DeanKoontz-TheEyesofDarkness

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AyearhadpassedsincelittleDanny'sdeath—ayearsincehismotherbeganthepainfulprocessofacceptance.Buttonight,TinaEvanssworeshesawherDannyinastranger'scar.ThenshedreamedthatDannywasalive.Andwhensheawoke,shefoundamessagewaitingforherinDanny'sbedroom—twodisturbingwordsscrawledonhischalkboard:NOTDEAD.Wasitsomeone'sgrimjoke?Her'mindplayingtricksonher'?Orsomething...more?ForTinaEvans,itwasamysteryshecouldn'tescape.AnobsessionthatwouldleadherfromthebrightlightsofLasVegastothecoldshadowsoftheHighSierras.Aterriblesecretseenonlyby...

TheEyesofDarkness

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BerkleyBooksbyDeanKoontz

DEMONSEED

THEEYESOFDARKNESS

THEKEYTOMIDNIGHT

MR.MURDER

THEFUNHOUSE

DRAGONTEARS

DRAGONTEARS

SHADOWFIRES

HIDEAWAY

COLDFIRE

THEHOUSEOFTHUNDER

THEVOICEOFTHENIGHT

THEBADPLACE

THESERVANTSOFTWILIGHT

MIDNIGHT

LIGHTNING

THEMASK

WATCHERS

TWILIGHTEYES

STRANGERS

PHANTOMS

WHISPERS

NIGHTCHILLS

DARKFALL

SHATTERED

THEVISION

THEFACEOFFEAR

DEAN

KOONTZ

TheEyesofDarkness

OriginallypublishedunderthepseudonymLeighNichols

BERKLEYBOOKS.NEWYORK

Ifyoupurchasedthisbookwithoutacover,youshouldbeawarethatthisbookisstolenproperty.Itwasreportedas"unsoldanddestroyed"tothepublisher,andneithertheauthornorthepublisherhasreceivedanypaymentforthis"strippedbook."

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andeventsare

eithertheproductoftheauthor'simaginationorareusedfictitiously,

andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,business

establishments,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

Originallypublishedunderthe

pseudonymLeighNichols.

THEEYESOFDARKNESS

ABerkleyBook/publishedbyarrangementwith

Nkui,Inc.

PRINTINGHISTORY

PocketBooksedition/February1981

Berkleyedition/July1996

Allrightsreserved.

Copyright©1981byLeighNichols.

Copyright©1996byNkui,Inc.

Authorphotocopyright©1993byJerryBauer.

Thisbookmaynotbereproducedinwholeorinpart,

bymimeographoranyothermeans,withoutpermission.

Forinformationaddress:TheBerkleyPublishingGroup,

adivisionofPenguinPutnamInc.,

375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014.

ThePenguinPutnamInc.WorldWideWebsiteaddressis

http://www.penguinputnam.com

ISBN:0-425-15397-5

BERKLEY®

BerkleyBooksarepublishedbyTheBerkleyPublishingGroup,

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BERKLEYandthe"B"design

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PRINTEDINTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA

151413

ThisbetterversionisforGerda,

withlove.

Afterfiveyearsofwork,

nowthatI'mnearlyfinishedimproving

theseearlynovelsfirstpublishedunderpennames,

Iintendtostartimprovingmyself.

Consideringallthatneedstohedone,

thisnewprojectwillhenceforthheknown

asthehundred-yearplan.

Tuesday,

DECEMBER30

1

ATSIXMINUTESPASTMIDNIGHT,TUESDAYMORNing,onthewayhomefromalaterehearsalofhernewstageshow,TinaEvanssawherson,Danny,inastranger'scar.ButDannyhadbeendeadmorethanayear.

Twoblocksfromherhouse,intendingtobuyaquartofmilkandaloafofwholewheatbread,Tinastoppedatatwenty-four-hourmarketandparkedinthedryyellowdrizzleofasodium-vaporlight,besideagleaming,cream-coloredChevroletstationwagon.Theboywasinthefrontpassengerseatofthewagon,waitingforsomeoneinthestore.Tinacouldseeonlythesideofhisface,butshegaspedinpainfulrecognition.

Danny.

Theboywasabouttwelve,Danny'sage.HehadthickdarkhairlikeDanny's,anosethatresembledDanny's,andaratherdelicatejawlinelikeDanny'stoo.

Shewhisperedherson'sname,asifshewouldfrightenoffthisbelovedapparitionifshespokeanylouder.

Unawarethatshewasstaringathim,theboyputonehandtohismouthandbitgentlyonhisbentthumbknuckle,whichDannyhadbeguntodoayearorsobeforehedied.Withoutsuccess,Tinahadtriedtobreakhimofthatbadhabit.

Now,asshewatchedthisboy,hisresemblancetoDannyseemedtobemorethanmerecoincidence.SuddenlyTina'smouthwentdryandsour,andherheartthudded.Shestillhadnotadjustedtothelossofheronlychild,becauseshe'dneverwanted—ortried—toadjusttoit.Seizingonthisboy'sresemblancetoherDanny,shewastooeasilyabletofantasizethattherehadbeennolossinthefirstplace.

Maybe...maybethisboyactuallywasDanny.Whynot?Themorethatsheconsideredit,thelesscrazyitseemed.Afterall,she'dneverseenDanny'scorpse.ThepoliceandthemorticianshadadvisedherthatDannywassobadlytornup,sohorriblymangled,thatshewasbetteroffnotlookingathim.Sickened,grief-stricken,shehadtakentheiradvice,andDanny'sfuneralhad

Sickened,grief-stricken,shehadtakentheiradvice,andDanny'sfuneralhadbeenaclosed-coffinservice.Butperhapsthey'dbeenmistakenwhentheyidentifiedthebody.MaybeDannyhadn'tbeenkilledintheaccident,afterall.Maybehe'donlysufferedamildheadinjury,justsevereenoughtogivehim...amnesia.Yes.Amnesia.Perhapshehadwanderedawayfromthewreckedbusandhadbeenfoundmilesfromthesceneoftheaccident,withoutidentification,unabletotellanyonewhohewasorwherehecamefrom.Thatwaspossible,wasn'tit?Shehadseensimilarstoriesinthemovies.Sure.Amnesia.Andifthatwerethecase,thenhemighthaveendedupinafosterhome,inanewlife.Andnowherehewassittinginthecream-coloredChevroletwagon,broughttoherbyfateandby—

Theboybecameconsciousofhergazeandturnedtowardher.Sheheldherbreathashisfacecameslowlyaround.Astheystaredateachotherthroughtwowindowsandthroughthestrangesulphurouslight,shehadthefeelingthattheyweremakingcontactacrossanimmensegulfofspaceandtimeanddestiny.Butthen,inevitably,herfantasyburst,forhewasn'tDanny.

Pullinghergazeawayfromhis,shestudiedherhands,whichweregrippingthesteeringwheelsofiercelythattheyached.

"Damn."

Shewasangrywithherself.Shethoughtofherselfasatough,competent,levelheadedwomanwhowasabletodealwithanythinglifethrewather,andshewasdisturbedbyhercontinuinginabilitytoacceptDanny'sdeath.

Aftertheinitialshock,afterthefuneral,shehadbeguntocopewiththetrauma.Gradually,daybyday,weekbyweek,shehadputDannybehindher,withsorrow,withguilt,withtearsandmuchbitterness,butalsowithfirmnessanddetermination.Shehadtakenseveralstepsupinhercareerduringthepastyear,andshehadreliedonhardworkasasortofmorphine,usingittodullherpainuntilthewoundfullyhealed.

Butthen,afewweeksago,shehadbeguntoslipbackintothedreadfulconditioninwhichshe'dwallowedimmediatelyaftershe'dreceivednewsoftheaccident.Herdenialwasasresoluteasitwasirrational.Again,shewaspossessedbythehauntingfeelingthatherchildwasalive.Timeshouldhaveputevenmoredistancebetweenherandtheanguish,butinsteadthepassingdayswerebringingheraroundfullcircleinhergrief.ThisboyinthestationwagonwasnotthefirstthatshehadimaginedwasDanny;inrecentweeks,shehadseen

wasnotthefirstthatshehadimaginedwasDanny;inrecentweeks,shehadseenherlostsoninothercars,inschool-yardspastwhichshehadbeendriving,onpublicstreets,inamovietheater.

Also,she'drecentlybeenplaguedbyarepeatingdreaminwhichDannywasalive.Eachtime,forafewhoursaftershewoke,shecouldnotfacereality.ShehalfconvincedherselfthatthedreamwasapremonitionofDanny'seventualreturntoher,thatsomehowhehadsurvivedandwouldbecomingbackintoherarmsonedaysoon.

Thiswasawarmandwonderfulfantasy,butshecouldnotsustainitforlong.Thoughshealwaysresistedthegrimtruth,itgraduallyexerteditselfeverytime,andshewasrepeatedlybroughtdownhard,forcedtoacceptthatthedreamwasnotapremonition.Nevertheless,sheknewthatwhenshehadthedreamagain,shewouldfindnewhopeinitasshehadsomanytimesbefore.

Andthatwasnotgood.

Sick,sheberatedherself.

Sheglancedatthestationwagonandsawthattheboywasstillstaringather.Sheglaredathertightlyclenchedhandsagainandfoundthestrengthtobreakhergriponthesteeringwheel.

Griefcoulddriveapersoncrazy.She'dheardthatsaid,andshebelievedit.Butshewasn'tgoingtoallowsuchathingtohappentoher.Shewouldbesufficientlytoughonherselftostayintouchwithreality—asunpleasantasrealitymightbe.Shecouldn'tallowherselftohope.

ShehadlovedDannywithallherheart,buthewasgone.Tornandcrushedinabusaccidentwithfourteenotherlittleboys,justonevictimofalargertragedy.Batteredbeyondrecognition.Dead.

Cold.

Decaying.

Inacoffin.

Undertheground.

Forever.

Forever.

Herlowerliptrembled.Shewantedtocry,neededtocry,butshedidn't.

TheboyintheChevyhadlostinterestinher.Hewasstaringatthefrontofthegrocerystoreagain,waiting.

TinagotoutofherHonda.Thenightwaspleasantlycoolanddesert-dry.Shetookadeepbreathandwentintothemarket,wheretheairwassocoldthatitpiercedherbones,andwheretheharshfluorescentlightingwastoobrightandtoobleaktoencouragefantasies.

Sheboughtaquartofnonfatmilkandaloafofwholewheatbreadthatwascutthinfordieters,soeachservingcontainedonlyhalfthecaloriesofanordinarysliceofbread.Shewasn'tadanceranymore;nowsheworkedbehindthecurtain,intheproductionendoftheshow,butshestillfeltphysicallyandpsychologicallybestwhensheweighednomorethanshehadweighedwhenshe'dbeenaperformer.

Fiveminuteslatershewashome.Herswasamodestranchhouseinaquietneighborhood.TheolivetreesandlacymelaleucasstirredlazilyinafaintMojavebreeze.

Inthekitchen,shetoastedtwopiecesofbread.Shespreadathinskinofpeanutbutteronthem,pouredaglassofnonfatmilk,andsatatthetable.

Peanut-buttertoasthadbeenoneofDanny'sfavoritefoods,evenwhenhewasatoddlerandwasespeciallypickyaboutwhathewouldeat.Whenhewasveryyoung,hehadcalledit"neenutputter."

Closinghereyesnow,chewingthetoast,Tinacouldstillseehim—threeyearsold,peanutbuttersmearedalloverhislipsandchin—ashegrinnedandsaid,Moreneenutputtertoast,please.

Sheopenedhereyeswithastartbecausehermentalimageofhimwastoovivid,lesslikeamemorythanlikeavision.Rightnowshedidn'twanttoremembersoclearly.

Butitwastoolate.Herheartknottedinherchest,andherlowerlipbegantoquiveragain,andsheputherheaddownonthetable.Shewept.

•••

ThatnightTinadreamedthatDannywasaliveagain.Somehow.Somewhere.Alive.Andheneededher.

Inthedream,Dannywasstandingattheedgeofabottomlessgorge,andTinawasonthefarside,oppositehim,lookingacrosstheimmensegulf.Dannywascallinghername.Hewaslonelyandafraid.Shewasmiserablebecauseshecouldn'tthinkofawaytoreachhim.Meanwhile,theskygrewdarkerbythesecond;massivestormclouds,liketheclenchedfistsofcelestialgiants,squeezedthelastlightoutoftheday.Danny'scriesandherresponsebecameincreasinglyshrillanddesperate,fortheyknewthattheymustreacheachotherbeforenightfallorbelostforever;intheoncomingnight,somethingwaitedforDanny,somethingfearsomethatwouldseizehimifhewasaloneafterdark.Suddenlytheskywasshatteredbylightning,thenbyahardclapofthunder,andthenightimplodedintoadeeperdarkness,intoinfiniteandperfectblackness.

TinaEvanssatstraightupinbed,certainthatshehadheardanoiseinthehouse.Ithadn'tbeenmerelythethunderfromthedream.Thesoundshe'dheardhadcomeasshewaswaking,arealnoise,notanimaginedone.

Shelistenedintently,preparedtothrowoffthecoversandslipoutofbed.Silencereigned.

Graduallydoubtcreptoverher.Shehadbeenjumpylately.Thiswasn'tthefirstnightshe'dbeenwronglyconvincedthatanintruderwasprowlingthehouse.Onfourorfiveoccasionsduringthepasttwoweeks,shehadtakenthepistolfromthenightstandandsearchedtheplace,roombyroom,butshehadn'tfoundanyone.Recentlyshe'dbeenunderalotofpressure,bothpersonallyandprofessionally.Maybewhatshe'dheardtonighthadbeenthethunderfromthedream.

Sheremainedonguardforafewminutes,butthenightwassopeacefulthatatlastshehadtoadmitshewasalone.Asherheartbeatslowed,sheeasedbackontoherpillow.

AttimeslikethisshewishedthatsheandMichaelwerestilltogether.Sheclosed

AttimeslikethisshewishedthatsheandMichaelwerestilltogether.Sheclosedhereyesandimaginedherselflyingbesidehim,reachingforhiminthedark,touching,touching,movingagainsthim,intotheshelterofhisarms.Hewouldcomfortandreassureher,andintimeshewouldsleepagain.

Ofcourse,ifsheandMichaelwereinbedrightthisminute,itwouldn'tbelikethatatall.Theywouldn'tmakelove.Theywouldargue.He'dresistheraffection,turnherawaybypickingafight.Hewouldbeginthebattleoveratrivialityandgoadheruntilthebickeringescalatedintomaritalwarfare.Thatwashowithadbeenduringthelastmonthsoftheirlifetogether.Hehadbeenseethingwithhostility,alwaysseekinganexcusetoventhisangeronher.

BecauseTinahadlovedMichaeltotheend,she'dbeenhurtandsaddenedbythedissolutionoftheirrelationship.Admittedly,shehadalsobeenrelievedwhenitwasfinallyover.

Shehadlostherchildandherhusbandinthesameyear,themanfirst,andthentheboy,thesontothegraveandthehusbandtothewindsofchange.Duringthetwelveyearsoftheirmarriage,Tinahadbecomeadifferentandmorecomplexpersonthanshe'dbeenontheirweddingday,butMichaelhadn'tchangedatall—anddidn'tlikethewomanthatshehadbecome.Theybeganaslovers,sharingeverydetailoftheirdailylives—triumphsandfailures,joysandfrustrations—butbythetimethedivorcewasfinal,theywerestrangers.AlthoughMichaelwasstilllivingintown,lessthanamilefromher,hewas,insomerespects,asfarawayandasunreachableasDanny.

Shesighedwithresignationandopenedhereyes.

Shewasn'tsleepynow,butsheknewshehadtogetmorerest.Shewouldneedtobefreshandalertinthemorning.

Tomorrowwasoneofthemostimportantdaysofherlife:December30.Inotheryearsthatdatehadmeantnothingspecial.Butforbetterorworse,thisDecember30wasthehingeuponwhichherentirefuturewouldswing.

Forfifteenyears,eversincesheturnedeighteen,twoyearsbeforeshemarriedMichael,TinaEvanshadlivedandworkedinLasVegas.Shebeganhercareerasadancer—notashowgirlbutanactualdancer—intheLidodeParis,agiganticstageshowattheStardustHotel.TheLidowasoneofthoseincrediblylavishproductionsthatcouldbeseennowhereintheworldbutVegas,foritwasonlyinLasVegasthatamultimillion-dollarshowcouldbestagedyearafteryear

onlyinLasVegasthatamultimillion-dollarshowcouldbestagedyearafteryearwithlittleconcernforprofit;suchvastsumswerespentontheelaboratesetsandcostumes,andontheenormouscastandcrew,thatthehotelwasusuallyhappyiftheproductionmerelybrokeevenfromticketanddrinksales.Afterall,asfantasticasitwas,theshowwasonlyacome-on,adraw,withthesolepurposeofputtingafewthousandpeopleintothehoteleverynight.Goingtoandfromtheshowroom,thecrowdhadtopassallthecrapstablesandblackjacktablesandroulettewheelsandglitteringranksofslotmachines,andthatwaswheretheprofitwasmade.TinaenjoyeddancingintheLido,andshestayedtherefortwoandahalfyears,untilshelearnedthatshewaspregnant.ShetooktimeofftocarryandgivebirthtoDanny,thentospenduninterrupteddayswithhimduringhisfirstfewmonthsoflife.WhenDannywassixmonthsold,Tinawentintotrainingtogetbackinshape,andafterthreearduousmonthsofexercise,shewonaplaceinthechoruslineofanewVegasspectacle.Shemanagedtobebothafinedancerandagoodmother,althoughthatwasnotalwayseasy;shelovedDanny,andsheenjoyedherworkandshethrivedondoubleduty.

Fiveyearsago,however,onhertwenty-eighthbirthday,shebegantorealizethatshehad,ifshewaslucky,tenyearsleftasashowdancer,andshedecidedtoestablishherselfinthebusinessinanothercapacity,toavoidbeingwashedupatthirty-eight.Shelandedapositionaschoreographerforatwo-bitloungerevue,adismallycheapimitationofthemultimillion-dollarLido,andeventuallyshetookoverthecostumer'sjobaswell.Fromthatshemovedupthroughaseriesofsimilarpositionsinlargerlounges,theninsmallshowroomsthatseatedfourorfivehundredinsecond-ratehotelswithlimitedshowbudgets.Intimeshedirectedarevue,thendirectedandproducedanother.ShewassteadilybecomingarespectednameinthecloselyknitVegasentertainmentworld,andshebelievedthatshewasonthevergeofgreatsuccess.

Almostayearago,shortlyafterDannyhaddied,Tinahadbeenofferedadirectingandco-producingjobonahugeten-million-dollarextravaganzatobestagedinthetwo-thousand-seatmainshowroomoftheGoldenPyramid,oneofthelargestandplushesthotelsontheStrip.Atfirstithadseemedterriblywrongthatsuchawonderfulopportunityshouldcomeherwaybeforeshe'devenhadtimetomournherboy,asiftheFatesweresoshallowandinsensitiveastothinkthattheycouldbalancethescalesandoffsetDanny'sdeathmerelybypresentingherwithachanceatherdreamjob.Althoughshewasbitteranddepressed,although—ormaybebecause—shefeltutterlyemptyanduseless,shetookthejob.

ThenewshowwastitledMagyck!becausethevarietyactsbetweenthebigdancenumberswereallmagiciansandbecausetheproductionnumbersthemselvesfeaturedelaboratespecialeffectsandwerebuiltaroundsupernaturalthemes.ThetrickyspellingofthetitlewasnotTina'sidea,butmostoftherestoftheprogramwashercreation,andsheremainedpleasedwithwhatshehadwrought.Exhaustedtoo.Thisyearhadpassedinabluroftwelve-andfourteen-hourdays,withnovacationsandrarelyaweekendoff.

Nevertheless,evenaspreoccupiedwithMagyck!asshewas,shehadadjustedtoDanny'sdeathonlywithgreatdifficulty.Amonthago,forthefirsttime,she'dthoughtthatatlastshehadbeguntoovercomehergrief.Shewasabletothinkabouttheboywithoutcrying,tovisithisgravewithoutbeingovercomebygrief.Allthingsconsidered,shefeltreasonablygood,evencheerfultoadegree.Shewouldneverforgethim,thatsweetchildwhohadbeensuchalargepartofher,butshewouldnolongerhavetoliveherlifearoundthegapingholethathehadleftinit.Thewoundwasachinglytenderbuthealed.

That'swhatshehadthoughtamonthago.Foraweekortwoshehadcontinuedtomakeprogresstowardacceptance.Thenthenewdreamsbegan,andtheywerefarworsethanthedreamthatshe'dhadimmediatelyafterDannyhadbeenkilled.

Perhapsheranxietyaboutthepublic'sreactiontoMagyck!wascausinghertorecallthegreateranxietyshehadfeltaboutDanny.Inlessthanseventeenhours—at8:00P.M.,December30—theGoldenPyramidHotelwouldpresentaspecial,invitational,VIPpremiereofMagyck!,andthefollowingnight,NewYear'sEve,theshowwouldopentothegeneralpublic.IfaudiencereactionwasasstrongandaspositiveasTinahoped,herfinancialfuturewasassured,forhercontractgavehertwoandone-halfpercentofthegrossreceipts,minusliquorsales,afterthefirstfivemillion.IfMagyck!wasahitandpackedtheshowroomforfourorfiveyears,assometimeshappenedwithsuccessfulVegasshows,she'dbeamultimillionairebytheendoftherun.Ofcourse,iftheproductionwasaflop,ifitfailedtopleasetheaudience,shemightbebackworkingthesmallloungesagain,onherwaydown.Showbusiness,inanyform,wasamercilessenterprise.

Shehadgoodreasontobesufferingfromanxietyattacks.Herobsessivefearofintrudersinthehouse,herdisquietingdreamsaboutDanny,herrenewedgrief—allofthosethingsmightgrowfromherconcernaboutMagyck!Ifthatwerethecase,thenthosesymptomswoulddisappearassoonasthefateoftheshowwasevident.Sheneededonlytorideoutthenextfewdays,andintherelativecalm

evident.Sheneededonlytorideoutthenextfewdays,andintherelativecalmthatwouldfollow,shemightbeabletogetonwithhealingherself.

Inthemeantimesheabsolutelyhadtogetsomesleep.Atteno'clockinthemorning,shewasscheduledtomeetwithtwotour-bookingagentswhowereconsideringreservingeightthousandticketstoMagyck!duringthefirstthreemonthsofitsrun.Thenatoneo'clocktheentirecastandthecrewwouldassembleforthefinaldressrehearsal.

Shefluffedherpillows,rearrangedthecovers,andtuggedattheshortnightgowninwhichsheslept.Shetriedtorelaxbyclosinghereyesandenvisioningagentlenighttidelappingatasilverybeach.

Thump!

Shesatstraightupinbed.

Somethinghadfallenoverinanotherpartofthehouse.Itmusthavebeenalargeobjectbecause,thoughmuffledbytheinterveningwalls,thesoundwasloudenoughtorouseher.

Whateverithadbeen...ithadn'tsimplyfallen.Ithadbeenknockedover.Heavyobjectsdidn'tjustfalloftheirownaccordindesertedrooms.

Shecockedherhead,listeningclosely.Anotherandsoftersoundfollowedthefirst.Itdidn'tlastlongenoughforTinatoidentifythesource,buttherewasastealthinessaboutit.Thistimeshehadn'tbeenimaginingathreat.Someoneactuallywasinthehouse.

Asshesatupinbed,sheswitchedonthelamp.Shepulledopenthenightstanddrawer.Thepistolwasloaded.Sheflickedoffthetwosafetycatches.

Forawhileshelistened.

Inthebrittlesilenceofthedesertnight,sheimaginedthatshecouldsenseanintruderlisteningtoo,listeningforher.

Shegotoutofbedandsteppedintoherslippers.Holdingtheguninherrighthand,shewentquietlytothebedroomdoor.

