ALONE

THE GIRL IN THE BOX, BOOK 1 Robert J. Crane

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ALONE THE GIRL IN THE BOX, BOOK 1 Robert J. Crane Copyright !"1! #$$ Right% Re%er&e'. ()a%h*or'% e'ition. AUTHORS NOTE Thi% boo+ i% a *or+ o, ,i-tion. Na)e%, -hara-ter%, p$a-e% an' in-i'ent% are pro'.-t% o, the a.thor/% i)agination or are .%e' ,i-titio.%$y. #ny re%e)b$an-e to a-t.a$ e&ent% or $o-a$e% or per%on%, $i&ing or 'ea', i% entire$y -oin-i'enta$. The %-anning, .p$oa'ing an' 'i%trib.tion o, thi% boo+ &ia the internet or any other )ean% *itho.t the per)i%%ion o, the p.b$i%her i% i$$ega$ an' p.ni%hab$e by $a*. 0$ea%e p.r-ha%e on$y a.thori1e' e$e-tronie'ition%, an' 'o not parti-ipate in or en-o.rage e$e-troni- pira-y o, -opyrighte' )ateria$%. 2o.r %.pport o, the a.thor/% right% i% appre-iate'. Contact Robert J. Crane &ia e)ai$ at -yr.%'a&i'on3g)ai$.-o) Layo.t pro&i'e' by Ever t!"n# In$"e http455***.e&erything6in'ie.-o) ~

Ac%no&'e$#e(ent)
I/&e hear' it %ai' that *riting i% har'. I 'i%agree7 *riting no&e$% i% ea%y than+% to the peop$e I ha&e to he$p )e. On-e )ore, )y greate%t than+% to )y e'itoria$ tea)4 8ir%t o, a$$ Heather Ro'e,er, a rea$ trooper, *ho pore% o&er ea-h page *ith r.th$e%% pre-i%ion, p.rp$e pen in han'. Her tire$e%% e,,ort%, rea$6ti)e ,ee'ba-+, an' ,ear$e%%ne%% in te$$ing )e *hen %o)ething i% %i)p$y not *or+ing he$p +eep )y *or+ ,ro) be-o)ing %e$,6in'.$gent -o'%*a$$op. (e-on', I ).%t than+ 9ebra :e%$ey, *ho in a''ition to being the %pee'ie%t to 'e$i&er her ,ee'ba-+, i% a$%o a -on%tant %o.r-e o, *ry h.)or, in%ight into the $arger *or$' o, ,anta%y an' %-i6,i, an' a,,ir)ation ,or *hate&er pro;e-t I/&e ;.%t -o)p$ete'. Thir', (hannon Gar1a rea' thro.gh thi% parti-.$ar &o$.)e ).$tip$e ti)e%, trying to ,ig.re o.t *hat gra))ati-a$ %in I ha' -o))itte' that -a.%e' her Te<an %en%e =it/% $i+e %pi'er6%en%e, b.t ,or Te<an%> to ting$e *ith 'i%p$ea%.re. (he en'e' .p ,ig.ring o.t by p.re in%tin-t %o)ething that I tho.ght I ha' ,i<e'. K.'o% to her ,or he$ping )e %)oothe o.t that parti-.$ar prob$e) an' a$%o ,or ,in'ing the -o&er art a,ter a $ong %ear-h on %h.tter%to-+.-o). I %h.''er to thin+ *hat any o, the%e boo+% *o.$' $oo+ $i+e *itho.t the -o.nt$e%% ho.r% the%e three p.t in he$ping )e ,i< the error% o, per%pe-ti&e an' tho.ght, gra))ar an' %ynta<. Keeping a %tory %traight in )y hea' i% a $ot o, *or+ an' it/' be i)po%%ib$e i, not ,or o.t%i'e he$p $i+e their%. Than+% again to Kari Lay)an ,or the a,,ir)ing -on&er%ation% that $e' )e to go o.t on a $i)b an' *rite thi% boo+. I, %he/' %ai' it 'i'n/t %o.n' that intere%ting, I probab$y *o.$' ha&e *or+e' on %o)ething e$%e an' (ienna Nea$on )ight ne&er ha&e $e,t her ho.%e. Than+% a$%o to Ca$&in (a)%, *ho rea' thro.gh an' ga&e %o)e &ery he$p,.$ note%. # %pe-ia$ %ho.t6o.t an' than+% to Ni-ho$a% J. #)bro%e, a.thor e<traor'inaire. 2o. -an ,in' a %a)p$e o, hi% ne* no&e$, (a)antha/% 0ro)i%e, in the ba-+ o, thi% *or+ ? an' I re-o))en' rea'ing it, then b.ying the boo+. The -o&er o, thi% boo+ i% a =%$ight$y -roppe'> photo by #nna O)e$-hen+o, *ho I be$ie&e i% in Lebanon. To the ,an%, the peop$e *ho ha&e been b.ying an' rea'ing )y *or+ an' %haring yo.r ,ee'ba-+, a hearty, hearty than+ yo.. The be%t $etter% a$*ay% %ee) to -o)e on the 'ay% *hen I nee' the) )o%t. #n' ,ina$$y, than+% to )y ,a)i$y ? *i,e, +i'% an' parent% ? ,or 'oing a$$ that yo. 'o %o that I -an 'o *hat I 'o. ~

CONTENTS
One T*o Three 8o.r 8i&e (i< (e&en Eight Nine Ten E$e&en T*e$&e Thirteen 8o.rteen 8i,teen (i<teen (e&enteen Eighteen Nineteen T*enty T*enty6one T*enty6t*o T*enty6three T*enty6,o.r T*enty6,i&e # Note to the Rea'er #bo.t the #.thor Other Boo+% by Robert J. Crane # %a)p$e o, (a)antha/% 0ro)i%e, by Ni-ho$a% J. #)bro%e ~

One
:hen I *o+e .p, there *ere t*o )en in )y ho.%e. #% a$ar)ing a% that *o.$' be ,or )o%t gir$%, ,or )e it/% 'o.b$y %o7 no one b.t @o) an' I are a$$o*e' in o.r ho.%e. No one. That/% r.$e n.)ber one. I %en%e' the) -reeping aro.n' in the $i&ing roo) a% )y bo'y %hot to in%tant *a+e,.$ne%%. It probab$y %o.n'% *eir', b.t I -o.$' hear the) breathing an' an .n,a)i$iar %-ent ,i$$e' the air, %o)ething bri%+ an' ,re%h, that bro.ght *ith it a -hi$$ that -rept into )y roo). They 'i' not %pea+. I ro$$e' o,, )y be', )a+ing ).-h $e%% noi%e than either o, the). I -ro.-he' an' -rept to the 'oor*ay o, )y roo), *hi-h *a% open. It *a% 'ar+7 'ar+ eno.gh ,or )e to te$$ they *ere ha&ing tro.b$e %eeing be-a.%e one o, the) br.%he' the -o,,ee tab$e, -a.%ing a g$a%% to -$atter. # ).,,$e' -.r%e )a'e it% *ay to )y ear% a% I h.''$e' again%t the *a$$ an' %$i' to )y ,eet. :e ha' an a$ar), b.t ba%e' on the ,a-t that a 'ea,ening +$a<on *a%n/t b$aring, I -o.$' on$y a%%.)e they ).%t ha&e %o)eho* -ir-.)&ente' it. I 'i'n/t +no* *hat they *ere $oo+ing ,or, b.t I/) a %e&enteen6year6o$' gir$ =eighteen in a )onth, an' I g.e%% I/' %ay *o)an, b.t I 'on/t ,ee$ $i+e one ? i% that *eir'A> an' there *ere t*o %trange )en in )y ho)e, %o I g.e%%e' their )oti&e% *ere not p.re. Ho* 'i' they get inA The ,ront 'oor i% a$*ay% $o-+e' ? %ee r.$e n.)ber one. I pee+e' aro.n' the 'oor,ra)e an' %a* the). The one that hit the -o,,ee tab$e $oo+e' to be in hi% ,ortie%, ha' a ,e* e<tra po.n'%, an' I -o.$' te$$, e&en in the 'ar+, that he ha' $e%% hair than he *i%he' he 'i'. The other one *a% yo.nger, I g.e%%e' $ate t*entie%, an' hi% ba-+ *a% t.rne' to )e. They *ere both *earing %.it% *ith 'ar+ ;a-+et%, an' the o$'er g.y ha' %hoe% that %B.ea+e'. @o%t peop$e *o.$'n/t noti-e, b.t right then I *a% hypera*are. He p.t a ,oot 'o*n on the $ino$e.) in the +it-hen an' *hen he *ent to ta+e another %tep there *a% a %.bt$e %o.n', the %B.ea$ o, r.bber %o$e% that -a.%e' tho%e $itt$e hair% on )y ar) to %tan' .p. I *eigh a h.n're' an' thirty6%e&en po.n'% an' %tan' ,i&e ,oot ,o.r. The o$' one *a% o&er %i< ,eet, the yo.nger a $itt$e ta$$er than )e. The yo.ng one he$' hi% han'% in ,ront o, hi), probab$y be-a.%e hi% eye% %ti$$ ha'n/t a';.%te'. :hat 'o yo. 'o in a %it.ation $i+e thi%A I -o.$'n/t r.n7 I/) not a$$o*e' to $ea&e the ho.%e. That/% r.$e n.)ber t*o, -o.rte%y o, @o). (o *hen %he/% at *or+, I/) at ho)e. :hen %he get% ho)e ,ro) *or+, I/) at ho)e. I 'on/t $ea&e the ho.%e, e&er. The t*o o, the) e'ge' their *ay aro.n'. The o$' ,at one %teppe' on a %o'a -an an' %*ore again. I *a% %.''en$y than+,.$ ,or )y piti,.$ ho.%e+eeping e,,ort% o, $ate. I %a* the yo.nger one hea'ing to*ar' )e, an' *on'ere' *hat to 'o. Can/t $ea&e. I rea-he' to )y right an' ,e$t the pre%% o, an e%+ri)a %ti-+ in )y han', $eaning again%t the o$' re-or' p$ayer. I pi-+e' it .p an' tran%,erre' it to )y $e,t han' *hi$e )y right *ent ba-+ to %ear-hing ,or it% -o)panion. E%+ri)a %ti-+% are baton%, ea-h abo.t t*o ,eet in $ength. I -o.$' ,ight *ith one a$one, i, I ha' to, b.t I/) better *ith t*o. @o) %tarte' tea-hing )e )artia$ art% *hen I *a% %i<. I/) on$y a$$o*e' to *at-h an ho.r o, TC a 'ay, an' that/% i, I 'o a$$ )y -hore%, a$$ )y %t.'ie%, an' I/&e beha&e' )y%e$,. The e%+ri)a %ti-+% are part o, )y %t.'ie%. T*o ho.r% o, )artia$ art% e&ery %ing$e 'ay, no e<-eption%. The yo.ng g.y peere' thro.gh the 'oor an' 'i'n/t %ee )e. I *a% h.''$e' again%t the *a$$, )otion$e%%, -ro.-hing at *ai%t $e&e$ ,or hi). He %*i&e$e' *hen I )o&e' b.t be,ore he got a -han-e to rea-t, I bro.ght the e%+ri)a %ti-+ .p into hi% groin. I 'i'n/t +no* hi) or *hat he *a% here ,or, %o I 'i'n/t %*ing *ith ,.$$ ,or-e, b.t it %ti$$ r.ine' hi% 'ay. J.%t $i+e @o) ta.ght )e. He $et o.t a %-rea) an' I ro%e, 'ri&ing the point o, )y %ho.$'er into hi% %o$ar p$e<.% ? that/% the p$a-e in yo.r %to)a-h *here i, yo. get hit, yo./' %ay yo. got the *in' +no-+e' o.t o, yo.. :hee1ing

an' ga%ping, it %o.n'e' $i+e he *a% going to get %i-+ on )e. @o) %ay% that happen% %o)eti)e%, %o I )o&e' o.t o, the *ay a% he ,e$$ to hi% +nee%. #n e%+ri)a %ti-+ to the ba-+ o, the hea' p.t hi% $ight% o.t. #% he ,e$$, I -a.ght a ,aint *hi,, o, a p$ea%ant %-ent ? %*eet yet p.ngent, -o$ogne o, %o)e %ort I g.e%%e'. It *a% .n$i+e anything I/' e&er %)e$$e' be,ore. I $i+e' it. # %trea) o, -.r%e% rea-he' )y ear% ,ro) O$'ie in the $i&ing roo), an' I %a* hi% han' -o)e thro.gh the 'oor, %o I rea-he' o.t an' )a'e a -onne-tion *ith hi% *ri%t ? *ith one o, the %ti-+%, o, -o.r%e. J.%t a tap. He yan+e' it ba-+ *ith a gr.nt o, pain. I ,$.ng )y%e$, thro.gh the 'oor, $ea'ing *ith a ,ront +i-+ that he b$o-+e' *ith the %a)e han' I ha' ;.%t *ha-+e', an' he gr.nte' again be,ore trying to -o.nter *ith a p.n-h. He *a% pretty ,ar a*ay, %o I $et hi) ,o$$o* thro.gh. I 'i'n/t thin+ he -o.$' %ee )e, an' he *a% a% %$o* a% a g$a-ier -o)pare' to @o). (he pra-ti-e' *ith )e e&ery 'ay, an' %ti$$ beat the he$$ o.t o, )e '.ring pra-ti-e. 2o./' thin+ a,ter training *ith the *o)an ,or t*e$&e year% I/' ha&e ,ig.re' o.t ho* to beat her, b.t noD O$'ie too+ another %*ing an' I %i'e%teppe', )y ,eet -arrying )e into the +it-hen. I bro.ght the e%+ri)a %ti-+ o&erhan' an' -ra-+e' hi) on the hea' a% I $et o.t a $itt$e gigg$e. I -o.$'n/t he$p it, rea$$y. 9ay a,ter 'ay it *a% %t.'y, %t.'y, %t.'y, pra-ti-e, pra-ti-e, )aybe *at-h a $itt$e TC, *on'er *hy I/) not a% goo' at ,ighting a% @o), an' then one 'ay yo. *a+e .p an' there are t*o )en in the ho.%e. #n' I/) beating the) both %en%e$e%% *itho.t gi&ing it )y ,.$$ e,,ort. :hat 'oe% it %ay abo.t )e that I ha&en/t %een a $i&ing h.)an being other than @o) in t*e$&e year% an' )y ,ir%t in%tin-t i% to +no-+ the) .n-on%-io.%A I/' *orry )ore abo.t it, b.t @o)/% been gone ,or o&er a *ee+ ? -oin-i'en-e that the%e g.y% %ho* .p no*A @o) -o)e% ho)e e&ery 'ay a,ter *or+. (et yo.r *at-h by her4 *ith on$y an o--a%iona$ e<-eption, %he *a% ho)e at E4FG. B.t I ha&en/t %een her in a *ee+. I tho.ght abo.t $ea&ing, b.t *hat i, it/% a te%tA There *a% an a$ar), a,ter a$$7 %he -o.$' ha&e been )onitoring, an' then I/' ,ai$ the te%t ? an' that *o.$' be ba'. :e/$$ 'e,ine Hba'I $ater. #,ter I gigg$e', O$'ie *hir$e' a*ay ,ro) )e. I p.r%.e', an' to the o$' g.y/% -re'it, he 'o'ge' pretty *e$$. O, -o.r%e, I *a% ho$'ing ba-+. Not %.re *hy. @o) *o.$' ha&e been pi%%e' that I *a%n/t atta-+ing ,.$$ o.t. I $an'e' another e%+ri)a on hi% -hin an' he %taggere' ba-+ an' -a.ght ho$' o, the -.rtain in the 'inette, yan+ing the) o,, the *a$$ an-hor% a% he ,e$$. #n' th.% &io$ate' r.$e n.)ber three4 'on/t open the -.rtain% or $oo+ o.t the *in'o*%. @o%t o, the) in the ,ront o, the ho.%e ha&e hea&y 're%%er% an' ,.rnit.re b$o-+ing the), an' a$$ o, the) ha&e bar% on the e<terior. The one% in the rear open to a ba-+yar' that ha% a ,en-e eight ,eet ta$$ a$$ the *ay aro.n' an' $ot% o, o$' tree% that pretty ).-h b$ot o.t any &ie* o, the %.n. 9on/t thin+ I/) a per,e-t goo'y6goo'y ? I/&e %n.-+ a $oo+ o.t ba-+ $ot% o, ti)e%. @y -on-$.%ion ? it/% a big, bright *or$' o.t there. Rea$$y 'a)ne' bright, in ,a-t. B$in'ing. I *o.$' ha&e +ept a,ter hi), b.t *hen the -.rtain% ,e$$ the 'ay$ight %trea)e' in an' I -o.$'n/t %ee anything ,or a ,e* %e-on'%. :hen )y eye% re-o&ere' I ,o.n' the o$' g.y thro*ing the -.rtain% o,, hi)%e$, an' he -a)e .p *ith a g.n in hi% han'. I g.e%% I %ho.$'n/t ha&e ta+en it ea%y on hi). The ,ir%t %hot *o.$' ha&e gotten )e in the ,a-e i, I ha'n/t a$rea'y been )o&ing. I 'o'ge' behin' the -o.-h a% the %hot rang o.t. Then another an' another. They *ere $o.' b.t not 'ea,ening. The )i-ro*a&e in the +it-hen too+ the ,ir%t t*o7 the ne<t three hit the %o,a an' I hear' the ).,,$e' i)pa-t% a% %t.,,ing ,$e* thro.gh the air. I *a% -ra*$ing )y a%% o,,, hea'ing ,or the 'oor. I 'o'ge' .n'er the -o,,ee tab$e, the one O$'ie ha' hit on hi% *ay in, ro$$e' onto )y ba-+ an' p.t )y ,eet an' han'% on the .n'er%i'e o, the g$a%%. I %a* hi) e)erge ,ro) behin' the %o,a an' +ne* )y ti)e *a% $i)ite'. Hi% g.n *a% pointe' at )e, %o I ,$.ng the tab$e at hi) *ith )y han'% an' ,eet. Kin'a .g$y, b.t it +no-+e' hi) o,, ba$an-e a% the

g$a%% %hattere' in hi% ,a-e an' I hear' the g.n %+itter ,ro) hi% han' ba-+ to*ar' the 'inette. I 'i'n/t ta+e any -han-e%7 I *a% on )y ,eet in a %e-on' an' %printing to*ar' the ,ront 'oor. He got the g.n ba-+ a% I *a% )a+ing )y e%-ape an' I hear' three )ore %hot% i)pa-t behin' )e a% I %$a))e' the 'oor to the por-h. I rea-he' 'o*n an' hit the o.t%i'e $o-+ ? I +no* it %o.n'% *eir', b.t I $o-+e' the) in )y o*n ho.%e. Lo-+e' the) in, an' )e o.t. 8or tho%e o, yo. +eeping %-ore4 R.$e J 1 ? @o) an' I are the on$y one% a$$o*e' in o.r ho.%e. R.$e J ! ? I a) ne&er to $ea&e the ho.%e. R.$e J F ? Ne&er open the -.rtain% or $oo+ o.t%i'e. Sorry, Mom, I tho.ght. Were just breaking your rules all to hell today. I hear' the g.n,ire again an' I ran, 'o'ging o.t the ,ront 'oor o, the por-h. I/' %een thi% %pa-e a tho.%an' ti)e% a% @o) *a% $ea&ing, b.t ne&er *hat $ay beyon' it. @y han' ,$e* to the +nob that opene' the 'oor that $e' to the o.t%i'e *or$'. I, it ha' been .p to )e, I )ight ha&e *ante' to re,$e-t on *hat a )o)ento.% 'ay thi% *a%, going o.t%i'e ,or the ,ir%t ti)e in t*e$&e year%7 on &io$ating %o )any r.$e%, the ,ir%t three big one%, a$$ in a ,i&e6)in.te perio'. #% it *a%, the %o.n' o, g.n%hot% -ha%e' )e into the $ight o, 'ay. The -o$' hit )e a% I ran o.t, breath ,ro%ting a% it hit the air. 8ort.nate$y, I/) a$*ay% ,.$$y 're%%e' ? 'o*n to ha&ing on g$o&e% a$$ the ti)e. That/% r.$e ,o.r ? a$*ay% ,.$$y 're%%e', a$*ay% $ong %$ee&e% an' pant%, an' a$*ay% ha&e yo.r g$o&e% on. I/&e a%+e' *hy an' @o) ha% 'e-$ine' to e<p$ain, an%*ering *ith a %i)p$e, ter%e, HBe-a.%e I %ai' %o.I I g.e%% it *a% in -a%e I e&er ha' to r.n. @y eye% %-anne' the $an'%-ape o, the %.b.rban %treet in ,ront o, )e. E&en tho.gh the %+y *a% -o&ere' in -$o.'%, it *a% bright. The %)e$$ o, the air -rept .p )y no%e a$ong *ith the -o$', an' it ,e$t $i+e the in%i'e o, )y no%tri$% ,ro1e. It *a% beyon' -ri%p, an' it a$)o%t h.rt *hen I inha$e' it. The ,rigi'ne%% bit at )e e&en thro.gh )y t.rt$ene-+ %*eater, an' I ,o.n' )y%e$, *i%hing ,or a -oat. The *in' b$e* 'o*n the roa' in ,ront o, )e ? ro*% o, or'inary ho.%e%, i'y$$i- an' %no* -o&ere', tree% in the ,ront yar'%, 'rape' in a b$an+et o, *inter *hite. I %$ippe' on the ,ront *a$+ an' ,e$t )y heart +i-+ )e in the -he%t in a %en%ation o, g.t6p.n-hing ,ear. @y han' -a.ght )e an' I bo.n-e' ba-+ to )y ,eet. So thats ice? I tho.ght. Knti$ no* I ha' on$y %een it on TC an' in the ,ree1er. There *a% a b$a-+ %e'an in the 'ri&e*ay that $oo+e' $i+e %o)ething I/' %een on a B.i-+ -o))er-ia$. @y han' br.%he' again%t it a% I ran 'o*n the 'ri&e*ay an' %toppe' at the en'. I hear' the %o.n' o, )ore g.n%hot% an' '.-+e' behin' the -ar. C$in+ing noi%e% -a)e ,ro) behin' )e a% the %hot% bo.n-e' o,, their &ehi-$e. No* *hatA #% i, to an%*er )y B.e%tion a re' (KC %+i''e' to a %top in ,ront o, )e. # %)a$$ $ine o, ).''y %no* %p$attere' pa%t )e a% the pa%%enger 'oor opene'. In%i'e *a% a g.y. 9ar+ bro*n hair h.ng aro.n' hi% %ho.$'er% an' hi% %+in *a% tanne'7 I *a% not too ,$.%tere' or in too ).-h o, a h.rry to rea$i1e that he *a% not ba' $oo+ing. Hi% eye% bro+e the 'i%tan-e bet*een .% a% he %tare' )e 'o*n. Hi% b$a-+ -oat r.,,$e' ,ro) the open 'oor an' I hear' hi% &oi-e, rai%e' to a pit-h, an' he %po+e ? %o)ething that %ho.$' ha&e %o.n'e' $i+e a -o))an', b.t *a% %o gent$e it -a)e o,, a% an in&itation. HGet in.I ~

T&o
I $oo+e' ba-+ an' %a* O$'ie -o)ing aro.n' the e'ge o, the -ar. He ha' the g.n .p an' pointe', an' *a% a$)o%t to )e. @y on$y tho.ght *a% ? Damn, hes slow. I b$a%te' hi) *ith a ro.n'ho.%e +i-+, )in'ing )y ,ooting, an' )a'e %o$i' -onta-t, +i-+ing hi% ar) a%i'e. I %teppe' in an' 'e$i&ere' an e$bo* to hi% )i'%e-tion, bringing )y han' aro.n' *ith a per,e-t t*i%t to p.$$ the g.n ,ro) hi% gra%p. :ith a $a%t e,,ort I bro.ght )y +nee .p to hi% g.t an' then 'roppe' hi) *ith an e$bo* to the ba-+ o, the hea'. He $an'e' on a$$ ,o.r% an' grabbe' at )y ,oot, %o I *hippe' hi) in the top o, the hea' *ith hi% o*n g.n, %en'ing hi) ,a-e'o*n into the %$.%h on the 'ri&e*ay. I t.rne' ba-+ to the han'%o)e )an in the (KC an' pointe' the g.n at hi). H(ti$$ *ant )e to get inA No* it/% on )y ter)%.I Hi% han'% ro%e in %.rren'er an' a %$ight %)i$e t*i%te' the -orner o, hi% )o.th. H2e%.I I got in an' %h.t the 'oor. H:here toAI I +ept the g.n pointe' at hi). Bro*n eye% %tare' ba-+ at )e, the -o$or o, the 'ar+ -herry*oo' o.r +it-hen tab$e *a% )a'e o,. H:here *o.$' yo. $i+e to goAI H#*ay.I Hi% $ip% t.rne' into a ,.$$6b$o*n %)i$e. He %to)pe' on the pe'a$ an' *e %tarte' )o&ing. I/' %een a -ar )o&e on TC, b.t it *a% nothing $i+e the rea$ thing. I ,e$t the a--e$eration p.%h )e ba-+ into the -o),ortab$e %eat. The *ho$e -ar %)e$$e' goo', *ith an aro)a I -o.$'n/t 'e,ine b.t that re)in'e' )e &ery &ag.e$y o, the ti)e% @other *o.$' bring ho)e ,$o*er% on %pe-ia$ o--a%ion%. @y eye% %taye' on hi), e&en a% *e t.rne' a -orner. I 'arte' a $oo+ o.t the *in'o* an' then ba-+ to hi). He +ept that %a)e ,aint %)i$e b.t he *at-he' the roa'. Ho.%e% pa%%e' .% on either %i'e in a b$.r o, -o$or% o&er*he$)e' by the *hite o, the %no*. :e %hot thro.gh an inter%e-tion an' the tra,,i- $ight )a'e )e %tare. I t.rne' ba-+ to hi). H:hat/% yo.r na)eAI He $oo+e' o&er at )e ,or a ,$i-+er be,ore t.rning ba-+ to the roa'. HRee'.I I no''e'. It *a% a ni-e na)e. I *a% %.''en$y -on%-io.% o, the ,a-t that @o) ).%t %.re$y ha&e ha' a r.$e again%t ta$+ing to %tranger%, b.t *e ne&er 'i%-.%%e' *hat to 'o i, yo./re 'ri&en o.t o, the ho.%e by )en *ith g.n%. @y han' a-he' *here I ha' $an'e' on it a,ter )y %$ip. HI/)D(ienna.I HNi-e to )eet yo., (ienna.I He )o&e' one o, hi% han'% o,, the *hee$ an' pro,,ere' it to )e. I %hoo+ it. HThan+ yo..I It *a% the ,ir%t ti)e I ha' been o.t o, )y ho.%e %in-e I *a% ,i&e year% o$'. I ha'n/t ta$+e' to another h.)an being be%i'e% @o) ,or that $ong. I *on'ere' i, thi% *a% ho* peop$e ta$+e'A Ha' -on&er%ation%A H:here %ho.$' *e goAI Hi% han'% grippe' the %teering *hee$ tight, an' I -o.$' %ee the +n.-+$e% o, hi% 'ar+er %+in t.rn *hite ,ro) the pre%%.re. @y hea' *a% %ti$$ %pinning ,ro) a$$ that ha' happene' in the $a%t ten )in.te%, b.t I ha' an i'ea. H(o)e*here p.b$i-. :ith $ot% o, peop$e. # gro-ery %tore.I H8air eno.gh.I :e ro'e in %i$en-e. I %t.'ie' hi), $oo+ing at the $ine% o, hi% ,a-e. He -o.$'n/t ha&e been ).-h o$'er than )e. Other than thro.gh TC, I ha'n/t %een another $i&ing %o.$ in year% e<-ept @o). :hen yo.r on$y h.)an e<perien-e in $i,e i% thro.gh the TC, it *arp% yo.r %en%e o, rea$ity. The peop$e on TC are %o ,$a*$e%% that yo. 'on/t %ee the $itt$e b$e)i%he% on the %+in7 the $itt$e )o$e be$o* hi% eye, the ,re-+$e% that bare$y %ho*e' on hi% -hee+. :e p.$$e' into a par+ing $ot an' I )ar&e$e' at the %i1e o, the %ign o.t ,ront. I %teppe' o.t o, the -ar an' the bite o, the -hi$$ hit )e. @y b$a-+ t.rt$ene-+ 'i'n/t 'o ).-h to prote-t )e again%t the 'eep ,ree1e that *a% the o.t'oor%. I +ne* it ha' to be -o$' o.t%i'e ,ro) the 'ra,t thro.gh the *in'o*% at

ho)e, b.t I 'i'n/t +no* it *a% thi% -o$'. @y $eather g$o&e% ,e$t $i+e they *eren/t e&en there an' the -$o.'% -o&ere' the %+y abo&e, bathing the %-ene be,ore )e in a '.$$ $ight. The )e$te' %no* .n'er )y ,eet in the par+ing $ot %.rpri%e' )e. No* that I *a%n/t ha&ing to r.n, I too+ )y ti)e, $i%tening to the oo1ing, %p$a%hing %o.n' it )a'e a% I bro.ght )y %hoe% 'o*n into it, then ,e$t the -o$' o, the i-y %$.%h go into )y %o-+%. I -ringe'. Not e<a-t$y ho* I pi-t.re' )y ,ir%t ti)e o.t o, the ho.%e4 I a%%.)e' I *o.$' r.n bare,oot thro.gh a )ea'o*, *ith the %.n %hining bright abo&e, the *ar)th on )y %+in, bright -o$ore' ,$o*er% an' green ,ie$'% aro.n' )e. (i$$y, -$i-hL', I +no*. B.t that/% *hat I *ante'. I, I e&er -o.$' ha&e gotten o.t o, the ho.%e. :e *a$+e' to the ,ront 'oor% an' they parte' ,or .%. #n in&o$.ntary grin %p$it )y ,a-e. Cery -oo$. Ree' $a.ghe'. HNe&er %een an a.to)ati- 'oor be,oreAI HNope.I I %tare' at the), a$)o%t a,rai' that i, I too+ )y eye% a*ay they/' &ani%h an' I/' be ba-+ in the ho.%e, a$one an' 'rea)ing. HCo)e on.I Hi% han' *rappe' aro.n' )y .pper ar) *ith a gent$e pre%%.re an' I ,e$t a %$ight ting$e a% he g.i'e' )e in%i'e ? not p.%hy or 'e)an'ing, b.t *ithD-are. I -o.$' ,ee$ the *ar)th o, hi% han' thro.gh )y %*eater an' the *eight o, the g.n in the ,ront *ai%tban' o, )y ;ean%. The heate' air o, the %tore b$e* 'o*n on )e a% I *a$+e' thro.gh the entry, a p$ea%ant ,ee$ing to -o.ntera-t the -hi$$. :e %toppe' in%i'e an' the %)e$$ o, roa%ting -hi-+en hit )y no%e. @y )o.th %tarte' to *ater7 @o) ha'n/t %hoppe' ,or at $ea%t a *ee+ be,ore %he 'i%appeare'. La%t night I pi-+e' at the re)ain'er o, *hat *a% in the ,ri'ge. It *a% a $itt$e 'e%perate7 I *a% o&er ra)en noo'$e% an' +et-h.p. # big -o.nter o, -$ear g$a%% %tret-he' a-ro%% the *a$$ o, the %tore. I -o.$' %ee a h.ge %e$e-tion o, )eat% an' -hee%e% *aiting in%i'e it. @y eye% *an'ere' to the big ,ree1er% *ith bo<e% an' bag% o, ,oo', an' I ,e$t $i+e I *a% going to %tart 'roo$ing. There *ere booth% arrange' near the 'e$i -o.nter ? $i+e a re%ta.rant right there in the %tore. H2o. h.ngryAI Ree'/% eye% ,o.n' )ine an' I no''e'. HI/$$ b.y yo. $.n-h.I I %toppe' hi). H:hy are yo. being %o ni-e to )eA It/% not $i+e yo. pi-+ .p %tranger% on the %i'e o, the roa' e&ery 'ay *ho ha&e %o)eone pointing a g.n at the).I I pa.%e'. HOr 'o yo.AI He b$in+e'. HIt/% not a .%.a$ thing. B.t yo. ha&e to .n'er%tan'Dthere are a $ot o, peop$e $oo+ing ,or yo..I H8or )eAI # 'o.bt -a.%e' )e to %hi&er. I ha'n/t be$ie&e' he *a% %o)eone 'ri&ing by )y ho.%e at ran'o), b.t ha&ing the g.n )a'e )e ,ee$ $i+e I *a% %ti$$ in -ontro$ *hen I *ent *ith hi). (ti$$, it *orrie' )e *hen he -on,ir)e' *hat I %.%pe-te'. H2e%, yo..I He $oo+e' to either %i'e. HLet )e get yo. %o)ething to eat. I 'o.bt yo. ha&e any )oney.I HI 'on/t.I He bo.ght one o, the big -hi-+en% that -a)e in a -ar'boar' bo<. I ate *itho.t -on%i'eration ,or ho* it $oo+e', an' he *at-he'. H:ho are yo.AI I a%+e' hi) bet*een bite%. HRee'.I H()arta%%.I I g$are' at hi), b.t it $a-+e' inten%ity. I ha' a har' ti)e being )a' at %o)eone *ho *a% ,ee'ing )e. He %hr.gge'. HIt/% tr.e.I HBeyon' that.I H(o)eone *ho/% -on-erne' abo.t yo..I Hi% ,a-e gre* %erio.%. HThere are 'angero.% peop$e a,ter yo., (ienna.I HHo* 'o yo. +no*AI I %ighe'. HBeyon' the ob&io.% ,a-t that they %hot at )e.I He he%itate'. HTho%e g.y%Dthe yo.ng one/% na)e i% Ma-+ 9a&i%7 the o$'er one i% K.rt Hannegan.I

He ).%t ha&e %een )e %ti,,en in %.rpri%e, be-a.%e he $eane' ba-+ ,ro) the tab$e. HI *a%n/t %itting o.t%i'e yo.r ho.%e by -oin-i'en-e.I I ,e$t the ,$.%h o, b$oo' r.nning to )y -hee+%. H#re yo. *ith the)A #re yo. one o, the)AI HNo.I He %hoo+ hi% hea', hot *ith in'ignation. HI/) not. B.t there are *or%e thing% a,ter yo. than tho%e t*o.I H:ho are theyAI I a%+e'. H:ho are yo.AI He p$a-e' hi% pa$)% on the tab$e. HThat/% not the B.e%tion yo. %ho.$' be a%+ing.I HOhAI @y eye% narro*e'. H:hat B.e%tion %ho.$' I be a%+ingAI HThe B.e%tion yo. %ho.$' a%+ i% N:hat a) IA/H Hi% eye% 'arte' $e,t an' right. H9o yo. thin+ it/% nor)a$ ,or a )other to $o-+ her -hi$' in a ho.%e an' not $et her o.t ,or year%A E&en in yo.r $i)ite' e<perien-e, that -an/t %ee) B.ite rightOI H@o) %ai' it *a% ,or )y o*n goo'OI HI bet,I he interr.pte'. Hi% ,a-e bare$y -on-ea$e' 'i%'ain. H0.tting that a%i'e, I +no* yo.r )other 'i%appeare'OI HHo* 'o yo. +no* thatAI @y ,ingernai$% '.g into the %o,t *oo' %.r,a-e o, the tab$e, $ea&ing )ar+%. H9o yo. +no* *here %he i%AI HNo. B.t %he goe% )i%%ing an' %.''en$y yo. ha&e a ho%t o, peop$e a,ter yo.AI He *a%n/t %)i$ing. H2o. rea$i1e that/% not -oin-i'en-e.I HI 'o. I/) not %t.pi'.I H9i'n/t %ay yo. *ere. IOI He %toppe' )i'%enten-e an' hi% eye% *i'ene' a% he $oo+e' pa%t )e. I t.rne' )y hea' to ,o$$o* hi% ga1e a% O$'ie *a$+e' in thro.gh the %$i'ing 'oor% *ith a thin yo.ng g.y at hi% %i'e ? the g.y I ha' hit in the groin ear$ier. He *a% $i)ping. #n' he *a% hot. HHo* 'i' they ,in' )eAI I t.rne' to Ree', an' he *ore a %tri-+en $oo+. H(o)e %ort o, tra-+ing 'e&i-e, )aybe,I he ).r).re', %$i'ing o.t o, the booth. HLet/% get o.t o, here.I HN.h .h. I *ant an%*er%.I @y han' %$i' to )y *ai%tban'. @o) ha' ta.ght )e the ba%i-% o, ho* to .%e a g.n, tho.gh I ha' ne&er ,ire' one. To.gh to pra-ti-e %hooting $i&e ro.n'% in the ho.%e. Hi% eye% a$)o%t e<p$o'e' o.t o, hi% %+.$$. H#re yo. -ra1yAI Hi% &oi-e *a% ;.%t abo&e a *hi%per, b.t it *a% 'e$i&ere' *ith the ,or-e o, a %ho.t. HI bet they +no* abo.t )y )o).I I %tarte' to a'&an-e on the), b.t he br.%he' again%t )y ar). I $oo+e' to hi% eye%, an' they *ere *i'e *ith ,ear ? ,or )e. H2o. 'on/t +no* *hat they/re *i$$ing to 'o.I He t.gge' on )y ar). H0$ea%e. Let/% $ea&e be,ore they %ee yo..I The gear% *ere grin'ing in )y hea'. I/' been $e,t a$one ,or a *ee+, an' the%e g.y% -a)e ,or )e, ar)e'. @o) *a% )i%%ing an' I 'i'n/t +no* *here %he *a%. Lot% o, B.e%tion%. I $oo+e' ba-+ at hi) an' a hint o, p$ea'ing *a% ob&io.% in hi% bro*n eye%. (eeing the *or$' on TC *a% 'i,,erent than %eeing it $i+e thi%. #n' ,or %o)e rea%on I -o.$'n/t 'e,ine, I tr.%te' hi) ? a $itt$e. H#$$ right. Let/% go.I :e *at-he' a% the yo.ng )an =%o te)pte' to -a$$ hi) Hottie> an' O$'ie %p$it .p, ea-h hea'e' in a 'i,,erent 'ire-tion to %ear-h the %tore. :e *aite' .nti$ O$'ie ha' *a$+e' 'o*n an ai%$e an' Hottie ha' hi% ba-+ t.rne' be,ore )a+ing o.r )o&e. :e *a$+e' o.t the entran-e 'oor an' into the par+ing $ot, an' Ree'/% pa-e B.i-+ene'. The %no* %$o%he' beneath .% an' the -o$' bore' into gap% in )y -$othing that I 'i'n/t +no* *ere there. #% *e approa-he' hi% -ar, I $oo+e' .p. The %.n *a% %ti$$ hi'ing behin' the -$o.'%7 I ha' yet to %ee it. I $oo+e' o&er )y %ho.$'er. The t*o %tooge% *eren/t ,o$$o*ing .%. I t.rne' to Ree' to )a+e a *i%e-ra-+ an' %toppe', )y )o.th agape. # )on%tro.% han' *ith $ong, pointe' ,ingernai$% *a% *rappe' aro.n' Ree'/% throat. Hi% o$i&e %+in *a% t.rning p.rp$e an' there *a% no %o.n' -o)ing ,ro) hi% )o.th, *hi-h *a% open. Hi% eye% *ere

$o-+e' on )e an' hi% han'% *ere *rappe' aro.n' an ar) that $oo+e' bigger than )y tor%o. @y eye% ,o$$o*e' the ar) to a )an, at $ea%t a ,oot ta$$er than )e, b.i$t thi-+ an' ).%-$e' $i+e a pro bo'yb.i$'er. Hi% hea' *a% h.ge, hair tang$e' an' )atte', 'ar+ *ith %trea+% o, gray r.nning thro.gh an' it a$)o%t -o&ere' hi% bro*. 8.rro*e' abo&e hi% b$a-+ eye% *ere t*o eyebro*% that *ere %hape' $i+e +ni,e b$a'e%. Hi% %i'eb.rn% ro$$e' 'o*n into a %-ragg$y an' .n+e)pt bear' that ran aro.n' hi% )o.th. Oh Go', hi% )o.th. 0ointe' teeth. I/&e ne&er %een anything $i+e the) ? an' hi% $ip% .pt.rne' in a -r.e$ %)i$e, hi% tong.e $a%hing ba-+ an' ,orth, not B.ite -on-ea$e' by hi% in-i%or%. HHe$$o, $itt$e 'o$$,I he gro*$e' in a &oi-e bare$y a.'ib$e abo&e the *in' a% he -rept to*ar' )e. H@y na)e i% :o$,e. I/&e -o)e to -o$$e-t yo..I ~

T!ree
I ,e$t ,ear -reep thro.gh )e7 the %.''en %i-+ne%% ,or ho)e that to$' )e that I *a%n/t %.re I *a% rea'y to be o.t in the *or$'. It on$y $a%te' a ,e* %e-on'%, an' then I bro.ght 'o*n )y right han' in a ha))erb$o* again%t the *ea+e%t part o, :o$,e/% *ri%t. #n' it bo.n-e' o,,. :o$,e 'i'n/t e&en gr.nt in a-+no*$e'g)ent o, )y atta-+. He rea-he' ,or )e *ith hi% other han' ? an' I ha&e to gi&e hi) -re'it4 he *a% fast. I *a% ,a%ter. I %*ept in be$o* hi% ar) an' ra))e' )y hea' into hi% %o$ar p$e<.%. Not )y i'ea$ -hoi-e, b.t I *a% a $itt$e o,, ba$an-e an' I 'i'n/t *ant hi) to get aho$' o, )y ne-+. I %$a))e' )y ,orehea' into hi% %to)a-h, %traightening )y %pine. I/' bro+en boar'% $i+e thi% training *ith @other, an' it/% not *itho.t 'i%-o),ort. He 'i'n/t rea-t. @y hea' ,e$t $i+e I ha' hit a *a$$ *here it %ho.$' ha&e been %o,t ti%%.e. I %p.n to %$i'e .n'er hi% ar) to get behin' hi), b.t the pain ,ro) )y ,ai$e' hea'b.tt %$o*e' )e. He grabbe' )e aro.n' )y t.rt$ene-+ an' $i,te' )e o,, )y ,eet a% i, he *ere pi-+ing .p a hea' o, $ett.-e one6han'e'. I ,e$t the b$oo' poo$ing in )y brain, ,ighting to get o.t thro.gh the &ein% he ha' %B.ee1e' %h.t. HHeyPI # &oi-e 're* )y attention an' :o$,e/%. I *a% %ti$$ %tr.gg$ing, b.t t*o )en in their t*entie% approa-he' *earing hea&y -oat% an' ;ean%. H:hat are yo. 'oingAI Their ,a-e% *ere -ontorte' *ith rage an' the one that *a% %pea+ing pointe' at :o$,e. H2o. -an/t treat a gir$ that *ayP 9rop herPI :o$,e a-te' a% tho.gh he 'i' not hear the) an' the t*o o, the) r.%he' at hi). I %a* it -o)ing thro.gh the ha1e that *a% beginning to -$o.' )y &i%ion, e&en i, they 'i'n/t. :o$,e ,$.ng Ree' into the %i'e o, a -ar an' he ri-o-hete' o,,, -o)ing to re%t in a pi$e on the gro.n'. I *o.$' ha&e *orrie' abo.t hi) i, I *a%n/t too b.%y trying to ,ree )y%e$, to ta+e a breath. :o$,e t.rne' hi% bo'y %o that hi% $e,t han', the one he *a%n/t -ho+ing )e *ith, -o.$' 'ea$ *ith the). Hi% ba-+han' %ent the ,ir%t ,$ying a goo' %i< ,eet in the air an' he $an'e' *ith a -ra-+ on the a%pha$t a$)o%t ,i,teen ,eet a*ay. It *a% %o $o.' *hen he $an'e' that it e&en -a.ght )y attention, an' by thi% point %par+$e% o, $ight *ere ,i$$ing )y eye%. The %e-on' g.y -o.$'n/t %top ,a%t eno.gh. :o$,e/% han' $an-e' o.t, *rapping aro.n' the )an/% throat, b.t I -o.$' te$$ hi% grip *a% $e%% )er-i,.$ be-a.%e the g.y/% eye% *ere b.gging o.t o, hi% hea' an' :o$,e/% ,ingernai$% ha' '.g into hi% %+in. B$oo' 'rippe' 'o*n :o$,e/% ,inger%, )i<ing *ith the %pot% in )y &i%ion. I ha))ere' the bigger )an/% han'% an' *ri%t%, %ear-hing ,or $e&erage, b.t I -o.$'n/t rea-h anything o, i)portan-e. By then thing% *ere %o ha1y it ,e$t $i+e I *a%n/t e&en in )y bo'y any)ore. @y han'% re$a<e' an' I %tare' into :o$,e/% eye%, *hi-h *ere giant poo$% o, b$a-+7 no *hite, no iri%, ;.%t b$a-+. I *at-he' hi% han' re$a< an' the Goo' (a)aritan *ho trie' to -o)e to )y re%-.e ,e$$ $i)p ,ro) hi% gra%p. B$oo' *a% poo$ing in the %no* an' the )an/% eye% *ere open an' $i,e$e%%. Maybe if hed had a gun. The tho.ght 'ri,te' into )y )in'. # $itt$e %ho-+ ran thro.gh )y brain. I ha' a g.n. @y han' %prang to )y *ai%tban'. I p.$$e' the g.n an' bro.ght it .p a% :o$,e $i-+e' the )an/% b$oo' ,ro) hi% ,inger%. Hi% eye% ran ba-+ to )e a% I p.$$e' the trigger. The %hot hit hi) in the eyebro* an' hi% han'% ,$e* to hi% ,a-e, re$ea%ing )e. # ho*$ a% $o.' a% an e<p$o%ion threatene' to o&er-o)e the %o.n' o, the b$oo' r.%hing ba-+ to )y hea'. I $an'e' an' )y $eg% b.-+$e'. I ,e$$ to a$$ ,o.r%, g.n %ti$$ -$en-he' in )y han'. I p.$$e' .p an' %hot at hi) t*i-e )ore, thi% ti)e ai)ing at hi% $eg%. @y brain *a% %$.ggi%h, b.t *hen I $oo+e' to -on,ir) that I hit hi), a$$ I %a* *a% a thin b$a-+ -y$in'er a $itt$e $e%% than an in-h $ong %ti-+ing o.t o, the %.r,a-e o, hi% pant%.

# 'art *a% %ti-+ing o.t o, hi% $eg. Not a b.$$et *o.n'. 9a)nation. I rai%e' the g.n to %hoot hi) again b.t hi% pa* o, a han' %$appe' it a*ay. It %+i''e' a-ro%% the par+ing $ot an' .n'er a -ar. HLitt$e 'o$$,I he breathe' in )y ear. I $i,te' )y hea' .p to %ee tho%e great b$a-+ eye% %taring at )e, b.t they *ere 'i,,erent, .n,o-.%e'. HThat/% not a ,air toy ,or p$ayti)e. :hat ha&e yo. 'one to :o$,eAI I )ight ha&e re%pon'e' i, I/' ha' )y *it% abo.t )e, b.t hi% -ho+eho$' ha' 'epri&e' )e o, both o<ygen an' b$oo' to the brain, an' I *a% %o 'i11y I ,e$t I )ight &o)it. #n' i, I 'i', I *a% ai)ing ,or hi). #%%ho$e. I *a% %.-+ing 'o*n air gree'i$y, $arge breath% %o -o$' they h.rt )y $.ng%. It 'i'n/t %ee) to be he$ping. The %pot% *ere %ti$$ -$o.'ing )y &i%ion. Hi% eye% %ti$$ %tare' at )e. HBa-+ a*ay ,ro) herPI I hear' a &oi-e ,ro) behin', b.t I *a% too gone to t.rn )y hea'. E&erything *a% %pinning. HNe* p$ay)ate% are not part o, o.r ga)e,I :o$,e breathe' in )y ear a% he %taggere' to hi% ,eet. #t $ea%t, I thin+ he 'i'. I %a* hi% boot% r.nning thro.gh the %no*, a*ay ,ro) )e. I ,e$t )y hea' ti$t ba-+ an' )y hair $an'e' in the %$.%h on the gro.n'. I %tare' .p into t*o ,a-e% ? the )en ,ro) )y ho.%e. O$'ie/% %*o$$en no%e o&er%ha'o*e' hi% other ,eat.re%. They *ere both ta$+ing, b.t I -o.$'n/t hear a *or' by then. The %pot% in )y &i%ion -$o.'e' e&erything o.t, an' the %pinning in )y hea' *or%ene' .nti$ it ,e$t $i+e I ,e$$ 'o*n, thro.gh the %no* an' %$.%h an' ).', thro.gh the -on-rete an' a%pha$t o, the par+ing $ot, 'o*n into the gro.n'. @y &i%ion 'ar+ene' an' b$otte' o.t the %+y an' ,a-e% abo&e )e. ~

*o+r
I a*o+e in a %)a$$ roo) %.rro.n'e' by %$ee+ )eta$ *a$$% that re)in'e' )e o, a %tain$e%% %tee$ re,rigerator, %a&e ,or one that *a% )a'e o, g$a%% an' )irrore'. I, I *ent by )y TC e<perien-e%, it *a% a one6*ay, an' %o)eone *a% *at-hing )e ,ro) the other %i'e. The *a$$% *ere pane$e' into %B.are' %eg)ent% that *ere t*o ,eet by t*o ,eet ea-h, a$$o*ing the 'oor to be 'i%g.i%e' %o I -o.$'n/t %ee the *ay o.t. I $ay on a ho%pita$6%ty$e be' in the )i''$e o, the roo). I ha' a )o)ent o, pani- .nti$ I rea$i1e' that )y han'% an' ,eet *ere .nbo.n'. I %at .p an' 'ang$e' )y $eg% o&er the e'ge o, the tab$e, then b$in+e' 'o*n at the). I *ore the %a)e %hoe% that I ha' on *hen I *a% atta-+e'. @y g$o&e%, %*eater an' ;ean% a$$ %ee)e' .n'i%t.rbe'. @y han' ;.)pe' to )y throat, -he-+ing *here :o$,e ha' gra%pe' )e. Ban'age% -o&ere' )y ne-+. I *a$+e' to the )irrore' *a$$, %taring at )y%e$,. @y bro*n hair high$ighte' )y pa$e ,a-e. @y b$.e eye% t.rne' greeni%h to*ar' the iri% an' )y %+in %ho*e' nary a ,re-+$e. (trange *hat t*e$&e year% *ith no %.n$ight *i$$ 'o to yo.. @y no%e *a% not B.ite pointe', b.t $ong eno.gh to )a+e )e %e$,6-on%-io.%. I *a%n/t %.re *hat to thin+ o, )y height or *eight ? it/% har' to -o)pare yo.r%e$, %o$e$y to peop$e on TC. @y ,inger% ,o.n' the en'% o, the ban'age% *rappe' aro.n' )y ne-+ an' I p.$$e' on the), gent$y at ,ir%t, an' then har'er a% they began to .n*in'. They *ere *rappe' three $ayer% 'eep, *ith on$y %pot% o, -ri)%on %ho*ing on the ,ir%t $ayer, then hea&ier a% I pee$e' the) ba-+ .nti$ the $a%t $ayer o, ga.1e *a% -o&ere' in 'rie' b$oo'. I $oo+e' to )y ne-+ in the )irror an' %)i$e'. The %+in *a% ,$a*$e%%. HI)pre%%i&e, i%n/t itAI # &oi-e ,ro) behin' -a.%e' )e to t.rn, ban'age% a$rea'y ,orgotten an' han'% at )y %i'e%, -$en-he' an' rea'y to )o&e into a 'e,en%i&e po%ition. The %pea+er *a% a %tate$y *o)an in her ,ortie%, *ith bright re' hair that %ho*e' not a %trea+ o, gray, bo.n' into a tight ponytai$. (he *ore a b$a-+ ;a-+et an' pant% that ga&e her the $oo+ o, a b.%ine%%*o)an ? not B.ite %e&ere, b.t har'$y -a%.a$. Her ar)% *ere ,o$'e' in ,ront o, her an' %he *ore on$y the thinne%t hint o, a %)i$e. H2o./re (ienna Nea$on.I It *a% not a B.e%tion. (he too+ a %tep to*ar' )e an' the 'oor behin' her -$o%e' *ith a %o,t -$i-+. H2o./&e been o.t ,or abo.t a 'ay an' the *o.n'% aro.n' yo.r throat are gone.I HI hea$ ,a%t.I @y *or'% -a)e o.t )ore a-i'i- than I ha' inten'e'. H:here/% Ree'AI HHe beat a ha%ty retreat a,ter )y )en %-are' o,, :o$,e.I Her eye% %ho*e' the ,ir%t tra-e o, a).%e)ent. H2o. %ho.$' get better ,rien'%.I I %t.'ie' her a% %he %$o*$y -.t the 'i%tan-e bet*een .%. HCan/t %ay I *o.$'n/t ha&e 'one the %a)e i, I/' been )obi$e at the ti)e.I (he bo*e' her hea' an' the %)i$e be-a)e )ore than a hint. HThat *o.$' ha&e been a )i%ta+e. Be-a.%e there/% no one that -an he$p yo. a% ).-h a% *e -an.I Her eye% ro%e to )eet )ine. I $a.ghe'. Lo.'. HI ha&en/t e&en hear' *ho 2OK are an' no* yo./re ta$+ing abo.t a :E.I Her %)i$e 'i'n/t 'i) a bit. H@y na)e i% #ria'ne 8ra%er. I/) Chie, o, Operation% ,or the pro&erbia$ N*e/ ? *hi-h in thi% -a%e i% -a$$e' the 9ire-torate.I @y right han' ,o.n' it% *ay ba-+ to )y ne-+ an' +nea'e' the ne* %+in again%t the $eather o, )y g$o&e. H#n' *hat e<a-t$y i% the 9ire-torateAI H:e i'enti,y an' a%%i%t )eta6h.)an% $i+e yo.r%e$,.I I ,e$t )y hea' %pin, an' I 'o.bte' it ha' anything to 'o *ith )y re-ent in;.ry. H:hat/% a )eta6 h.)anAI (he b$.%he'. H# )eta6h.)an i% %o)eone $i+e yo. ? *ho ha% po*er% beyon' that o, a nor)a$

h.)an.I HI ha&e no i'ea *hat yo./re ta$+ing abo.t.I H2o.r %trength i% ,ar abo&e a nor)a$ h.)an/%, )y )en te$$ )e.I (he pointe' at )y ne-+. HI %a* yo.r *o.n'% *hen they bro.ght yo. in. Go.ge% $i+e that 'on/t hea$ in a 'ay, an' they $ea&e %-ar%. I/) %.re yo. ha&e other abi$itie% a% *e$$. I, yo./' a$$o* .% to 'o %o)e te%ting, *e -o.$' he$p yo.OI H#n' i, I 'on/t *ant yo.r he$pAI I %et )y ;a* an' -o.$' ,ee$ )y teeth -$en-h. I 'i'n/t +no* *here I -o.$' go, other than ho)e ? an' I/' ha&e a he$$ o, a ti)e ,in'ing it. It *a% a% i, %he -o.$' %en%e the .n-ertainty beneath )y ,a-a'e. H#n' *here *o.$' yo. goAI HHo)e. :here I *a% be,ore yo.r )en bro+e in an' ,or-e' )e to +i-+ their a%%e%. 9i' yo. +no* one o, the) %hot at )eAI Her e$egant ,a-e -r.)p$e' in a ,ro*n. H:hi-h oneAI HI 'on/t +no* na)e%. The o$' one.I Her ,ro*n 'eepene'. HK.rt Hannegan. It *a% on$y a tranB.i$i1er pi%to$OI H2eah, I ,o.n' that o.t a,ter I too+ it a*ay ,ro) hi), -ran+e' a ,e* ro.n'% into :o$,e an' he 'i'n/t 'ie.I (he too+ another %tep ,or*ar', rea-hing the be' I ha' a*a+ene' on. HK.rt an' Ma-+ *ere or'ere' to bring yo. here. #$tho.gh I *o.$' ha&e pre,erre' that it ha' gone )ore %)ooth$yOI H()ooth$yA They %hot .p )y ho.%e an' 'ro&e )e o.t into the *or$', *here a h.ge ).tant %B.ee1e' )y ne-+ .nti$ )y hea' near$y poppe' o,,PI (he gri)a-e'. HI rea$i1e that it *a% yo.r ,ir%t e<po%.re to the o.t%i'e *or$' in %e&era$ year%, an' I *i%hOI H2eah, *e$$, i, *i%he% *ere hor%e% I *o.$'n/t nee' a ri'e ho)e.I (he %traightene'. H2o. -an/t po%%ib$y be thin+ing o, going ho)e no*. Not *ith :o$,e h.nting yo..I I g$are' at her. HI *a% 'oing ;.%t ,ine .nti$ yo.r +ey%tone -op% bro+e into )y ho.%e. He$$, I *a% 'oing ;.%t ,ine a,ter they 'ro&e )e o.t ? an' ho* 'o I +no* that thi% :o$,e g.y i%n/t one o, yo.r%AI HHe i% notOI %he e)pha%i1e' e&ery %y$$ab$e, ire r.nning o&er her *or'%OHone o, ours. He i% a )on%ter, a +i$$er by any 'e,inition, the type o, threat *e g.ar' again%t. 2o. ).%t ha&e %een ? he +i$$e' t*o %tranger% in the par+ing $ot.I (e$,6-on%-io.%$y, )y han' p$aye' a-ro%% )y ne-+. Tho%e )en ha' been trying to he$p )e, an' they 'i'n/t e&en +no* )e. HI %a* it.I H2o. thin+ *e *ere in&o$&e' in thatAI HLa'y ? #ria'ne ? *hate&er yo.r na)e i%, I 'on/t +no* yo.. #$$ I +no* i% that )y )o) ha% been )i%%ing ,or a *ee+, that yo.r g.y% %hot .p )y ho.%eOI H:ith tranB.i$i1er 'art%.I HOan' then I )eet one g.y *ho %ay% he *ant% to he$p )e an' another that grab% )e by the throat an' thrott$e% )e. Then I get bro.ght here. I 'on/t +no* any o, yo., I 'on/t tr.%t any o, yo., an' I rea$$y ;.%t *ant to +no* *here )y )o) i%.I The %)a$$e%t 'ab o, rea$ e)otion e%-ape' )e in )y $a%t *or'%. HI -an he$p yo. *ith that ? *ith ,in'ing her.I I pa.%e' in )y tira'e. H9o yo. +no* *here %he i%AI #ria'ne 'e,$ate'. HNo. B.t *e -an %ear-h, an' *e ha&e )ore re%o.r-e% to he$p *ith that than yo. 'o by yo.r%e$,.I I %)ir+e'. HI/) %.re yo./' 'o that o.t o, the +in'ne%% o, yo.r heart%.I H:e/re here to he$p )eta6h.)an% $i+e yo.r%e$,.I Her ,inger% )et an' inter$a-e'. H#n' *hat 'o yo. *ant ,ro) )e in ret.rnAI (he he%itate'. HNothing 'i,,i-.$t. :e/' $i+e to r.n %o)e te%t%OI HC.t )e open an' pro' )y innar'%AI

