All language subtitles for Cold Storage by David Koepp Horror Audiobooks [LuPYBhiuPdo].en

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