Sheconsideredcallingthepolice,butshewasafraidofmakingafoolofherself.Whatiftheycame,lightsflashingandsirensscreaming—andfoundnoone?If

Whatiftheycame,lightsflashingandsirensscreaming—andfoundnoone?Ifshehadsummonedthepoliceeverytimethatsheimaginedhearingaprowlerinthehouseduringthepasttwoweeks,theywouldhavedecidedlongagothatshewasscramble-brained.Shewasproud,unabletobearthethoughtofappearingtobehystericaltoacoupleofmachocopswhowouldgrinatherand,lateroverdoughnutsandcoffee,makejokesabouther.Shewouldsearchthehouseherself,alone.

Pointingthepistolattheceiling,shejackedabulletintothechamber.

Takingadeepbreath,sheunlockedthebedroomdoorandeasedintothehall.

2

TINASEARCHEDTHEENTIREHOUSE,EXCEPTFORDanny'soldroom,butshedidn'tfindanintruder.Shealmostwouldhavepreferredtodiscoversomeonelurkinginthekitchenorcrouchinginaclosetratherthanbeforcedtolook,atlast,inthatfinalspacewheresadnessseemedtodwelllikeatenant.Nowshehadnochoice.

Alittlemorethanayearbeforehehaddied,Dannyhadbegunsleepingattheoppositeendofthesmallhousefromthemasterbedroom,inwhathadoncebeentheden.Notlongafterhistenthbirthday,theboyhadaskedformorespaceandprivacythanwasprovidedbyhisoriginal,tinyquarters.MichaelandTinahadhelpedhimmovehisbelongingstotheden,thenhadshiftedthecouch,armchair,coffeetable,andtelevisionfromthedenintothequarterstheboyhadpreviouslyoccupied.

Atthetime,TinawascertainthatDannywasawareofthenightlyargumentssheandMichaelwerehavingintheirownbedroom,whichwasnexttohis,andthathewantedtomoveintothedensohewouldn'tbeabletohearthembickering.SheandMichaelhadn'tyetbeguntoraisetheirvoicestoeachother;theirdisagreementshadbeenconductedinnormaltones,sometimeseveninwhispers,yetDannyprobablyhadheardenoughtoknowtheywerehavingproblems.

Shehadbeensorrythathe'dhadtoknow,butshehadn'tsaidawordtohim;she'dofferednoexplanations,noreassurances.Foronething,shehadn'tknownwhatshecouldsay.Shecertainlycouldn'tsharewithhimherappraisalofthesituation:Danny,sweetheart,don'tworryaboutanythingyoumighthaveheardthroughthewall.Yourfatherisonlysufferinganidentitycrisis.He'sbeenactinglikeanasslately,buthe'llgetoverit.Andthatwasanotherreasonshedidn'tattempttoexplainherandMichael'sproblemstoDanny—shethoughtthattheirestrangementwasonlytemporary.Shelovedherhusband,andshewassurethatthesheerpowerofherlovewouldrestorethelustertotheirmarriage.SixmonthslatersheandMichaelseparated,andlessthanfivemonthsaftertheseparation,theyweredivorced.

Now,anxioustocompletehersearchfortheburglar—whowasbeginningtolookasimaginaryasalltheotherburglarsshehadstalkedonothernights—she

lookasimaginaryasalltheotherburglarsshehadstalkedonothernights—sheopenedthedoortoDanny'sbedroom.Sheswitchedonthelightsandsteppedinside.

Noone.

Holdingthepistolinfrontofher,sheapproachedthecloset,hesitated,thenslidthedoorback.Noonewashidingthere,either.Inspiteofwhatshehadheard,shewasaloneinthehouse.

Asshestaredatthecontentsofthemuskycloset—theboy'sshoes,hisjeans,dressslacks,shirts,sweaters,hisblueDodgers'baseballcap,thesmallbluesuithehadwornonspecialoccasions—alumproseinherthroat.Shequicklyslidthedoorshutandputherbackagainstit.

Althoughthefuneralhadbeenmorethanayearago,shehadnotyetbeenabletodisposeofDanny'sbelongings.Somehow,theactofgivingawayhisclotheswouldbeevensadderandmorefinalthanwatchinghiscasketbeingloweredintotheground.

Hisclothesweren'ttheonlythingsthatshehadkept:Hisentireroomwasexactlyashehadleftit.Thebedwasproperlymade,andseveralscience-fiction-movieactionfigureswereposedonthedeepheadboard.Morethanahundredpaperbackswererankedalphabeticallyonafive-shelfbookcase.Hisdeskoccupiedonecorner;tubesofglue,miniaturebottlesofenamelineverycolor,andavarietyofmodel-craftingtoolsstoodinsoldierlyranksononehalfofthedesk,andtheotherhalfwasbare,waitingforhimtobeginwork.Ninemodelairplanesfilledadisplaycase,andthreeothershungonwiresfromtheceiling.Thewallsweredecoratedwithevenlyspacedposters—threebaseballstars,fivehideousmonstersfromhorrormovies—thatDannyhadcarefullyarranged.

Unlikemanyboyshisage,he'dbeenconcernedaboutorderlinessandcleanliness.Respectinghispreferenceforneatness,TinahadinstructedMrs.Neddler,thecleaningladywhocameintwiceaweek,tovacuumanddusthisunusedbedroomasifnothinghadhappenedtohim.Theplacewasasspotlessasever.

Gazingatthedeadboy'stoysandpathetictreasures,Tinarealized,notforthefirsttime,thatitwasn'thealthyforhertomaintainthisplaceasifitwereamuseum.Orashrine.Aslongasshelefthisthingsundisturbed,shecouldcontinuetoentertainthehopethatDannywasnotdead,thathewasjustaway

continuetoentertainthehopethatDannywasnotdead,thathewasjustawaysomewhereforawhile,andthathewouldshortlypickuphislifewherehehadleftoff.Herinabilitytocleanouthisroomsuddenlyfrightenedher;forthefirsttimeitseemedlikemorethanjustaweaknessofspiritbutanindicationofseriousmentalillness.Shehadtoletthedeadrestinpeace.Ifshewasevertostopdreamingabouttheboy,ifsheweretogetcontrolofhergrief,shemustbeginherrecoveryhere,inthisroom,byconqueringherirrationalneedtopreservehispossessionsinsitu.

SheresolvedtocleanthisplaceoutonThursday,NewYear'sDay.BoththeVIPpremiereandtheopeningnightofMagyck!wouldbebehindherbythen.She'dbeabletorelaxandtakeafewdaysoff.ShewouldstartbyspendingThursdayafternoonhere,boxingtheclothesandtoysandposters.

Assoonasshemadethatdecision,mostofhernervousenergydissipated.Shesagged,limpandwearyandreadytoreturntobed.

Asshestartedtowardthedoor,shecaughtsightoftheeasel,stopped,andturned.Dannyhadlikedtodraw,andtheeasel,completewithaboxofpencilsandpensandpaints,hadbeenabirthdaygiftwhenhewasnine.Itwasaneaselononesideandachalkboardontheother.Dannyhadleftitatthefarendoftheroom,beyondthebed,againstthewall,andthatwaswhereithadstoodthelasttimethatTinahadbeenhere.Butnowitlayatanangle,thebaseagainstthewall,theeaselitselfslanted,chalkboard-down,acrossagametable.AnElectronicBattleshipgamehadstoodonthattable,asDannyhadleftit,readyforplay,buttheeaselhadtoppledintoitandknockedittothefloor.

Apparently,thatwasthenoiseshehadheard.Butshecouldn'timaginewhathadknockedtheeaselover.Itcouldn'thavefallenbyitself.

Sheputhergundown,wentaroundthefootofthebed,andstoodtheeaselonitslegs,asitbelonged.Shestooped,retrievedthepiecesoftheElectronicBattleshipgame,andreturnedthemtothetable.

Whenshepickedupthescatteredsticksofchalkandthefelteraser,turningagaintothechalkboard,sherealizedthattwowordswerecrudelyprintedontheblacksurface:

NOTDEAD

NOTDEAD

Shescowledatthemessage.

ShewaspositivethatnothinghadbeenwrittenontheboardwhenDannyhadgoneawayonthatscoutingtrip.Andithadbeenblankthelasttimeshe'dbeeninthisroom.

Belatedly,asshepressedherfingertipstothewordsonthechalkboard,thepossiblemeaningofthemstruckher.Asaspongesoakedupwater,shetookachillfromthesurfaceoftheslate.Notdead.ItwasadenialofDanny'sdeath.Anangryrefusaltoaccepttheawfultruth.Achallengetoreality.

Inoneofherterribleseizuresofgrief,inamomentofcrazydarkdespair,hadshecomeintothisroomandunknowinglyprintedthosewordsonDanny'schalkboard?

Shedidn'trememberdoingit.Ifshehadleftthismessage,shemustbehavingblackouts,temporaryamnesiaofwhichshewastotallyunaware.Orshewaswalkinginhersleep.Eitherpossibilitywasunacceptable.

DearGod,unthinkable.

Therefore,thewordsmusthavebeenhereallalong.Dannymusthaveleftthembeforehedied.Hisprintingwasneat,likeeverythingelseabouthim,notsloppylikethisscrawledmessage.Nevertheless,hemusthavedoneit.Musthave.

Andtheobviousreferencethatthosetwowordsmadetothebusaccidentinwhichhehadperished?

Coincidence.Danny,ofcourse,hadbeenwritingaboutsomethingelse,andthedarkinterpretationthatcouldbedrawnfromthosetwowordsnow,afterhisdeath,wasjustamacabrecoincidence.

Sherefusedtoconsideranyotherpossibilitybecausethealternativesweretoofrightening.

Shehuggedherself.Herhandswereicy;theychilledhersideseventhroughhernightgown.

Shivering,shethoroughlyerasedthewordsonthechalkboard,retrievedherhandgun,andlefttheroom,pullingthedoorshutbehindher.

Shewaswideawake,butshehadtogetsomesleep.Therewassomuchtodointhemorning.Bigday.

Inthekitchen,shewithdrewabottleofWildTurkeyfromthecupboardbythesink.ItwasMichael'sfavoritebourbon.Shepouredtwoouncesintoawaterglass.Althoughshewasn'tmuchofadrinker,indulginginnothingmorethanaglassofwinenowandthen,withnocapacitywhatsoeverforhardliquor,shefinishedthebourbonintwoswallows.Grimacingatthebitternessofthespirits,wonderingwhyMichaelhadextolledthisbrand'ssmoothness,shehesitated,thenpouredanotherounce.Shefinisheditquickly,asthoughshewereachildtakingmedicine,andthenputthebottleaway.

Inbedagainshesnuggledinthecoversandclosedhereyesandtriednottothinkaboutthechalkboard.Butanimageofitappearedbehindhereyes.Whenshecouldn'tbanishthatimage,sheattemptedtoalterit,mentallywipingthewordsaway.Butinhermind'seye,thesevenlettersreappearedonthechalkboard:NOTDEAD.Althoughsherepeatedlyerasedthem,theystubbornlyreturned.Shegrewdizzyfromthebourbonandfinallyslippedintowelcomeoblivion.

3

TUESDAYAFTERNOONTLNAWATCHEDTHEFINALdressrehearsalofMagyck!fromaseatinthemiddleoftheGoldenPyramidshowroom.

Thetheaterwasshapedlikeanenormousfan,spreadingunderahighdomedceiling.Theroomsteppeddowntowardthestageinalternatingwideandnarrowgalleries.Onthewiderlevels,longdinnertables,coveredwithwhitelinen,weresetatrightanglestothestage.Eachnarrowgalleryconsistedofathree-foot-wideaislewithalowrailingononesideandacurvingrowofraised,plushlypaddedboothsontheotherside.Thefocusofalltheseatswastheimmensestage,amarvelofthesizerequiredforaLasVegasspectacular,morethanhalfagainaslargeasthelargeststageonBroadway.ItwassohugethataDC-9airlinercouldberolledontoitwithoutusinghalfthespaceavailable—afeatthathadbeenaccomplishedaspartofaproductionnumberonasimilarstageatahotelinRenoseveralyearsago.Alavishuseofbluevelvet,darkleather,crystalchandeliers,andthickbluecarpet,plusanexcellentsenseofdramaticlighting,gavethemammothchambersomeofthefeelingofacozycabaretinspiteofitssize.

Tinasatinoneofthethird-tierbooths,nervouslysippingicewaterasshewatchedhershow.

Thedressrehearsalranwithoutaproblem.Withsevenmassiveproductionnumbers,fivemajorvarietyacts,forty-twogirldancers,forty-twoboydancers,fifteenshowgirls,twoboysingers,twogirlsingers(onetemperamental),forty-sevencrewmenandtechnicians,atwenty-pieceorchestra,oneelephant,onelion,twoblackpanthers,sixgoldenretrievers,andtwelvewhitedoves,thelogisticsweremind-numbinglycomplicated,butayearofarduouslaborwasevidentintheslickandfaultlessunfoldingoftheprogram.

Attheend,thecastandcrewgatheredonstageandapplaudedthemselves,huggedandkissedoneanother.Therewaselectricityintheair,afeelingoftriumph,anervousexpectationofsuccess.

JoelBandiri,Tina'sco-producer,hadwatchedtheshowfromaboothinthefirsttier,theVIProw,wherehighrollersandotherfriendsofthehotelwouldbe

tier,theVIProw,wherehighrollersandotherfriendsofthehotelwouldbeseatedeverynightoftherun.Assoonastherehearsalended,Joelsprangoutofhisseat,racedtotheaisle,climbedthestepstothethirdtier,andhurriedtoTina.

"Wedidit!"Joelshoutedasheapproachedher."Wemadethedamnthingwork!"

Tinaslidoutofherboothtomeethim.

"Wegotahit,kid!"Joelsaid,andhehuggedherfiercely,plantingawetkissonhercheek.

Shehuggedhimenthusiastically."Youthinkso?Really?"

"Think?Iknow!Agiant.That'swhatwe'vegot.Arealgiant!Agargantua!"

'Thankyou,Joel.Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou.""Me?Whatareyouthankingmefor?""Forgivingmeachancetoprovemyself.""Hey,Ididyounofavors,kid.Youworkedyourbuttoff.Youearnedeverypennyyou'regonnamakeoutofthisbaby,justlikeIknewyouwould.We'reagreatteam.Anybodyelsetriedtohandleallthis,they'djustendupwithonegoddamnbigmishkadenzeontheirhands.Butyouandme,wemadeitintoahit."

Joelwasanoddlittleman:five-feet-four,slightlychubbybutnotfat,withcurlybrownhairthatappearedtohavefrizzedandkinkedinresponsetoajoltofelectricity.Hisface,whichwasasbroadandcomicasthatofaclown,couldstretchintoanendlessseriesofrubberyexpressions.Heworebluejeans,acheapblueworkshirt—andabouttwohundredthousanddollars'worthofrings.Sixringsbedeckedeachofhishands,somewithdiamonds,somewithemeralds,onewithalargeruby,onewithanevenlargeropal.Asalways,heseemedtobehighonsomething,burstingwithenergy.WhenhefinallystoppedhuggingTina,hecouldnotstandstill.HeshiftedfromfoottofootashetalkedaboutMagyck!,turnedthiswayandthat,gesturedexpansivelywithhisquick,gem-speckledhands,virtuallydoingajig.

Atforty-sixhewasthemostsuccessfulproducerinLasVegas,withtwentyyearsofhitshowsbehindhim.Thewords"JoelBandiriPresents"onamarqueewereaguaranteeoffirst-rateentertainment.HehadplowedsomeofhissubstantialearningsintoLasVegasrealestate,partsoftwohotels,anautomobiledealership,andaslot-machinecasinodowntown.Hewassorichthathecouldretireandlivetherestofhislifeinthehighstyleandsplendorfor

hecouldretireandlivetherestofhislifeinthehighstyleandsplendorforwhichhehadataste.ButJoelwouldneverstopwillingly.Helovedhiswork.Hewouldmostlikelydieonthestage,inthemiddleofpuzzlingoutatrickyproductionproblem.

HehadseenTina'sworkinsomeloungesaroundtown,andhehadsurprisedherwhenhe'dofferedherthechancetoco-produceMagyck!Atfirstshehadn'tbeensureifsheshouldtakethejob.Shewasawareofhisreputationasaperfectionistwhodemandedsuperhumaneffortsfromhispeople.Shewasalsoworriedaboutbeingresponsibleforaten-million-dollarbudget.Workingwiththatkindofmoneywasn'tmerelyastepupforher;itwasagiantleap.

Joelhadconvincedherthatshe'dhavenodifficultymatchinghispaceormeetinghisstandards,andthatshewasequaltothechallenge.Hehelpedhertodiscovernewreservesofenergy,newareasofcompetenceinherself.Hehadbecomenotjustavaluedbusinessassociate,butagoodfriendaswell,abigbrother.

Nowtheyseemedtohaveshapedahitshowtogether.

AsTinastoodinthisbeautifultheater,glancingdownatthecolorfullycostumedpeoplemillingaboutonthestage,thenlookingatJoel'srubberyface,listeningasherco-producerunblushinglyravedabouttheirhandiwork,shewashappierthanshehadbeeninalongtime.Iftheaudienceatthisevening'sVIPpremierereactedenthusiastically,shemighthavetobuyleadweightstokeepherselffromfloatingoffthefloorwhenshewalked.

Twentyminuteslater,at3:45,shesteppedontothesmoothcobblestonesinfrontofthehotel'smainentranceandhandedherclaimchecktothevaletparkingattendant.WhilehewenttofetchherHonda,shestoodinthewarmlate-afternoonsunshine,unabletostopgrinning.

SheturnedandlookedbackattheGoldenPyramidHotel-Casino.Herfuturewasinextricablylinkedtothatgaudybutundeniablyimpressivepileofconcreteandsteel.Theheavybronzeandglassrevolvingdoorsglitteredastheyspunwithasteadyflowofpeople.Rampartsofpalepinkstonestretchedhundredsoffeetonbothsidesoftheentrance;thosewallswerewindowlessandgarishlydecoratedwithgiantstonecoins,agushingtorrentofcoinsfloodingfromastonecornucopia.Directlyoverhead,theceilingoftheimmenseportecocherewaslinedwithhundredsoflights;noneofthebulbswereburningnow,butafternightfalltheywouldraindazzling,goldenluminosityupontheglossy

nightfalltheywouldraindazzling,goldenluminosityupontheglossycobblestonesbelow.ThePyramidhadbeenbuiltatacostinexcessoffourhundredmilliondollars,andtheownershadmadecertainthateverylastdimeshowed.Tinasupposedthatsomepeoplewouldsaythishotelwasgross,crass,tasteless,ugly—butshelovedtheplacebecauseitwasherethatshehadbeengivenherbigchance.Thusfar,thethirtiethofDecemberhadbeenabusy,noisy,excitingdayatthePyramid.AftertherelativequietofChristmasweek,anuninterruptedstreamofguestswaspouringthroughthefrontdoors.AdvancebookingsindicatedarecordNewYear'sholidaycrowdforLasVegas.ThePyramid,withalmostthreethousandrooms,wasbookedtocapacity,aswaseveryhotelinthecity.Atafewminutespasteleveno'clock,asecretaryfromSanDiegoputfivedollarsinaslotmachineandhitajackpotworth$495,000;wordofthatevenreachedbackstageintheshowroom.Shortlybeforenoon,twohighrollersfromDallassatdownatablackjacktableand,inthreehours,lostaquarterofamillionbucks;theywerelaughingandjokingwhentheyleftthetabletotryanothergame.CarolHirson,acocktailwaitresswhowasafriendofTina's,hadtoldherabouttheunluckyTexansafewminutesago.Carolhadbeenshiny-eyedandbreathlessbecausethehighrollershadtippedherwithgreenchips,asifthey'dbeenwinninginsteadoflosing;forbringingthemhalfadozendrinks,shehadcollectedtwelvehundreddollars.

Sinatrawasintown,atCaesar'sPalace,perhapsforthelasttime,andevenateightyyearsofage,hegeneratedmoreexcitementinVegasthananyotherfamousname.AlongtheentireStripandinthelessposhbutnonethelessjammedcasinosdowntown,thingswerejumping,sparking.

AndinjustfourhoursMagyck!wouldpremiere.

ThevaletbroughtTina'scar,andshetippedhim.

Hesaid,"Breakalegtonight,Tina."

"God,Ihopeso."

Shewashomeby4:15.Shehadtwoandahalfhourstofillbeforeshehadtoleaveforthehotelagain.

Shedidn'tneedthatmuchtimetoshower,applyhermakeup,anddress,soshedecidedtopacksomeofDanny'sbelongings.Nowwastherighttimetobegintheunpleasantchore.Shewasinsuchanexcellentmoodthatshedidn'tthinkeventhesightofhisroomwouldbeabletobringherdown,asitusuallydid.No

eventhesightofhisroomwouldbeabletobringherdown,asitusuallydid.NouseputtingitoffuntilThursday,asshehadplanned.Shehadatleastenoughtimetomakeastart,boxuptheboy'sclothes,ifnothingelse.

WhenshewentintoDanny'sbedroom,shesawatoncethattheeasel-chalkboardhadbeenknockedoveragain.Sheputitright.

Twowordswereprintedontheslate:

NOTDEAD

Achillsweptdownherback.

Lastnight,afterdrinkingthebourbon,hadshecomebackhereinsomekindoffugueand...?

No.

Shehadn'tblackedout.Shehadnotprintedthosewords.Shewasn'tgoingcrazy.Shewasn'tthesortofpersonwhowouldsnapoverathinglikethis.Notevenathinglikethis.Shewastough.Shehadalwayspridedherselfonhertoughnessandherresiliency.

Snatchingupthefelteraser,shevigorouslywipedtheslateclean.

Someonewasplayingasick,nastytrickonher.Someonehadcomeintothehousewhileshewasoutandhadprintedthosetwowordsonthechalkboardagain.Whoeveritwas,hewantedtorubherfaceinthetragedythatshewastryingsohardtoforget.

Theonlyotherpersonwhohadarighttobeinthehousewasthecleaningwoman,VivienneNeddler.Viviennehadbeenscheduledtoworkthisafternoon,butshe'dcanceled.Instead,shewascominginforafewhoursthisevening,whileTinawasatthepremiere.

ButevenifViviennehadkeptherscheduledappointment,sheneverwouldhavewrittenthosewordsonthechalkboard.Shewasasweetoldwoman,feistyandindependent-mindedbutnotthetypetoplaycruelpranks.

independent-mindedbutnotthetypetoplaycruelpranks.

ForamomentTinarackedhermind,searchingforsomeonetoblame,andthenanameoccurredtoher.Itwastheonlypossiblesuspect.Michael.Herex-husband.Therewasnosignthatanyonehadbrokenintothehouse,noobviousevidenceofforcedentry,andMichaelwastheonlyotherpersonwithakey.Shehadn'tchangedthelocksafterthedivorce.

Shatteredbythelossofhisson,MichaelhadbeenirrationallyviciouswithTinaformonthsafterthefuneral,accusingherofbeingresponsibleforDanny'sdeath.ShehadgivenDannypermissiontogoonthefieldtrip,andasfarasMichaelwasconcerned,thathadbeenequivalenttodrivingthebusoffthecliff.ButDannyhadwantedtogotothemountainsmorethananythingelseintheworld.Besides,Mr.Jaborski,thescoutmaster,hadtakenothergroupsofscoutsonwintersurvivalhikeseveryyearforsixteenyears,andnoonehadbeenevenslightlyinjured.Theydidn'thikeallthewayintothetruewilderness,justareasonabledistanceoffthebeatenpath,andtheyplannedforeverycontingency.Theexperiencewassupposedtobegoodforaboy.Safe.Carefullymanaged.Everyoneassuredhertherewasnochanceoftrouble.She'dhadnowayofknowingthatJaborski'sseventeenthtripwouldendindisaster,yetMichaelblamedher.She'dthoughthehadregainedhisperspectiveduringthelastfewmonths,butevidentlynot.

Shestaredatthechalkboard,thoughtofthetwowordsthathadbeenprintedthere,andangerswelledinher.Michaelwasbehavinglikeaspitefulchild.Didn'therealizethathergriefwasasdifficulttobearashis?Whatwashetryingtoprove?

Furious,shewentintothekitchen,pickedupthetelephone,anddialedMichael'snumber.Afterfiveringssherealizedthathewasatwork,andshehungup.

Inhermindthetwowordsburned,whiteonblack:NOTDEAD.