HNothing $i+e that. :e 'on/t +no* *hat +in' o, )eta6h.)an yo. are.I I r.bbe' )y eye% in ,atig.e an' 'i%be$ie,. H2o. +eep -a$$ing )e a )eta6h.)an. :hat i% thatAI (he %traightene', portraying a -ertain pretentio.%ne%% a% %he $e-t.re' to )e, the ignorant teenager. H@eta i% ,ro) the Gree+, )eaningOI HBeyon' h.)an. 2e%, I +no* that.I Her ,a-e ,e$$ an' I *a% %.''en$y g$a' o, the en'$e%% ho.r% o, %t.'y @other ha' ,or-e' on )e ;.%t ,or a -han-e to nee'$e thi% *o)an *ho I/' +no*n ,or $e%% than ,i&e )in.te% b.t *ho a$rea'y grate' on )e. H2o. *ere %aying N)eta6h.)an%/ a% tho.gh there are a $ot o, .%.I #ria'ne too+ a ,e* %tep% a*ay ,ro) the tab$e an' ,a-e' the )irror. I -o.$' %ti$$ %ee her e<pre%%ion, an' %he $oo+e' .p, a% i, %he *ere re-a$$ing %o)ething. HThere are %i< bi$$ion peop$e in the *or$'. By o.r e%ti)ate%, $e%% than three tho.%an' are )eta6h.)an.I (he t.rne' to ,a-e )e. H@eta6h.)an% ha&e po*er%, %+i$$% an' abi$itie% beyon' tho%e o, nor)a$ h.)an%. (.perior %trength, %pee' an' 'e<terity are .%.a$$y %ign% o, )eta6h.)an abi$itie%.I HI% that a$$A 8a%ter, %tronger, )ore ni)b$eAI (he %hoo+ her hea'. HTho%e are %tan'ar'. E&ery )eta6h.)an ha% other, )ore .niB.e abi$itie% that )ani,e%t aro.n' age eighteen an' are o,ten here'itary.I (o)ething -$i-+e' ,or )e. H@y )o) *a% )eta6h.)anAI # ,$a%h o, %.rpri%e entere' #ria'ne/% ,a-e. H2e%, %he *a% 6 or i%, 'epen'ing on *hat/% happene' to her ? )eta6h.)an, b.t *e ha&e no i'ea *hat type.I HHo* 'o yo. +no* abo.t )y )o)AI @y ,i%t% *ere -$en-he'. I +ept )y eye% ,o-.%e' on her, trying to 'ete-t any hint %he *a% $ying. H2o.r )other i% a $egen' in o.r ,ie$',I #ria'ne rep$ie'. H(he *or+e' *ith the #gen-y ? a pre-.r%or to the 9ire-torate. It *a% the K.(. go&ern)ent/% ,ir%t atte)pt to )onitor an' -ontro$ )eta6 h.)an a-ti&ity. (he *a% a ,ie$' agent, one o, the be%t. (he ra-+e' .p an i)pre%%i&e %tring o, -apt.re% o, ho%ti$e )eta6h.)an%.I Her e<pre%%ion %o,tene'. H(he %a&e' a $ot o, $i&e% ? h.)an an' )eta.I HB.t %he $e,tAI HThe #gen-y *a% 'e%troye' by a gro.p o, )eta6h.)an terrori%t%. #pparent$y %he e%-ape' be,ore that happene', tho.gh it *a% a%%.)e' %he ha'n/t %.r&i&e' the atta-+.I Kn'er%tan'ing 'a*ne' on )e. H2o. thin+ %he *a% in&o$&e'AI H(he *a% *ith the #gen-y ,or ten year% an' 'i%appeare' at the %a)e ti)e it *a% 'e%troye'A (he ).%t ha&e been pregnant *ith yo. at the ti)e, ba%e' on yo.r age. (o %he 'i%appear% o,, the gri' ,or o&er eighteen year% i, %he/% inno-entAI #ria'ne %hr.gge'. H@aybe %he *a% an' %he too+ the opport.nity pre%ente' by the atta-+ to e%-ape to prote-t yo.. It i% a 'angero.% $ine o, *or+, trying to +eep )eta6h.)an% .n'er -ontro$.I H(o yo./re *ith the go&ern)entAI HThe #gen-y *a%. That/% *hy they *ere ,o.n' an' 'e%troye'. The 9ire-torate i%Dnot %o en-.)bere'.I (he %)i$e'. H(ha'y. (o yo. *ant to te%t )eAI I a%+e' *ith )ore than a hint o, %.%pi-ion. H:hyAI HThere are 'i,,erent type% o, )eta6h.)an%. Let )e %tart *ith %o)e hi%tory. 2o./&e hear' )yth% o, giant%, ,airy ta$e%, thing% $i+e thatA @eta6h.)an% ha&e been aro.n' a% $ong a% h.)anity, an' h.)an% 'e%-ribe' their abi$itie% in *ay% that %prea' to be-o)e $egen'. 8or e<a)p$e, :o$,e.I (he too+ a 'eep breath. HHe .%e' to *a$+ on a$$ ,o.r% ? I g.e%% it/% hi% pre,erre' )anner o, )o&e)ent7 he $oo+%OI HLi+e a 'og ? or a *o$,,I I interr.pte'. HRight, e<-ept he/% one o, three brother%, an' ? going by the *or' o, a )eta6h.)an that/% been a$i&e ,or %e&era$ tho.%an' year% ? the three .%e' to be g.ar'% ,or a Gree+ )eta6h.)an %o &i-io.% that he *a% +no*n a% 9eath. The brother% *ere -a$$e' a three6hea'e' 'og at %o)e pointDI HThree6hea'e' 'ogDI I b$in+e'. HDCerber.%AI

(he -ringe'. H#ppa$$ing, i%n/t itA That/% *hat %e&era$ tho.%an' year% o, ,o$+$ore *i$$ 'o to the a--.ra-y o, a %tory. B.t a--or'ing to o.r ,i$e%, *hi-h on$y go ba-+ a -ent.ry or %o, he/% +i$$e' h.n're'%, %o he %ee)% $i+e the %ort o, he$$ho.n' that *o.$' g.ar' the e%-ape ,ro) the .n'er*or$', I %.ppo%e.I H#n' I/) $i+e hi) in %o)e *ayAI I ,e$t a pang o, 'i%g.%t a% I &i%.a$i1e' the teeth o, :o$,e. Her &oi-e be-a)e %oothing, a$)o%t rea%%.ring. HLi+e I %ai', there are 'i,,erent type% o, )eta6 h.)an%. :o$,e i% a -reat.re *ho ha% b.i$t .p a horrib$e $egen', an' he/% $i&e' ,or tho.%an'% an' tho.%an'% o, year%. Hi% pro-$i&itie% ,or ).r'er an' tort.re are the %t.,, o, %eria$ +i$$er %torie%.I Her -ringe t.rne' to 'i%g.%t. HHe/% a &ery po*er,.$ )eta, b.t hi% ho)i-i'a$ ten'en-ie% p.t hi) on the ,ringe. I 'o.bt yo./re anything $i+e hi).I (he %h.''ere'. HI 'on/t thin+ anyone i% ? e<-ept )aybe hi% brother%.I I trie' to i)agine three o, the). One *a% p$enty. H#bo.t the te%ting pro-e%%,I %he %ai'. Her eye% bore' into )ine an' I -o.$' te$$ %he *a% trying to be -aring or *ar). It *a%n/t *or+ing. H:e ;.%t *ant to he$p yo. ,in' o.t *hat yo. are. I, *e ha' i$$ intention%, yo. *o.$' ha&e *o+en .p %trappe' to the tab$e an' the te%ting *o.$' ha&e a$rea'y been 'one. :e/re not here to h.rt yo. or ,or-e yo. to 'o %o)ething again%t yo.r *i$$. :e/re here to he$p.I I tho.ght abo.t *hat %he %ai'. :hen I *a% .n-on%-io.%, they -o.$' ha&e &io$ate' )e any *ay they *ante'. 0oint in their ,a&or, b.t I *a%n/t going to tr.%t the) that ea%y. HNote'.I HI 'on/t e<pe-t yo. to )a+e an i))e'iate 'e-i%ion.I (he t.rne' an' in'i-ate' the p$a-e in the *a$$ *here %he ha' entere'. HNo* that *e/&e ta$+e', yo./re ,ree to e<p$ore o.r -a)p.% an' gi&e it %o)e tho.ght. I/&e ha' B.arter% prepare' ,or yo.7 yo. -an %tay *ith .% i, yo./' $i+e.I I %tare' her 'o*n. H#n' i, I 'on/t $i+eAI (he %hr.gge' again. HThen yo. -an $ea&e. B.t I/' a%+ yo. to gi&e it a 'ay o, tho.ght ,ir%t. @eet %o)e o, o.r peop$e ? in-$.'ing the )eta6h.)an% ? an' %ee *hat they ha&e to %ay. :ith yo.r )other )i%%ing, I 'o.bt there/% anyone e$%e that -o.$' he$p yo. )a+e yo.r *ay thro.gh *hat ).%t be a %trange tran%ition. Or prote-t yo. ,ro) other% *ho *o.$' *i%h yo. har).I I %t.-+ )y -hin o.t in 'e,ian-e. H:hat abo.t Ree'AI HI 'on/t +no* *ho he i% or *hat hi% agen'a i%.I I -o.$'n/t te$$ i, %he *a% $ying or not. 9a)n. H#n' ho* 'i' yo. ,in' )eAI I -a.ght the %train o, he%itation in her ,a-e. H:e/' hear' :o$,e *a% in the @inneapo$i% area, tra-+ing the 'a.ghter o, (ierra ? yo.r )other ? %o I %ent Ma-+ an' K.rt to ,o$$o* hi). He $e' .% to yo.r ho.%e.I HThen *hy 'i'n/t he -o)e -harging in be,ore yo.r boy% 'i'AI @y ar)% ,o$'e' in ,ront o, )e. HTheyD%i'e$ine' hi),I %he rep$ie'. H(hot hi) *ith 'art% that +no-+e' hi) o.t *hi$e they entere' yo.r ho.%e to ro.%t yo..I HI %ee.I I p.r%e' )y $ip%. HI/$$ %tay ? ,or a 'ay. ToD)a+e .p )y )in'.I # *an %)i$e -ra-+e' her $ip%. H#$$ I a%+ i% that yo. gi&e .% a -han-e ? to *in yo.r tr.%t.I I ret.rne' her %)i$e a% %he $e,t, b.t a% I t.rne' )y ba-+ on the one6%i'e' )irror I ,e$t it ,a'e ,ro) )y $ip% a% I pon'ere' her %tory abo.t ho* they ,o.n' )e. I p$aye' ba-+ in )y )in' the e<pre%%ion on her ,a-e, the tone o, her *or'% a% %he to$' it. I -on%i'ere' ho* her eye% )o&e', 'arting ba-+ an' ,orth. That ti)e, I +ne* %he *a% $ying. ~

*"ve
The %no* %tret-he' a-ro%% the hori1on. The 9ire-torate ,a-i$ity *a% i%o$ate' an' %.rro.n'e' by ro$$ing ,ie$'% bor'ere' by ,ore%t%. The *oo'% ha' e&ergreen tree% a% *e$$ a% the %ea%ona$ one% that ha' $o%t their $ea&e%. The *inter ha' $e,t the gro.n'% %ett$e' .n'er a -o.p$e ,eet o, %no*. I %at on a ben-h behin' the 'or)itory b.i$'ing. The 9ire-torate -a)p.% *a% h.ge, 'o1en% o, b.i$'ing% %tr.ng together by a *eb o, inter-onne-te' path% that ha' been p$o*e' an' %a$te'. #,ter being %ho*n to )y roo), I e<p$ore' the -$o%et an' grabbe' the hea&y -oat an' g$o&e% they ha' $e,t an' hea'e' o.t%i'e. #,ter a$$, I ha' not %pent any ti)e o.t'oor% in %e&era$ year%, an' I too+ thi%, )y ,ir%t opport.nity, to rea$$y $oo+ at an' ,ee$ the %no*. I %)i$e' a% the *in' %*ept o&er )e, %tinging )y -hee+% an' -hi$$ing )y no%e. I ,e$t the -o$' -reeping bet*een )y toe% in the thin boot% I *ore. The air *a% ,re%h7 ,re%her than anything I -o.$' re-a$$ e&er %)e$$ing, *ith ;.%t a hint o, %)o+e ,ro) %o)e*here in the 'i%tan-e. I -o.$'n/t hear anything b.t the b$o*ing o, the *in'. It *a% eno.gh to )a+e )e ,orget that I -o.$'n/t go ho)e an' that e&en i, I 'i', @o) *a%n/t there. # )e)ory %par+e' to )in', o, .% 'o*n%tair%. O.r ho.%e *a% o$', *ith a ba%e)ent that ha' -on-rete b$o-+ *a$$%, an' pipe% hanging e&ery*here. @o) ha' t.rne' the $arge%t part o, it into a *or+o.t roo), *ith )at% on the ,$oor ,or pra-ti-ing )artia$ art%. (he ha' *eapon% hanging on the *a$$, an' e&ery 'ay *e/' pra-ti-e ,or a ,e* ho.r%. (he *a% goo'7 %he ta.ght )e e&erything I +no*. #n' no* %he/% gone. I hear' the ,oot,a$$% behin' )e an' t.rne'. It *a% O$'ie, K.rt Hannegan an' hi% yo.nger partner, Hottie. Ma-+, I re)e)bere' #ria'ne -a$$ing hi). They *ere both *earing their 'ar+ %.it% *ith b$a-+ tie% an' $oo+ing %o$e)n. In the $ight I -o.$' %ee the) a $itt$e better. K.rt/% no%e *a% %*o$$en ,ro) *here I ha' hit hi). Loo+ing at Ma-+ rea,,ir)e' )y %.%pi-ion that he *a% not har' on the eye%, an' ha' %an'y b$on' hair an' a tanne' ,a-e. I ha' a$rea'y gotten a $oo+ at K.rt *hen he *a% -o)ing at )e in the ho.%e. Big aro.n' the )i'%e-tion, the *ai%tban' o, hi% pant% %ti-+ing o.t to *rap aro.n' hi% o.t%tret-he' be$$y, gi&ing hi) the $oo+ o, a peng.in. Hi% ,a-e bore the %-ar% o, a $ong6ago bo.t *ith a-ne, an' the $itt$e hair that re)aine' on top o, hi% hea' *a% thin an' -o)be' o&er ,ro) the b.%hy bra)b$e% that *rappe' the %i'e% o, hi% %+.$$. I, he -o.$' *ear a ,e'ora, hi% ba$'ne%% )ight be pa%%ab$e. They both $.r+e' ;.%t o.t o, ar)/% rea-h. Ma-+ $oo+e' at )e an' %)i$e', ,ar )ore *ar)$y than I 'e%er&e' %in-e a 'ay ago I ha' hit hi) in the groin %o har' I *a% %.rpri%e' he *a% %ti$$ *a$+ing. I ,e$t a $itt$e ting$e an' $oo+e' a*ay, %traight at K.rt. O$'ie g$are', gi&ing )e a *ary $oo+ yo. )ight re%er&e ,or a -ri)ina$ o,,en'er. HNi-e to %ee yo. boy% are .p an' *a$+ing,I I %ai' *ith a %ar-a%) that I -o.$'n/t get ri' o,, no )atter ho* har' I trie'. #$$ right, I/$$ a')it it ? I 'i'n/t try &ery har'. B.t at $ea%t in Ma-+/% -a%e, I ,e$t ba' abo.t it. Ma-+ %po+e ,ir%t, $oo+ing ba-+ at K.rt, a$)o%t ,or rea%%.ran-e. H2eah, yo. pa-+ a )ean p.n-h *ith that baton.I Hi% eye% *ere bro*n, b.t I %a* %o)e h.)or in the). The ,orgi&ing %ortA I pegge' hi) ,or a %.-+er. One 'ay o.t in the big, ba' *or$' an' I -o.$' a$rea'y %pot the). H2eah, %he/% a rea$ -ha)p in the 'ar+ *ith a baton,I K.rt %hot ba-+. H(tep into the ring an' $a-e .p a pair o, bo<ing g$o&e% an' *e/$$ %ee *hat +in' o, ,ighter %he i%.I I %)i$e' at hi), a +in' o, 'a11$ing, annoying, ,a.< %)i$e that probab$y %et o,, hi% b.$$%hit 'ete-tor. He *a%n/t a %.-+er. HIt *o.$'n/t )atter i, it *ere 'r.n+en bo<ing, ).ay thai, +i-+bo<ing or ;.%t %traight .p, N@arB.e%% o, Q.een%b.ry r.$e%/, be-a.%e I -o.$' ,$atten yo.r ,at a%% *ith any o, tho%e

%ty$e%.I I t.rne' )y hea' a*ay to hi'e )y %)i$e b.t $i%tene' ,or ,oot%tep% in -a%e he too+ .)brage an' trie' to %.-+er p.n-h )e. E&en i, he 'i', I *o.$' ha&e bet I -o.$' %ti$$ beat hi% a%%. K.rt/% %nort o, in'ignation *a% 'ro*ne' o.t by a -h.-+$e an' $o* *hi%t$e ,ro) Ma-+. The big )an re-o&ere'. HI 'on/t beat .p $itt$e gir$%.I H2o. -ertain$y 'on/t %.--ee' at it, b.t yo. try ? an' *hen that 'oe%n/t *or+ o.t, yo. %hoot at the) .nti$ they ta+e yo.r g.n a*ay.I I t.rne' ba-+ in ti)e to *at-h hi% ,a-e -ontort at )y goa'. @y ,a.< %)i$e ha' t.rne' rea$, an i)pi%h grin roote' in )y 'eep a).%e)ent at t*i%ting hi% tai$. Hi% $itt$e piggy tai$. Ma-+ $a.ghe' again, a *hee1ing -a-+$e that )a'e hi) %toop to %$ap a +nee. K.rt/% ,a-e *a% a%hen. HThey 'on/t pay )e eno.gh to 'ea$ *ith yo.r )eta -rap. They %ho.$' ha&e %ent @6(B.a' a,ter yo.7 I/) not a retrie&erOI I %)i$e' at hi). H2o. %ho.$' a'' that to the $i%t o, thing% yo./re not ? a retrie&er, thin, a goo' %hot, attra-ti&e, yo.ng, &iri$eOI He t.rne' an' %tor)e' o,, in a per,e-t i)pre%%ion o, -o.nt$e%% 'i&a% I/' %een on TC o&er the year%. I %a$.te' hi% ba-+ a% he *a$+e' 'o*n the path. H9on/t ,orget Npo%%e%%e' o, a %en%e o, h.)or/ or Ngra-io.% $o%er/PI He thre* .p a ,inger behin' hi) a% he -ontin.e' hi% *a$+. HOhP #n' N*itty/P 2o./re not *ittyPI H9a)n,I Ma-+ %ai' in )i$' -on%ternation a% he *at-he' K.rt *a$+ a*ay. HI/) gonna ha&e to %oothe hi% *o.n'e' pri'e $ater.I He t.rne' ba-+ to )e. H2o. rea$$y 'o pa-+ a )ean p.n-h. (ienna, rightAI @y %)i$e *ent ,ro) )ean6%pirite' to a% p$ea%ant a% I -o.$' ).%ter an' I *a%n/t B.ite %.re *hy. I g.e%% there *a% no point in being *i-+e' to e&eryone, e%pe-ia$$y not *hen Ma-+ *a% trying to be ni-e. Be%i'e%, I/' a$rea'y pro&en I -o.$' 'rop hi) to the gro.n' i, nee' be. HThat/% right. (ienna Nea$on. 2o./re Ma-+DAI H9a&i%.I He %)i$e'. H2o. ta+en a to.r o, the gro.n'% yetAI I %hoo+ )y hea'. H(a* the 'or)itory an' the big b.i$'ing o&er thereOI I *a&e' in the 'ire-tion that K.rt *a% hea'ingOHthat I *o+e .p in.I H2eah, that/% o.r hea'B.arter%. B.t there/% other %t.,,, too, $i+e a gy), a garage an' a ,iring range.I H# gy)AI I -o-+e' an eyebro* at that. The 'e%ire to *or+ o.t *a% %tronger than I *o.$' ha&e g.e%%e'. I/' gone the *ee+ %in-e @o) $e,t *itho.t ,o$$o*ing the ro.tine. He %hoo+ hi% hea', eye% *i'e. HI g.e%% I %ho.$'n/t be a)a1e', b.t I +in' o, a). :e bro.ght yo. in $e%% than t*enty6,o.r ho.r% ago an' I ha' to ho$' a ;a-+et aro.n' yo.r ne-+ to +eep yo. ,ro) b$ee'ing to 'eath. #n' no* yo./re ,ine an' $oo+ing ,or a p$a-e to *or+ o.t.I He pointe' 'o*n a path an' %tarte' *a$+ing. I ,e$$ into %tep be%i'e hi). H2o./re not )eta6h.)anAI He %hoo+ hi% hea'. HJ.%t a nor)a$ g.y. I *or+ *ith the) a $ot, $i+e @6(B.a' ? they/re a$$ )eta%, an' nor)a$$y they/' be the one% that *o.$' ha&e -o)e to get yo., not K.rt an' )e, b.t they/re 'o*n in (o.th #)eri-a 'oingD%o)ething.I HOoh, o)ino.%.I He $a.ghe'. HNot %.ppo%e' to be. They/re probab$y bringing in another )eta, b.t I/) not e<a-t$y in the $oop, %o I 'on/t +no* ,or %.re. That/% *hat they 'o tho.gh7 bring in ne* )eta% that *e i'enti,y, or bring 'o*n one% that are -a.%ing tro.b$e.I I eye' hi). H#n' *hat I 'i' ye%ter'ay, *o.$' that ,it yo.r 'e,inition o, N-a.%ing tro.b$eA/H He $a.ghe' again. HNah, I *o.$'/&e ,o.ght ba-+ too i, %tranger% bro+e into )y ho.%e. :e *ere %.ppo%e' to bring yo. in B.iet, an' yo. )eta% 'on/t typi-a$$y 'o anything B.iet i, it/% again%t yo.r *i$$. K.rt to$' Ne) that, b.t O$' @an :inter %ai' to tranB yo. an' be 'one *ith it.I I %toppe' *a$+ing. HO$' @an :interAI

He %toppe' an' hi% tanne' ,a-e a'opte' a pin-he' HI6%ho.$'n/t6ha&e6%ai'6thatI $oo+. H#hh, I )eanD'a)n. The bo%%.I HI tho.ght #ria'ne *a% the bo%%AI He %hoo+ hi% hea'. H#ria'ne/% in -harge, )o%t$y, b.t %he/% not the big -hee%e. O$' @an :interD *e -a$$ hi) that be-a.%eDyo. +no*, %o)e peop$e %ay NThe O$' @an/ an' he/% +in'a .p there in the year%, b.t he/%DI '.nno, -o$'. Li+e he ne&er %ho*% e)otion. Ne&er %)i$e%, ne&er get% angry.I H(o yo. -a$$ hi) O$' @an :inter. He got a na)eAI HEri-h :inter.I I $a.ghe'. HThat e<p$ain% it.I H2eah. He/% a goo' bo%%, ;.%tDI HCo$'.I HRight.I H(o ho* $ong ha&e yo. been *ith the 9ire-torateAI I -a%t a %i'e$ong g$an-e at hi) a% *e *a$+e'. #hea' o, .% $oo)e' a b.i$'ing that )at-he' e&ery other in the -o)p$e<. Gray -on-rete *a$$%, %B.at an' b$o-+y *ith a %e-tion that e<ten'e' *e$$ abo&e the re%t o, the b.i$'ing. G$a%% 'oor% )ar+e' the entry*ay, b.t $i+e a$$ the other% I ha' %een, it *a% .n$abe$e'. HCo.p$e year%. They got )e -o)ing o.t o, the K o, @.I HKni&er%ity o, @inne%otaAI H2eah. 2o. gotta be -$o%e to -o$$ege age. :ere yo. thin+ing abo.t goingAI I $a.ghe'. H2o. +no* )y ba-+gro.n', rightAI He no''e'. H@o) *a%n/t big on the i'ea o, )e $ea&ing the ho.%e. E&er. (ai' it *a% 'angero.%.I Hi% ,a-e t.rne' %erio.%. H(he *a% right, yo. +no*. (he +ept yo. B.iet a$$ the%e year%7 no* it/% a r.%h to get aho$' o, yo.. :o$,e an' *hoe&er he *or+% ,or ? they/re ro.n'ing .p e&ery )eta they -an $ay han'% on ? an' i, (ierra Nea$on/% 'a.ghter i% in p$ay, it *a% going to be a )a' 'a%h to get to yo. ,ir%t.I H:hat abo.t the g.y *ho %a&e' )e ,ro) yo.AI I $oo+e' at hi) a% I a%+e' the B.e%tion, trying to %ee i, he *a% a% ba' a $iar a% #ria'ne. HHi% na)e *a% Ree'. 9o yo. +no* hi)AI He %hoo+ hi% hea' *ith per,e-t %in-erity. HI ha'n/t %een hi) be,ore, b.t thi% i%n/t ;.%t a t*o6%i'e' ga)e. There/% a $ot o, ,a-tion% o.t there trying to get )eta% on their %i'e.I HHo* 'i' yo. +no* *here to ,in' )eAI I eye' hi) an' ga&e hi) a $itt$e %)i$e. So this is what its like to play a man. inda easy. HI ;.%t go *here I/) to$'.I Hi% %)i$e *a% +no*ing. Damn. Maybe its not so easy. H(o, are yo. going to $et #ria'ne r.n her te%t%AI Hi% &oi-e B.a&ere' a $itt$e bit an' I +ne* that it *a%n/t hi) a%+ing thi% B.e%tion. I %ighe', )o%t$y ,or e,,e-t. @aybe it *a% be-a.%e I/' ne&er ha' the -o)pany o, a )an anyti)e in )e)ory, b.t I *a% en;oying )y%e$, %o ).-h I a$)o%t ,orgot that I 'i'n/t ha&e any ,rien'%, ;.%t a %.%pi-io.% n.)ber o, 'e%iro.% an' B.e%tionab$e Ha$$ie%.I H@aybe,I I rep$ie'. HI/) %ti$$ thin+ing abo.t it.I HTo.gh -hoi-e, I g.e%%.I He %o.n'e' %in-ere. @aybe he *a%. H2o.r *ho$e *or$' get% t.rne' .p%i'e 'o*n an' yo./re $e,t *itho.t anyone to re$y on. Gotta ,ig.re o.t *ho/% te$$ing the tr.th.I I ,$a%he' hi) a tight %)i$e, an' I ,e$t )y heart beat ,a%ter than it %ho.$' ha&e a,ter %.-h a %hort *a$+. HOr ,ig.re o.t i, nobo'y/% te$$ing the tr.th. 2o. a$$ ha&e ,anta%ti- %torie% o, )eta6h.)an% *ith a)a1ing abi$itie%, b.t %o ,ar the -$o%e%t thing I/&e %een to the tr.th o, that i% a gr.bby )o.ntain o, a )an that $oo+% $i+e he -o.$' ha&e %t.)b$e' o.t o, a pa-+ o, *o$&e%.I Ma-+ grinne'. HIt 'oe% %o.n' +in' o, -ra1y.I H2o./re a$$ %aying that there are peop$e *ith %.perpo*er%, an' that I ha&e one b.t no one -an te$$ )e *hat it i% .n$e%% yo. Nte%t )e./H I ro$$e' )y eye%. H8orgi&e )e ,or not ;.)ping to %ign .p ,or that

)e'i-a$ e<peri)ent.I Hi% %)i$e ,a'e'. HB.tDyo. rea$i1e ho* %trong yo. are -o)pare' to a nor)a$ h.)an, rightAI He %toppe' a% *e neare' the entran-e to the gy)na%i.). H2o. rea$i1e ho* ).-h )ore po*er,.$ yo. areAI I %tarte' to %.ppre%% )y in%tin-ti&e rep$y b.t I *a% a ha$, %e-on' too %$o*. HI 'on/t +no* *hat to thin+. I 'on/t +no* *here to go. #n' I ha&e no i'ea *ho to tr.%t.I !nd " dont ha#e idea why " told him that. He +ept hi% 'i%tan-e an' hi% han'% %$i' into hi% po-+et%. I a$)o%t ,e$t $i+e he *a% 'oing it to a&oi' patting )e on the %ho.$'er or %o)ething. He too+ a %tep ba-+ to the -on-rete ben-h %itting in the %ha'o* o, the entry an' 'i' a 'o.b$e ta+e a% he $oo+e' 'o*n at it. HI -an/t he$p yo. ,i< a$$ tho%e prob$e)%. B.t )aybe I -an gi&e yo. one an%*er.I He pointe' to the ben-h. H(ee thi%AI HI )ay be )eta6h.)an, b.t I/) not b$in'.I Hi% ,a-e t*i%te' *ith a to.-h o, -on'e%-en%ion. HNobo'y b.t #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter -a$$ the) )eta6h.)an%. @6(B.a' ;.%t %ay% N)eta%/ an' it/% +in'a %t.-+ ,or e&erybo'y.I He $eane' 'o*n an' trie' to p.%h the ben-h. HIt/% a ,e* h.n're' po.n'%, ea%y.I Hi% eye% g$i))ere' *ith )i%-hie,. H:hy 'on/t yo. try $i,ting itAI @y %to)a-h )a'e a noi%e an' I hope' on$y I -o.$' hear it. I *a$+e' o&er to hi) an' %t.'ie' the ben-h. It *a% -on-rete, *ith a ni-e pattern aro.n' the $eg% to gi&e it %o)e ae%theti-%. #n' Ma-+ *a% right4 it $oo+e' $i+e it *eighe' B.ite a bit. I rea-he' 'o*n an' grabbe' ho$' by the e'ge%. I -ringe' an' -o.nte' 'o*n ,ro) three in )y hea' an' $i,te' *ith e&erything I ha'. It ,$e* o,, the gro.n' an' %*.ng .p, a$)o%t popping )e in the )o.th be,ore I %toppe' it. I -o.$' ,ee$ the *eight o, it, b.t it *a%n/t that %igni,i-ant. I %*.ng it aro.n' an' hoi%te' it o&er )y %ho.$'er, ho$'ing it *ith one han'. H:o*.I H2o. ne&er $i,te' anything $i+e thi% be,oreA Ne&er te%te' yo.r %trengthAI Ma-+ +ept hi% 'i%tan-e. I thin+ he %a* )e $i,t it a $itt$e too aggre%%i&e$y an' a%%.)e' =right$y> that I )ay be ab$e to $i,t it, b.t I -o.$'n/t ne-e%%ari$y -ontro$ it. I %hr.gge', a$)o%t 'ropping the ben-h ,ro) )y %ho.$'er. I -a.ght it an' $a.ghe'. H:hat in o.r ho.%e *o.$' I ha&e $i,te'AI I *or+e' to +eep a %)i$e p$a%tere' on )y ,a-e in %pite o, a %.''en 'i%B.iet *ithin a% a )e)ory o, )y han' po.n'ing again%t )eta$, 'ra*ing b$oo', ,$a%he' thro.gh )y )in'. HO''% are that yo.r po*er% 'i'n/t )ani,e%t .nti$ re-ent$y any*ay,I he %ai' *ith a %hr.g. H2o. )ight not ha&e been ab$e to 'o thi% a )onth ago. @eta% I/&e ta$+e' to %ay it on%et% o&er a ,e* *ee+% or )onth%Dyo. ;.%t %tart getting ,a%ter, %tronger, )ore agi$e than yo. .%e' to be.I @y eye% g$a1e' o&er ,or a )o)ent a% another )e)ory ,$oate' to the top o, )in'. Ma-+ $oo+e' at )e *ith a B.i11i-a$ e<pre%%ion. H:hatAI I b$in+e'. Thi% one *a%n/t %o ba'. H# -o.p$e *ee+% ago, @o) an' I *ere in the ba%e)ent, %parring $i+e .%.a$. :e traine' )artia$ art% a -o.p$e ho.r% a 'ay, an' I/&e ne&er been ab$e to $ay a han' on her. (he/% %.per ,a%t, $i+e a b$.r, an' %he a$*ay% 'o'ge%. #$*ay% en-o.raging, yo. +no* ? NKeep it .p, that/% goo', yo. -a)e -$o%e thereD/. B.t that ti)e, a -o.p$e *ee+% ago, I tho.ght %he *a% a $itt$e %$o* an' I 'o'ge' one o, her +i-+% an' tagge' her in the rib%.I Ma-+ no''e'. H#ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter %ai' yo.r )other *a% one o, the )o%t po*er,.$ )eta% in her generation. That/% pretty goo' i, yo. got a han' on her $i+e that.I H2eahDI I ga1e' o,, into the 'i%tan-e. H:hat i% itAI Hi% bro*n eye% *ere ri))e' *ith -on-ern. Not an a-t, I thin+. @y eye% %nappe' ba-+ into ,o-.% an' $an'e' on hi) be,ore I ,$i-+e' )y ga1e a*ay again. HNothingD*e$$Da,ter I hit @o), I *a% a$$ ,$.%he' *ith &i-tory. I too+ a %tep ba-+7 point %-ore', yo. +no*D,or)a$itie% o, %parring. I 'roppe' )y g.ar' *hen I *ent ba-+ to )y rea'y %tan-e. (he 'i'n/t e&en he%itate ? %he p$ante' one on )y ;a* that +no-+e' )e o,, )y ,eet an' b$.rre' )y &i%ion.I

Ma-+ phy%i-a$$y re-oi$e' an' hi% eye% got *i'e. HThatDthat/% horrib$e.I I ,e$t the *in' r.n thro.gh )e an' -$a)p 'o*n on )y heart, p.%hing it into )y throat. HNo, it *a% goo'.I I *ipe' any tra-e o, e)otion ,ro) )y ,a-e. H(he *a% trying to tea-h )e not to e&er $et )y g.ar' 'o*n be-a.%e it -an -o%t yo..I The pain in )y -he%t %*e$$e' a% I pi-t.re' @o)/% e<pre%%ion a,ter %he %tr.-+ )e 'o*n ? ,ire b$a1ing in her eye%7 that $oo+ o, %pite an' re&enge a$$ ro$$e' into one a% %he $oo+e' 'o*n on )e. @y )in' ra-e', trying to thin+ o, %o)ething to a%+ Ma-+ to -hange the %.b;e-t. H2o. %ai' )y )o) *a% one o, the )o%t po*er,.$ )eta% in her generationA (o not a$$ )eta% are the %a)e, po*er6*i%eAI H2eah, there/% a %-a$e ? %o)e )eta% are %tronger than other%.I He $oo+e' .p at the ben-h %ti$$ ba$an-e' on )y %ho.$'er. HThat/% *hy #ria'ne *ant% to te%t yo.. E&en *itho.t +no*ing *hat yo.r other po*er% are, +no*ing yo.r %trength -o.$' gi&e %o)e in%ight into *hat +in' o, )eta yo. are.I HH).I I *hippe' the ben-h a% i, to %)a%h it again%t the gro.n' an' note' the pani-+e' $oo+ in Ma-+/% eye% a% he ,$in-he' an' bro.ght hi% han'% in ,ront o, hi% ,a-e. I %toppe' it a ,e* in-he% ,ro) the *a$+ an' ginger$y p$a-e' it ba-+ *here it ha' %tarte' an' %hot hi) a 'a11$ing %)i$e. H8rai'y -at.I He $oo+e' at )e, eye% *i'e. HI -o.$'n/t te$$ yo. *itho.t te%ting, b.t %eeing the *ay yo. han'$e' that ben-h, I thin+ yo./re right .p there *ith yo.r )o) on the )eta po*er %-a$e.I I $oo+e' 'o*n. HI 'on/t +no* abo.t that. I ,o.ght ba-+ again%t :o$,e an' he %hoo+ o,, )y atta-+% an' grabbe' )e $i+e I *a% nothing.I H2eah, b.t :o$,e i% a ,rea+ o, nat.re. @o%t )eta% 'on/t $i&e ,or tho.%an'% o, year%. He ha%.I HI 'on/t 'o.bt that, b.t he )anhan'$e' )e. Hi% %trength *a% in-re'ib$e7 I -o.$'n/t ,ight ba-+ at a$$.I I ,e$t the bi$e ri%e in )y )o.th a% I %ai' that. @o) ha' a$*ay% 'o)inate' )e, b.t %he/' ne&er -o)p$ete$y -r.%he' )e the *ay :o$,e ha'. It )a'e )e %i-+ ? an' angry. HHe/% THE top o, the %-a$e ,or po*er an' he ha% )i$$enia o, e<perien-e ,ighting. He/' gi&e @6 (B.a' a r.n ,or their )oney, an' they/re a$$ *ay .p on the %-a$e, an' there/% ,o.r o, the).I He %hoo+ hi% hea'. HI *ant yo. to pro)i%e )e %o)ething.I I $oo+e' .p at hi) an' ,e$t a tre)b$e. H:hatAI H2o. e&er r.n a-ro%% :o$,e again, 'o *hat the re%t o, .% 'o ? r.n $i+e he$$. He/% a bea%t. #n' he *i$$ +i$$ yo..I ~

S",
Ma-+ %ho*e' )e aro.n' the gro.n'% an' a,ter *e *a$+e' thro.gh )ore b.i$'ing% an' )et )ore peop$e than I -o.$' po%%ib$y re)e)ber, he too+ )e to a ,o.r %tory bri-+ b.i$'ing, a per,e-t %B.are b.t *ith *in'o*% %pa-e' e&ery ,i&e ,eet on ea-h ,$oor. There *ere entran-e% at ea-h -orner. :e *a$+e' into one o, the) to ,in' the interior in'i-ate' it *a% a ).-h o$'er b.i$'ing than )o%t o, the other%. 2e$$o*e' -orri'or% ran aro.n' the peri)eter. They $oo+e' a% tho.gh they )ight ha&e been *hite *hen the b.i$'ing *a% b.i$t, b.t they ha' ye$$o*e' thro.gh ti)e an' .%e to the -o$or o, a boi$e' egg/% yo$+. The -enter o, the %tr.-t.re $oo+e' to be one giant -ha)ber an' aro.n' the e'ge o, the b.i$'ing a &ariety o, $ab% *ere open to &ie*ing by g$a%% *a$$%. HIt/% the %-ien-e $ab%,I Ma-+ %ai'. H(o thi% i% *here they -.t )e openAI I $oo+e' at hi) *ith a rai%e' eyebro*. HNot B.ite.I # &oi-e ,ro) behin' )a'e )e t.rn. # %)a$$ )an *ith g$a%%e% an' a *hite $ab -oat -o&ering a %hirt an' tie -a)e in behin' .% an' %to)pe' hi% ,eet. Hi% han' -a)e .p to br.%h %o)e %no* o,, hi% %ho.$'er an' I %a* no ring% or ;e*e$ry on thin, 'e$i-ate ,inger% that )at-he' *ith hi% ga.nt ,ig.re. He ha' 1ero hair on hi% hea', not %o ).-h a% an eyebro*, an' *ore the hip%ter6-hi- b$a-+ ri))e' g$a%%e% that %ee)e' pop.$ar no*a'ay% ba%e' on ho* )any peop$e *ore the) on TC. I thin+ they $oo+ %t.pi', b.t in hi% -a%e it )ight ha&e been a -$.e$e%% ,a%hion 'e-i%ion. HThi% i% 9r. Ron (e%%ion%,I Ma-+ %ai' *ith an intro'.-tory *a&e. HHe/% o.r -hie, %-ien-e g.r..I 9r. (e%%ion% too+ a -o.p$e o, %tri'e% to*ar' )e. HI% thi% @%. Nea$onAI I $oo+e' ,ro) Ma-+ to the 'o-tor. HI/) (ienna, yeah.I Hi% eye% $it .p, an' it *a% a -a$-.$ating %tare. H#ria'ne %ent )e to $oo+ ,or yo. an' here yo. are, in )y h.)b$e ha$$%.I H(he *ante' yo. to ta$+ to )e abo.t the te%tingAI He no''e' a bit too eager$y. H:ante' )e to e<p$ain the ba%i-% o, it. It/% a thoro.gh pro-e%%, %o it -o.$' ta+e a $itt$e *hi$e to go thro.gh an' an%*er any B.e%tion% yo. )ight ha&e. 9o yo. ha&e %o)e ti)e no*AI I ,e$t a gra&itationa$ p.$$ to*ar' the 'oor I ha' -o)e in thro.gh. HI/) +in' o, tire'. :hy 'on/t *e ta$+ abo.t it to)orro*AI I thre* a th.)b at the 'ar+ening %+ie% o.t%i'e. HIt/% -$o%e to %.n'o*n7 been a $ong 'ay, yo. +no*.I Hi% hair$e%% eyebro* %-oote' 'o*n hi% ,a-e. HIt/% ,o.r o/-$o-+.I H2eah,I I %ai' *ith an air o, e<-.%e6)a+ing. HB.t I near$y got %trang$e' to 'eath ye%ter'ay an' it too+ a $ot o.t o, )e. I/$$ %top by an' ta$+ *ith yo. to)orro*.I I thre* a $oo+ at Ma-+, an' I -o.$' te$$ he +ne* I *a% $ying. HI -an %ho* yo. to the -a,eteria i, yo. *ant. 2o. %ho.$' probab$y eat be,ore yo. %$eep.I HNah.I I *a&e' hi) o,,. HI/) ;.%t going to hea' ba-+ to the 'or). Than+%, tho.gh.I He ,ro1e ne<t to the 'o-tor, *ho *a% %ti$$ %B.inting at )e. H#$$ right. (ee yo. aro.n'.I I ga&e the) both a $a%t *a&e an' p.%he' )y *ay o.t the 'oor. I 'i'n/t r.n a-ro%% the -a)p.%, b.t I 'e,inite$y *a$+e' ,a%ter than nor)a$. I *a%n/t .%e' to the -o$' *in' that *hippe' o&er the gro.n'% a% %.n'o*n approa-he'. It ,e$t $i+e it *a% -.tting right thro.gh )e. I *a$+e' into )y 'or) roo) an' ,$ippe' on the $ight%. It *a%n/t h.ge, b.t bigger than I *o.$' ha&e e<pe-te'. It ha' a ,.$$ bathroo), a B.een %i1e' be', %)a$$ re,rigerator, a 'e%+ an' a *a$+6in -$o%et. (o)e tho.ght,.$ per%on ha' e&en $e,t a pen an' paper on the %tan' ne<t to the be', in -a%e I *ante' to *rite a $etter ho)e to no one. I -he-+e' the ,ri'ge an' ,o.n' a ha$, 'o1en bott$e' *ater%. I p.$$e' one o.t, bro+e the %ea$ on it an' '.)pe' it 'o*n the %in+ in the bathroo). I *a%he' o.t an' re,i$$e' the *ater bott$e ,ro) the tap.

Can/t be too -are,.$. I too+ a %ip o, *ater a% I $oo+e' aro.n' the roo). I 'i'n/t +no* ).-h abo.t &i'eo %.r&ei$$an-e, b.t there *ere a ha$,6'o1en p$a-e% they -o.$' ha&e p.t a -a)era. The goo' ne*% i% that it *a% on the gro.n' ,$oor an' there *ere big *in'o*%, %o i, they -a)e ,or )e in the )i''$e o, the night I -o.$' %en' a -hair o.t the g$a%% an' ,o$$o* behin'. I ha' a rea%onab$e a)o.nt o, -on,i'en-e that I -o.$' r.n ,a%ter than any o, the). Hope,.$$y ,a%t eno.gh to e%-ape into the tree% i, nee' be. I %at 'o*n on the be' an' rea$i1e' ,or the ,ir%t ti)e ;.%t ho* ten%e I *a%. @y %ho.$'er ).%-$e% *ere -rying o.t ,or re$ie,7 I/' been *a$+ing aro.n' rea'y ,or %o)eone =:o$,e> to -o)e ;.)ping o.t at )e. I r.bbe' )y ne-+ *ith one han' *hi$e I he$' the bott$e *ith the other. The be'%prea' *a% 'ar+ na&y, the on$y %p$a%h o, -o$or in a roo) that *a% a 'i) beige. It *a% %o generi- an' %tar+, tota$$y $a-+ing in 'L-or, it ha' to ha&e been 'one by a g.y. No *o)an -o.$' abi'e anything thi% p$ain an' boring. I tho.ght abo.t ho* %traight,or*ar' an' b.%ine%%$i+e #ria'ne/% *ar'robe *a% an' -on-e'e' that )aybe %he -o.$' ha&e 'one it. B.t no one *ith any ta%te. I ,o.n' it har' to be$ie&e ho* ).-h thing% ha' -hange' ,or )e in the $a%t -o.p$e 'ay%. @y )in' *ent on-e )ore to Ree', an' I ,o.n' )y%e$, *on'ering i, he *a% o+ay. I tho.ght abo.t tho%e bro*n eye%, an' they h.ng in ,ront o, )e. I $ay ba-+ on the be' an' they %ti$$ $ingere'7 an' a ,e* )o)ent% a,ter I $ay )y hea' on the pi$$o*, I ,e$$ into a 'eep %$eep. ~

Seven
I +ne* I *a% 'rea)ing. It *a% *eir', b.t I -o.$' ,ee$ it, the 'ar+ne%% o, the roo) ;.%t ,a'ing a*ay a% I %$ippe' o,, to .n-on%-io.%ne%%. (trea+% o, $ight ,ro) o.t%i'e the *in'o* %hot thro.gh )y ,ie$' o, &i%ion an' a %en%ation o, ,a$$ing *a% rep$a-e' *ith a ,ee$ing o, *eight$e%%ne%%, $i+e the )o)ent be,ore yo. %tep 'o*n a %tair in a 'rea) an' yo.r heart -at-he% an' yo. *a+e. E<-ept I 'i'n/t *a+e. I %a* Ree' again, tho%e bro*n eye% %taring, %ear-hing ,or )e. The ha1e aro.n' )e began to $ighten. (p$a%he% o, -o$or entere' the *or$' aro.n' )e an' I rea$i1e' Ree' *a% -o)ing into ,o-.%, 'etai$% a''ing in ,ront o, )y eye%. He $oo+e' at )e *ith -on,.%ion. H(iennaA :here are *eAI I ,e$t a -hi$$ an' $oo+e' 'o*n. There *ere t*o ,ig.re% at )y ,eet. # ,a-e %tare' ba-+ at )e *ith 'ea' eye%. HI thin+ *e/re in the par+ing $ot o, the gro-ery %tore *here :o$,e ,o.n' .%.I He $oo+e' at )e *ith pra-ti-e' %+epti-i%). H:hat/% going on hereAI I %hr.gge'. HI 'on/t +no*.I He $oo+e' at the bo'y at )y ,eet. HI re)e)ber going to %$eepDb.t thi% i%n/t $i+e any 'rea) I/&e e&er ha'. In a 'rea), yo. -an/t pi-+ yo.r *or'%, an' ri'i-.$o.% thing% happen. Li+e a )an *ith a p$atter o, -hee%e %$i-e% -o)e% *an'ering thro.gh, an' it %ee)% tota$$y nor)a$ .nti$ yo. *a+e .p.I He eye' )e *ith an air o, .n-ertainty. HRightAI HI/&e ne&er 'rea)e' abo.t a )an *ith -hee%e %$i-e%.I HB.t yo. +no* *hat I )eanA Thi% rea$$y happene', rightAI He $oo+e' 'o*n at the bo'y. HI re)e)ber thi% g.y/% ,a-e.I Re)e)bering the t*o )en *ho 'ie' here ? trying to he$p )e ? too+ the tho.ght o, $a.ghter a*ay. H:hat happene' to yo.A I *o+e .p at the hea'B.arter% ,or tho%e t*o -$o*n% *ho bro+e into )y ho.%e.I Ree' ,$in-he'. H2eah, I %a* the) get yo.. I ha' to bai$. :o$,e )e%%e' )e .p pretty ba' or I )ight ha&e trie' to ,ight the) o,,.I I narro*e' )y eye% a% I $oo+e' at hi). H#re yo. a )eta tooAI Hi% han'% ,e$$ to hi% *ai%t. H2eah.I H(o *hat -an yo. 'oA :hat/% yo.rDpo*erAI HThe ba%i-%. (tronger than )o%t. Nothing -o)pare' to that :o$,e g.y, b.t I -an tip o&er a -ar i, I ha&e to. I hea$ ,a%t, o, -o.r%e. (o)e other %t.,,. Nothing )a;or.I He $oo+e' 'o*n, eye% a&oi'ing )ine. HKh h.h. (o *hy 'i'n/t yo. %B.are *ith )e *hen *e *ere ta$+ing in the %toreAI HIt/% yo.r ,ir%t 'ay o.t in the *or$', yo./re r.nning to e%-ape ,ro) %o)e g.y% *ho are %hooting at yo., an' I get to brea+ the ne*% to yo. that yo./re a %.perh.)an. 2eah,I he %ai' *ith %ar-a%), Hthat *o.$'n/t ha&e %ent yo. r.nning a*ay ,ro) )e.I HIt )ight not ha&e.I I tho.ght abo.t it ,or a )in.te. H2eah, it probab$y *o.$' ha&e be,ore I )et :o$,e. :here are yo. no*AI He %hie' a*ay ,ro) )y $oo+ again. H2o./re at their ba%eAI He he%itate'. H:ith tho%e g.y%D ,ro)DI HThe 9ire-torate. It/% *hat they -a$$ the)%e$&e%.I H2eah. 2o./re *ith the)AI HNot N*ith the)/ $i+e *e/re on the %a)e tea), b.t yeah. They *ant to r.n te%t% on )e. Te$$ )e *hat I a). :here are yo.AI HCan/t te$$ yo..I He -ringe' a% he %ai' it. H(orry. I 'on/t tr.%t the).I I $oo+e' at hi) in annoyan-e. HI/) not %taying here ,ore&er. I/) trying to 'e-i'e i, I *ant to $et

the) ,ig.re thing% o.t ,or )e be,ore I $ea&e. Ho* a) I %.ppo%e' to ,in' yo. i, yo. *on/t te$$ )e *here yo. areAI He ,ina$$y $oo+e' )e in the eye. H(ee)% $i+e yo./&e ,o.n' a *ay to -onta-t )e. (o ta$+ to )e again *hen yo./&e e%-ape'.I I thre* )y han'% in the air. H:here a) I %.ppo%e' to goAI He %tarte' to ,a'e, getting ha1y again, $i+e there *ere gap% in hi% %+in rep$a-e' by 'ar+ne%%. H#ny*here. J.%t get a*ay ,ro) the).I I *o+e .p *ith a %tart. ~

E"#!t
I %at .p in be' an' $oo+e' aro.n'. I ha'n/t e&en bothere' to -ra*$ .n'er the -o&er%. The re' ,a-e o, the 'igita$ -$o-+ on the 're%%er to$' )e it *a% a,ter )i'night. I rea-he' o&er an' ,o.n' the bott$e o, *ater I ,i$$e' ear$ier. I pi-+e' it .p, too+ it to the bathroo) an' '.)pe' it o.t again. J.%t in -a%e they %n.-+ in *hi$e I *a% %$eeping. 0aranoia, thy na)e i% (ienna. #,ter I ,i$$e' it ,ro) the tap an' 'ran+ t*o bott$e%, I $ai' ba-+ 'o*n on the be'. I *a% a$)o%t po%iti&e I ha' ;.%t ta$+e' to Ree' in a 'rea). I *ent to %$eep thin+ing o, hi) an' I 'rea)e' o, hi). B.t he *a% right. :hat happene' there *a% not $i+e a reg.$ar 'rea). #$$ the *eir'ne%% an' %.rrea$ at)o%phere o, a 'rea) *a% gone7 it ,e$t $i+e *e/' ha' a -on&er%ation in the *a+ing *or$', b.t *ith a ha1y ba-+'rop. Co.$' I to.-h peop$e/% 'rea)%A :a% I a te$epath, a )in' rea'erA @y tho.ght% ra-e' *hi$e I tho.ght abo.t the po%%ibi$itie%. I/' ne&er rea' a )in', %o it probab$y *a%n/t that7 .n$e%% it ha'n/t ,.$$y )ani,e%te' a% a po*er yet. Or )aybe it *a% ;.%t $i)ite' to 'rea)ing. I tho.ght abo.t @o) a% I $ay there. Tho.ght abo.t *hen %he .%e' to get ho)e, an' ho* *e/' eat 'inner an' ta$+ abo.tDI '.nno, *hate&er. Training, )o%t$y. TC %ho*%, %o)eti)e%. The *or$' o.t%i'eA Ne&er. R.$e JE. :e 'on/t ta$+ abo.t the o.t%i'e *or$'. It 'oe%n/t e<i%t, ,or -on&er%ationa$ p.rpo%e%. :e %tay in%i'e the ho.%e. The ,o.r *a$$% that 'e,ine' )y $i,e. I tho.ght abo.t @o) an' her r.$e% an' I *on'ere' i, )aybe I -o.$' 'rea) an' ta$+ to her, %ee *here %he *a%. I %et the *ater bott$e a%i'e an' $ay ba-+, thi% ti)e -ra*$ing beneath the -o&er%. I tho.ght abo.t her, abo.t the %)e$$ o, the -hi-+en %o.p %he .%e' to heat .p o.t o, the -an *ith the TC going in the ba-+gro.n' a% *e %at on the -o.-h an' ta$+e'. I re-a$$e' *at-hing her *a$+ o.t the 'oor in the )orning, an' hoping that %he/' open the o.t%i'e 'oor to the por-h be,ore the in%i'e 'oor to the ho.%e ha' %h.t, %o I -o.$' -at-h ;.%t a g$i)p%e o, the o.t%i'e *or$' =%he ne&er 'i'>. Then I tho.ght o, the ti)e% I/' 'i%obeye' her. The ti)e% I/' $et her 'o*n. I %h.''ere'. The ti)e% %he p.ni%he' )e. The $a%t ti)e. (o)e*here in that %.--e%%ion o, tho.ght% I 'ri,te' o,, again, an' I *o+e to the %o.n' o, 'i%tant &oi-e% an' a raging h.nger. I b$in+e' the b$earine%% o.t o, )y eye% an' ,e$t )y %+in -o&ere' in a -o$' %*eat. @y 'rea)% thi% ti)e ha' 'e,inite$y not bro.ght )e to @o). Light %trea)e' in ,ro) a gray %+y o.t%i'e, pee+ing in thro.gh the b$in'%. I pa''e' into the bathroo) an' %trippe' o,, )y -$othing, *hi-h *a% %ti-+ing to )y bo'y. I tho.ght ,or a )o)ent abo.t the i'ea o, the 9ire-torate *at-hing )e an' I %ighe', a 'eep, .n-aring %o.n' a% I $oo+e' aro.n' the bathroo). I ,e$t tr.$y 'i%g.%ting7 there *a% %ti$$ re%i'.a$ ).' an' grit in )y hair ,ro) the par+ing $ot t*o 'ay% ago *hen :o$,e ha' 'roppe' )e, e&en tho.gh %o)eone ha' trie' to -$ean it. I %ighe' again an' *ith a %hr.g I 'e-i'e' that I *ante' a %ho*er )ore than I *ante' to *orry abo.t %o)eone %pying on )e in the bathroo). The hot *ater ,e$t great, rene*ing )e a% it *a%he' o&er )y %+in. Litt$e ,$e-+% o, 'rie' b$oo' that ha' -a.ght in )y %*eater ,ro) the ,ight *ith :o$,e ,$a+e' o,, an' %*ir$e' 'o*n the 'rain. I %taye' in there $onger than *a% ne-e%%ary to get -$ean7 the %ho*er ha% $ong been )y p$a-e ,or re;.&enation, the on$y %pot *here I -o.$' get pri&a-y ,ro) @o). The on$y p$a-e I/) a$$o*e' to %he' )y g$o&e%, )y %hirt an' a$$ e$%e. I %teppe' onto the r.g an' too+ a )o)ent to appre-iate the *ar)th o, the 'or)itory bathroo). E&en in a ho.%e a% b.ttone' .p a% o.r% ha' been, 'ra,t% ran thro.gh it *ith a$ar)ing reg.$arity. I -o.$'

a$*ay% te$$ *hat %ea%on it *a% by ho* -o$' I *a% *hen I got o.t o, the %ho*er. The bathroo) here *a% per,e-t$y in%.$ate', tho.gh, an' a% I ,e$t the %o,t %B.i%h o, the p$.%h bath)at bet*een )y toe% there *a% a to.-h o, that ,ee$ing o, .n,a)i$iarity again. It *a% a% tho.gh I *ere %o ,ar o.t%i'e )y -o),ortab$e $i,e that I a$)o%t -o.$'n/t re-ogni1e the a-tion% I *a% ta+ing a% )y o*n7 $i+e they *ere tho%e o, a %tranger I *a% *at-hing on TC. I %teppe' o.t into )y roo) *earing a to*e$ an' p.$$e' open the -$o%et to ,in' a ha$, 'o1en o.t,it%. I too+ a $oo+ at the -$othe% I ha' 'i%-ar'e' ? 'irty, 'i%g.%ting an' a $itt$e b$oo'y. I *ante' to p.t the) ba-+ on, b.t it *o.$' .n'o the %ho*er. In%tea' I pi-+e' o.t a b$a-+ t.rt$ene-+ an' a pair o, ;ean% an' p.t the) on, .n%.rpri%e' to ,in' that they ,it )e per,e-t$y. I *a% on$y going to the -a,eteria, b.t I grabbe' the -oat I ha' *orn ye%ter'ay an' %$ippe' on )y g$o&e%, the on$y part o, )y en%e)b$e not -o)p$ete$y -a+e' *ith ,i$th. R.$e JG. O$' habit% 'ie har'. The 'or)itory b.i$'ing *a% $arge an' %ee)e' to -ontain B.ite a ,e* peop$e. I g.e%%e' they *ere a$$ )eta% $i+e )e, retrie&e' at %o)e point or another by the 9ire-torate. They %ee)e' to be +eeping to the)%e$&e%, 'i'n/t )eet )y eye% in the -orri'or%, *hi-h -a.%e' -on-ern ,or )e. (o)e o, the) h.ng together in %)a$$ gro.p%, an' I -o.$' ,ee$ the) $oo+ing *hen )y ba-+ *a% t.rne'. I re)e)bere' %eeing a %ign ,or the -a,eteria %o)e*here near the entran-e I ha' .%e' ye%ter'ay, %o I *a$+e' the -orri'or% $oo+ing ,or it. :hen I ,o.n' one, I ,o$$o*e' it to a $arge, open %pa-e *ith a h.n're' or )ore tab$e%. G$a%% *in'o*% %tret-he' ,ro) ,$oor to -ei$ing o, a t*o %tory6high %pa-e, $oo+ing o.t onto the %no*y gro.n'%. One *a$$ opene' .p into a $ong %er&ing $ine *ith a &ariety o, 'i,,erent ,oo'% %itting o.t in a %e$,6%er&e %ty$e, ,ro) Je$$6O to )eat$oa,. # 'igita$ -$o-+ h.ng o&erhea', anno.n-ing that it *a% a$)o%t noon. I pa%%e' thro.gh the $ine *itho.t 'i,,i-.$ty7 there *a% no -a%h regi%ter at the en', %o I ;.%t *a$+e' o,, thro.gh the e&er6in-rea%ing -ro*' an' ,o.n' a tab$e by )y%e$, ne<t to the *in'o* an' %at 'o*n, rea'y to eat. I *a% atta-+ing the )eat$oa, *hen #ria'ne %at 'o*n a-ro%% ,ro) )e. (he *ore an o&er$y ,rien'$y $oo+ that p.t )e on an annoye' ,ooting )a'e *or%e by %o)e o, )y ,oo' -hoi-e%. The -o,,ee *a% not going *e$$ *ith the )eat$oa,. Ho* *a% I %.ppo%e' to +no* thatA @o) ne&er $et )e ha&e -o,,ee an' peop$e on TC 'ran+ it *ith e&erything. B$eh. @eat$oa, ta%te' 'i,,erent than I e<pe-te', too. #ria'ne ).%t ha&e %en%e' )y 'i%B.iet be-a.%e I 'i' not a-+no*$e'ge her a,ter %he %at 'o*n. HGoo' )orning,I %he %ai', brea+ing the %i$en-e. H#-t.a$$y,I %he -ontin.e', %)i$e *i'ening, HI %.ppo%e I %ho.$' %ayOI HI, the ne<t *or'% o.t o, yo.r )o.th are NGoo' a,ternoon,/ I pro)i%e it *on/t be ,or yo..I (he b$in+e' in %$ight %ho-+. H9i'n/tOI H($eep *e$$A No.I @y eye% narro*e' a% I $ie'. H(o)ething abo.t the tho.ght o, ha&ing a $oa' o, te%t% r.n 'i'n/t %it *e$$ *ith )e.I H9oe% that )ean yo./&e 'e-i'e' again%t the te%tingAI 9i' I 'ete-t a note o, 'i%appoint)ent in her &oi-eA H9i'n/t %ay that. I ha&en/t 'e-i'e' yet. Either *ay, I/) not enth.%e' abo.t the).I H#h.I (he no''e'. H0erhap% *e -an he$p -hange yo.r opinion. I/&e been a%+e' to bring yo. to %ee the 9ire-tor.I HEri-h :interAI H2e%.I HGreat.I I %$i' a%i'e the tray *ith the -o,,ee an' ga*'a*,.$ )eat$oa,. HI/' $i+e to a%+ hi) %o)e B.e%tion% any*ay. (ha$$ *eAI The pri-e$e%% $oo+ o, .n-ertainty on her ,a-e ga&e *ay to a ,or-e' -on,i'en-e a% %he $e' )e 'o*n%tair% to an .n'ergro.n' t.nne$ $ea'ing to the hea'B.arter% b.i$'ing a ,e* h.n're' yar'% a*ay. HNo nee' to *a$+ thro.gh the %no* i, *e 'on/t ha&e to,I %he %ai'. I ha' *on'ere' *hy %he *a%n/t

