it before or maybe what I should say is I can't honestly say I've

should say is I can't honestly say I've

should say is I can't honestly say I've never said it before you know anyway the

never said it before you know anyway the

never said it before you know anyway the thing is I love you

thing is I love you

thing is I love you Naomi didn't respond she kept walking

Naomi didn't respond she kept walking

Naomi didn't respond she kept walking looking straight ahead watching as her

looking straight ahead watching as her

looking straight ahead watching as her daughter ran the last 50 feet of

daughter ran the last 50 feet of

daughter ran the last 50 feet of sidewalk and cut right onto the Sandy

sidewalk and cut right onto the Sandy

sidewalk and cut right onto the Sandy expanse of the playground toward the big

expanse of the playground toward the big

expanse of the playground toward the big playset in the middle

playset in the middle

playset in the middle Travis stared at Naomi firing his prowl

Travis stared at Naomi firing his prowl

Travis stared at Naomi firing his prowl he hadn't expected an I love you back

he hadn't expected an I love you back

he hadn't expected an I love you back but he hadn't expected this either

but he hadn't expected this either

but he hadn't expected this either ignoring him staring straight ahead what

ignoring him staring straight ahead what

ignoring him staring straight ahead what kind of ridiculous [ __ ] was this had

kind of ridiculous [ __ ] was this had

kind of ridiculous [ __ ] was this had he freaked her out that badly

he freaked her out that badly

he freaked her out that badly then he remembered

then he remembered

then he remembered he let go of her hand and moved around

he let go of her hand and moved around

he let go of her hand and moved around to the other side of her the side with

to the other side of her the side with

to the other side of her the side with her good ear the one she could actually

her good ear the one she could actually

her good ear the one she could actually hear out of

hear out of

hear out of he looked at her

he looked at her

he looked at her I love you

I love you

I love you he said

he said

he said Naomi turned and looked back hearing the

Naomi turned and looked back hearing the

Naomi turned and looked back hearing the words for the first time

words for the first time

words for the first time I love you too

I love you too

I love you too she said

she said

she said she kissed him

she kissed him

she kissed him oh

oh

oh Travis thought

Travis thought

Travis thought how much there is to be said for a sober

how much there is to be said for a sober

how much there is to be said for a sober kiss

kiss

kiss with her

this is Rupert's friend

this is Rupert's friend

this is Rupert's friend we hope you have enjoyed this unabridged

we hope you have enjoyed this unabridged

we hope you have enjoyed this unabridged production of Cold Storage a novel by

production of Cold Storage a novel by

production of Cold Storage a novel by David Capp presented by Echo and Harper

David Capp presented by Echo and Harper

David Capp presented by Echo and Harper audio

audio

audio this program was executive produced and

this program was executive produced and

this program was executive produced and directed by Suzanne Franco Mitchell it

directed by Suzanne Franco Mitchell it

directed by Suzanne Franco Mitchell it was recorded at Zin records in Calverton

was recorded at Zin records in Calverton

was recorded at Zin records in Calverton New York engineered by Nicholas dinanti

New York engineered by Nicholas dinanti

New York engineered by Nicholas dinanti produced by common mode Paul Fowley

produced by common mode Paul Fowley

produced by common mode Paul Fowley technical director

technical director

technical director text copyright 2019 by David Capp

text copyright 2019 by David Capp

text copyright 2019 by David Capp production copyright 2019 by

production copyright 2019 by

production copyright 2019 by harpercollins Publishers All rights

harpercollins Publishers All rights

harpercollins Publishers All rights reserved

reserved

reserved thank you for listening