ThiseveningshewouldcallMichael,whenshegothomefromthepremiereandthepartyafterward.Shewascertaintobequitelate,butshewasn'tgoingtoworryaboutwakinghim.

Shestoodindecisivelyinthecenterofthesmallkitchen,tryingtofindthewillpowertogotoDanny'sroomandboxhisclothes,asshehadplanned.Butshehadlosthernerve.Shecouldn'tgointhereagain.Nottoday.Maybenotforafewdays.

fewdays.

DamnMichael.

Intherefrigeratorwasahalf-emptybottleofwhitewine.Shepouredaglassfulandcarrieditintothemasterbath.

Shewasdrinkingtoomuch.Bourbonlastnight.Winenow.Untilrecently,shehadrarelyusedalcoholtocalmhernerves—butnowitwashercureoffirstresort.OnceshehadgottenthroughthepremiereofMagyck!,she'dbetterstartcuttingbackonthebooze.Nowshedesperatelyneededit.

Shetookalongshower.Sheletthehotwaterbeatdownonherneckforseveralminutes,untilthestiffnessinhermusclesmeltedandflowedaway.

Aftertheshower,thechilledwinefurtherrelaxedherbody,althoughitdidlittletocalmhermindandallayheranxiety.Shekeptthinkingofthechalkboard.

NOTDEAD.

4

AT6:50TINAWASAGAINBACKSTAGEINTHEshowroom.Theplacewasrelativelyquiet,exceptforthemuffledoceanicroaroftheVIPcrowdthatwaitedinthemainshowroom,beyondthevelvetcurtains.

Eighteenhundredguestshadbeeninvited—LasVegasmoversandshakers,plushighrollersfromoutoftown.MorethanfifteenhundredhadreturnedtheirRSVPcards.

Already,aplatoonofwhite-coatedwaiters,waitressesincrispblueuniforms,andscurryingbusboyshadbegunservingthedinners.ThechoicewasfiletmignonwithBernaisesauceorlobsterinbuttersauce,becauseLasVegaswastheoneplaceintheUnitedStateswherepeopleatleasttemporarilysetasideconcernsaboutcholesterol.Inthehealth-obsessedfinaldecadeofthecentury,eatingfattyfoodswaswidelyregardedasafarmoredelicious—andmoredamning—sinthanenvy,sloth,thievery,andadultery.

Byseven-thirtythebackstageareawasbustling.Techniciansdouble-checkedthemotorizedsets,theelectricalconnections,andthehydraulicpumpsthatraisedandloweredportionsofthestage.Stagehandscountedandarrangedprops.Wardrobewomenmendedtearsandsewedupunraveledhemsthathadbeendiscoveredatthelastminute.Hairdressersandlightingtechniciansrushedaboutonurgenttasks.Maledancers,wearingblacktuxedosfortheopeningnumber,stoodtensely,aneye-pleasingcollectionoflean,handsometypes.

Dozensofbeautifuldancersandshowgirlswerebackstagetoo.Someworesatinandlace.Othersworevelvetandrhinestones—orfeathersorsequinsorfurs,andafewweretopless.Manywerestillinthecommunaldressingrooms,whileothergirls,alreadycostumed,waitedinthehallsorattheedgeofthebigstage,talkingaboutchildrenandhusbandsandboyfriendsandrecipes,asiftheyweresecretariesonacoffeebreakandnotsomeofthemostbeautifulwomenintheworld.

Tinawantedtostayinthewingsthroughouttheperformance,butshecoulddonothingmorebehindthecurtains.Magyck!wasnowinthehandsoftheperformersandtechnicians.

performersandtechnicians.

Twenty-fiveminutesbeforeshowtimeTinaleftthestageandwentintothenoisyshowroom.SheheadedtowardthecenterboothintheVIProw,whereCharlesMainway,generalmanagerandprincipalstockholderoftheGoldenPyramidHotel,waitedforher.

ShestoppedfirstattheboothnexttoMainway's.JoelBandiriwaswithEva,hiswifeofeightyears,andtwooftheirfriends.Evawastwenty-nine,seventeenyearsyoungerthanJoel,andatfivefooteight,shewasalsofourinchestallerthanhewas.Shewasanex-showgirl,blond,willowy,delicatelybeautiful.ShegentlysqueezedTina'shand."Don'tworry.You'retoogoodtofail."

"Wegotahit,kid,"JoelassuredTinaoncemore.

Inthenextsemicircularbooth,CharlesMainwaygreetedTinawithawarmsmile.Mainwaycarriedandheldhimselfasifhewereanaristocrat,andhismaneofsilverhairandhisclearblueeyescontributedtotheimagehewishedtoproject.However,hisfeatureswerelarge,square,andutterlywithoutevidenceofpatricianblood,andevenafterthemellowinginfluencesofelocutionteachers,hisnaturallylow,gravellyvoicebeliedhisoriginsinaroughBrooklynneighborhood.

AsTinaslidintotheboothbesideMainway,atuxedoedcaptainappearedandfilledherglasswithDomPérignon.

HelenMainway,Charlie'swife,satathisleftside.HelenwasbynatureeverythingthatpoorCharliestruggledtobe:impeccablywell-mannered,sophisticated,graceful,ateaseandconfidentinanysituation.Shewastall,slender,striking,fifty-fiveyearsoldbutabletopassforawell-preservedforty.

"Tina,mydear,Iwantyoutomeetafriendofours,"Helensaid,indicatingthefourthpersoninthebooth."ThisisElliotStryker.Elliot,thislovelyyoungladyisChristinaEvans,theguidinghandbehindMagyck!"

"Oneoftwoguidinghands,"Tinasaid."JoelBandiriismoreresponsiblefortheshowthanIam—especiallyifit'saflop."

Strykerlaughed."I'mpleasedtomeetyou,Mrs.Evans."

"JustplainTina,"shesaid.

"JustplainTina,"shesaid.

"AndI'mjustplainElliot."

Hewasarugged,good-lookingman,neitherbignorsmall,aboutforty.Hisdarkeyesweredeeplyset,quick,markedbyintelligenceandamusement.

"Elliot'smyattorney,"CharlieMainwaysaid.

"Oh,"Tinasaid,"IthoughtHarrySimpson—"

"Harry'sahotelattorney.Elliothandlesmyprivateaffairs."

"Andhandlesthemverywell,"Helensaid."Tina,ifyouneedanattorney,thisisthebestinLasVegas."

ToTina,Strykersaid,"Butifit'sflatteryyouneed:—andI'msureyoualreadygetalotofit,lovelyasyouare—nooneinVegascanflatterwithmorecharmandstylethanHelen."

"Youseewhathejustdid?"HelenaskedTina,clappingherhandswithdelight."Inonesentencehemanagedtoflatteryou,flatterme,andimpressallofuswithhismodesty.Youseewhatawonderfulattorneyheis?"

"Imaginehimarguingapointincourt,"Charliesaid.

"Averysmoothcharacterindeed,"Helensaid.

StrykerwinkedatTina."SmoothasImightbe,I'mnomatchforthesetwo."

Theymadepleasantsmalltalkforthenextfifteenminutes,andnoneofithadtodowithMagyck!Tinawasawarethattheyweretryingtotakehermindofftheshow,andsheappreciatedtheireffort.

Ofcoursenoamountofamusingtalk,noquantityoficyDomPerignoncouldrenderherunawareoftheexcitementthatwasbuildingintheshowroomascurtaintimedrewnear.Minutebyminutethecloudofcigarettesmokeoverheadthickened.Waitresses,waiters,andcaptainsrushedbackandforthtofillthedrinkordersbeforetheshowbegan.Theroarofconversationgrewlouderasthesoundstickedaway,andthequalityoftheroarbecamemorefrenetic,gayer,andmoreoftenpunctuatedwithlaughter.

Somehow,eventhoughherattentionwaspartlyonthemoodofthecrowd,partlyonHelenandCharlieMainway,TinawasneverthelessawareofElliotStryker'sreactiontoher.Hemadenogreatshowofbeingmorethanordinarilyinterestedinher,buttheattractionsheheldforhimwasevidentinhiseyes.Beneathhiscordial,witty,slightlycoolexterior,hissecretresponsewasthatofahealthymaleanimal,andherawarenessofitwasmoreinstinctualthanintellectual,likeamare'sresponsetothestallion'sfirstfaintstirringsofdesire.

Atleastayearandahalf,maybetwoyears,hadpassedsinceamanhadlookedatherinquitethatfashion.Orperhapsthiswasthefirsttimeinallthosemonthsthatshehadbeenawareofbeingtheobjectofsuchinterest.FightingwithMichael,copingwiththeshockofseparationanddivorce,grievingforDanny,andputtingtogethertheshowwithJoelBandirihadfilledherdaysandnights,soshe'dhadnochancetothinkofromance.

RespondingtotheunspokenneedinElliot'seyeswithaneedofherown,shewassuddenlywarm.

Shethought:MyGod,I'vebeenlettingmyselfdryup!HowcouldIhaveforgottenthis!

Nowthatshehadspentmorethanayeargrievingforherbrokenmarriageandforherlostson,nowthatMagyck!wasalmostbehindher,shewouldhavetimetobeawomanagain.Shewouldmaketime.

TimeforElliotStryker?Shewasn'tsure.Noreasontobeinahurrytomakeupforlostpleasures.Sheshouldn'tjumpatthefirstmanwhowantedher.Surelythatwasn'tthesmartthingtodo.Ontheotherhand,hewashandsome,andinhisfacewasanappealinggentleness.Shehadtoadmitthathesparkedthesamefeelingsinherthatsheapparentlyen-flamedinhim.

Theeveningwasturningouttobeevenmoreinterestingthanshehadexpected.

5

VIVIENNENEDDLERPARKEDHERVINTAGE1955NashRambleratthecurbinfrontoftheEvanshouse,beingcarefulnottoscrapethewhitewalls.Thecarwasimmaculate,inbettershapethanmostnewcarsthesedays.Inaworldofplannedobsolescence,Viviennetookpleasureingettinglong,fulluseoutofeverythingthatshebought,whetheritwasatoasteroranautomobile.Sheenjoyedmakingthingslast.

Shehadlastedquiteawhileherself.Shewasseventy,stillinexcellenthealth,ashortsturdywomanwiththesweetfaceofaBotticelliMadonnaandtheno-nonsensewalkofanarmysergeant.

Shegotoutofthecarand,carryingapursethesizeofasmallsuitcase,marchedupthewalktowardthehouse,anglingawayfromthefrontdoorandpastthegarage.

Thesulfur-yellowlightfromthestreetlampsfailedtoreachallthewayacrossthelawn.Besidethefrontwalkwayandthenalongthesideofthehouse,low-voltagelandscapelightingrevealedthepath.

Oleanderbushesrustledinthebreeze.Overhead,palmfrondsscrapedsoftlyagainstoneanother.

AsViviennereachedthebackofthehouse,thecrescentmoonslidoutfrombehindoneofthefewthinclouds,likeascimitarbeingdrawnfromascabbard,andthepaleshadowsofpalmsandmelaleucasshiveredonthelunar-silveredconcretepatio.

Vivienneletherselfinthroughthekitchendoor.She'dbeencleaningforTinaEvansfortwoyears,andshehadbeenentrustedwithakeynearlythatlong.

Thehousewassilentexceptforthesoftlyhummingrefrigerator.

Viviennebeganworkinthekitchen.Shewipedthecountersandtheappliances,spongedofftheslatsoftheLevolorblinds,andmoppedtheMexican-tilefloor.Shedidafirst-ratejob.Shebelievedinthemoralvalueofhardwork,andshe

Shedidafirst-ratejob.Shebelievedinthemoralvalueofhardwork,andshealwaysgaveheremployerstheirmoney'sworth.

Sheusuallyworkedduringtheday,notatnight.Thisafternoon,however,she'dbeenplayingapairofluckyslotmachinesattheMirageHotel,andshehadn'twantedtowalkawayfromthemwhiletheywerepayingoffsogenerously.Somepeopleforwhomshecleanedhouseinsistedthatshekeepregularlyscheduledappointments,andtheydidaslowburnifsheshowedupmorethanafewminuteslate.ButTinaEvanswassympathetic;sheknewhowimportanttheslotmachinesweretoVivienne,andshewasn'tupsetifVivienneoccasionallyhadtoreschedulehervisit.

Viviennewasanickelduchess.Thatwasthetermbywhichcasinoemployeesstillreferredtolocal,elderlywomenwhosesociallivesrevolvedaroundanobsessiveinterestinone-armedbandits,eventhoughthenickelmachineswereprettymuchancienthistory.Nickelduchessesalwaysplayedthecheapslotmachines—nickelsanddimesintheolddays,nowquarters—neverthedollar-orfive-dollarslots.Theypulledthehandlesforhoursatatime,oftenmakingatwenty-dollarbilllastalongafternoon.Theirgamingphilosophywassimple:Itdoesn'tmatterifyouwinorlose,aslongasyoustayinthegame.Withthatattitudeplusafewmoney-managementskills,theywereabletohangonlongerthanmostslotplayerswhoplungedatthedollarmachinesaftergettingnowherewithquarters,andbecauseoftheirpatienceandperseverance,theduchesseswonmorejackpotsthandidthetideoftouriststhatebbedandflowedaroundthem.Eventhesedays,whenmostmachinescouldbeplayedwithelectronicallyvalidatedvaluecards,thenickelduchessesworeblackglovestokeeptheirhandsfrombecomingfilthyafterhoursofhandlingcoinsandpullinglevers;theyalwayssatonstoolswhiletheyplayed,andtheyrememberedtoalternatehandswhenoperatingthemachinesinordernottostrainthemusclesofonearm,andtheycarriedbottlesoflinimentjustincase.

Theduchesses,whoforthemostpartwerewidowsandspinsters,oftenatelunchanddinnertogether.Theycheeredoneanotheronthoserareoccasionswhenoneofthemhitareallylargejackpot;andwhenoneofthemdied,theotherswenttothefuneralenmasse.Togethertheyformedanoddbutsolidcommunity,withasatisfyingsenseofbelonging.Inacountrythatworshipedyouth,mostelderlyAmericansdevoutlydesiredtodiscoveraplacewheretheybelonged,butunliketheduchesses,manyofthemneverfoundit.

Viviennehadadaughter,ason-in-law,andthreegrandchildreninSacramento.Forfiveyears,eversincehersixty-fifthbirthday,theyhadbeenpressuringherto

Forfiveyears,eversincehersixty-fifthbirthday,theyhadbeenpressuringhertolivewiththem.Shelovedthemasmuchaslifeitself,andsheknewtheytrulywantedherwiththem;theywerenotinvitingheroutofamisguidedsenseofguiltandobligation:Nevertheless,shedidn'twanttoliveinSacramento.Afterseveralvisitsthere,shehaddecidedthatitmustbeoneofthedullestcitiesintheworld.Viviennelikedtheaction,noise,lights,andexcitementofLasVegas.Besides,livinginSacramento,shewouldn'tbeanickelduchessanylonger;shewouldn'tbeanyonespecial;shewouldbejustanotherelderlylady,livingwithherdaughter'sfamily,playinggrandma,markingtime,waitingtodie.

Alifelikethatwouldbeintolerable.

Viviennevaluedherindependencemorethananythingelse.Sheprayedthatshewouldremainhealthyenoughtocontinueworkingandlivingonherownuntil,atlast,hertimecameandallthelittlewindowsonthemachineoflifeproducedlemons.

Asshewasmoppingthelastcornerofthekitchenfloor,asshewasthinkingabouthowdrearylifewouldbewithoutherfriendsandherslotmachines,sheheardasoundinanotherpartofthehouse.Towardthefront.Thelivingroom.

Shefroze,listening.

Therefrigeratormotorstoppedrunning.Aclocktickedsoftly.

Afteralongsilence,abriefclatteringechoedthroughthehousefromanotherroom,startlingVivienne.Thensilenceagain.

Shewenttothedrawernexttothesinkandselectedalong,sharpbladefromanassortmentofknives.

Shedidn'tevenconsidercallingthepolice.Ifshephonedforthemandthenranoutofthehouse,theymightnotfindanintruderwhentheycame.Theywouldthinkshewasjustafoolisholdwoman.VivienneNeddlerrefusedtogiveanyonereasontothinkherafool.

Besides,forthepasttwenty-oneyears,eversinceherHarrydied,shehadalwaystakencareofherself.Shehaddoneaprettydamngoodjobofittoo.

Shesteppedoutofthekitchenandfoundthelightswitchtotherightofthedoorway.Thediningroomwasdeserted.

doorway.Thediningroomwasdeserted.

Inthelivingroom,sheclickedonaStifellamp.Noonewasthere.

Shewasabouttoheadforthedenwhenshenoticedsomethingoddaboutfourframedeight-by-tenphotographsthatweregroupedonthewallabovethesofa.Thisdisplayhadalwayscontainedsixpictures,notjustfour.Butthefactthattwoweremissingwasn'twhatdrewVivienne'sattention.Allfouroftheremainingphotoswereswingingbackandforthonthepicturehooksthatheldthem.Noonewasnearthem,yetsuddenlytwophotosbegantorattleviolentlyagainstthewall,andthenbothflewofftheirmountingsandclatteredtothefloorbehindthebeige,brushed-corduroysofa.

Thiswasthesoundshehadheardwhenshe'dbeeninthekitchen—thisclatter.

"Whatthehell?"

Theremainingtwophotographsabruptlyflungthemselvesoffthewall.Onedroppedbehindthesofa,andtheothertumbledontoit.

Vivienneblinkedinamazement,unabletounderstandwhatshehadseen.Anearthquake?Butshehadn'tfeltthehousemove;thewindowshadn'trattled.Anytremortoomildtobefeltwouldalsobetoomildtotearthephotographsfromthewall.

Shewenttothesofaandpickedupthephotothathaddroppedontothecushions.Sheknewitwell.Shehaddusteditmanytimes.ItwasaportraitofDannyEvans,asweretheotherfivethatusuallyhungaroundit.Inthisone,hewastenorelevenyearsold,asweetbrown-hairedboywithdarkeyesandalovelysmile.

Viviennewonderediftherehadbeenanucleartest;maybethatwaswhathadshakenthingsup.TheNevadaNuclearTestSite,whereundergrounddetonationswereconductedseveraltimesayear,waslessthanahundredmilesnorthofLasVegas.Wheneverthemilitaryexplodedahigh-yieldweapon,thetallhotelsswayedinVegas,andeveryhouseintownshudderedalittle.

But,no,shewasstuckinthepast:TheColdWarwasover,andnucleartestshadn'tbeenconductedoutinthedesertforalongtime.Besides,thehousehadn'tshudderedjustaminuteago;onlythephotoshadbeenaffected.

Puzzled,frowningthoughtfully,Vivienneputdowntheknife,pulledoneendofthesofaawayfromthewall,andcollectedtheframedeight-by-tensthatwereon

thesofaawayfromthewall,andcollectedtheframedeight-by-tensthatwereonthefloorbehindit.Therewerefivephotographsinadditiontotheonethathaddroppedontothesofa;twowereresponsibleforthenoisesthathaddrawnherintothelivingroom,andtheotherthreewerethosethatshehadseenpoppingoffthepicturehooks.Sheputthembackwheretheybelonged,thenslidthesofaintoplace.

Aburstofhigh-pitchedelectronicnoiseblaredthroughthehouse:Aiii-eee...aiii-eee...aiii-eee...

Viviennegasped,turned.Shewasstillalone.

Herfirstthoughtwas:Burglaralarm.

ButtheEvanshousedidn'thaveanalarmsystem.

Viviennewincedastheshrillelectronicsquealgrewlouder,apiercingoscillation.Thenearbywindowsandthethickglasstopofthecoffeetablewerevibrating.Shefeltasympatheticresonanceinherteethandbones.

Shewasn'tabletoidentifythesourceofthesound.Itseemedtobecomingfromeverycomerofthehouse.

"Whatinthebluedevilisgoingonhere?"

Shedidn'tbotherpickinguptheknife,becauseshewassuretheproblemwasn'tanintruder.Itwassomethingelse,somethingweird.

Shecrossedtheroomtothehallwaythatservedthebedrooms,bathrooms,andden.Shesnappedonthelight.Thenoisewaslouderinthecorridorthanithadbeeninthelivingroom.Thenerve-frayingsoundbouncedoffthewallsofthenarrowpassage,echoingandreechoing.

Viviennelookedbothways,thenmovedtotheright,towardthecloseddoorattheendofthehall.TowardDanny'soldroom..

Theairwascoolerinthehallwaythanitwasintherestofthehouse.AtfirstViviennethoughtthatshewasimaginingthechangeintemperature,buttheclosershedrewtotheendofthecorridor,thecolderitgot.Bythetimeshereachedthecloseddoor,herskinwasgoose-pimpled,andherteethwerechattering.

chattering.

Stepbystep,hercuriositygavewaytofear.Somethingwasverywronghere.Anominouspressureseemedtocompresstheairaroundher.

Aiii-eee...aiii-eee...

Thewisestthingshecoulddowouldbetoturnback,walkawayfromthedoorandoutofthehouse.Butshewasn'tcompletelyincontrolofherself;shefeltabitlikeasleepwalker.Inspiteofheranxiety,apowershecouldsense—butwhichshecouldnotdefine—drewherinexorablytoDanny'sroom.

Aiii-eee...aiii-eee...aiii-eee...

Viviennereachedforthedoorknobbutstoppedbeforetouchingit,unabletobelievewhatshewasseeing.Sheblinkedrapidly,closedhereyes,openedthemagain,butstillthedoorknobappearedtobesheathedinathin,irregularjacketofice.

Shefinallytouchedit.Ice.Herskinalmoststucktotheknob.Shepulledherhandawayandexaminedherdampfingers.Moisturehadcondensedonthemetalandthenhadfrozen.

Buthowwasthatpossible?HowinthenameofGodcouldtherebeicehere,inawell-heatedhouseandonanightwhentheoutsidetemperaturewasatleasttwentydegreesabovethefreezingpoint?

Theelectronicsquealbegantowarblefaster,butitwasnoquieter,nolessbone-penetratingthanithadbeen.

Stop,Viviennetoldherself.Getawayfromhere.Getoutasfastasyoucan.

Butsheignoredherownadvice.Shepulledherblouseoutofherslacksandusedthetailtoprotectherhandfrom

theicymetaldoorknob.Theknobturned,butthedoorwouldn'topen.Theintensecoldhadcausedthewoodtocontractandwarp.Sheputhershoulderagainstit,pushedgently,thenharder,andfinallythedoorswunginward.

6

MAGYCK!WASTHEMOSTENTERTAININGVEGASshowthatElliotStrykerhadeverseen.

Theprogramopenedwithanelectrifyingrenditionof"ThatOldBlackMagic."Singersanddancers,brilliantlycostumed,performedinastunningsetconstructedofmirroredstepsandmirroredpanels.Whenthestagelightswereperiodicallydimmed,ascoreofrevolvingcrystalballroomchandelierscastswirlingsplintersofcolorthatseemedtocoalesceintosupernaturalformsthatcaperedundertheprosceniumarch.Thechoreographywascomplex,andthetwoleadsingershadstrong,clearvoices.

Theopeningnumberwasfollowedbyafirst-ratemagicactinfrontofthedrawncurtains.Lessthantenminuteslater,whenthecurtainsopenedagain,themirrorshadbeentakenaway,andthestagehadbeentransformedintoanicerink;thesecondproductionnumberwasdoneonskatesagainstawinterbackdropsorealthatitmadeElliotshiver.

AlthoughMagyck!excitedtheimaginationandcommandedtheeye,Elliotwasn'tabletogivehisundividedattentiontoit.HekeptlookingatChristinaEvans,whowasasdazzlingastheshowshehadcreated.

Shewatchedtheperformersintently,unawareofhisgaze.Aflickering,nervousscowlplayedacrossherface,alternatingwithatentativesmilethatappearedwhentheaudiencelaughed,applauded,orgaspedinsurprise.

Shewassingularlybeautiful.Hershoulder-lengthhair—deepbrown,almostblack,glossy—sweptacrossherbrow,featheredbackatthesides,andframedherfaceasthoughitwereapaintingbyagreatmaster.Thebonestructureofthatfacewasdelicate,clearlydefined,quintessentiallyfeminine.Dusky,olivecomplexion.Full,sensuousmouth.Andhereyes...Shewouldhavebeenlovelyenoughifhereyeshadbeendark,inharmonywiththeshadeofherhairandskin,buttheywerecrystallineblue.ThecontrastbetweenherItaliangoodlooksandherNordiceyeswasdevastating.