*earing a -oat. (he *ore in%tea' another -o$or$e%% b.%ine%% %.it, not the %a)e a% the one %he/' ha' on *hen I )et her b.t not 'i,,erent eno.gh ,or )e to -are. :e e)erge' ,ro) the t.nne$ into the ba%e)ent o, the hea'B.arter% b.i$'ing an' -$i)be' a %tair-a%e to the ,o.rth ,$oor. I $oo+e' o.t the *in'o* a% *e *a$+e' 'o*n the -orri'or. The %+y *a% %ti$$ -o&ere' in -$o.'%. I %ighe'. I ha' yet to %ee the %.n. :e pa.%e' be,ore a %et o, hea&y *oo'en 'o.b$e 'oor%. #ria'ne +no-+e' %o %o,t$y I *on'ere' i, it *a% e&en po%%ib$e to hear it in%i'e. There *a% no an%*er b.t a )o)ent $ater a -$i-+ -a)e ,ro) the han'$e an' the 'oor %*.ng open to a')it .%. #ria'ne ge%t.re' ,or )e to go ,ir%t b.t I %hoo+ )y hea' an' pointe' ,or her to enter. (he %hr.gge' an' 'i'. I ,o$$o*e' her a )o)ent $ater. The o,,i-e *a% big, *ith a hea&y %tone 'e%+ %tan'ing in the )i''$e o, the roo). It $oo+e' $i+e a %$ab o, ,$at ro-+ that %o)eone ha' proppe' .p on t*o %.pporting b$o-+% an' .%e' a% a tab$e, an' it %tret-he' abo.t %i< ,eet a-ro%%. There *a% no %ign o, paper on it any*here, ;.%t a tab$et -o)p.ter. # $one painting o, a *inter $an'%-ape h.ng ,ro) the *a$$ on the $e,t han' %i'e an' t*o -hair% *ere %et be,ore the 'e%+ ,or a.'ien-e%. O$' @an :inter ha' opene' the 'oor, b.t by the ti)e I *a% in%i'e he/' a$rea'y ret.rne' to hi% -hair an' %at 'o*n. He *a% ta$$, probab$y at $ea%t %i< ,oot ,i&e. Hi% hair *a% -$o%e -roppe' on the %i'e% an' 'eep ,.rro*% *ere -ar&e' in the $ine% o, hi% bro*. Hi% ,a-e *a% $ong, hi% eye% *ere %.n+en7 bag% h.ng beneath the), gi&ing hi) a $oo+ o, a )an *e$$ o&er %i<ty an' po%%ib$y o&er %e&enty. He *a% not thin b.t neither *a% he ,at ? he ha' a $oo+ o, ).%-$e an' po*er that be$ie' hi% year%. #n' hi% eye% *ere an i-y, i-y b$.e, an' ,i<e' *ith a %tare that %ent a 'eep -hi$$ thro.gh )e. HThi% i% (ienna,I #ria'ne %ai' to hi), a% tho.gh I -o.$' be anyone e$%e. The on$y %ign that he hear' her *a% a %$o*, %hort no', '.ring *hi-h he ne&er bro+e eye -onta-t *ith )e. I %tare' ba-+, .n*i$$ing to be the ,ir%t to $oo+ a*ay. Thi% *a% a ga)e, I tho.ght. #ria'ne %ai' nothing an' neither 'i' he. He 'i'n/t b$in+, 'i'n/t $oo+ a*ay, .nti$ ,ina$$y )y eye% *ere b.rning an' I ha' to -$o%e the). He 'i' not %)i$e *hen I $oo+e' at hi) again, b.t I -a.ght the thinne%t %.gge%tion o, .p*ar' )o&e)ent on hi% $ip%. H(ienna i% %ti$$ -on%i'ering *hether or not to go thro.gh *ith the te%ting,I #ria'ne in,or)e' hi). He %at %to-+ %ti$$ in hi% -hair behin' the 'e%+ an' -ontin.e' to %tare )e 'o*n. I $i+e to thin+ a $e%%er per%on *o.$' be inti)i'ate' by hi% -on%tant eye -onta-t. I *a% annoye'. H(he ha% B.e%tion% ,or yo..I Hi% gray eyebro*% ro%e a% i, he *ere a%+ing a B.e%tion o, hi% o*n. He *a&e' hi% han' at )e in a &ag.e ge%t.re that I too+ a% a %ign to pro-ee' *ith )y inB.irie%. I %tare' ba-+ at hi), trying )y .t)o%t not to b$in+. H9o yo. +no* *hat happene' to )y )otherAI He %hoo+ hi% hea' %$o*$y, brea+ing eye -onta-t ,or the ,ir%t ti)e %in-e I entere' the roo). HNo.I Hi% &oi-e -arrie' an ob&io.% Ger)ani- a--ent, e&en in the brie, re%pon%e. He rai%e' hi% han' to*ar' )e on-e )ore, in'i-ating to a%+ )y ne<t B.e%tion. I trie' )y har'e%t not to g$are, b.t I probab$y ,ai$e'. H:ho *o.$' +no*AI Thi% ti)e the eyebro* ro%e on$y a hint an' he g$an-e' to*ar' #ria'ne, *ho an%*ere' ,or hi). H:e ha&e a &ariety o, 'i,,erent %o.r-e% o, gathering in,or)ation, in-$.'ing %en'ing %o)e o, o.r agent% to B.e%tion peop$e .n'er the g.i%e o, being po$i-e o,,i-er% in&e%tigating her 'i%appearan-e. I ha&e a report that yo. -an rea', b.t here/% the gi%t4 yo.r )other ha% been *or+ing a% an @RI te-hni-ian at Hennepin Co.nty @e'i-a$ Center ,or the $a%t ,o.rteen year% .n'er an a%%.)e' na)eOI H(o %he/% rea$$y not (ierra Nea$onAI I a%+e' *itho.t %.rpri%e. #ria'ne/% ,a+e %)i$e he$' )ore patien-e than irony. H(he i%. (he/% been *or+ing .n'er the na)e Brittany E--$e%ton. (he ha% ,rien'% an' -o6*or+er%, a pretty *e$$ e%tab$i%he' $i,e b.i$t aro.n' her *or+ ? an' none o, the) that *e B.e%tione' +ne* %he ha' a 'a.ghter.I #ria'ne he%itate'. H(he/% ha' a rea%onab$y a-ti&e %o-ia$ $i,e, 'inner% *ith ,rien'%, tho.gh not ).-h in'i-ation that %he/% 'one any 'atingOI

H9i' %he e&er )ention any )enA 2o.r ,ather, ,or in%tan-eAI O$' @an :inter %po+e .p, hi% &oi-e at a $o* ti)bre, %)ooth an' a--ente'. HNo.I I %hr.gge', in'i,,erent. @o) 'i'n/t ta$+ abo.t )en. It *a%n/t in the r.$e%7 it ;.%t ne&er happene'. H:hy, are yo. )y ,atherAI #).%e)ent -ro%%e' hi% *eathere' ,eat.re%, b.t on$y ,or a )o)ent. HHar'$y.I I %hr.gge' again. HJ.%t -.rio.%. I hear' yo. *or+e' *ith )y )o) ba-+ in the o$' 'ay% an' I ha&e no i'ea *ho )y 'a' i%.I Hi% hea' in-$ine' in a no'. HI 'i' not +no* her *e$$. The agen-y *a% $arge an' I *a% not in a po%ition o, in,$.en-e.I H:hat 'i' yo. 'oAI Hi% rep$y *a% a %$ight %hr.g, hi% $arge %ho.$'er% )o&ing on$y a ,e* -enti)eter%, a% i, he *ere trying to -on%er&e energy by )a+ing a% $itt$e )o&e)ent a% po%%ib$e. HI thin+ *hat/% i)portant,I #ria'ne rein%erte' her%e$, into the -on&er%ation, Hi% that *e he$p yo. ,in' her. #n' i, *e -an a%%i%t yo. a$ong the *ay by an%*ering B.e%tion% abo.t *hat +in' o, po*er% yo. ha&e, that *o.$' be o, intere%t to yo., *o.$'n/t itAI I -h.-+$e', )ore to )y%e$, than anyone. HI/$$ ,ig.re it o.t.I #ria'ne/% e<pre%%ion har'ene'. H#%%.)ing yo. ha&e the ti)e. There/% a pretty 'angero.% )on%ter h.nting yo..I I $oo+e' ba-+ at O$' @an :inter, an' he *a% *at-hing )e, ga.ging )y rea-tion to the threat o, :o$,e. HHe/% a rea$ ba%tar',I I rep$ie', Hb.t I/) not going to %pen' the re%t o, )y $i,e hi'ing o.t here on yo.r -a)p.%, e&en i, I 'i' -on%ent to yo.r te%t% ? *hi-h I ha&en/t, yet.I #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter e<-hange' a $oo+. Con-ern ,ro) her7 ob&io.%, ea%y to rea'. 8ro) hi), har'er to te$$, b.t I tho.ght I %a* a).%e)ent again. (he t.rne' ba-+ to )e. HLet )e be hone%tOI H8ir%t ti)e e&erAI I -ra-+e'. HGi&e it a %hot.I (he ignore' )y ;ibe. H2o.r )other *a% po*er,.$, b.t the re-or'% o, her -apabi$itie% *ere $o%t in the 'e%tr.-tion o, the #gen-y. :e ha&e no i'ea *ho yo.r ,ather *a%, i, he *a% a )eta, *hat -apabi$itie% he )ight ha&e ha', b.t gi&en yo.r )other/% $i+e$y e<po%.re to )eta% in her *or+, *e/' e<pe-t he probab$y *a%. Ba%e' on o.r ob%er&ation% o, yo.r hea$ing abi$itie%, yo.r %trength ? ye%, *e %a* yo. $i,t the ben-h, *e$$ 'one ? *e %.%pe-t yo./re B.ite po*er,.$. :e *ant to +no*OI %he ,o-.%e' on )e OH*hat yo./re -apab$e o,, an' ,ran+$y, *e/' $i+e yo. to ;oin .%.I Thi% ti)e I $et $oo%e )ore than a -h.-+$e. HJoin yo.A :hyAI H:e 'o i)portant *or+ here,I %he %ai', .n'eterre' by )y $a.gh. HKeeping the )eta6h.)an pop.$ation ,ro) r.nning a)o+ *hi$e he$ping the) to ,.$$y .n'er%tan' an' -ontro$ their abi$itie% i% a nob$e ta%+.I HI/) not going to arg.e that yo. nee' to po$i-e the%e )eta%,I I %ai'. HB.t I ha&en/t e&en -o)e to a 'e-i%ion on the te%ting, %o I 'o.bt yo./re going to be getting ).-h -on%i'eration on yo.r o,,er .nti$ I ha&e that one ,ig.re' o.t.I (he $oo+e' ba-+ at O$' @an :inter one )ore ti)e an' he no''e' again, one o, tho%e %.bt$e b$in+6 an'6yo.6)i%%6it hea' )otion%. (he t.rne' ba-+ to )e. H:hat 'o yo. *antAI I %)i$e', *i'e, *ith a ;o&ia$ity I rea$$y 'i'n/t ,ee$. HI *ant to go ho)e.I ~

N"ne
HE<-.%e )eAI #ria'ne %tare' ba-+ at )e open6)o.the'. H9i' getting %trang$e' -a.%e yo. brain 'a)ageA 9on/t yo. thin+ that yo.r ho.%e *o.$' be the ,ir%t p$a-e :o$,e *o.$' try to re6a-B.ire yo.AI HRe6a-B.ireAI I %-o,,e'. HHe 'i'n/t a-B.ire )e in the ,ir%t p$a-e.I (he $oo+e' at )e *ith %o)ething %hort o, a%toni%h)ent. HHe 'a)ne' near 'i' ? i, it ha'n/t been ,or o.r agent% %ho*ing .p *hen they 'i'OI HNo,I I %ai' *ith a &ehe)ent %ha+e o, )y hea'. O$' @an :inter ha'n/t %ho*n the %$ighte%t rea-tion to o.r entire e<-hange. HBy the ti)e yo.r boy% %ho*e' .p I ha' p.)pe' :o$,e %o ,.$$ o, tranB.i$i1er 'art% he/' ha&e ha' a he$$ o, a ti)e ,ighting o,, a gra%%hopper, $et a$one -arry )e a*ay.I H:o$,e ;.)pe' a ten ,oot ta$$ ,en-e to e%-ape ,ro) K.rt an' Ma-+,I %he %ai', her ;a* -$en-hing. H@aybe yo. )i%%e' that too, %in-e yo. *ere .n-on%-io.% in a poo$ o, yo.r o*n b$oo' *hen it happene'.I I ro$$e' )y eye%. I a) a teenager7 )ight a% *e$$ ,ight $i+e a one. HI *ant to go ho)e ? not per)anent$y, b.t I ha&e %o)e per%ona$ e,,e-t% I/' $i+e to retrie&e.I I t.rne' an irritab$e ga1e ,ro) #ria'ne to O$' @an :inter. He %tare' ba-+, %ti$$ .nb$in+ing. HNo,I #ria'ne %ai'. H2o./re ,ar too &a$.ab$e to ri%+ :o$,e getting hi% han'% on yo.. :e ha&e no i'ea *ho he *or+% ,or, i, he *or+% ,or anybo'y ? or *hat he *ant% *ith yo., b.t it/% nothing goo'.I H#h haPI I -ro*e'. H(o yo. do inten' to +eep )e here again%t )y *i$$PI HNo,I -a)e the B.iet, a--ente' &oi-e o, O$' @an :inter. HI, yo. *ant thing% ,ro) yo.r ho)e, perhap% *e -an -o)e to an agree)ent.I I $oo+e' at hi). HI/) $i%tening.I He t.rne' to #ria'ne, *ho %po+e in hi% %tea'. H:e %en' agent% to retrie&e *hate&er yo. *ant an' bring it ba-+ here. In e<-hange, yo. 'o the te%t%.I I tho.ght abo.t it ,or a )in.te. HCo.nter6o,,er ? an' be a%%.re', I/) not rea$$y o,,ering %o ).-h a% te$$ing yo. *hat I/$$ a--ept. 2o. %en' yo.r agent% to the ho.%e to -on,ir) it/% -$ear an' I go in an' get *hat I *ant an' nee', an' *e $ea&e in ,i&e )in.te% or $e%%. I 'o the te%ting a,ter.I H#re yo. %.i-i'a$AI #ria'ne $oo+e' at )e in a)a1e)ent. H2o. +no* :o$,e *i$$ be there %o)e*here, *at-hing. #t $ea%t i, *e/re going to engage in thi% )a'ne%%, $et/% *ait .nti$ @6(B.a' ret.rn%OI O$' @an :inter -.t her o,,, %o,t &oi-e ,ir). HThey *i$$ not be ba-+ ,or %o)e ti)e. :e *i$$ %en' agent% ? ten %ho.$' %.,,i-e to %-o.t an' +eep a peri)eter.I He $oo+e' ba-+ to )e. H2o.r ter)% are a--eptab$e. 9r. (e%%ion% *i$$ te%t yo. *hen yo. ret.rn.I HNo -.tting,I I %ai' to hi), ,in'ing that thi% ti)e hi% e<pre%%ion hinte' at a).%e)ent, Hnothing in&a%i&e, )y han'% *i$$ be ,ree at a$$ ti)e%, an' 'on/t e<pe-t )e to 'rin+ anything.I He no''e' on-e )ore an' %he bit ba-+ her re%pon%e b.t %hot hi) a $oo+ that in'i-ate' great 'i%p$ea%.re. HCery *e$$.I :ith a -.rt no' o, her hea' that re)in'e' )e o, a bo* o, %.b)i%%ion, %he ba-+e' to*ar' the 'oor. I ,o$$o*e' her an' -a%t a $a%t $oo+ at O$' @an :inter be,ore I $e,t. He %tare' ba-+, .napo$ogeti-, *at-hing, %.r&eying, *ho +ne* *hat ,or. The 'oor -$o%e' *ith a %o,t -$i-+ an' #ria'ne ro.n'e' on )e. I -o.$' te$$ by the ,ire in her eye% that %he *a% preparing to .n$oa'. H(ti-+ it,I I to$' her. HCa$$ )e *hen yo.r boy% are rea'y to $ea&e.I I 'i'n/t bother to $oo+ ba-+ to %ee *hat rea-tion )y *or'% ha' -a.%e'. :e$$, )aybe a $itt$e pee+. Not %.re *hy antagoni1ing her *a% %o en;oyab$e7 it *a%n/t $i+e %he/' 'one anything to *rong )e. I *a% %itting on )y be' a ,e* ho.r% $ater *hen I hear' a +no-+ on the 'oor. :hen I opene' it,

Ma-+ *a% *aiting *ith a 'o.r $oo+. HRea'y to get +i$$e'AI Hi% e<pre%%ion 'i' not %ho* any hint o, $ightne%%. I %)i$e', trying to $ighten hi% )oo'. HI tho.ght yo. g.y% *ere going to %*eep the ho.%e an' the area ,ir%t to )a+e %.re :o$,e i%n/t aro.n'AI He ga&e )e a +in' o, e<a%perate' %hr.g *ith a )ar+e' e<ha$ation. HK.rt an' I get to %it in the -ar *ith yo. .nti$ *e get the a$$6-$ear, b.t $et/% not ,oo$ o.r%e$&e%. I, :o$,e/% %trategy i% to not be %een, he *on/t be %een ? .nti$ it/% too $ate. I, hi% %trategy i% to ta+e one o, o.r g.y% an' %B.ee1e hi) .nti$ he $ie% an' %ay% it/% a$$ -$ear, then that/% *hat he/$$ 'o an' *e %ti$$ *on/t %ee hi) .nti$ it/% too $ate.I Hi% eye% b$a1e'. H:o$,e i% the )o%t 'angero.% )eta I/&e hear' o, an' it/% in%ane that *e/re going into thi% *itho.t @6(B.a' ,or ba-+.p.I HHa&e yo. g.y% r.n a-ro%% hi) be,oreAI HNope,I Ma-+ %ai' *itho.t e)otion. HB.t one o, o.r other bran-he% 'i', an' it en'e' b$oo'y. J.%t $i+e e&ery other %tory in hi% ,i$e.I I %-o,,e'. HHe/% not %o)e in&i%ib$e boogey)an. He ha% *ea+ne%%e%, an' he -an/t be e&ery*here at on-e. @aybe he/% *at-hing )y ho.%e, )aybe he/% not.I I %tare' hi) 'o*n a% another po%%ibi$ity o--.rre' to )e. H:hy -o.$'n/t he be here, *at-hing the 9ire-torate -a)p.%AI Ma-+/% han' -rept .p to hi% ,a-e, -o&ering hi% eye% a% he r.bbe' the bri'ge o, hi% no%e. HI 'on/t +no* that he/% not, b.t I +no* *e %tan' a better -han-e o, ta+ing hi) here than in the )i''$e o, a (o.th @inneapo$i% neighborhoo'. :hat -o.$' po%%ib$y be in yo.r ho.%e that/% %o 'a)ne' i)portant that yo./re *i$$ing to ri%+ yo.r $i,e an' o.r%AI I 'i'n/t an%*er hi). He %hoo+ hi% hea' an' ge%t.re' ,or )e to ,o$$o* hi), *hi-h I 'i'. The tr.th *a%, I 'i'n/t nee' anything ,ro) )y ho.%e. :hen *e got there, I *a% going to $oa' .p a% )any *eapon% a% I -o.$' -arry ,ro) the ba%e)ent, b.t I 'i'n/t rea$$y nee' any o, the). #n' it/% not $i+e any o, )y -$othe% *ere %o a)a1ing that I -o.$'n/t $i&e *itho.t the)7 nor per%ona$ ite)%, none o, it. I *ante' to go ba-+ be-a.%e I tho.ght :o$,e *o.$' be there. I hate' the *ay I ,e$t a,ter o.r $a%t ,ight, that %i-+ ,ee$ing in the pit o, )y %to)a-h thin+ing abo.t it ? abo.t ho* he beat )e 'o*n, )a'e )e ,ear hi). I *ante' to r.n into hi). Thi% ti)e I/' be rea'y. @obi$ity an' agi$ity *ere )y *eapon%. I -o.$'n/t beat hi) ,or %trength, b.t I )o&e' ,a%ter than hi) $a%t ti)e an' i, I ha'n/t ra))e' )y hea' into the iron *a$$ o, ).%-$e that *a% hi% %to)a-hDI thin+ I -o.$' ta+e hi). I *ante' to. I *a% ,a%ter than hi), I +ne* it. Not by ).-h, b.t eno.gh. I ;.%t ha' to ai) ,or the *ea+ point% ? eye%, groin, +i'ney%. #t $ea%t it *o.$' be better than %itting aro.n' the 9ire-torate ,or te%t% I 'i'n/t rea$$y *ant to 'o, *aiting ,or a )o) *ho probab$y *a%n/t going to %ho* .p. I ,o$$o*e' Ma-+ to an .n'ergro.n' par+ing garage *here I ,o.n' ten g.y%, a$$ 're%%e' in %.it%, -arrying ri,$e% an' %hotg.n%. K.rt *a% %tan'ing there *aiting an' he greete' )e *ith a %-o*$ an' a gr.nt that bor'ere' on r.'e. I *a&e' -oB.etti%h$y *ith a big, ,a+e %)i$e. HI %ho.$' get a g.n too,I I %ai' a% Ma-+ an' I *a$+e' .p to their -ar. HNo,I they both -hor.%e'. I %hr.gge'7 I ha'n/t e<pe-te' the) to %ay ye% an' I 'i'n/t pre%% the point. I, I *a% ,a-ing o,, again%t :o$,e an' nee'e' one, I/' ta+e it ,ro) an agent. :hen :o$,e %ho*e', I +ne* I *a% going to ha&e to )o&e ,a%t7 I 'i'n/t *ant any o, the%e g.y% to 'ie, a,ter a$$. :e 'ro&e to a gate that opene' ,or .%, the entran-e to the 9ire-torate -o)po.n', *hi-h *a% %.rro.n'e' by a high bri-+ *a$$. I -o.nte' three %e-.rity -a)era% *itho.t 'i,,i-.$ty an' I ha' a %.%pi-ion that tho%e *ere ,or %ho*7 I *o.$' ha&e bet the rea$ -a)era% *ere ).-h %)a$$er. :e 'ro&e 'o*n %traight roa'% in a -on&oy, e)pty ,ie$'% o, ro$$ing hi$$% on either %i'e. #,ter abo.t t*enty )in.te% *e hit a )a;or high*ay an' ,o$$o*e' it ,or another t*enty )in.te% .nti$ *e hit a %.b.rban area rep$ete *ith )a$$%, %tore% an' retai$ o.t$et%. #nother ,e* )in.te% an' *e e<ite' a ,ree*ay into an area o, o$'er ho)e% that $oo+e' ,a)i$iar. I -o.$'n/t be %.re, b.t I tho.ght it *a% the

%a)e -ro%% %treet *here Ree' an' I entere' the ,ree*ay a -o.p$e 'ay% be,ore. # ,e* %treet% $ater I ,o.n' )y%e$, %taring at the ,ront o, a ho.%e that %ho.$' ha&e $oo+e' ,a)i$iar, %in-e I $i&e' in it, b.t 'i'n/t be-a.%e I ha'n/t %een the e<terior in o&er a 'e-a'e e<-ept *hi$e ,$eeing ,ro) it in a r.%h. H:e/$$ *ait here .nti$ *e get the a$$6-$ear,I Ma-+ to$' )e, $eaning o&er the %eat to ta$+ to )e. # ,e* o, the -ar% par+e' in ,ront o, .% e)ptie' an' the agent% *ere a$$ *earing ,.$$ $ength -oat% to -on-ea$ their *eapon%. They %trea)e' a-ro%% the %treet in a )a%%. HK),I I %ai' *ith a).%e)ent, H%ho.$'n/t *e ha&e par+e' a ,e* %treet% a*ay i, *e/re a,rai' :o$,e i% *at-hing the ho.%eAI H:o*, yo./&e o.t%)arte' .%. It ).%t be o.r ,ir%t 'ay on the ;ob,I K.rt an%*ere' *ith a %notty air o, aggra&ation. H:e are a ,e* %treet% a*ay. They/re going to *a$+ the three b$o-+% to get to yo.r p$a-e.I I $oo+e' at the ho.%e I ha' tho.ght *a% )ine. I trie' to re-on-i$e the ,a-a'e *ith the brie, g$i)p%e I ha' gotten o, )y ho)e a% I ,$e' into Ree'/% -ar 'ay% ear$ier. I %hoo+ )y hea'. They *ere a$$ %no* -o&ere', b$otting o.t 'i,,eren-e% bet*een the). I ga&e .p an' $oo+e' at Ma-+, *ho *a% %ha+ing hi% hea' at hi% partner. :e %at in %i$en-e ,or the ne<t ,e* )in.te%. Te)pte' a% I *a% to )a+e %)arta%% -o))ent% to annoy K.rt to the point *here he/' get o.t o, the -ar, I re%traine' )y%e$, =not %.re ho*>. :e *aite', ten%ion ,i$$ing the air a% ).n'ane report% ,ro) the agent% -a)e a-ro%% their ra'io%. (tati-+y Ha$$ -$earI -a$$% -a)e thro.gh o&er an' o&er. Ma-+ ha' .np$.gge' hi% )i-rophone %o it pipe' o.t o&er a %pea+er. I gna*e' on one o, )y ,ingernai$% a% I $i%tene'. The &oi-e% 'i'n/t %o.n' .nhappy, ;.%t -$ippe' an' pro,e%%iona$. I *on'ere' i, :o$,e *o.$' %ho* .p, i, he *a% e&en $oo+ing ,or )e here. I )ean, he -o.$'n/t ;.%t hang aro.n' )y ho.%e a$$ 'ay, e&ery 'ay *aiting ,or )e to %ho* .p, -o.$' heA I tho.ght abo.t tho%e b$a-+, %o.$$e%% eye% an' %.ppre%%e' a %h.''er. He -o.$'. He *o.$'. I ha' to a-t ,a%t here, get to hi) be,ore he got to anybo'y e$%e. @y ear% ,o-.%e' on the ra'io, *aiting ,or the ,ir%t hint o, any tro.b$e. H8o.n' %o)ething in the ba%e)ent,I -a)e the &oi-e o&er the %pea+er. I ,e$t )y%e$, ten%e. I, it *a%n/t :o$,e, I -o.$' bet I +ne* *hat they ,o.n'. HIt/%D.ghD*e$$, it/% not :o$,e. #$$ -$ear.I H#$$ -$ear,I -a)e another &oi-e in agree)ent. HThat/% the *ho$e ho.%e.I H2o. ha&en/t %ent anybo'y here %in-e the 'ay I $e,tAI I a%+e' Ma-+, *ho *a% %taring into %pa-e, -on-entrating. HNo.I Hi% hea' ga&e a B.i-+ %ha+e. H2o. rea'yAI H2eah,I I rep$ie'. HI% o.r 'ri&er going to gi&e .% -.rb%i'e %er&i-e or 'o *e ha&e to *a$+ ,ro) hereAI I $oo+e' at K.rt an' the ,$a%h o, a %-o*$ *a% )y re*ar'. HOne o, the%e 'ay%, $itt$e @i%% 9ai%y, yo. an' I are going to go hea' to hea',I he gro*$e' a% he thre* the -ar in gear an' %to)pe' on the a--e$erator. H#n' I %ha$$ $oo+ ,or*ar' to that 'ay *ith greate%t anti-ipation,I I %ai' in a )o-+ing %o.thern a--ent, Hi, ,or no other rea%on than I/$$ get to *at-h yo.r hea' -a&e in ,ro) ,ina$$y )eeting one %tronger.I He %ai' nothing e$%e a% *e t.rne' an' ,$e* 'o*n an a$$ey, a$)o%t ta+ing o.t a garbage -an. Hi% ne<t t.rn *a% a$)o%t a% &io$ent an' I 'i'n/t get a -han-e to a%+ *hether he *a% %-are' an' pi%%e' or ;.%t a ba' 'ri&er, be-a.%e he -a)e to a %-ree-hing ha$t an' the *hee$ hit the -.rb. H(ett$e 'o*n,I Ma-+ to$' hi), *i'e6eye'. HI/$$ %ett$e 'o*n *hen *e/re o.t o, here.I HOn$y i, yo. -an ,in' a ni-e ,e$$a *ho/$$ ta+e yo.,I I B.ippe'. HOh, ho* B.aint, a gay ;o+e,I K.rt %ai' *itho.t t.rning ba-+. HI/) )arrie'.I H#-t.a$$y it *a% )y *ay o, -a$$ing yo. a $itt$e gir$. :hat/% hi% na)eAI

HHaha. To a *o)an.I H(ho-+ingP Be-a.%e no rea%onab$e )an *o.$' ha&e yo.AI HCan it, p$ea%e.I Ma-+ t.rne' to )e. H:e/re here. Let/% h.rry an' get the he$$ o.t.I H(.re,I I %ai' a% I %$i' o&er an' opene' the 'oor, %tepping o.t onto the -.rb -o&ere' in a ha$, ,oot o, %no*. He par+e' thi% *ay intentiona$$y. #%%. HJ.%t trying to e<pre%% )y happine%% ,or yo.r pi%%y partner that he -o.$' ,in' %o)eone to p.t .p *ith hi% )en%tr.a$ -y-$e%.I That *i-+e' ,ee$ing o, g$ee b.oye' it%e$, in )y %o.$ again a% I %teppe' onto the %i'e*a$+. I ignore' K.rt, *ho )a'e a r.'e ge%t.re at )e ,ro) behin' the tr.n+ an' )a'e no )o&e to ;oin .%. Ma-+ ,o$$o*e' )e .p the 'ri&e*ay, *hi-h ha' a thin $ayer o, %no* o&er it. I *on'ere' i, @o) .%e' to %ho&e$ it her%e$, a,ter a %no*%tor)A NoD%he *a% a$*ay% 're%%e' ni-e be,ore %he *ent to *or+. 8$.rrie% ,e$$ aro.n' )e an' I ,o.n' )y%e$, %ti-+ing o.t )y tong.e, trying to -at-h one. Ma-+ *at-he' )e *ith a %)a$$ %)i$e o, a).%e)ent that e&aporate' a,ter a ,e* %e-on'%. H:e/re in a h.rry, re)e)berAI @y goo,y grin ,a'e'. HRight.I There *a% an agent at the 'oor o, the por-h, han'% b.rie' in%i'e hi% -oat. I %teppe' pa%t hi) *ith a %ar-a%ti- %a$.te an' he ro$$e' hi% eye% an' %)i$e'. No* there *a% a )an *ith a %en%e o, h.)or. The %-reen% an' *in'o*% o, the por-h *ere a$$ boar'e' .p an' -o&ere' ? %o that *hen @o) $e,t in the )orning, I -o.$'n/t %ee o.t%i'e. It *a% 'ar+ a% *e %teppe' into the entry. The $ight% *ere on, b.t they 'i'n/t -a%t ).-h $ight -o)pare' to e&en the -$o.'y %+y o.t%i'e. I $oo+e' aro.n' the $i&ing roo). E&erything *a% *here *e $e,t it, .pt.rne' ,.rnit.re an' a$$. There *ere a ,e* 'art% %ti-+ing o.t o, the *a$$%, an' a -o.p$e o, the agent% *ere -h.-+$ing o&er the). I %)i$e' a% I pa%%e' the) an' br.%he' into )y roo). # ,e* arti-$e% o, -$othing *ere on the be', not *here I $e,t the), %in-e the $a%t thing I 'i' be,ore I $e,t *a% %$eep an' then *hoop the he$$ o.t o, Ma-+ an' K.rt. I ,e$t Ma-+ e'ge .p behin' )e. HI, yo.r )en 'i'n/t )o&e the%e -$othe% aro.n', %o)eone e$%e ha% been here,I I to$' hi). He ha' the ra'io p$.gge' ba-+ in an' I %a* hi% ,inger% )o&e to to.-h hi% ear. H9i' anyone )o&e any -$othe% in thi% roo)AI He pa.%e' ,or a )o)ent, *aiting ,or re%pon%e%, then $oo+e' ba-+ at )e an' %hoo+ hi% hea'. HG.e%% he/% been here.I HOr %o)eone ha%,I I rep$ie'. He han'e' )e a b$a-+ '.,,e$ bag that he/' ha' %$.ng o&er hi% %ho.$'er. HGet *hat yo. -a)e ,or an' $et/% go.I I thre* %o)e -$othe% in the bag at ran'o), then to%%e' in )y e%+ri)a %ti-+% a,ter retrie&ing the) ,ro) *here I $e,t the) behin' the -o.-h in the $i&ing roo). #% I pi-+e' the) .p I ha$,6%)i$e', ha$,6 ,ro*ne' a% I re)e)bere' $ea&ing the) behin' *hi$e I -ra*$e' a*ay ,ro) K.rt a% he ,ire' hi% 'art g.n at )e. HI% that itAI Ma-+/% &oi-e a$)o%t -ra-+e' *ith the %o.n' o, hi% ner&e%. HCan *e go yetAI HJ.%t a ,e* )ore thing%,I I %ai' a% I hea'e' to*ar' the 'oor to the ba%e)ent. @y han' ,ro1e ,or a )o)ent at the han'$e, then I %$o*$y t.rne' it. H#nyone 'o*n thereAI I a%+e' a% I ho&ere' in the 'oor;a)b, *aiting ,or Ma-+/% an%*er. He %hot a $oo+ at the other agent% in the roo). HNot right no*.I The *hite p$a%ter o, the $i&ing roo) *a$$% ga&e *ay to -on-rete b$o-+ at the entry to the ba%e)ent. The %tair-a%e )a'e an abr.pt t.rn to the $e,t ahea', ,o$$o*ing the ,o.n'ation o, the ho.%e. The %tep% *ere an o$', .n&arni%he' *oo', an' the on$y i$$.)ination *a% the %ing$e $ight o&erhea'. I .%e' to *a$+ 'o*n the%e %tep% %e&era$ ti)e% per 'ay, b.t it *a% the $a%t ti)e I -a)e .p the) that *a% gi&ing )e pa.%e.

I rea-he' the $an'ing an' t.rne', )o%t o, )y tho.ght% abo.t :o$,e ,orgotten. I +ne* he *a%n/t 'o*n here. The %)e$$ o, o$' %*eat, b$oo' an' other ,o.$ne%% ,i$$e' the air. I $oo+e' ba-+ at Ma-+ an' %a* hi) %-r.n-h hi% no%e in 'i%p$ea%.re at the aro)a. H9i' yo.r )other +i$$ %o)eone 'o*n hereAI I 'i'n/t b$in+. HNo. B.t not ,or $a-+ o, trying.I He $a.ghe', an' I -ontin.e' 'o*n the $a%t ,e* %tep% an' ,e$t the -on-rete .n'er,oot. E&en tho.gh there *a% a thi-+ %o$e on the boot% I *a% *earing, )y )in' ,i$$e' in the %en%ation ,ro) the tho.%an'% o, ti)e% I ha' tro' the%e ,$oor% bare,oot *hi$e @o) *a% a*ay, gi&ing )y ,eet a gho%t$y ,ee$ o, the ,a)i$iar -hi$$. It -rept .p )y $eg%, in,.%ing )y bo'y, an' I ,e$t an in&o$.ntary tre)or r.n thro.gh )e. The %)e$$ *a% *or%e 'o*n here, an' )y eye% *an'ere' o&er o.r a%%orte' *eapon%, hanging ,ro) hoo+% on the ,ar *a$$. Katana%, n.n-h.+%, %-ythe, rapier% an' %o )any )ore. @at% -o&ere' the ,$oor% in the )i''$e o, the roo) an' pipe% -ri%%-ro%%e' the -ei$ing o&erhea' ,ro) the e<po%e' bea)% o, the ,$oor abo&e. # %$ight -$in+ing -o.$' be hear' ,ro) o&erhea', a% *e$$ a% %o,t ,oot%tep% o, the agent% trea'ing .p%tair%. # -o.p$e o, b.rie' *in'o*% pro&i'e' a $itt$e bit o, $ight in the ba-+, b.t they *ere -o&ere' by a ,i$) o, *hite, pro&i'ing eno.gh opa-ity that it *a% i)po%%ib$e to 'i%ting.i%h anything thro.gh the). 8or i$$.)ination there *ere three na+e' b.$b% %*inging ,ro) the -ei$ing. In the ,ar -orner I -o.$' %ee the ,aint o.t$ine o, a b$o-+y %hape in the %ha'o*% an' the tre)or got a $itt$e *or%e7 I %hoo+ ,or a %e-on'. I ha' ha$te' in p$a-e an' I ,e$t Ma-+/% han' br.%h )y %ho.$'er. I $oo+e' ba-+ in %$ight %.rpri%e an' ,o.n' hi% eye% $oo+ing into )ine. @y goo'ne%%, they *ere pretty. HH.rry .p, o+ayAI Hi% ,a-e *a% a$$ %in-erity, %o I %hoo+ o,, )y re&erie an' p.%he' )y%e$, to -ro%% the )at% to the ,ar *a$$. I p.$$e' a +atana o,, the hoo+% an' %$i' it into the $oop% o, the bag, then thre* a pair o, %ai% an' a 'agger into it a% *e$$. Ma-+ *at-he' )e *ith *i'e eye% an' a $oo+ o, ab;e-t ab%.r'ity. HI, yo. *ante' *eapon%, *e ha' p$enty ba-+ at the 9ire-torateDI HJ.%t ,ig.re' I/' get the) *hi$e I/) here,I I rep$ie'. HBe%i'e%, K.rt/% not too +een on )e being ar)e'.I HI/) not that e<-ite' abo.t it either,I he a')itte' *ith a *ry grin. HB.t that/% be-a.%e I/&e ,e$t *hat yo. -an 'o *ith tho%e %ti-+%.I HIn ,airne%%, yo. 'i' brea+ into )y ho.%e.I H2eah, IDI Hi% *or'% trai$e' o,, a% he $oo+e' into the -orner. H:hat i% thatAI He %tarte' a-ro%% the )at% to ;oin )e on the ,ar *a$$, b.t I )et hi) ha$,*ay. HNothing. I/) 'one, *e -an go.I HNo, *ait.I He *a% peering into the 'ar+ne%%. HIt/% rea$$y nothing. 2o. *ere *orrie' abo.t :o$,e, *eren/t yo.AI I p$a%tere' a %)i$e on )y ,a-e. H:e %ho.$' go.I HJ.%t a )in.te.I He rea-he' .p an' gra%pe' one o, the o&erhea' $ight%, pointing it to*ar' the -orner. He too+ a %tep -$o%er an' I *ithhe$' any a''itiona$ prote%t% an' ,e$t )y%e$, bra-e interna$$y. I t.rne' a*ay an' %h.t )y eye%, ,a-ing the %tair% an' too+ a -o.p$e %tep% in that 'ire-tion. There *a% an agoni1ing an' %.''en tightne%% in )y be$$y. H:hatDi%Dthi%AI Ma-+/% &oi-e *a% $o*, b.t ri%ing *ith ea-h %y$$ab$e, in-re'.$o.%. I hear' the %B.ea+ o, hinge% behin' )e, then ret-hing ,ro) Ma-+, then a ,ir) 'e-$aration. HOh )y Go'. Oh )y Go'.I I %B.ee1e' )y eye% %h.t tighter. HOH. @2. GO9PI The $a%t 'e-$aration *a% the )o%t ,rightening, b.t it *a% nothing -o)pare' to the %o.n' that ,o$$o*e' it. HI/) not a go', b.t it/% a$*ay% ni-e to get a -o)p$i)ent.I I opene' )y eye% to ,in' t*in poo$% o,

b$a-+ne%% %taring into )ine ,ro) ;.%t a ,e* ,eet a*ay a% he 'e%-en'e' the %tair*e$$. HHe$$o, $itt$e 'o$$,I :o$,e breathe'. HTi)e to p$ay.I ~

Ten
HHe$$o, big poo'$e,I I rep$ie', e'ge in )y &oi-e. HTi)e ,or yo.r a%% to get ho.%ebro+en.I @y han' ha' been -$.t-hing the +atana an' it %$i' ,ro) it% %-abbar', a$$ tho.ght% o, Ma-+/% 'i%-o&ery ,i$e' a*ay to be 'ea$t *ith $ater. I *hippe' the b$a'e a-ro%% :o$,e/% -he%t a% he 'o'ge', ,a%t a% I re)e)bere'. Kn,ort.nate$y ,or hi), he 'o'ge' into the bag I thre* *ith )y o.t%tret-he' han'. He re-oi$e' *hen it hit, )a+ing )e be$ie&e that one o, the e%+ri)a %ti-+% got a pie-e o, hi% ,a-e. Not eno.gh to 'o any 'a)age, b.t eno.gh to pi%% hi) o,,. He grabbe' the %trap a% it ,e$$ an' *inge' it ba-+ at )e *ith a $itt$e e<tra ).%tar'. I 'o'ge' a% it ,$e* by, +atana in )y han'% an' a %e$,6%ati%,ie' %)i$e on )y $ip%. H2o./re a*,.$$y -on,i'ent,I :o$,e %ai' a% he %$i' %i'e*ay% in a ,eint, H-on%i'ering $a%t ti)e *e )et I $e,t yo. bro+en on the pa&e)ent.I HIt *a% t*o 'ay% ago,I I -ooe', Han' I/) a$$ better, %o I 'on/t thin+ yo. bro+e )e.I H(he $i+e% it ro.gh,I he %ai' *ith eno.gh %.gge%tion that I 'o.b$y *ante' to -hop hi) into gro.n' bee,. HLa%t ti)e *e )et,I Ma-+ %ai' ,ro) :o$,e/% %i'e, %hotg.n in hi% han', rai%ing it to*ar' the bea%t$y, hairy ,a-e, HI ran yo.r -anine a%% o,,, in -a%e yo. ,orgot.I H:o$,e 'oe%n/t ,orget,I the bea%t %ai' *ith a %)i$e. HHe *a% ,ee$ing a bit o.t o, %ort% an' -o.$'n/t p$ay7 other*i%e he *o.$' ha&e en;oye' eating yo.r entrai$%.I :o$,e -o-+e' hi% han' ba-+ an' ,$.ng it at Ma-+ ,a%ter than the agent -o.$' 'o'ge. The hit b$a%te' the yo.ng )an in the ,a-e an' the -r.n-h to$' )e %o)ething bro+e ? either the -arti$age in hi% no%e or a bone in hi% -hee+ ? an' the 9ire-torate agent -r.)p$e' to the gro.n'. B.t not be,ore the %hotg.n 'i%-harge' into :o$,e/% %i'e, $ea&ing ho$e% in hi% a$rea'y 'irty %hirt. No b$oo' tri-+$e' o.t. I )et :o$,e/% eye% a% he $.nge' ,or )e. I e&a'e' an' -$ippe' hi) *ith )y %*or', ripping hi% %hirt ,.rther. He 'i'n/t e&en ,ini%h hi% $an'ing be,ore he rea-he' ,or )e again. Hi% ar)% *ere $ong b.t )y %*or' *a% $onger an' it 'ragge' a-ro%% hi% *ri%t a% I 'o'ge' hi) again. I $oo+e' at the p$a-e *here the b$a'e ha' +i%%e' hi) b.t there *a% no e&i'ent %ign o, -onta-t7 on$y i))a-.$ate %+in *ith t*i%te' b$a-+ hair% a$$ o&er it. He -a.ght )e $oo+ing an' )a'e a &ery pre'atoria$ t%+6t%+ %o.n'. H:o$,e ha% &ery thi-+ %+in, $itt$e 'o$$. B.$$et% 'on/t h.rt hi) ).-h.I He rea-he' 'o*n an' $i,te' hi% %hirt *here the %hotg.n b$a%t ha' i)pa-te'. It *a% &ery hairy, b.t the on$y thing% &i%ib$e *ere %)a$$ re' 'i%-o$oration% ? not e&en a brea+ in the %+in. @y )in' ree$e'. $es not #ulnerable to the shotgun, I tho.ght. Maybe a pistol or a rifle % if " had one. 9e%peration ,i$$e' )e. My sword doesnt seem to do much in glancing blows % but maybe a full on, impaling strike&but doing that would put me in reach of his arms, unless " did it from behind& I *a% ,a%ter than hi), I re,$e-te' a% he ;.)pe' ,or )e an' I 'o'ge' hi) again. E&ery ti)e he $.nge' he ha' to -o))it a$$ hi% )o)ent.) to hi% ,or*ar' )otion, an' *hen he )i%%e' he *a% o,, ba$an-e ,or ;.%t a %e-on'. I %$ippe' to hi% right on hi% ne<t $.nge an' 'ro&e )y %*or' 'o*n *ith a$$ )y %trength, ai)ing at hi% #-hi$$e% ten'on at the ba-+ o, hi% $eg. @y %*or' b$a'e %$i-e' thro.gh hi% baggy, 'irty pant% an' -a.ght hi) right abo&e the hee$. I ,e$t the b$a'e %top again%t )y g$o&e% a% tho.gh I ha' 'ri&en the %*or' into a %tee$ b$o-+. # gr.nt ,ro) :o$,e *a% a$$ the a-+no*$e'g)ent I got ,or )y e,,ort% an' I ro$$e' to )y right a% he t.rne' an' I narro*$y 'o'ge' a *i$' %*ing ,ro) hi). HLitt$e 'o$$,I he gro*$e', the )ena-e in hi% &oi-e %en'ing -hi$$% thro.gh )e, H:o$,e/% a).%e)ent i% r.nning $o*D:o$,e i% b$ee'ingDan' :o$,e 'oe%n/t $i+e b$ee'ingDa ,e* 'rop% o, hi% b$oo' i% o, )ore *orth than thi% entire, %tin+ing g.tter tra%h -ityDI I -han-e' to $oo+ 'o*n at )y han'i*or+ on hi% an+$e, b.t *hat *a% there -o.$' %-ar-e$y be

'e%-ribe' a% b$ee'ing. # ,e* 'rop% no bigger than the hea' o, a pin 'otte' the )at *here he *a% %tan'ing. Hi% grin ha' ,a'e', rep$a-e' by a $oo+ o, %a&agery that bro.ght ba-+ the ,ear o, o.r ,ir%t en-o.nter ,.$$ ,or-e. I *a% ,a-e to ,a-e *ith a %ee)ing$y .n+i$$ab$e )ena-e ? *hat *a% I %.ppo%e' to 'o no*A R.n ,or the %tair%A He/' -at-h )e on the t.rn. @y breathing ha' be-o)e ragge', not ,ro) e<ertion b.t ,ro) ,ear. I p.t )y%e$, in thi% %it.ation be-a.%e I *a% %.re I -o.$' beat hi). No* I *a% a$)o%t %.re I -o.$'n/t. Kn$e%%D I $.nge' ,or*ar' be,ore he )a'e another )o&e, ho$'ing )y %*or' at )a<i).) e<ten%ion an' ai)ing ,or hi% eye. I )ight not be ab$e to brea+ hi% %+in, b.t the eye% *ere a$*ay% a *ea+ pointD On-e )ore I ,e$t the b$a'e %top a% tho.gh it hit an i))o&ab$e ob;e-t. I opene' )y eye% =I ha'n/t rea$i1e' I -$o%e' the) *hen I $.nge' ? @other *o.$' ha&e been &ery .p%et *ith )e> an' %a* hi% han' *rappe' aro.n' )y +atana, the tip %toppe' on$y in-he% ,ro) hi% right eye. I p.%he' it har'er, an' *at-he' a% a thin tri-+$e o, re' ran 'o*n hi% *ri%t. He yan+e' the b$a'e 'o*n to hi% -he%t $e&e$ an' p.$$e' it to*ar' hi). I $et it go, b.t not be,ore he ha' p.$$e' )e o,, ba$an-e an' bro.ght )e *ithin hi% rea-h. Thi% -$o%e to hi), I ha' a re&e$ation. :here a nor)a$ per%on *o.$' ha&e ,ingernai$%, he ha' -$a*%. They ;.tte' o.t an in-h or %o abo&e the en'% o, hi% ,inger%, b$a-+, *ith a pointe' tip that $oo+e' %harp. They %ee)e' to e<ten' a% I *at-he' the). I trie' to %tagger ba-+ b.t he %ei1e' )y right ar) an' hi% -$a*% ra+e' into the %+in, %hre''ing thro.gh )y %$ee&e. I p.$$e' a*ay an' ,e$$ 'o*n, ro$$ing to )y ,eet an' %$ipping a*ay ;.%t in ti)e to a&oi' a %$a%h. I ,e$t )y ba-+ b.)p into the *a$$ an' rea$i1e' he ha' -ornere' )e. I rea-he' .p by in%tin-t an' grabbe' ,or a *eapon, p.$$ing 'o*n a 'agger an' ho$'ing it in ,ront o, )e a% he $eape' ,or*ar' an' %$a))e' into )e, 'ri&ing )e into the *a$$. I opene' )y eye% an' I ,e$t $i+e I/' $o%t a ,e* %e-on'%. @y hea' %p.n ,ro) the i)pa-t. :o$,e *a% big7 I *o.$' ha&e bet he *eighe' *e$$ o&er three h.n're' po.n'%. I too+ a %harp inta+e o, breath an' rea$i1e' he ha' been $aying a-ro%% )e7 that he ha' a-t.a$$y bro+en thro.gh the -on-rete b$o-+ o, the ba%e)ent *a$$ by 'ri&ing )y bo'y into it. The po*'ere' '.%t ,ro) the 'e%tr.-tion h.ng in the air $i+e a ha1e o&er )e a% I $o$$e' in %o)e t*i$ight ,or) o, -on%-io.%ne%%. I trie' to )o&e )y ar)% b.t ,ai$e'. There *a% a $ong %ha'o* %tret-hing to the -ei$ing abo&e )e an' it rea-he' 'o*n *ith a pointe' han' an' gra%pe' )e, on-e )ore, aro.n' the ne-+, ha.$ing )e into the air. I +ne* )y ,eet *ere 'ang$ing be$o* )e, b.t I -o.$'n/t ,ee$ the). I $oo+e' into tho%e b$a-+ eye% an' )y &ie* e<pan'e' a $itt$e, $i+e a -a)era *hen it 1oo)% o.t, an' I rea$i1e' hi% ,a-e *a% -ontorte' *ith rage. HLoo+ *hat yo. 'i' to :o$,e, $itt$e 'o$$.I He %hoo+ )e, hanging in the air a% I *a%, an' t*i%te' )y ne-+ %o that )y eye% ro$$e' to*ar' hi% )i'%e-tion. The +ni,e I ha' p.$$e' ,ro) the *a$$ an' %t.-+ o.t to %top hi) *a% b.rie' in hi% g.t an' a %tea'y %trea) o, b$oo' ha' %oa+e' hi% %hirt. I *o.$' ha&e %)i$e', b.t I *a%n/t rea$$y in a po%ition to. Hi% han' *a%n/t -ho+ing )e thi% ti)e, ;.%t 'ang$ing )e in p$a-e. I rea$i1e' $ater that I ).%t ha&e been -on-.%%e' *hen he %)a%he' )e thro.gh the *a$$7 ha' %o)e bone% bro+en, probab$y )y %pine a% *e$$, be-a.%e the ,ee$ing in )y e<tre)itie% *a% )i%%ing. H:o$,e i% tire' o, the *ay yo. p$ay.I He p.$$e' )e -$o%er to hi) an' I ,e$t hi% no%e r.n a$ong )y ne-+, hear' the ,aint %o.n' o, %ni,,ing. HI 'on/t thin+ yo. -an )o&e no*DI The o)ino.% *ay he %ai' it t.rne' )y %to)a-h. HNo* :o$,e -an p$ay *ith yo. hi% *ayD*itho.t any interr.ption%OI Be,ore I -o.$' ,in' o.t *hat that )eant =tho.gh I ha' a 'i%g.%ting theory> a ,$a%h o, $ight %eare' )y eye% an' %o)ething ro-+e' :o$,e ,ro) behin'. He 'roppe' )e an' I ,e$$ to )y %i'e, -.r$e' .p. Kpon i)pa-t, I $ay there ,or a )o)ent, .n)o&ing, then rea$i1e' I -o.$' no* ,ee$ )y ar)%, )y $eg% an' e&erything e$%e. #n' they a$$ h.rt. #nother ,$a%h o, $ight $it the roo) an' I %at .p, n.r%ing a ha$, 'o1en -.t% an' %o)e agoni1ing pain in )y ba-+ an' ne-+.