Elliotsupposedthatotherpeoplemightfindflawsinherface.Perhapssome

Elliotsupposedthatotherpeoplemightfindflawsinherface.Perhapssomewouldsaythatherbrowwastoowide.Hernosewassostraightthatsomemightthinkitwassevere.Othersmightsaythathermouthwastoowide,herchintoopointed.ToElliot,however,herfacewasperfect.

Butherphysicalbeautywasnotwhatmostexcitedhim.HewasinterestedprimarilyinlearningmoreaboutthemindthatcouldcreateaworklikeMagyck!Hehadseenlessthanone-fourthoftheprogram,yetheknewitwasahit—andfarsuperiortoothersofitskind.AVegasstageextravaganzacouldeasilygoofftherails.Ifthegiganticsetsandlavishcostumesandintricatechoreographywereoverdone,orifanyelementwasimproperlyexecuted,theproductionwouldquicklystumbleacrossthethinlinebetweencaptivatingshow-bizflashandsheervulgarity.Aglitteryfantasycouldmetamorphoseintoacrude,tasteless,andstupidboreifthewronghandguidedit.ElliotwantedtoknowmoreaboutChristinaEvans—andonamorefundamentallevel,hejustwantedher.

NowomanhadaffectedhimsostronglysinceNancy,hiswife,whohaddiedthreeyearsago.

Sittinginthedarktheater,hesmiled,notatthecomicmagicianwhowasperforminginfrontoftheclosedstagecurtains,butathisownsudden,youthfulexuberance.

7

THEWARPEDDOORGROANEDANDCREAKEDASVIvienneNeddlerforceditopen.

Aiii-eee,aiii-eee...

Awaveoffrigidairwashedoutofthedarkroom,intothehallway.

Viviennereachedinside,fumbledforthelightswitch,foundit,andenteredwarily.Theroomwasdeserted.

Aiii-eee,aii-eee...

Baseballstarsandhorror-moviemonstersgazedatViviennefrompostersstapledtothewalls.Threeintricatemodelairplanesweresuspendedfromtheceiling.Thesethingswereastheyalwayshadbeen,sinceshehadfirstcometoworkhere,beforeDannyhaddied.

Aiii-eee,aiii-eee,aiii-eee...

Themaddeningelectronicsquealissuedfromapairofsmallstereospeakersthathungonthewallbehindthebed.TheCDplayerandanaccompanyingAM-FMtunerandamplifierwerestackedononeofthenightstands.

AlthoughViviennecouldseewherethenoiseoriginated,shecouldn'tlocateanysourceforthebitterlycoldair.Neitherwindowwasopen,andevenifonehadbeenraised,thenightwasn'tfrigidenoughtoaccountforthechill.

JustasshereachedtheAM-FMtuner,thebansheewailstopped.Thesuddensilencehadanoppressiveweight.

Gradually,asherearsstoppedringing,Vivienneperceivedthesoftemptyhissofthestereospeakers.Thensheheardthethumpingofherownheart.

Themetalcasingoftheradiogleamedwithabrittlecrustofice.Shetoucheditwonderingly.Asliveroficebrokelooseunderherfingerandfellontothenightstand.Itdidn'tbegintomelt;theroomwascold.

nightstand.Itdidn'tbegintomelt;theroomwascold.

Thewindowwasfrosted.Thedressermirrorwasfrostedtoo,andherreflectionwasdimanddistortedandstrange.

Outside,thenightwascoolbutnotwintry.Maybefiftydegrees.Maybeevenfifty-five.

Theradio'sdigitaldisplaybegantochange,theorangenumbersescalatingacrossthefrequencyband,sweepingthroughonestationafteranother.Scrapsofmusic,split-secondflashesofdiscjockeys'chatter,singlewordsfromdifferentsomber-voicednewscasters,andfragmentsofcommercialjinglesblendedinacacophonousjumbleofmeaninglesssound.Theindicatorreachedtheendofthebandwidth,andthedigitaldisplaybegantosequencebackward.

Trembling,Vivienneswitchedofftheradio.

Assoonasshetookherfingeroffthepushswitch,theradioturneditselfonagain.

Shestaredatit,frightenedandbewildered.

Thedigitaldisplaybegantosequenceupthebandoncemore,andscrapsofmusicblastedfromthespeakers.

ShepressedtheON-OFFbaragain.

Afterabriefsilence,theradioturnedonspontaneously.

"Thisiscrazy,"shesaidshakily.

Whensheshutofftheradiothethirdtime,shekeptherfingerpressedagainsttheON-OFFbar.Forseveralsecondsshewascertainthatshecouldfeeltheswitchstrainingunderherfingertipasittriedtopopon.

Overhead,thethreemodelairplanesbegantomove.Eachwashungfrom,theceilingonalengthoffishingline,andtheupperendofeachlinewasknottedtoitsowneye-hookthathadbeenscrewedfirmlyintothedrywall.Theplanesjiggled,jerked,twisted,andtrembled.

Justadraft.

Butshedidn'tfeeladraft.

Themodelplanesbegantobounceviolentlyupanddownontheendsoftheirlines.

"Godhelpme,"Viviennesaid.

Oneoftheplanesswungintightcircles,fasterandfaster,theninwidercircles,steadilydecreasingtheanglebetweenthelineonwhichitwassuspendedandthebedroomceiling.Afteramomenttheothertwomodelsceasedtheirerraticdancingandbegantospinaroundandaround,likethefirstplane,asiftheywereactuallyflying,andtherewasnomistakingthisdeliberatemovementfortherandomeffectsofadraft.

Ghosts?Apoltergeist?

Butshedidn'tbelieveinghosts.Therewerenosuchthings.Shebelievedindeathandtaxes,intheinevitabilityofslot-machinejackpots,inall-you-can-eatcasinobuffetsfor$5.95perperson,intheLordGodAlmighty,inthetruthofalienabductionsandBigFoot,butshedidn'tbelieveinghosts.

Theslidingclosetdoorsbegantomoveontheirrunners,andVivienneNeddlerhadthefeelingthatsomeawfulthingwasgoingtocomeoutofthedarkspace,itseyesasredasbloodanditsrazor-sharpteethgnashing.Shefeltapresence,somethingthatwantedher,andshecriedoutasthedoorcameallthewayopen.

Buttherewasn'tamonsterinthecloset.Itcontainedonlyclothes.Onlyclothes.

Nevertheless,untouched,thedoorsglidedshut...andthenopenagain....

Themodelplaneswentaround,around.

Theairgrewevencolder.

Thebedstartedtoshake.Thelegsatthefootrosethreeorfourinchesbeforecrashingbackintothecastersthathadbeenputunderthemtoprotectthecarpet.Theyroseupagain.Hoveredabovethefloor.Thespringsbegantosingasifmetalfingerswerestrummingthem.

Viviennebackedintothewall,eyeswide,handsfistedathersides.

Asabruptlyasthebedhadstartedbouncingupanddown,itnowstopped.Theclosetdoorsclosedwithajarringcrash—buttheydidn'topenagain.Themodelairplanesslowed,swinginginsmallerandsmallercircles,untiltheyfinallyhungmotionless.

Theroomwassilent.

Nothingmoved.

Theairwasgettingwarmer.

GraduallyVivienne'sheartbeatsubsidedfromthehard,franticrhythmthatithadbeenkeepingforthepastcoupleofminutes.Shehuggedherselfandshivered.

Alogicalexplanation.Therehadtobealogicalexplanation.

Butshewasn'tabletoimaginewhatitcouldbe.

Astheroomgrewwarmagain,thedoorknobsandtheradiocasingandtheothermetalobjectsquicklyshedtheirfragileskinsofice,leavingshallowpuddlesonfurnitureanddampspotsinthecarpet.Thefrostedwindowcleared,andasthefrostfadedfromthedressermirror,Vivienne'sdistortedreflectionresolvedintoamorefamiliarimageofherself.

Nowthiswasonlyayoungboy'sbedroom,aroomlikecountlessthousandsofothers.

Except,ofcourse,thattheboywhohadoncesleptherehadbeendeadforayear.Andmaybehewascomingback,hauntingtheplace.

Viviennehadtoremindherselfthatshedidn'tbelieveinghosts.

Nevertheless,itmightbeagoodideaforTinaEvanstogetridoftheboy'sbelongingsatlast.

Viviennehadnologicalexplanationforwhathadhappened,butsheknewonethingforsure:Shewasn'tgoingtotellanyonewhatshehadseenheretonight.Regardlessofhowconvincinglyandearnestlyshedescribedthesebizarreevents,noonewouldbelieveher.Theywouldnodandsmilewoodenlyandagreethatitwasastrangeandfrighteningexperience,butallthewhiletheywouldbethinkingthatpooroldViviennewasfinallygettingsenile.Sooneror

wouldbethinkingthatpooroldViviennewasfinallygettingsenile.SoonerorlaterwordofherrantingsaboutpoltergeistsmightgetbacktoherdaughterinSacramento,andthenthepressuretomovetoCaliforniawouldbecomeunbearable.Viviennewasn'tgoingtojeopardizeherpreciousindependence.

Sheleftthebedroom,returnedtothekitchen,anddranktwoshotsofTinaEvans'sbestbourbon.Then,withcharacteristicstoicism,shereturnedtotheboy'sbedroomtowipeupthewaterfromthemeltedice,andshecontinuedhousecleaning.

Sherefusedtoletapoltergeistscareheroff.

Itmightbewise,however,togotochurchonSunday.Shehadn'tbeentochurchinalongtime.Maybesomechurchingwouldbegoodforher.Noteveryweek,ofcourse.JustoneortwoMassesamonth.Andconfessionnowandthen.Shehadn'tseentheinsideofaconfessionalinages.Bettersafethansorry.

8

EVERYONEINSHOWBUSINESSKNEWTHATNON-payingpreviewcrowdswereamongthetoughesttoplease.Freeadmissiondidn'tguaranteetheirappreciationoreventheiramicability.Thepersonwhopaidafairpriceforsomethingwaslikelytoplacefarmorevalueonitthantheonewhogotthesameitemfornothing.Thatoldsawappliedinspadestostageshowsandtoon-the-cuffaudiences.

Butnottonight.Thiscrowdwasn'tabletositonitshandsandkeepitscool.

Thefinalcurtaincamedownateightminutestillteno'clock,andtheovationcontinueduntilafterTina'swristwatchhadmarkedthehour.ThecastofMagyck!tookseveralbows,thenthecrew,thentheorchestra,allofthemflushedwiththeexcitementofbeingpartofanunqualifiedhit.Attheinsistenceofthehappy,boisterous,VIPaudience,bothJoelBandiriandTinawerespotlightedintheirboothsandwererewardedwiththeirownthunderousroundofapplause.

Tinawasonanadrenalinehigh,grinning,breathless,barelyabletoabsorbtheoverwhelmingresponsetoherwork.HelenMainwaychatteredexcitedlyaboutthespectacularspecialeffects,andElliotStrykerhadanendlesssupplyofcomplimentsaswellassomeastuteobservationsaboutthetechnicalaspectsoftheproduction,andCharlieMainwaypouredathirdbottleofDomPerignon,andthehouselightscameup,andtheaudiencereluctantlybegantoleave,andTinahardlyhadachancetosipherchampagnebecauseofallthepeoplewhostoppedbythetabletocongratulateher.

Byten-thirtymostoftheaudiencehadleft,andthosewhohadn'tgoneyetwereinline,movingupthestepstowardthereardoorsoftheshowroom.Althoughnosecondshowwasscheduledthisevening,aswouldbethecaseeverynighthenceforth,busboysandwaitresseswerebusilyclearingtables,resettingthemwithfreshlinenandsilverwareforthefollowingnight'seighto'clockperformance.

Whentheaisleinfrontofherboothwasfinallyemptyofwell-wishers,TinagotupandmetJoelashestartedtocometoher.Shethrewherarmsaroundhim

upandmetJoelashestartedtocometoher.Shethrewherarmsaroundhimand,muchtohersurprise,begantocrywithhappiness.Shehuggedhimhard,andJoelproclaimedtheshowtobea"gargantuaifIeversawone."

Bythetimetheygotbackstage,theopening-nightpartywasinfullswing.Thesetsandpropshadbeenmovedfromthemainfloorofthestage,andeightfoldingtableshadbeensetup.Thetablesweredrapedwithwhiteclothsandburdenedwithfood:fivehothorsd'oeuvres,lobstersalad,crabsalad,pastasalad,filetmignon,chickenbreastsintarragonsauce,roastedpotatoes,cakes,pies,tarts,freshfruits,berries,andcheeses.Hotelmanagementpersonnel,showgirls,dancers,magicians,crewmen,andmusicianscrowdedaroundthetables,samplingtheofferingswhilePhillippeChevalier,thehotel'sexecutivechef,personallywatchedovertheaffair.Knowingthisfeasthadbeenlaidonfortheparty,fewofthosepresenthadeatendinner,andmostofthedancershadeatennothingsincealightlunch.Theyexclaimedoverthefoodandclusteredaroundtheportablebar.Withthememoryoftheapplausestillfreshineveryone'smind,thepartywassoonjumping.

Tinamingled,movingbackandforth,upstageanddownstage,throughthecrowd,thankingeveryoneforhiscontributiontotheshow'ssuccess,complimentingeachmemberofthecastandcrewonhisdedicationandprofessionalism.SeveraltimessheencounteredElliotStryker,andheseemedgenuinelyinterestedinlearninghowthesplashystageeffectshadbeenachieved.EachTimethatTinamovedontotalktosomeoneelse,sheregrettedleavingElliot,andeachtimethatshefoundhimagain,shestayedwithhimlongerthanshehadbefore.Aftertheirfourthencounter,shelosttrackofhowlongtheyweretogether.Finallysheforgotallaboutcirculating.

Standingneartheleftprosceniumpillar,outofthemainflowoftheparty,theynibbledatpiecesofcake,talkingaboutMagyck!andthenaboutthelaw,CharlieandHelenMainway,LasVegasrealestate—and,bysomecircuitousroute,superheromovies.

Hesaid,"HowcanBatmanwearanarmoredrubbersuitallthetimeandnothaveachronicrash?"

"Yeah,butthereareadvantagestoarubbersuit."

"Suchas?"

"Youcangostraightfromofficeworktoscubadivingwithoutchanging

"Youcangostraightfromofficeworktoscubadivingwithoutchangingclothes."

"EattakeoutfoodattwohundredmilesanhourintheBatmobile,andnomatterhowmessyitgets—justhoseofflater."

"Exactly.Afteraharddayofcrime-fighting,youcangetstinkingdrunkandthrowuponyourself,anditdoesn'tmatter.Nodry-cleaningbills."

"Inbasicblackhe'sdressedforanyoccasion—"

"—fromanaudiencewiththePopetoaMarquisdeSadememorialsockhop."

Elliotsmiled.Hefinishedhiscake."Iguessyou'llhavetobeheremostnightsforalongtimetocome."

"No.There'sreallynoneedformetobe."

"Ithoughtadirector—"

"Mostofthedirector'sjobisfinished.Ijusthavetocheckontheshowonceeverycoupleofweekstomakesurethetoneofitisn'tdriftingawayfrommyoriginalintention."

"Butyou'realsotheco-producer."

"Well,nowthattheshow'sopenedsuccessfully,mostofmyshareoftheproducer'schoresarepublicrelationsandpromotionalstuff.Andalittlelogisticstokeeptheproductionrollingalongsmoothly.Butnearlyallofthatcanbehandledoutofmyoffice.Iwon'thavetohangaroundthestage.Infact,Joelsaysitisn'thealthyforaproducertobebackstageeverynight...orevenmostnights.HesaysI'djustmaketheperformersnervousandcausethetechnicianstolookovertheirshouldersforthebosswhentheyshouldhavetheireyesontheirwork."

"Butwillyoubeabletoresist?"

"Itwon'tbeeasystayingaway.Butthere'salotofsenseinwhatJoelsays,soI'mgoingtotrytoplayitcool."

"Still,Iguessyou'llbehereeverynightforthefirstweekorso."

"No,"shesaid."IfJoel'sright—andI'msureheis—thenit'sbesttogetinthehabitofstayingawayrightfromthestart."

"Tomorrownight?"

"Oh,I'llprobablypopinandoutafewtimes."

"Iguessyou'llbegoingtoaNewYear'sEveparty."

"IhateNewYear'sEveparties.Everyone'sdrunkandboring."

"Well,then...inbetweenallthatpoppinginandoutofMagyck!,doyouthinkyou'dhavetimefordinner?"

"Areyouaskingmeforadate?"

"I'lltrynottoslurpmysoup."

"Youareaskingmeforadate,"shesaid,pleased.

"Yes.Andit'sbeenalongtimesinceI'vebeenthisawkwardaboutit."

"Whyisthat?"

"You,Iguess."

"Imakeyoufeelawkward?"

"Youmakemefeelyoung.AndwhenIwasyoung,Iwasveryawkward."

"That'ssweet."

"I'mtryingtocharmyou."

"Andsucceeding,"shesaid.

Hehadsuchawarmsmile."SuddenlyIdon'tfeelsoawkwardanymore."

Shesaid,"Youwanttostartover?"

"Willyouhavedinnerwithmetomorrownight?"

"Sure.Howaboutseven-thirty?"

"Fine.Youpreferdressyorcasual?"

"Bluejeans."

Hefingeredhisstarchedcollarandthesatinlapelofhistuxedojacket."I'msogladyousaidthat."

"I'llgiveyoumyaddress."Shesearchedherpurseforapen.

"WecanstopinhereandwatchthefirstfewnumbersinMagyck!andthengototherestaurant."

"Whydon'twejustgostraighttotherestaurant?"

"Youdon'twanttopopinhere?"

"I'vedecidedtogocoldturkey."

"Joelwillbeproudofyou."

"IfIcanactuallydoit,I'llbeproudofme."

"You'lldoit.You'vegottruegrit."

"Inthemiddleofdinner,Imightbeseizedbyadesperateneedtodashoverhereandactlikeaproducer."

"I'llparkthecarinfrontoftherestaurantdoor,andI'llleavetheenginerunningjustincase."

Tinagaveheraddresstohim,andthensomehowtheyweretalkingaboutjazzandBennyGoodman,andthenaboutthemiserableserviceprovidedbytheLasVegasphonecompany,justchattingawayasiftheywereoldfriends.Hehadavarietyofinterests;amongotherthingshewasaskierandapilot,andhewasfulloffunnystoriesaboutlearningtoskiandfly.Hemadeherfeelcomfortable,yetatthesametimeheintriguedher.Heprojectedaninterestingimage:ablendofmalepowerandgentleness,aggressivesexualityandkindness.

Ahitshow...lotsofroyaltycheckstolookforwardto...aninfinityofnewopportunitiesmadeavailabletoherbecauseofthisfirstsmashingsuccess...

opportunitiesmadeavailabletoherbecauseofthisfirstsmashingsuccess...andnowtheprospectofanewandexcitinglover...

Asshelistedherblessings,Tinawasastonishedathowmuchdifferenceoneyearcouldmakeinalife.Frombitterness,pain,tragedy,andunrelentingsorrow,shehadturnedaroundtofaceahorizonlitbyrisingpromise.Atlastthefuturelookedworthliving.Indeed,shecouldn'tseehowanythingcouldgowrong.

9

THESKIRTSOFTHENIGHTWEREGATHEREDaroundtheEvanshouse,rustlinginadrydesertwind.

Aneighbor'swhitecat.creptacrossthelawn,stalkingawind-tossedscrapofpaper.Thecatpounced,misseditsprey,stumbled,scareditself,andflashedlightning-quickintoanotheryard.

Inside,thehousewasmostlysilent.Nowandthentherefrigeratorswitchedon,purringtoitself.Aloosewindow-paneinthelivingroomrattledslightlywheneverastronggustofwindstruckit.Theheatingsystemrumbledtolife,andforacoupleofminutesatatime,theblowerwhisperedwordlesslyashotairpushedthroughthevents.

Shortlybeforemidnight,Danny'sroombegantogrowcold.Onthedoorknob,ontheradiocasing,andonothermetalobjects,moisturebegantocondenseoutoftheair.Thetemperatureplungedrapidly,andthebeadsofwaterfroze.Frostformedonthewindow.

Theradioclickedon.

Forafewsecondsthesilencewassplitbyanelectronicsquealassharpasanaxblade.Thentheshrillnoiseabruptlystopped,andthedigitaldisplayflashedwithrapidlychangingnumbers.Snippetsofmusicandshardsofvoicescrackledinaneerieaudio-montagethatechoedandreechoedoffthewallsofthefrigidroom.

Noonewasinthehousetohearit.

Theclosetdooropened,closed,opened....

Insidethecloset,shirtsandjeansbegantoswingwildlyonthepolefromwhichtheyhung,andsomeclothesfelltothefloor.

Thebedshook.

Thedisplaycasethatheldninemodelairplanesrocked,bangingrepeatedlyagainstthewall.Oneofthemodelswasflungfromitsshelf,thentwomore,then

againstthewall.Oneofthemodelswasflungfromitsshelf,thentwomore,thenthreemore,thenanother,untilallninelayinapileonthefloor.

Onthewalltotheleftofthebed,aposterofthecreaturefromtheAlienmoviestoredownthemiddle.

Theradioceasedscanning,stoppingonanopenfrequencythathissedandpoppedwithdistantstatic.Thenavoiceblaredfromthespeakers.Itwasachild'svoice.Aboy.Therewerenowords.Justalong,agonizedscream.

Thevoicefadedafteraminute,butthebedbegantobangupanddown.

Theclosetdoorslammedopenandshutwithsubstantiallymoreforcethanithadearlier.

Otherthingsbegantomovetoo.Foralmostfiveminutestheroomseemedtohavecomealive.

Andthenitdied.

Silencereturned.

Theairgrewwarmagain.

Thefrostleftthewindow,andoutsidethewhitecatstillchasedthescrapofpaper.

WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER31

10

TINADIDN'TGETHOMEFROMTHEOPENING-NIGHTpartyuntilshortlybeforetwoo'clockWednesdaymorning.Exhausted,slightlytipsy,shewentdirectlytobedandfellintoasoundsleep.

Later,afternomorethantwodreamlesshours,shesufferedanothernightmareaboutDanny.Hewastrappedatthebottomofadeephole.Sheheardhisfrightenedvoicecallingtoher,andshepeeredovertheedgeofthepit,andhewassofarbelowherthathisfacewasonlyatiny,palesmudge.Hewasdesperatetogetout,andshewasfrantictorescuehim;buthewaschained,unabletoclimb,andthesidesofthepitweresheerandsmooth,soshehadnowaytoreachhim.Thenamandressedentirelyinblackfromheadtofoot,hisfacehiddenbyshadows,appearedatthefarsideofthepitandbegantoshoveldirtintoit.Danny'scryescalatedintoascreamofterror;hewasbeingburiedalive.Tinashoutedatthemaninblack,butheignoredherandkeptshovelingdirtontopofDanny.Sheedgedaroundthepit,determinedtomakethehatefulbastardstopwhathewasdoing,buthetookastepawayfromherforeverystepthatshetooktowardhim,andhealwaysstayeddirectlyacrosstheholefromher.Shecouldn'treachhim,andshecouldn'treachDanny,andthedirtwasuptotheboy'sknees,andnowuptohiships,andnowoverhisshoulders.Dannywailedandshrieked,andnowtheearthwasevenwithhischin,butthemaninblackwouldn'tstopfillinginthehole.Shewantedtokillthebastard,clubhimtodeathwithhisownshovel.Whenshethoughtofclubbinghim,helookedather,andshesawhisface:afleshlessskullwithrottingskinstretchedoverthebones,burningredeyes,ayellow-toothedgrin.Adisgustingclusterofmaggotsclungtotheman'sleftcheekandtothecornerofhiseye,feedingoffhim.Tina'sterroroverDanny'simpendingentombmentwassuddenlymixedwithfearforherownlife.ThoughDanny'sscreamswereincreasinglymuffled,theywereevenmoreurgentthanbefore,becausethedirtbegantocoverhisfaceandpourintohismouth.Shehadtogetdowntohimandpushtheearthawayfromhisfacebeforehesuffocated,soinblindpanicshethrewherselfovertheedgeofthepit,intotheterribleabyss,fallingandfalling—

Gasping,shuddering,shewrenchedherselfoutofsleep.Shewasconvincedthatthemaninblackwasinherbedroom,standingsilentlyinthedarkness,grinning.Heartpounding,shefumbledwiththebedsidelamp.Sheblinkedinthesudden

Heartpounding,shefumbledwiththebedsidelamp.Sheblinkedinthesuddenlightandsawthatshewasalone.

"Jesus,"shesaidweakly.

Shewipedonehandacrossherface,sloughingoffafilmofperspiration.Shedriedherhandonthesheets.

Shedidsomedeep-breathingexercises,tryingtocalmherself.

Shecouldn'tstopshaking.

Inthebathroom,shewashedherface.Themirror

revealedapersonwhomshehardlyrecognized:ahaggard,bloodless,sunken-eyedfright.

Hermouthwasdryandsour.Shedrankaglassofcoldwater.

Backinbed,shedidn'twanttoturnoffthelight.Herfearmadeherangrywithherself,andatlastshetwistedtheswitch.

Thereturningdarknesswasthreatening.

Shewasn'tsureshewouldbeabletogetanymoresleep,butshehadtotry.Itwasn'tevenfiveo'clock.She'dbeenasleeplessthanthreehours.

Inthemorning,shewouldcleanoutDanny'sroom.Thenthedreamswouldstop.Shewasprettymuchconvincedofthat.

SherememberedthetwowordsthatshehadtwiceerasedfromDanny'schalkboard—NOTDEAD—andsherealizedthatshe'dforgottentocallMichael.Shehadtoconfronthimwithhersuspicions.Shehadtoknowifhe'dbeeninthehouse,inDanny'sroom,withoutherknowledgeorpermission.

IthadtobeMichael.

Shecouldturnonthelightandcallhimnow.Hewouldbesleeping,butshewouldn'tfeelguiltyifshewokehim,notafterallthesleeplessnightsthathehadgivenher.Rightnow,however,shedidn'tfeeluptothebattle.Herwitsweredulledbywineandexhaustion.AndifMichaelhadslippedintothehouselikea

dulledbywineandexhaustion.AndifMichaelhadslippedintothehouselikealittleboyplayingacruelprank,ifhehadwrittenthatmessageonthechalkboard,thenhishatredofherwasfargreaterthanshehadthought.Hemightevenbeadesperatelysickman.Ifhebecameverballyviolentandabusive,ifhewereirrational,shewouldneedtohaveaclearheadtodealwithhim.Shewouldcallhiminthemorningwhenshehadregainedsomeofherstrength.

Sheyawnedandturnedoveranddriftedofftosleep.Shedidn'tdreamanymore,andwhenshewokeatteno'clock,shewasrefreshedandnewlyexcitedbythepreviousnight'ssuccess.

ShephonedMichael,buthewasn'thome.Unlesshe'dchangedshiftsinthepastsixmonths,hedidn'tgotoworkuntilnoon.Shedecidedtotryhisnumberagaininhalfanhour.

Afterretrievingthemorningnewspaperfromthefrontstoop,shereadtheravereviewofMagyck!writtenbytheReview-Journal'sentertainmentcritic.Hecouldn'tfindanythingwrongwiththeshow.Hispraisewassoeffusivethat,evenreadingitbyherself,inherownkitchen,shewasslightlyembarrassedbytheeffusivenessofthepraise.

SheatealightbreakfastofgrapefruitjuiceandoneEnglishmuffin,thenwenttoDanny'sroomtopackhisbelongings.Whensheopenedthedoor,shegaspedandhalted.

Theroomwasamess.Theairplanemodelswerenolongerinthedisplaycase;theywerestrewnacrossthefloor,andafewwerebroken.Danny'scollectionofpaperbackshadbeenpulledfromthebookcaseandtossedintoeverycorner.Thetubesofglue,miniaturebottlesofenamel,andmodel-craftingtoolsthathadstoodonhisdeskwerenowonthefloorwitheverythingelse.Aposterofoneofthemoviemonstershadbeenrippedapart;ithungfromthewallinseveralpieces.Theactionfigureshadbeenknockedofftheheadboard.Theclosetdoorswereopen,andalltheclothesinsideappearedtohavebeenthrownonthefloor.Thegametablehadbeenoverturned.Theeasellayonthecarpet,thechalkboardfacingdown.

Shakingwithrage,Tinaslowlycrossedtheroom,carefullysteppingthroughthedebris.Shestoppedattheeasel,setitupasitbelonged,hesitated,thenturnedthechalkboardtowardher.

NOTDEAD

"Damn!"shesaid,furious.

VivienneNeddlerhadbeenintocleanlastevening,butthiswasn'tthekindofthingthatViviennewouldbecapableofdoing.IfthemesshadbeenherewhenViviennearrived,theoldwomanwouldhavecleaneditupandwouldhaveleftanoteaboutwhatshe'dfound.Clearly,theintruderhadcomeinafterMrs.Neddlerhadleft.

Fuming,Tinawentthroughthehouse,meticulouslycheckingeverywindowanddoor.Shecouldfindnosignofforcedentry.

Inthekitchenagain,shephonedMichael.Hestilldidn'tanswer.Sheslammeddownthehandset.

ShepulledthetelephonedirectoryfromadrawerandleafedthroughtheYellowPagesuntilshefoundtheadvertisementsforlocksmiths.Shechosethecompanywiththelargestad.

"AnderlingenLockandSecurity."

"YouradintheYellowPagessaysyoucanhaveaman'heretochangemylocksinonehour."

"That'souremergencyservice.Itcostsmore."

"Idon'tcarewhatitcosts,"Tinasaid.

"Butifyoujustputyournameonourworklist,we'llmostlikelyhaveamantherebyfouro'clockthisafternoon,tomorrowmorningatthelatest.Andtheregularserviceisfortypercentcheaperthananemergencyjob."

"Vandalswereinmyhouselastnight,"Tinasaid.

"Whataworldwelivein,"saidthewomanatAnderlingen.

"Theywreckedalotofstuff—"

"Oh,I'msorrytohearthat."

"Oh,I'msorrytohearthat."

"—soIwantthelockschangedimmediately."

"Ofcourse."

"AndIwantgoodlocksinstalled.Thebestyou'vegot."

"Justgivemeyournameandaddress,andI'llsendamanoutrightaway."

Acoupleofminuteslater,havingcompletedthecall,TinawentbacktoDanny'sroomtosurveythedamageagain.Asshelookedoverthewreckage,shesaid,"Whatthehelldoyouwantfromme,Mike?"

Shedoubtedthathewouldbeabletoanswerthatquestionevenifhewerepresenttohearit.Whatpossibleexcusecouldhehave?Whattwistedlogiccouldjustifythissortofsickbehavior?Itwascrazy,hateful.

Sheshivered.

11

TINAARRIVEDATBALLY'SHOTELATTENMINUTEStilltwo,Wednesdayafternoon,leavingherHondawithavaletparkingattendant.

Bally's,formerlytheMGMGrand,wasgettingtobeoneoftheolderestablishmentsonthecontinuouslyrejuvenatingLasVegasStrip,butitwasstilloneofthemostpopularhotelsintown,andonthislastdayoftheyearitwaspacked.Atleasttwoorthreethousandpeoplewereinthecasino,whichwaslargerthanafootballfield.Hundredsofgamblers—prettyyoungwomen,sweet-facedgrandmothers,meninjeansanddecorativelystitchedWesternshirts,retirement-agemeninexpensivebuttackyleisureoutfits,afewguysinthree-piecesuits,salesmen,doctors,mechanics,secretaries,AmericansfromalloftheWesternstates,junketeersfromtheEastCoast,Japanesetourists,afewArabmen—satatthesemiellipticalblackjacktables,pushingmoneyandchipsforward,sometimestakingbacktheirwinnings,eagerlygrabbingthecardsthatweredealtfromthefive-deckshoes,eachreactinginoneofseveralpredict-ableways:Someplayerssquealedwithdelight;somegrumbled;otherssmiledruefullyandshooktheirheads;someteasedthedealers,pleadinghalfseriouslyforbettercards;andstillothersweresilent,polite,attentive,andbusinesslike,asthoughtheythoughttheywereengagedinsomereasonableformofinvestmentplanning.Hundredsofotherpeoplestoodclosebehindtheplayers,watchingimpatiently,waitingforaseattoopen.Atthecrapstables,thecrowds,primarilymen,weremoreboisterousthantheblackjackaficionados;theyscreamed,howled,cheered,groaned,encouragedtheshooter,andprayedloudlytothedice.Ontheleft,slotmachinesrantheentirelengthofthecasino,bankafternerve-janglingbankofthem,brightlyandcolorfullylighted,attendedbygamblerswhoweremorevocalthanthecardplayersbutnotasloudasthecrapsshooters.Ontheright,beyondthecrapstables,halfwaydownthelongroom,elevatedfromthemainfloor,thewhite-marbleandbrassbaccaratpitcateredtoamoreaffluentandsedategroupofgamblers;atbaccarat,thepitboss,thefloorman,andthedealersworetuxedos.Andeverywhereinthegiganticcasino,therewerecocktailwaitressesinbriefcostumes,revealinglonglegsandcleavage;theybustledhereandthere,backandforth,asiftheywerethethreadsthatboundthecrowdtogether.

Tinapressedthroughthemillingonlookerswhofilledthewidecenteraisle,and

Tinapressedthroughthemillingonlookerswhofilledthewidecenteraisle,andshelocatedMichaelalmostatonce.Hewasdealingblackjackatoneofthefirsttables.Thegameminimumwasafive-dollarbet,andallsevenseatsweretaken.Michaelwasgrinning,chattingamicablywiththeplayers.Somedealerswerecoldanduncommunicative,butMichaelfeltthedaywentfasterwhenhewasfriendlywithpeople.Notunexpectedly,hereceivedconsiderablymoretipsthanmostdealersdid.

Michaelwasleanandblond,witheyesnearlyasblueasTina's.HesomewhatresembledRobertRedford,almosttoopretty.Itwasnosurprisethatwomenplayerstippedhimmoreoftenandmoregenerouslythandidmen.

WhenTinasqueezedintothenarrowgapbetweenthetablesandcaughtMichael'sattention,hisreactionwasfardifferentfromwhatshehadexpected.She'dthoughtthesightofherwouldwipethesmileoffhisface.Instead,hissmilebroadened,andthereseemedtobegenuinedelightinhiseyes.

Hewasshufflingcardswhenhesawher,andhecontinuedtoshufflewhilehespoke."Hey,hellothere.Youlookterrific,Tina.Asightforsoreeyes."

Shewasn'tpreparedforthispleasantness,nonplussedbythewarmthofhisgreeting.

Hesaid,"That'sanicesweater.Ilikeit.Youalwayslookedgoodinblue."

Shesmileduneasilyandtriedtorememberthatshehadcomeheretoaccusehimofcruellyharassingher."Michael,Ihavetotalktoyou."

Heglancedathiswatch."I'vegotabreakcomingupinfiveminutes."

"WhereshouldImeetyou?"

"Whydon'tyouwaitrightwhereyouare?Youcanwatchthesenicepeoplebeatmeoutofalotofmoney."

Everyplayeratthetablegroaned,andtheyallhadcommentstomakeabouttheunlikelypossibilitythattheymightwinanythingfromthisdealer.

MichaelgrinnedandwinkedatTina.

Shesmiledwoodenly.

Shesmiledwoodenly.

Shewaitedimpatientlyasthefiveminutescrawledby;shewasnevercomfortableinacasinowhenitwasbusy.Thefranticactivityandtheunrelentingexcitement,whichborderedonhysteriaattimes,abradedhernerves.

Thehugeroomwassonoisythattheblendofsoundsseemedtocoalesceintoavisiblesubstance—likeahumidyellowhazeintheair.Slotmachinesrangandbeepedandwhistledandbuzzed.Ballsclatteredaroundspinningroulettewheels.Afive-piecebandhammeredoutwildlyamplifiedpopmusicfromthesmallstageintheopencocktailloungebeyondandslightlyabovetheslotmachines.Thepagingsystemblarednames.Icerattledinglassesasgamblersdrankwhiletheyplayed.Andeveryoneseemedtobetalkingatonce.

WhenMichael'sbreaktimearrived,areplacementdealertookoverthetable,andMichaelsteppedoutoftheblackjackpit,intothecenteraisle."Youwanttotalk?"

"Nothere,"shesaid,half-shouting."Ican'thearmyselfthink."

"Let'sgodowntothearcade."

"Okay."

Toreachtheescalatorsthatwouldcarrythemdowntotheshoppingarcadeonthelowerlevel,theyhadtocrosstheentirecasino.Michaelledtheway,gentlypushingandelbowingthroughtheholidaycrowd,andTinafollowedquicklyinhiswake,beforethepaththathemadecouldcloseupagain.

Halfwayacrossthelongroom,theystoppedataclearingwhereamiddle-agedmanlayonhisback,unconscious,infrontofablackjacktable.Hewaswearingabeigesuit,adarkbrownshirt,andabeige-patternedtie.Anoverturnedstoollaybesidehim,andapproximatelyfivehundreddollars'worthofgreenchipswerescatteredonthecarpet.Twouniformedsecuritymenwereperformingfirstaidontheunconsciousman,looseninghistieandcollar,takinghispulse,whileathirdguardwaskeepingcuriouscustomersoutoftheway.

Michaelsaid,"Heartattack,Pete?"

Thethirdguardsaid,"Hi,Mike.Nan,Idon'tthinkit'shisheart.Probablyacombinationofblackjackblackoutandbingobladder.Hewassittinghereforeighthoursstraight."

eighthoursstraight."

Onthefloor,themaninthebeigesuitgroaned.Hiseyelidsfluttered.

Shakinghishead,obviouslyamused,Michaelmovedaroundtheclearingandintothecrowdagain.

Whenatlasttheyreachedtheendofthecasinoandwereontheescalators,headingdowntowardtheshoppingarcade,Tinasaid,"Whatisblackjackblackout?"

"It'sstupidiswhatitis,"Michaelsaid,stillamused."Theguysitsdowntoplaycardsandgetssoinvolvedhelosestrackoftime,whichis,ofcourse,exactlywhatthemanagementwantshimtodo.That'swhytherearen'tanywindowsorclocksinthecasino.Butonceinawhile,aguyreallylosestrack,doesn'tgetupforhoursandhours,justkeepsonplayinglikeazombie.Meanwhile,he'sdrinkingtoomuch.Whenhedoesfinallystandup,hemovestoofast.Theblooddrainsfromhishead—bang!—andhefaintsdeadaway.Blackjackblackout."

"Ah."

"Weseeitallthetime."

"Bingobladder?"

"Sometimesaplayergetssointerestedinthegamethathe'svirtuallyhypnotizedbyit.He'sbeendrinkingprettyregularly,buthe'ssodeepinatrancethathecancompletelyignorethecallofnatureuntil—bingo!—hehasabladderspasm.Ifit'sreallyabadone,hefindsouthispipeshaveblockedup.Hecan'trelievehimself,andhehastobetakentothehospitalandcatheterized."

"MyGod,areyouserious?"

"Yep."

Theysteppedofftheescalator,intothebustlingshoppingarcade.Crowdssurgedpastthesouvenirshops,artgalleries,jewelrystores,clothingstores,andotherretailbusinesses,buttheywereneithershoulder-to-shouldernorasinsistentastheywereupstairsinthecasino.

"Istilldon'tseeanyplacewherewecantalkprivately,"Tinasaid.

"Istilldon'tseeanyplacewherewecantalkprivately,"Tinasaid.

"Let'swalkdowntotheice-creamparlorandgetacoupleofpistachiocones.Whatdoyousay?Youalwayslikedpistachio."

"Idon'twantanyicecream,Michael."

Shehadlostthemomentumoccasionedbyheranger,andnowshewasafraidoflosingthesenseofpurposethathaddrivenhertoconfronthim.Hewastryingsohardtobenice,whichwasn'tlikeMichaelatall.Atleastitwasn'tliketheMichaelEvansshehadknownforthepastcoupleofyears.Whentheywerefirstmarried,he'dbeenfun,charming,easygoing,buthehadnotbeenthatwaywithherinalongtime.

"Noicecream,"sherepeated."Justsometalk."

"Well,ifyoudon'twantsomepistachio,Icertainlydo.I'llgetacone,andthenwecangooutside,walkaroundtheparkinglot.It'safairlywarmday."

"Howlongisyourbreak?"

"Twentyminutes.ButI'mtightwiththepitboss.He'llcoverformeifIdon'tgetbackintime."

Theice-creamparlorwasatthefarendofthearcade.Astheywalked,Michaelcontinuedtotrytoamuseherbytellingheraboutotherunusualmaladiestowhichgamblerswereprone.

'There'swhatwecall'jackpotattack,'"Michaelsaid."ForyearspeoplegohomefromVegasandtellalltheirfriendsthattheycameoutaheadofthegame.Lyingtheirheadsoff.Everyonepretendstobeawinner.Andwhenallofasuddensomeonedoeshititbig,especiallyonaslotmachinewhereitcanhappeninaflash,they'resosurprisedtheypassout.Heartattacksaremorefrequentaroundtheslotmachinesthananywhereelseinthecasino,andalotofthevictimsarepeoplewho'vejustlinedupthreebarsandwonabundle.

"Thenthere's'Vegassyndrome.'Someonegetssocarriedawaywithgamblingandrunningfromshowtoshowthatheforgetstoeatforawholedayorlonger.Heorshe—ithappenstowomennearlyasoftenasmen.Anyway,whenhefinallygetshungryandrealizeshehasn'teaten,hegulpsdownahugemeal,andthebloodrushesfromhisheadtohisstomach,andhepassesoutinthemiddleoftherestaurant.It'snotusuallydangerous,exceptifhehasamouthfuloffood

therestaurant.It'snotusuallydangerous,exceptifhehasamouthfuloffoodwhenhefaints,becausethenhemightchoketodeath.

"Butmyfavoriteiswhatwecallthe'time-warpsyndrome.'Peoplecomeherefromalotofdullplaces,andVegasislikeanadultDisneyland.There'ssomuchgoingon,somuchtoseeanddo,constantexcitement,sopeoplegetoutoftheirnormalrhythms.Theygotobedatdawn,getupintheafternoon,andtheylosetrackofwhatdayitis.Whentheexcitementwearsoffalittle,theygotocheckoutofthehotel,andtheydiscovertheirthree-dayweekendsomehowturnedintofivedays.Theycan'tbelieveit.Theythinkthey'rebeingovercharged,andtheyarguewiththedeskclerks.Whensomeoneshowsthemacalendarandadailynewspaper,they'rereallyshocked.They'vebeenthroughatimewarpandlostacoupleofdays.Isn'tthatweird?"

Michaelkeptupthefriendlypatterwhilehegothisconeoficecream.Then,astheysteppedoutoftherearentranceofthehotelandwalkedalongtheedgeoftheparkinglotintheseventy-degreewintersunshine,hesaid,"Sowhatdidyouwanttotalkabout?"

Tinawasn'tsurehowtobegin.HeroriginalintentionhadbeentoaccusehimofrippingapartDanny'sroom;shehadbeenpreparedtocomeonstrong,sothatevenifhedidn'twanthertoknowhe'ddoneit,hemightberattledenoughtorevealhisguilt.Butnow,ifshestartedmakingnastyaccusationsafterhe'dbeensopleasanttoher,shewouldseemtobeahystericalharpy,andifshestillhadanyadvantageleft,shewouldquicklyloseit.

Atlastshesaid,"Somestrangethingshavebeenhappeningatthehouse."

"Strange?Likewhat?"

"Ithinksomeonebrokein."

"Youthink?"

"Well...I'msureofit."

"Whendidthishappen?"

Rememberingthetwowordsonthechalkboard,shesaid,"Threetimesinthepastweek."

Hestoppedwalkingandstaredather."Threetimes?"

"Yes.Lasteveningwasthelatest."

"Whatdothepolicesay?"

"Ihaven'tcalledthem."

Hefrowned."Whynot?"

"Foronething,nothingwastaken."

"Somebodybrokeinthreetimesbutdidn'tstealanything?"

Ifhewasfakinginnocence,hewasamuchbetteractorthanshethoughthewas,andshethoughtsheknewhimwellindeed.Afterall,she'dlivedwithhimforalongtime,throughyearsofhappinessandyearsofmisery,andshe'dcometoknowthelimitsofhistalentfordeceptionandduplicity.She'dalwaysknownwhenhewaslying.Shedidn'tthinkhewaslyingnow.Therewassomethingpeculiarinhiseyes,aspeculativelook,butitwasn'tguile.Hetrulyseemedunawareofwhathadhappenedatthehouse.Perhapshe'dhadnothingtodowithit.

ButifMichaelhadn'ttornupDanny'sroom,ifMichaelhadn'twrittenthosewordsonthechalkboard,thenwhohad?

"Whywouldsomeonebreakinandleavewithouttakinganything?"Michaelasked.

"Ithinktheywerejusttryingtoupsetme,scareme."

"Whowouldwanttoscareyou?"Heseemedgenuinelyconcerned.

Shedidn'tknowwhattosay.

"You'veneverbeenthekindofpersonwhomakesenemies,"hesaid."You'readamnhardwomantohate."

"Youmanaged,"shesaid,andthatwasascloseasshecouldcometoaccusinghimofanything.

Heblinkedinsurprise."Oh,no.No,no,Tina.Ineverhatedyou.Iwas

Heblinkedinsurprise."Oh,no.No,no,Tina.Ineverhatedyou.Iwasdisappointedbythechangesinyou.Iwasangrywithyou.Angryandhurt.I'lladmitthat,allright.Therewasalotofbitternessonmypart.Definitely.Butitwasneverasbadashatred."

Shesighed.

Michaelhadn'twreckedDanny'sroom.Shewasabsolutelysureofthatnow.

"Tina?"

"I'msorry.Ishouldn'thavebotheredyouwiththis.I'mnotreallysurewhyIdid,"shelied."Ioughttohavecalledthepolicerightaway."

Helickedhisice-creamcone,studiedher,andthenhesmiled."Iunderstand.It'shardforyoutogetaroundtoit.Youdon'tknowhowtobegin.Soyoucometomewiththisstory."

"Story?"

"It'sokay."

"Michael,it'snotjustastory."

"Don'tbeembarrassed."

"I'mnotembarrassed.WhyshouldIbeembarrassed?"

"Relax.It'sallright,Tina,"hesaidgently.

"Someonehasbeenbreakingintothehouse."

"Iunderstandhowyoufeel."Hissmilechanged;itwassmugnow.

"Michael—"

"Ireallydounderstand,Tina."Hisvoicewasreassuring,buthistonewascondescending."Youdon'tneedanexcusetoaskmewhatyou'vecomeheretoask.Honey,youdon'tneedastoryaboutsomeonebreakingintothehouse.Iunderstand,andI'mwithyou.Ireallyam.Sogoahead.Don'tfeelawkwardaboutit.Justgetrightdowntoit.Goaheadandsayit."

Shewasperplexed."Saywhat?"

"Weletthemarriagegoofftherails.Butthereatfirst,foragoodmanyyears,wehadagreatthinggoing.Wecanhaveitagainifwereallywanttotryforit."

Shewasstunned."Areyouserious?"

"I'vebeenthinkingaboutitthepastfewdays.WhenIsawyouwalkintothecasinoawhileago,IknewIwasright.AssoonasIsawyou,IkneweverythingwasgoingtoturnoutexactlylikeIhaditfigured."

"Youareserious."

"Sure."Hemistookherastonishmentforsurpriseddelight."Nowthatyou'vehadyourflingasaproducer,you'rereadytosettledown.Thatmakesalotofsense,Tina."

Fling!shethoughtangrily.

HestillpersistedinregardingherasaflightywomanwhowantedtotakeaflingatbeingaVegasproducer.Theinsufferablebastard!Shewasfurious,butshesaidnothing;shedidn'ttrustherselftospeak,afraidthatshewouldstartscreamingathimtheinstantsheopenedhermouth.