K.rt Hannegan %too' at the botto) o, the %tair%, eye% b$a1ing, *hat *a% $e,t o, hi% hair in 'i%array. In hi% han'% *a% a %hining %i$&er g.n .n$i+e any I/' %een be,ore, *ith a %erie% o, three -y$in'ri-a$ barre$% that *ere %)o+ing. HCan yo. )o&eAI I no''e', b$an-hing ,ro) the pain that ,i$$e' )e. HThen goPI He ;er+e' a th.)b to*ar' the %tair% a% he pointe' the *eapon at :o$,e on-e )ore an' ,ire'. The barre$% e)itte' a bea) o, p.re *hite an' :o$,e/% bo'y %hoo+, p.%hing hi) ,ro) hi% %i'e to hi% ba-+. Hi% no%e t*it-he' an' hi% eye%, tho.gh g$o%%y, $oo+e' at )e *ith inarti-.$ate rage. Hi% han' %$i' ,ro) *here it $ay to gra%p )e aro.n' the an+$e, ;.%t bare$y ho$'ing it. HLitt$e 'o$$DI I rippe' )y an+$e ,ro) hi% gra%p an' bro.ght it 'o*n har' on hi% ,a-e. Then again. :hen I $i,te' )y ,oot, I %a* hi) %)i$ing. He trie' to ro$$ to hi% %i'e b.t ,ai$e'. HGET @OCINGPI Hannegan ,ire' t*i-e in rapi' %.--e%%ion, hi% b$a%t% ro$$ing :o$,e to a ,a-e'o*n po%ition. I %taggere' o&er to Ma-+, *ho%e eye% *ere %h.t, hi% ,a-e a b$oo'y )e%%. H:e ha&e to get hi) o.t o, here,I I %ai' to K.rt. H9a))it,I I hear' Hannegan ).tter .n'er hi% breath. The g.n *ent o,, t*i-e )ore *hen )y ba-+ *a% t.rne' an' I %hot a $oo+ ba-+ to :o$,e, *ho *a% ,ighting to get ba-+ to hi% ,eet. HI/) r.nning o.t o, ;.i-e ,or thi% thingPI I rea-he' 'o*n to Ma-+ an' *rappe' an ar) .n'er hi% -he%t an' p.$$e'. Li,ting hi) *a% on$y )argina$$y )ore 'i,,i-.$t than *a$+ing by )y%e$, *a% at thi% point. Kn,ort.nate$y, *a$+ing by )y%e$, *a% B.ite the -ha$$enge. I )a'e ,or the %tair-a%e, %.pporting hi) a% I -$i)be'. I hear' the g.n 'i%-harge t*i-e )ore, then %o)e %*earing ,ro) K.rt, an' hea&y ,oot,a$$% on the %tair% behin' )e a% I t.rne' the -orner an' entere' the $i&ing roo). I %taggere' pa%t the %o,a, pa.%ing ,or a beat a% I %a* t*o 'ea' 9ire-torate agent% in the $i&ing roo), one *ith a $oo+ o, %ho-+ on hi% ,a-e, the other )i%%ing hi% hea'. I %teppe' o&er another bo'y on the por-h, thi% one )i%%ing at $ea%t one ar). #nother *a% %p$aye' o.t .n'er the tree in the ,ront yar' a% tho.gh he *ere napping in the %no*. I a$)o%t %$ippe' at the %a)e %pot a% $a%t ti)e I $e,t the ho.%e, b.t re-o&ere'. I opene' the 'oor to the ba-+%eat an' thre* Ma-+ in, then hobb$e' to the ,ront ;.%t a% K.rt -$eare' the 'ri&e*ay. He %$i' into the 'ri&er/% %eat an' *a% a$rea'y %tarting the -ar a% he %$a))e' the 'oor. Hi% ,oot *a% on the a--e$erator be,ore it *a% in gear, -a.%ing a $o.' th.)p a% the -ar ro-+e' an' the tire% %$ippe' on the %no*y pa&e)ent. I $oo+e' ba-+ at the ho.%e. :o$,e %taggere' o.t the ,ront 'oor, -$.t-hing hi% rib%, an' bro+e into a r.n a% *e %hot 'o*n the %treet. HHe/% gaining on .%PI I %ho.te' a% I $oo+e' ba-+, *at-hing :o$,e %trea+ a$ong behin' .%, $oping on a$$ ,o.r%. Li+e a 'og. K.rt too+ the -orner %o ,a%t *e %$i' .nti$ the *hee$% -a.ght an' too+ o,, again. I hear' a %-ree-hing noi%e an' t.rne' to %ee :o$,e 'ig hi% -$a*% into the tr.n+. Litt$e bit% o, )eta$ ,$a+e' o,, a% i, they *ere paper. I $oo+e' thro.gh the rear *in'o* an' %a* tho%e b$a-+ eye% %taring ba-+ at )e, the )o.th o, the 'e)on .pt.rne' in a grin. I -o.$'n/t ta+e )y eye% o,, hi). He *a% +eeping pa-e *ith the -ar, bare$y, trying to .%e hi% -$a*% to %e-.re a ho$' to grab on. K.rt ,$oore' it a% *e %hot thro.gh another inter%e-tion, then t.rne' to get on the ,ree*ay. :o$,e/% han'% ,e$$ ,ree o, the tr.n+, b.t he +ept r.nning behin' .%, %ti$$ *at-hing )e. He )aintaine' hi% pa-e a$$ the *ay to the top o, the onra)p, at *hi-h point K.rt p.t the a--e$erator to the ,$oor an' I %a* :o$,e/% b$a-+ eye% re-e'e in the 'i%tan-e a% *e )a'e o.r e%-ape. ~

E'even
#% the -ar %pe' 'o*n the inter%tate, I %to$e a $oo+ at the %pee'o)eter. K.rt *a% 'oing -$o%e to a h.n're' a% I %$ippe' into the ba-+ %eat an' +ne$t on the ,$oorboar' ne<t to Ma-+. One o, )y g$o&e' han'% he$' hi% hea' *hi$e the other *ipe' the b$oo' ,ro) hi% ,a-e. It ,$o*e' ,ro) hi% no%e, *hi-h *a% bro+en. The re%t o, hi% han'%o)e ,a-e %ee)e' .nhar)e' an' hi% eye% ,$.ttere' open. H:hat happene'AI he a%+e', *oo1y. H:o$,e,I I rep$ie'. HOh. 9i' *e *inAI I hear' a %nort ,ro) K.rt in the ,ront %eat. H9o yo. ,ee$ $i+e yo. *on, +i'AI He t.rne' hi% ,a-e to $oo+ at the ba-+ o, K.rt/% hea'. HI/) %ti$$ a$i&e, %o yeah. Kin'a.I Hi% han' -rept .p to hi% no%e an' he$' it, %te))ing the b$ee'ing. He %at .p, hi% eyeba$$% ro$$ing. H:hat abo.t the other g.y%AI He $oo+e' at K.rt, *ho )a'e no )o&e b.t to %ti,,en an' +eep ,o-.%e' on the roa'. Ma-+ t.rne' to )e. Hi% eye% )et )ine an' I ha' to $oo+ a*ay. HI 'on/t thin+ there *ere any %.r&i&or%,I I %ai', $oo+ing 'o*n. HHo* 'i' *e get a*ayAI Hi% &oi-e -arrie' a 'rea)$i+e B.a$ity. K.rt harr.)phe' in the ,ront %eat. I %hot a g$are at hi). H2o.r partner %hot :o$,e *ith %o)e +in' o, epi- b$a%ter *eapon that +ept hi) 'o*n *hi$e I -arrie' yo. o.t. :hy *eren/t a$$ yo.r g.y% -arrying tho%eAI K.rt 'i'n/t 'eign to $oo+ ba-+. HBe-a.%e that/% the on$y one *e ha'.I I $oo+e' ba-+ to %ee Ma-+ %t.'ying )e. H2o./re h.rt,I he %ai'. H2o. too.I HLean ,or*ar'.I He gent$y p.%he' )e to*ar' the ,ront %eat. H2o.r %hirt i% b$oo'y in the ba-+.I He %tarte' to $i,t )y %*eater b.t )y han' br.%he' hi% a*ay. HI/) ,ine,I I a%%.re' hi). H:o$,e ra))e' )e into the *a$$ b.t I/) a$rea'y hea$ing.I HI %ho.$' -he-+.I Con-ern $it hi% %$en'er ,a-e an' *ar) eye%. I %tare' a )o)ent too $ong, got e)barra%%e' an' $oo+e' a*ay again. 9a)n. I ran )y g$o&e' han' 'o*n )y ba-+ an' ,e$t a ha$, 'o1en p$a-e% *here it h.rt, b.t *a%n/t agoni1ing. Then )y han'% )o&e' to )y ,ront an' I ,o.n' %o)e bro+en rib% an' -ringe'. HI/) ,ine,I I %ai' a% he %tarte' to $ean to*ar' )e. HRea$$y. I/$$ be ba-+ to a h.n're' per-ent be,ore yo. +no* it.I H@.%t be ni-e,I K.rt %pat. HI +no* a ,e* g.y% that *i%h they ha' that abi$ity right no*.I HK.rtDI Ma-+ %tarte'. H:hatAI K.rt/% tone *a% a-i' in rep$y, an' he %hot a $oo+ o, p.re )a$i-e at )e. H@i%% High #n' @ighty Litt$e @eta got the) +i$$e'. I% that too 'eep ,or yo., Ma-+A #re yo. too b.%y %taring into her eye% to rea$i1e that there are eight o, o.r g.y% 'ea' be-a.%e o, herAI H(h.t .pPI Ma-+ an%*ere' ,or )e, b.t I *a% %)o$'ering on the in%i'e. I -o.$'n/t 'eny the tr.th o, *hat he *a% %aying, b.t it 'i'n/t )a+e it %ting any $e%%. They *ere 'ea' be-a.%e o, )e. H:e 'i'n/t *a$+ o.t o, there *ith *hate&er it *a% %he *ent ,or,I K.rt *ent on, &oi-e brea+ing $i+e a )an on the e'ge. H:hat 'i' yo. nee' to get ,ro) yo.r ho.%e that *a% (O i)portant, $itt$e gir$, that yo./' ri%+ )eeting .p *ith :o$,e to get itAI I opene' )y )o.th to %pea+ b.t no *or'% -a)e o.t. I %t.ttere' ,or a )in.te be,ore K.rt -.t )e o,,. HI %ee. :e$$, I/) g$a' it *a% %o i)portant that it *a% *orth a$$ tho%e )en/% $i&e%. (o)e o, the) ha&e ,a)i$ie%, yo. +no*OI HEno.gh.I Ma-+/% &oi-e *a% -o))an'ing eno.gh that K.rt %toppe', $ea&ing a pa$$ hanging in the

air bet*een the three o, .% that Ma-+ bro+e a% he $eane' in -$o%e to )e. HIn the ba%e)ent, *hat I ,o.n'DI HI 'on/t *ant to ta$+ abo.t that no*.I I $o*ere' )y &oi-e. HNot *ith him here.I HB.t yo./$$ ta$+ abo.t it $aterAI I ,e$t pinne' 'o*n by hi% ga1e. H2e%.I H#$$ right.I He no''e'. HB.t *hat *ere yo. a,terA :hy 'i' *e go ba-+AI HLater.I I trie' to p.t eno.gh e)pha%i% into )y *or'% that he/' %top, an' he 'i'. :e ro'e in %i$en-e. The 'ri&e ba-+ %ee)e' to ta+e ,ore&er, the -ity%-ape ,a'ing into -o.ntry $ane%, an' a,ter an eternity on the roa' *e *ere )otione' thro.gh the gate onto the -a)p.% o, the 9ire-torate. K.rt ha' ta$+e' on hi% -e$$ phone, an' I got the ,ee$ing ,ro) hi% %i'e o, the -on&er%ation that *e ha' a )eeting to atten' a% %oon a% *e ret.rne'. That tho.ght *a% -on,ir)e' *hen *e p.$$e' into the garage .n'er the hea'B.arter% b.i$'ing. #ria'ne *aite' ,or .%, her b$a%L %.it b$en'ing in to the 'i) $ight o, the )otor poo$. (he e<-hange' a per,.n-tory greeting *ith Ma-+ an' K.rt that *a% $e%% *ar) than the re$ie&e' one %he greete' )e *ith, an' then %he $e' .% to an e$e&ator that *ent %traight to the top ,$oor. :e ,o$$o*e' her to the 'o.b$e 'oor% $ea'ing to O$' @an :inter/% o,,i-e. He *a% %itting in hi% -hair *hen #ria'ne bro.ght .% in. He )a'e no )o&e to o,,er %eat%, b.t K.rt too+ one an' Ma-+ ge%t.re' ,or )e to ta+e the other. #ria'ne *a$+e' pa%t O$' @an :inter an' %too' behin' hi), ,a-ing the *in'o*, %ho*ing the entire roo) her %+inny a%%. (orry, that *a% probab$y )e pro;e-ting %o)e anger. H:o$,eAI O$' @an :inter/% thi-+ eyebro*% )o&e' a$)o%t .nnat.ra$$y, b.t it *a% the on$y %ign o, )otion on hi% ,a-e other than %o)e ,aint -.r$ing on hi% $ip% a% he %po+e. H(ti$$ a$i&e,I K.rt rep$ie'. HI hit hi) *ith the -annon .nti$ the -harge *a% o.t, b.t it 'i'n/t ha&e a $ot o, e,,e-t.I O$' @an :inter/% eye% )o&e' to Ma-+, *ho he%itate'. HI thin+ he +no-+e' )e o.t be,ore I got a %hot o,,, %ir.I HNo,I I %ai' be,ore O$' @an :inter -o.$' rep$y, %hi,ting hi% penetrating ga1e ba-+ to )e, HMa-+ hit hi) in the %i'e point b$an+ *ith a %hotg.n b$a%t. :o$,e %ho*e' )e a,ter it happene' ? a$$ it 'i' *a% $ea&e a ,e* re' )ar+%. Hi% %+in i% thi-+7 rea$$y re%i%tant to b$a'e%, b.$$et% an' the $i+e.I O$' @an :inter %.r&eye' .% a$$. Hi% %ho-+ing b$.e eye% )a'e )e .n-o),ortab$e a% I *aite' ,or hi) to %pea+, to %ay %o)ething, anything. He 'i'n/t. #ria'ne 'i'. H2et %o)eho*, $a%t ti)eOI %he t.rne' ,ro) the *in'o* an' $oo+e' at )eOHyo. )anage' to penetrate hi% %+in *ith 'art% an' 'r.g hi).I HTho%e 'art g.n% *ere 'e%igne' by 9o- (e%%ion%,I K.rt inter;e-te'. HThey ha&e a )i-rotip, %)a$$er than any nee'$e, %o they in;e-t *itho.t brea+ing the %+in.I He to%%e' a %neer at )e. HIt/% nothing %he 'i'.I H2eah, *e$$, I h.rt hi) thi% ti)e, too,I I %ai' a% I *ipe' %o)e b$oo' o,, )y $ip% *ith )y g$o&e. I $oo+e' 'o*n7 the 'ar+ 'rop% b$en'e' *e$$ *ith the b$a-+ $eather, $ea&ing it $oo+ing %hiny an' *et. H#n' I 'i'n/t nee' a portab$e ho*it1er to 'o it.I H2eah, be-a.%e yo. %t.-+ o.t a 'agger an' $et hi) r.n yo. thro.gh a *a$$.I Hi% ,a-e *a% re' *ith anger, a ,$.%h that e<ten'e' to the ba$'ing %pot% on hi% hea'. HI/&e got a great i'ea to %top hi)7 $et/% %ti-+ yo. in ,ront o, hi) *ith a bigger %*or' an' $et hi) p.t yo. thro.gh a *a$$ again ? an' again ? .nti$ one o, yo. 'ie%. I +no* *hi-h one o, yo. I/) rooting ,orOI H#t $ea%t I trie',I I %ai', not $oo+ing .p ,ro) )y g$o&e. HI 'i'n/t %it aro.n' in the -orner *aiting to 'ie.I HOho, -o.rage ,ro) the )eta6bit-h,I K.rt %ai', %tan'ing .p. Ma-+ %teppe' bet*een .%, .n%tea'y on

hi% ,eet, b.t I 'i'n/t b.'ge ,ro) )y -hair. H2eah, yo. got a $ot o, g.t% to ba-+ .p the inh.)an %trength an' %.per6,a%t hea$ing. :hy, I 'on/t +no* ho* .% nor)a$ ,o$+% that ;.%t brea+ an' 'ie *hen :o$,e hit% .% -an be %o -o*ar'$yP E<-ept *e *eren/t, be-a.%e a $ot o, goo' g.y% 'ie' to'ay %o that he -o.$' get another %hot at yo.OI H@aybe it *a% the other *ay aro.n',I I %ai', t.rning to )eet hi% a--.%ation. H@aybe I *ante' another %hot at hi).I E&eryone ,ro1e. K.rt $oo+e' 'o*n at )e *ith an a$)o%t tota$ $a-+ o, .n'er%tan'ing. # $oo+ o, +no*ing ha' 'a*ne' a-ro%% Ma-+/% ,a-e *hi$e #ria'ne appeare' %tri-+en at the *in'o*. O$' @an :inter, a% per .%.a$, +ept hi% e<pre%%ion ne.tra$ thro.gh either $ong pra-ti-e or a -o)p$ete $a-+ o, e)otiona$ atta-h)ent to the %it.ation. I %.%pe-te' the ,or)er, b.t I 'i'n/t +no* hi) *e$$ eno.gh to be %.re. It ,e$t $i+e the air ha' %tagnate', a% tho.gh e&erybo'y ha' pa.%e' an' no one *a% ta+ing any breath%7 a% tho.gh I ha' to%%e' o.t a grena'e in the )i''$e o, the roo) an' *e *ere ;.%t *aiting ,or it to e<p$o'e. H2o. 'i' it on p.rpo%e.I K.rt *a% the ,ir%t to re-o&er. H2o. 'i'n/t go ba-+ ,or anything7 yo. *ent there %o yo. -o.$' ta+e a -ra-+ at :o$,e, an' yo. thre* a*ay eight o, o.r g.y% in the pro-e%%, yo.OPI He $.nge' at )e, %-rea)ing .ninte$$igib$y, an' Ma-+ -a.ght hi) )i'*ay, %tr.gg$ing to -ontro$ hi% partner/% b.$+ a% K.rt p.%he' to*ar' )e. I -ontin.e' to %tare at the b$oo' in )y g$o&e. It *a% a ,e* 'rop%7 nothing -o)pare' to *hat *a% on )y han'%. HGet hi) o.t o, here, 9a&i%PI #ria'ne/% %ho.t -ra-+$e' thro.gh the air. HHannegan, get yo.r%e$, .n'er -ontro$PI I t.rne' to $oo+ at K.rt, *ho%e ,a-e *a% p.rp$e *ith o.trage. Ma-+ *a% no $onger re%training hi), b.t he %ti$$ he$' a prote-ti&e ar) o.t bet*een )e an' K.rt. I 'i'n/t nee' it. Beaten, *o.n'e', interna$$y b$ee'ing an' I -o.$' %ti$$ ha&e bro+en hi) into tiny pie-e%, then e&eryone e$%e in the roo) one by one. (*eet ge%t.re, tho.gh. HMa-+,I #ria'ne -a$$e' o.t to hi). HGo to )e'i-a$. 2o. $oo+ $i+e Hannegan 'ro&e o&er yo..I They *a$+e' o.t together, K.rt %tor)ing an' Ma-+ ,o$$o*ing a ,e* pa-e% behin'. Ma-+ t.rne' ba-+ to )eet )y eye% at the 'oor an' )o.the' the *or' HLaterI be,ore he -$o%e' it. I, K.rt ha' %ai' it, I *o.$' ha&e -on%i'ere' it a *ea+ threat. :ith Ma-+, I +ne* it *a% a pro)i%e ? o, a -on&er%ation that I 'i'n/t *ant to ha&e. E&er. I %ighe' an' t.rne' ba-+ to #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter. #ria'ne %ee)e' to be %tr.gg$ing ,or *or'% an' I re-a$$e' o.r $a%t -on&er%ation an' )y %.gge%ti&e in%.$t. H:e areDg$a' to %ee yo. )a'e it thro.gh thi% epi%o'e in one pie-e. 9r. (e%%ion% i% a$$ %et to begin yo.rOI %he pa.%e' ,or a )o)entOHnon6in&a%i&e te%ting to)orro* )orning.I I %too' .p an' %tarte' to $ea&e, b.t %o)ething %toppe' )e an' I t.rne' ba-+ to ,a-e O$' @an :inter, *ho *a% %ti$$ $oo+ing at )e *ith that 'a)ne' eerie %tare. H2o. +ne* :o$,e *o.$' -.t thro.gh yo.r agent%, 'i'n/t yo.AI HThat/% a ri'i-.$o.% a%%ertion,I #ria'ne %ai' ,ro) behin' hi). I, he *a% in%.$te', he 'i'n/t %ho* any )ore .)brage to it than anything e$%e I/' %ai'. HI, *e/' +no*n thi% *a% going to happen *e *o.$'n/t ha&e %ent anyone, e%pe-ia$$y not yo..I HNot *hat I a%+e',I I rep$ie'. H#n' yo./re not *ho I a%+e'. 2o. o,,ere' to ;.%t %en' yo.r agent% be-a.%e yo. 'i'n/t *ant to en'anger )e. (o )y B.e%tion %tan'% ? yo. +ne* he *o.$' -.t thro.gh the), ye%A Not yo., #ria'ne.I I pointe' at her. HHe o&err.$e' yo..I O$' @an :inter ga1e' ba-+ at )e. HI, :o$,e *a% there, it *a% -ertain that he *o.$' -.t thro.gh any agent% *e %ent.I I ,e$t )y )o.th 'ry o.t at the *or'% he %po+e, an' )y &oi-e B.i&ere', ;.%t a $itt$e, a% I *hi%pere' )y ne<t B.e%tion. HThen *hy 'i' yo. $et .% goAI

HEno.gh.I #ria'ne/% *or'% -.t o,, hi% B.iet rep$y, an' %he %.rge' ,or*ar' ,ro) her p$a-e behin' hi), p.tting a han' on )y e$bo* an' trying to e%-ort )e o.t the 'oor. I re%traine' )y i)p.$%e to ,$atten her. H2o. *ante' to go, *e he$pe' yo. in e<-hange ,or yo.r -on%ent to te%t yo.OI HNo.I I %hoo+ her han' o,, *ith a$)o%t no e,,ort. HI nee' to +no*.I I $oo+e' ba-+ at O$' @an :inter, an' he 'i' not %hy ,ro) )y ga1e. He he$' hi% han' .p to %tay #ria'ne. HBe-a.%e yo. 'e)an'e' it,I he %ai' *ith %$o*, )ea%.re' *or'%. H#n' yo. are )ore i)portant to .% than a h.n're' agent%.I The b$.e eye% ,or-e' a -hi$$ in )e a% he an%*ere', an' they ,o$$o*e' )e .n-ea%ing a% #ria'ne $e' )e ,ro) the roo). Thi% ti)e I 'i' not re%i%t her. ~

T&e've
I parte' ,ro) #ria'ne a,ter a ).ttere' -.r%e .n'er )y breath, $ea&ing her *ith a %ho-+e' $oo+ =again>. (he $an-e' ba-+ *ith a %-athing re)in'er abo.t the te%ting, %et ,or ear$y to)orro*, at *hi-h point I $e,t. I, I -o.$' b$a)e )y anti%o-ia$ beha&ior on #%perger/% $i+e %o)e ri'i-.$o.% TC -hara-ter I *o.$', b.t the tr.th i% that I *a% trying )y har'e%t not to thin+ abo.t the $i&e% I ha' -o%t in )y atte)pt to ,a-e o,, *ith :o$,e. #n' I *a% %ti$$ %tr.gg$ing *ith *ho I -o.$' tr.%t. O$' @an :inter ha' %ai' I *a% )ore &a$.ab$e to the) than a h.n're' agent%, b.t the B.e%tion I ha' to a%+ *a% N*hyA/ I *a$+e' ba-+ to the 'or)itorie% .%ing the abo&e gro.n' ro.te, an' *hen I *a$+e' o.t the 'oor% o, the hea'B.arter% b.i$'ing the i-y %ting o, the *in' $an-e' )y -hee+%. I %)e$$e' that ,a)i$iar %-ent hanging in the air again, that o, a rea$ *oo' ,ire, ;.%t $i+e @o) .%e' to b.i$' %o)eti)e% in o.r ,irep$a-e at ho)e. :e *o.$' a-t.a$$y )a+e %/)ore% on it, $i+e peop$e in )o&ie% 'o *hen they/re -a)ping, an' one ti)e %he got )a' at )e ,or brea+ing the r.$e% an' %t.-+ )y han' in the ,ire. Tr.e %tory. It ha' hea$e' by the ne<t 'ay, b.t it h.rt $i+e he$$, the ,$e%h near$y pee$ing o,, the bone. That ti)e *a% ,or the a.'a-ity to a%+ abo.t ho* peop$e $i&e' in the o.t%i'e *or$', brea+ing r.$e JE. Oop%. @y eye% $oo+e' o&er the gro.n'% an' I ,o.n' )y%e$, *on'ering *hat thi% p$a-e $oo+e' $i+e in the )i''$e o, %.))er. Then )y tho.ght% *ent ba-+ to the ,a-e% o, tho%e agent%, in the garage *hen I )et the), an' I *on'ere' *hat they 'i' on a nor)a$ 'ay, *hen they *eren/t e%-orting )e to )y ho.%e. (o)e o, the) ha' ,a)i$ie%, *i&e%, +i'%. I 'i'n/t +no* a %ing$e one o, their na)e%. It *a% on$y abo.t ,o.r in the a,ternoon, b.t it *a% a$rea'y getting 'ar+. The ha1e o, -$o.'% hanging o&erhea' *a% on$y )a+ing it *or%e. (ti$$ no %ign o, the %.n, ;.%t $i+e i, I/' ne&er $e,t ho)e. The *in' *a% bitter, ba' eno.gh that e&en I 'i'n/t *ant to %tay o.t ,or &ery $ong. #,ter being -oope' .p in%i'e ,or a 'e-a'e, yo./' thin+ I/' *ant to %pen' a% ).-h ti)e o.t%i'e a% po%%ib$e ? an' I 'i', b.t there *ere $i)it%, an' apparent$y they *ere at three 'egree% 8ahrenheit. I entere' the 'or)itory b.i$'ing to ,in' peop$e going abo.t their b.%ine%% in the ha$$*ay%, pa%%ing )e *ith the o--a%iona$ no'. I *on'ere' i, the%e peop$e ? )eta%, I tho.ght ? +ne* the agent% that got +i$$e'. I *on'ere' i, they *or+e' here or i, they *ere ;.%t here ,or %t.'y, $i+e )e. I *on'ere' *hat their $i&e% *ere $i+e, their %torie%, an' i, any o, the) )i%%e' their parent%. I opene' the 'oor to )y roo) an' 'i'n/t e&en bother to 'o a thoro.gh -he-+ be,ore I $ay 'o*n. I grabbe' a bott$e o, *ater ,ro) the ,ri'ge, t*i%te' the -ap an' 'ran+ it *itho.t rep$a-ing it ,ro) the tap. :ho -are%A :hat *ere they going to 'o, poi%on )eA Bring it on. I *a% at their )er-y ? I 'i'n/t tr.%t the), b.t it *a%n/t $i+e I ha' any*here e$%e to go. E<-ept I tho.ght abo.t Ree' again, an' abo.t ho* I 'rea)e' o, hi). I *on'ere' i, I -o.$' 'o it again. I p.t the *ater a%i'e an' $ay 'o*n, thin+ing o, hi). I re)e)bere' hi% bro*n eye%, hi% hair ,ra)ing hi% tan ,a-e, an' I 'ri,te' o,,. It ,e$t $i+e I $ingere' in the 'ar+ ,or ho.r% be,ore he %ho*e' .p, ,a'ing into &ie* a $itt$e at a ti)e. He $oo+e' aro.n' an' %a* )e, a $oo+ o, .n%.rpri%e on hi% ,a-e. HHi.I I *a&e', ,ee$ing )ore than a $itt$e %t.pi'. He $o*ere' hi% hea' an' %hoo+ it in %o)ething a+in to 'eep 'i%appoint)ent. H2o. %tirre' .p a he$$ o, a hornet/% ne%t.I I b$in+e' at hi), an' *on'ere' ,or a %e-on' *hy I *o.$' be b$in+ing *hen )y eye% *ere -$o%e' an' I *a% a%$eep. H:hat 'o yo. )eanAI HI )ean yo.r %ho*'o*n *ith :o$,e.I I $oo+e' a*ay. H2eah, I +no*. I got peop$e +i$$e'.I

HIt/% not thatPI Ree' %ai', in-re'.$o.%. H9ire-torate agent% 'ie a$$ the ti)e. :hate&er yo. 'i' *hen yo. ,o.ght :o$,e, he/% $o%t it. He/% o&er the e'ge no*.I HHe *a%n/t be,oreAI Ree' e<p$o'e'. HThi% i% no ;o+ing )atterP He *a% going to -apt.re yo. be,ore, *hen he *a% ,o$$o*ing hi% e)p$oyer/% or'er%. No* he/% $o%t it an' they/re pani-+ing be-a.%e he/% gone rog.e. He *ant% to +i$$ yo..I HHo* 'o yo. +no* thatAI Litt$e ting$e% o, %.%pi-ion %tarte' in%i'e )e7 )y %to)a-h -h.rne', hinting at a ,ee$ing o, betraya$. HThe peop$e I *or+ *ith ha&e %pie% in%i'e the gro.p he *a% *or+ing ,or. 2o. really pi%%e' hi) o,,. :hat 'i' yo. 'oAI I %hr.gge', n.)b at the re&e$ation. H@a'e hi) b$ee'.I 9i%appointe', Ree'/% han' ,o.n' it% *ay to hi% ,a-e. H:hy 'i' yo. go ba-+ to *here yo. +ne* he -o.$' beAI I -$en-he' )y ;a* an' ,e$t pain, an' tho.ght abo.t *hether I ).%t ha&e been 'oing it in )y %$eep. HBe-a.%e I 'i'n/t *ant to ;.%t %it here an' %te* in )y ,ear o, hi). I, yo. %it aro.n' an' thin+ abo.t ho* ).-h yo./re a,rai' o, %o)ething, it ;.%t )a+e% it *or%e. I 'i'n/t thin+ he *a% that ba'DI tho.ght I -o.$' beat hi).I I $o*ere' )y hea'. HI *a% *rong.I H2o. wanted to ,a-e o,, *ith :o$,eAI He %hoo+ hi% hea'. HThat/% )a'ne%%. 2o. nee' to %tay *here yo. are, $et the 9ire-torate prote-t yo..I HThe 9ire-torate -an/t prote-t )e. He *ent thro.gh their agent% $i+e they *ere )a'e o, *hippe' -rea).I HIt 'oe%n/t )atter, (ienna. I 'on/t thin+ he -an to.-h yo. %o $ong a% yo. %tay there.I HI 'on/t *ant to %tay here any )ore,I I %ai'. HI/) rea'y to $ea&e an' ;oin yo..I He %hoo+ hi% hea' again. H(orry, b.t yo. -an/t 'o that. I -an/t prote-t yo. right no*, not ,ro) :o$,e. (oon, b.t not right no*.I HI ;.%tDI I -rin+$e' )y eye%, -$o%ing the) a% tight a% I -o.$'. HI ;.%t *ant to get o.t o, here. O.t o, to*n. #*ay ,ro) e&erything an' e&eryone.I I too+ a breath. HI rea' a boo+ abo.t to*n% in *e%tern (o.th 9a+ota, an' it ha' pi-t.re%7 they *ere gorgeo.%, green an' )o.ntaino.%. I *ant to %ee )o.ntain%, Ree', an' bea-he%, an' anything b.t thi% ga*'a*,.$ %no*. It/% %o 'i) an' 'ar+ a$$ the ti)e an' I hate itDI HThi% i% not a prob$e) yo. -an r.n a*ay ,ro),I he %ai' *ith a $oo+ o, %a'ne%%. H:o$,e i% re$ent$e%%.I HHe 'oe%n/t +no* *here I a) no*, an' he -an/t +no* *here I a) ,ro) here on i, I/) -are,.$. @y )o) 'o'ge' the%e peop$e ,or year%. He/% not a p%y-hi- an' he/% not in,a$$ib$e.I H2o. 'on/t +no* :o$,e. He/% $i&e' ,or tho.%an'% o, year% an' he .%e% ti)e to hi% a'&antage. 2o./re right4 yo./' $i+e$y )a+e it o.t o, the @inneapo$i% area, )aybe e&en o.t o, the %tate an' the -o.ntry, b.t he/' tra-+ yo. 'o*n e&ent.a$$y.I He *ore a $oo+ o, pity an' I ,e$t %o)ething %harp in%i'e that *o+e .p )y 'e,en%e%. I 'i'n/t +no* Ree' any better than the 9ire-torate peop$e. I -o)po%e' )y%e$,, pa%ting a %)i$e that *a% a% ,a+e a% any I/' e&er *orn. H8ine. #$$ right.I HI -an te$$ yo./re h.rtingDI H2o. 'on/t +no* anything abo.t )e,I I %nappe'. Not %.re *here that -a)e ,ro), b.t I ha' a %.%pi-ion. HNot ).-h, b.t I -an te$$ yo./re b$a)ing yo.r%e$, ,or *hat happene' to tho%e 9ire-torate agent%.I HI ha&e to go,I I rep$ie', a% br.%B.e a% I -o.$' )a+e it. HI ha&e to *a+e .p. They/re going to te%t )e in the )orning.I HJ.%t )a+e %.re yo.OI Hi% *or'% ,a'e' a% I %tr.gg$e' an' ,or-e' )y *ay o.t o, the 'rea). I

'i'n/t *on'er .nti$ $ater *hat he *a% going to %ay. ~

T!"rteen
I *o+e .p ;.%t a,ter one in the )orning. E<-ept ,or a ,e* )inor a-he%, )y in;.rie% ,ro) the batt$e *ith :o$,e ha' hea$e' the)%e$&e% *itho.t ).-h %ign o, anything o''. I rea$i1e' I ha' gone to be' *itho.t 'inner an' that I ha'n/t eaten ).-h $.n-h the 'ay be,ore either. I $e,t )y 'or)itory roo) =a$*ay% ,.$$y 're%%e', re)e)berA> an' *an'ere' the ha$$%. I 'i'n/t ho$' ).-h hope that the -a,eteria *o.$' be open at thi% ho.r, b.t I 'o.bte' I *o.$' ha&e a prob$e) %tea$ing %o)e ,oo'. Be%i'e%, *a% it rea$$y %tea$ingA They *o.$' ha&e gi&en it to )e i, they/' been open. I -a)e thro.gh the entran-e to the -a,eteria an' ,o.n' a ,e* $ight% on, %-attere' thro.gho.t the p$a-e. (pot$ight% o.t%i'e the )a%%i&e *in'o*% %ho*e' %no* *a% $ight$y ,a$$ing o.t%i'e. The %)e$$ o, -$eaning %o$.tion% h.ng in the air an' *hen -o.p$e' *ith the 'i)ne%% it ga&e the p$a-e the &ag.e %en%e o, *hat I/' i)agine a ho%pita$ to ,ee$ $i+e. # $one ,ig.re *a% %itting in the -orner *here the t*o g$a%% *a$$% )et, %taring o.t into the 'ar+. I -rept .p B.iet$y .nti$ I got -$o%e eno.gh to rea$i1e it *a% Ma-+, then %tarte' to tiptoe a*ay. I 'i'n/t *ant to ta$+ to anyone, $ea%t o, a$$ hi). HI -an %ee yo.r re,$e-tion,I he -a$$e' o.t. He t.rne', re&ea$ing a %erie% o, ban'age% o&er hi% no%e *ith a pie-e o, )eta$ o&er it to ho$' it in p$a-e ,or hea$ing. HI ,ig.re' yo./' be h.ngry %ooner or $ater.I H2eah,I I rep$ie'. HH.ngry an' tire', %o I thin+ I/$$ ;.%t get %o)ething an' goDI H:hy 'on/t yo. %it 'o*nAI Hi% eye% 'i'n/t $et )e retreat. They *ere *at-hing )e an' I ,e$t a$)o%t a% he$p$e%% a% *hen :o$,e/% b$a-+ eye% *ere on )e. I ,e$t )y%e$, $o*er into the %eat oppo%ite hi) an' he %tare' ba-+ at )e a% I 'i'. I ha' the na%ty ,ee$ing I +ne* *hat *a% -o)ing ne<t, b.t $i+e a %-ene in a horror )o&ie yo. 'on/t *ant to *at-h b.t -an/t $oo+ a*ay ,ro), I *a% %t.-+ in p$a-e. HI *ant to ta$+ abo.t the ba%e)ent.I He *a% %ti$$ *at-hing )e. I 'i'n/t $i+e it. I hate' it. I 'e%pi%e ,ee$ing trappe', an' trappe' I *a%. I hope' thi% *o.$' be B.i-+ ? I hope' it *a% a$rea'y o&er, a-t.a$$y, that )aybe he 'i'n/t %ee a% ).-h a% I tho.ght he ha', that he/' not bothere' to report it to #ria'ne or O$' @an :inter, an' 'e,inite$y not K.rt. H#bo.t the ,ight *ith :o$,eAI I trie' to +eep the hope o.t o, )y &oi-e. H2o. +no* that/% not *hat I )ean. Be,ore hi). :hat I %a*DI Hi% &oi-e trai$e' o,,. I re)aine' %i$ent. In a ,ai$e' e,,ort to be -a%.a$, I ,o-.%e' rea$$y, rea$$y har' on )y $e,t )i''$e ,ingernai$ an' %tarte' -o.nting ba-+*ar' ,ro) one h.n're'. H(iennaAI He repeate' )y na)e t*i-e )ore in a bi' to get )y attention. HI 'on/t *ant to ta$+ abo.t thi%.I @y &oi-e *a% B.iet, b.t ,ir). @aybe a hint o, a -ra-+. H2o. nee' to ta$+ to %o)ebo'y abo.t it.I HNo, I 'on/t.I I -o.$' ,ee$ )y%e$, get 'e,en%i&e, pi%%e'. HI/) pretty ).-h a ,.$$ gro*n *o)an at thi% point, an' I -an )a+e )y o*n 'e-i%ion% abo.t *hat I *ant to ta$+ abo.t an' 'on/t, an' thi% ,a$$% into the territory o, N'on/t/.I H2o. *ere $o-+e' in a ho.%e ,or o&er ten year% an' yo. ne&er e%-ape'A :ith yo.r )other gone to *or+ a$$ 'ay, e&ery 'ayAI He %hoo+ hi% hea'. HI/&e been a%+ing )y%e$, %in-e *e )et ho* a )other -o.$' +eep a +i' in -he-+ that $ong, e&en i, they *ere the )o%t pa%%i&e, ea%ygoing per%on on the ,a-e o, the p$anetOI HI gather yo./re %aying I/) notOI HO$et a$one a %t.bborn, *i$$,.$ -hi$' that probab$y re%i%te' ,ro) 'ay one, ;.%t b.-+ing ,or ,ree'o) any *hi-h *ay %he -o.$'OI I p.r%e' )y $ip%. H2o. )a+e )e %o.n' $i+e a *i$' hor%e.I HLet/% go *ith that ana$ogy,I he %ai', no''ing, *hi-h bro+e o.r eye -onta-t. HHo* 'oe% %o)eone

'o)e%ti-ate a hor%eAI HThey brea+ it,I I %ai' *ith a hint o, 'e,ian-e. H9o I $oo+ bro+en to yo.AI HLoo+% 'on/t )ean a thing. (he 'i' brea+ yo., 'i'n/t %heAI I b$e* air o.t )y $ip% an' %tare' o.t the *in'o* at the %no*,a$$. HI bro+e r.$e% a$$ the ti)e,I I %ai' in a tone o, ,or-e,.$ 'enia$. H(he *a%n/t ho)e '.ring the 'ay, an' I -o.$' 'o anything I *ante'OI HE<-ept $ea&e the ho.%e.I The *in' o.t%i'e +i-+e' .p an' the %no* %tarte' ,a$$ing %i'e*ay%. I ha'n/t %een that be,ore. HNo, I 'i'n/t $ea&e the ho.%e, b.t I $oo+e' o.t%i'e p$enty o, ti)e%.I He $eane' a-ro%% the tab$e, )a+ing a bi' to re-apt.re )y attention ,ro) the %no* 'ri,t% that I a$$o*e' to 'i%tra-t )e. H:hen %he -a.ght yo. brea+ing the r.$e%, ho* 'i' %he p.ni%h yo.AI I *a% %tronger than hi) ? I -o.$' ha&e +no-+e' hi) o.t an' bro+en thro.gh a *in'o* an' been gone. Gone ,ro) the 9ire-torate an' gone ,ro) thi% %tate an' gone ,ro) )y %orry $itt$e e<a)p$e o, a %t.nte' $i,e. To)orro* I -o.$' be $i&ing %o)e*here e$%e an' no one *o.$' -at-h )e. It *a% ,.nny, be-a.%e the -a,eteria *a% h.n're'% o, ,eet $ong an' h.n're'% o, ,eet *i'e, an' the neare%t tab$e *a% ten %tep% a*ay, an' yet I ,e$t $i+e I *a% trappe' in an en-$o%e' %pa-e7 it *a% ;.%t $i+eD H2eah.I @y a-+no*$e'g)ent -a)e o.t in a &oi-e o, %.rren'er. HThat *a% ho*.I In the -orner o, o.r ba%e)ent %tan'% a bo<. @a'e o, har'ene' %tee$ p$ate% an in-h thi-+, *e$'e' together, it/% a $itt$e o&er %i< ,eet ta$$, abo.t t*o ,eet *i'e an' t*o ,eet 'eep, *hen it %tan'% $ong6en' .p. It open% $i+e a -o,,in, a$ong the $onge%t p$ane. There/% a %$i'ing 'oor on that %i'e, abo.t t*o in-he% ta$$ an' ,o.r in-he% *i'e, ;.%t eno.gh to %ee o.t o, ? or into ? the bo<. There are hinge% on one %i'e an' a hea&y $o-+ing peg on the other. I +ne* *hen Ma-+ %a* it that he *o.$' ,ig.re it o.t. B.t it *a% *or%e *hen he opene' it. H(he 'i'n/t $et yo. o.t toD'o yo.r b.%ine%%AI I %hoo+ )y hea'. B.t he a$rea'y +ne* the an%*er to that, be-a.%e the %)e$$ in%i'e it *a% horri,i-7 it )a'e the *ho$e ba%e)ent %tin+ o, rot *hen it *a% open. HHo* $ong 'i' %he $ea&e yo. in thereAI Hi% eye% %ti$$ appeare' .nrea-ti&e. I $a.ghe', a 'ar+, h.)or$e%% bar+ that r.)b$e' thro.gh )e, +eeping )y e)otion% in -he-+ behin' a ,a-a'e o, ,a$%e bra&a'o. H:hi-h ti)eA There *ere %o )any. #% yo. )entione', I a) %o)e*hat %t.bborn an' 'e,iant. I *a% in there at $ea%t on-e a *ee+. K%.a$$y ,or %)arting o,,7 @o) 'i'n/t $i+e that ).-h.I HHo* $ongAI I %hr.gge'. H#n ho.r or t*o, )o%t o, the ti)e ? *ith the 'oor -$o%e' on the ,ront, %o it *a% -o)p$ete$y 'ar+. #n' that, hone%t$y, *a%n/t %o ba'. It *a% the ti)e% *hen I *a% in there ,or 'ay%, tho%e *ere the one% *hen it *a% ba'OI The ti)e% *hen )y %to)a-h %-rea)e' at )e be-a.%e it *a% %i-+ o, nothing b.t the *ater that *a% pipe' in ,ro) a re%er&oir by a %)a$$ t.be. The ti)e% *hen I %tarte' to get $ighthea'e' an' ha' to %it 'o*n, *here I ;.%t ,e$t *ea+ an' near 'ea' by the ti)e %he $et )e o.t. I, %he $et )e o.t. He gri)a-e', the ,ir%t %ign o, e)otion I/' %een ,ro) hi) %in-e the -on&er%ation began. H:hat abo.t the $onge%t ti)eAI I pa.%e', an' an in%ane %o.n'ing $a.gh b.bb$e' o.t o, )y )o.th. I ,e$t a %t.pi', pa%te'6on grin %tret-hing )y ,a-e. H# *ee+, I thin+.I Hi% &oi-e ha' gro*n B.iet, b.t it *a% .n'ergir'e' by a -.rio%ity. H:hen *a% thatAI (i$en-e o*ne' )e, b.t ;.%t ,or a beat. HLet/% %ee. #,ter I ate %o)ething an' %ho*ere', I $ay 'o*n to %$eep ? yo. +no*, hori1onta$$y, be-a.%e trying to %$eep -.r$e' .p in a ba$$ in%i'e it %.-+%, ;.%t 82I ? an' I *o+e .p an' yo. an' K.rt *ere in )y ho.%e. (oDa ,e* 'ay% ago.I Thi% ti)e the %i$en-e *a% %t.nne'. H(he $e,t yo.Da,ter $o-+ing yo. inAI

I no''e', hoping he *o.$'n/t a%+ the 'ar+, piteo.% B.e%tion I/' been a%+ing )y%e$, $ate$y. H#n' I ha&en/t %een her %in-e.I ~

*o+rteen
That en'e' Ma-+/% B.e%tion%, than+ Go'. He %ai' %o)e )ore thing% a,ter that, b.t I )i%%e' pretty ).-h a$$ o, it. @y hea' *a% b.11ing an' I -o.$'n/t ,o-.%. I ,orgot that I *a% h.ngry an' a% %oon a% I -o.$' get a*ay ,ro) hi) I 'i', $ea&ing hi) in the -a,eteria. He e<tra-te' a pro)i%e ,ro) )e that *e *o.$' ta$+ )ore %oon, an' I 'i'n/t arg.e be-a.%e I 'i'n/t ha&e the energy. E&er been in a ,ight that get% rea$$y e)otiona$, an' yo. )ay ha&e been ,ee$ing ab%o$.te$y *on'er,.$ ,i&e )in.te% ear$ier b.t %.''en$y yo./re ;.%t e<ha.%te'A That *a% )e7 a$$ )y energy *a% %hot an' I 'ragge' )y%e$, ba-+ to )y 'or)itory. I -ra%he' on )y be', b.t I 'i'n/t ,a$$ a%$eep. In%tea' I tho.ght abo.t @o) again7 o, the $a%t ti)e I %a* her, *hen %he %h.t the 'oor on )e, e&en a% I *a% %-rea)ing, ha))ering )y pa$)% again%t the %tee$ an' begging her not to ? an' then %he peere' at )e thro.gh the $itt$e %$i'ing 'oor, her eye% $oo+ing into )ine, an' %he %ai' %o)ething 'i,,erent than the h.n're'% o, other ti)e% %he/' p.t )e in. H:hate&er yo. )ay thin+, I 'o thi% a$$ ,or yo.r o*n goo'.I I *a%n/t in a po%ition to pay attention at the ti)e =I *a% a% 'i%tre%%e' *hen I *ent into the bo< a% a -at being '.n+e' in *ater ? I/&e %een it on TC> b.t her $oo+ *a% 'i,,erent than .%.a$. Le%% %pite,.$. Le%% &enge,.$. Le%% pi%%e'. I )ight ha&e %een a tra-e o, %a'ne%% in her eye%, tho.gh I 'i'n/t re-ogni1e it at the ti)e. Then %he %h.t the $itt$e 'oor an' $e,t )e in the 'ar+ne%%. I tho.ght abo.t her again, -on-entrating har', trying to ,o-.% on her a% I 'ri,te' o,, to %$eep. I a*o+e the ne<t )orning, an a$ar) going o,, be%i'e the be'. I ha'n/t %et it, b.t it *a% b$aring. I $oo+e' at the -$o-+ an' rea$i1e' it *a% ti)e' %o I 'i'n/t )i%% )y appoint)ent *ith 9r. (e%%ion%. (o)eone ,ro) the 9ire-torate ).%t ha&e 'one it, ,earing =probab$y right$y> that I 'i'n/t ).-h -are i, I )a'e the) *ait. 0robab$y #ria'ne. That bit-h. I tho.ght abo.t b$o*ing it o,,, b.t the tr.th i% I *a% -.rio.%. #,ter a$$, they +ept te$$ing )e I *a% )eta6h.)an, an' I be$ie&e' it, b.t I *on'ere' *hat other abi$itie% I )ight ha&e. I *a% hoping ,or ,$ight, be-a.%e that *o.$' be -oo$. :hen I got to 9r. (e%%ion%/% o,,i-e, he *a% %itting behin' hi% 'e%+, $oo+ing at %o)ething. :hen he hear' )e enter he t.rne' an' p.%he' hi% g$a%%e% ba-+ .p hi% no%e an' $oo+e' thro.gh the) at )e. HThere yo. are.I He began no''ing an' pi-+e' .p a tab$et -o)p.ter that %at ne<t to the $aptop on the 'e%+. HHa&e a %eat7 I nee' to ha&e yo. ,i$$ o.t thi% B.e%tionnaire be,ore *e beginDI He han'e' )e a -$ipboar' an' pen, then t.rne' to *a$+ a*ay. I ga&e hi) a B.i-+ %)i$e o, than+%, *hi-h -a.%e' hi) to ba-+ a*ay. I %ighe' interna$$y. E&en *hen I *a%n/t trying to, I -o.$' 'ri&e peop$e a*ay ,ro) )e. The B.e%tionnaire too+ an annoying$y $ong ti)e an' a%+e' %o)e in&a%i&e per%ona$ B.e%tion% =HHo* )any %e<.a$ en-o.nter% ha&e yo. ha' in the $a%t %e&en 'ay%A T*o *ee+%A @onthA (i< )onth%A 2earA 8i&e year%AI> Not $i+e it *a% a 'i,,i-.$t one, %in-e .nti$ a ,e* 'ay% ago I/' ha' 1ero h.)an -onta-t o.t%i'e o, @o). There *ere other one% that 'e$&e' into hea$th hi%tory, ho* I *a% ,ee$ing, *hen *a% the 'ate o, )y $a%t phy%i-a$ =HNe&erPI I printe' in big, bo$' $etter%>, *hen I ,ir%t noti-e' a 'i,,eren-e in )y abi$itie% ? an' on it *ent ,or a h.n're' an' ,i,ty B.e%tion%, -o&ering both the i)portant =H9o yo. ha&e any +no*n a$$ergie%AI> to the ).n'ane =H:hen *a% yo.r $a%t bo*e$ )o&e)entAI>. I tho.ght abo.t %-ra*$ing HNone o, yo.r 'a)ne' b.%ine%%I b.t .$ti)ate$y I ;.%t an%*ere' the B.e%tion% ? a$)o%t a$$ ? tr.th,.$$y. The $a%t B.e%tion ? H9e%-ribe in 'etai$ any .n.%.a$ abi$itie% or %+i$$%I ? ga&e )e pa.%e. 0art o, )e *ante' to +no* )ore, to ,in' o.t *hat +in' o, )eta I *a%. O+ay, a$$ o, )e *ante' to +no*. B.t that *a% te)pere' by the ,a-t that I ha' on$y been here ,or three 'ay% an' %ti$$ ha' 1ero i'ea o, *ho =i, anyone> I -o.$' tr.%t. I, I to$' the) I %.%pe-te' I -o.$' .%e )y 'rea)% to -o)).ni-ate *ith other%,

*o.$' that be -on%i'ere' %o)e +in' o, po*er or a %ign that I *a% %$ipping in the %anity 'epart)entA I be$ie&e' I -o.$' ta$+ to Ree' thro.gh )y 'rea)%, b.t it *a% too *eir' to -on%i'er nor)a$ an' a% yet too .n-on,ir)e' ,or )e to +no* *ith -ertainty I -o.$' 'o it. #,ter a$$, it -o.$' ha&e been hi% po*er, not )ine. I an%*ere' the B.e%tion, H(.perior (trength, (pee', #gi$ity an' Inte$$igen-eI =no, I 'i'n/t p.t a %)i$ey ne<t to the inte$$igen-e part> an' $e,t any other %.%pi-ion% o,,. #% I ha' ,i$$e' o.t the ,or), the 'o-tor ha' )i$$e' aro.n' the $ab, a';.%ting &ario.% pie-e% o, eB.ip)ent, h.))ing a% he %+ittere' abo.t. He noti-e' )e a,ter a )in.te or %o, an' ,a&ore' )e *ith a %)i$e a% he approa-he'. H:e/re going to 'o %o)e phy%i-a$ te%t% ne<t, then I/$$ gi&e yo. thi% ? a %tan'ar', ).$tip$e -hoi-e I.Q. te%t ? an' *e/$$ %ee ho* yo. 'o.I 8or the ne<t three ho.r%, he p.t )e thro.gh )y pa-e%. I tho.ght )aybe I ha' pi%%e' hi) o,, in %o)e *ay, be-a.%e he *a% not +in' in hi% e,,ort% to Hte%tI )e. I ran on a trea')i$$ at the highe%t %etting ,or a $ong ti)e, *e$$ pa%t the point *here I *a% bore' an' into the rea$) o, thin+ing o, -a%ting )y%e$, into the p$a-e *here the trea' )eet% the p$a%ti- at the ba-+, hoping to en' )y $i,e *ith the a''e' bene,it that perhap% the r.nning *o.$' %top a% *e$$. It -o.$'n/t ha&e been an or'inary trea')i$$ be-a.%e I %*ear I ha' to be r.nning at ,i,ty )i$e% an ho.r. He )a'e )e breathe into a )a-hine =to te%t )y $.ng -apa-ity>, ha' )e $i,t *eight% =I -.r%e' hi) be-a.%e there *a% no )ea%.re o, ho* ).-h they *eighe' an' he re,.%e' to te$$ )e> an' hit a p.n-hing bag. Then he han'e' )e r.bber ba$$% an' ha' )e thro* the) at a target on a *a$$ at ,.$$ %trength, *hi-h I 'i' =.nti$ I t.rne' a$$ three o, the) into pan-a+e%>. HIt *o.$' ha&e been ea%ier i, yo. *o.$' ha&e ta+en yo.r g$o&e% o,,,I he %ai', $oo+ing o&er hi% g$a%%e% at )e. H(orry, 9o-. R.$e n.)ber ,o.r.I # $oo+ o, -on,.%ion %*ept o&er hi% ,a-e. He $e' )e o&er to a tab$e in the -orner. HOne $a%t thing.I He ba'e )e to %it. HThe inte$$igen-e te%tAI HT*o )ore thing%. 8ir%tOI He rea-he' onto the tab$e an' pi-+e' .p a nee'$e a$ong *ith a %trip o, r.bber. HI nee' b$oo'.I @y eye% narro*e'. HI *o.$' %.gge%t trying yo.r $o-a$ b$oo' ban+, be-a.%e yo./$$ get none ,ro) )e.I He 'i'n/t %)i$e. HIn or'er to ana$y1eOI HTe%t *hat yo. ha&e, 9o-,I I %ai' in a &oi-e that I hope' 'i'n/t a$$o* ,or arg.)ent, Hi, none o, that pan% o.t, *e/$$ ta$+ abo.t a b$oo' 'ra* in the ,.t.re.I He %too' there ,or a )o)ent, $oo+ing $i+e he *a% a bro+en robot, hi% hea' %ha+ing in a t*it-hy ,a%hion *hi$e he trie' to -o)e .p *ith a re%pon%e. He ).%t ha&e ,ai$e', be-a.%e he ne&er %ai' anything, ;.%t to%%e' the I.Q. te%t on the tab$e an' %h.,,$e' a*ay. I atta-+e' the te%t *ith a -ertain ,r.%tration. It *a% ea%y, an' I .%e' the pen pro&i'e' to &io$ent$y -ir-$e )y an%*er% on the ).$tip$e -hoi-e ,or). #% I 'i', tho.ght% o, the agent% I ha' gotten +i$$e' +ept r.nning thro.gh )y hea'. Ma-+ ha' *or+e' *ith a$$ o, the). He 'i'n/t %ee) that bent o.t o, %hape by the ,a-t they *ere 'ea'. K.rt 'i'. That *a% an hone%t rea-tion. Hannegan ha' a$rea'y 'i%$i+e' )e7 no* he hate' )e. I -ir-$e' an%*er 9, re%pon'ing to a B.e%tion abo.t %B.are root%, bringing the pen aro.n' to gi&e it an e<tra $oop, an' near$y tore thro.gh the paper. :hoop%. Gotta be -are,.$ *ith %.per %trength, I g.e%%. B.t Ma-+A He *a% )ore -on-erne' abo.t thing% that happene' to )e =an a$)o%t tota$ %tranger> in%tea' o, *orrying abo.t hi% -o6*or+er% being 'ea' be-a.%e o, )e. I -a)e to the -on-$.%ion that he ha' to be p$ante'. Li+e #ria'ne, he *a% re%training hi% e)otion%, p.tting the) in the ba-+%eat to ,o-.%

on the ;ob at han'. Ha' to be. :hi-h )eant #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter probab$y to$' hi) to get -$o%e to )e, be-a.%e he *a% the neare%t to )y age o, a$$ their peop$e. #n' hot. H6O6T. #ria'ne )ay be '.)b, b.t I 'o.bte' %he *a% b$in' eno.gh to )i%% that $itt$e ,a-t. #n' O$' @an :inter hi)%e$, %ai' I *a% )ore i)portant than a h.n're' o, their agent%. That *a% a harro*ing boo%t to the ego, $et )e te$$ yo.. There *a%n/t ).-h on the I.Q. te%t abo.t hi%tory, *hi-h *a% a %ha)e be-a.%e it *a% one o, )y be%t %.b;e-t%. It *a%n/t the ,ir%t ti)e in hi%tory %o)eone/% $i,e ha' been prioriti1e' o&er another/%. Not e&en -$o%e. B.t *hen I hear' hi) %ay it, it %tarte' to *orry )e abo.t the 9ire-torate. It got )e *on'ering i, they *ere %o)e %ort o, ra-ia$ %.periority gro.p, ,o-.%e' on p.tting )eta6 h.)an% into a po*er po%ition. Or )aybe O$' @an :inter *a% ;.%t that %-re*e' .p in hi% prioritie%, that he -o.$' -a%t a h.n're' h.)an $i&e% a%i'e *itho.t $o%ing any %$eep o&er it. Or )aybe he *a% $o%ing %$eep o&er it. It *a%n/t $i+e I +ne* hi) *e$$ eno.gh to te$$. I ,ini%he' the $a%t B.e%tion an' $oo+e' aro.n' ,or the 'o-, b.t he *a% gone. He ).%t ha&e *a$+e' o.t *hi$e I *a% ,o-.%e' on the te%t. I $e,t it on the tab$e an' *a$+e' o.t o, the $ab, hea'ing o.t into the -o$' air thin+ing I )ight ,ina$$y get that )ea$ I ha' been -ra&ing %in-e $a%t night. # b$a%t o, *in'b$o*n %no* hit )e in the ,a-e a% I $e,t the $ab an' hi+e' a-ro%% the -a)p.%. I )ar&e$e' at ho* %)ooth it $oo+e'. I ,o.n' the -a,eteria -ra))e' ,or brea+,a%t. In ,a-t, ba%e' on the %i1e o, the roo) there ha' to be at $ea%t a -o.p$e h.n're' peop$e in there. I ha' on$y &i%ite' in o,,6pea+ ti)e% %o to %ee it ,.$$ *a% B.ite the %.rpri%e. There *ere )en in %.it% %-attere' thro.gh the roo), a% *e$$ a% other )en an' *o)en 're%%e' in *or+ attire o, &ario.% %ort%, an' a %)attering o, peop$e I a%%.)e' *ere )eta% 're%%e' in -a%.a$ -$othe%, ;ean%, t6%hirt%, )o%t o, the) yo.nger than the ,o$+% 're%%e' pro,e%%iona$$y. #% I *a$+e' to *here the $ine ,or)e' to get ,oo', )y %to)a-h r.)b$e'. It -oin-i'e' *ith a h.%h ,a$$ing o&er the -a,eteria ? a %$o*, %tea'y $o*ering o, the &o$.)e $e&e$. I got a tray an' began ,i$$ing it. I *a% h.ngry, an' not ,or bro--o$i. #% I *or+e' )y *ay to the en' o, the $ine I %tarte' to o&erhear ).r).ring% ,ro) both the *or+er% behin' the -o.nter an' peop$e ta$+ing in the re%t o, the -a,eteria. HDthat/% herDI HDgot a$$ tho%e agent% +i$$e'DI HDhear' %o)e -ra1e' )eta na)e' :o$,e i% h.nting herDI HD%he 'i' it on p.rpo%eDI HDeight o, the) 'ea', a$)o%t got K.rt an' Ma-+ tooDI HD-ra1y bit-h.I The $a%t one -a.ght )y attention, b.t I re%traine' )y%e$, be,ore I *hippe' aro.n' to -on,ront *hoe&er ha' %ai' it. I rea$i1e' )y hearing ha' not gotten %en%iti&e, that )o%t o, the peop$e *ere %pea+ing $o.' eno.gh ,or )e to hear the). :hi-h )eant they *ere $oo+ing ,or a rea-tion. @y eye% %-anne' the -ro*' a% I $e,t the $ine *ith )y tray. The pro,e%%iona$$y 're%%e' peop$e $oo+e' a*ay. #bo.t ninety per-ent o, the ,o$+% in -a%.a$ 're%% 'i' $i+e*i%e i, they %a* )e $oo+ at the)7 a B.i-+, ,.rti&e g$an-e here an' there i, they got H-a.ght.I B.t a ,e* o, the )en in %.it% ? the agent% ? *ere %pe-+$e' thro.gho.t the -ro*', an' their $oo+% *ere har', hi'ing behin' ,.rro*e' bro*% an' -o$' eye%. #n' a %)a$$ -ontingent o, the -a%.a$$y 're%%e' ? the )eta% ? *ere g$aring an' not bothering to hi'e it. They *ere a$$ -on-entrate' aro.n' one tab$e. I %tare' ba-+ at the), 'e,iant. 2eah, I %-re*e' .p. B.t goo' $.-+ getting )e to a')it it in p.b$i-. I 'i'n/t bat an eye a% their ring$ea'er, a yo.ng g.y probab$y on$y a ,e* year% o$'er than )e, ga&e )e the %tare6'o*n right ba-+. He ha' %hort 'ar+ hair an' a no%e that ro.n'e' a $itt$e at the en'. The $oo+ o, %pite in hi% eye% o&erpo*ere' hi% other ,eat.re%, t.rning *hat )ight other*i%e ha&e been a ni-e %)i$e into %o)ething that $oo+e' )ore $i+e a 'o*n*ar' ,a-ing -re%-ent )oon.