"There'smoretolifethanjusthavingaflashycareer,"Michaelsaidpontifically."Homelifecountsforsomething.Homeandfamily.Thathastobeapartoflifetoo.Maybeit'sthemostimportantpart."Henoddedsanctimoniously."Family.Theselastfewdays,asyourshow'sbeengettingreadytoopen,I'vehadthefeelingyoumightfinallyrealizeyouneedsomethingmoreinlife,somethingalotmoreemotionallysatisfyingthanwhateveritisyoucangetoutofjustproducingstageshows."

Tina'sambitionwas,inpart,whathadledtothedissolutionoftheirmarriage.Well,notherambitionasmuchasMichael'schildishattitudetowardit.Hewashappybeingablackjackdealer;hissalaryandhisgoodtipswereenoughforhim,andhewascontenttocoastthroughtheyears.Butmerelydriftingalonginthecurrentsoflifewasn'tenoughforTina.Asshehadstruggledtomoveupfromdancertocostumertochoreographertolounge-revuecoordinatortoproducer,Michaelhadbeendispleasedwithhercommitmenttowork.ShehadneverneglectedhimandDanny.Shehadbeendeterminedthatneitherofthemwouldhavereasontofeelthathisimportanceinherlifehaddiminished.Danny

wouldhavereasontofeelthathisimportanceinherlifehaddiminished.Dannyhadbeenwonderful;Dannyhadunderstood.Michaelcouldn'torwouldn't.GraduallyMichael'sdispleasureoverherdesiretosucceedwascomplicatedbyadarkeremotion:Hegrewjealousofhersmallestachievements.Shehadtriedtoencouragehimtoseekadvancesinhisowncareer—fromdealertofloormantopitbosstohighercasinomanagement—buthehadnointerestinclimbingthatladder.Hebecamewaspish,petulant.Eventuallyhestartedseeingotherwomen.Shewasshockedbyhisreaction,thenconfused,andatlastdeeplysaddened.Theonlywayshecouldhaveheldontoherhusbandwouldhavebeentoabandonhernewcareer,andshehadrefusedtodothat.

IntimeMichaelhadmadeitcleartoherthathehadn'tactuallyeverlovedtherealChristina.Hedidn'ttellherdirectly,buthisbehaviorsaidasmuch.Hehadadoredonlytheshowgirl,thedancer,thecutelittlethingthatothermencoveted,theprettywomanwhosepresenceathissidehadinflatedhisego.Aslongassheremainedadancer,aslongasshedevotedherlifetohim,aslongasshehungonhisarmandlookeddelicious,heapprovedofher.Butthemomentthatshewantedtobesomethingmorethanatrophywife,herebelled.

Badlyhurtbythatdiscovery,shehadgivenhimthefreedomthathewanted.

Andnowheactuallythoughtthatshewasgoingtocrawlbacktohim.Thatwaswhyhe'dsmiledwhenhe'dseenherathisblackjacktable.Thatwaswhyhehadbeensocharming.Thesizeofhisegoastoundedher.

Standingbeforeherinthesunshine,hiswhiteshirtshimmeringwithsquigglesofreflectedlightthatbouncedofftheparkedcars,hefavoredherwiththatself-satisfied,superiorsmilethatmadeherfeelascoldasthiswinterdayoughttohavebeen.

Once,longago,shehadlovedhimverymuch.Nowshecouldn'timaginehoworwhyshehadevercared.

"Michael,incaseyouhaven'theard,Magyck!isahit.Abighit.Huge."

"Sure,"hesaid."Iknowthat,baby.AndI'mhappyforyou.I'mhappyforyouandme.Nowthatyou'veprovedwhateveryouneededtoprove,youcanrelax."

"Michael,Iintendtocontinueworkingasaproducer.I'mnotgoingto—"

"Oh,Idon'texpectyoutogiveitup,"hesaidmagnanimously.

"Oh,Idon'texpectyoutogiveitup,"hesaidmagnanimously.

"Youdon't,huh?"

"No,no.Ofcoursenot.It'sgoodforyoutohavesomethingtodabblein.Iseethatnow.Igetthemessage.ButwithMagyck!runningsuccessfully,youwon'thaveallthatmuchtodo.Itwon'tbelikebefore."

"Michael—"shebegan,intendingtotellhimthatshewasgoingtostageanothershowwithinthenextyear,thatshedidn'twanttoberepresentedbyonlyoneproductionatatime,andthatsheevenhaddistantdesignsonNewYorkandBroadway,wherethereturnofBusbyBerkeley-stylemusicalsmightbegreetedwithcheers.

Buthewassoinvolvedwithhisfantasythathewasn'tawarethatshehadnodesiretobeapartofit.Heinterruptedherbeforeshe'dsaidmorethanhisname."Wecandoit,Tina.Itwasgoodforusonce,thoseearlyyears.Itcanbegoodagain.We'restillyoung.Wehavetimetostartanotherfamily.Maybeeventwoboysandtwogirls.That'swhatI'vealwayswanted."

Whenhepausedtolickhisice-creamcone,shesaid,"Michael,that'snotthewayit'sgoingtobe."

"Well,maybeyou'reright.Maybealargefamilyisn'tsuchawiseideathesedays,whatwiththeeconomyintroubleandalltheturmoilintheworld.Butwecantakecareoftwoeasilyenough,andmaybewe'llgetluckyandhaveoneboyandonegirl.Ofcoursewe'llwaitayearorso.I'msurethere'salotofworktodoonashowlikeMagyck!evenafteritopens.We'llwaituntilit'srunningsmoothly,untilitdoesn'tneedmuchofyourtime.Thenwecan—"

"Michael,stopit!"shesaidharshly.

Heflinchedasifshe'dslappedhim.

"I'mnotfeelingunfulfilledthesedays,"shesaid."I'mnotpiningforthedomesticlife.Youdon'tunderstandmeonebitbetternowthanyoudidwhenwedivorced."

Hisexpressionofsurpriseslowlysettledintoafrown.

Shesaid,"Ididn'tmakeupthatstoryaboutsomeonebreakingintothehousejustsoyoucouldplaythestrong,reliablemantomyweak,frightenedfemale.

soyoucouldplaythestrong,reliablemantomyweak,frightenedfemale.Someonereallydidbreakin.IcametoyoubecauseIthought...Ibelieved...Well,thatdoesn'tmatteranymore."

Sheturnedawayfromhimandstartedtowardtherearentranceofthehotel,outofwhichthey'dcomeafewminutesago.

"Wait!"Michaelsaid."Tina,wait!"

Shestoppedandregardedhimwithcontemptandsorrow.

Hehurriedtoher."I'msorry.It'smyfault,Tina.Ibotchedit.Jesus,Iwasbabblinglikeanidiot,wasn'tI?Ididn'tletyoudoityourway.Iknewwhatyouwantedtosay,butIshouldhaveletyousayitatyourownspeed.Iwaswrong.It'sjust—Iwasexcited,Tina.That'sall.Ishould'veshutupandletyougetaroundtoitfirst.I'msorry,baby."Hisingratiating,boyishgrinwasback."Don'tgetmadatme,okay?Webothwantthesamething—ahomelife,agoodfamilylife.Let'snotthrowawaythischance."

Sheglaredathim."Yes,you'reright,Idowantahomelife,asatisfyingfamilylife.You'rerightaboutthat.Butyou'rewrongabouteverythingelse.Idon'twanttobeaproducermerelybecauseIneedasidelinetodabblein,Dabble!Michael,that'sstupid.NoonegetsashowlikeMagyck!offthegroundbydabbling.Ican'tbelieveyousaidthat!Itwasn'tafling.Itwasamentallyandphysicalydebilitatingexperience—itwashard—andIlovedeveryminuteofit!Godwilling,I'mgoingtodoitagain.Andagainandagain.I'mgoingtoproduceshowsthat'llmakeMagyck!lookamateurishbycomparison.SomedayImayalsobeamotheragain.AndI'llbeadamngoodmothertoo.Agoodmotherandagoodproducer.Ihavetheintelligenceandthetalenttobemorethanjustonething.AndIcertainlycanbemorethanjustyourtrinketandyourhousekeeper."

"Now,waitaminute,"hesaid,beginningtogetangry."Waitjustadamnminute.Youdon't—"

Sheinterruptedhim.Foryearsshehadbeenfilledwithhurtandbitterness.Shehadneverventedanyofherblackangerbecause,initially,she'dwantedtohideitfromDanny;shehadn'twantedtoturnhimagainsthisfather.Later,afterDannywasdead,she'drepressedherfeelingsbecauseshe'dknownthatMichaelhadbeentrulysufferingfromthelossofhischild,andshehadn'twantedtoaddtohismisery.Butnowsheventedsomeoftheacidthathadbeeneatingatherforsolong,cuttinghimoffinmidsentence.

solong,cuttinghimoffinmidsentence.

"YouwerewrongtothinkI'dcomecrawlingback.WhyonearthwouldI?WhatdoyouhavetogivemethatIcan'tgetelsewhere?You'veneverbeenmuchofagiveranyway,Michael.Youonlygivewhenyou'resureofgettingbacktwiceasmuch.You'rebasicallyataker.Andbeforeyougivemeanymoreofthattreaclytalkaboutyourgreatloveoffamily,letmeremindyouthatitwasn'tmewhotoreourfamilyapart.Itwasn'tmewhojumpedfrombedtobed."

"Now,wait—"

"Youweretheonewhostartedfuckinganythingthatbreathed,andthenyouflauntedeachcheaplittleaffairtohurtme.Itwasyouwhodidn'tcomehomeatnight.Itwasyouwhowentawayforweekendswithyourgirlfriends.Andthosebed-hoppingweekendsbrokemyheart,Michael,brokemyheart—whichiswhatyouhopedtodo,sothatwasallrightwithyou.ButdidyoueverstoptorealizewhateffectyourabsenceshadonDanny?Ifyoulovedfamilylifesomuch,whydidn'tyouspendallthoseweekendswithyourson?"

Hisfacewasflushed,andtherewasafamiliarmeannessinhiseyes."SoI'mnotagiver,huh?Thenwhogaveyouthehouseyou'relivingin?Huh?Whowasithadtomoveintoanapartmentwhenweseparated,andwhowasitkeptthehouse?"

Hewastryingdesperatelytodeflectherandchangethecourseoftheargument.Shecouldseewhathewasupto,andshewasnotgoingtobedistractedfromhermainintention.

Shesaid,"Don'tbepathetic,Michael.Youknowdamnwellthedownpaymentforthehousecameoutofmyearnings.Youalwaysspentyourmoneyonfastcars,goodclothes.Ipaideveryloaninstallment.Youknowthat.AndIneveraskedforalimony.Anyway,allofthat'sbesidethepoint.Weweretalkingaboutfamilylife,aboutDanny."

"Now,youlistentome—"

"No.It'syourturntolisten.Afteralltheseyearsit'sfinallyyourturntolisten.Ifyouknowhow.YoucouldhavetakenDannyawayfortheweekendifyoudidn'twanttobenearme.Youcouldhavegonecampingwithhim.YoucouldhavetakenhimdowntoDisneylandforacoupledays.OrtotheColoradoRivertodosomefishing.Butyouweretoobusyusingallthosewomentohurtmeandto

somefishing.Butyouweretoobusyusingallthosewomentohurtmeandtoprovetoyourselfwhatastudyouwere.Youcouldhaveenjoyedthattimewithyourson.Hemissedyou.Youcouldhavehadthatprecioustimewithhim.Butyoudidn'twantit.Andasitturnedout,Dannydidn'thavemuchtimeleft."

Michaelwasmilk-white,trembling.Hiseyesweredarkwithrage."You'rethesamegoddamnbitchyoualwayswere."

Shesighedandsagged.Shewasexhausted.Finishedtellinghimoff,shefeltpleasantlywrungout,asifsomeevil,nervousenergyhadbeendrainedfromher.

"You'rethesameball-breakingbitch,"Michaelsaid.

"Idon'twanttofightwithyou,Michael.I'mevensorryifsomeofwhatIsaidaboutDannyhurtyou,although,Godknows,youdeservetohearit.Idon'treallywanttohurtyou.Oddlyenough,Idon'treallyhateyouanymore.Idon'tfeelanythingforyou.Notanythingatall."

Turningaway,shelefthiminthesunshine,withtheicecreammeltingdowntheconeandontohishand.

Shewalkedbackthroughtheshoppingarcade,rodetheescalatoruptothecasino,andmadeherwaythroughthenoisycrowdtothefrontdoors.Oneofthevalet-parkingattendantsbroughthercar,andshedrovedownthehotel'ssteeplyslantedexitdrive.

SheheadedtowardtheGoldenPyramid,whereshehadanoffice,andwhereworkwaswaitingtobedone.

Aftershehaddrivenonlyablock,shewasforcedtopulltothesideoftheroad.Shecouldn'tseewhereshewasgoing,becausehottearsstreameddownherface.Sheputthecarinpark.Surprisingherself,shesobbedloudly.

Atfirstshewasn'tsurewhatshewascryingabout.Shejustsurrenderedtotherackinggriefthatsweptthroughheranddidnotquestionit.

AfterawhileshedecidedthatshewascryingforDanny.Poor,sweetDanny.He'dhardlybeguntolive.Itwasn'tfair.Andshewascryingforherselftoo,andforMichael.Shewascryingforallthethingsthatmighthavebeen,andforwhatcouldneverbeagain.

Inafewminutesshegotcontrolofherself.Shedriedhereyesandblewhernose.

Shehadtostopbeingsogloomy.She'dhadenoughgloominherlife.Awholehellofalotofgloom.

"Thinkpositive,"shesaidaloud."Maybethepastwasn'tsogreat,butthefutureseemsprettydamngood."

Sheinspectedherfaceintherearviewmirrortoseehowmuchdamagethecryingjaghaddone.Shelookedbetterthansheexpected.Hereyeswerered,butshewouldn'tpassforDracula.Sheopenedherpurse,foundhermakeup,andcoveredthetearstainsasbestshecould.

ShepulledtheHondabackintotrafficandheadedforthePyramidagain.

Ablockfarther,asshewaitedataredlight,sherealizedthatshestillhadamysteryonherhands.ShewaspositivethatMichaelhadnotdonethedamageinDanny'sbedroom.Butthen,whohaddoneit?Nooneelsehadakey.Onlyaskilledburglarcouldhavebrokeninwithoutleavingatrace.Andwhywouldafirst-rateburglarleavewithouttakinganything?WhybreakinmerelytowriteonDanny'schalkboardandtowreckthedeadboy'sthings?

Weird.

WhenshehadsuspectedMichaelofdoingthedirtywork,shehadbeendisturbedanddistressed,butshehadn'tbeenfrightened.Ifsomestrangerwantedhertofeelmorepainoverthelossofherchild,however,thatwasdefinitelyunsettling.Thatwasscarybecauseitdidn'tmakesense.Astranger?Itmustbe.MichaelwastheonlypersonwhohadeverblamedherforDanny'sdeath.Notoneotherrelativecacquaintancehadeversuggestedthatshewasevenindirectlyresponsible.Yetthetauntingwordsonthechalkboardandthedestructioninthebedroomseemedtobetheworkofsomeonewhofeltthatsheshouldbeheldaccountablefortheaccident.Whichmeantithadtobesomeoneshedidn'tevenknow.WhywouldastrangerharborsuchpassionatefeelingsaboutDanny'sdeath?

Theredtrafficlightchanged.

Ahorntootedbehindher.

AsshedroveacrosstheintersectionandintotheentrancedrivethatledtotheGoldenPyramidHotel,Tinacouldn'tshakethecreepyfeelingthatshewasbeingwatchedbysomeonewhomeanttoharmher.Shecheckedtherearviewmirrortoseeifshewasbeingfollowed.Asfarasshecouldtell,noonewastailingher.

12

THETHIRDFLOOROFTHEGOLDENPYRAMIDHOtelwasoccupiedbymanagementandclericalpersonnel.Here,therewasnoflash,noVegasglamour,Thiswaswheretheworkgotdone.Thethirdfloorhousedthemachinerythatsupportedthewallsoffantasy,beyondwhichthetouristsgamboled.

Tina'sofficewaslarge,paneledinwhitewashedpine,withcomfortablecontemporaryupholstery.Onewallwascoveredbyheavydrapesthatblockedoutthefiercedesertsun.ThewindowsbehindthedrapesfacedtheLasVegasStrip.

AtnightthefabledStripwasadazzlingsight,asurgingriveroflight:red,blue,green,yellow,purple,pink,turquoise—everycolorwithinthevisualspectrumofthehumaneye;incandescentandneon,fiberopticsandlasers,flashingandrippling.Hundred-foot-longsigns—five-hundred-foot-longsigns—toweredfiveoreventenstoriesabovethestreet,glittering,winking,thousandsofmilesofbrightglasstubingfilledwithglowinggas,blinking,swirling,hundredsofthousandsofbulbs,spellingouthotelnames,formingpictureswithlight.Computer-controlleddesignsebbedandflowed,ariotousandmad—butcuriouslybeautiful—excessofenergyconsumption.

Duringtheday,however,themercilesssunwasunkindtotheStrip.Inthehardlighttheenormousarchitecturalconfectionswerenotalwaysappealing;attimes,inspiteofthebillionsofdollarsofvaluethatitrepresented,theStriplookedgrubby.

TheviewofthelegendaryboulevardwaswastedonTina;shedidn'toftenmakeuseofit.Becauseshewasseldominherofficeatnight,thedrapeswererarelyopen.Thisafternoon,asusual,thedrapeswereclosed.Theofficewasshadowy,andshewasatherdeskinapoolofsoftlight.

AsTinaporedoverafinalbillforcarpentryworkonsomeoftheMagyck!sets,Angela,hersecretary,steppedinfromtheouteroffice."IsthereanythingmoreyouneedbeforeIleave?"

Tinaglancedatherwatch."It'sonlyaquartertofour."

Tinaglancedatherwatch."It'sonlyaquartertofour."

"Iknow.Butwegetoffatfourtoday—NewYear'sEve."

"Oh,ofcourse,"Tinasaid."Icompletelyforgotabouttheholiday."

"Ifyouwantmeto,Icouldstayalittlelonger."

"No,no,no,"Tinasaid."Yougohomeatfourwiththeothers."

"Soisthereanythingmoreyouneed?"

Leaningbackinherchair,Tinasaid,"Yes.Infact,thereissomething.Alotofourregularjunketeersandhighrollerscouldn'tmakeittotheVIPopeningofMagyck!I'dlikeyoutogettheirnamesfromthecomputer,plusalistoftheweddinganniversariesofthosewho'remarried."

"Cando,"Angelasaid."What'veyougotinmind?"

"Duringtheyear,I'mgoingtosendspecialinvitationstothemarriedones,askingthemtospendtheiranniversarieshere,witheverythingcompedforthreedays.We'llsellitthisway:'SpendthemagicnightofyouranniversaryinthemagicworldofMagyck!'Somethinglikethat.We'llmakeitveryromantic.We'llservethemchampagneattheshow.It'llbeagreatpromotion,don'tyouthink?"Sheraisedherhands,asifframinghernextwords,"TheGoldenPyramid—aMagyck!placeforlovers."

"Thehoteloughttobehappy,"Angelasaid."We'llgetlotsoffavorablemediacoverage."

"Thecasinobosseswilllikeittoo,'causealotofourhighrollerswillprobablymakeanextratripthisyear.Theaveragegamblerwon'tcancelotherplannedtripstoVegas.He'lljustaddonanextratripforhisanniversary.AndI'llbehappybecausethewholestuntwillgeneratemoretalkabouttheshow."

"It'sagreatidea,"Angelasaid."I'llgetthelist."

Tinareturnedtoherinspectionofthecarpenter'sbill,andAngelawasbackatfiveminutespastfourwiththirtypagesofdata.

"Thankyou,"Tinasaid.

"Notrouble."

"Areyoushivering?"

"Yeah,"Angelasaid,huggingherself."Mustbeaproblemwiththeairconditioning.Thelastfewminutes—myofficegotchilly."

"It'swarmenoughinhere,"Tinasaid.

"Maybeit'sjustme.MaybeI'mcomingdownwithsomething.Isurehopenot.I'vegotbigplanstonight."

"Party?"

"Yeah.BigbashoveronRanchoCircle."

"Millionaire'sRow?"

"Myboyfriend'sbosslivesoverthere.Anyway..happynewyear,Tina."

"Happynewyear."

"SeeyouMonday."

"Oh?Oh,yeah,that'sright.It'safour-dayweekend.Well,justwatchoutforthathangover."

Angelagrinned."There'satleastoneouttherewithmynameonit."

Tinafinishedcheckingthecarpenter'sbillandapproveditforpayment.

Alonenowonthethirdfloor,shesatinthepoolofamberlightatherdesk,surroundedbyshadows,yawning.She'dworkforanotherhour,untilfiveo'clock,andthengohome.She'dneedtwohourstogetreadyforherdatewithElliotStryker.

Shesmiledwhenshethoughtofhim,thenpickedupthesheafofpapersthatAngelahadgivenher,anxioustofinishherwork.

Thehotelpossessedanamazingwealthofinformationaboutitsmostfavoredcustomers.Ifsheneededtoknowhowmuchmoneyeachofthesepeopleearnedinayear,thecomputercouldtellher.Itcouldtellhereachman'spreferredbrand

inayear,thecomputercouldtellher.Itcouldtellhereachman'spreferredbrandofliquor,eachwife'sfavoriteflowerandperfume,themakeofcartheydrove,thenamesandagesoftheirchildren,thenatureofanyillnessesorothermedicalconditionstheymighthave,theirfavoritefoods,theirfavoritecolors,theirtastesinmusic,theirpoliticalaffiliations,andscoresofotherfactsbothimportantandtrivial.Thesewerecustomerstowhomthehotelwasespeciallyanxioustocater,andthemorethePyramidknewaboutthem,thebetteritcouldservethem.Althoughthehotelcollectedthisdatawith,forthemostpart,thecustomers'happinessinmind,TinawonderedhowpleasedthesepeoplewouldbetolearnthattheGoldenPyramidmaintainedfatdossiersonthem.

ShescannedthelistofVIPcustomerswhohadn'tattendedtheopeningofMagyck!Usingaredpencil,shecircledthosenamesthatwerefollowedbyanniversarydates,tryingtoascertainhowlargeapromotionshewasproposing.Shehadcountedonlytwenty-twonameswhenshecametoanincrediblemessagethatthecomputerhadinsertedinthelist.

Herchesttightened.Shecouldn'tbreathe.

Shestaredatwhatthecomputerhadprinted,andfearwelledinher—dark,cold,oilyfear.

Betweenthenamesoftwohighrollerswerefivelinesoftypethathadnothingtodowiththeinformationshehadrequested:

NOTDEAD

NOTDEAD

NOTDEAD

NOTDEAD

NOTDEAD

Thepaperrattledasherhandsbegantoshake.

Firstathome.InDanny'sbedroom.Nowhere.Whowasdoingthistoher?

Firstathome.InDanny'sbedroom.Nowhere.Whowasdoingthistoher?

Angela?

No.Absurd.

Angelawasasweetkid.Shewasn'tcapableofanythingasviciousasthis.Angelahadn'tnoticedthisinterruptionintheprintoutbecauseshehadn'thadtimetoscanit.

Besides,Angelacouldn'thavebrokenintothehouse.Angelawasn'tamasterburglar,forGod'ssake.

Tinaquicklyshuffledthroughthepages,seekingmoreofthesickprankster'swork.Shefounditafteranothertwenty-sixnames.

DANNYALIVE

DANNYALIVE

HELP

HELP

HELPME

Herheartseemedtobepumpingarefrigerantinsteadofblood,andanicinessradiatedfromit.

Suddenlyshewasawareofhowaloneshewas.Morelikelythannot,shewastheonlypersonontheentirethirdfloor.

Shethoughtofthemaninhernightmare,themaninblackwhosefacehadbeenlumpywithmaggots,andtheshadowsinthecomerofherofficeseemeddarkeranddeeperthantheyhadbeenamomentago.

Shescannedanotherfortynamesandcringedwhenshesawwhatelsethecomputerhadprinted.

computerhadprinted.

I'MAFRAID

I'MAFRAID

GETMEOUT

GETMEOUTOFHERE

PLEASE...PLEASE

HELPHELPHELPHELP

Thatwasthelastdisturbinginsertion.Theremainderofthelistwasasitshouldbe.

Tinathrewtheprintoutonthefloorandwentintotheouteroffice.

Angelahadturnedthelightoff.Tinaturnediton.

ShewenttoAngela'sdesk,satinherchair,andswitchedonthecomputer.Thescreenfilledwithasoftbluelight.

Inthelockedcenterdrawerofthedeskwasabookwiththecodenumbersthatpermittedaccesstothesensitiveinformationstorednotondiskettebutonlyinthecentralmemory.Tinapagedthroughthebookuntilshefoundthecodethatsheneededtocallupthelistofthehotel'sbestcustomers.Thenumberwas1001012,identifiedastheaccessfor"Comps,"whichmeant"complimentaryguests,"aeuphemismfor"biglosers,"whowereneveraskedtopaytheirroomchargesorrestaurantbillsbecausetheyroutinelydroppedsmallfortunesinthecasino.

Tinatypedherpersonalaccessnumber—E013331555.Becausesomuchmaterialinthehotel'sfileswasextremelyconfidentialinformationabouthighrollers,andbecausethePyramid'slistoffavoredcustomerswouldbeofenormousvaluetocompetitors,onlyapprovedpeoplecouldobtainthisdata,andarecordwaskeptofeveryonewhoaccessedit.Afteramoment'shesitationthe

arecordwaskeptofeveryonewhoaccessedit.Afteramoment'shesitationthecomputeraskedforhername;sheenteredthat,andthecomputermatchedhernumberandname.Then:

CLEARED

Shetypedinthecodeforthelistofcomplimentaryguests,andthemachinerespondedatonce.

PROCEED

Herfingersweredamp.Shewipedthemonherslacksandthenquicklytappedoutherrequest.SheaskedthecomputerforthesameinformationthatAngelahadrequestedawhileago.ThenamesandaddressesofVIPcustomerswhohadmissedtheopeningofMagyck!—alongwiththeweddinganniversariesofthosewhoweremarried—begantoappearonthescreen,scrollingupward.Simultaneouslythelaserprinterbegantochurnoutthesamedata.

Tinasnatchedeachpagefromtheprintertrayasitarrived.Thelaserwhisperedthroughtwentynames,forty,sixty,seventy,withoutproducingthelinesaboutDannythathadbeenonthefirstprintout.TinawaiteduntilatleastahundrednameshadbeenlistedbeforeshedecidedthatthesystemhadbeenprogrammedtoprintthelinesaboutDannyonlyonetime,onlyonheroffice'sfirstdatarequestoftheafternoon,andonnolatercall-up.

Shecanceledthisdatarequestandclosedoutthefile.Theprinterstopped.

Justacoupleofhoursagoshehadconcludedthatthepersonbehindthisharassmenthadtobeastranger.Buthowcouldanystrangersoeasilygainentrancetobothherhouseandthehotelcomputer?Didn'the,afterall,havetobesomeonesheknew?

Butwho?

Butwho?

Andwhy?

Whatstrangercouldpossiblyhatehersomuch?

Fear,likeanuncoilingsnake,twistedandslitheredinsideofher,andsheshivered.

Thensherealizeditwasn'tonlyfearthatmadeherquiver.Theairwaschilly.

SherememberedthecomplaintthatAngelahadmadeearlier.Ithadn'tseemedimportantatthetime.

ButtheroomhadbeenwarmwhenTinahadfirstcomeintousethecomputer,andnowitwascool.Howcouldthetemperaturehavedroppedsofarinsuchashorttime?Shelistenedforthesoundoftheairconditioner,butthetelltalewhisperwasn'tissuingfromthewallvents.Nevertheless,theroomwasmuchcoolerthanithadbeenonlyminutesago.

Withasharp,loud,electronicsnapthatstartledTina,thecomputerabruptlybegantochurnoutadditionaldata,althoughshehadn'trequestedany.Sheglancedattheprinter,thenatthewordsthatflickeredacrossthescreen.

NOTDEADNOTDEAD

NOTDEADNOTDEAD

NOTINTHEGROUND

NOTDEAD

GETMEOUTOFHERE

GETMEOUTOUTOUT

Themessageblinkedandvanishedfromthescreen.Theprinterfellsilent.

Theroomwasgrowingcolderbythesecond.

Theroomwasgrowingcolderbythesecond.

Orwasitherimagination?

Shehadthecrazyfeelingthatshewasn'talone.Themaninblack.Eventhoughhewasonlyacreaturefromanightmare,andeventhoughitwasutterlyimpossibleforhimtobehereintheflesh,shecouldn'tshaketheheart-clenchingfeelingthathewasintheroom.Themaninblack.Themanwiththeevil,fieryeyes.Theyellow-toothedgrin.Behindher.Reachingtowardherwithahandthatwouldbecoldanddamp.Shespunaroundinherchair,butnoonehadcomeintotheroom.

Ofcourse.Hewasonlyanightmaremonster.Howstupidofher.

Yetshefeltthatshewasnotalone.

Shedidn'twanttolookatthescreenagain,butshedid.Shehadto.

Thewordsstillburnedthere.

Thentheydisappeared.

Shemanagedtobreakthegripoffearthathadparalyzedher,andsheputherfingersonthekeyboard.SheintendedtodetermineifthewordsaboutDannyhadbeenpreviouslyprogrammedtoprintoutonhermachineoriftheyhadbeensenttoherjustsecondsagobysomeoneatanothercomputerinanotherofficeinthehotel'selaboratelynetworkedseriesofworkstations.

Shehadanalmostpsychicsensethattheperpetratorofthisviciousnesswasinthebuildingnow,perhapsonthethirdfloorwithher.Sheimaginedherselfleavingheroffice,walkingdownthelonghallway,openingdoors,peeringintosilent,desertedoffices,untilatlastshefoundamansittingatanotherterminal.Hewouldturntowardher,surprised,andshewouldfinallyknowwhohewas.

Andthenwhat?

Wouldheharmher?Killher?

Thiswasanewthought:thepossibilitythathisultimategoalwastodosomethingworsethantormentandscareher.

Shehesitated,fingersonthekeyboard,notcertainifsheshouldproceed.She

Shehesitated,fingersonthekeyboard,notcertainifsheshouldproceed.Sheprobablywouldn'tgettheanswerssheneeded,andshewouldonlybeacknowledgingherpresencetowhomevermightbeoutthereatanotherworkstation.Thensherealizedthat,ifhereallywasnearby,healreadyknewshewasinheroffice,alone.Shehadnothingtolosebytryingtofollowthedatachain.Butwhensheattemptedtotypeinherinstruction,thekeyboardwaslocked;thekeyswouldn'tdepress.

Theprinterhummed.

Theroomwaspositivelyarctic.

Onthescreen,scrollingup:

I'MCOLDANDIHURT

MOM?CANYOUHEAR?

I'MSOCOLD

IHURTBAD

GETMEOUTOFHERE

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE

NOTDEADNOTDEAD

Thescreenglowedwiththosewords—thenwentblank.

Again,shetriedtofeedinherquestions.Butthekeyboardremainedfrozen.

Shewasstillawareofanotherpresenceintheroom.Indeedthefeelingofinvisibleanddangerouscompanionshipwasgrowingstrongerastheroomgrewcolder.

Howcouldhemaketheroomcolderwithoutusingtheairconditioner?Whoeverhewas,hecouldoverridehercomputerfromanotherterminalinthebuilding;

hewas,hecouldoverridehercomputerfromanotherterminalinthebuilding;shecouldacceptthat.Buthowcouldhepossiblymaketheairgrowsocoldsofast?

Suddenly,asthescreenbegantofillwiththesameseven-linemessagethathadjustbeenwipedfromit,Tinahadenough.Sheswitchedthemachineoff,andtheblueglowfadedfromthescreen.

Asshewasgettingupfromthelowchair,theterminalswitcheditselfon.

I'MCOLDANDIHURT

GETMEOUTOFHERE

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE

"Getyououtofwhere?"shedemanded."Thegrave?"

GETMEOUTOUTOUT

Shehadtogetagriponherself.ShehadjustspokentothecomputerasifsheactuallythoughtshewastalkingtoDanny.Itwasn'tDannytappingoutthosewords.Goddamnit,Dannywasdead!

Shesnappedthecomputeroff.

Itturneditselfon.

Ahotwellingoftearsblurredhervision,andshestruggledtorepressthem.Shehadtobelosinghermind.Thedamnedthingcouldn'tbeswitchingitselfon.

Shehurriedaroundthedesk,bangingherhipagainstonecorner,headingforthewallsocketastheprinterhummedwiththeproductionofmorehatefulwords.

GETMEOUTOFHERE

GETMEOUTOUT

OUT

OUT

Tinastoopedbesidethewalloutletfromwhichthecomputerreceiveditselectricalpoweranditsdatafeed.Shetookholdofthetwolines—oneheavycableandoneordinaryinsulatedwire—andtheyseemedtocomealiveinherhands,likeapairofsnakes,resistingher.Shejerkedonthemandpulledbothplugs.

Themonitorwentdark.

Itremaineddark.

Immediately,rapidly,theroombegantogrowwarmer.

"ThankGod,"shesaidshakily.

ShestartedaroundAngela'sdesk,wantingnothingmoreatthemomentthantogetoffherrubberylegsandontoachair—andsuddenlythedoortothehallopened,andshecriedoutinalarm.

Themaninblack?

ElliotStrykerhaltedonthethreshold,surprisedbyherscream,andforaninstantshewasrelievedtoseehim.

"Tina?What'swrong?Areyouallright?"

Shetookasteptowardhim,butthensherealizedthathemighthavecomeherestraightfromacomputerinoneoftheotherthird-flooroffices.Couldhebethemanwho'dbeenharassingher?

"Tina?MyGod,you'rewhiteasaghost!"

"Tina?MyGod,you'rewhiteasaghost!"

Hemovedtowardher.

Shesaid,"Stop!Wait!"

Hehalted,perplexed.

Voicequavery,shesaid,"Whatareyoudoinghere?"

Heblinked."Iwasinthehotelonbusiness.Iwonderedifyoumightstillbeatyourdesk.Istoppedintosee.Ijustwantedtosayhello."

"Wereyouplayingaroundwithoneoftheothercomputers?"

"What?"heasked,obviouslybaffledbyherquestion.

"Whatwereyoudoingonthethirdfloor?"shedemanded."Whocouldyoupossiblyhavebeenseeing?They'veallgonehome.I'mtheonlyonehere."

Stillpuzzledbutbeginningtogetimpatientwithher,Elliotsaid,"Mybusinesswasn'tonthethirdfloor.IhadameetingwithCharlieMainwayovercoffee,downstairsintherestaurant.Whenwefinishedourworkacoupleminutesago,Icameuptoseeifyouwerehere.What'swrongwithyou?"

Shestaredathimintently.

"Tina?What'shappened?"

Shesearchedhisfaceforanysignthathewaslying,buthisbewildermentseemedgenuine.Andifhewerelying,hewouldn'thavetoldherthestoryaboutCharlieandcoffee,forthatcouldbesubstantiatedordisprovedwithonlyaminimumofeffort;hewouldhavecomeupwithabetteralibiifhereallyneededone.Hewastellingthetruth.

Shesaid,"I'msorry.Ijust...Ihad...an...anexperiencehere...aweird..."

Hewenttoher."Whatwasit?"

Ashedrewnear,heopenedhisarms,asifitwasthemostnaturalthingintheworldforhimtoholdandcomforther,asifhehadheldhermanytimesbefore,andsheleanedagainsthiminthesamespiritoffamiliarity.Shewasnolonger

andsheleanedagainsthiminthesamespiritoffamiliarity.Shewasnolongeralone.

13

TINAKEPTAWELL-STOCKEDBARINONECORNEROFherofficeforthoseinfrequentoccasionswhenabusinessassociateneededadrinkafteralongworksession.Thiswasthefirsttimeshe'deverhadtheneedtotapthosestoresforherself.

Atherrequest,ElliotpouredRémyMartinintotwosniftersandgaveoneglasstoher.Shecouldn'tpourforthembecauseherhandswereshakingtoobadly.

Theysatonthebeigesofa,moreintheshadowsthanintheglowfromthelamps.Shewasforcedtoholdherbrandysnifterinbothhandstokeepitsteady.

"Idon'tknowwheretobegin.IguessIoughttostartwithDanny.DoyouknowaboutDanny?"

"Yourson?"heasked.

"Yes."

"HelenMainwaytoldmehediedalittleoverayearago."

"Didshetellyouhowithappened?"

"HewasoneoftheJaborskigroup.Frontpageofthepapers."

BillJaborskihadbeenawildernessexpertandascoutmaster.Everywinterforsixteenyears,hehadtakenagroupofscoutstonorthernNevada,beyondReno,intotheHighSierras,onaseven-daywildernesssurvivalexcursion.

"Itwassupposedtobuildcharacter,"Tinasaid."Andtheboyscompetedhardallyearforthechancetobeoneofthoseselectedtogoonthetrip.Itwassupposedtobeperfectlysafe.BillJaborskiwassupposedtobeoneofthetentopwinter-survivalexpertsinthecountry.That'swhateveryonesaid.Andtheotheradultwhowentalong,TomLincoln—hewassupposedtobealmostasgoodasBill.Supposedtobe."Hervoicehadgrownthinandbitter."Ibelievedthem,thoughtitwassafe."

"Youcan'tblameyourselfforthat.Allthoseyearsthey'dtakenkidsintothemountains,nobodywasevenscratched."

Tinaswallowedsomecognac.Itwashotinherthroat,butitdidn'tburnawaythechillatthecenterofher.

AyearagoJaborski'sexcursionhadincludedfourteenboysbetweentheagesoftwelveandeighteen.Allofthemweretopnotchscouts—andallofthemdiedalongwithJaborskiandTomLincoln.

"Havetheauthoritieseverfiguredoutexactlywhyithappened?"Elliotasked.

"Notwhy.Theyneverwill.Alltheyknowishow.Thegroupwentintothemountainsinafour-wheel-driveminibusbuiltforuseonbackroadsinthewinter.Hugetires.Chains.Evenasnowplowonthefront.Theyweren'tsupposedtogointothetrueheartofthewilderness.Justintothefringes.NooneinhisrightmindwouldtakeboysasyoungastwelveintothedeepestpartsoftheSierras,nomatterhowwellprepared,supplied,andtrainedtheywere,nomatterhowstrong,nomatterhowmanybigbrothersweretheretolookoutforthem."

Jaborskihadintendedtodrivetheminibusoffthemainhighway,ontoanoldloggingtrail,ifconditionspermitted.Fromtheretheyweregoingtohikeforthreedayswithsnowshoesandbackpacks,makingawidecirclearoundthebus,comingbacktoitattheendoftheweek.

"Theyhadthebestwildernessclothingandthebestdown-linedsleepingbags,thebestwintertents,plentyofcharcoalandotherheatsources,plentyoffood,andtwowildernessexpertstoguidethem.Perfectlysafe,everyonesaid.Absolutely,perfectlysafe.Sowhatthefuckwentwrong?"

Tinacouldnolongersitstill.Shegotupandbegantopace,takinganotherswallowofcognac.

Elliotsaidnothing.Heseemedtoknowthatshehadtogothroughthewholestorytogetitoffhermind.

"Somethingsureashellwentwrong,"shesaid."Somehow,forsomereason,theydrovethebusmorethanfourmilesoffthemainhighway,fourmilesoffandahellofalongwayup,rightuptothedamnclouds.Theydroveupasteep,abandonedloggingtrail,adeteriorateddirtroadsotreacherous,sochokedwith

abandonedloggingtrail,adeteriorateddirtroadsotreacherous,sochokedwithsnow,soicythatonlyafoolwouldhaveattemptedtonegotiateitanywaybutonfoot."

Thebushadrunofftheroad.Therewerenoguardrailsinthewilderness,nowideshouldersattheroadsidewithgentleslopesbeyond.Thevehicleskidded,thendroppedahundredfeetstraightontorocks.Thefueltankexploded.Thebusopenedlikeatincanandrolledanotherhundredfeetintothetrees.

"Thekids...everyone...killed."Thebitternessinhervoicedismayedherbecauseitrevealedhowlittleshehadhealed."Why?WhydidamanlikeBillJaborskidosomethingsostupidasthat?"

Stillsittingonthecouch,Elliotshookhisheadandstareddownathiscognac.

Shedidn'texpecthimtoanswer.Shewasn'tactuallyaskingthequestionofhim;ifshewasaskinganyone,shewasaskingGod.

"Why?Jaborskiwasthebest.Theverybest.HewassogoodthathecouldsafelytakeyoungboysintotheSierrasforsixteenyears,achallengealotofotherwintersurvivalexpertswouldn'ttouch.BillJaborskiwassmart,tough,clever,andfilledwithrespectforthedangerinwhathedid.Hewasn'tfoolhardy.Whywouldhedosomethingsodumb,soreckless,astodrivethatfaralongthatroadinthoseconditions?"

Elliotlookedupather.Kindnessmarkedhiseyes,adeepsympathy."You'llprobablyneverlearntheanswer.Iunderstandhowharditmustbenevertoknowwhy."

"Hard,"shesaid."Veryhard."

Shereturnedtothecouch.

Hetookherglassoutofherhand.Itwasempty.Shedidn'trememberfinishinghercognac.Hewenttothebar.

"Nomoreforme,"shesaid."Idon'twanttogetdrunk."

"Nonsense,"hesaid."Inyourcondition,throwingoffallthatnervousenergythewayyouare,twosmallbrandieswon'taffectyouintheslightest."

HereturnedfromthebarwithmoreRémyMartin.Thistimeshewasabletoholdtheglassinonehand.

"Thankyou,Elliot."

"Justdon'taskforamixeddrink,"hesaid."I'mtheworld'sworstbartender.Icanpouranythingstraightoroverice,butIcan'tevenmixvodkaandorangejuiceproperly."

"Iwasn'tthankingyouforthedrink.Iwasthankingyoufor...beingagoodlistener."

"Mostattorneystalktoomuch."

Foramomenttheysatinsilence,sippingcognac.

Tinawasstilltense,butshenolongerfeltcoldinside.

Elliotsaid,"Losingachildlikethat...devastating.Butitwasn'tanyrecollectionofyoursonthathadyousoupsetwhenIwalkedinalittlewhileago."

"Inawayitwas."

"Butsomethingmore."

Shetoldhimaboutthebizarrethingsthathadbeenhappeningtoherlately:themessagesonDanny'schalkboard;thewreckageshe'dfoundintheboy'sroom;thehateful,tauntingwordsthatappearedinthecomputerlistsandonthemonitor.

Elliotstudiedtheprintouts,andtogethertheyexaminedthecomputerinAngela'soffice.Theypluggeditinandtriedtogetittorepeatwhatithaddoneearlier,buttheyhadnoluck;themachinebehavedexactlyasitwasmeanttobehave.

"SomeonecouldhaveprogrammedittospewoutthisstuffaboutDanny,"Elliotsaid."ButIdon'tseehowhecouldmaketheterminalswitchitselfon."

"Ithappened,"shesaid.

"Idon'tdoubtyou.Ijustdon'tunderstand."

"Idon'tdoubtyou.Ijustdon'tunderstand."

"Andtheair...socold..."

"Couldthetemperaturechangehavebeensubjective?"

Tinafrowned."AreyouaskingmeifIimaginedit?"

"Youwerefrightened—"

"ButI'msureIdidn'timagineit.Angelafeltthechillfirst,whenshegottheinitialprintoutwiththoselinesaboutDanny.Itisn'tlikelyAngelaandIbothjustimaginedit."

"True."Hestaredthoughtfullyatthecomputer."Comeon."

"Where?"

"Backinyouroffice.Ileftmydrinkthere.Needtolubricatemythoughts."

Shefollowedhimintothewood-paneledinnersanctum.

Hepickeduphisbrandysnifterfromthelowtableinfrontofthesofa,andhesatontheedgeofherdesk."Who?Whocouldbedoingittoyou?"

"Ihaven'taclue."

"Youmusthavesomebodyinmind."

"IwishIdid."

"Obviously,it'ssomebodywhoattheveryleastdislikesyou,ifhedoesn'tactuallyhateyou.Someonewhowantsyoutosuffer.HeblamesyouforDanny'sdeath...andit'sapparentlyapersonallosstohim,soitcanhardlybeastranger."

Tinawasdisturbedbyhisanalysisbecauseitmatchedherown,anditledherintothesameblindalleythatshe'dtraveledbefore.Shepacedbetweenthedeskandthedrapery-coveredwindows."ThisafternoonIdecidedithastobeastranger.Ican'tthinkofanyoneIknowwho'dbecapableofthissortofthingeveniftheydidhatemeenoughtocontemplateit.AndIdon'tknowofanyonebutMichaelwhoplacesanyoftheblameforDanny'sdeathonme."

Elliotraisedhiseyebrows."Michael'syourex-husband?"

"Yes,"

"AndheblamesyouforDanny'sdeath?"

"HesaysInevershouldhavelethimgowithJaborski.Butthisisn'tMichael'sdirtywork."

"Hesoundslikeanexcellentcandidatetome."

"No."

"Areyoucertain?"

"Absolutely.It'ssomeoneelse."

Elliottastedhiscognac."You'llprobablyneedprofessionalhelptocatchhiminoneofhistricks."

"Youmeanthepolice?"

"Idon'tthinkthepolicewouldbemuchhelp.Theyprobablywon'tthinkit'sseriousenoughtowastetheirtime.Afterall,youhaven'tbeenthreatened."

"There'sanimplicitthreatinallofthis."

"Oh,yeah,Iagree.It'sscary.Butthecopsarealiteralbunch,notmuchimpressedbyimpliedthreats.Besides,toproperlywatchyourhouse...thatalonewillrequirealotmoremanpowerthanthepolicecanspareforanythingexceptamurdercase,ahotkidnapping,ormaybeanarcoticsinvestigation."

Shestoppedpacing."ThenwhatdidyoumeanwhenyousaidI'dprobablyneedprofessionalhelptocatchthiscreep?"

"Privatedetectives."

"Isn'tthatmelodramatic?"

Hesmiledsourly."Well,thepersonwho'sharassingyouhasamelodramaticstreakamilewide."

Shesighedandsippedsomecognacandsatontheedgeofthecouch."Idon'tknow...MaybeI'dhireprivatedetectives,andtheywouldn'tcatchanyonebutme."

"Sendthatonebymeagain."

Shehadtotakeanothersmallsipofcognacbeforeshewasabletosaywhatwasonhermind,andsherealizedthathehadbeenrightabouttheliquorhavinglittleeffectonher.Shefeltmorerelaxedthanshe'dbeentenminutesago,butshewasn'tevenslightlytipsy."It'soccurredtome...maybeIwrotethosewordsonthechalkboard.Maybe/wreckedDanny'sroom."

"You'velostme."

"Couldhavedoneitinmysleep."

'That'sridiculous,Tina."

"Isit?IthoughtI'dbeguntogetoverDanny'sdeathbackinSeptember.Istartedsleepingwellthen.Ididn'tdwellonitwhenIwasalone,likeI'ddoneforsolong.IthoughtI'dputtheworstpainbehindme.ButamonthagoIstarteddreamingaboutDannyagain.Thefirstweek,ithappenedtwice.Thesecondweek,fournights.Andthepasttwoweeks,I'vedreamedabouthimeverynightwithoutfail.Thedreamsgetworseallthetime.They'refull-fledgednightmaresnow."

Elliotreturnedtothecouchandsatbesideher."Whataretheylike?"

"Idreamhe'salive,trappedsomewhere,usuallyinadeeppitoragorgeorawell,someplaceunderground.He'scallingtome,beggingmetosavehim.ButIcan't.I'mneverabletoreachhim.Thentheearthstartsclosinginaroundhim,andIwakeupscreaming,soakedwithsweat.AndI...IalwayshavethispowerfulfeelingthatDannyisn'treallydead.Itneverlastsforlong,butwhenIfirstwakeup,I'msurehe'salivesomewhere.Yousee,I'veconvincedmyconsciousmindthatmyboyisdead,butwhen|'masleepit'smysubconsciousmindthat'sincharge;andmysubconsciousjustisn'tconvincedthatDanny'sgone."