I %a* a %)a$$ tab$e e)pty in the ,ar -orner *here the t*o *in'o*e' *a$$% )et ea-h other ? )aybe the $a%t .no--.pie' tab$e in the p$a-e. Not a ,rien'$y ,a-e in %ight, ;.%t a $ot o, peop$e %h.nning )e an' a ,e* )ore that *ere -$ear$y pi%%e'. 0er,e-t. I pon'ere' ;.%t -arrying )y tray o.t the 'oor an' ba-+ to )y roo) *here I -o.$' eat in -o),ortab$e %o$it.'e, b.t %o)ething in )e re%i%te' it. I/' been a$one ,or year%. Lo-+e' a*ay, trappe', *hate&er. It 'i'n/t bother )e i, I ha' to eat by )y%e$,. In a $ot o, *ay%, e%pe-ia$$y right no*, 'oing that *o.$' ha&e been the ea%ie%t -hoi-e. B.t %ti$$, )y brain re%i%te' the notion, .rging )e to not $et the%e peop$e get to )e, to not r.n a*ay an' hi'e. (o *hen I pi-+e' )y path to the e)pty tab$e I )a'e %.re it *ent right pa%t the gro.p o, )eta% that *ere %-o*$ing )e 'o*n. I *aite' to %ee i, they *o.$' %pea+ a% I approa-he'. I e&en pon'ere' being a rea$ a%% an' in&iting )y%e$, to %it 'o*n in one o, the e)pty %eat% at their tab$e, b.t 'e-i'e' again%t it. I )ay not ha&e been $oo+ing to )a+e ,rien'%, b.t I 'i'n/t *ant to a-ti&e$y -.$ti&ate ene)ie% i, I 'i'n/t ha&e to. I ;.%t *ante' toD-on,ront the). J.%t a bit. I a$)o%t 'i'n/t get )y *i%h. They +ept %i$ent an' a ,e* e&en bro+e o,, their g$are% a% I approa-he'. I ret.rne' ea-h ho%ti$e $oo+ in +in', .nti$ ,ina$$y I re%te' )y eye% on-e )ore on the yo.ng )an4 the ring$ea'er, ;.'ging by the &ibe I *a% getting o,, hi). He 'i'n/t $oo+ a*ay. He *a% *aiting to %ee i, I/' ,$in-h. I 'i'n/t. B.t neither 'i' he. He %too' .p a% I pa%%e'. 9a)n. Tho.ght I *a% gonna )a+e it by. HHey,I he -a$$e' o.t. H8rien'% o, )ine got +i$$e' on yo.r %t.pi' erran'.I HI/) %orry abo.t yo.r ,rien'%,I I %ai' *ith an a%to.n'ing $e&e$ o, -a$) ,or the ten%ion I *a% ,ee$ing in%i'e. I thin+ I )eant it. HN(orry/ 'oe%n/t bring the) ba-+.I Hi% g$are *a% pier-ing. HNeither 'oe% anything e$%e I -an 'o.I The a-erbi- e'ge to )y %tate)ent *a% probab$y *hat pi%%e' hi) o,,. HKn$e%% I ha&e %o)e a)a1ing po*er% o, re%.rre-tion I ha&e yet to 'i%-o&er.I Hi% $oo+ got angrier, than+% to narro*e' eye% an' a %nar$ on hi% $ip%. HThey %t.-+ their ne-+% o.t ,or yo..I H8ar be it ,ro) )e to %.gge%t other*i%e. B.t they a$%o 'ie' 'oing the ;ob% that they too+ on, that O$' @an :inter %ent the) to 'o. They +ne* there *a% a ri%+ :o$,e -o.$' be there.I I ha' %toppe' )y ,or*ar' )otion an' *aite' ,or @r. #ngry to rep$y. @ight a% *e$$ get thi% o.t o, the *ay, an' i, I *a% $.-+y I -o.$' get the entire -a,eteria o,, )y ba-+ in one )o&e. H(o yo./re one o, the %e$,6%.perior )eta% that gi&e% the re%t o, .% a ba' na)e.I Hi% ar)% *ere ,o$'e' a-ro%% hi% bo'y. H9on/t rea$$y -are i, a b.n-h o, h.)an% 'ie, %o $ong a% yo. get *hat yo. *ant.I I ha' a ,ee$ing that one *a% going to %ting $ater b.t ,or no* I p.%he' it a%i'e an' ,o-.%e' on )y rep$y. HThat/% not *hat I %ai'.I Hi% -hin ;.tte' o.t. HB.t it/% *hat yo. )eant.I HOh, i% yo.r po*er to rea' )in'%A NoA Then 'on/t te$$ )e *hat I )eant.I I $oo+e' ba-+ at hi) *ith a g.t ,.$$ o, 'e,ian-e. I/' $i+e$y be b$a)ing )y%e$, again $ater ,or the 'eath%, b.t I *a%n/t going to $et hi) b.rn )e *ith it7 not no*. HI, I -o.$' 'o it a$$ o&er again, I *o.$'n/t ha&e gone ba-+. B.t I -an/t an' I ha&e to $i&e *ith *hat happene'. #n' yo. -an ta+e yo.r rage an' ,ire it .p yo.r a%%.I He 'i'n/t %ay anything, b.t hi% ;a* har'ene' an' hi% no%tri$% ,$are'. I rea$i1e' that the preten%e o, %tan'ing there i, I *a%n/t $oo+ing ,or a ,ight *a% pretty ,$i)%y, %o I )a'e )y *ay to the tab$e. I %at 'o*n an' $oo+e' o.t the *in'o*, trying to ignore a$$ the %tare% ,ro) behin' )e. # ,ig.re -a)e .p ,ro) behin' a ,e* )in.te% $ater an' %$i' the -hair o.t *itho.t a%+ing. I *a% rea'y to gripe *hen I $oo+e' .p. HOh, it/% yo..I Ma-+ %at 'o*n. H:hat are yo. 'oing hereAI He -a%t an a$)o%t ,.rti&e $oo+ aro.n'. 0eop$e *ere %ti$$ %taring. HIt/% not the )o%t -o),ortab$e en&iron)ent to be eating yo.r $.n-h in, i% itAI I too+ another ,or+,.$ o, bee, an' -he*e' it *hi$e I pon'ere' )y re%pon%e. H2o. )ean be-a.%e

e&eryone in the roo) hate% )eAI HThat/% not tr.e,I he %ai'. HI 'on/t hate yo..I HK.'o% to yo. ,or being the on$y one.I I ,eigne' app$a.%e ,or a -o.p$e beat% be,ore rea-hing 'o*n *ith )y ,or+ an' %pearing a bite o, %tray roa%t *ith .nne-e%%ary ,or-e. H(o thi% i% *hat being the %-hoo$ o.t-a%t *o.$' ha&e ,e$t $i+e. I 'i'n/t rea$$y )i%% ).-h being $o-+e' a*ay a$$ the%e year%.I @y &oi-e B.a&ere' an' -a)e o.t ).-h $o*er. HNot that it )atter%.I HIt 'oe%n/t )atter i, anybo'y $i+e% yo.AI Hi% &oi-e -arrie' a hint o, %+epti-i%). HNope. I/&e $i&e' )y entire $i,e *itho.t the appro&a$ o, any o, the%e peop$e. I %.%pe-t I -an $i&e the re%t o, it the %a)e.I I %tabbe' another pie-e o, bee,. HE%pe-ia$$y -on%i'ering ho* %hort it/% $i+e$y to be.I H:e -an prote-t yo. ,ro) :o$,e i, yo. %tay,I he %ai', hi% tone %oothing. HOh boy,I I %ai' *ith )o-+ enth.%ia%). HI -an %pen' the re%t o, )y $i,e *an'ering the ha$$% o, thi% p$a-e, ,ee$ing .%e$e%% an' $i%t$e%% an' trappe', ;.%t $i+e *hen I *a% at ho)e ? e<-ept here I/) %.rro.n'e' by peop$e *ho hate )e.I #% i, to p.n-t.ate )y %tate)ent, I p.%he' )y tray a*ay. I *a% 'one. H#t $ea%t nobo'y here *i$$ $o-+ yo. in a )eta$ bo< ,or 'ay% at a ti)e,I he rep$ie', a to.-h 'e,en%i&e. H@y entire $i,e i% bo<e%.I I t*ir$e' the ,or+ be,ore %etting it 'o*n on )y 'i%-ar'e' p$ate. H8ir%t I *a% trappe' in )y ho.%e or in the bo<7 no* I/) trappe' on yo.r -a)p.%. @o%t peop$e are trappe' in their to*n%, or their ;ob%, or their *ay o, $i,e. :e go thro.gh $i,e in o.r $itt$e bo<e% .nti$ *e ,in' o.r%e$&e% in the $a%t one, b.rie' in the gro.n'.I @y tone *a% r.e,.$, an' I 'i'n/t -are ho* genera$ I *a% being. I *a% in a ,o.$, 'epre%%i&e )oo'. I %.%pe-te' that thi% g.y, the on$y one in )y $i,e to e&er %ho* an intere%t in )e =other than Ree', I g.e%%>, *a% 'oing it to %py on )e ,or hi% bo%%, an' I ,o.n' )y%e$, $onging ,or the %i)p$i-ity o, )y ho.%e, *here at $ea%t I +ne* *here I %too'. #-t o.t, @o) get% pi%%e' an' I get %t.-+ in the bo<. (i)p$e. He p.%he' ba-+ ,ro) the tab$e. HThat/% a bitOI HN# bit/ *hatA #--.rateA @orbi'AI I $a.ghe'. HIt/% a bit irre$e&ant. I/$$ %tay here, )i$+ing the %e-.rity o, yo.r 9ire-torate ,or a$$ it/% *orth, be-a.%e I/&e got no*here e$%e to go an' there/% no *ay I -an beat :o$,e. (o I/$$ *ait, an' bi'e )y ti)e, an' hope that *hen yo.r ).-h &a.nte' @6(B.a' -o)e% ba-+ they -an ,in' a *ay to +i$$ hi) %o I -an at $ea%t ha&e the $.<.ry o, 'e-i'ing *here I *ant to go an' *hat I *ant to 'o *ith the re%t o, )y $i,e.I HIt 'oe%n/t ha&e to be thi% *ay.I Hi% &oi-e *a% %o,t, a$)o%t $o%t in the 'in o, the -a,eteria -on&er%ation%. H2o. -o.$' *or+ *ith .% here, b.i$' a $i,e at the 9ire-torate.I H#n' *hatA Join @6(B.a'A Be a te%t %.b;e-tA Hang o.t $i+e a$$ the%e other )eta%, *aiting ,or ? *hatA I 'on/t e&en +no* *hat they 'o herePI @y han' ge%ti-.$ate' to*ar' the tab$e o, )eta% that ha' a--o%te' )e ear$ier. H0art o, )e ;.%t *ant% to go ho)e. #n' the re%t o, )eDI @y &oi-e -ra-+e'. H:hatAI He $eane' ,or*ar' b.t +ept hi% han'% ,ar ,ro) )ine. I -o.$' %ee the inten%ity in hi% eye%, the -on-ern, an' it ;.%t pi%%e' )e o,, a$$ the )ore be-a.%e I *a% %o %.re it *a% ,a+e an' I *ante' it to be rea$, )ore than anything. H:hat 'o yo. *antAI I ,ro1e, an' I +ne* in that )o)ent I *a% on the brin+ o, tear%. Suck it up, I to$' )y%e$,. I too+ a )o)ent to -o)po%e )y e)otion%, %ho&ing the) into the ba-+ o, )y )in'. I/) to.gh. I )a'e the 'e-i%ion not to $et e&en an o.n-e o, ,ee$ing into )y &oi-e. HI 'on/t +no*.I It -a)e o.t )ore britt$e than I *o.$' ha&e hope', b.t it %ti$$ %o.n'e' %trong. H#n' it 'oe%n/t )atter right no*, be-a.%e )y on$y priority i% %.r&i&a$.I He no''e' a$)o%t %a'$y a% I %too' .p. HE&erything e$%e -o)e% $ater.I I $e,t the -a,eteria, hea' in a %pin. I *aite' aro.n' )y roo) ,or a *hi$e, not rea$$y %.re *hat to 'o. There *a% a ,$at%-reen TC hanging ,ro) the *a$$, b.t I 'i'n/t %ee a point in *at-hing anything. I 'i'n/t rea$$y )i%% it that ).-h a,ter not *at-hing ,or a ,e* 'ay%.

I %ett$e' on going to the gy), *hi-h I 'i' in %pite o, the ,a-t that 9r. (e%%ion% ha' paire' )e *ith the trea')i$$ ,ro) he$$ ear$ier. I %t.-+ *ith a re-.)bent bi+e ,or )y %e$,6'ire-te' -ar'io, an' *ha$e' on a hea&ybag that a trainer a%%.re' )e *a% )a'e e%pe-ia$$y ,or )eta% =%he to$' )e thi% *ith a &ery ,rien'$y attit.'e .nti$ %o)eone -a)e .p an' *hi%pere' to her, at *hi-h point her 'i%po%ition )at-he' the *eather o.t%i'e>. (o I hit the hea&ybag e&en har'er, p.ni%hing it ,or e&ery ba' 'e-i%ion I/' )a'e $ate$y, i)agining the ,a-e o, that g.y in the -a,eteria a% I be$te' it another one, then *i%he' I -o.$' po.n' :o$,e $i+e I *a% po.n'ing it. Kn,ort.nate$y, :o$,e hit ba-+. #,ter I ,ini%he' I *ent ba-+ to )y roo) an' %ho*ere'. I -he-+e' the ti)e an' ,o.n' that it *a% )i'6a,ternoon. I h.ng aro.n' a $itt$e $onger. (o)eone ha' $e,t )e an e6rea'er. #,ter rea'ing ,or an ho.r or %o I rea$i1e' it *a% ba%i-a$$y the %a)e a% a boo+ b.t )ore -on&enient, an' the no&e$ty *ore o,,. I/&e rea' $ot% o, boo+%. #t ,o.r thirty I 'e-i'e' I -o.$' get 'inner an' that it/' be ear$y eno.gh to 'o'ge )o%t o, the -ro*' at the -a,eteria. Be%i'e%, the %.n *o.$' be 'o*n by E4F", %o I )ight a% *e$$ be rea'y to %$eep *hen it got 'ar+. I 'e-i'e' I/' try an' 'rea) o, @o) or Ree' again. 0robab$y @o), %in-e I *ante' to pro&e I -o.$' -onta-t other% in their 'rea)% an' I/' ta$+e' to Ree' t*i-e a$rea'y. The -a,eteria *a% near e)pty, an' I %na+e' a% ).-h ,oo' a% I -o.$', +eeping a -are,.$ *at-h on *hat *ent on )y p$ate. It/% not that I tho.ght the *or+er% *o.$' 'o %o)ething e&i$7 it/% ;.%t I/&e %een eno.gh on TC 'etai$ing *hat *ait %ta,, 'o to the ,oo' o, peop$e they 'on/t $i+e to )a+e )e paranoi'. It a''% another 'i)en%ion to being hate'. The 'inner *a% -hi-+en, an' it *a% goo'. I )anage' to -reep o.t o, the 'ining ha$$ ;.%t a% it %tarte' to get b.%y. # ,e* poi%ono.% $oo+% an' %o)e %tage6*hi%pere' -o))ent% that $a-+e' origina$ity *ere )y re*ar' ,or $ingering too $ong. # ha$$ -$o-+ to$' )e it *a% E4GE. The %.n, *hi-h I %ti$$ ha'n/t %een, *a% either 'o*n or the -$o.' -o&er it *a% hi'ing behin' *a% thi-+, be-a.%e it *a% 'ar+ o.t%i'e. I pa.%e' by a *in'o* in the -orri'or o.t%i'e )y roo) an' %tare' a-ro%% the gro.n'%. :hat *o.$' @o) thin+ o, a$$ thi%A I *on'ere'. :here *a% %heA :hy 'i' %he $ea&eA I %*a$$o*e' har'. :hat -a.%e' her to ,$eeA :a% %he in tro.b$eA :a% it )eA The %)e$$% o, 'inner ,i$$e' )y no%e a% the &o$.)e o, the -ro*' in the -a,eteria *a% on a %tea'y ri%e, %o $o.' no* I -o.$' hear the) ,ro) *here I *a% on the other %i'e o, the b.i$'ing. @o%t o, the pro,e%%iona$% ha' gone ho)e ,or the 'ay, b.t the -a%.a$$y 're%%e' )eta% pa%%e' )e in the ha$$, on their *ay to e&ening )ea$. Their -on&er%ation% *ere e<-ite', tho%e o, peop$e a)ong ,rien'%, an' they 'roppe' o,, *hen they %a* )e. I rea$i1e' I ha' been %taring o.t the *in'o* at a $a)p ,or the $a%t ,i&e )in.te%. Going to the gy) to *or+ o.t again 'i'n/t appea$ to )e, an' I ha' a ,ee$ing 9r. (e%%ion% *o.$'n/t be getting ba-+ *ith )y re%.$t% thi% e&ening. I tho.ght o, @o) again an' +ne* that *hat I *ante' *a% to go to %$eep an' try to 'rea) o, her. I *a$+e' 'o*n the ha$$ to )y 'oor an' opene' the han'$e. It *a%n/t $o-+e', be-a.%e I 'i'n/t ha&e a +ey ,or it. (in-e e&eryone hate' )e, I %.ppo%e' I %ho.$' get a +ey, %o that no one -o.$' %nea+ into )y roo) *hi$e I *a% a*ay. I -$o%e' the 'oor an' ,$ippe' the $ight %*it-h an' rea$i1e' that I *a%, by ,ar, too $ate, be-a.%e not on$y ha' %o)eone %n.-+ in *hi$e I *a% at 'inner, b.t they ha' %taye' to *ait ,or )e. HHe$$o, $itt$e 'o$$,I -a)e the *hi%pere', throaty &oi-e o, :o$,e, to*ering abo&e )e. Hi% han' -a)e 'o*n an' grabbe' )e aro.n' the ne-+ *hi$e I *a% %ti$$ too %t.nne' to rea-t. H:o$,e ha% been *aiting ,or yo..I He p.$$e' )e -$o%e to hi) an' I ,e$t hi% hot, %tin+ing breath on )y ,a-e, then ,e$t the *ar) *etne%% o, hi% tong.e $i-+ing )y -hee+. HIt/% ti)e to p$ay.I ~

*"-teen
Ho*e&er I )ight ha&e re%pon'e', %pee-h *a% not po%%ib$e *ith hi% han' %B.ee1ing )y $aryn<. Hi% b$a-+ eye% *ere b.$ging o.t an' hi% %)i$e *a% a grin that re&ea$e' hi% %pi+e' teeth. I ,e$t the) br.%h again%t the %i'e o, )y hea' a% he p.$$e' )e -$o%e an' too+ a $ong breath thro.gh hi% no%e, inha$ing on )y hair. H:o$,e ha% )i%%e' yo. t*i-e, $itt$e 'o$$, b.t no* *e -an be together an' p$ay the *ay *e/re %.ppo%e' to. Then, *hate&er/% $e,t o, yo. *hen :o$,e i% 'oneDI I ,e$t hi% breath 'ri,t 'o*n to )y ne-+ a% he e)bra-e' )e an' hi% teeth %$ight$y bit into )y %ho.$'er ? eno.gh to p.n-t.re the -$oth o, )y t.rt$ene-+ an' the %+in b.t not eno.gh to -a.%e a 'eep *o.n' ? an' a $itt$e %.-+ing %o.n' ,o$$o*e' ,or abo.t a %e-on'. HDthey -an ha&e. That *i$$ )a+e the) happy. #n' yo.D*i$$ )a+e :o$,e happy ,ir%t.I # ha$,6in%ane titter o, g$ee -a)e ,ro) hi) an' I hear' the %)a-+ing o, hi% $ip%. I )a'e a g.tt.ra$ %o.n' o, -ho+ing an' he $oo%ene' hi% grip a% he )o&e' )e in ,ront o, hi), eno.gh %o I -o.$' ta+e a breath b.t not ).-h )ore. I -o.$' a$rea'y ,ee$ the pin% an' nee'$e% in )y ,eet an' I trie' not to ;er+ too ).-h ,or ,ear o, brea+ing )y o*n ne-+. I ).%t not ha&e been the ,ir%t per%on he/' p$a-e' in a -ho+eho$' be-a.%e he/' $earne' to grip $o* eno.gh on the ne-+ that he 'i'n/t -.t o,, a$$ -ir-.$ation. H0$Dp$DI I -o.$'n/t get a *or' o.t. He t.rne' )e aro.n' in hi% han' %o that he *a% behin' )e. I -o.$' ,ee$ hi% bo'y pre%%e' again%t )e, a% tho.gh it *ere an iron *a$$ at )y ba-+. @y ,eet to.-he' the ,$oor again b.t hi% grip a%%.re' )e that i, I trie' anything o.t o, $ine, I *o.$'n/t %.r&i&e .nti$ the agent% -a)e to )y re%-.e. Not that they *o.$' at thi% point. Not a,ter *hat I 'i'. I *a% a$one here. H0$Dp$ea%eDI I ra%pe' thro.gh the bare%t opening he ga&e )e to %pea+. I -o.$' hear a )oan o, p$ea%.re. H2e%%%%, $itt$e 'o$$. Begging i% goo' p$ay. 0$ea'ing i% ,.n.I Hi% other han' -rept aro.n' )y *ai%t an' I ,e$t a %h.''er o, re&.$%ion *hen it -a)e to re%t on )y be$$y an' one o, hi% -$a*% ra+e' thro.gh )y -$othing, gi&ing )e another %.per,i-ia$ $a-eration. I ,e$t a t*inge o, pain, %harp 'e%pite the %ha$$o*ne%% o, the -.t, an' I ,e$t the tri-+$e o, b$oo' %tart to r.n 'o*n )y ab'o)en .n'er )y %*eater. Hi% ,inger ran to hi% )o.th an' I hear' the %.-+ing %o.n' again ,o$$o*e' by another $itt$e )oan o, p$ea%.re that )a'e )e i$$. HI -an ta%te e&erything abo.t yo. in yo.r b$oo'. 2o.r ,ear%. 2o.r 'o.bt%De&ery e<B.i%ite $itt$e part o, yo.Dthi% *i$$ be %ati%,ying ,or both o, .%DI Hi% han' %$i' aro.n' )y be$$y again an' I gr.nte', )y ,ear ,or )y $i,e )o)entari$y o.t*eighe' by a ri%ing %en%e o, 'i%g.%t. HH6ho*DI The *or'% %t.)b$e' o.t a% )y )in' %o.ght o.t any 'e$ay I -o.$' ,in'. HHo* 'i' yo. ,in' )eAI Hi% grip tightene' an' on-e )ore I ,o.n' )y%e$, in a batt$e to breathe. HIt/% not yo.r p$a-e to %pea+ or a%+ B.e%tion%. 2o. are to be %i$ent e<-ept ,or the o--a%iona$ )oan or %-rea).I Hi% ,inger% '.g into the -.t he ha' )a'e in )y %to)a-h an' it %.''en$y *a%n/t %.per,i-ia$ any)ore. I *o.$' ha&e %-rea)e', b.t he ha' a -ho+ing grip on )y ne-+, a% tho.gh he anti-ipate' it. HI/$$ te$$ yo.,I I hear' hi) %ay thro.gh the %earing agony in )y g.t%. H2o. %ho.$'n/t ha&e $e,t a$$ tho%e agent% $ying aro.n' *hen yo. ran ,ro) :o$,e $a%t ti)eDt*o o, the) *ere a$i&e, yo. +no*D an' &ery he$p,.$, a,ter :o$,e %pent %o)e ti)e p$aying *ith the)D&ery he$p,.$Dan' ta%ty. They *ere no $itt$e 'o$$%, b.t they )a'e a ,ine 'i%tra-tion .nti$ I -o.$' get )y han'% aro.n' yo.Dan' in yo.DI He %tabbe' hi% ,inger ba-+ into )e an' I *ante' to %-rea) b.t *a% o.t o, air. Light% b$.rre' )y &i%ion an' the e'ge% o, e&erything in the *or$' %)oothe' o.t. # ,$a%h o, $ight b$in'e' )e. I ,e$t a %pa%)ing %ho-+ o, pain, $ighter %o)eho* than *hat *a% going on in )y g.t% b.t %ti$$

pain,.$, an' I ,e$t hi% grip $oo%en. #nother ,$a%h, another %ho-+ an' hi% han' %$ippe' ,ro) )y ne-+. @y han'% ,o.n' their *ay to )y be$$y to %ta.n-h the b$ee'ing. It ,e$t $i+e he ha' torn $oo%e )y inte%tine% an' I -r.)p$e' into a pi$e on the ,$oor ;.%t trying to -at-h )y breath. @y eye% )a'e their *ay .p to an a%to.n'ing %ight. The *in'o*% ha' e<p$o'e' in*ar' an' )en in b$a-+ ta-ti-a$ &e%t% %*ar)e' the roo), g.n% ,iring a$$ aro.n' )e. The one in ,ront that *a% a $itt$e too %)a$$ ,or hi% ta-ti-a$ eB.ip)ent *a% b$a%ting a*ay *ith the %a)e type o, *eapon I ha' %een K.rt .%e at )y ho.%e. :ith a %ho-+ I rea$i1e' it *a% Hannegan, hi% gear tight on hi% )a%%i&e ,ra)e. :o$,e %ee)e' to be re%i%ting the *eapon e&en )ore ,ier-e$y thi% ti)e, %hr.gging o,, the %hot%. (hotg.n% *ere going o,, in -a%-a'ing b$a%t% o, th.n'er in ,ront o, )e, the ).11$e ,$a%he% $ighting the roo). # %-rea) ,ro) :o$,e %ee)e' to %top ti)e an' I %a* a b$.r o, )otion ,ro) hi% han'% a% he $.nge' ,or*ar'. K.rt *ent ,$ying, hitting the *a$$ an' bo.n-ing o,,, $an'ing in a heap on three o, hi% ,e$$o*%. He *a% $.-+y7 :o$,e ha' p.n-he' hi) rather than .%ing hi% -$a*%. The ne<t hit ,ro) :o$,e *a% a %$a%h an' it -a.ght t*o g.y% *ith %hotg.n% that ha' -$o%e' on hi). One o, the) $o%t hi% hea', $itera$$y, *hi$e the other %tarte' g.%hing b$oo' ,ro) the -he%t. :o$,e $a%he' o.t *ith a +i-+ in the other 'ire-tion an' I hear' it )a+e -onta-t *ith a 9ire-torate agent %tan'ing abo&e )e, ;.%t o.t o, )y ,ie$' o, &i%ion. There *a% a %i-+ening -r.n-h o, ,$e%h an' bone 'ra*ing an' brea+ing, then a 'e%perate %.-+ing %o.n' that tapere' o,, a,ter three breath%7 it *a% a.'ib$e to )e on$y be-a.%e he $an'e' $e%% than a ,oot to )y right. I 'are' not $oo+ at the 'ying agent ,or ,ear o, *ho it )ight be. @y han' -$.t-he' at )y *o.n'e' %to)a-h an' I trie' to get .p on a$$ ,o.r% b.t ,ai$e', $ying prone on the gro.n'. I %a* another bo'y hit the ,$oor in ,ront o, )e an' rea$i1e' that there *a% on$y one pair o, ,eet %ti$$ %tan'ing an' it *a% the boote' %et be$onging to :o$,e. I rai%e' )y hea' to $oo+ .p at hi) a% he %toppe' in ,ront o, )e. He $oo+e' 'o*n *ith a t*i%te' anti-ipation that )a'e )e ,ee$ na.%ea that ha' $itt$e to 'o *ith the ,a-t that I *a% near$y g.tte'. HNo*DI he breathe', $i,ting )e into the air, t*i%ting )y tor%o an' *ren-hing a %-rea) ,ro) )y $ip%. HBe,ore *e *ere %o r.'e$y interr.pte'DI Hi% ,inger ho&ere' in ,ront o, )y eye% an' he t*i%te' )e aro.n' an' $ai' )e ,a-e'o*n on the be'. The pre%%.re o, hi% han'% aro.n' )y ne-+ h.rt a% hi% -$a*% pri-+e' thro.gh )y %*eater an' 're* b$oo'. I ,e$t hi) %tan'ing abo&e )e e&en tho.gh )y ,a-e *a% b.rie' in the be'. I %-rea)e' again b.t it *a% %o ).,,$e' by the )attre%% that it 'i'n/t e&en %o.n' that $o.' in )y hea'. He *ren-he' )e aro.n', t*i%ting )y )i'%e-tion on-e )ore an' then ,or-ib$y p$a-ing an ar) o&er )y .pper bo'y, an-horing )e in p$a-e. H@.-h better,I he %ai' in a *hi%per. HNo* I -an hear yo. %-rea).I I/) a%ha)e' to %ay that the ne<t %o.n' I )a'e *a% )ore o, a *hi)per. #t $ea%t i, I %-rea)e' 'e,ian-e I -o.$' ha&e &ente' %o)e e)otion in hi% 'ire-tion. #% it *a%, the pani- *a% %o roote' in )e that I ha' no i'ea *hat I -o.$' 'o abo.t it. He *a% in&in-ib$e, I *a% *o.n'e', e&erything h.rt. I/' *at-he' a *ho$e ar)y o, traine' agent% go .p again%t hi) an' $o%e. :hat -o.$' I 'oA He ro$$e' )e to the right an' then $e,t, en;oying the %B.ea$ing %o.n'% I )a'e ,ro) the pain in )y %to)a-h *hen he )o&e' )e. I *a% -rying ,ro) the agony7 it *a% horri,i- an' I ;.%t *ante' it to en'. The be'%prea' *a% %$i-+ *ith b$oo' by thi% point, an' he p.%he' )e again. I -a.ght a g$i)p%e o, a noteboo+ an' pen a% he -$i)be' .p onto the be' an' %tra''$e' )e, $oo+ing 'o*n, one han' at hi% %i'e an' the other being .%e' to -o)p$ete$y )anhan'$e )e. I ,$oppe' abo.t, o,,ering $itt$e re%i%tan-e. The pain *a% %o ba' I ,e$t $i+e I/' been -.t in ha$,. The be%t I -o.$' 'o *a% $et hi) ,$ip )e again an' )aintain eno.gh pre%en-e o, )in' to $et )y han' go to the pen on the night%tan', gra%ping ho$' o, it. HGrrD.-+$eDI I )a'e a patheti- +in' o, g.rg$ing noi%e that *a% abo.t R"S ,ro) the pain that *a% %tarting to '.$$ a% I &erge' on pa%%ing o.t an' abo.t 1"S ,ro) being .nab$e to arti-.$ate the terror,

agony an' rage that ,$oo'e' thro.gh )e *ith the a'rena$ine. HT%+6t%+, $itt$e 'o$$DI to$' yo., yo.r p$a-e i% not to ta$+Dit ta+e% :o$,e o.t o, the )o)entDI I )a'e another g.rg$ing %o.n' a% I trie' to %pea+. I *i%h I -o.$' %ay I ha' %o)e *itty re)ar+ in )in', b.t I *a% ,ar beyon' that point. I *a% ;.%t trying to get hi) to ho$' .p ,or a )o)ent, to get hi) to $i%ten to )e. It *or+e'. H:hat/% that, $itt$e 'o$$AI He $eane' in -$o%e, tong.e r.nning a$ong )y -hee+. H:e/re 'e%tine' to be interr.pte' any ti)e, %o perhap% :o$,e %ho.$' ,ini%h no*A Or perhap% -arrying yo. a*ay *i$$ heighten the anti-ipation ,or $aterAI Hi% ,ree han' pa*e' )y -he%t, bringing a ,re%h *a&e o, na.%ea a% he too+ $ibertie% *ith )e that no one ha' e&er ta+en be,ore. HNotD$i+eDthi%DPI I %pat a )o.th,.$ o, b$oo' in hi% ,a-e, -a.%ing hi) to re-oi$ a% I bro.ght the pen .p an' aro.n', 'ri&ing it into hi% ear. Hi% han' *a% a$rea'y )o&ing to *ipe o,, the %pit *hen the pen )a'e -onta-t. I 'i'n/t ha&e ).-h %trength $e,t, b.t I .%e' it a$$ an' ai)e' it per,e-t$y. It %.n+ in an' he tore o,, a %-rea) that %o.n'e' $i+e the *or$' *a% en'ing in ,ront o, )y ,a-e7 then he ha.$e' o,, an' ba-+han'e' )e %o har' I ,$oppe' o,, the be', $an'ing on the ,$oor ,a-e'o*n. HBITCHPI Hi% ,.ry *a% *hite6hot an' I -o.$' hear hi) abo&e )e. #t thi% point I *a% i))obi$e, .nab$e to )o&e anything b.t )y han'%, *hi-h ha' ,o.n' their *ay to )y %to)a-h *o.n'. HI/) going to ,ini%h yo. no*, an' I/) not e&en going to be ni-e, $itt$e 'o$$. There *on/t be anything $e,t *hen I/) 'one *ith yo.OI Hi% han'% %ei1e' )e on the %ho.$'er% an' he r.bbe' )y ,a-e into the -arpet har' eno.gh that )y no%e bro+e. I ,e$t hi) -$.t-hing at )e, %-rat-hing an' -.tting a% he .%e' hi% -$a*% to ha-+ at the *ai%tban' o, )y pant% ? then I hear' another horri,i- -ra-+ing noi%e an' it too+ )e a )in.te to rea$i1e that the %o.n' *a%n/t )a'e by hi) hitting )e b.t by %o)eone e$%e hitting hi). # b$a%t o, -hi$$ ran thro.gh the roo) ,ro) the *in'o* an' I -o.$' ha&e %*orn that there *a% a *inter %tor) e&en tho.gh a ,e* )in.te% ear$ier it ha' on$y been -$o.'y. # g.%t b$e* in a -ir-$e an' I rea$i1e' )y 'oor *a% open. The breath o, ,ro%t $i-+e' at )e an' the ,ee$ing o, a 'eep -hi$$ ran .p )y %pine, -a.%ing )e to *on'er i, it *a% ,ro) the b$oo' $o%%. The -o$' *in' -arrie' it% o*n %)e$$, .niB.e, b.t a %.bt$e re)in'er o, the *a$+% I ha' ta+en aro.n' the gro.n'% in the $a%t ,e* 'ay%. I .%e' the $a%t o, )y %trength to ro$$ to )y ba-+ an' rea$i1e' I *a% %.rro.n'e' by the pro%trate bo'ie% o, the agent% that ha' %tor)e' the roo). @y eye% )o&e' to :o$,e, on one +nee, %ti$$ i)po%%ib$y ta$$, b.t ,a-e' 'o*n by a 'ar+ ,ig.re that %too' bet*een hi) an' )e. :o$,e *a% breathing in ,it% an' -ri)%on ran 'o*n the %i'e o, hi% ,a-e in a 'ar+ %trea) ,ro) hi% ear. HJot.n,I he %ai' in a $o* &oi-e. H2o./re %ti$$ a$i&e a,ter a$$ the%e -ent.rie%.I HOn$y ;.%t,I -a)e the B.iet &oi-e o, O$' @an :inter. Hi% height *a% not B.ite that o, :o$,e *hen the bea%t *a% %tan'ing, b.t %ee)e' $i+e a giant ,ro) )y per%pe-ti&e. HThe )i$$enia ha&e been +in'er to yo. than to )e, I/) a,rai'.I HLet )e ha&e the gir$,I :o$,e %ai', 'ragging hi)%e$, to hi% ,eet. H2o. -an ha&e the $itt$e 'o$$ ba-+ *hen I/) 'one, b.t I ha&e toDha&e toD,ini%hDI -an e&en $ea&e her a$i&e *hen I/) 'oneDat $ea%t a $itt$eDI HI thin+ not,I O$' @an :inter %ai' *itho.t pa.%e. HI ha&e another %B.a' o, agent% on the *ay, an' yo. +no* that *ith )y he$pDI He $et hi% *or'% trai$ o,,. HI/) not 'one *ith her.I :o$,e/% &oi-e *a% in,.%e' *ith a +in' o, )ania that -hi$$e' )e *or%e than the ,ree1ing air. He %to)pe' hi% ,oot an' I hear' a %nap that I %.%pe-te' *a% the %o.n' o, hi% ,oot ,in'ing a 9ire-torate agent/% ne-+ a% it $an'e'. HI *on/t %top .nti$ I ha&e her, Nti$ *eDp$ay.I The $a%t *or'% -a)e o.t in a t*i%te', $yri-a$ note that *o.$' ha&e ,i$$e' )e *ith 'i%g.%t i, I *eren/t -o)p$ete$y *re-+e'. H2o. are 'one *ith her,I O$' @an :inter %ai' a% the -hi$$ inten%i,ie', both ,ro) hi% *or'% an' ,ro) a ho*$ing te)pe%t o, -o$' *in'%. H2o. *i$$ not %ee+ her here again .n$e%% yo. *i%h to ,a-e )eD

an' a% o$' a% I a) no*, yo. an' I both +no* that a$tho.gh one )ay %.r&i&e a -on,rontation bet*een the t*o o, .%, the %.r&i&or *o.$' ne&er be the %a)eDI I tho.ght I %a* a brie, tre)or ,ro) :o$,e, b.t it ,a'e' a% hi% eye% ,$i-+ere' an' the )o%t horri,ying -reat.re I -o.$' e&er i)agine bo.n'e' o.t the *in'o*. I hear' the -r.%hing o, %no* ,or a ,e* ,oot,a$$%, %a* O$' @an :inter t.rn to ,a-e )e *ith tho%e i-e b$.e eye%, an' then it *a% a% i, )y brain b$i%%,.$$y pro-$ai)e' )e %a,e, be-a.%e I $o*ere' )y%e$, ba-+ 'o*n an' pa%%e' o.t. ~

S",teen
:hen I *o+e .p, thing% *ere ha1y an' a %)a$$ *o)an *a% ho&ering o&er )e in a $ab -oat. (he ,$a%he' )e a B.i-+ %)i$e a% I b$in+e' at her. H9on/t try an' %it .p yet,I %he %ai', br.%hing a $o-+ o, b$a-+ hair o.t o, her eye% a% %he $eane' o&er )e. I obeye' her, )o%t$y be-a.%e I 'i'n/t ,ee$ a% i, I -o.$' )o&e. I $oo+e' 'o*n to %ee )y -$othe% rep$a-e' *ith a ho%pita$ go*n. The )e)ory o, :o$,e/% atta-+ -.t thro.gh the ha1e an' I ,e$t na.%ea %et in be$o* the pain in )y %to)a-h. I %tarte' to gag a% I re-a$$e' e&ery %i-+ening 'etai$ o, *hat he trie' to 'o to )e an' I began to ret-h. (earing pain ra-e' thro.gh )y ab'o)en. H:hoaPI The *o)an gra%pe' )e .n'er )y %ho.$'er%, he$ping )e t.rn. I thre* .p o&er the e'ge o, the tab$e, .nab$e to -ontro$ )y rea-tion. # 'i%g.%ting ,ee$ing o, being &io$ate' %eepe' into )e an' I ret-he' again. I *ante' to %ho*er, to %-r.b )y %+in .nti$ it b$e'. I gri)a-e' ,ro) the pain in )y %to)a-h that *a% )a'e *or%e by )y hea&ing. H2o. nee' to %ett$e 'o*n. That )ania- near$y p.$$e' o.t yo.r inte%tine% an' that/$$ %$o* anyone 'o*n, e&en a ,a%t6hea$ing )eta $i+e yo.r%e$,.I I -o.ghe'. H:ho are yo.AI (he *rappe' a %tetho%-ope aro.n' her ne-+ be,ore an%*ering. H9r. I%abe$$a 0er.gini. I/) the re%i'ent @.9. here in the )e'i-a$ .nit.I I b$an-he' a% %he t.rne' an' in;e-te' a nee'$e in an IC that ran to )y ar). H:here/% 9r. (e%%ion%AI (he %norte'. HThe $ab rat i% *here he be$ong% ? p$aying *ith te%t t.be% an' bea+er%.I The ha1e o, pain began to $i,t. It *a% %ti$$ there7 I ;.%t 'i'n/t noti-e it a% ).-h. H(o he 'oe%n/t treat patient%AI HNo.I (he t.rne' ba-+ to )e, a -$ipboar' in her han'%. HI/&e treate' yo. both ti)e% yo./&e -o)e thro.gh )y 'oor%. :ant %o)e )e'i-a$ a'&i-eAI H:i$$ it %top the painAI HNot i))e'iate$y, b.t it -o.$' pre&ent it in the ,.t.re.I (he t.rne' %erio.%. H(top ,a-ing o,, *ith thi% :o$,e -hara-ter, *i$$ yo.A I/) %i-+ o, ha&ing b$oo' a$$ o&er )y ,$oor.I H(en' %o)e o, it to yo.r pa$ 9r. (e%%ion%7 he/% ;one%ing ,or it.I H8ir%t o, a$$, it/% not a$$ yo.r%,I %he %ai' *ith a no' to a ha$, 'o1en ,ig.re% on be'% 'o*n a $ine ,ro) )e. The agent% that trie' to re%-.e )e ,ro) :o$,e. H(e-on', i, he *ant% it, Ron/% *e$-o)e to -o)e o&er here *ith a )op7 I %.%pe-t the ;anitoria$ 'epart)ent i% getting B.ite %i-+ o, -$eaning .p the%e %ort% o, )e%%e%.I H9i' %o)eone %ay )y na)eAI I $oo+e' a% ,ar a% I -o.$' to*ar' the 'oor*ay an' %a* 9r. (e%%ion% %i$ho.ette' in the ,ra)e. H2eah,I I %ai' in a ragge' *hi%per. HI *a% ;.%t te$$ing 9r. 0er.gini that %he %ho.$' %a&e yo. %o)e o, )y e<-e%% b$oo' %in-e it/% e&ery*here.I H2e%,I he %ai' *ith e<-ite)ent, Hthat *o.$' be )ar&e$o.%.I HRon,I 9r. 0er.gini %ai' in a-+no*$e'g)ent, *ith a tone that in'i-ate' %o)e i)patien-e. H:hy are yo. 'ar+ening )y 'oorAI HI -a)e to gi&e @%. Nea$on her te%t re%.$t%.I Hi% ,a-e t*it-he' an' he p.%he' the g$a%%e% ba-+ .p into po%ition on hi% no%e. HQ.ite intere%ting.I HO, -o.r%e it e%-ape% yo.r noti-e %he/% near 'ea',I 0er.gini ).ttere' .n'er her breath, %par+ing a B.i11i-a$ $oo+ ,ro) (e%%ion%. (he opene' her ar)% *i'e. HBy a$$ )ean%, 'e$i&er yo.r te%t re%.$t%.I H(o *hat a) IAI I %ai' *itho.t prea)b$e. HNo i'ea,I he rep$ie' a% he -ro%%e' the ,$oor an' ha$te' at )y be'%i'e. H2o. 'e,y i))e'iate

-$a%%i,i-ation.I # %)i$e o, 'e$ight -o$ore' hi% pa%ty ,eat.re%. HTr.$y bi1arre.I HHe/% a %*eet ta$+er, that one,I I %ai' to 9r. 0er.gini, *ho %norte' again, thi% ti)e in a).%e)ent. H:hy i% that bi1arreAI HI/&e ana$y1e' h.n're'% o, )eta6h.)an%,I he *ent on, Han' )o%t ,a$$ into -o))on type% ? a ha$,6 'o1en or %o gro.ping% 'epen'ing on the %pe-ia$ po*er% they e<hibit. (o)e ten' )ore to*ar' in-re'ib$e phy%i-a$ attrib.te%, %o)e ha&e energy pro;e-tion -apabi$itie% orOI H0erhap% %pea+ to the gir$ in Eng$i%h,I 9r. 0er.gini interr.pte'. HNo nee' ,or that,I he -orre-te' her. HI ga&e her an inte$$igen-e te%t a% *e$$7 I -o.$' be ha&ing thi% 'i%-.%%ion in Latin an' %he/' pi-+ .p the e%%entia$ point%. The %i)p$e ,a-t i%OI HI 'e,y -$a%%i,i-ation,I I interr.pte', )y *or'% -a$), -o)ing o.t o&er the ,o.$, a-i'i- ta%te in )y )o.th ,ro) )y re-ent bo.t o, &o)iting. HE&en a)ong the bi1arre, I/) bi1arre.I # phone rang a-ro%% the )e'i-a$ .nit an' 9r. 0er.gini ga&e 9r. (e%%ion% a thin$y $i''e' g$are be,ore %tri'ing a*ay to an%*er it. He +ept hi% 'i%tan-e, a% tho.gh he *ere .n-o),ortab$e %tepping any -$o%er. In%tea' he %tare' at )e in a *ay that, ha' any other )an 'one it right no*, *o.$' $i+e$y ha&e %et )e to &o)iting again. I %tare' ba-+ at hi). H:hatAI H2o.r phy%i-a$ %trength i% high abo&e a nor)a$ )eta/%, %o yo. %ho.$' be )ani,e%ting %oon, i, yo. ha&en/t a$rea'y. No .niB.e abi$itie% to report yetAI I ,e$t 1ero -o)p.n-tion abo.t $ying, b.t *a% re$ie&e' that 9r. 0er.gini ha' %teppe' a*ay7 I %.%pe-te' %he *o.$' %ee thro.gh )y .ntr.th7 9r. (e%%ion% 'i'n/t ha&e a prayer. HNo. Nothing .n.%.a$.I He t.rne' ba-+ to hi% -$ipboar'. H:e$$, that/% ,ineDit/% nor)a$ that yo. *o.$'n/t be e<perien-ing anything yet. B.t a% ti)e goe% by, a''itiona$ abi$itie% *i$$ )ateria$i1e.I He $oo+e' 'o*n at the b$oo' poo$e' at hi% ,eet. H#n' I/$$, .hDI He p.$$e' a %)a$$ te%t t.be o.t o, hi% -oat po-+et an' %toope' 'o*n, %-raping it a-ro%% the ti$e ,$oor, ,or-ing a %)a$$ a)o.nt into the &ia$ be,ore p.tting a r.bber %topper on it. 9r. 0er.gini ro.n'e' the -orner ;.%t in ti)e to %ee hi) an' thre* .p her han'% in %i$ent e<a%peration. He %too' .p, ,ai$ing to noti-e her behin' hi). HI/$$ get thi% ana$y1e' an' )aybe it/$$ gi&e .% %o)e i'ea% o, *hat yo. are.I He t.rne' an' %tarte' *hen he %a* 9r. 0er.gini, then %h.,,$e' aro.n' her a% %he g$are' at hi). HHe ha% the be'%i'e )anner o, a goat,I %he %ai' *ith a hint o, a E.ropean a--ent. HB.t not the -o))on %en%e nor ta-t. ThatOI %he pointe' to the phone behin' herOH*a% #ria'ne. (he an' O$' @an :inter are -o)ing 'o*n to %ee yo. no* that yo./re a*a+e.I H9i' they a$rea'y +no* I *a% a*a+e *hen they -a$$e'AI I a%+e'. I -o.$' be$ie&e 9r. (e%%ion% *o.$' *an'er o&er an' not +no* that I *a% .n-on%-io.%7 I/' be %ho-+e' i, #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter *eren/t %pying on )e. (he %tare' ba-+ at )e, her 'ar+ eye% -oo$ an' .n,$in-hing. H2e%.I (he t.rne' a*ay, grabbing a -$ipboar' o,, a nearby %he$,. H2o./re going to nee' to %tart eating again %oon. I 'on/t *ant to %train yo.r 'ige%ti&e tra-t .nti$ I/) %.re it/% ,.$$y hea$e', %o I/$$ be gi&ing yo. another .$tra%o.n' in a -o.p$e ho.r% to -on,ir) yo. )en' a% ,a%t a% I %.%pe-t yo. 'o. #,ter that, 'inner *i$$ be %er&e'.I HI/) not h.ngry,I I %ai'. The br.%h *ith :o$,e )a'e )e *on'er i, I/' e&er be ab$e to eat again *itho.t hea&ing. HThat/% o+ay,I %he rep$ie' *itho.t $oo+ing .p ,ro) her -$ipboar'. HI/) not ,ee'ing yo. yet.I The )e'i-a$ .nit *a% a $ong roo), probab$y a% $ong a% )y ho.%e b.t narro*er, *ith -.rtain% %eparating in'i&i'.a$ be'% an' a pri&ate roo) at the ,ar en' *ith an o&er%i1e' 'oor ,or ro$$ing g.rney% in. E&ery %.r,a-e *a% the %a)e ,$at )eta$ that I/' %een in the roo) I/' *o+en .p in *hen I/' ,ir%t arri&e' at the 9ire-torate, bro+en .p by g$a%% *in'o*% that $oo+e' o.t into a ha$$*ay that )at-he' the 'i%tin-t $oo+ o, the hea'B.arter% b.i$'ing. The %harp o'or o, 'i%in,e-tant% *rin+$e' )y no%e a% I too+ it in ,or the ,ir%t ti)e, a$)o%t gi&ing )e

another rea%on to gag. I -o.$' hear the $o* beep% o, )onitoring eB.ip)ent in the ba-+gro.n' an' the ,aint h.) o, a$$ the )a-hinery. I -o.nte' the n.)ber o, o--.pie' be'% I -o.$' %ee ,ro) *here I $ay. Le%% than a ha$, 'o1en. HHo* 'o yo. han'$e %o )any at one ti)eAI I a%+e'. HI 'on/t,I %he %ai', a %$ight tre)b$e in her &oi-e. HI ha' to triage, an' O$' @an :inter 'e)an'e' I treat yo. ,ir%t.I HB.t I -an %.r&i&e )ore than any o, the).I HI +no*,I %he %ai' *ith a no', not $oo+ing .p ,ro) her -$ipboar'. H#n' on-e I ha' e%tab$i%he' yo.r *o.n'% *ere not o, the $i,e6threatening &ariety, I )o&e' on to the ne<t -riti-a$ patient.I HHo* )any o, the) 'ie'AI The *or'% *ere $i+e a%he% in )y )o.th. Bitter. # )o)ent o, %i$en-e pa%%e' bet*een .%. H8i&e.I I 'i' not re%pon' to her %tate)ent, an' %he 'i'n/t %pea+ either. The 'oor% on the ,ar %i'e o, the )e'i-a$ .nit opene' to a')it #ria'ne, *ho $oo+e' 'ra*n, her %e&ere %.it *rin+$e' a% tho.gh %he ha' %$ept in it. O$' @an :inter ,o$$o*e' a pa-e behin' her, hi% age $e%% ob&io.% to'ay, I tho.ght ? or *a% that be-a.%e I +ne* he *a%n/t *hat he appeare'A HHe$$o,I #ria'ne %ai'. I 'i'n/t bother to g$are. (he too+ thi% a% an in&itation to )o&e -$o%er, an' ho&ere' o&er )y be'. HHo* are yo. ,ee$ingAI HLi+e I/&e been +i-+e', p.n-he', g.tte', %$appe' an' %to)pe' on,I I %ai' *itho.t ).-h ,ee$ing. H(o ba%i-a$$y $i+e yo. $oo+ a$$ the ti)e.I I -o.$'n/t %top )y%e$,. O.-h. Her ;a* 'roppe' on$y a $itt$e, an' %he re-o&ere' B.i-+$y. I thin+ %he *a% getting .%e' to )y barb%. Goo'. O$' @an :inter %too' a ,e* ,eet behin' her, *at-hing )e, b.t 'i' not %pea+. #ria'ne $oo+e' -ha%tene', b.t began again. H:e/&e been +eeping .p'ate' on yo.r progre%% thro.gh 9r. 0er.gini. (he/% )o%t i)pre%%e' *ith yo.r hea$ing abi$itie%, *hi-h rate &ery high on the )eta6h.)an %-a$e.I HThat/% -o)ing in han'y )ore o,ten than I *o.$' ha&e hope',I I rep$ie'. HI ta+e it :o$,e brea+ing into yo.r 'or)itory b.i$'ing -a)e a% a %.rpri%e ,or yo., tooAI #ria'ne ,o$'e' her ar)% an' %hoo+ her hea'. H:e %ho.$'n/t ha&e ta+en K.rt/% report that a$$ o.r agent% at yo.r ho.%e *ere 'ea' at ,a-e &a$.e7 *e %ho.$' ha&e &eri,ie' to )a+e %.re nothing *a% $e,t behin' that -o.$' be tra-e' ba-+ to .%. B.t at the ti)e *e &ie*e' %en'ing a re-o&ery tea) ,or the bo'ie% a% too great a ri%+ ,or ,ear that :o$,e *o.$' %o)eho* tra-+ the) ba-+ to .%.I I pi-t.re' the o&er%i1e' :o$,e 'ri&ing a -ar, ,o$$o*ing a -on&oy o, agent%, then ha' an i'$e tho.ght *on'ering *hat +in' o, &ehi-$e he *o.$' 'ri&e. The i)age o, hi) -ra))e' behin' the *hee$ o, a Co$+%*agon b.g poppe' into )y hea' an' in %pite o, a$$ the e)otiona$ t.r)oi$ I ha' to %ti,$e the .rge to $a.gh, *hi-h *a% o&erta+en by the ,ee$ing o, %i-+ne%% again *hen I tho.ght o, hi). H#re yo. o+ayAI #ria'ne $oo+e' at )e *ith a -on-ern that I *o.$' ha&e ,o.n' to.-hing i, I tr.%te' her in the %$ighte%t. #% it *a%, %he %p.rre' )y in%tin-t to ai) at her i, I ,e$t the .rge to &o)it again. HI/$$ be ,ine.I I *a&e' her o,,. H2o. 'i'n/t -o)e 'o*n here to ta$+ to )e abo.t )y abi$itie%, 'i' yo.AI HNo,I #ria'ne rep$ie' a,ter a )o)ent/% pa.%e. H:e -a)e to ta$+ to yo. abo.t %e-.rity. 2o.r%.I I ,e$t ho$$o*, a -o)p$ete $a-+ o, e)otion. H:hat abo.t itA 9o yo. *ant )e to $ea&eAI HNo, no.I #ria'ne %hoo+ her hea' *ith e)pha%i%. HNo* that :o$,e ha% ,o.n' o.r $o-ation, tho.gh, it -hange% thing%. :e *ant to +eep yo. a*ay ,ro) the o.tb.i$'ing% an' here in the hea'B.arter%, *here *e ha&e the greate%t -han-e to be ab$e to prote-t yo. ,ro) hi).I I *a%n/t %t.nne'. I *a%n/t e&en %.rpri%e'. B.t I 'i' ,ee$ a -$.t-h o, ,ear at the tho.ght o, not being ab$e to %ee the %+y, -$o.'y tho.gh it *a%, or ,ee$ the ,rigi' *inter air on )y -hee+%. 8.nny, %in-e I/' on$y ;.%t ,e$t it o&er the $a%t ,e* 'ay%, that I *a% a$rea'y a''i-te' an' .n*anting to gi&e it .p. H(o yo. 'on/t *ant )e to $ea&e the b.i$'ingDat a$$A I% that rightAI #ria'ne %hare' an .n-ertain $oo+ *ith O$' @an :inter, *ho no''e'. HJ.%t ,or the ti)e being,I %he

%ai', ret.rning her ga1e to )e. HKnti$ *e -an re%o$&e thi% :o$,e %it.ation.I I $a.ghe', that %-orn,.$ noi%e I )a+e *hen I/) not rea$$y ,in'ing %o)ething ,.nny b.t I *ant to %ho* )y 'i%'ain ,or *hat/% been %ai'. HHe/% *ipe' o.t e&erything yo./&e %ent a,ter hi), in-$.'ing yo.r %e-.rity here on yo.r -a)p.%. :hat, e<a-t$y, i% going to re%o$&e thi% N:o$,e %it.ation/AI H@6(B.a' *i$$ be ret.rning ,ro) %pe-ia$ a%%ign)ent 'o*n in the #n'e% @o.ntain% a% %oon a% *e -an get in -onta-t *ith the). On-e they ret.rn,I #ria'ne -ontin.e', H*e ha&e ,.$$ -on,i'en-e they/$$ be ab$e to ta+e :o$,e o.t o, p$ay. Or,I %he %ai' *ith another ba-+*ar' $oo+ at O$' @an :inter, Hat $ea%t -ontain hi).I HContain hi)AI I %-o,,e' again. HThe peop$e I/&e ta$+e' toOI H@eaning Ma-+,I #ria'ne interr.pte'. I ignore' her an' -ontin.e'. HO%ee) to thin+ that he/% one o, the %tronge%t )eta% on the p$anet. I% that a--.rateAI #ria'ne e<-hange' an .n-o),ortab$e $oo+ *ith O$' @an :inter. #n' by .n-o),ortab$e, I )ean on her en'. He $oo+e' p$a-i' a% e&er. HHe i% one o, the %tronge%t, ye%,I %he %ai'. HB.t that 'oe%n/t )ean he -an/t be %toppe'.I HThat/% ,.nny,I I %ai' *ith a -a$) I 'i'n/t ,ee$. HBe-a.%e 9r. (e%%ion% to$' )e I *a% a %.per %trong )eta, an' I -an/t )a+e ).-h o, a 'ent in hi), .n$e%% yo. -o.nt *hen I %t.-+ a pen in hi% ear.I H# -$e&er %trategy, by the *ay,I #ria'ne a''e'. H# 'e%perate one that bo.ght )e a$$ o, thirty %e-on'% be,ore he rea,,ir)e' hi% 'e%ire to rape an' +i$$ )e,I I rage' ba-+ at her. HIt bo.ght yo. eno.gh ti)e to a$$o* .% to inter&ene,I %he %ai' in a &oi-e that *a% o&er$y -o)p$i)entary. H#$$o*e' hi) to inter&ene, yo. )ean.I I pointe' at O$' @an :inter. H:o$,e -a$$e' yo. Jot.n ? a Nor'i- ,ro%t giant.I He no''e' at )e *ith a pon'ero.%, %$o* 'ip o, hi% hea' b.t 'i' not %pea+. H2o./&e ,a-e' :o$,e be,oreAI He no''e' again. HB.t yo. both %.r&i&e'. #n' :o$,e ha% been a$i&e ,or tho.%an'% o, year%AI O$' @an :inter no''e' again an' bro+e hi% %i$en-e on-e )ore. HHe ha%. # -annier ,oe there i% not7 he ha% %.r&i&e' $i&ing on the ra1or/% e'ge a$$ the%e year% an' a$*ay% a)ong peop$e that are the *or$'/% )o%t 'angero.%. :hat 'oe% it %ay abo.t hi) to be ab$e to $i&e )i$$enia in %.-h -on'ition%AI @y heart %an+. HThat he/% 'angero.%. :or%e than anything yo. -an thro* at hi).I O$' @an :inter no''e', on-e )ore ,i<ate' on )y eye%. HIn or'er to prote-t yo., *e ).%t +eep yo. in thi% b.i$'ing. 9o yo. .n'er%tan'AI Knbi''en, a )e)ory o, the 'oor o, the bo< -$o%ing -a)e to )e, an' I ,e$t a )o)entary .rge to ,ight, to arg.e, to %tr.gg$e o.t o, )y be' an' %-rea) at hi) in 'e,ian-e. Then the pain in )y %to)a-h %.rge' a% I )o&e', an' another, hotter e)otion -a)e o&er )e, a 'i%g.%t an' h.)i$iation at the tho.ght o, :o$,e )anhan'$ing )e in )y roo) in the 'or)itory, o, hi% han'% a$$ o&er )e, hi% ,inger in%i'e )y g.t%, ripping )e .pDan' I a$)o%t gagge'. H2e%,I I %ai' %i)p$y, %*ir$ing e)otion% batte' to the %i'e. HGoo',I #ria'ne %ai' *ith .n'i%g.i%e' re$ie,. HI *a% *orrie' that yo. )ight be hea'%trong an' try to re%i%t goo' %en%e.I I ,e$t *ea+, 'raine'. HG$a' I -o.$' a$$ay yo.r )i%per-eption%.I I $ai' )y hea' on the pi$$o* behin' )e, not bothering to $oo+ at #ria'ne or O$' @an :inter any $onger. (he he%itate'. HThere *i$$ be agent% %.rro.n'ing the )e'i-a$ .nit. They/re on -on%tant *at-h, e%pe-ia$$y a,ter *hat happene' to the agent% at yo.r ho.%e an' the *ay :o$,e *a% ab$e to brea-h %e-.rity in the 'or). I, yo. nee' anything ? ,oo', boo+%, entertain)ent ? ;.%t a%+.I (he %)i$e', a% i, %he -o.$' %en%e that a$tho.gh I *a%n/t %hooting any &eno) her *ay it *a%n/t be-a.%e I 'i'n/t *ant to. (he an' O$' @an :inter $e,t, b.t on$y a,ter he ga&e )e another $ong, har' %tare. #,ter they $e,t, 9r. 0er.gini too+ a )o)ent to re-or' )y &ita$%, ,$.,,e' )y pi$$o* *ith a )atron$y -$.-+, an' then,

*ith an a')oni%h)ent to -a$$ o.t i, I nee'e' anything, *a$+e' to her o,,i-e an' %h.t the 'oor. The -.rtain% *ere .p bet*een )e an' the re%t o, the patient%, an' ,ro) *here I *a% %itting I -o.$' %ee the ba-+% o, agent% thro.gh the *in'o*%, %tatione' o.t%i'e the 'oor% o, the )e'i-a$ .nit, an' I hear' a hea$thy -o.gh ,ro) behin' one o, the -.rtain%, te$$ing )e there *ere )ore behin' the partition%. 2et %ti$$, I ,e$t a$one. #gain. I tho.ght ba-+ to *hat #ria'ne ha' %ai' abo.t e<pe-ting a 'i,,erent rea-tion ,ro) )e at the tho.ght o, being in $o-+'o*n. I *on'ere' ,or ;.%t a )o)ent *hat I ).%t $oo+ $i+e to the), ho* )y a-tion% ).%t appear7 then I 'i%)i%%e' it an' rea$i1e' I on$y -are' a $itt$e. I %ti$$ 'i'n/t tr.%t the). They *o.$' prote-t )e no*, b.t ,or rea%on% that *ere their o*n7 rea%on% that *ere %ti$$ .n-$ear to )e, b.t a$)o%t -ertain$y in&o$&e' .%ing )e an' )y po*er%, *hate&er they *ere, ,or their o*n en'%. I $oo+e' a-ro%% the .nit an' ,o.n' the *a$$ there to be )a'e o, re,$e-ti&e )eta$ that a$$o*e' )e to %ee a 'i%torte' pi-t.re o, )y ,a-e. Br.i%e% 'otte' )y -hee+% an' *rappe' aro.n' both eye%. There *a% -r.%te' b$oo' .n'er )y no%e, an' it $oo+e' )i%%hapen. @y eye% *ere ha.nte', the $oo+ o, %o)eone *ho ha' the %pirit battere' o.t o, the). The o&erhea' $ight% *ent o.t, 'i))ing the roo), an' )y re,$e-tion *a% %hro.'e' in %ha'o*. It *a% nightti)e7 I +ne* it e&en tho.gh there *ere no *in'o*%. I hear' a 'oor -$o%e hea&i$y at the ,ar en' o, the *ar', an' it bro.ght )e ba-+ again to the %o.n' o, the bo< *hen @other *o.$' %$a) it %h.t. HKeep yo.r ,inger% o.t o, the *ay,I %he/' %nar$ ;.%t be,ore %he -$o%e' it. Then the $itt$e -$i-+% ,o$$o*e' a% %he *or+e' the pin in p$a-e to $o-+ it. (he a$*ay% %h.t the $itt$e &ie*ing %$it $a%t, .%.a$$y a,ter %aying %o)ething rea%%.ring or ta.nting thro.gh it, an' the $ight *o.$' go o.t ,ro) the *or$' an' I/' be a$one in the 'ar+, a$$ by )y%e$,. Con,ine)ent or :o$,e. I +ne* *hi-h I ,eare' )ore. ~

Seventeen
I 'on/t +no* *hen I ,e$$ a%$eep b.t I +no* that *hen I 'i' )y hea' *a% %ti$$ %*ir$ing *ith tho.ght% abo.t :o$,e an' the ,ight, i, yo. -o.$' -a$$ it that. I 'ri,te' into a 'ar+ne%% that ha' $itt$e to 'o *ith )y phy%i-a$ %.rro.n'ing%. I ,e$t )y%e$, %*a$$o*e' in that %.rrea$, ,a'e' *or$' that ha' been pre%ent both ti)e% I ha' ta$+e' to Ree' in )y 'rea)%. B.t thi% ti)e, %o)eho*, it *a% 'i,,erent. The *or$' aro.n' )e %*ir$e' in a %ort o, ro.gh -$arity7 a% it -a)e into &ie* I re-ogni1e' the %.rro.n'ing%. Litt$e $ight% hanging abo&e, %o,t b$.e )at% on the gro.n' be$o*, an' b$.rre' -on-rete at the e'ge% o, )y &i%ion ga&e ri%e to the rea$i1ation that I *a% in )y ba%e)ent. I $oo+e' into the -orner an' %.re eno.gh, there it *a% ? the bo< ? pee+ing o.t o, the 'ar+ne%%, it% ,$at e'ge% &i%ib$e in the $o* $ight o, )y 'rea). HLitt$e 'o$$DI The gro*$ing &oi-e %ent an in&o$.ntary t*it-h thro.gh )y bo'y, %ti,,ening )y %pine an' -a.%ing )e to rai%e )y g.ar'. It 'i' not a *hit o, goo'. :o$,e %pr.ng at )e ,ro) o.t o, the 'ar+ne%% by the bo<, bo.n'ing at )e, $eaping ,ro) a$$ ,o.r%. I *a% para$y1e', .nab$e to )o&e a% he -ro%%e' the 'i&i'e bet*een .%. I b$an-he' a*ay ,ro) the i)pen'ing hit, thro*ing a$$ the training @other ha' gi&en )e right o.t o, the neare%t *in'o*. :o$,e %ai$e' to*ar' )e, then pa%%e' thro.gh )e a% tho.gh I *ere a% in%.b%tantia$ a% the air *e *ere breathing. He -a)e to re%t *itho.t to.-hing the *a$$, pi&ote' an' -a)e ba-+ at )e, pa%%ing thro.gh on-e )ore. #n angry, perp$e<e' e<pre%%ion 'ar+ene' hi% a$rea'y &i-io.% ,eat.re%, an' he bore the $oo+ o, a )an 'enie' hi% ,on'e%t *i%h. He 're* on-e )ore to hi% ,.$$ height an' $oo+e' at )e *ith %.%pi-ion, +eeping hi% 'i%tan-e an' *at-hing )e, eye% *ary an' -a$-.$ating. H# 'rea) *a$+erDthi% i% not rea$DI Hi% &oi-e *a% $o* an' gra&e$$y, an' e&en tho.gh he -o.$'n/t to.-h or h.rt )e, hi% *or'% %ent a &ery rea$ -hi$$ o, ,ear thro.gh )y g.t% in the %a)e p$a-e *here hi% ,inger ha' rippe' into )y ab'o)en. H:hat/% a 'rea) *a$+erA I% that *hat thi% i%A :hat I a)AI I p.t a%i'e )y ,ear, 'e%perate ,or an%*er%. He ignore' )e. H2o. -a.ght the :o$,e *hi$e he/% %$eeping. Cery tri-+y. 2o./re hi'ing, %nea+ing aro.n' behin' the 9ire-torate/% *a$$%, -o.nting on the Jot.n to prote-t yo. ,ro) :o$,eAI Hi% ,era$ %)i$e ret.rne'. H:hy 'on/t yo. -o)e o.t an' p$ayA It -o.$' be %o ,.n.I HGee, I *on'er *hy I 'on/t *ant to ,a-e a p%y-hopathi- $.nati- $i+e yo.,I I %nappe' at hi). Hot anger boi$e' in )e. H2o./re .nhinge'.I HCo)e o.t an' p$ay, $itt$e 'o$$.I The %)i$e *a% *or%e, a na%ty, %to)a-h6t.rning re)in'er o, *hat he/' trie' to 'o *ith )e7 to )e. HThe :o$,e ;.%t *ant% to p$ay.I H#re yo. %t.pi'A Or are yo. 'ea, ,ro) *here I %tabbe' yo. in the earAI He ,$in-he'. I %a* it an' it ga&e )e a )o)ent o, hope. HI/) not -o)ing o.t. I/) going to %tay here, be-a.%e I ha&e 1ero 'e%ire to be yo.r p$aything an' 'ie a horrib$e 'eath a,ter yo. 'o Go' +no*% *hat to )e.I H2o. *on/t 'ie, $itt$e 'o$$,I hi% &oi-e ra%pe'. HThat *a%n/t a ni-e *ay to p$ay, %tabbing :o$,e in the ear. It )a+e% hi) thin+ abo.t yo. e&ery ti)e the pain ,$are%. B.t :o$,e *on/t +i$$ yo., oh no, not yet. Not .nti$ they %ay %o, be-a.%e they *ant the $itt$e 'o$$ oh6%o6ba'.I H:ho are theyDan' *hat 'o they *ant )e ,orAI I $oo+e' 'o*n at hi), on a$$ ,o.r%, a% tho.gh he *ere rea'y to %pring at )e again. H#h, ah, ah.I He %hoo+ hi% hea'. HI/$$ te$$ yo. i, yo. -o)e o.t an' p$ay.I HI/) not $ea&ing thi% p$a-e,I I to$' hi). HNot a -han-e.I He %ighe', a 'eep, throaty %o.n'. H:o$,e +ne* yo./' %ay that. B.t yo. 'on/t .n'er%tan'D%ee, :o$,e has to ha&e the $itt$e 'o$$. Not ;.%t ,or hi%D)a%ter%Db.t ,or hi)%e$,.I Hi% eye% $oo+e' at )e

%.gge%ti&e$y, $eering in a *ay that *o.$' ha&e in'.-e' )ore na.%ea i, I ha'n/t been tran%,i<e' *ith ,ear at hi% *or'%. H(o no* :o$,e ha% to be per%.a%i&e. No* :o$,e ha% to -on&in-e the $itt$e 'o$$ to -o)e o.t o, her 'o$$ho.%e.I @y &oi-e -ra-+e'. H:hatD*hat are yo. going to 'oAI HI, :o$,e 'i'n/t +no* better, he *o.$' g.e%% that yo. 'on/t -are abo.t peop$e, %in-e yo. $et a$$ tho%e $itt$e toy agent% get %$a.ghtere' at yo.r ho.%e.I He ran hi% tong.e o&er hi% in-i%or%. HB.t :o$,e thin+% )aybe yo. ;.%t *ante' to p$ay %o ba' that yo. 'i'n/t thin+ abo.t *hat *o.$' happen to the). B.t *hat i, :o$,e %tarte' p$aying *ith other%A :o.$' yo. $i+e thatA :o.$' it )a+e yo. happy or %a' to +no* that other peop$e *ere getting p$aye' *ithDbe-a.%e o, yo.AI The $a%t bit -ro%%e' the rea$) ,ro) %.gge%ti&e to 'i%g.%ting a% he %too' .pright an' ran a han' 'o*n hi% o*n -he%t, ra+ing hi)%e$, *ith hi% -$a*%. :hen I %ai' nothing, he -ontin.e'. HHere/% *hat *i$$ happen. :o$,e i% going to go o.t an' ,in' a ni-e ,a)i$yDan' he/% going to p$ay *ith the). @o))y, 9a''y, $itt$e +i'%. #n' then he/% going to ,in' another. #n' another. Knti$ the $itt$e 'o$$ -o)e% o.t. #n' i, the po$i-e try an' %top hi), *e$$Dhe/$$ p$ay *ith the) too, *on/t heA #n' *e/$$ ;.%t +eep goingDthro.gh thi% *ho$e rotten -ityDI Hi% tone t.rne' pre'atory an' %a&age. HD.nti$ the $itt$e 'o$$ -o)e% o.t to p$ay.I Hi% grin *a% %.rrea$ no*, $i+e the B.a$ity o, e&erything e$%e in the 'rea), b.t it *a% gro*ing an' e<pan'ing, ta+ing o&er, an' I rea$i1e' I *ante' to be a*ay ,ro) it, a*ay ,ro) hi), a*ay ,ro) )y%e$,. I %nappe' a*a+e in the )e'i-a$ .nit, not e&en ,a'ing ba-+ to -on%-io.%ne%% $i+e I ha' *ith Ree' b.t e<perien-ing a %.''en, br.ta$ a*a+ening a% tho.gh I ha' )i%%e' a %tep -o)ing 'o*n the %tair% an' t.)b$e'. @y breath% *ere ragge'. I %tare' into the 'ar+ an' tho.ght abo.t *hat :o$,e ha' %ai'. It ha' been rea$, I *a% %.re o, it no*. I ta$+e' to hi) in )y 'rea)%. I *a% %.re o, another thing too. Hi% threat to +i$$ other% ? he would -arry it o.t. Carry it o.t ? an' $o&e e&ery )in.te o, it. I $oo+e' aro.n' an' %a* the -.rtain% %ti$$ 'ra*n, %o,t breathing o, a ,e* *o.n'e' agent% -o)ing ,ro) the other %i'e o, it. :o$,e *a% going to +i$$ .nti$ I -a)e o.t an' ,a-e' hi). He *o.$'n/t %top .nti$ he ha' )e. #n' there *a%n/t a %o.$ that -o.$' %top hi). ~

E"#!teen
I hear' a -$i-+ at the ,ar en' o, the )e'i-a$ .nit an' %tarte', )y eye% 'arting to the 'oor o, 9r. 0er.gini/% o,,i-e *here %he %too' %i$ho.ette' in the 'i)ne%%. (he %tret-he' her han'% abo&e her hea' an' ya*ne'. HI %a* yo. *a+e .p.I (he too+ a $ong, )ean'ering *a$+ to*ar' )e. HTro.b$e %$eepingAI @y han'% -$.t-he' the %heet%, )y pa$)% %*eaty an' %ti-+y. In %pite o, the *ar), -o),ortab$e air in the roo), I ,e$t a tri-+$e o, %*eat r.n 'o*n )y %pine .n'erneath )y -$oth go*n. The bitter ta%te in )y )o.th be-a)e %ynony)o.% *ith the ,ear I ,e$t e&ery ti)e I -a)e a-ro%% :o$,e, an' the th.''ing o, )y heart *a% %o $o.' in )y ear% I *a% a)a1e' I -o.$' hear the 'o-tor. H2e%. J.%t aDnight)are.I (he no''e' an' %ti,$e' another ya*n a% %he %nappe' on a pair o, $ate< g$o&e%. HLet/% -he-+ yo.r in;.ry.I H9on/t yo. )ean in;.rie%AI I %ai' it *ith a bitterne%% that *e$$e' .p 'eep in%i'e7 a -.tting e'ge o, irony that re,$e-te' )y inner t.r)oi$ at the ,a-t that %in-e I $e,t )y ho.%e I/' been %e&ere$y beaten t*i-e. 8ar *or%e than any p.ni%h)ent @other ha' e&er $e&ie'. HNo,I 9r. 0er.gini %ai' *ith an o'' tone, an' rea-he' to the en' tab$e behin' )e, -$i-+ing on a $a)p an' -o)ing ba-+ *ith a )irror. (he p.t it in ,ront o, )e an' I $oo+e' at the ,a-e *ithin. There *ere no &i%ib$e -.t%, )ar+% or br.i%e%. @y 'ar+ hair an' pa$e %+in, )y big eye% an' pointe' no%e a$$ $oo+e' ba-+ at )e, a -ontra%t to ho* I ha' $oo+e' on$y a ,e* ho.r% be,ore. The on$y %ign that %o)ething *a% 'i,,erent *ere the bag% .n'er )y eye%. I $oo+e' tire'. H(o yo. %ee,I %he %ai', ret.rning the )irror to the night%tan', Hthere/% on$y one *o.n' $e,t.I (he $i,te' )y go*n to re&ea$ ga.1e an' ban'age% on )y $o*er ab'o)en, aro.n' )y be$$y b.tton. HHe rippe' thro.gh the %+in an' p.%he' thro.gh yo.r peritine.), per,orating yo.r inte%tine%.I Her bro*n eye% $oo+e' at )e, a$)o%t a% tho.gh %he *ere $e-t.ring. HI, yo. *ere h.)an, it *o.$' ha&e ta+en a %.rgeon *ho -o.$' *or+ )ira-$e% to +eep yo. ,ro) 'ying. #$$ I ha' to 'o *a% gi&e yo. ti)e to hea$ yo.r%e$,.I (he pee$e' ba-+ the )e'i-a$ tape %e-.ring the ban'age to re&ea$ re', %-abby ti%%.e beneath, ro.gh$y the %i1e o, a B.arter. (he p$.-+e' at the pin+, %en%iti&e %+in aro.n' the e'ge%, e$i-iting a hi%% o, pain ,ro) )e. HBe grate,.$ yo./re a$i&e,I %he a')oni%he', thro*ing the ban'age% in the garbage -an an' taping a ,re%h pie-e o, ga.1e onto the %)a$$er *o.n', then p.%hing on )y %to)a-h to either %i'e o, it. H#ny pain hereAI HNo.I I $oo+e' at her han'% a% %he p.%he' again an' thi% ti)e I -ringe', not entire$y ,ro) the pain. I *at-he' her g$o&e' han'% pre%%ing on )y %+in an' ha' a re)e)bran-e, $i+e a ,$a%hba-+ in a TC %ho*. @o) ha' been %itting on the %o,a, not e&en -hange' o.t o, her *or+ -$othe% yet, her 'ar+ hair t.-+e' ba-+ in a ponytai$. (he *a% pretty, I tho.ght, an' a$$ I ha' to -o)pare her to *ere the a-tre%%e% on TC. I got )y 'ar+ hair ,ro) her, b.t her ,eat.re% ha' a$*ay% %ee)e' )ore -hi%e$e' than )ine, )a+ing her $oo+ %tat.e%B.e. Her -o)p$e<ion *a% 'ar+er than )ine7 not %.rpri%ing %in-e %he 'i' go o.t%i'e )ore than I 'i'. Her eye% *ere green rather than the -oo$ b$.e o, )ine. Her hea' *a% re%ting on the ba-+ o, the %o,a, her eye% $o$$ing a bit, b.t %he ,o-.%e' on )e *hen I approa-he' her. I ha' in )y han' the -a$-.$.% boo+ that I ha' been %t.'ying ,ro) on the +it-hen tab$e, )y a%%igne' %pa-e ,or *or+ing. I, I 'i'n/t *or+ there, I got in tro.b$e. Nee'$e%% to %ay, I on$y *or+e' in )y roo) *hen @o) *a%n/t ho)e. H8ini%he' yo.r te%tAI @o) %ai', $oo+ing .p at )e *ith in'i,,eren-e. (he rea-he' o.t an' too+ the paper I han'e' her. (he $eane' o&er the en' o, the -o.-h an' p.$$e' the tea-her/% e'ition o, the boo+ ,ro) her bag. (he a$*ay% too+ the) *ith her %o I -o.$'n/t -heat by $oo+ing .p the an%*er%. Nor 'i' *e

ha&e an internet -onne-tion ,or )e to -heat *ith. (he bro*%e' thro.gh it. Her 'ar+ eyebro* ro%e at one point a% %he -he*e' on the en' o, her pen. I %too' ba-+, in )y %*eatpant% an' t6%hirt, the heat o, ner&o.% anti-ipation on )y -hee+% a% I *aite' to hear the re%.$t. (he rea-he' the botto) o, the paper an' $oo+e' .p at )e, %ti$$ i)pa%%i&e. H8$a*$e%%,I %he prono.n-e' *ith a -.rt no'. HI thin+ yo. -o.$' 'o a better ;ob o, %ho*ing yo.r *or+, ho*e&er, %o +eep that in )in' ne<t ti)e.I (he ga&e )e a ha$, %)i$e, the highe%t )ar+ o, a,,e-tion o,,ere' in o.r ho.%e. H2o. -an *at-h one ho.r o, te$e&i%ion, then *e 'o o.r e&ening training %e%%ion.I I $et o.t a %B.ea+ o, happine%% at her prono.n-e)ent o, TC pri&i$ege% =I *a% ,o.rteen, *hat 'o yo. *ant ,ro) )eA> ,o$$o*e' by the %$ighte%t %igh o, 'i%appoint)ent at the ne*% o, an i)pen'ing *or+o.t. That *a% the en' o, her ha$,6%)i$e. H2o. thin+ I/) too har%h, b.t yo. 'on/t +no*.I Her eye% narro*e' an' her $ip% *ere a thin $ine. #$$ tra-e% o, prettine%% &ani%he' in a har' $oo+ that 'ro&e terror %traight thro.gh )e. H2o. 'on/t +no* *hat/% o.t there.I Her han' pointe' to*ar' the ,ront 'oor an' I %ti,$e' any *or' o, arg.)ent I )ight ha&e gi&en ? %o)ething a$ong the $ine% o,, H2o./re right, b.t on$y be-a.%e yo. *on/t $et )e o.t%i'eDI (he *ent on. H2o. -an/t e&er get %o,t. 2o. -an/t e&er get *ea+. It/% a 'angero.% *or$' o.t there, ,i$$e' *ith peop$e *ho *ant to gi&e nothing b.t har) to a $itt$e gir$ $i+e yo..I (he %too' .p an' to%%e' the TC re)ote on the -o.-h, ne&er $oo+ing a*ay a% %he br.%he' pa%t )e, ta+ing parti-.$ar -are not to to.-h, an' *ent into her be'roo). I $onge' ,or a h.g, a,,ir)ation, %o)ething. I $o*ere' )y%e$, to the -o.-h. #$$ the $itt$e *or'% o, appro&a$ *ere *a%he' a*ay in the heat o, her anger, $ight a% it *a%. I 'i'n/t pay ).-h attention to the TC that night ,or the ho.r I *at-he' it, in%tea' thin+ing abo.t )y $i,e an' ho* ).-h I *ante' %o)eone to ;.%t ho$' )e. HI e<pe-t yo./$$ be .p to ,.$$ %trength again *ithin a 'ay,I 9r. 0er.gini %po+e, ;arring )e ba-+ to the here an' no*. HGoo' to +no*,I I )o.the' )ore by in%tin-t than ,ro) pro-e%%ing the *or'% %he/' %po+en. (he ,.%%e' abo.t ,or a ,e* )ore )in.te%, then a')oni%he' )e to Hget %o)e re%tI an' retreate' ba-+ to her o,,i-e, %h.t the 'oor an' t.rne' o,, the $ight. I 'on/t +no* *hy I *a%te' )y ti)e $etting )y hea' get -$o.'e' *ith that %t.pi' )e)ory o, @o) *hen I ha' :o$,e to thin+ abo.t. Hi% threat. I ha' $et the 'o-tor 'i%tra-t )e ,or a ,e* )in.te% *hi$e I %ho.$' ha&e been pon'ering *hether to te$$ #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter abo.t )y 'rea). I -o.$'n/t b$a)e )y%e$, too ).-h, be-a.%e hone%t$y, I 'i'n/t *ant to thin+ abo.t it. 9i'n/t *ant to -on%i'er the i'ea that :o$,e )ight be o.t there right no*, +i$$ing peop$e be-a.%e o, )e. I repeate' to )y%e$, that it *a% ;.%t a 'rea). Then again. Then ,i&e )ore ti)e%. I rea$$y *ante' thi% H'rea) *a$+ingI to not be a po*er b.t a 'e$.%ion. I +ept repeating it to )y%e$, .nti$ I ,e$$ ba-+ to %$eep, b$i%%,.$$y .ninterr.pte' by any )ore horri,i- &i%ion% o, :o$,e. The ne<t )orning *hen I a*o+e the )e'i-a$ .nit *a% %ti$$ B.iet. I $i,te' )y go*n an' -he-+e' )y *o.n'7 it *a% gone. I bent at the *ai%t to %it .p an' ,e$t no 'i%-o),ort. I %too', $etting )y ,eet to.-h the -o$' ,$oor. It 'i'n/t bother )e. # hi%% -a)e ,ro) )y $e,t an' the 'oor to the .nit opene', re&ea$ing #ria'ne, a +ey -ar' in one han', ne*%paper in the other. HG$a' to %ee yo./re a*a+e,I %he %ai' *ith a per,.n-tory %)i$e. H:e/&e prepare' a--o))o'ation% in the ba%e)ent, b.t ,ir%t *e ha&e to go %pea+ *ithDI (he he%itate'. HO$' @an :interAI I %ai' *ith a na%ty %)i$e in ret.rn. (he b$an-he'. HI *o.$'n/t -a$$ hi) that to hi% ,a-e.I HThin+ he/' get )a' at )eAI @y %)i$e got *or%e, I -o.$' ,ee$ it. HI *o.$'n/t -are to ,in' o.t,I %he %ai' *itho.t ,.rther -o))ent. H2o. %ho.$' +no* %o)ething.I

I ,ro1e. H:hatAI (he thre* the ne*%paper onto the tray by the be', an' .n'erneath the banner *a% the hea'$ine H8a)i$y o, 8i&e ($a.ghtere' in (o.th @inneapo$i%I. # photo o, a ho)e not .n$i+e )ine %at .n'erneath the b$aring hea'$ine. 0o$i-e tape b$o-+e' the entire %-ene an' there *ere at $ea%t a 'o1en o,,i-er% in the photograph. @y han'% *ent to )y )o.th, -o&ering it, p.%hing the *or'% ba-+ in be,ore they -o.$' -o)e o.t. I ha$te', trie' to regain -ontro$ be,ore %pea+ing. @y eye% ,$e* .p to #ria'ne. Her% *ere ,i<e' on )ine, *at-hing to %ee )y rea-tion. :hen I %ai' nothing, %he %po+e. H:e thin+ it/% :o$,e.I ~

N"neteen
I %at a-ro%% ,ro) O$' @an :inter in hi% o,,i-e, #ria'ne %tan'ing behin' hi) a% a$*ay%. There *a% no tra-e o, *ar)th *ithin the%e ,o.r *a$$% an' the 'ay o.t%i'e $oo+e' to be the g$oo)ie%t I/' %een th.% ,ar. There *a% a hint o, $ight that to$' )e *here the %.n ha' to be, hi'ing behin' a -$o.', b.t the ba%tar' ;.%t 'i'n/t *ant to %ho* hi)%e$,. #ria'ne ha' $e' )e .p here a,ter $etting )e rea' the arti-$e, the gi%t o, *hi-h *a% that another ,i&e peop$e *ere 'ea' be-a.%e o, )e. I -$.t-he' the ne*%paper in )y han' an' to%%e' it on O$' @an :inter/% 'e%+. H:hy 'i' yo. te$$ )e thi%A :o.$'n/t it ha&e been )ore he$p,.$ to yo. i, yo. hi' it ,ro) )eAI #ria'ne %hoo+ her hea'. H2o./' ,in' o.t e&ent.a$$y.I O$' @an :inter %t.'ie' )e a% he a$*ay% 'i'. HBy te$$ing yo., *e hope to gain yo.r tr.%t. To $et yo. +no* that *e aren/t hi'ing anything ,ro) yo.7 that it i% a$$ o.t in the open.I # roi$ing torrent o, e)otion b.bb$e' beneath the -a$)e%t e<terior I -o.$' pro'.-eD%o probab$y not a$$ that -a$). H:hy 'o yo. *ant )y tr.%tAI #ria'ne ,i<ate' on )e. HTo $et .% prote-t yo. ,ro) :o$,e. :e nee' to +eep yo. %a,e.I HHo* -an *e e&en be %.re it/% hi)AI I hope' it *a%n/t. I hope' I *a% *rong, that ,i&e )ore bo'ie% *eren/t a''e' to the pi$e o, -orp%e% I *a% re%pon%ib$e ,or in the *ee+ %in-e I/' $e,t ho)e. The n.)ber o, peop$e 'ea' be-a.%e o, )e o.t*eighe' the n.)ber o, peop$e I/' )et. O$' @an :inter n.'ge' open a ,i$e ,o$'er an' p.$$e' o.t a g$o%%y T<1" photograph, %$i'ing it a-ro%% the 'e%+ to )e. I pi-+e' it .p an' %tare' at it4 a photo o, a *a$$. T*o bo'ie% *ere &i%ib$e at the botto) e'ge o, the %hot, a *o)an an' *hat I tho.ght )ight ha&e been a $itt$e gir$7 %he *a% a$)o%t -roppe' o.t o, the ,ra)e. There *ere *or'% %-ra*$e' on the *a$$, in a 'ar+ -ri)%on that a$)o%t $oo+e' b$a-+4 Waiting for a little doll to come out and play. I ,e$t %i-+ a$$ o&er again, b.t in a 'i,,erent *ay. HThere are )ore,I O$' @an :inter %ai' in hi% 'e&a%tating, B.iet ti)bre. H#t $ea%t t*o other ho.%e% $a%t night, ,i&e )ore &i-ti)%. They *ere not 'i%-o&ere' in ti)e to )a+e the )orning paper.I # %)a$$, p$ainti&e -ry o, 'e%pair e%-ape' )y $ip%. H@oreAI I -roa+e'. N.)bne%% rep$a-e' the %i-+ ,ee$ing. HHo* )any )ore -an there beAI #ria'ne $oo+e' at )e *ith a paine' e<pre%%ion. H:i$$ yo. $et .% prote-t yo.AI @y )o.th *a% 'ry. H:ho/% going to prote-t a$$ tho%e peop$e o.t there ,ro) :o$,eAI H:e -an/t prote-t e&erybo'y,I #ria'ne rep$ie'. H#$$ *e -an 'o i% +eep yo. %a,e. :i$$ yo. $et .%AI I ,e$t a t*inge in )y be$$y *here :o$,e ha' -$a*e' into )e. HI, I 'o, ho* $ong 'oe% thi% go onAI H:e/re trying to )a+e -onta-t *ith @6(B.a', trying to get the) ba-+ here %ooner, b.tDI #ria'ne trai$e' o,,. H(ti$$ o.t o, -onta-t,I I ,ini%he' ,or her, not rea$$y hearing )y o*n *or'%. H:hat are the o''% that they -an ta+e :o$,e, any*ayAI HI *o.$' bet on the),I #ria'ne %ai' *ith a %$ight %)i$e. HThey/$$ %ort o.t :o$,e *hen they get ba-+. :e ;.%t nee' yo. to en'.re .nti$ they get here. It *i$$ get *or%e be,ore *e -an )a+e it better.I I $eane' ba-+ in the -hair oppo%ite O$' @an :inter. H(o I ;.%t %it ba-+ an' $et the%e peop$e 'ie, ,a)i$y by ,a)i$y, to %a&e )y o*n %+inAI #n air o, %i$en-e h.ng in the o,,i-e, -o$'er than the air aro.n' .%. H:o.$' yo. rather go an' ,a-e hi)AI O$' @an :inter %ai'. H:o.$' yo. -are to ta%te *hat he ha% in )in' ,or yo.AI HThey %ay I/) %trong.I I %po+e ,a%t, *or'% b.bb$ing .p ,ro) e)otiona$ 'epth%, ,ear an' hatre' o, :o$,e ,.e$ing )e in eB.a$ )ea%.re. H(tronger than )o%t )eta%7 an' :o$,e i% a,rai' o, yo. ? bet*een the t*o o, .%, )aybe a ,e* other%, -o.$'n/t *eD)aybe *e -o.$'DI

8or the ,ir%t ti)e %in-e I/' +no*n hi), O$' @an :inter h.ng hi% hea' in ob&io.% 'e,eat. HI -annot *in a ,ight *ith :o$,e7 )y ear$ier e,,ort% at ,en'ing hi) o,, *ere p.re%t b$.,,ery. I ha&e not a B.arter o, the %trength I ha' *hen $a%t *e ,o.ght, an' he ha% gro*n %tronger, )ore -anny an' )ore e<perien-e'. He *o.$',I O$' @an :inter %ai' *ith re%ignation, H'e%troy )e in )ere )o)ent%, an' yo. %hort$y therea,ter, a$ong *ith any other )eta% *e bro.ght a$ong.I Hi% hea' -a)e .p, an' the -o$' b$.e eye% he$' an a.ra o, %a'ne%%. #ria'ne %po+e, her *or'% -o)ing a$)o%t a% $o* a% hi%. H2o. are the %tronge%t )eta $e,t on the -a)p.% at pre%ent. On$y one other i% e&en -$o%e. Not eno.gh to ta+e :o$,e.I HNo,I he %ai', %ha+ing hi% hea' again, H@6(B.a' ha% a$$ the %trength o, the 9ire-torate an' it i% in the) that o.r hope $ie%.I H(o *e ;.%t %it ba-+, hi'e, an' *at-h a% he +i$$% three or ,o.r ,a)i$ie% a night .nti$ @6(B.a' -o)e% ba-+AI @y &oi-e *a% ra*. I tho.ght ba-+ to )y en-o.nter% *ith :o$,e an' *on'ere' again i, there *a% any *ay I -o.$' beat hi) )y%e$,. I tho.ght abo.t the pen in hi% ear an' *on'ere' at any other *ea+ point% he )ight ha&e7 eye%, )o.thDhi% bone% ,e$t .nbrea+ab$e, b.t *ith eno.gh ,or-e they -o.$' %.re$y be 'e%troye'. The on$y B.e%tion *o.$' be *hat -o.$' 'e$i&er eno.gh ,or-e. HThere ha% to be a *ay to beat hi).I H:o.$' yo. %.gge%t %hooting hi)AI #ria'ne a%+e'. HNo,I I %ai' *ith a %ha+e o, the hea'. HG.n% 'on/t e&en brea+ the %+in. The tranB.i$i1er 'art%, tho.gh. @aybe i, *e $oa'e' hi) .p *ith tho%e 'art%DI HBa%e' on *hat *e/&e %een, one o, hi% po*er% %ee)% to be to a'apt to atta-+% ? the %ho-+ -annon that K.rt hit hi) *ith *a% $e%% e,,e-ti&e ea-h %.--e%%i&e ti)e it *a% .%e', to the point *here he %hr.gge' it o,, *hen he atta-+e' .% here.I (he -a%t a %i'e$ong g$an-e at O$' @an :inter. H:e %.%pe-t hi% re%i%tan-e to b.$$et% i% %o)ething that ha% 'e&e$ope' o&er ti)e7 it/% 'o.bt,.$ that the 'art% or the to<in *o.$' be a% e,,e-ti&e thi% ti)e aro.n'.I HHe ha% a$*ay% been .n-anni$y a'aptab$e to -hanging %it.ation%,I O$' @an :inter %ai', Han' ha% $i&e' thro.gh batt$e% that ha&e +i$$e' $e%%er )eta% by the h.n're'%. There i% a rea%on that :o$,e an' hi% brother% ha&e $i&e' ,or tho.%an'% o, year%.I HThere ha% to be a *ay to beat hi),I I %ai' *ith .rgen-y. H(o)ething. (o)e *eapon in yo.r ar%ena$ that yo. ha&en/t trie' yet, $i+e that %ho-+ -annonD%o)ething that -an ;.%t b.y .% a ,e* )in.te%.I HI/) %orry,I #ria'ne %ai', &oi-e gent$e. HThere/% nothing. :e/&e b$.,,e' hi) *e$$ eno.gh that he %ee)% to be %teering *e$$ -$ear o, the 9ire-torate, b.t .nti$ @6(B.a' ret.rn%, it i% on$y a b$.,,. :e nee' to +eep yo. here, prote-t yo., .nti$ *e -an *or+ o.t thi% %it.ation. It/% the on$y -o.r%e *e ha&e a&ai$ab$e.I @y &oi-e -ra-+e'. HKn$e%% I gi&e )y%e$, .p.I HRi'i-.$o.%,I #ria'ne rep$ie'. H2o. +no* *hat he *o.$' 'o to yo.. 9o yo. rea$$y *ant to go thro.gh thatAI HNo,I I an%*ere'. HB.t neither 'o I *ant to +eep %a-ri,i-ing other%, *at-hing bo'ie% pi$e .p an' ,a)i$ie% get 'e%troye' be-a.%e I/) too %-are' to ,a-e :o$,e.I HGi&e .% a $itt$e )ore ti)e,I #ria'ne %ai' in a p$ea'ing tone. HLet .% get @6(B.a' ba-+. On-e they/re here, *e -an ta+e -are o, :o$,e.I I p.t )y han'% in ,ront o, )y ,a-e an' %tarte' 'oing the )enta$ arith)eti-. T*o 'ea' in the par+ing $ot o.t%i'e the gro-ery %tore. Eight at )y ho.%e *hen I *ante' to ,a-e :o$,e the ,ir%t ti)e. Eight )ore *hen he atta-+e' the 9ire-torate -a)p.%. Ten $a%t night, none o, *ho) I/' e&en )et. #$)o%t thirty 'ea' at the han'% o, :o$,e, e&ery %ing$e one o, the) be-a.%e they %too' bet*een )e an' that )ania-. Ho* )any *o.$' it ta+eA :hat i, I $e,t to*nA Li+e Ma-+ %ai', he )ight e&ent.a$$y ,in' )e, b.t ho* )any peop$e *o.$' he +i$$ in the interi)A H.n're'%A Tho.%an'%A :o.$' he e&ent.a$$y

;.%t b.rn the -ity to the gro.n'A The ,ear -ho+e' )e again. I *a%n/t a% a,rai' o, 'ying a% I *a% o, *hat :o$,e *a% going to 'o to )e ,ir%t. I ha' -a.ght a %a)p$e o, hi% i'ea o, p$ay an' the tho.ght o, .ninterr.pte' ti)e *ith hi) 'oing *hat he $i+e' *a% eno.gh to )a+e )e %i-+ again. He *o.$' &io$ate )e in *ay% that I -o.$'n/t i)agine, ba%e' on )y $i)ite' e<perien-e in the *or$' an' *ith )en. In a *ay, )y naU&etL probab$y %pare' )e ,ro) being e&en )ore ,ear,.$. Or )aybe the ,ear o, the .n+no*n )a'e it *or%e. I $oo+e' ba-+ to #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter, *ho *ere $oo+ing at )e, *aiting ,or a re%pon%e. I *ante' to be bra&e. 0art o, )e *ante' to ,ight hi) again, to +no-+ hi) 'o*n, to )a+e hi) ,ear )e the *ay I ,eare' hi). B.t )y han'% ,e$t *ea+. They %hoo+. I -o.$'n/t beat hi), I +ne* that. I 'i'n/t *ant hi) to to.-h )e, 'i'n/t *ant to %)e$$ hi% 'i%g.%ting, rotten breath or ,ee$ hi% -$a*% -are%%ing )y %+in an' 'ra*ing b$oo', 'i'n/t *ant to ,ee$ hi) r.bbing an' p.%hing again%t )e again. I -ho+e' on )y -o*ar'i-e an' ;.%ti,ie' it in )y hea' ? I 'i'n/t *ant to be near hi) again. E&er. #$$ I *ante' *a% to go ho)e, ba-+ to the %i)p$e *or$' o, @o), an' *hen I *a% ba', the bo<. Nobo'y b.t )e got h.rt there. Nobo'y 'ie'. B.t @o) *a% gone. @y ho.%e *a% ,or,eit7 it *a% :o$,e/% 'o)ain no*, he o*ne' it, an' e&ery tho.ght I ha' o, it ,ro) no* on *o.$' be tainte' by the )e)ory o, ho* he beat )e, bro+e )e in that ba%e)ent in a *ay )y )other an' the bo< ne&er ha'. I ha' nothing $e,t b.t the 9ire-torate, an' no one to tr.%t b.t the%e t*o peop$e that I 'i'n/t e&en +no*. I $oo+e' ,ro) O$' @an :inter to #ria'ne, ea-h in t.rn. :inter *a% broo'ing an' B.iet *hi$e #ria'ne *a% *aiting *ith patient e<pe-tation. I -ho+e' on )y *or'%, b.t ,ina$$y they -a)e o.t, ,i$$ing )y ear% *ith the %o.n' o, )y -o*ar'i-e, 'ra*ing a no' ,ro) :inter an' a %)i$e ,ro) #ria'ne. H2o. *in.I ~

T&ent
T*o 'ay% an' t*enty6eight 'ea' bo'ie% $ater, I *i%he' I ha'n/t $i%tene' to )y ,ear. I ha' been %te*ing in a ba%e)ent roo) o, Hea'B.arter%, *a$$% )a'e o, rein,or-e' -on-rete an' p$ate' *ith %tee$ or %o)e other )eta$ that 'i'n/t ben' *hen I p.n-he' it o.t o, ,.ry or ,r.%tration or %heer pitying 'e%pair. I p.n-he' it a $ot. #ria'ne ha' 'one e&erything in her po*er to )a+e )e -o),ortab$e in )y o&er%i1e' roo). I ha' )y o*n bathroo), they/' bro.ght in a be' ,ro) one o, the 'or)itorie% that ,e$t $i+e it *a% -.%hione' *ith air ? not that I/' been %$eeping, b.t I $ay 'o*n on it a $ot *hi$e I *at-he' the ne*%. They/' bro.ght )e a big TC an' it *a% tie' in to a$$ the net*or+%. I ,$ippe' ba-+ an' ,orth bet*een three 'i,,erent $o-a$ -hanne$% an' the nationa$ ne*% %tation% 'epen'ing on *ho *a% on -o))er-ia$. Ha&ing ne&er been ab$e to *at-h TC ,or )ore than an ho.r a 'ay, ne*% *a% ne&er on )y to6*at-h $i%t. I a$*ay% -a.ght a %)attering o&er @o)/% %ho.$'er at night *hi$e I %t.'ie' at the tab$e, b.t I ).-h pre,erre' %it-o)% an' 'ra)a% o&er ne*%. I ,o.n' )y%e$, g$.e' to the going%6on. One net*or+ pro-$ai)e'4 H@inneapo$i%4 City Kn'er (iegeI *hi$e another net*or+ 'e-rie' that @inneapo$i% *a% HIn the Grip o, Terror.I The thir' *a% %pe-.$ating on the %o.r-e o, the &io$en-e an' a%%igning b$a)e po$iti-a$$y. The $o-a$ %tation% *ere %o)e*hat $e%% ob;e-ti&e a% the an-hor% %ee)e' to be in ,ear ,or their $i&e%. It *a% har' not to ,ee$ ,or the) the %a)e *ay I/' ,ee$ ,or -hara-ter% on the TC %ho*% I *at-he' ? %it-o)% ha' the abi$ity to bring )e to tear%, *hi-h I a$*ay% hi' ,ro) @o). (he *o.$' ro$$ her eye% an' )a+e %ni'e -o))ent% abo.t H*ea+ne%%.I #% I *at-he' the ne*% ho.r a,ter ho.r, a% the 'ay% ti-+e' by, I ,e$t nothing b.t *ea+. I *i%he' I/' to$' #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter to %ti-+ their o,,er o, %a,ety in a *ar) an' .n-o),ortab$e p$a-e. I %tare' at the *a$$% a% the ne*% %ho*e' photo% o, the $ate%t &i-ti)%, trying to a&oi' the $oo+% on the ,a-e% o, the ,a)i$y in the pi-t.re. They *ere a$$ %)i$ing, b.t it ,e$t $i+e they *ere %i$ent$y a--.%ing )e o, 'oo)ing the) to 'eath. Thi% one *a% a ,a)i$y *ith a 'ar+ haire' ,ather, a b$on' haire' )other an' t*o $itt$e b$on' gir$%. #$$ %taring at the photographer *ith happy %)i$e% on their ,a-e%. No* 'ea'. Be-a.%e o, )e. Be-a.%e o, )y -o*ar'i-e. The 'oor %$i' open an' the agent o.t%i'e %t.-+ hi% hea' in. HCi%itor, )i%%.I He %ai' it *itho.t a *a%te' %y$$ab$e or any e)otion. #,ter t*o 'ay% an' a ha$, 'o1en %.-h )e%%age%, I *a% beginning to %.%pe-t that the agent% a%%igne' to g.ar' )e ha' &ery -$ear )e)orie% o, their ,e$$o*% *ho 'ie' at )y ho.%e, an' *hat they ha' 'ie' ,or. There *a% not a 'rop o, the )i$+ o, h.)an +in'ne%% in any o, the )en I ha' intera-te' *ith *hi$e in thi% p$a-e. The on$y ,rien'$y ,a-e *a% #ria'ne/%, an' %he ha' 'roppe' in ,or -on&er%ation% t*i-e no* ? one% *hi-h I ha' +ept -i&i$ by &irt.e o, not *anting the) to en' pre)at.re$y. #,ter t*e$&e year% a$one an' one *ee+ in the -o)pany o, other%, I ,o.n' )y%e$, not *anting to go ba-+ to a$one. I *a% %itting on the be', t6%hirt an' pa;a)a pant% on, in &io$ation at $a%t o, @o)/% ,o.rth r.$e, the on$y one that I ha' been ,o$$o*ing $ate$y, the one that 'e)an'e' I re)ain ,.$$y 're%%e', 'o*n to )y g$o&e% an' %hoe% at a$$ ti)e%, rea'y to )o&e. =:hen %he *a%n/t ho)e I ,reB.ent$y too+ )y %hoe% an' )y g$o&e% o,,, a)ong other thing%, *hi-h $e' to p.ni%h)ent% i, I *a%n/t B.i-+ eno.gh on the 'ay% %he/' arri&e .ne<pe-te'$y ear$y>. I ha' been en;oying the ,ee$ o, the %o,t be' again%t )y %+in, %o)ething in great -ontra%t to the )ar+e' 'i%-o),ort I ,e$t on the in%i'e ,ro) *hat I *a% *at-hing. (e$,6-on%-io.%ne%% -a)e o&er )e a% I rea$i1e' I *a%n/t 're%%e' ,or &i%itor%, then trie' not to -are.

I ;.)pe' to )y ,eet a% the 'oor %$i' open again to a')it a ,a)i$iar ,a-e. Ma-+ *a$+e' in *earing a $eather ;a-+et, hi% hair to.%$e', an' ga&e )e a %)i$e. I breathe' a %igh o, re$ie,7 I ha'n/t %een hi) %in-e :o$,e atta-+e' the 9ire-torate. Then I ,e$t a %tir o, e)barra%%)ent ,or )y attire7 I *o.$' ha&e pre,erre' to greet hi) in %o)ething )ore pre%entab$e. Or pre%entab$e at a$$, rea$$y. I %too' in p$a-e, .))o&ing, the be' bet*een .%. Hi% ar) *a% i))obi$i1e' in a %$ing an' hi% ,a-e *a% ,$e-+e' *ith -.t%. # ban'age %ti$$ -o&ere' hi% no%e b.t other*i%e he $oo+e' ,ine. HHo* are yo. ho$'ing .pAI he a%+e' a,ter he/' %eate' hi)%e$, at the tab$e in the -orner o, the roo). I %at a-ro%% ,ro) hi), re)in'e' o, the $a%t ti)e *e ha' ta$+e' $i+e thi%, in the -a,eteria a ,e* 'ay% ear$ier. H@eAI I a%+e', brea+ing thro.gh the 'ar+ -$o.'% o, e)otion. HI/) ,ine, phy%i-a$$y. 2o. %ti$$ $oo+ *re-+e', tho.gh.I He rai%e' an eyebro*. H0hy%i-a$$y, h.hA 2eah, I $oo+ pretty ro.gh. K% h.)an% 'on/t hea$ a% B.i-+ a% yo. )eta%. I *a%n/t a%+ing abo.t ho* yo./re 'oing phy%i-a$$y, I -an %ee yo./re ,ine.I He %at ba-+ an' *in-e' a% he b.)pe' the ba-+ o, the -hair *ith hi% e$bo*. HHo* are yo. ho$'ing .pDin other area%AI H2o. )ean e)otiona$$yAI T*o 'ay% o, beating the he$$ o.t o, )y%e$, ,or )y -o*ar'i-e $e,t )e *itho.t the %trength to $ie. HI ,ee$ $i+e -rap. Lo*er than $o*.I @y &oi-e -a)e o.t %o )atter6o,6,a-t$y, Ma-+ b$in+e' in 'i%be$ie,. HI ,ee$ $i+e I/&e %a-ri,i-e' the $i&e% o, e&eryone *ho/% 'ie' %o I -an %a&e )y o*n a%%.I Hi% 'i%be$ie&ing e<pre%%ion %prea' ,ro) a -o-+e' eyebro* to the 'o*nt.rne' -orner% o, hi% )o.th. H9o yo. thin+ yo. -an beat hi)AI HNo, I 'on/t thin+ I -an beat hi).I The %teri$e air o, the roo) *a%he' thro.gh )y no%e a% I too+ a breath. HI 'on/t thin+ I -an e&en -o)e -$o%e.I HThen *hy tryAI He $oo+e' at )e *ith in-re'.$ity. H2o. )a'e the %)art p$ay. :o$,e/% a p%y-ho +i$$er7 he/% $i&e' *ay $onger than any o, .%7 he/$$ o.t$i&e .% a$$ .n$e%% @6(B.a' -an +i$$ hi). 2o./re -ra1y i, yo. 'on/t $et .% prote-t yo..I HHo* $ongAI I a%+e', the e)otion brea+ing into )y &oi-e. HHo* $ong 'o I +eep *at-hing the) report per%on a,ter per%on 'ea'A Ho* $ong -an I hi'e behin' yo. g.y%A 9on/t yo. thin+ at %o)e point :o$,e *i$$ get tire' o, %$a.ghtering inno-ent peop$e an' -o)e ba-+ here ,or another ro.n'AI I %tare' at )y han'%, pre%%e' pa$) 'o*n on the -o$' %.r,a-e o, the )eta$ tab$e. E&erything in thi% p$a-e ha' the ,ee$ o, %teri$ity, o, ha&ing ne&er been $i&e' in. HO$' @an :inter 'oe%n/t thin+ that/$$ happen.I HThen O$' @an :inter/% -ra1y.I I p.$$e' )y han'% .p an' ,o$'e' the). H:o$,e $o&e% to +i$$ an' he $o&e% pain. He/$$ -o)e ba-+ here %ooner or $ater, *hen he get% tire' o, the %$a.ghter. He/$$ go thro.gh the 'or)itory b.i$'ing be,ore yo. 'ri&e hi) o,, again, or try to get thro.gh HQ ? he/$$ ,in' )e e&ent.a$$y, an' a$$ that/% going to be 'i,,erent i% ho* )any peop$e he +i$$% bet*een no* an' that 'ay.I The B.iet -ertit.'e o, that tho.ght ,i$$e' )e, an' I *at-he' Ma-+/% e<pre%%ion 'eteriorate a% he pon'ere' it. HIt/% not gonna happen $i+e that. @6(B.a' i% -o)ing ba-+. 2o./&e ne&er )et the)4 they are the to.ghe%t )eta% yo. -an i)agine. They/$$ %et a trap ,or :o$,e an' they/$$ p.n-h hi% ti-+et. That/% i, the @inneapo$i% -op% 'on/t get hi) ,ir%t.I HHe/$$ go thro.gh the) $i+e a boat thro.gh *ater.I H2eah, in one% an' t*o% ? b.t they/$$ be 'ep$oying in big n.)ber% an' -a$$ in %tate an' 8BI ,or a -a%e $i+e thi%.I Ma-+/% eye% *ere ani)ate'. H@y 'egree i% in -ri)ina$ ;.%ti-e. On-e they get a ta%te o, hi), they )ay e&en -a$$ in the Nationa$ G.ar'. @ar+ )y *or'%, thi% to*n/% abo.t to get too hot ,or :o$,e. He/$$ either bai$ orOI H9e-i'e it/% not *orth the tro.b$e *aging a -a)paign o, terror an' t.rn right ba-+ to atta-+ing the

9ire-torate.I I %tare' hi) 'o*n. H#n' *e/re ba-+ to the %a)e p$a-e ? ho* )any 'ie be,ore he get% )eAI Ma-+ a$)o%t %ee)e' to retreat. HHe/% not %o)e in&in-ib$e go' -reat.re. He/% ;.%t 'a)ne' %trong an' -anny.I (.%pi-ion -$o.'e' hi% ,eat.re%. H2o. a$)o%t %o.n' $i+e yo./&e gi&en .p. 2o. eager to get rape' to 'eath by hi)AI HThat/% %o %t.pi' I/) not going to 'igni,y it *ith a re%pon%e,I I %hot ba-+. HB.t he %ee)% .n%toppab$eP (o the a$ternati&e% are r.n an' hi'e %o)e*here e$%e ? *hi-h $et% hi) %$a.ghter a *ho$e b.n-h )ore peop$e %o I -an get a*ay or +eep hi'ing here, *hi-h again $ea'% to the %$a.ghter o, )ore peop$e an' e&ent.a$$y )e. Or I -o.$' ;.%t get it o&er *ith no*.I @y ,inger% -rept .p to )y ,a-e, $en'ing it %.pport. I *a% )ore tire' than I *a% *i$$ing to a-+no*$e'ge. HThe i'ea o, hi) %$a.ghtering )ore peop$e i% *earing on )e. It/% *earing on )y )in'. @y -on%-ien-e. :hat 'i' any o, the) 'o to 'e%er&e thi%AI H9e%er&e 'oe%n/t ha&e ).-h to 'o *ith it,I Ma-+ %ai' in a gent$e tone. H:hat 'i' yo. 'o to 'e%er&e ha&ing thi% p%y-ho *ant to g.t yo.AI I pa.%e' be,ore an%*ering, an' a %tea'y ,$a%h o, i)age% ro$$e' be,ore )y eye%, o, a$$ the ti)e% I/' en'e' .p in the bo<, a$$ the $itt$e -ri)e% I/' perpetrate', a$$ the $itt$e a-t% o, 'e,ian-e again%t @o). #$$ the p.ni%h)ent%, a$$ the ti)e% I *a% ba'. HI 'on/t +no*,I I ).)b$e', $ying. HLi%tenDI He pa.%e'. HO$' @an :inter i% %en'ing )e to (o.th #)eri-a *ith a -o.p$e other g.y% to tra-+ 'o*n @6(B.a'. 8ig.re I/) going to be gone ,or a ,e* 'ay% be-a.%e *e 'on/t +no* e<a-t$y *here they are. :hi$e I/) goneDI He pa.%e' again an' hi% eye% bore' into )ine. H0$ea%e 'on/t 'o anything -ra1y, $i+e go a,ter :o$,e.I He tho.ght ,or a %e-on' an' a)en'e', H#gain.I I %at &ery %ti$$, ,ighting not to )a+e a %o.n'. :hen I an%*ere' hi), it *a% a% bo$' a $ie a% I tho.ght I -o.$' get a*ay *ith. HI 'on/t thin+ they/' $et )e o.t at thi% point.I Hi% &oi-e hinte' that hi% 'i%be$ie, at )y $a%t an%*er ha' -arrie' o&er to thi% one. HI 'on/t thin+ yo./re the %ort to a%+ per)i%%ion a,ter yo./&e )a'e a 'e-i%ion. :hi-h i% *hy I/) a%+ing yo.DI # hint o, p$ea'ing entere' hi% tone. H0$ea%e $et )e get @6(B.a'. J.%t ho$' on .nti$ I get ba-+.I The ear$ier pi-t.re o, the ,a)i$y ,ro) the ne*%, their a--.%ing eye%, %hot thro.gh )e. H0eop$e are 'ying.I HI +no*.I He no''e' an' bo*e' hi% hea' in a %ort o, %o$e)nity. H#n' I rea$$y, rea$$y 'on/t *ant yo. to be one o, the). O$' @an :inter %ay% there/% a rea%onD%o)ething abo.t yo. ha' :o$,e/% e)p$oyer p.$$ o.t a$$ the %top% an' %en' hi) in%tea' o, anybo'y e$%e. He %ay% it )ean% yo./re i)portantD)aybe e&en &ita$Dto *hat/% going to happen in the ,.t.re.I #t that )o)ent I *o.$' ha&e happi$y gi&en .p e&erything I ha', in-$.'ing )y %o6-a$$e' po*er%, *hate&er they )ight be, in e<-hange ,or a 'e%tiny that in-$.'e' )e $i&ing a nor)a$ $i,e *here I ne&er ha' to *orry abo.t peop$e 'ying ,or )e. @aybe a boy,rien', e&ent.a$$y a h.%ban', a ho.%e I -o.$' $ea&e at *i$$, a ;ob, ,rien'%D)inor thing%. HI -o.$' %tan' to be a $itt$e $e%% i)portant at thi% point,I I %ai' *ith ).te' intere%t. I *a% %o 'o*n I 'i'n/t e&en -are ).-h *hat that )eant. HI 'on/t *ant to %ee yo. get +i$$e'.I Ma-+ $o*ere' hi% hea' to try an' )eet )y eye%. I 'i'n/t $oo+ a*ay ,ro) hi), b.t I 'i'n/t ha&e ).-h energy $e,t. H2o./&e ha' a ro.gh $i,e %o ,ar, an' I/' hate to %ee yo. get ta+en o.t be,ore yo. ha' a -han-e to a-t.a$$y $i&e it.I HLi&e itAI I e-hoe'. HHo*AI HHa&e yo. e&er been to a )o&ie in the theaterAI He %tare' ba-+ at )e, %$ight %)i$e $ightening hi% ,a-e. HOr been o.t to a re%ta.rant an' then to a -$.bA 9one any 'an-ingA Been to a -on-ertA Gone to the )a$$A Co)e'y %ho*A TheaterA Been to Ca$$ey 8airAI I %hoo+ )y hea' a,ter ea-h B.e%tion, re)e)bering -o))er-ia$% I/' %een, thing% I/' p.t on a $i%t in a 'iary that ha' been .n'er )y be' ,or year%, %o)ething I/' o.tgro*n. #-t.a$$y, %o)ething I/' p.t a%i'e be-a.%e @o) tho.ght it *a% too -$o%e to brea+ing r.$e JE4 no

ta$+ing abo.t the o.t%i'e *or$'. HNo,I I %ai'. HThey/re a$$ thing% I thin+ yo./' en;oy,I he *ent on. HI nee' yo. to hang onD;.%t a $itt$e $ongerD ti$ I get @6(B.a', an' they ta+e -are o, :o$,e.I He %ai' it *ith a rea%%.ring %)i$e. I -o.$' ,ee$ hi% -on,i'en-e an' I +ne* he be$ie&e' to hi% 'epth% that @6(B.a' -o.$' ta+e :o$,e. I *a% $e%% %.re, b.t it 'i'n/t )atter. He be$ie&e' it tota$$y. H:i$$ yo. pro)i%e )e yo./$$ *aitAI I 'i'n/t +no* *hat to %ay. I ,e$t the pre%%.re o, hi% eye% on )e, %o -a$) an' rea%%.ring, $oo+ing at )e in a *ay I ha' rare$y %een. HIDIDI I %t.ttere'. Caring. That/% *hat hi% eye% *ere. #n' I rea$i1e' again ho* goo' $oo+ing he *a%. #n' o$'er. #n' I trie' to +eep in )in' that he *a% %pying ,or #ria'ne an' O$' @an :inter, b.t that tho.ght ,a'e' *hen I $oo+e' into hi% 'eep bro*n eye%. HIDI pro)i%e.I H#ttagir$.I He %too', e<ten'ing a han' to he$p )e .p. I h.)ore' hi) an' too+ it, ,ee$ing a $itt$e 'a1e'. I +ept ,o-.%e' on hi) an' *at-he' hi% eye% %*i) ,or a )o)ent, an' he $et go o, )y han'. HI %ho.$'D.hDget going.I He too+ a %tep an' %ee)e' to trip, then -a%t a $oo+ ba-+ at )e to %ee i, I noti-e'. H8e$t a $itt$e $ighthea'e' there ,or a %e-on'.I Hi% %)i$e t.rne' to a grin. H@.%t be the e,,e-t o, being aro.n' yo..I He *a$+e' to the 'oor an' +no-+e' on it, then $e,t *hen it %$i' open, %en'ing )e ba-+ one $a%t %)i$e. I groane' *hen he $e,t, )o%t$y ,ro) the $a%t -hee%y $ine he/' %ai', b.t a$%o ,ro) the ,a-t that he/' e<tra-te' the pro)i%e ,ro) )e that he ha'. @y ,inger% ting$e' *ith p$ea%.re ,ro) the ,ee$ o, hi% to.-h on )y han' an' $e,t )e *on'ering abo.t a$$ the thing% in the *or$' that I/' ne&er e<perien-e' ? b.t $e%% abo.t the one% he ha' )entione'Dan' )ore abo.t the one% he ha'n/t. ~

T&ent .one
Three )ore 'ay%, one h.n're' an' thirty6t*o )ore 'ea'. I *a% *e$$ pa%t the point o, %i-+ an' into the rea$) o, 'eath$y n.)b, i, %.-h a thing e<i%te'. I, I ha' any 'o.bt that I *a% the *or$'/% *or%t per%on, it *a% 'i%%o$&e' *hen %o)e .nna)e' in'i&i'.a$ %$i' a note .n'er )y 'oor that I ,o.n' ,ir%t thing in the )orning. I 'i'n/t bother to a%+ the g.ar'% ho* it got there. It rea'4 'eople are dying by the hundreds and youre hiding. "f he comes back here, you wont find much help from any of us because e#eryone here pretty much hates you and were all rooting for him to turn you inside out. #ria'ne ha'n/t %toppe' by in %e&era$ 'ay% an' the g.ar'% ha'n/t initiate' any -on&er%ation%, %o )y on$y h.)an -onta-t *a% *hen a -a,eteria *or+er bro.ght )e )ea$% three ti)e% per 'ay. It *a% a$*ay% the %a)e per%on, a )i''$e6age' *o)an *ho 'i'n/t ha&e anything to %ay. #t a$$. I -a.ght her %-o*$ing at )e *hen %he tho.ght I *a%n/t $oo+ing. Ba%e' on her attit.'e, I ha' to g.e%% the $etter *a% on target. The -ri%i% in @inneapo$i% ha' gotten %o ba' that there *ere po$i-e an' (:#T tea)% on -on%tant -a$$. He$i-opter% -ir-$e', *at-hing ,or any %ign. :o$,e ha' progre%%e' ,ro) on$y %$a.ghtering peop$e in their ho)e% to +i$$ing peop$e in p.b$i- p$a-e% a% he )o&e' bet*een potentia$ &i-ti)% ? he ha' been -a.ght on %e&era$ a.to)ate' -a)era%. :hen ,o.r ho.%e% in a ro* in one o, the *e%tern %.b.rb% *a% hit it %tarte' a $o.'er -$a)or7 pre&io.%$y :o$,e ha' re%tri-te' hi)%e$, to *or+ing in @inneapo$i% proper. (in-e then he ha' ;.)pe' aro.n', b.t the po$i-e a$*ay% %ee)e' to be a -o.p$e %tep% behin' hi), at $ea%t a--or'ing to the ne*%. H.n're'% o, *itne%%e% reporte' %eeing hi), e&en ;.%t a ,$a%h in pa%%ing, an' the po$i-e *ere o&er*he$)e' be-a.%e at the %$ighte%t hint o, a noi%e peop$e *ere -a$$ing R11 ,or he$p7 a% a re%.$t, in%tan-e% o, &io$ent -ri)e *ere .p 1G!S =again, a--or'ing to the ne*%> an' ton% )ore *ere going .nnoti-e'. #% one reporter p.t it, HIt/% a goo' ti)e to get a*ay *ith ).r'er in @inneapo$i% be-a.%e, a)i'%t a$$ the other bo'ie%, *ho/% going to in&e%tigate one )oreAI #$$ )y ,a.$t. E&ery $a%t one o, the). I *a% %ti$$ g$.e' to the TC, *at-hing e&ery .p'ate, e&ery bit o, brea+ing ne*% that rea$$y *a%n/t brea+ing, e&ery po$i-e pre%% -on,eren-e, e&ery re$ea%e o, another &i-ti)/% na)e. I ,e$t )ore po*er$e%% than at any ti)e prior in )y $i,e, *or%e than any o--a%ion I/' been $o-+e' a*ay. :hen I *a% pri%oner in )y o*n ho)e I ne&er ha' to *orry )y a-tion% *o.$' -a.%e har) to anyone or anything ? e<-ept )aybe @o)/% ,ee$ing%, i, %he ha' any. I *a% *aiting, hoping to hear that @6(B.a' ha' ret.rne' or that :o$,e ha' been r.n o&er by a garbage tr.-+ =)aybe that *o.$' +i$$ hi)> or anything ? anything to brea+ the t*enty6,o.r ho.r pre%% o, g.i$t. #n' then I 'i'. HBrea+ing ne*%,I I hear' an an-horper%on %ay ,or the one )i$$ionth ti)e in the $a%t ,e* 'ay%. I *a% $ying on the ,$oor. It *a%n/t a% %o,t a% the be' b.t I 'i'n/t ,ee$ $i+e I 'e%er&e' the be' right no*. H:e go $i&e no* to :in%ton Haine%, *ho i% in a -hopper abo&e (o.th'a$e @a$$, *here E'ina po$i-e ha&e -ornere' the %.%pe-t in the %$aying% that ha&e grippe' the T*in Citie% in a *a&e o, terror.I I %too' an' )o&e' -$o%er to the TC. The ang$e -hange' to $oo+ 'o*n on a par+ing $ot, *here a $one ,ig.re ra-e' a-ro%% the pa&e)ent. @y heart %toppe', a$ong *ith )y breath. It *a% :o$,e. I *at-he' a% he h.r'$e' a -ar, r.nning ,$at o.t ,ro) three po$i-e -r.i%er% an' a (:#T &an that *ere behin' hi). T*o )ore -r.i%er% -.t hi) o,, an' bo<e' hi) in. Cop% opene' 'oor% an' I %a* the) ,ire right a*ay, not e&en bothering to %ay anything. It *a% a %)art )o&e on their part, b.t I ha' to *on'er i, it *o.$' be eno.gh.

:o$,e *ent 'o*n to a +nee .n'er the %heer &o$.)e o, g.n,ire. The reporter *a% b$athering on abo.t -i&i$ right% b.t I %i$ent$y -heere' the -op% on, hoping that they *o.$' p.t hi) 'o*n $i+e the rabi' 'og he *a%. #n' )aybe it *o.$' be o&er. #n' I -o.$' get o.t o, here. #n' goDany*here e$%e. (o)e*here that I *o.$'n/t ha&e to thin+ abo.t any o, thi%. The (:#T &an poppe' open an' b$a-+6%.ite' tea) )e)ber% %*ar)e' to*ar' :o$,e, *ho *a% no* on a$$ ,o.r%, an' a )o)ent o, %i$en-e pre&ai$e' a% the reporter %h.t .p. They %.rro.n'e' hi) an' I hope' that )aybe the b.$$et% they ha' %hot hi) *ith ha' )ore po*er than the %hotg.n ro.n'% I/' %een hi) %hr.g o,,. They pointe' their g.n% at hi) point b$an+, an' then one o, the) %teppe' in, han'-.,,% at the rea'y, going %$o*, a)a1e' that :o$,e *a% %ti$$ a$i&e an' )o&ing a,ter the hai$ o, b.$$et% that ha' been thro*n at hi). #% he %tarte' to rea-h ,or :o$,e/% han' to p$a-e the -.,,% on, I ,$in-he' a*ay. It *a% an in&o$.ntary re%pon%e born o, the rea$i1ation that %o)ething terrib$e *a% abo.t to happen. :hen I b$in+e' )y eye% open a %e-on' $ater, it *a% a$rea'y 'one. :o$,e *a% in )otion, hi% -$a*% ra+ing thro.gh bo'y ar)or, %en'ing -op% ,$ying thro.gh the air ;.%t a% he ha' *hen he a%%a.$te' the 9ire-torate. They 'i'n/t %hi,t the -a)era a*ay ,ro) the %-ene, *hi-h %.rpri%e' )e, e%pe-ia$$y *hen the b$oo' %tarte' to ,$o*. :o$,e %*ept thro.gh the (:#T tea) in $e%% than ten %e-on'%, an' their Ke&$ar &e%t% an' riot he$)et% 'i' nothing to %top hi% %$a%he% an' p.n-he%. :hen he *a% ,ini%he' *ith the (:#T tea), he %tarte' on the -op% ,ro) the -ar% that ha' %.rro.n'e' hi). The ,ir%t ,e* +ept %hooting, 'o'ging hi) in ,.ti$e e,,ort% to e%-ape hi% gra%p. He .%e' hi% teeth *hen he got ho$' o, the). The $a%t ,e* ran, ea-h in a 'i,,erent 'ire-tion, an' the -a)era ,o$$o*e' hi) a% he bo.n'e' a,ter the). I 'i'n/t *at-h nat.re progra)% &ery o,ten, b.t I/' %een $ion% ta+e 'o*n *o.n'e' ga1e$$e%, an' it *a% 'i%g.%ting to *at-h. The reporter pro&i'e' -o))entary on the horror% o, *hat *e *ere %eeing a% :o$,e ,ini%he' the $a%t po$i-e o,,i-er *ith a ro.gh 'e-apitation, ho$'ing the )an/% hea' .p in the air, ,a-ing to*ar' the he$i-opter. He then pointe' right at the -a)era, an' it 1oo)e' in to the point *here e&ery 'etai$ o, hi% horrib$e ,a-e *a% &i%ib$e, hi% teeth, hi% b$a-+ eye% an' e&en the b$oo' 'ripping ,ro) hi% -$a*% a% he pointe'. #t )e. I -o.$' ,ee$ it. He *a% pointing at )e. He hope' I *a% *at-hing. @aybe he knew I *a% *at-hing. He )o.the' *or'%. H:e 'on/t +no* B.ite *hat he/% %ayingDI The reporter/% &oi-e *a% %heer a%toni%h)ent. B.t he *a% *rong. I +ne* e<a-t$y *hat he *a% %aying. #n' I 'i'n/t e&en ha&e to be that goo' at rea'ing $ip% to ,ig.re it o.t7 ;.%t ha' to ha&e hear' the repetiti&e ta.nting ,ro) hi), *ith that %a)e %a'i%ti- $oo+, the one that I +ne* -ontaine' not one o.n-e o, in%in-erity. HLitt$e 'o$$D-o)e o.t an' p$ay.I ~

T&ent .t&o
:o$,e bo$te' into the )a$$ at the approa-h o, another ha$, 'o1en -op -ar%7 probab$y not be-a.%e he -o.$'n/t ta+e the) a$$ o.t an' then %o)e, b.t be-a.%e he ha' other thing% on hi% agen'a. The ne*% reporte' $ater that he/' -.t hi% *ay thro.gh the patron% o, the %tore%, $ea&ing another thirty or %o 'ea', a ,e* other% *o.n'e' be,ore he bo$te' o.t an e<it an' 'i%appeare'. #t thi% point I *a% i$$ eno.gh that I ,$ippe' o,, the TC. :at-hing *a%n/t he$ping. # re)in'er that I/' ha' a han' in the 'eath% o, another %i<ty or )ore peop$e, peop$e *ho ha' ,a)i$ie%, parent%, +i'% ? that 'i'n/t he$p )e at a$$. It 'i'n/t he$p )e *ant to +eep )y pro)i%e to Ma-+, any*ay. I %tare' at the %tain$e%% %tee$ *a$$% ,or the ne<t ho.r. I re%o$&e' not the %)a%h the TC to pie-e%, no )atter ho* ).-h I *ante' to &ent )y ,r.%tration. I *ent to the bathroo) an' too+ a $ong, hot %ho*er, b.t not a% $ong a% I *ante' be-a.%e I +ept thin+ing abo.t a$$ the peop$e 'ea' right no* that *o.$'n/t e&er again get to e<perien-e the %i)p$e p$ea%.re o, %o)ething a% ba%i- a% a hot %ho*er on a -o$' 'ay. Or %hopping )a$$%. Or theater%Dor anything that Ma-+ ha' $i%te' o,,. E&er again. Or a h.g ,ro) %o)eone *ho $o&e' the). I ha' been rea'y to t.rn o,, the *ater an' get o.t *hen I %tarte' %ha+ing *ith e)otion at that tho.ght. I hear' %o)eone %ay on-e that it *a%n/t po%%ib$e to )i%% *hat yo. ne&er ha'. B.t i, that *a% tr.e, *hy 'i' I *ant %o)eone to $o&e )e, to ho$' )e, ;.%t on-eA It too+ )e a$)o%t t*enty )in.te% to -o)po%e )y%e$,, an' *hen I %teppe' o.t )y 'inner *a% *aiting ,or )e, a$ong *ith an .np$ea%ant %.rpri%e. HI bro.ght yo.r ,oo',I K.rt Hannegan %ai' *ith a %neer. HNo one e$%e *ante' anything to 'o *ith yo..I He ha' been a$)o%t to the 'oor to $ea&e an' ha' t.rne' ba-+ ;.%t to to%% the %hot at )e. HI/) not h.ngry.I HI g.e%% it/% har' to *or+ .p an appetite *hen a$$ yo. 'o i% %it by *hi$e peop$e 'ie be-a.%e o, yo..I He pa.%e' at the 'oor ,or a beat, then t.rne' to +no-+ on it %o the g.ar' *o.$' $et hi) o.t. H:ait,I I -a$$e' to hi). @y &oi-e ).%t ha&e %o.n'e' a% $i,e$e%% to hi) a% it 'i' to )e, be-a.%e he $i%tene'. H:hatAI The air o, i)patien-e %.rro.n'e' hi) a% i,, in%.$t no* 'e$i&ere', he -o.$'n/t *ait to get a*ay ,ro) )e. HI 'on/t *ant anybo'y to 'ie,I I %ai' in a &oi-e that %o.n'e' %)a$$er to )e than I -o.$' ha&e i)agine' *hen I ,or)e' the *or'%. HIt/% a $itt$e $ate ,or that no*,I he %nar$e'. HHe$$, it *a% too $ate the 'ay a,ter yo. goa'e' O$' @an :inter into %en'ing .% ba-+ to yo.r ho.%e.I HI nee' yo.r he$p,I I %ai' to hi). He $a.ghe'. H2o./&e ha' )y he$p be,ore an' a$$ it got *a% a b.n-h o, )y b.''ie% 'ea'OI HI *ant to go to :o$,e. @y%e$,.I He rai%e' a %t.nne' eyebro*. HI 'on/t *ant anybo'y e$%e to 'ie. I nee' to get o.t o, here %o I -an go to :o$,e7 %o I -an en' thi%.I I he$' .p )y han'% at )y %i'e%. H(o I -an gi&e hi) *hat he *ant%.I Hannegan he%itate', regar'ing )e *ith %.%pi-ion. H2o. p$aying ga)e% *ith )eAI HNo,I I %ai', ret.rning to the $i,e$e%% &oi-e. HI ;.%t *ant thi% to be o&er.I H2eah,I he %ai', %.''en$y in-en%e', Han' get )y a%% ,ire' ,or he$ping yo. -o))it %.i-i'e.I Hi% eye% narro*e'. HB.t I te$$ yo. *hatDyo.r g.ar' -hange% at %e&en #.@. I, %o)eone *a% to try an' e%-ape an ho.r be,ore that, at %i<, e%pe-ia$$y i, they *ere %.per %trong, they -o.$' %*eep thro.gh the g.ar'% ? *itho.t h.rting anybo'y %erio.%$y,I he %ai' *ith e)pha%i%, Han' there )ight be a ,e* )in.te% *hen the -a)era% *ere o,,. I, yo. *ent *e%t, pa%t the -a,eteria an' a-ro%% the ,ie$' to*ar' the *oo'%,

there/% a roa' behin' the *a$$ o, the -a)p.%. # )eta -o.$' -$ear it *ith a ;.)p, ea%y.I H#n' *hat *o.$' I ,in' thereAI I *a% ho$$o*, ;.%t *aiting to %ee *hat he ha' in )in'. H@aybe nothing. @aybe a ri'e.I He t.rne' ba-+ to the 'oor. HI *o.$'n/t *ant to be a--.%e' o, he$ping yo..I H2o./re not,I I %ai' in a ra%p. He +no-+e' on the 'oor an' $e,t *itho.t ,.rther -o))ent. #,ter he *a% gone, I %tare' at the b$an+ TC %-reen ,or a *hi$e. 9e-i%ion )a'e. 2o. +no* *hat ,ina$$y 'i' itA :hat ,ina$$y p.%he' it o&er the topA I %a* at $ea%t one o, the 'ea' -op% *a% a *o)an. (he $oo+e' to be o, an age *here %he )ight ha&e a $itt$e gir$. # $itt$e gir$ *ho%e )o) *o.$'n/t -o)e ho)e tonight. (o.n'% ,a)i$iar. I *at-he' TC to +i$$ the ti)e *itho.t ,a$$ing a%$eep. I ,o.n' no* that the 'e-i%ion *a% )a'e, a$$ the *earine%% o, the $a%t ,e* 'ay% *a% -reeping in, rea'y to o&erta+e )e. B.t I -o.$'n/t $et it, not yet. They ha'n/t $e,t )e an a$ar) -$o-+ an' I 'i'n/t tr.%t )y%e$, not to %$eep thro.gh thi%, or I *o.$' ha&e trie' to -onta-t :o$,e in )y 'rea)%. I a%+e' the g.ar' at the 'oor ,or %o)e -o,,ee. He %neere', )a'e a %ar-a%ti- -o))ent abo.t ho* he *a%n/t )y %er&ing *en-h, an' $et )e +no* he/' ha&e %o)eone e$%e 'ea$ *ith it. I -o.$'n/t *ait to p.n-h hi) in the ,a-e. I/' ne&er pa%%e' %$o*er ho.r%, not e&en in the bo<, *itho.t any &i%.a$ or a.'itory %ti).$i b.t tho%e I )a'e )y%e$,. E&ery ne*% report that reha%he' the in-i'ent at the )a$$ an' a$$ the ne* 'eath% %ee)e' e$ongate', %tret-hing into in,inity. The )eta$ han'% o, the -$o-+ that h.ng in )y roo) )o&e' a% tho.gh they *eighe' ton% rather than gra)%. The $a%t ,i&e )in.te% *ere the *or%t. I *o.$' ,o$$o* the p$an K.rt $ai' o.t. E&en tho.gh I 'i'n/t tr.%t hi), I %.%pe-te' he *o.$'n/t ha&e any prob$e) ta+ing )e to 'ie, e%pe-ia$$y i, he -o.$' get a*ay *ith it. :ith t*o )in.te% $e,t, I %tare' ba-+ at the ne*%. The ti)ing *a% per,e-t4 they *ere ;.%t beginning a )ontage o, pi-t.re% o, a$$ the peop$e *ho ha' 'ie' %o ,ar in thi% in%anity. I *at-he' their ,a-e% %-ro$$ by, %o)e %)i$ing an' inno-ent ? the -hi$'ren, )o%t$y ? %o)e %tai' an' %erio.%, -a.ght in -an'i' %hot%. I *o.$' ha&e *ept, b.t )y re%o$&e *a% har'ene'. (oon eno.gh, there *o.$'n/t be any )ore. I *a$+e' to the 'oor at %i<, +no-+e' on the %tee$ an' *aite' ,or it to %$i'e open. :hen it 'i', the %a)e g.y that ha' to$' )e that he *a%n/t )y %er&ing *en-h be-a)e )y bit-h in%tea', an' I battere' hi) again%t the oppo%ite *a$$ *ith a %ing$e p.n-h. Not ba', -on%i'ering he *a% at $ea%t a h.n're' po.n'% hea&ier than )e. Three )ore g.ar'% ,$oo'e' the ha$$*ay. I p.$$e' the g.n ,ro) the ,ir%t an' hea&e' it at the ,arthe%t g.y, an' )y enhan-e' 'e<terity %-ore' a per,e-t hit7 the b.tt o, the %hotg.n -$ippe' hi) in the ;a*. I ha' %een peop$e get +no-+e' o.t be,ore, b.t thi% ti)e it *a% $i+e %$o* )otion7 hi% eye% ,$.ttere', he $oo+e' *oo1y ,or a %e-on', then he 'roppe' to hi% +nee% an' ,$oppe' ,a-e'o*n. I grabbe' the -$o%e%t g.y to )e a% he *ent ,or hi% ra'io an' yan+e' hi) ,or*ar', p.$$ing hi) o,, ba$an-e *ith the ea%e o, .prooting a %)a$$ p$ant. I $an'e' a ha))er,i%t on the ba-+ o, hi% hea' an' he *ent 'o*n. I %.rge' ,or*ar' *ith a ,ront +i-+, -at-hing the $a%t g.y in the -orri'or in the %to)a-h, +no-+ing the *in' o.t o, hi). I ,o$$o*e' .p *ith a p.n-h that bro+e hi% ;a* a% *e$$ a% +no-+e' hi) o.t, gi&ing the 9ire-torate g.ar'% yet another rea%on to hate )e. There *ere %o )any. #,ter the $a%t one hit the ,$oor, I $oo+e' 'o*n the %tee$6p$ate' -orri'or. It %tret-he' abo.t a h.n're' ,eet in either 'ire-tion, an' there *a% no %o.n' or )o&e)ent. @o%t o, the 9ire-torate %ta,, *ere o.t ,or the night, %o thi% b.i$'ing *a% $i+e$y ).-h B.ieter than, %ay, the 'or)itory b.i$'ing *here a$$ the )eta% an' on6-a)p.% %ta,, $i&e'. Nonethe$e%%, I -rept B.iet$y .p the %tair% to the ,ir%t ,$oor, *here, *itho.t e&en $ea&ing the %tair*e$$, I ,o.n' an e<it 'oor. I %t.'ie' it in a r.%h, )a+ing %.re it *a%n/t an e)ergen-y e<it that *o.$' %et o,, a ,ire a$ar). It

'i'n/t appear to be, %o I p.%he' thro.gh the -ro%%bar an' opene' it, %printing o.t into the %no*. I *a% ba-+ in )y t.rt$ene-+, -oat an' g$o&e%Dthe on$y thing I *a% )i%%ing *a% a ri'i-.$o.% hat to +eep )y hea' *ar). #n' I *a% hea'e' ho)e. I ran a-ro%% the %no*, hea'ing to*ar' the *oo'%. I pa%%e' the 'or)itory b.i$'ing, gi&ing it a *i'e berth, %no* .p to )y +nee% b.t %ti$$ )o&ing ,a%t, *hen the a$ar) +$a<on% began ho*$ing. They )ight ha&e ,o.n' )y han'i*or+ in the ba%e)ent. #$$ tho%e g.ar'% beaten %en%e$e%%. I 'i'n/t %pare a tho.ght ,or it, ;.%t ran ,a%ter. I *a% ha&ing to $i,t )y $eg% high to -$ear the %no*, b.t I *a% a)a1e' at ho* ,a%t I *a% )o&ing. I *ent %e&era$ h.n're' yar'% thro.gh t*o ,eet o, %no* in %e-on'%. I rea-he' the tree $ine an' +ept )o&ing, tr.%ting )y re,$e<e% to +eep )e ,ro) getting -$othe%$ine' by a $o*6hanging bran-h or p$o*ing into a tree tr.n+. 9ar+ne%% appeare' in ,ront o, )e an' I rea$i1e' it *a% the *a$$. It %tret-he' a goo' ten ,eet .p an' *a% )a'e o, %o$i' b$o-+. #n' I -$eare' it in a ;.)p. I $an'e' on the other %i'e *ith an ine$egant ro$$, br.%hing o,, the %no* a% I got to )y ,eet. I hear' %$o* -$apping -o)ing ,ro) in ,ront o, )e. Lit by the bea)% o, hea'$ight%, K.rt Hannegan %too' in ,ront o, hi% -ar. HCery ni-e. No* -an *e get o.t o, hereAI I ,o$$o*e' hi), getting into the pa%%enger %i'e an' %h.tting the 'oor. He g.nne' the ga%, *hee$% %$ipping on the *et pa&e)ent. H:here toAI he a%+e', han'% gripping the *hee$ an' hi% ;a* -$en-he'. HJ.%t 'ri&e )e to )y ho.%e,I I to$' hi), br.%hing the %no* o,, )y%e$,. He %hot )e an angry $oo+ a% he *at-he' it $an' on the .pho$%tery. HI ha&e to $et :o$,e +no* *here to ,in' )e.I H9o it a,ter I/) gone,I he %ai' *ith a %-o*$. H8ine,I I $ie'. HI/) going to %$eep .nti$ *e get there.I H9on/t +no* *hy yo./re bothering,I he %hot ba-+. H2o./$$ be getting p$enty o, that %oon.I I 'i'n/t re%pon' to hi% 'ig, in%tea' $eaning ba-+ in the %eat, re%ting )y hea' again%t the %i'e o, the -ar, -$o%e to the *in'o*. The %tea'y thr.) o, the tire% again%t the roa' ga&e o,, per,e-t *hite noi%e, an' the )otion o, the &ehi-$e ro-+e' )e to %$eep. 9ar+ne%% en-o)pa%%e' )e, en%hro.'e' )e, too+ )e a*ay ,ro) the roa' an' the hea'$ight% an' that a%%ho$e Hannegan, an' 'epo%ite' )e right *here I *ante' to be. B$a-+ne%% %.rro.n'e' )e, %*ir$e' )e into it% &orte<, an' then, in the 'i%tan-e, I %a* a %pot. B.rro*ing thro.gh the 'ar+, it got -$earer an' -$earer, -oa$e%-ing into a %hape ? $i+e a )an, b.t *ith b$a-+ eye%, horri,i- teeth an' a ,a-e that ga&e )e nothing b.t ,ear. He 're* -$o%er an' -$o%er, a %)i$e $ighting hi% terrib$e ,eat.re%. # %)i$e that broa'ene' *hen I %po+e. H:o$,eDit/% ti)e to p$ay.I ~

T&ent .t!ree
I *o+e .p, intentiona$$y, a ,e* )in.te% $ater to ,in' )y%e$, ro$$ing thro.gh the %treet% o, )y neighborhoo'. :e/' $e,t behin' the *i'e open ,ar)$an', the %tret-he% o, %.b.rb% an' ,ree*ay, an' entere' the 'en%e$y pa-+e' b$o-+% o, ho.%e% that ha' on$y a ,e* ,eet bet*een the). I $i,te' )y hea' to ,in' Hannegan $oo+ing aro.n' in a$$ 'ire-tion%, a% i, he *ere e<pe-ting :o$,e to a)b.%h. HI 'on/t thin+ he/% here yet,I I %ai' *ith a hint o, a).%e)ent. Not %.re *here that -a)e ,ro). Ga$$o*% h.)or, I a%%.)e. HI 'on/t -are7 I/) not hanging aro.n'.I He +ept .p hi% %ear-hing pattern. H2o. )ay be rea'y to 'ie b.t I/) not.I HI/) not rea$$y rea'y to 'ie,I I %ai'. HB.t neither are any o, the peop$e he/% +i$$ing to get to )e.I Hannegan gr.nte' in a-+no*$e'g)ent, b.t 'i' it %o ne.tra$$y I *on'ere' i, he/' hear' a *or' o, *hat I %ai'. He -a)e to a %top at the en' o, a 'ri&e*ay an' I $oo+e' .p at the ho.%e. Kn$i+e $a%t ti)e, I *a% %.re it *a% )ine. I opene' the 'oor an' pon'ere' )a+ing a %ar-a%ti- -o))ent to hi) or $ingering ,or a )o)ent, b.t I rea$i1e' I *a% )ore %-are' o, *hat *a% -o)ing than &in'i-ti&e abo.t *hat ha' happene' in the pa%t. I *or'$e%%$y %h.t the 'oor an' I *at-he' hi) %*a$$o* hea&i$y, the %ort o, a-tion that )ight )a+e a g.$ping %o.n' ha' I been in the -ar to hear it. He $oo+e' at )e *ith ho$$o* eye% an' I -o.$' %ee hi% ,ear at the tho.ght o, ,a-ing :o$,e. He $oo+e' a*ay an' %to)pe' the a--e$erator, %$inging ).''ie' %$.%h on )e a% he %pe' a*ay. I %at there, ,ree1ing, in 'i%be$ie, ,or a )o)ent, %opping *et. H(-re* it,I I %ai' an' p.$$e' )y g$o&e% o,,, thro*ing the) into the g.tter. I p.$$e' )y ;a-+et o,,, a$%o %oa+e', an' to%%e' it on the gro.n'. I too+ a -o.p$e %tep% to*ar' )y ,ront 'oor an' ,a$tere'. He probab$y *a%n/t in there yet. 0robab$y. I ,o.n' )y%e$, in no great h.rry to ,in' o.t. He *a% either here or on hi% *ay. The -hi$$ *in' -o)bine' *ith the $ingering *etne%% o, K.rt/% %pino.t -a.%e' a ,rigi' ,ee$ing that *a% eating into )y bone%. (ti$$, I %toppe' at the e'ge o, the 'ri&e*ay an' %-oope' .p a han',.$ o, %no*. I ,e$t the -o$' o, it, the '.$$ ,ee$ing o, n.)bne%% that %tarte' ra'iating thro.gh )y pa$) a,ter I he$' it again%t )y bare %+in ,or a ,e* )o)ent%. I -o.$'n/t ha&e i)agine' t*o *ee+% ago that e&erything *o.$' en' .p $i+e thi%. I tho.ght again abo.t Ma-+ an' I *on'ere' *here he *a%, i, he *a% %ti$$ in (o.th #)eri-a. It 'i'n/t )atter7 I ha' no ,aith that @6(B.a' -o.$' ta+e on :o$,e an' *in. I tho.ght abo.t hi% $i%t o, thing%, the thing% that I ne&er got to 'o. That I *o.$' ne&er get to 'o. Then I tho.ght abo.t the other $i%t, the one I )a'e a,ter he $e,t that night. Thing% he 'i'n/t )ention, $i+e ha&ing a ,ir%t 'ateDgetting )y ,ir%t +i%%D I ,e$t tear% %tinging at the -orner% o, )y eye% an' I $oo+e' ba-+ to the ho.%e *here I/' %pent e&ery ho.r an' e&ery 'ay o, )y re)e)bere' $i,e .p .nti$ a *ee+ ago. Tho%e ,o.r *a$$% en-$o%e' )y $i,e $i+e a gra&e, an' they *o.$' $i+e$y en' .p being )y to)b, the p$a-e *here )y bo'y *o.$' $ie, )aybe ,ore&er. The he$$ o, it *a%, *ith @o) )i%%ing, there rea$$y *a%n/t anybo'y e$%e *ho/' -are I *a% gone ? -are abo.t )e, the rea$ )e, not the %.ppo%e'$y %.per6po*er,.$ )eta that e&eryone *a% -ha%ing. :ho/% %o po*er,.$ %he -an/t e&en %a&e her%e$,. I $oo+e' .p pa%t the tree% that %tret-he' into the %+y. They/' been there ,or 'e-a'e%, gro*ing in the gro.n' here on thi% %treet. C$o.'% -o&ere' the %.n, ;.%t a% they ha' e&ery 'ay %in-e I ran o.t the ,ront 'oor. I *a$+e', %$o*, %h.,,$ing %tep%, ea-h one an a-t o, p.re *i$$, a% I )a'e )y *ay to the 'oor. I *a%

going to 'ie *itho.t e&er e&en %eeing the %.n. I re)e)bere' a ,e* 'ay% be,ore, *hen :o$,e ,ir%t threatene' to 'o *hat he/' 'one to thi% -ity. I re-a$$e' being %o %.re that there *a% not a %o.$ that -o.$' %top hi), b.t tr.th,.$$y there *a% a$$ a$ong. The prob$e) *ith being %e$,6-entere', a% *e h.)an% are, i% that %o)eti)e% *e )i%% the ob&io.% %o$.tion% *hen the e,,e-t on .% i% $e%% than 'e%irab$e. There *a% a per%on *ho -o.$' %top :o$,e. #n' it *a% )e. I -o.$' %top hi). #n' a$$ I ha' to 'o *a% gi&e hi) *hat he *ante' )o%t. #n' *hat I *ante' $ea%t. @y han' ,e$t the -o$' )eta$ o, the 'oor+nob a% I t.rne' it, opening the por-h 'oor. I %teppe' in%i'e an' ,e$t it %$a) %h.t behin' )e. I %at there in the %e)i6'ar+ne%%, ;.%t breathing ,or a )o)ent be,ore I too+ )y ne<t %tep ,or*ar' an' entere' the ,ront 'oor. I $oo+e' 'o*n, e<pe-ting to %ee the 'ea' agent/% bo'y that ha' been $e,t here $a%t ti)e, b.t it *a% gone. There *a%n/t a %o.n' in the ho.%e, b.t o.t%i'e I -o.$' hear a ,ar6o,, po$i-e %iren, probab$y an%*ering the -a$$ o, another per%on *orrie' abo.t :o$,e %$a.ghtering the). I $oo+e' aro.n' the $i&ing roo) a% I %h.t the 'oor behin' )e. It *a% %ti$$ in %-attere' 'i%array ,ro) the batt$e% it ha' %een in re-ent 'ay%. :a%n/t yo.r $i,e %.ppo%e' to ,$a%h be,ore yo.r eye% be,ore yo. 'ieA Not that I ha' a $i,e7 ;.%t a thin, -ar'boar' -.to.t &er%ion o, rea$ity that in&o$&e' )e *a+ing .p e&ery 'ay, eating brea+,a%t, rea'ing boo+%, *or+ing o.t an', i, I *a% goo', %itting on the -o.-h that *a% .pt.rne' in ,ront o, )e an' *at-hing an ho.r o, TC be,ore I *ent to be' at night. It *a%n/t a $i,e. @y entire e<i%ten-e *a% -ir-.)%-ribe' by the %a)e *a$$% I *a% $oo+ing at no*, the *a$$% o, thi% ho.%e, an' *hen I *a% ba', the *a$$% o, the bo<. The bo<. That 'a)ne' bo<. I %$ippe' 'o*n the %tair% to the ba%e)ent, $ea&ing the *re-+age o, the $i&ing roo) behin' )e, rep$ete *ith the %)e$$ o, gore. The $ight% *ere %ti$$ hanging o&erhea', the )at% %ti$$ b$oo'y *here Ma-+ an' I ha' $e,t o.r -ontrib.tion ,ro) the ,ight *ith :o$,e. I %teppe' o&er the) an' )a'e )y *ay to the -orner to $oo+ at it. It 'i'n/t )atter i, I gre* ten ,eet ta$$er, I *o.$' %ti$$ $oo+ at it a% a h.ge, )eta$, i)po%ing ,ig.re. The %i'e that %*.ng open h.ng o,, it% hinge%, )o&e' ,ro) *here I $e,t it. The $a%t ti)eDI trie' to p.t the hinge% ba-+ together, trie' to %et it right again, to )a+e it $oo+ $i+e it *a%n/t bro+en. It %too' open, the 'ar+ne%% in%i'e a %i$ent re)in'er o, 'ay% %pent *ithin. I *i%h there *a% %o)e bra&e, e<-iting rea%on *hy I trie' to ,i< it, b.t the tr.th i% that a% irrationa$ a% it %o.n'%, I ,eare' @o)/% rea-tion *hen %he %a* I/' bro+en o.t. It *a% the a-t o, a %-are' $itt$e gir$ that &ain$y hope' her )other *o.$'n/t rea$i1e that *hen %he $e,t the ho.%e, I *a% $o-+e' in a )eta$ %ar-ophag.% an' *hen %he got ba-+, I *a% %$eeping in )y o*n be' an' %itting on )y o*n -o.-h an' going abo.t )y $i,e .n,ettere' by the )eta$ pri%on %he/' -on,ine' )e to be,ore %he $e,t. O, -o.r%e, %he ne&er -a)e ba-+, %o it 'i'n/t )atter. I *on'ere' *hat @o) *o.$' %ay *hen %he ,o.n' o.t *hat happene' to )e. I, %he ,o.n' o.t. I *on'ere' i, :o$,e ha' -a.ght .p *ith her, a% *e$$. @o) *a% a ,ighter7 *ay better than )e. I, he 'i', I bet %he h.rt hi) be,ore the en'. The tho.ght o, the pen %ti-+ing o.t o, hi% ear, b$oo' trai$ing 'o*n hi% ,a-e, -a)e ba-+ to )e, a$ong *ith the tho.ght o, tranB.i$i1er 'art% an' the +ni,e I ha' b.rie' in hi) $a%t ti)e I *a% here. 2eah. @o) *o.$' ha&e gi&en hi) he$$. HLitt$e 'o$$,I I hear' ,ro) behin' )e, t.rning to ,a-e the %tair-a%e. He %tro$$e' 'o*n, an i'$e )an *ith a$$ the ti)e in the *or$'. Hi% no%e *a% %ni,,ing, a% i, he *ere %a&oring the )ea$ he *a% abo.t to eat. He pa.%e' at the $a%t %tep. H(o ni-e o, yo. to -a$$ on :o$,e. I *a% beginning to B.e%tion ho* )any peop$e I *a% going to ha&e to +i$$ be,ore yo./' pay attentionDo, -o.r%e,I he a')itte' *ith a broa' grin, *orthy o, hi% na)e, H:o$,e -an/t ta+e -re'it ,or a$$ the +i$$% the ne*% ha% been gi&ing to hi)D %o)eone e$%e ha% ;oine' in on :o$,e/% goo' ti)e%DI H:hoAI # brie, %par+ o, intere%t -ro%%e' )y )in' a% )y brain %-ra)b$e' ,or *ay% to a&oi' the ,ate

I +ne* *a% )o)ent% a*ay. # %hr.g ,ro) the bea%t. H:o$,e 'oe%n/t +no*. :o$,e 'oe%n/t -are.I # grin. H:o$,e -are% abo.t yo., $itt$e 'o$$. :o$,e +no*% ,ro) the $itt$e %a)p$e% ho* goo' yo. ta%teDno* he *ant% the ,.$$ -o.r%e.I He pa.%e' an' *agge' hi% ,inger at )e. H:o$,e thin+% yo. +no* that yo. -an/t beat hi). B.t be,ore *e %tart, he *ant% to hear yo. pro)i%e yo. *on/t try.I #n in&o$.ntary %h.''er pa%%e' thro.gh )e an' I ga&e )y ,.$$ e,,ort to b$otting o.t tho.ght% o, *hat *a% abo.t to happen. HI -an/t beat yo.,I I a')itte'. H#n' i, I +ept r.nning, I be$ie&e yo. *i$$ +eep +i$$ing ,ore&er7 e&eryone yo. -o.$' ? )en, *o)en an' -hi$'ren. It *o.$' ne&er get better. It *o.$' be )y ,a.$t. #n' that rea$i1ation *o.$' %ap e&ery o.n-e o, ;oy ,ro) )y $i,e ? or *hat pa%%e% ,or )y $i,e ? ,ore&er.I He too+ another %tep -$o%er. H:i%e, ,or one %o yo.ng, to +no* the :o$,e %o *e$$. :o$,e i% a)a1e' that one %o -.t o,, a$$ her $i,e -an ,ee$ -onne-te' to thi% *or$'Db.t it )atter% not.I He %*ept -$o%er in one %*i,t )o&e)ent an' I 'i'n/t re%i%t a% he -$o%e' hi% han' aro.n' )y ne-+. H:o$,e i% going to h.rt yo. no*Dan' thi% *i$$ go on ,or B.ite %o)e ti)eD.nti$ yo. -an/t re%i%t e&en i, yo. *ant toDan' then, *hen yo. -an/t )o&e, b.t yo. -an %ti$$ ,ee$Dthen *e/$$ %tart the rea$ ,.nDI He %$a))e' )e again%t the *a$$ an' it ,e$t $i+e the *or$' en'e'. @y ear% rang a% tho.gh %o)eone ha' %et o,, the p$anet/% *or%t ro-+ ban' in the), an' it h.rt $i+e he$$. @y brain *a% %*i))ing an' ,or a )o)ent the *or$' %p.n .p%i'e 'o*n an' then righte' it%e$,. :o$,e *a% %ti$$ %taring ba-+ at )e *ith tho%e b$a-+, $i,e$e%% eye%, $i+e I *a% an in%e-t he *a% %t.'ying. HI 'on/t *ant yo. to )o&e ,or yo.r o*n goo', $itt$e 'o$$D'o$$% %ho.$'n/t )o&e the)%e$&e% *hen :o$,e p$ay% *ith the)D%o thi% i% ,or yo.r o*n goo'DI He rea-he' ba-+ ,or a *in'.p an' thre* )e a-ro%% the roo) an' hea',ir%t into the -on-rete. I 'on/t +no* ,or %.re that it ,ra-t.re' )y %+.$$, b.t the ga*'a*,.$ -ra-+ing noi%e to$' )e that either )y bone% or the *a$$ ha' gi&en. B$oo' -o&ere' )y ,a-e, tri-+$ing o&er )y eye%. I -o.$' on$y ,ee$ it, not %ee it, be-a.%e )y eye$i'% ha' %nappe' %h.t. He grabbe' ho$' o, )e again an' ha.$e' )e into the air. @y han'% t*it-he' at )y %i'e. H:o$,e *o.$'n/t be 'oing thi% i, yo. ha'n/t h.rt hi). He *o.$' ha&e han'e' yo. o&er to hi% )a%ter%, $i+e they *ante', a$$ %a,e an' %o.n', b.t yo. ha' to h.rt the :o$,eDnot on-e, not t*i-e, b.t thri-eDan' no* yo./re in hi% b$oo', an' he nee'% yo.Dan' yo. nee' to $earn not to tri,$e *ith big )enDba' )enDI @y eye% *ere $o$$ing in )y hea' a% I trie' to bra-e ,or the ne<t i)pa-t, b.t I re$a<e' )y%e$,. Then he %tarte' to -ho+e )e, har'. I ,e$t the %ti,$ing a% I trie' ,or a breath, then atte)pte' to *i$$ )y%e$, not to breathe, hoping to get it o&er be,ore he %tarte' ha&ing hi% ,.n *ith )e, b.t I -o.$'n/t. @y $.ng% %traine' an' I began to pani-. I trie' to ga%p, b.t -o.$'n/t. No @6(B.a' *a% -o)ing to %a&e )e. No -op%. NoD@o). I *a% on )y o*n. Co)p$ete$y a$one. @y eye% opene' an' )y ga1e $i,te' o&er hi% %ho.$'er an' I %a* the bo< in the -orner, 'oor %ti$$ open, a$)o%t $eering, a% tho.gh it *ere ta.nting )e. No* the ,$a%hba-+% -a)e, at the en', a% )y piti,.$ $i,e *aite' in the ba$an-e an' I re)e)bere' )o)ent% I ha' trie' to ,orget. #$$ tho%e year%, @o) ha' he$' )e in thi% ho.%e, $i+e :o$,e *a% ho$'ing )e no*, +eeping )e -apti&e, %$o*$y %B.ee1ing the $i,e o.t o, )e ? an' I $et her, a,rai' o, the bo<. 2ear% o, he$p$e%% i)pri%on)ent, p.tting a%i'e e&erything I *ante' o.t o, )y $i,e. It ta.nte' )e, in that -orner. 2ear% o, being %t.-+ in it, trappe', he$p$e%%. E)otion% po.re' o&er )e $i+e the i-y *ater that ha' hit )e ear$ier, a %.''en, %harp %ho-+. I re)e)bere' the $a%t ti)e I *a% %t.-+ in that )eta$ -o,,in, 'ay% *itho.t getting a breath o, ,re%h air, an' )y ,ear b.i$t an' b.i$t .nti$ I e<p$o'e', anger an' hatre' an' %a'ne%% a$$ r.%hing o.t. I po.n'e' on the

)eta$ o, the 'oor, p.t e&erything into it an' ,e$t %o)ething I ha' ne&er ,e$t in a$$ the ti)e% I ha' been in there. It )o&e'. The 'oor )o&e', ;.%t a $itt$e. I hit it again an' again an' it b.'ge' a $itt$e )ore, an' a -ra-+ o, $ight ,ro) the o.t%i'e pee+e' in. I ha))ere' at the 'oor, +i-+e', p.%he' at it, %-rea)ing, gr.nting, )y *eary an' -ra)pe' ).%-$e% -rying o.t to get ,ree. The -orner bent eno.gh that I -o.$' %ti-+ )y ,inger% thro.gh, an' I p.%he' an' the )eta$ bent a% I app$ie' )ore an' )ore pre%%.re. :ith a ,ina$ +i-+ an' p.n-h I hear' the top an' botto) hinge% %train an' brea+ an' I rippe' the 'oor ,ree, %.-+ing in the breath% o, $i,e an' ,a$$ing to the ba%e)ent ,$oor, the -o$' -on-rete an' breathab$e air $etting )e +no* that I *a% a$i&e, an' ,or on-eDI *a%n/t he$p$e%%. I *a%n/t. I %tare' ba-+ at :o$,e/% %o.$$e%% eye% an' the %a)e ,.ry *a%he' o&er )e, the %a)e 'e%perate h.nger ,or air an' $i,e. He he$' )e at ar)/% $ength an' )y bare han'% -a)e .p o, their o*n a--or' an' %.rge' ,or*ar', *rapping the)%e$&e% aro.n' hi% hairy ne-+. The b$a-+ eye% $oo+e' at )e in %.rpri%e an' a %)i$e ,o.n' it% *ay to hi% $ip%. Hi% grip tightene' on )e a% )ine tightene' on hi% ne-+. There *a% no *ay I *o.$' be ab$e to +i$$ hi) be,ore he +i$$e' )e, I +ne* that. #n' I 'i'n/t -are. I *o.$' not 'ie *itho.t hi) +no*ing that I *a%n/t a he$p$e%%, 'e,en%e$e%% $itt$e 'o$$ ;.%t here ,or hi) to p$ay *ith. @y ,inger% '.g into hi% throat an' he $a.ghe'. H2o./re going to ha&e to %B.ee1e ).-h har'er than that to )a+e :o$,e ,ee$ it, )y $itt$e 'o$$. #$$ yo./re 'oing i% gi&ing :o$,e a -a%e o, the ting$e%.I I grippe' hi) tighter an' he %B.ee1e' )e %o har' )y hea' p.%he' ba-+. I *orrie' ,or a )o)ent it *a% going to pop o,,, b.t I )aintaine' )y ,.rio.% ho$' on hi). I -o.$' ,ee$ a ting$e o, )y o*n in )y han'%, $i+e$y ,ro) the ,a-t that he *a% 'epri&ing )y brain o, o<ygen. I '.g )y ,ingernai$% into hi% %+in an' I %a* ,aint tri-+$e% o, b$oo' *e$$ .p beneath the), e&en a% I %tarte' to ,ee$ a %en%ation o, $ighthea'e'ne%% per-o$ate thro.gh )y being. H:hatD*hat are yo.D'oingDAI :o$,e/% *or'% *ere -ho+e', hi% eye% *i'e. I ,e$t hi% grip %$a-+en on )y ne-+. I 'i'n/t 'are $oo%en )ine, an' the $ighthea'e'ne%% I ha' e<perien-e' *a% gro*ing into %o)ething )ore. The $ight in the roo) %ee)e' to be brightening, a)p$i,ying. HItDit BKRN(PI He $et o.t a ho*$ o, pain an' batte' at )y han'%. Hi% -$a*% '.g into )y *ri%t%, %-rat-hing at the), 'ra*ing )ore b$oo' that tri-+$e' 'o*n hi% ,inger%. I $oo+e' 'o*n to %ee it poo$ing in $itt$e 'rip% on the -on-rete an' then $oo+e' ba-+ to hi% ,a-e, a*a%h in agony, an' ,e$t hi% *eight %tart to 'rag )e 'o*n. @y han'% *ere -$.t-hing hi% throat7 )y %+in *a% hot an' )y hea' *a% throbbing, r.%hing *ith b$oo'. I ,e$t a heightene' %en%e o,De&erything. I %.''en$y rea$i1e' the roo) ree+e' o, b$oo' an' ,ear, an' I 're* in another %harp breath. 8aint th.)ping noi%e% .p%tair% *ere a.'ib$e to )e ,or the ,ir%t ti)e, an' I -o.$' hear noi%e% in the pipe% an' %iren% b$o-+% a*ay, an' a$$ thi% o&er the *hi)pering an' %-rea)ing o, :o$,e. @y %+in *a% on ,ire *ith the heat o, hi% throat in )y han'%, an' I -o.$' ,ee$ the &ein% in :o$,e/% ne-+ p.)ping b$oo' pa%t )y ,inger%. H0LE#(EPPI Hi% &oi-e %hrie+e', begging, p$ea'ing, ,i$$ing the air in the ba%e)ent. It *a% at that )o)ent that I rea$i1e' that i, he -o.$' %pea+, I *a%n/t -ho+ing hi) ? at $ea%t not e,,e-ti&e$y. HIt h.rt%D (OD@KCHPI Hi% *or'% -a)e o.t in a *hi)pering %hrie+. H:o$,e i% %orry, $itt$e 'o$$, p$ea%e $et hi) go, p$ea%ep$ea%ep$ea%eDI # ,e* )ore *ai$% o, agony, one $a%t *hi)per, an' a 'eath ratt$e ,i$$e' the air. I he$' :o$,e by the ne-+ an' there *a% a bitter ta%te in )y )o.th a% he *ent %$a-+7 hi% b$a-+ eye% ro$$e' ba-+ in hi% hea', no* tr.$y $i,e$e%%. The $ighthea'e' %en%ation ,i$$e' )e an' I ,e$t $i+e I *a% ,$oating, then ,$ying, b.t not $i+e I ha' *hen I *ent .n-on%-io.%Din%tea' it *a% $i+e I *a% ,$ying at a h.n're' )i$e% an ho.r, e&en tho.gh I *a% %ti$$ there in the ba%e)ent, $oo+ing at :o$,e/% 'ea' eye%. Tho.gh he *eighe' %e&era$ h.n're' po.n'%, I he$' hi) .p by the ne-+ ,or %e&era$ )in.te%, a,rai' to $et go an' e)po*ere' by the r.%h o, *hate&er it *a% that *a% -a.%ing )y hea' to %pin. I ,ina$$y $et

hi) %$ip ,ro) )y gra%p, an' hi% bo'y ,e$$ ba-+, +no-+ing o&er the bo<, *hi-h $an'e' on the gro.n' *ith a horren'o.% -ra%h. :o$,e/% bo'y ro$$e' o,, the %i'e o, it an' %$i' to the ,$oor, .n)o&ing. I too+ t*o %tep% ba-+ an' %$.)pe' again%t the *a$$. @y hea' ,e$t $i+e it *a% abo.t to e<p$o'e. @y )in' *a% %o ;.)b$e' I -o.$'n/t -ontro$ it7 $eaping in e&ery 'ire-tion, tho.ght% I -o.$' not ha&e -on-ei&e' o, ;.%t a ,e* )in.te% ear$ier *ere 'a%hing thro.gh )y hea' %o B.i-+$y I -o.$'n/t e&en tra-+ the) a$$. I $oo+e' ba-+ at the t*o ob;e-t% o, )y greate%t ,ear an' a hea'y ,ee$ing %ett$e' o&er )e. I +i-+e' :o$,e/% %hin *ith an o.t%tret-he' $eg. He 'i'n/t b.'ge, 'i'n/t b$in+. He *a% 'ea'. #n' I *a% ,ree. ~

T&ent .-o+r
I $eane' again%t the *a$$, trying to -at-h )y breath a% tho.ght% *hir$e' in )y hea'. The -rea+ o, a ,$oorboar' ,o-.%e' )e. I %a* a ,oot appear at the top o, the %tep% an' trie' to %tan', then -o$$ap%e' *hen I %a* *ho%e ,oot it *a%. Ree' tiptoe' 'o*n the %tair% an' ,ro1e *hen he -a.ght %ight o, :o$,e, then -harge' 'o*n the $a%t ,e* %tep% a,ter he %a* )e, 'ropping to hi% +nee% at )y %i'e. H(iennaPI H2e%AI I $oo+e' ba-+ at hi), %ti$$ *obb$y. HThan+ Go' yo./re a$i&e, yo. $oo+DI He ,ro*ne' in -on-ern an' hi% han' patte' )y ,orehea'. HKhDyo.D.hDI HI thin+ :o$,e 'i' a n.)ber on )e be,ore I +i$$e' hi),I I rep$ie' thro.gh b$oo'y $ip%. He no''e' agree)ent, $oo+ing %o)e*hat gray in the ,a-e. He %hi,te' ,ro) )e an' ea%e' o&er to :o$,e on hi% +nee% an' ,e$t the )on%ter/% -hee+. He $oo+e' ba-+ to )e *ith an e<pre%%ion o, ,ear an' a)a1e)ent. HHe/% 'ea'.I HI ;.%t %ai' that,I I rep$ie' *ith an eye ro$$ that $e,t )e ,ee$ing $i+e )y entire brain ha' 'one a ba-+,$ip. Ree' %hi,te' ba-+ to )e. HI 'i'n/t be$ie&e yo..I Hi% han'% *ent to )y ne-+ an' I ,e$t the pre%%.re o, hi% to.-h ,or a ,e* )in.te%7 then he rai%e' the) in ,ront o, )y eye%, -o&ere' in b$oo'. HTo an%*er yo.r ear$ier B.e%tion, ye%, he 'i' a n.)ber on yo..I HNot the ,ir%t ti)e,I I rep$ie' *ith a gr.nt. HB.t it/% the $a%t.I I $a.ghe', a $ight, airy $a.gh that t.rne' into a ha-+ing -o.gh. O.-h. He p$a-e' a han' on )y ,orehea'. H2o./re b.rning .p.I He to%%e' a $oo+ at :o$,e/% bo'y, then ba-+ to )e. HHo* 'i' yo. +i$$ hi)AI HI 'on/t +no*DI ;.%t grabbe' hi) aro.n' the throat an' he$' on.I H(o yo. %trang$e' hi)AI Hi% han' *a% re%ting on )y ,orehea', a% tho.gh he *a% trying to ta+e )y te)perat.re. HNoDI I tho.ght ba-+ to )y han'% aro.n' hi% throat, abo.t hi) ta$+ing to )e, p$ea'ing ,or hi% $i,e. HHe *a% %ti$$ ta$+ing, %o I -o.$'n/t ha&e -ho+e' hi) to 'eath.I :itho.t *arning, Ree' yan+e' hi% han' a*ay ,ro) )e an' topp$e' ba-+*ar' to the ,$oor. He %hoo+ ,or a )o)ent an' %tret-he' o.t a% tho.gh he *ere -on&.$%ing. Cra*$ing on )y han'% an' +nee%, I )o&e' to*ar' hi). H#re yo. a$$ rightAI I a%+e' a% he b.-+e' on-e )ore an' p.$$e' hi)%e$, to a %itting po%ition. I rea-he' o.t a han' an' he batte' it a*ay, har'. I $oo+e' at hi) an' hi% bro*n eye% -a)e .p at )e $a'en *ith %.%pi-ion, a haggar' $oo+ et-he' on hi% ,a-e, *hi-h *a% %.''en$y *orn. H9on/tDto.-h )e.I Hi% &oi-e *a% &io$ent, e'gy. I rea-he' o.t again an' he %$i' a*ay in a h.rry, hitting hi% ba-+ again%t the *a$$ an' %$i'ing to hi% ,eet, $oo+ing 'o*n on )e, hi% -he%t hea&ing a% tho.gh he *ere ,ighting ,or a breath. HI %ai' 9ON/T TOKCH @EPI H:hatDi% itAI I $oo+e' .p at hi) ,ro) the ,$oor, %t.nne' at hi% %.''en -hange in per%ona. H9on/t yo. get itAI He %$i' again%t the *a$$, )o&ing to*ar' the %tair*e$$, %ti$$ $eaning again%t it ,or %.pport. H2o. +i$$e' :o$,eD*ith yo.r to.-h.I H:hatAI I a%+e', horri,ie'. I $oo+e' at )y han'% an' ba-+ to Ree', *ho ha' a $oo+ o, re&.$%ion on hi% ,a-e. H:hatD*hat a) IAI # -on-ern gre* in )e a% I trie' to *rap )y %ti$$ ree$ing )in' aro.n' *hat ha' happene'. There *a% a %o.n' .p%tair%, the noi%e o, a 'oor e<p$o'ing open. Ree' $oo+e' .p an' ba-+ to )e, then too+ t*o %tep% to*ar' a ba%e)ent *in'o* an' bro+e thro.gh it, %pringing *ith a)a1ing agi$ity

thro.gh the ho$e an' $ea&ing a pi$e o, bro+en, *hite6-o&ere' g$a%% on the ,$oor behin' hi). The 'oor to the ba%e)ent ,$e* open an' hea&y ,oot,a$$% -a)e 'o*n the %tair%. I %tr.gg$e' to )y ,eet on-e )ore, $oo+ing at )y han'%, *on'ering i, *hat Ree' %ai' *a% tr.e an' i, I *o.$' ha&e to .%e the) again on *hoe&er *a% -o)ing a,ter )e. I breathe' a %igh o, re$ie, *hen O$' @an :inter appeare' at the top o, the %tep%. He too+ a B.i-+ $oo+ at :o$,e, then -a$$e' .p the %tair%, H(ienna i% a$$ right an'D:o$,e i% 'ea'.I He h.rrie' 'o*n the $a%t ,e* %tep% to )e, ,o$$o*e' by a ha$, 'o1en agent%, a$$ o, *ho) gogg$e' at the bo'y o, :o$,e, $aying %.pine on the -o$' -on-rete ,$oor ne<t to the o&ert.rne' bo<. I bra-e' )y%e$, again%t the *a$$ a% the agent% ,or)e' a %e)i6-ir-$e aro.n' :o$,e an' O$' @an :inter %toope' ne<t to hi). #ria'ne -a)e 'o*n $a%t, ,o$$o*e' by t*o )ore ,ig.re%7 9r. 0er.gini an' 9r. (e%%ion%. #ria'ne )a'e her *ay o&er to )e, ,o$$o*ing 9r. 0er.gini. (e%%ion% )a'e hi% *ay to :o$,e/% -orp%e. HNo p.$%e, b.t no %ign o, tra.)aDI I hear' 9r. (e%%ion% ratt$e o,, a% he $eane' o&er :o$,e. H#re *e %.re he/% 'ea'AI (e%%ion% -a%t a $oo+ at O$' @an :inter, *ho no''e'. HHe *o.$' not $ie 'o*n $i+e thi%. He i% 'ea'.I HI nee' yo. to %it 'o*n, %*eetie.I 9r. 0er.gini/% thi-+$y a--ente' *or'% *a%he' o&er )e an' %he an' #ria'ne ea%e' -$o%er, ea-h going to one o, )y e$bo*%. H9ON/T TOKCH @EPI I %-rea)e' at the), the tho.ght o, Ree'/% *or'% %ti$$ hanging in )y )in'. They both ;.)pe' ba-+ a %tep *hen I e<p$o'e', an' I he$' )y han'% o.t to p.t the) at ar)/% $ength. HI 'on/t get it7 I %ee no -a.%e o, 'eath.I 9r. (e%%ion%/ *or'% ,e$t $i+e an in'i-t)ent o, )e. HI +i$$e' hi),I I %ai' into the %i$en-e that ,i$$e' the roo). HI +i$$e' hi) *ith )y to.-hDI #ria'ne an' 9r. 0er.gini e<-hange' a $oo+. HI, yo. %ay %o,I 9r. 0er.gini %ai' *ith an air o, patroni1ation. (he rea-he' ,or )e again, #ria'ne a %tep behin' her. HI nee' yo. to %it 'o*n an' re$a<DI O$' @an :inter too+ t*o $ong %tri'e% ,ro) *here he %too' at the %i'e o, :o$,e/% bo'y an' $an'e' a $ong ar) on the %ho.$'er% o, 9r. 0er.gini an' #ria'ne. H9on/tDI he ).)b$e' in B.iet *arning, HD to.-h her.I They both $oo+e' at hi) in %.rpri%e, b.t 0er.gini/% t.rne' to annoyan-e. H(he/% in;.re'. I nee' to get her ba-+ to the 9ire-torate an' treat her *o.n'%.I O$' @an :inter 'i' not b.'ge. H(he/$$ be ,ine. 9o not to.-h her *itho.t hea&y g$o&e%.I Hi% ga1e ,e$$ o&er )e again, an' he t.rne' ba-+ to *here the agent% %too' aro.n' the bo'y o, :o$,e. HOr *hatAI 0er.gini %pat at hi). H(he/% h.rt, %he/% 'e$.%iona$, Eri-hP (he/% ;.%t been thro.gh a ri'i-.$o.% $e&e$ o, tra.)a ? yo. -an/t po%%ib$y thin+ %he +i$$e' thi% )ania- by to.-hing hi).I (he $oo+e' a,ter hi), an' he he%itate', an' the -hi$$ o, the -o$' air ,ro) the *in'o* ,i$$e' the roo), %*ir$ing aro.n' hi) a% tho.gh it *ere e)bra-ing a &ery o$' ,rien'. HEri-hAI %he a%+e' again, note o, 'i%be$ie, ,i$$ing her &oi-e. H2o. 'on/t a-t.a$$y be$ie&e herAI He %tare' 'o*n at :o$,e ,or a $ong )o)ent be,ore he an%*ere'. HCertain$y I be$ie&e her,I he rep$ie'. Hi% -o$' b$.e eye% %*ept ba-+ to 9r. 0er.gini, then to #ria'ne, ,ina$$y -o)ing to re%t on )e. HIt i% a% %he %ai'. (he to.-he' hi), an' he $i+e$y %-rea)e' an' begge' ,or hi% $i,e, an' %he +i$$e' hi) *ith her han'%. :ith her to.-h.I I ,e$t a -hi$$ .nre$ate' to the bro+en *in'o* a% )y eye% ,o$$o*e' O$' @an :inter/% 'o*n to the -orp%e o, :o$,e, the %-arie%t )ania- I/' e&er hear' o,, 'ea', he$p$e%%, on the ,$oor ? the *ay I/' )a'e hi). I $oo+e' ba-+ .p an' the biting ,ear ate at )e, 'o.bt%, horror, %ti$$ %*ir$ing in )y brain, *hi-h *a% ro-+eting at a )i$e a %e-on'. H:hatDa)DIAI I -roa+e' o.t at hi). H:hat a) IAI I a%+e' again, %tronger thi% ti)e. He 'i' not an%*er )e, in%tea' t.rning a*ay a,ter ge%t.ring at :o$,e/% bo'y a% he %*ept .p the %tair%. 9r. 0er.gini rea-he' ,or )y e$bo* an' I br.%he'

her o,,, +no-+ing her a%i'e. H:H#T #@ IAI I ho*$e' at hi) a% he retreate'. # &oi-e, 'eath$y ,a)i$iar, pri-+$e' at the ba-+ o, )y )in', in%ti$$ing a %en%e o, -a$) that -a)e ,ro) 'eep in%i'e, an an%*er to a B.e%tion that *a% a%+e' an' an%*ere' %o)e*here in the 'epth% o, )e. Soul eater, it %ai' in a ra%py, *hi%pering &oi-e. Succubus. ~

T&ent .-"ve
H2o./re *hat *o.$' be +no*n in )ytho$ogy a% a %.--.b.%,I 9r. (e%%ion% %ai' in a &oi-e pit-he' *ith e<-ite)ent. :e *ere ba-+ at the 9ire-torate ho.r% $ater. I ha' $et #ria'ne an' 9r. 0er.gini -oa< )e .p%tair% an' into a *aiting -ar a,ter )y B.e%tion *a% an%*ere' ,ro) *ithin. #$tho.gh I *a% ,a)i$iar *ith the )yth o, %.--.bi, I +ne* that the an%*er ha'n/t -o)e ,ro) )e. #n' that $e,t another B.e%tion that I *a% %.re I -o.$' an%*er, b.t 'i'n/t *ant to. #,ter a &i%it to the )e'i-a$ .nit to )a+e %.re I *a% a$$ right, #ria'ne ha' a%+e' )e to %ee 9r. (e%%ion%. I/' agree'. (o there I %at, -$a' on-e )ore in a $ong %$ee&e' t.rt$ene-+, ;ean%, an' *ith a pair o, hea&y )itten% they/' r.))age' ,or )e, on hi% e<a)ination tab$e, hi) +eeping an ar)/% $ength a*ay *hi$e he ta$+e'. HI tho.ght that %.--.biD.hDI I b$.%he' a% I tho.ght abo.t ha&ing to a%+ the 'o-tor the B.e%tion that *a% on )y )in'. #ria'ne an' 9r. 0er.gini *ere both in the $ab a% *e$$, ho&ering in the ba-+gro.n'. 0er.gini, in parti-.$ar, $oo+e' a% tho.gh %he *a% rea'y to $e&e$ 9r. (e%%ion%, %taring at hi) ,ro) a-ro%% the roo) thro.gh ha$,6%$itte' eye%. HD%$ept *ith )en in or'er to %tea$ their %o.$%.I 9r. (e%%ion% %)i$e', *hi-h at the pre%ent )o)ent 'i'n/t -reep )e o.t a% ).-h a% it )ight ha&e a *ee+ ago. HNo. :e$$,I he re%-in'e', Hyo. -o.$', I %.ppo%e, b.t a$$ that/% ne-e%%ary i% the to.-h o, yo.r %+in. 2o. to.-h %o)eone *ith yo.r bare han'%, or yo.r ,a-e ? anything in&o$&ing ,$e%h to ,$e%h -onta-t, an' they/$$ %tart to ,ee$ the e,,e-t% o, yo.r po*er.I H@o) +ne*,I I %ai' in a $o* *hi%per. HThat/% *hy %he ha' r.$e JG.I HE<-.%e )eAI (e%%ion% $oo+e' at )e. H@y )o),I I e<p$aine'. H(he ha' a r.$e that I *a%n/t a$$o*e' to *an'er aro.n' the ho.%e *itho.t being ,.$$y 're%%e', 'o*n to ha&ing on g$o&e% at a$$ ti)e%. I a%%.)e' that it *a% be-a.%e *e ha' to be rea'y to r.n at a )o)ent/% noti-e.I H2e%, yo.r )other $i+e$y +ne*,I he agree', t.rning ba-+ to %o)e printo.t% o, the 'ata he/' a--.).$ate' on )e thro.gh o.r te%ting. H(he *a% probab$y the %o.r-e o, yo.r po*er7 I %.%pe-t %he *a% a %.--.b.% a% *e$$. It/% &ery rare, o, -o.r%e7 )o%t o, o.r 'ata on %.--.bi i% apo-rypha$ ? in ,a-t, there/% on$y one in o.r re-or'% +no*n to be a$i&e.I He -hirr.pe' *ith a t*itter o, e<-ite)ent. H:e$$, three no*, I %.ppo%e, -o.nting yo. an' yo.r )other.I HHo*D'o I +i$$ %o)eone by to.-hing the)AI I a%+e', %ti$$ in 'i%be$ie,. HLoo+ing ,or a %-ienti,i- e<p$anationAI He %hr.gge', %ti$$ an air o, *hi)%i-a$ a).%e)ent, a% tho.gh he *ere %o e<-ite' by the pro%pe-t o, a ne* %.b;e-t ,or %t.'y that he ,ai$e' to rea$i1e that I )ight be ,ee$ing %o)ething other than *hat he *a%. HI -an/t e<p$ain it *itho.t %t.'ying the e,,e-t in )ore 'etai$. O, -o.r%e, *e bro.ght :o$,e/% bo'y ba-+ ,or %t.'yOI he pointe' to a *hite %heet on a nearby tab$e, -o&ering a )on%tro.% -orp%eOH*hi-h %ho.$' be ;.%t a *ea$th o, in,or)ation. (in-e thi% i% the ,ir%t -han-e anyone/% ha' to %t.'y a -on,ir)e' &i-ti) o, a %.--.b.%, it/% rea$$y a pioneering %tepDI Ci-ti). Hi% *or'% 'ri,te' pa%t )e a,ter that, an' a% he +ept ta$+ing, I tho.ght abo.t :o$,e a% a &i-ti). :o$,e ha' ne&er been a &i-ti) o, anything in hi% $i,e .nti$ I -a)e a$ong. He )a'e &i-ti)%7 he *a%n/t one. Knti$ no*. No* he *a% )y ,ir%t. HD%o I/$$ be %t.'ying hi). O, -o.r%e there are te%t% I/$$ be *anting to r.n on yo. a% ti)e goe% by, an' hope,.$$y *e -an get to the botto) o, the root phy%io$ogi-a$ -a.%e% o, yo.r po*er.I (e%%ion% -$appe' hi% han'% together an' $oo+e' at )e *ith .n%.ppre%%e' g$ee. HIt/% &ery e<-iting, i%n/t itAI I -a%t a $oo+ ba-+ at :o$,e, %ti$$ hi''en .n'er the %heet. HThri$$ing.I

"t is thrilling, isnt it& I ignore' the &oi-e in )y hea' an' t.rne' ba-+ to 9r. (e%%ion%. H# B.e%tion abo.t %.--.biDaren/t they %.ppo%e' to 'rain the %o.$% o, their &i-ti)%AI He entertaine' a high, gigg$y $a.gh. H2e%, a--or'ing to ane-'ote%, in-.bi ? the )a$e -o.nterpart o, yo.r type o, )eta ? an' %.--.bi %tea$ the %o.$% o, their &i-ti)%, b.t o, -o.r%e they a$%o are reporte' to 'o it thro.gh %e<.a$ -onta-t, *hi-h i% not *hat happene' in thi% -a%e.I He p.%he' hi% g$a%%e% .p on hi% no%e, %.''en$y 'i%he&e$e'. HRightAI # *a&e o, re&.$%ion pa%%e' o&er )e. HI grabbe' hi) aro.n' the throat, 9o-.I HOh, o+ay, that/% *hat I tho.ght.I He re-o&ere' an' %hi,te' ba-+ to g$ee. HI thin+ it 'o.bt,.$ yo. N%to$e hi% %o.$/,I (e%%ion% %ai' *ith a %-orn,.$ $a.gh. HBear in )in' that a$%o in the )ytho$ogi-a$ 'e%-ription% i% the i'ea that a %.--.b.% or in-.b.% -o)e% to their &i-ti) in their 'rea)%, *hi-h i%,I he %ai' *ith another gigg$e, Hab%o$.te$y prepo%tero.%.I I %tare' ba-+ at hi). HRight.I HI thin+ yo. -an %ee the )yth an' rea$ity *hen it -o)e% to )eta6h.)an% i% %o)e*hat 'i&ergent.I He %)i$e'. H#ny other B.e%tion%A Cery goo', then. :e$$, yo. get ba-+ to re-o&ering .n'er 9r. 0er.gini/% ab$e )ini%tration% an' I/$$ gi&e yo. a -a$$ a% %oon a% I ha&e anything o, intere%t to report.I H9o-tor,I I %ai' a% I %too'. HThi% po*erDI He %tare' ba-+ at )e, -.rio.% a% to *hat I *a% going to a%+. H9oe% thi% )ean I/) ne&er going to be ab$e to to.-h anyoneDe&erAI HThro.gh hea&y -$othing yo. -an. :e/$$ nee' to 'o %o)e %t.'y, b.t I %.%pe-t that there/% a -ertain thi-+ne%% o, )ateria$ that *i$$ pre&ent b$ee'thro.gh o, yo.r po*er%.I He a';.%te' hi% g$a%%e% on-e )ore. HI )eant *ith )y %+in.I @y )o.th *a% 'ry, b.t I 'i'n/t nee' a 'rin+. :e$$Dno, IDI thin+ not,I he %t.ttere'. H:e/$$ re%ear-h the e,,e-t ,.rther, b.t it %ee)% that i, yo. +i$$e' :o$,e *ith yo.r to.-h, then it *i$$ ha&e the %a)e e,,e-t on anyone e$%e yo. happen to be in -onta-t *ith.I He %ee)e' %ati%,ie' *ith hi% an%*er .nti$ he $oo+e' o&er )y %ho.$'er. I t.rne' in ti)e to %ee 9r. 0er.gini %ha+ing her hea' in 'i%g.%t an' (e%%ion% a)en'e', HB.tD*e nee' to 'o )ore re%ear-h to be -ertain.I 9r. 0er.gini )a'e a ratt$ing %o.n' o, annoyan-e in her throat an' rea-he' .p to p$a-e her han' on )y ba-+, a&oi'ing to.-hing the %+in. #ria'ne *a$+e' ne<t to )e an' *e 'e%-en'e' into the .n'ergro.n' t.nne$ ba-+ to the HQ b.i$'ing. H(o,I #ria'ne began, Hno* that :o$,e i% o.t o, the pi-t.re, ha&e yo. gi&en any tho.ght to yo.r ne<t )o&eAI HNot rea$$y.I H2o. -o.$' %tay here,I #ria'ne an%*ere', p.%hing a $o-+ o, hair behin' her ear. HI 'on/t ha&e any*here e$%e to go,I I rep$ie', H%o I %.ppo%e I *i$$ ,or no*.I HI )eant $ong6ter),I %he -orre-te'. HO.r ,a-i$itie% an' re%o.r-e% ,or )eta6h.)an% are .npara$$e$e'. :e -an he$p yo. $earn ho* to -ontro$ an' harne%% yo.r po*er.I (ontrol and harness, two words that mean theyd like to make you their willing sla#e& HCan *e p$ea%e ,o-.% on getting her to the point *here %he/% no $onger ba'$y *o.n'e' be,ore *e %tart ta$+ing abo.t anything e$%eAI 9r. 0er.gini/% irritation ,ina$$y bro+e $oo%e, -a.%ing #ria'ne to 'o a% the 'o-tor or'ere'. 0arting *ay% *ith .% at the )e'i-a$ .nit, #ria'ne pro)i%e' to %top by again $ater to -he-+ on )e. 9r. 0er.gini *a$+e' )e ba-+ to )y be', ,i$$ing the air *ith ,$ori' Ita$ian -.r%e%. I 'o.bt %he rea$i1e' I +ne* the). HRe%t,I 0er.gini -o))an'e' be,ore %he 'i%appeare' into her o,,i-e. I $ay ba-+, re%ting )y hea' on the pi$$o* ,o$$o*ing the 'o-tor/% e<hortation, an' g$an-e' aro.n' the )e'i-a$ .nit. The -.rtain% *ere 'o*n an' the bay *a% e)pty. )hey want to own you&they want to make you their property&run while you can&

HI -an/t yet,I I %ai', &oi-e no higher than a *hi%per. HI nee' an%*er%.I )hey dont want to gi#e you answers* they want you to work for them, to&kill for them. I %norte', %taring into the %tee$ *a$$ oppo%ite )y be'. HLet )e a%+ yo. %o)ethingD*here/% )y )o)AI " dont know. !nd if " did, " wouldnt tell you. H2o./re $ying.I HE<-.%e )eAI I $oo+e' .p, %tart$e'. 9r. 0er.gini ha' appeare' ,ro) her o,,i-e 'oor an' -ro%%e' the bay. H:ho *ere yo. ta$+ing toAI I trie' to +eep )y e<pre%%ion b$an+. H@y%e$,. Ba' habit, I/) a,rai'. It/% *hat happen%,I I %ai' *ith a $ight -h.-+$e, H*hen yo. ha&e no one b.t @o) to ta$+ to ,or year% an' year%.I H#h,I %he %ai'. Her ,a-e bore 'i%-o),ort an' I -o.$' te$$ %he ,e$t %orry ,or )e. HHere yo. go7 %o)ething to '.$$ the pain.I (he 'roppe' t*o pi$$% into )y o.t%tret-he' han' an' rea-he' to the %i'e tab$e *here a pit-her o, *ater %at, po.re' )e a g$a%% an' han'e' it o&er. (he *at-he' a% I 'roppe' the pi$$% in )y )o.th an' 'ran+ ha$, a g$a%%. H#nything e$%e I -an 'o ,or yo.AI HNo,I I %ai'. H2o./$$ be hea$e' by to)orro*. Na%ty )ar+% on yo.r ne-+ %ho.$' a$$ be gone by then. (+.$$ ,ra-t.re too7 it/% a$rea'y a$)o%t +nitte' together.I HThan+ yo..I I )o.the' the *or'%, not %.re i, I rea$$y )eant the). I ,e$t a %.''en .rge to hit her, to beat her b$oo'y an' then %$a) her hea' in the 'oor .nti$ %he %toppe' )o&ing, an' thenD H#re yo. %.re yo./re a$$ rightAI 9r. 0er.gini $oo+e' at )e, eye% %ear-hing )ine. I $oo+e' at the b$an+ %tee$ p$ating that -o&ere' the *a$$ a-ro%% ,ro) )y be', the %hiny, re,$e-ti&e %.r,a-e, then $oo+e' ba-+ at her *ith a pra-ti-e' %)i$e. HI/) ,ine. J.%t a $itt$e tire', that/% a$$. #n' )y hea' h.rt%. It/% been a $ong 'ay.I HO, -o.r%e. I/$$ $ea&e yo. a$one. J.%t -a$$ o.t i, yo. nee' anything.I :ith a %)i$e, %he t.rne' an' *ent ba-+ into her o,,i-e, -$o%ing the 'oor behin' her. +ou wanted to do it, to beat her, to kill her& HNo, I 'i'n/t,I I *hi%pere', %o,ter thi% ti)e. +ou did* " felt it* youre coming around to my way of thinking& HNo.I I %tare' at the *a$$, an' I -o.$' %ee ;.%t the ,ainte%t i)age o, )y%e$,. HTe$$ )e *here )y )other i%.I )old you. Dont know&and " wouldnt tell you if " did. (o)e*here in her o,,i-e, 9r. 0er.gini ).%t ha&e hit the $ight %*it-h, be-a.%e the )e'i-a$ .nit *a% bathe' in 'ar+ne%%, bro+en on$y by the ,aint $ight o, in%tr.)ent pane$%. I $oo+e' ba-+ at the %tee$, )irrore' %.r,a-e a-ro%% ,ro) )e an' )y ,a-e *a% gone, rep$a-e' by b$a-+ eye% an' teeth that $oo+e' .n.%.a$$y %harp7 pre'atory, e&en. I %)i$e', an' )y &oi-e -a)e o.t har%her, $o*er an' )ore ra%ping than .%.a$. H:e/$$ %ee abo.t thatD:o$,e.I ~

A Note to t!e Rea$er

I, yo. en;oye' thi% boo+ an' *ant to +no* abo.t ,.t.re re$ea%e% by Robert J. Crane, yo. -an CLICK HERE to %ign .p ,or )y )ai$ing $i%tP I pro)i%e I *onVt %pa) yo. =I on$y %en' an e)ai$ *hen I ha&e a ne* boo+ re$ea%e'> an' IV$$ ne&er %e$$ yo.r in,o. 2o. -an a$%o .n%.b%-ribe at any ti)e. I a$%o *ante' to ta+e a )o)ent to than+ yo. ,or rea'ing thi% %tory. #% an in'epen'ent a.thor, getting )y na)e o.t to b.i$' an a.'ien-e i% one o, the bigge%t prioritie% on any gi&en 'ay. I, yo. en;oye' thi% %tory an' are $oo+ing ,or*ar' to rea'ing )ore, $et %o)eone +no* 6 po%t it on #)a1on, on yo.r b$og, i, yo. ha&e one, on Goo'rea'%.-o), p$a-e it in a B.i-+ 8a-eboo+ %tat.% or T*eet *ith a $in+ to the page o, *hate&er o.t$et yo. p.r-ha%e' it ,ro) =#)a1on, Barne% W Nob$e, #pp$e, Kobo, et->. Goo' re&ie*% in%pire peop$e to ta+e a -han-e on a ne* a.thor ? $i+e )e. #n' *e ne* a.thor% -an .%e a$$ the he$p *e -an get. Than+% ,or rea'ing. Robert J. Crane ~

Abo+t t!e A+t!or

Robert J. Crane *a% born an' rai%e' on 8$ori'aV% (pa-e Coa%t be,ore )o&ing to the .pper )i'*e%t in %ear-h o, -oo$er -$i)ate% an' )ore pa$atab$e beer. He gra'.ate' ,ro) the Kni&er%ity o, Centra$ 8$ori'a *ith a 'egree in Eng$i%h Creati&e :riting. He *or+e' ,or a year a% a %.b%tit.te tea-her an' *or+e' in the ,inan-ia$ %er&i-e% ,ie$' ,or %e&en year% *hi$e *riting in hi% %pare ti)e. He )a+e% hi% ho)e in the T*in Citie% area o, @inne%ota. He -an be -onta-te' in %e&era$ *ay%4 Cia e)ai$ at -yr.%'a&i'on3g)ai$.-o) 8o$$o* hi) on T*itter . /robertJcrane Conne-t on 8a-eboo+ 0 robertJcrane 1A+t!or2 :eb%ite 0 robertJcrane.co( ~

Ot!er Boo%) b Robert J. Crane

T!e Sanct+ar Ser"e) E3"c *anta) b Robert J. Crane
The *or$' o, #r+aria i% a 'angero.% p$a-e, ,i$$e' *ith 'ragon%, titan%, gob$in% an' other 'anger%. Tho%e *ho $i&e in thi% *or$' are ,a-e' *ith t*o -hoi-e%4 $i&e an or'inary $i,e or be-o)e an a'&ent.rer an' %ee+ the e<traor'inary.

4e-en$er T!e Sanct+ar Ser"e), 5o'+(e One

Cyr.% 9a&i'on $ea'% a %)a$$ g.i$' in the h.)an -apita$ o, Rei+ono%. Ca.ght in an .ntenab$e %it.ation, ,a-ing 'eath in the 'en o, a 'ragon, they are %a&e' by the bra&e ,ighter% o, (an-t.ary *ho o,,er an in&itation ,i$$e' *ith the pro)i%e o, greater a'&ent.re. (oon Cyr.% i% e)broi$e' in a )y%tery 6 %o)eone i% %tea$ing *eapon% o, near$y .n$i)ite' po*er ,or an .n+no*n p.rpo%e, an' (an-t.ary )ay be the on$y thing that %tan'% bet*een the *or$' o, #r+aria an' tota$ 'e%tr.-tion. Ava"'ab'e No&6

Aven#er T!e Sanct+ar Ser"e), 5o'+(e T&o

:hen a %erie% o, atta-+% on -on&oy% 'ra*% %.%pi-ion that (an-t.ary i% in&o$&e', Cyr.% 9a&i'on ).%t p.t a%i'e hi% per%ona$ %tr.gg$e% an' try to ,in' the rai'er%. #% the atta-+% *or%en, Cyr.% an' hi% -o)ra'e% ,in' the)%e$&e% aban'one' by their a$$ie%, %.rro.n'e' by ene)ie%, ,a-ing the en' o, (an-t.ary an' a *ar that *i$$ -on%.)e their *or$'. Ava"'ab'e No&6

Sava#e) A Sanct+ar S!ort Stor

T*enty year% be,ore Cyr.% 9a&i'on ;oine' (an-t.ary, hi% ,ather *a% +i$$e' in a *ar *ith the tro$$% an' he ha% ne&er ,orgi&en the). Enter Ca%te, a tro$$ .n$i+e )o%t7 -o.rageo.%, $oya$ an' an o.t-a%t. :hen Cyr.% an' Ca%te be-o)e trappe' in a ,ar 'i%tant $an', they are ,or-e' to o&er-o)e their %.%pi-ion% an' *or+ together to get ho)e. Ava"'ab'e No&6

C!a(3"on T!e Sanct+ar Ser"e), 5o'+(e T!ree

#% the *ar heat% .p in #r+aria, Cara i% ,or-e' to ,$ee a,ter an an-ient or'er o, %+i$$e' a%%a%%in% in,i$trate% (an-t.ary an' target% her. Cyr.% 9a&i'on a--o)panie% her ho)e to the e$&en -ity o, Ter)ina an' the t*o o, the) be-o)e e)broi$e' in a )y%tery that *i$$ %ha+e the &ery ,o.n'ation% o, the E$&en King'o) ? an' #r+aria. Co("n# t!") S3r"n#6

A *a("'"ar *ace A Sanct+ar S!ort Stor

Cyr.% 9a&i'on get% )ore than he bargaine' ,or *hen he ta+e% a 'ay a*ay ,ro) (an-t.ary to &i%it the b.%y )ar+et% o, hi% ho)eto*n, Rei+ono%. :hi$e there, he )eet% a *o)an *ho %ee)% &ery ,a)i$iar, an' appear% to +no* hi), b.t that he -anVt p$a-e.

Co("n# t!") S+((er6

Unto+c!e$ T!e G"r' "n t!e Bo,, Boo% 7

(ti$$ ha.nte' by her $a%t en-o.nter *ith :o$,e an' %ear-hing ,or her )other, (ienna Nea$on ).%t p.t a%i'e her per%ona$ %tr.gg$e% *hen a ne* threat e)erge% ? #$e+%an'r Ga&ri+o&, a )etah.)an %o po*er,.$, he -o.$' 'e%troy entire -itie% ? an' heV% ,o-.%e' on bringing the 9ire-torate to it% +nee%. Co("n# S+((er 78176

So+''e)) T!e G"r' "n t!e Bo,, Boo% 9

Co("n# S+((er 78176

SA:ANTHAS ;RO:ISE
Ni-ho$a% J. #)bro%e

#,ter a $ong an' %tre%%,.$ *ee+, -appe' by a th.n'er%tor) an' attra-ting the .n*ante' attention o, a )an in a bar, (a)antha i% too %tr.ng .p to ta+e I)ogen, her yo.nger %i%ter, -y-$ing. (o %he 'oe% the ne<t be%t thing4 %he )a+e% a pro)i%e to 'o it ne<t *ee+en' in%tea'. #% the *ee+% pa%%, tho.gh, (a)antha/% pro)i%e ,ai$% to )ateria$i%e, %$ipping ,.rther an' ,.rther a*ay .nti$ %he ha% a$)o%t ,orgotten abo.t it. #,ter a$$, there/% a$*ay% ne<t *ee+ ? an' I)ogen -an go a$one i, %he/% that 'e%perate. B.t .nbe+no*n%t to (a)antha, ne<t *ee+ )ight ne&er -o)e. Be-a.%e there/% %o)ething &ery, &ery *rong *ith I)ogen ? an' the ten6year6o$'/% ti)e i% B.i-+$y r.nning o.t. #&ai$ab$e no*P Carry on rea'ing ,or the opening -hapterP ~

C!a3ter One :e$-o)e to )horoughfareP 1 (a)antha Bro*n *a% )eant to ha&e ,ini%he' *or+ three ho.r% ago. #t ,i&e o/-$o-+. B.t in%tea' it *a% eight in the e&ening, %he *a% the $a%t one to $ea&e the o,,i-e, an' a$$ the b$.e %+y ha' been eaten .p by br.i%e' -$o.'%, $etting $oo%e e&ery b.-+et$oa' they ha'. To a'' in%.$t to in;.ry, the $a%t b.% ha' been an ho.r ago. (o in%tea' o, getting a ri'e the t*o )i$e% or %o ho)e, (a)antha ha' to *a$+ it. In the torrentia$ rain. Thi%, -$ear$y, *a% not her 'ay. The yo.ng *o)an h.rrie' 'o*n the %treet, p$a%ti- ,o$'er he$' pre-ario.%$y o&er her hea' ? ,or *hat $itt$e goo' it 'i', a% no* the rain *ent 'o*n her %$ee&e in%tea' o, %oa+ing her hair ? an' -.r%e'. #,ter a B.arter )i$e a -ar h.rt$e' pa%t her, horn b$aring ? *a%n/t that )eant to be a *arningA Or *a% %o)e pri-+ ta.nting her ,or getting %t.-+ in thi%A ? an' a thi-+ %pray -h.rne' .p by it% *hee$% %p$a%he' the ,.$$ $e,t6han' %i'e o, (a)antha/% bo'y. (hoe%, ;ean% ? ;a-+et. Three *ee+% ago that ha' been ne*. (o it *a% no %.rpri%e *hen %he %a* the ,$a%hing neon %ign o, the bar .p ahea' that %he gritte' her teeth an' 'e-i'e' the be%t thing to 'o *a% to %top, %ee+ %he$ter, an' try again $ater, *hen ? if, -yni-a$ &oi-e re)in'e' her ? the *eather ha' pa%%e', or at $ea%t $ightene' to %o)ething a $itt$e )ore )anageab$e. (a)antha ran the $a%t ,i,ty ,eet ,$at o.t, %teppe' into the %)a$$ a$-o&e into *hi-h the 'oor *a% %et, an' %hoo+ her%e$, 'ry a% be%t po%%ib$e. 8o$'er e%pe-ia$$y ? -o.$'n/t ha&e that getting *et, %he re)in'e' her%e$, 'ri$y. Then, *ith a %igh, %he p.%he' thro.gh the 'oor an' *a$+e' in%i'e. 7 Ho* )any ti)e% ha' (a)antha pa%%e' thi% p$a-e *itho.t e&er ha&ing %toppe' inA (he ha' e<pe-te' it to be %)a$$ an' 'ingy, b.t in tr.th *hat %he %teppe' into $oo+e' i))a-.$ate. The entire roo) *a% 'e-+e' o.t in %hining, ro.n'e' )ahogany, an' %p$it into t*o4 one rai%e' thir', a$)o%t $i+e a po'i.) abo&e the re%t, on *hi-h the bar it%e$, *a% ho.%e', $ine' *ith ta$$ %tee$ %eat% *ith arti%ti-a$$y t*i%te' $eg%7 an' the re)ain'er at gro.n' $e&e$, pop.$ate' *ith ro.n' an' %B.are tab$e% that *ere %.rro.n'e' by *oo'en -hair% *ith p$.%h re' -.%hion %eat%. #gain%t one *a$$ *a% a ;.+ebo< ? ,ortie% %ty$e, *hi-h *a% pretty -oo$ ? be%i'e *hi-h %too' a )an *ho *a% +eying a*ay *ith hi% ba-+ to her. #t the )o)ent there *a% a $o* t.ne p$aying that (a)antha )ight ha&e hear' on the ra'io. Might. (a)antha too+ thi% a$$ in *ith p$ea%ant %.rpri%e. (he $et o.t a breath o, re$ie&e' ten%ion *hi-h %he *a% .na*are %he/' been ho$'ing, patte' her %ho.$'er6$ength b$on'e hair ? it *a% 'a)p, b.t better than *hat %he -o.$' %ay ,or the re%t o, her ? an' -ro%%e' to the bar. 0$a-ing her ,o$'er 'o*n ginger$y onto the %)ooth %.r,a-e, %he $o*ere' her%e$, into one o, the %eat%. It *a% %o ta$$ %he 'roppe' on$y )aybe an in-h in height. On the %.r,a-e o, the bar it%e$, *a% a %)a$$ to.-h6%-reen 'i%p$ay, *hi-h i$$.)inate' it%e$, a% (a)antha %at 'o*n. # ;o&ia$ e$e-troni- &oi-e greete', HHe$$oP :e$-o)e to )horoughfareP 0$ea%e )a+e yo.r %e$e-tion.I (a)antha/% $ip% 're* 'o*n into a $ine. (he ha'n/t rea$$y *ante' a 'rin+, b.t there *a% $itt$e e$%e to 'o ? the bar *a% pra-ti-a$$y e)pty, %he ha' no intention o, ta$+ing, an' the on$y thing %he ha' *ith her beyon' her phone *a% the ,o$'er o, *or+ *hi-h %he 'i' not *ant to $oo+ at another %e-on' tonight ?

an' %o %he %t.'ie' the ,ir%t page o, 'rin+% %he *a% pre%ente' *ith. The%e ).%t ha&e been the )o%t pop.$ar %e$e-tion%, %he ).%e'7 beer% an' $ager% an' -i'er $ine' the top ro*%, ,o$$o*e' by a han',.$ o, -o$o.r,.$ -o-+tai$%. (he th.)be' an i-on ,or an orange -on-o-tion ? a (e< on the Bea-h ? an' the 'i%p$ay bro.ght .p a -$o%e6.p o, the 'rin+ a$ong%i'e a 'e%-ription an' a brea+'o*n o, it% -ontent%. #n' that -heery &oi-e again4 HGoo' -hoi-eP 0$ea%e %*ipe yo.r -ar'.I Her p.r%e *a% t.-+e' into the inner po-+et o, her ;a-+et, %o (a)antha *ith're* it, too+ o.t a thin, -$ear pie-e o, p$a%ti-, an' %*ipe' it o&er a %en%or in the 'i%p$ay/% botto) -orner. # %e-on' $ater the %-reen t.rne' green, her -ar' ha' been 'ebite', an' a g$a%% *a% ,$ippe' o.t by a )e-hani%e' ar) ,ro) beneath the bar. Be,ore (a)antha -o.$' e&en b$in+, a t.be ;oine' the ar) an' %$o%he' o.t the $iB.i', h.))e' be,ore %pitting o.t t*o -re%-ent% o, i-e, an' *hippe' o.t o, %ight. (a)antha %ighe', ran a tentati&e ,inger aro.n' the top e'ge o, the g$a%%. Leaning ,or*ar', %he $i,te' it ;.%t an in-h an' %ippe'. :e$$. #t $ea%t it *a%n/t ba'. HE<-.%e )eAI (a)antha $oo+e' .p. To her right %too' the )an *ho%e ba-+ ha' been to her *hen %he *a$+e' in. He %too' ba-+ a %hort 'i%tan-e ? )aybe a )etre or %o ? an' there *a% thi% *ary, a$)o%t 'e,erentia$ +in' o, $oo+ on hi% ,a-e. 'robably isnt coming any closer in case " bite, (a)antha tho.ght. HErr, hi,I the )an %ta))ere' a,ter he 'i'n/t re-ei&e a re%pon%e. HI, .) ? *e$$, I *on'ere' i, I )ight b.y yo. a 'rin+ )aybeAI (a)antha $i,te' the g$a%% $a-oni-a$$y. H#$rea'y got one, than+%.I The )an p.$$e' a ,a-e, *ipe' a han' a-ro%% hi% bro*. H2eah, I %ee that. K) DI He ,a$tere' a )o)ent or t*o an' $a.ghe' ner&o.%$y. Hi% eye% 'arte' to the other %i'e o, the bar, an' both o, the) +ne* he *i%he' he/' ne&er -o)e o&er. Then he $oo+e' ba-+ at her, 're* a %heepi%h grin, an' -ontin.e'. H(orry. I/) being pretty -$.)%y, aren/t IAI One b$on'e eyebro* 'ri,te' .p on the *o)an/% ,a-e D an' then *itho.t rea$$y thin+ing abo.t it %he %ai', H# $itt$e.I The )an too+ thi% a% -.e to ta+e the %eat one 'o*n ,ro) her, $ea&ing that %a)e %a,e 'i%tan-e bet*een the). He eye' the 'rin+% )en. )o)entari$y a% it greete' hi) in it% -hipper tone, then %*i&e$$e' %i'e*ay% an' $oo+e' a*+*ar'$y at her. :ith a %i'e$ong g$an-e, (a)antha too+ hi) in. # -hoppy )op o, b$a-+ hair toppe' hi% hea', hi% ,a-e *a% $ean an' boyi%h an' %et *ith '.$$ b$.e eye%, an' there *a% a &ery ,ine -o&ering o, %t.bb$e on hi% -hee+%. He *ore a ;a-+et ? ).-h 'rier than (a)antha/% ? an' a pair o, partia$$y ,raye' ;ean% *hi-h ha' ,a'e' a-ro%% the ,ront. 0robab$y -$o%e to her age, (a)antha tho.ght7 )aybe a $itt$e o$'er. HI ha&en/t %een yo. here be,ore, ha&e IAI the )an a%+e'. (a)antha %ippe'. HI %in-ere$y 'o.bt it.I #$$ he 'i' *a% no' at that, an' then t.rne' to hi% 'i%p$ay. (a)antha too+ the opport.nity to t*i%t a*ay ,ro) hi), ;.%t in-re)enta$$y ? ;.%t eno.gh to perhap% gi&e the hint that %he *ante' to be a$one. The %ong -hange', ,a'ing ,ro) the $o* beat to %o)ething ,reneti- an' poppy. (a)antha definitely 'i'n/t re-ogni%e thi%. HGoo' -hoi-ePI -a)e a ).te' e$e-troni- &oi-e, ,o$$o*e' by, H0$ea%e %*ipe yo.r -ar'.I The )an 'i', an' in %hort or'er a pint g$a%% pre%ente' it%e$, an' *a% ,i$$e' *ith a bro*ni%h $iB.i'. Ci'er )aybe7 it ha' an a)ber %ort o, -o$o.r an' $e%% a hea' than a ,i$) o, ,roth. B.t (a)antha/% 'eterrent *a%n/t eno.gh7 the )an %ai', HLoo+% $i+e yo. got pretty *et. :eather o.t there/% na%ty, h.hAI H9on/t I +no* it.I #nother pa.%e ? an' *a% it ine<p$i-ab$y $e%% a*+*ar' than be,oreA ? an' then the )an t.rne' in

hi% -hair an' %t.-+ o.t a han'. H@y na)e/% R.pert.I 8or a )o)ent (a)antha eye' it tentati&e$y ? an' then %he %*i&e$$e' ha$,*ay an' e<ten'e' a han' o, her o*n. H(a)antha.I # bright %)i$e pa%%e' o&er R.pert/% ,a-e. HIt/% goo' to )eet yo., (a)antha.I 9 The *a$$ behin' )horoughfare/% bar *a% $ine' *ith bott$e% ? a$$ o, the) e)pty, ;.%t ,or %ho*. #,ter ta+ing one, t*o $ong 'ra.ght% o, hi% 'rin+, it *a% the%e that R.pert %t.'ie'. H(o,I he %ai', H,orgi&e )e ,or a%+ing, b.t *hat *ere yo. 'oing o.t in the %tor)A (treet% are .%.a$$y pretty -$ear thi% ti)e o, e&ening *hen the %.n/% o.t, $et a$one po.ring it 'o*n.I HI got o.t o, *or+ $ate,I (a)antha an%*ere'. Li+e R.pert, %he 'i'n/t $oo+ aro.n'7 in%tea' %he $i,te' her g$a%%, $eant in an' 'ran+ ,ro) it. The i-e *a% *or+ing ,a%t. Not i'ea$. The rain ha'n/t been -o$', b.t a% it %eepe' ,.rther into her -$othe% %he *a% %tarting to ,ee$ the ,ir%t hint% o, a -hi$$. No, (a)antha 'i'n/t nee' a -o-+tai$ toppe' o,, *ith i-e. :hat %he nee'e' *a% %o)ething $i+e hot -ho-o$ate ? tea%poon% e<tra heape'. H:hat 'o yo. 'oAI R.pert a%+e'. HGraphi- 'e%ign.I R.pert )a'e an i)pre%%e' +in' o, noi%e. (a)antha ha' hear' it be,ore. #pparent$y in %o)e -ir-$e% -on,e%%ing yo. *or+e' in the entire$y .ng$a)oro.% *or$' o, graphi- 'e%ign *a% on par *ith anno.n-ing yo. *ere a brain %.rgeon. HNot ba'PI R.pert $oo+e' a-ro%% to ,a-e her. H:hat +in'% o, thing% 'o yo. *or+ onA Li+e $ogo%, or pro'.-t% DAI H@y tea) i% pro'.-t 'e%ign,I %he re%pon'e', an' then a,ter a )o)entary pa.%e %he ta-+e' on, H:e/re behin' on an .p-o)ing 'ea'$ine an' I got %t.-+ there ,or a ,e* ho.r% an' )i%%e' )y b.%. #n' a$$ the one% that -a)e a,ter it.I HRi'ing o.t the %tor) in here, then.I H0retty ).-h.I (i$en-e 'e%-en'e' .pon the t*o again %a&e ,or the ).%i- p$aying in the ba-+gro.n', *hi-h 're* to a &ery $o*, &ery B.iet -re%-en'o an' then petere' o.t. Nothing -a)e in it% *a+e. R.pert p.%he' o.t o, the -hair an' ret.rne' to the ;.+ebo<, ta+ing hi% ha$,6,ini%he' g$a%% *ith hi). ,reat, (a)antha tho.ght to her%e$,. Maybe hes done talking to me now. He *a%n/t. H#ny reB.e%t%AI (a)antha/% eyebro*% t*it-he'. (he -o-+e' her hea' a-ro%% her %ho.$'er. H:hatAI R.pert no''e' hi% hea' to*ar' the ;.+ebo<. H#ny reB.e%t%AI HI, .h DI #h, ).%i-7 another o, tho%e thing% (a)antha *a% o.t o, to.-h *ith ? an' no* %he/' ha&e to a')it it. :hi-h *a% a$*ay% *on'er,.$$y e)barra%%ing. E%pe-ia$$y *hen it *a% a %tranger yo. *ere %t.-+ a$one *ith. HK), I 'on/t rea$$y $i%ten to ).-h ).%i-, I/) a,rai'.I # to.-h o, re' b$oo)e', i, on$y &ery %$ight$y, at the top% o, her -hee+%. HNoAI R.pert a%+e'. He no''e' to hi)%e$,, %hr.gge' an' t.rne' aro.n'. HNe&er )in'. I/$$ pi-+ a ,e* %ong%. 2o. -an te$$ )e *hat yo. thin+ a,ter*ar'.I (a)antha %tare'. He *a% %o determined. Hi% interr.ption ha' been .ne<pe-te' =an' )aybe e&en a to.-h p$ea%ant>, b.t no* a$$ %he *ante' *a% to be $e,t in pea-e, to 'rin+ her 'rin+ ='rin+%A> an' then *an'er ho)e *hene&er %he *a% per)itte'. J.%t be-a.%e %he *a% the on$y other per%on in the p$a-e 'i'n/t )ean %he *ante' hi% -o)pany. E&en i, hi% attention an' -$.)%ine%% ha' been, in a *ay, %ort o, ni-e.

# ne* %ong %tarte'. Thi% ha' a ;a11y %ort o, t*ang, an #)eri-an *o)an %inging o&er the top. #% (a)antha $i%tene' to the intro, %he too+ another %ip o, her -o-+tai$. # thir' o, it *a% gone no*, an' in a''ition to be-o)ing e&er -o$'er it on$y %er&e' to re)in' her that her %to)a-h *a% e)pty. Go', %he *a% %o h.ngry. 9i' thi% p$a-e 'o ,oo'A (he 'i'n/t %.ppo%e it 'i'. Or i, it 'i' then it *a% the +in' that *a% 'i%pen%e' thro.gh a t.be7 -ertain$y nothing hot. (he $oo+e' 'o*n at the %-reen, b.t it ha' '.$$e' an' -hange' to )at-h the %.rro.n'ing )ahogany. (o *e$$ 'i' it )at-h, in ,a-t, that %he ha' to r.n her ,inger% a-ro%% to e&en $o-ate the )in.te %ea) bet*een 'e&i-e an' %.r,a-e. HHa&ing tro.b$eAI (a)antha $oo+e' .p. R.pert ha' ret.rne' an' he peere' at (a)antha/% ,.ti$e %*iping. (ti$$ the %-reen re)aine', ,or a$$ intent% an' p.rpo%e%, 'ea'. HK),I %he %tarte', ,ee$ing another hot r.%h in her -hee+% o.t o, e)barra%%)ent, Hyeah.I (he $oo+e' ba-+ 'o*n at it, r.bbe' her ,inger% a-ro%% thi% *ay an' that, ;abbe' in a ,e* p$a-e%, an' then t.rne' ba-+ to hi). H9o yo. +no* ho* thi% thing *or+%AI R.pert $eant ,or*ar' an' in'i-ate' a tiny re' 'ot an in-h or %o beneath the %-reen/% botto) e'ge. H(ee thi%A To.-h it an' the 'i%p$ay rea-ti&ate%.I He pre%%e' it $ight$y, an' the ,a.< )ahogany the %-reen ha' 'i%p$aye' ,a'e' an' *a% rep$a-e' *ith the )en. ,ro) be,ore. HHe$$oP :e$-o)e to )horoughfareP 0$ea%e )a+e yo.r %e$e-tion.I (a)antha g$an-e' at R.pert. He grinne' ba-+ at her, not -on'e%-en'ing$y, an' %he a&erte' her eye% an' ).)b$e', HEa%y *hen yo. +no* ho*.I H9on/t get o.t ).-hAI he a%+e'. HErr, no.I He )a'e an N))/ +in' o, a noi%e an' no''e', an' then %$ippe' ba-+ 'o*n into a %eat ? b.t not the %eat he/' ,ir%t ha', b.t the one right be%i'e herP (a)antha trie' not to %hoot hi) a %i'e$ong g$an-e ? or g$are ? an' in%tea' ,i<ate' on the )en. in ,ront o, her, that t*inge o, re'ne%% %ti$$ ri'ing the &ery top% o, her -hee+% $i+e the ,ir%t hint% o, %.nb.rn. The ,ir%t %-reen on the 'i%p$ay *a% ,.$$ *ith on$y 'rin+%, b.t a$ong the right6han' %i'e *ere a n.)ber o, %.b6-ategorie%. Right at the botto), %ty$i%e' *ith a -artoon graphi- o, a -ri%p pa-+et, *a% an i-on .n'er$ine' by the *or' -..D. (a)antha th.)be' it. J.%t a% %he/' tho.ght. Nothing hot4 on$y p.b %na-+%. Cri%p%, n.t%, -ra-+er%, por+ %-rat-hing% D (he -ringe' in*ar'$y, to.-he' the i-on ,or %a$te' pean.t% ? an' *a% -.t o,, by R.pert %*iping hi% -ar' be,ore the e$e-troni- &oi-e -o.$' e&en pro)pt. (a)antha %tare' at hi) a% a )e-hani-a$ ar) ,$ippe' a *hite -era)i- bo*$ onto the bar %.r,a-e an' a t.be appeare' to %pe* o.t a )o.n' o, n.t%. R.pert grinne' ba-+. HThin+ o, it a% that 'rin+ I -o.$'n/t get yo..I 0ean.t% a$$ -o.ghe' o.t into a neat heap, the t.be re)o&e' it%e$, ,ro) %ight *ith a *hir. # )o)ent/% pa.%e, an' (a)antha ).ttere' a %$o*, HRight. Than+% ,or that,I be,ore t.rning to her bo*$ an' $eaning ,or*ar' on -ro%%e' ar)%. Co-+y ,.-+er. The%e pean.t% *o.$' ha&e to 'o, (a)antha ).%e'. (o)ething in her %to)a-h *a% better than nothing ? e&en i, %he *i%he' the something *a% %o)ething )ore %.b%tantia$. Li+e -hip%. Or a b.rger. #% %he ate, R.pert h.))e' a$ong to the %ong, tapping o.t the beat on the bar *ith hi% han'%. The on$y pa.%e -a)e *hen he pi-+e' .p hi% g$a%% to 'rin+ again, an' e&en then it ga&e on$y three to ,o.r %e-on'% o, re%pite. (o)ething B.i-+er rep$a-e' the ;a11y n.)ber, *ith e$e-tri- g.itar an' a ,ren1ie' 'r.)beat. That )a'e (a)antha/% no%e t.rn .p. R.pert -a.ght it. HNot a ,anAI

HNo.I H:hat abo.t the $a%t oneAI he a%+e' *ith gen.ine -.rio%ity. (a)antha %hr.gge', %*a$$o*e' a ha$,6-he*e' pean.t an' %ai', HIt *a% o+ay. Better than thi%.I HI g.e%% it/% +in' o, an a-B.ire' ta%te.I He *ent ba-+ to tapping o.t the beat on the bar, a$tho.gh ).-h ,a%ter thi% ti)e, an' he %tr.gg$e' to +eep .p in p$a-e%. (a)antha -ontin.e' at her bo*$, too+ another %ip o, the -o-+tai$ ? the -o$'ne%% %t.ng the en'% o, her ,ront teeth ? an' %hot a g$an-e to*ar' the 'oor. T*o &ery thin, &ery $ong pane% o, g$a%% *ere in%et in the *oo'. Rain -ontin.e' to ha))er 'o*n, an' a &ery brie, ,$a%h o, $ightning thre* the b.i$'ing% oppo%ite into re$ie,. (a)antha *a%n/t going any*here ,or a *hi$e. :e$$, it -o.$' be *or%e. R.pert ha'n/t yet a%+e' the ne<t $ogi-a$ B.e%tion %he .%.a$$y re-ei&e' abo.t her *or+, an' that *a% a p$ea%ant -hange. H(o *hat +in'% o, pro'.-t% 'o yo. 'e%ignAI :e$$. :a%n/t that %o)ething. < H@o%t$y pa-+aging,I (a)antha %ai'. (he p.$$e' a ,a-e. HOn o--a%ion *e/$$ ha&e toy% or ga)e%, b.t it/% rare. Nothing too B.ir+y.I R.pert no''e'. H:hat/re yo. *or+ing on right no*AI HCan/t %ay. Non6'i%-$o%.re agree)ent .nti$ it/% $a.n-he'.I R.pert %nappe' a ,inger an' p.n-he' hi% $eg in )o-+ ,r.%tration. H9a)n. (ti$$, %o.n'% pretty intere%ting.I Does it? (a)antha tho.ght. Does it really? H(o i% that near here, or DA No, it ).%t be. Or yo. *o.$'n/t be o.t in the rain $i+e thi%.I It *a% (a)antha/% t.rn to no'. HQ.arter )i$e a*ay, gi&e or ta+e. #t a b.%ine%% par+ nearby.I HOh, I +no* the one yo. )eanPI R.pert/% eyebro*% +nitte', an' he %tarte' -$i-+ing hi% ,inger%. HEr), Haagen%enA Haa+en%onAI HC$o%e,I (a)antha %ai'. HHaa+en%ta'.I H#h.I R.pert %ee)e' to &i%ib$y re$a< into hi% -hair. H:hat +in' o, na)e 'o yo. %.ppo%e that i%A Ger)anAI (a)antha %hr.gge'. (he pi-+e' .p another pean.t, poppe' it bet*een her $ip%. #,ter %he %*a$$o*e' %he %ai', H9.t-h )aybeAI H9.t-h,I R.pert %ai', no''ing %$o*$y. H9.t-h. 2o. +no*, I thin+ yo. )ight be right.I #n' he $oo+e' at her an' grinne'. Be,ore (a)antha -o.$' %top the), her $ip% t.rne' .p in an ine<p$i-ab$e %)i$e. (he t*i%te' ba-+ to*ar' her pean.t%, *hi-h *ere no* a$)o%t gone, an' preten'e' to ,i''$e *ith the hair on the right %i'e o, her ,a-e. #$tho.gh %he %.%pe-te' he/' %een regar'$e%%. That *a% a$*ay% the *ay it happene'. B.t i, he 'i', R.pert 'i'n/t %ay anything. In%tea' he a%+e', H:hat 'o yo. thin+ o, thi% %ongAI (a)antha opene' her )o.th to an%*er ? *ith a no, be-a.%e hip6hop *a% another bran' o, ).%i%he ha' not -o)e to en;oy thro.gho.t her $itt$e e<po%.re ? *hen her phone ;ing$e' b$aring$y ,ro) her ;a-+et po-+et. (he %teppe' .p, grabbe' at her ,o$'er an' %ai', H(orry, I/&e got to ta+e thi%,I an' h.rrie' o,, into the $a'ie%/ roo). 9oor -$o%e' %a,e$y behin' her, (a)antha $oo+e' 'o*n at the 'i%p$ay. It ha'n/t been a -a$$, b.t a te<t )e%%age ? a$tho.gh R.pert 'i'n/t nee' to +no* that. Where are you? Mum. 'lace called, (a)antha began to type, he%itating a% %he trie' to re)e)ber the na)e o, the bar, )horoughfare. ,ot out of work late and no buses. Whens the storm supposed to finish?

Ten %e-on'% pa%%e' be,ore a rep$y -a)e thro.gh. /ot tonight. Want me to pick you up? Mum. 'lease. $ow long will you be? #nother pa.%e, then4 ,i#e me ten mins. 0oads are wet. "ll honk. )hanks. (a)antha rep$a-e' the phone in her ;a-+et po-+et, ga&e her%e$, a B.i-+ on-e6o&er in the *a$$6 $ength )irror. (he $oo+e' pre%entab$e, an' her hair *a% e&en 'rying no*, %o %he a';.%te' her ;a-+et, rea$igne' her ,o$'er in her grip an' p.%he' ba-+ o.t into the bar. No one ha' entere' in the %hort ti)e %he/' been gone7 on$y R.pert *a% in the roo) %ti$$, )o&e' to one %i'e *here he no* %too' ob%er&ing a %)a$$ ,ra)e' painting ? or print, )o%t $i+e$y, (a)antha tho.ght ? *ith a ne* g$a%% in han'. He $oo+e' .p. H:e$-o)e ba-+.I HHi,I (a)antha re%pon'e' bri%+$y, *ea&ing bet*een the %eat% ,or her ,or)er po%ition at the bar. HIt/% a :arho$,I R.pert %ai', -o-+ing a th.)b o&er hi% %ho.$'er at the ,ra)e, then ,o$$o*ing .p the %tair% in her *a+e an' 'ropping into the %a)e %eat be%i'e her. H#t $ea%t, I thin+ it i%. I/) not rea$$y .p *ith art. I bet yo. are.I HK), not rea$$y.I (a)antha $oo+e' o&er her %ho.$'er at the print brie,$y ? it *a% %)a$$ an' %he -o.$'n/t rea$$y )a+e it o.t ,ro) here ? be,ore t.rning ba-+ to her -o)pany. HHey, 'o yo. *ant thi%AI %he a%+e', $i,ting her g$a%% an' %ha+ing it ,ro) %i'e to %i'e. HOr the%eAI %he a''e', n.'ging the bo*$ o, n.t%. R.pert b$in+e'. H8.$$ a$rea'yAI HNo, no, ;.%t I/) being pi-+e' .p in a )o)ent. I got -a$$e' by )y ? a, er), ,rien'.I #nother ,$.%h o, re' ro%e to her -hee+%, an' (a)antha ,e$t her%e$, b.rn at the e)barra%%)ent o, the $ie. Ha' he -a.ght her he%itationA 8.-+, probab$y he ha'. H:e *ere %.ppo%e' to )eet .p tonight an', .), I +in' o, ,orgot. :or+ an' a$$.I #n' %he $a.ghe' an a*+*ar' $a.gh that ,e$t ,ar too ,a$%e. 0robab$y ,e$t abo.t the %a)e to R.pert. R.pert %hr.gge'. H(.re, *hy notAI HThan+%,I (a)antha %ai' *ith gen.ine re$ie,. (he ,$a%he' a B.i-+ grin, p.%he' the bo*$ an' g$a%% o&er to the )an, an' then $et her%e$, $o*er ,.$$y into the %eat, .na*are that %he/' been ten%e. Then again, *hat *a% ne*A 8or a )in.te or %o there *a% on$y ).%i-. (a)antha *o.$' g$an-e to*ar' the 'oor ? an' then a,ter no )ore than t*enty %e-on'%, %he/' g$an-e again. (ti$$ the *eather 'i' not %$o*. Goo' thing her phone ha' gone o,, *hen it ha'. No* that %he +ne* %he *a% $ea&ing, %he -o.$'n/t *ait to be ba-+ ho)e. H2o. ne&er 'i' an%*er )y B.e%tion, by the *ay.I (a)antha ;er+e' &ery %$ight$y an' $oo+e' aro.n'. HH)AI HThe %ong. I a%+e' *hether or not yo. $i+e thi% +in' o, ).%i-.I HOhP K), no, not rea$$y,I %he -on,e%%e'. H#h,I R.pert %ai'. H:e$$, it/% not ,or e&eryone I %.ppo%e.I HI %.ppo%e not.I @ore B.iet an' )ore %i'e$ong g$an-e% to*ar' the 'oor. Ho* $ong ha' it been %in-e (a)antha ha' ta$+e' *ith her ).)A 9e,inite$y not ten )in.te% yet. B.t it %.re ,e$t $i+e it. #n' e&en i, it ha' been, it *o.$' be )ore than ten )in.te% be,ore her )other arri&e', *o.$'n/t itA Be-a.%e %he/' ha&e to get rea'y to go o.t ? an' that )eant +itting o.t in her $onge%t $eather -oat, 'igging o.t the .)bre$$a, te$$ing I)ogen to be goo' ? HQ.iet tonight,I R.pert %ai', -.tting thro.gh her tho.ght%. HLitt$e bit.I #n' a*+*ar' no*, too. Go', he probab$y tho.ght (a)antha ha' begge' her -a$$er ,or a $i,t to get a*ay ,ro) hi). The -reepy bar g.y *ho/' %tarte' ta$+ing, bo.ght her %o)e pean.t% an'

no*, *ith no one e$%e to ta$+ to an' no p$a-e to go .n$e%% he 'are' &ent.ring o.t in the rain, *a% %t.-+ ,or-ing .n-o),ortab$e -on&er%ation *ith a gir$ *ho 'i'n/t %ee) to be parti-.$ar$y intere%te'. (hrist, Samantha, you could at least be a $itt$e more outgoing. 1ust so he doesnt feel 2uite so stung. (he opene' her )o.th to ,or-e %o)ething, ,or-e anything ? an' ,ro) o.t%i'e a horn b$are' on-e, t*i-e, an' then ,e$$ %i$ent. R.pert g$an-e' o&er. HThat/$$ be yo.r ri'e, h.hAI H2eah,I (a)antha %ai', %$ipping o.t o, her %eat an' t.-+ing her ,o$'er ba-+ in .n'er her ar). H(ee yo. aro.n'.I H(ee yo. Nro.n'.I (he rea-he' the 'oor in *hat *a% probab$y re-or' ti)e, e<ten'e' a han' an' grabbe' the han'$e ? an' ;.%t ,or the %$ighte%t o, in%tant%, %he pa.%e'. To %ay %o)ething, to -o-+ her hea' ba-+ o&er her %ho.$'er an' ;.%t thank hi), ,or the pean.t% or the ).%i- or the i)pre%%i&e$y %ti$te' -on&er%ation ? anything *hat%oe&er ;.%t to )a+e hi) ,ee$ better ,or ha&ing -o)e .p to %pea+ *ith her in the ,ir%t p$a-e. #n' %he was than+,.$, %ort o,, e&en i, gi&en the -hoi-e %he/'/&e pre,erre' hi) not to ha&e bothere'. Be-a.%e he ha' at $ea%t )a'e a ni-e ge%t.re. #n' i, it ha' been her, %he +ne* that %he/' be +i-+ing her%e$, an' ,ee$ing $i+e a %o-ia$ +$.t1 ,or *ee+%. B.t then the )o)ent pa%%e', an' %he p.%he' thro.gh the 'oor an' 'i%appeare'. = R.pert *at-he' (a)antha go, hoping that %he )ight )aybe t.rn aro.n' an' -o)e ba-+ an' ;ot 'o*n her n.)ber or e)ai$ ? b.t %he %$ippe' o,, her -hair, %ai' her goo'bye an' then %$ippe' o.t onto the %treet *ith not a 'ete-tab$e pa.%e. 8or a -o.p$e o, %e-on'% the 'r.)beat o, rain'rop% ;oine' the ba%% $ine o, the ).%i-, be,ore the 'oor %*.ng %h.t an' it *a% 'ro*ne' o.t. T*o 'o1en %e-on'% *ent by, R.pert *aiting, %training hi% ear% o&er the tra-+ a% it, too, petere' o.t ? an' then he hear', ,aint$y, the %o.n' o, a -ar p.$$ing a*ay ,ro) the +erb an' 'i%appearing 'o*n the %treet. On-e he *a% .nab$e to 'ete-t e&en a hint o, it% noi%e, he rai%e' hi% g$a%% o, -i'er, too+ a ,e* $ong %*ig% an' %et it ba-+ 'o*n *ith a %hr.g. Oh *e$$, at $ea%t he ha' trie'. @o&ing a-ro%% the e)pty bar to the ;.+ebo<, he re%.)e' ,ingering thro.gh )en.%, a''ing tra-+% to hi% '*in'$ing p$ay$i%t. #t one point he -a%t a $oo+ o&er hi% %ho.$'er, ;.%t to %ee i, )aybe (a)antha )ight %tep ba-+ in%i'e an' the night )ight begin again ? b.t, o, -o.r%e, %he 'i' not. SA:ANTHAS ;RO:ISE Ni-ho$a% J. #)bro%e #&ai$ab$e no*6