"Soyouthinkyou're—what,sleepwalking?Inyoursleep,you'rewritingarejectionofDanny'sdeathonhischalkboard?"

"Don'tyoubelievethat'spossible?"

"No.Well...maybe.Iguessitis,"Elliotsaid."I'mnopsychologist.ButIdon'tbuyit.I'lladmitIdon'tknowyouallthatwellyet,butIthinkIknowyouwellenoughtosayyouwouldn'treactthatway.You'reapersonwhomeetsproblemshead-on.IfyourinabilitytoacceptDanny'sdeathwasaseriousproblem,youwouldn'tpushitdownintoyoursubconscious.You'dlearntodealwithit."

Shesmiled."Youhaveaprettyhighopinionofme."

"Yes,"hesaid."Ido.Besides,ifitwasyouwhowroteonthechalkboardandsmashedthingsintheboy'sroom,thenitwasalsoyouwhocameinhereduringthenightandprogrammedthehotelcomputertospewoutthatstuffaboutDanny.Doyoureallythinkyou'resofargonethatyoucoulddosomethinglikethatandnotrememberit?Doyouthinkyou'vegotmultiplepersonalitiesandonedoesn'tknowwhattheothersareupto?"

Shesankbackonthesofa,sloucheddown."No."

"Good."

"Sowheredoesthatleaveus?"

"Don'tdespair.We'remakingprogress."

"Weare?"

"Sure,"hesaid."We'reeliminatingpossibilities.We'vejustcrossedyouoffthelistofsuspects.AndMichael.AndI'mpositiveitcan'tbeastranger,whichrulesoutmostoftheworld."

"AndI'mjustaspositiveitisn'tafriendorarelative.Soyouknowwherethatleavesme?"

"Where?"

Sheleanedforward,putherbrandysnifteronthetable,andforamomentsatwithherfaceinherhands.

"Tina?"

Sheliftedherhead."I'mjusttryingtothinkhowbesttophrasewhat'sonmymind.It'sawildidea.Ludicrous.Probablyevensick."

"I'mnotgoingtothinkyou'renuts,"Elliotassuredher."Whatisit?Tellme."

Shehesitated,tryingtohearhowitwasgoingtosoundbeforeshesaidit,wonderingifshereallybelieveditenougheventogivevoicetoit.Thepossibilityofwhatshewasgoingtosuggestwasremote.

Atlastshejustplungedintoit:"WhatI'mthinking...maybeDannyisalive."

Elliotcockedhishead,studiedherwiththoseprobing,darkeyes."Alive?"

"Ineversawhisbody."

"Youdidn't?Whynot?"

"Thecoronerandundertakersaiditwasinterriblecondition,horriblymutilated.Theydidn'tthinkitwasagoodideaformeorMichaeltoseeitNeitherofuswouldhavebeenanxioustoviewthebodyevenifithadbeeninperfectshape,soweacceptedthemortician'srecommendations.Itwasaclosed-coffinfuneral."

"Howdidtheauthoritiesidentifythebody?"

"TheyaskedforpicturesofDanny.ButmainlyIthinktheyuseddentalrecords."

"Dentalrecordsarealmostasgoodasfingerprints."

"Almost.ButmaybeDannydidn'tdieinthataccident.Maybehesurvived.Maybesomeoneoutthereknowswhereheis.MaybethatsomeoneistryingtotellmethatDannyisalive.Maybethereisn'tanythreatinthesestrangethingshappeningtome.Maybesomeone'sjustdroppingaseriesofhints,tryingtowakemeuptothefactthatDannyisn'tdead."

'Toomanymaybes,"hesaid.

"Maybenot."

Elliotputhishandonhershoulderandsqueezedgently.

"Tina,youknowthistheorydoesn'tmakesense.Dannyisdead."

"See?YoudothinkI'mcrazy."

"No.Ithinkyou'redistraught,andthat'sunderstandable."

"Won'tyouevenconsiderthepossibilitythathe'salive?"

"Howcouldhebe?"

"Idon'tknow."

"Howcouldhehavesurvivedtheaccidentyoudescribed?"Elliotasked.

"Idon'tknow."

"Andwherewouldhehavebeenallthistimeifnot...inthegrave?"

"Idon'tknowthat,either."

"Ifhewerealive,"Elliotsaidpatiently,"someonewouldsimplycomeandtellyou.Theywouldn'tbethismysteriousaboutit,wouldthey?"

"Maybe."

Awarethatheranswerhaddisappointedhim,shelookeddownatherhands,whichwerelacedtogethersotightlythatherknuckleswerewhite.

Elliottouchedherface,turningitgentlytowardhim.

Hisbeautiful,expressiveeyesseemedtobefilledwithconcernforher.

"Tina,youknowthereisn'tanymaybeaboutit.Youknowbetterthanthat.IfDannywerealive,andifsomeoneweretryingtogetthatnewstoyou,itwouldn'tbedonelikethis,notwithallthesedramatichints.AmIright?"

"Probably."

"Dannyisgone."

Shesaidnothing.

"Ifyouconvinceyourselfhe'salive,"Elliotsaid,"you'reonlysettingyourselfupforanotherfall."

foranotherfall."

Shestareddeeplyintohiseyes.Eventuallyshesighedandnodded."You'reright."

"Danny'sgone."

"Yes,"shesaidthinly.

"You'rereallyconvincedofthat?"

"Yes."

"Good."

Tinagotupfromthecouch,wenttothewindow,andpulledopenthedrapes.ShehadasuddenurgetoseetheStrip.Aftersomuchtalkaboutdeath,sheneededaglimpseofmovement,action,life;andalthoughtheStripsometimeswasgrubbyintheflatglareofthedesertsun,theboulevardwasalways,dayornight,bustlingandfilledwithlife.

Nowtheearlywinterdusksettledoverthecity.Inwavesofdazzlingcolor,millionsoflightswinkedonintheenormoussigns.Hundredsofcarsprogressedsluggishlythroughthebusystreet,taxicabsdartinginandout,recklesslyseekinganysmalladvantage.Crowdsstreamedalongthesidewalks,ontheirwayfromthiscasinotothatcasino,fromoneloungetoanother,fromoneshowtothenext.

TinaturnedtoElliotagain."YouknowwhatIwanttodo?"

"What?"

"Reopenthegrave."

"HaveDanny'sbodyexhumed?"

"Yes.Ineversawhim.That'swhyI'mhavingsuchahardtimeacceptingthathe'sgone.That'swhyI'mhavingnightmares.IfI'dseenthebody,thenI'dhaveknownforsure.Iwouldn'tbeabletofantasizeaboutDannystillbeingalive."

"Buttheconditionofthecorpse..."

"Idon'tcare,"shesaid.

"Idon'tcare,"shesaid.

Elliotfrowned,notconvincedofthewisdomofexhumation."Thebody'sinanairtightcasket,butit'llbeevenmoredeterioratednowthanitwasayearagowhentheyrecommendedyounotlookatit."

"I'vegottosee."

"You'dbelettingyourselfinforahorrible—"

"That'stheidea,"shesaidquickly."Shock.Apowerfulshocktreatmentthat'llfinallyblowawayallmylingeringdoubts.IfIseeDanny's...remains,Iwon'tbeabletoentertainanymoredoubts.Thenightmareswillstop."

"Perhaps.Orperhapsyou'llwindupwithevenworsedreams."

Sheshookherhead."NothingcouldbeworsethantheonesI'mhavingnow."

"Ofcourse,"hesaid,"exhumationofthebodywon'tanswerthemainquestion.Itwon'thelpyoudiscoverwho'sbeenharassingyou."

"Itmight,"Tinasaid."Whoeverthecreepis,whateverhismotivationsare,he'snotwell-balanced.He'sonesortofsickieoranother.Right?Whoknowswhatmightmakeapersonlikethatrevealhimself?Ifhefindsoutthere'sgoingtobeanexhumation,maybehe'llreactstrongly,givehimselfaway.Anything'spossible."

"Isupposeyoucouldberight."

"Anyway,"shesaid,"evenifreopeningthegravedoesn'thelpmefindwho'sresponsibleforthesesickjokes—orwhateverthehelltheyare—atleastit'llsettlemymindaboutDanny.That'llimprovemypsychologicalconditionforsure,andI'llbebetterabletodealwiththecreep,whoeverheis.Soit'llworkoutforthebesteitherway."Shereturnedfromthewindow,satonthecouchagain,besideElliot."I'llneedanattorneytohandlethis,won'tI?"

"Theexhumation?Yeah."

"Willyourepresentme?"

Hedidn'thesitate."Sure."

"Howdifficultwillitbe?"

"Well,there'snourgentlegalreasontohavethebodyexhumed.Imean,thereisn'tanydoubtaboutthecauseofdeath,nocourttrialhingingonanewcoroner'sreport.Ifthatwerethesituation,we'dhavethegraveopenedveryquickly.Butevenso,thisshouldn'tbeterriblydifficult.I'llplayupthemother-suffering-distressangle,andthecourtoughttobesympathetic."

"Haveyoueverhandledanythinglikethisbefore?"

"Infact,Ihave,"Elliotsaid."Fiveyearsago.Thiseight-year-oldgirldiedunexpectantlyofacongenitalkidneydisease.Bothkidneysfailedvirtuallyovernight.Onedayshewasahappy,normalkid.Thenextdaysheseemedtohaveatouchofflu,andthethirddayshewasdead.Hermotherwasshattered,couldn'tbeartoviewthebody,thoughthedaughterhadn'tsufferedsubstantialphysicaldamage,thewayDannydid.Themotherwasn'tevenabletoattendtheservice.Acoupleweeksafterthelittlegirlwasburied,themotherstartedfeelingguiltyaboutnotpayingherlastrespects."

Rememberingherownordeal,Tinasaid,"Iknow.Oh,Iknowhowitis."

"Theguilteventuallydevelopedintoseriousemotionalproblems.Becausethemotherhadn'tseenthebodyinthefuneralhome,shejustcouldn'tbringherselftobelieveherdaughterwasreallydead.Herinabilitytoacceptthetruthwasalotworsethanyours.Shewashystericalmostofthetime,inaslow-motionbreakdown.Iarrangedtohavethegravereopened.Inthecourseofpreparingtheexhumationrequestfortheauthorities,Idiscoveredthatmyclient'sreactionwastypical.Apparently,whenachilddies,oneoftheworstthingsaparentcandoisrefusetolookatthebodywhileit'slyinginacasket.Youneedtospendtimewiththedeceased,enoughtoacceptthatthebodyisnevergoingtobeanimatedagain."

"Wasyourclienthelpedbyexhumation?"

"Oh,yes.Enormously."

"Yousee?"

"Butdon'tforget,"Elliotsaid,"herdaughter'sbodywasn'tmutilated."

Tinanoddedgrimly.

Tinanoddedgrimly.

"Andwereopenedthegraveonlytwomonthsafterthefuneral,notawholeyearlater.Thebodywasstillinprettygoodcondition.ButwithDanny...itwon'tbethatway."

"I'mawareofthat,"shesaid."Godknows,I'mnothappyaboutthis,butI'mconvincedit'ssomethingI'vegottodo."

"Okay.I'lltakecareofit."

"Howlongwillyouneed?"sheasked.

"Willyourhusbandcontestit?"

SherecalledthehatredinMichael'sfacewhenshe'dlefthimafewhoursago."Yes.Heprobablywill."

Elliotcarriedtheiremptybrandyglassestothebarinthecornerandswitchedonthelightabovethesink."Ifyourhusband'slikelytocausetrouble,thenwe'llmovefastandwithoutfanfare.Ifwe'reclever,hewon'tknowwhatwe'redoinguntiltheexhumationisafaitaccompli.Tomorrow'saholiday,sowecan'tgetanythingdoneofficiallyuntilFriday."

"Probablynoteventhen,whatwiththefour-dayweekend."

Elliotfoundthebottleofliquidsoapandthedishcloththatwerestoredunderthesink."OrdinarilyI'dsaywe'dhavetowaituntilMonday.ButithappensIknowaveryreasonablejudge.HaroldKennebeck.WeservedinArmyIntelligencetogether.Hewasmyseniorofficer.IfI—"

"ArmyIntelligence?Youwereaspy?"

"Nothingasgrandasthat.Notrenchcoats.Noskulkingaboutindarkalleys."

"Karate,cyanidecapsules,thatsortofstuff?"sheasked.

"Well,I'vehadalotofmartialartstraining.Istillworkatthatacoupleofdaysaweekbecauseit'sagoodwaytokeepinshape.Really,though,itwasn'tlikewhatyouseeinthemovies.NoJamesBondcarswithmachinegunshiddenbehindtheheadlights.Itwasmostlydullinformationgathering."

"Somehow,"shesaid,"Igetthefeelingitwasconsiderablymore...interestingthanyoumakeitouttobe."

"Nope.Documentanalysis,tediousinterpretationofsatellitereconnaissancephotographs,thatsortofthing.Boringashellmostofthetime.Anyway,JudgeKennebeckandIgobackalongway.Werespecteachother,andI'msurehe'lldosomethingformeifhecan.I'llbeseeinghimtomorrowafternoonataNewYear'sDayparty.I'lldiscussthesituationwithhim.Maybehe'llbewillingtoslipintothecourthouselongenoughonFridaytoreviewmyexhumationrequestandruleonit.He'donlyneedafewminutes.ThenwecouldopenthegraveearlySaturday."

Tinawenttothebarandsatononeofthethreestools,acrossthecounterfromElliot.'Thesoonerthebetter.NowthatI'vemadeupmymindtodoit,I'manxioustogetitoverwith."

"That'sunderstandable.Andthere'sanotheradvantageindoingitthisweekend.Ifwemovefast,itisn'tlikelyMichaelwillfindoutwhatwe'reupto.Evenifhedoessomehowgetawhiffofit,he'llhavetolocateanotherjudgewho'llbewillingtostayorvacatetheexhumationorder."

"Youthinkhe'llbeabletodothat?"

"No.That'smypoint.Therewon'tbemanyjudgesaroundovertheholiday.Thoseondutywillbeswampedwitharraignmentsandbailhearingsfordrunkendriversandforpeopleinvolvedindrunkenassaults.Mostlikely,Michaelwon'tbeabletogetholdofajudgeuntilMondaymorning,andbythenit'llbetoolate."

"Sneaky."

"That'smymiddlename."Hefinishedwashingthefirstbrandysnifter,rinseditinhotwater,andputitinthedrainageracktodry.

"ElliotSneakyStryker,"shesaid.

Hesmiled."Atyourservice."

"I'mgladyou'remyattorney."

"Well,let'sseeifIcanactuallypullitoff."

"Well,let'sseeifIcanactuallypullitoff."

"Youcan.You'rethekindofpersonwhomeetseveryproblemhead-on."

"Youhaveaprettyhighopinionofme,"hesaid,repeatingwhatshehadsaidtohimearlier.

Shesmiled."Yes,Ido."

Allthetalkaboutdeathandfearandmadnessandpainseemedtohavetakenplacefurtherbackinthepastthanamerefewsecondsago.Theywantedtohavealittlefunduringtheeveningthatlayahead,andnowtheybeganputtingthemselvesinthemoodforit.

AsElliotrinsedthesecondsnifterandplaceditintherack,Tinasaid,"Youdothatverywell."

"ButIdon'twashwindows."

"Iliketoseeamanbeingdomestic."

"Thenyoushouldseemecook."

"Youcook?"

"Likeadream."

"What'syourbestdish?"

"EverythingImake."

"Obviously,youdon'tmakehumblepie."

"Everygreatchefmustbeanegomaniacwhenitcomestohisculinaryart.Hemustbetotallysecureinhisestimationofhistalentsifheistofunctionwellinthekitchen."

"Whatifyoucookedsomethingforme,andIdidn'tlikeit?"

"ThenI'deatyourservingaswellasmine."

"AndwhatwouldIeat?"

"AndwhatwouldIeat?"

"Yourheartout."

Aftersomanymonthsofsorrow,howgooditfelttobesharinganeveningwithanattractiveandamusingman.

Elliotputawaythedishwashingliquidandthewetdishcloth.Ashedriedhishandsonthetowel,hesaid,"Whydon'tweforgetaboutgoingouttodinner?Letmecookforyouinstead."

"Onsuchshortnotice?"

"Idon'tneedmuchtimetoplanameal.I'mawhiz.Besides,youcanhelpbydoingthedrudgery,likecleaningthevegetablesandchoppingtheonions."

"Ishouldgohomeandfreshenup,"shesaid.

"You'realreadytoofreshforme."

"Mycar—"

"Youcandriveit.Followmetomyplace."

Theyturnedoutthelightsandlefttheroom,closingthedoorafterthem.

Astheycrossedthereceptionareaontheirwaytowardthehall,TinaglancednervouslyatAngela'scomputer.Shewasafraiditwasgoingtoclickonagain,allbyitself.

ButsheandElliotlefttheouteroffice,flickingoffthelightsastheywent,andthecomputerremaineddarkandsilent.

14

ELLIOTSTRYKERLIVEDINALARGE,PLEASANT,contemporaryhouseoverlookingthegolfcourseattheLasVegasCountryClub.Theroomswerewarm,inviting,decoratedinearthtones,withJ.RobertScottfurniturecomplementedbyafewantiquepieces,andrichlytexturedEdwardFieldscarpets.HeownedafinecollectionofpaintingsbyEyvindEarle,JasonWilliamson,LarryW.Dyke,CharlotteArmstrong,CarlJ.Smith,andotherartistswhomadetheirhomesinthewesternUnitedStatesandwhousuallytooktheirsubjectmatterfromeithertheoldorthenewWest.

Asheshowedherthroughthehouse,hewaseagertohearherreactiontoit,andshedidn'tmakehimwaitlong.

"It'sbeautiful,"shesaid."Stunning.Whowasyourinteriordecorator?"

"You'relookingathim."

"Really?"

"WhenIwaspoor,IlookedforwardtothedaywhenI'dhavealovelyhomefullofbeautifulthings,allarrangedbytheverybestinteriordecorator.Then,whenIhadthemoney,Ididn'twantsomestrangerfurnishingitforme.Iwantedtohaveallthefunmyself.Nancy,mylatewife,andIdecoratedourfirsthome.Theprojectbecameavocationforher,andIspentnearlyasmuchtimeonitasIdidonmylegalpractice.ThetwoofushauntedfurniturestoresfromVegastoLosAngelestoSanFrancisco,antiqueshops,galleries,everythingfromfleamarketstothemostexpensivestoreswecouldfind.Wehadadamngoodtime.Andwhenshedied...IdiscoveredIcouldn'tlearntocopewiththelossifIstayedinaplacethatwassocrowdedwithmemoriesofher.ForfiveorsixmonthsIwasanemotionalwreckbecauseeveryobjectinthehouseremindedmeofNancy.FinallyItookafewmementos,adozenpiecesbywhichI'llalwaysrememberher,andImovedout,soldthehouse,boughtthisone,andstarteddecoratingalloveragain."

"Ididn'trealizeyou'dlostyourwife,"Tinasaid."Imean,Ithoughtitmusthavebeenadivorceorsomething."

beenadivorceorsomething."

"Shepassedawaythreeyearsago."

"Whathappened?"

"Cancer."

"I'msosorry,Elliot."

"Atleastitwasfast.Pancreaticcancer,exceedinglyvirulent.Shewasgonetwomonthsaftertheydiagnosedit."

"Wereyoumarriedlong?"

"Twelveyears."

Sheputahandonhisarm."Twelveyearsleavesabigholeintheheart."

Herealizedtheyhadevenmoreincommonthanhehadthought."That'sright.YouhadDannyfornearlytwelveyears."

"Withme,ofcourse,it'sonlybeenlittlemorethanayearsinceI'vebeenalone.Withyou,it'sbeenthreeyears.Maybeyoucantellme..."

"What?"

"Doesiteverstop?"sheasked.

"Thehurting?"

"Yes."

"Sofarithasn't.Maybeitwillafterfouryears.Orfive.Orten.Itdoesn'thurtasbadnowasitoncedid.Andtheacheisn'tconstantanymore.Butstilltherearemomentswhen..."

Heshowedherthroughtherestofthehouse,whichshewantedtosee.Herabilitytocreateastylishstageshowwasnotafluke;shehadtasteandasharpeyethatinstantlyknewthedifferencebetweenprettinessandgenuinebeauty,betweenclevernessandart.Heenjoyeddiscussingantiquesandpaintingswithher,andanhourpassedinwhatseemedtobeonlytenminutes.

her,andanhourpassedinwhatseemedtobeonlytenminutes.

Thetourendedintheenormouskitchen,whichboastedacopperceiling,aSantaFetilefloor,andrestaurant-qualityequipment.Shecheckedthewalk-incooler,inspectedtheyard-squaregrill,thegriddle,thetwoWolfranges,themicrowave,andthearrayoflabor-savingappliances."You'vespentasmallfortunehere.Iguessyourlawpracticeisn'tjustanotherVegasdivorcemill."

Elliotgrinned."I'moneofthefoundingpartnersofStryker,West,Dwyer,Coffey,andNichols.We'reoneofthelargestlawfirmsintown.Ican'ttakeawholelotofcreditforthat.Wewerelucky.Wewereintherightplaceattherighttime.OwenWestandIopenedforbusinessinacheapstorefrontofficetwelveyearsago,rightatthestartofthebiggestboomthistownhaseverseen.Werepresentedsomepeoplenooneelsewouldtouch,entrepreneurswhohadalotofgoodideasbutnotmuchmoneyforstart-uplegalfees.SomeofourclientsmadesmartmovesandwerecarriedrighttothetopbytheexplosivegrowthofthegamingindustryandtheVegasreal-estatemarket,andwejustsortofshotuptherealongwiththem,hangingontotheircoattails."

"Interesting,"Tinasaid.

"Itis?"

"Youare."

"Iam?"

"You'resomodestabouthavingbuiltasplendidlawpractice,yetyou'reanegomaniacwhenitcomestoyourcooking."

Helaughed."That'sbecauseI'mabettercookthanattorney.Listen,whydon'tyoumixusacoupleofdrinkswhileIchangeoutofthissuit.I'llbebackinfiveminutes,andthenyou'llseehowatrueculinarygeniusoperates."

"Ifitdoesn'tworkout,wecanalwaysjumpinthecarandgotoMcDonald'sforahamburger."

"Philistine."

"Theirhamburgersarehardtobeat."

"I'llmakeyoueatcrow."

"I'llmakeyoueatcrow."

"Howdoyoucookit?"

"Veryfunny."

"Well,ifyoucookitveryfunny,Idon'tknowifIwanttoeatit."

"IfIdidcookcrow,"hesaid,"itwouldbedelicious.Youwouldeateveryscrapofit,lickyourfingers,andbegformore."

Hersmilewassolovelythathecouldhavestoodthereallevening,juststaringatthesweetcurveofherlips.

•••

ElliotwasamusedbytheeffectthatTinahadonhim.Hecouldnotremembereverhavingbeenhalfsoclumsyinthekitchenashewasthisevening.Hedroppedspoons.Heknockedovercansandbottlesofspices.Heforgottowatchapot,anditboiledover.Hemadeamistakeblendingthesaladdressingandhadtobeginagainfromscratch.Sheflusteredhim,andhelovedit.

"Elliot,areyousureyouaren'tfeelingthosecognacswehadatmyoffice?"

"Absolutelynot."

"Thenthedrinkyou'vebeensippingonhere."

"No.Thisisjustmykitchenstyle."

"Spillingthingsisyourstyle?"

"Itgivesthekitchenapleasantusedlook."

"Areyousureyoudon'twanttogotoMcDonald's?"

"Dotheybothertogivetheirkitchenapleasantusedlook?"

"Theynotonlyhavegoodhamburgers—"

"Theirhamburgershaveapleasantusedlook."

"—theirFrenchfriesareterrific."

"SoIspillthings,"hesaid."Acookdoesn'thavetobegracefultobeagoodcook."

"Doeshehavetohaveagoodmemory?"

"Huh?"

"Thatmustardpowderyou'rejustabouttoputintothesaladdressing."

"Whataboutit?"

"Youalreadyputitinaminuteago."

"Idid?Thanks.Iwouldn'twanttohavetomixthisdamnstuffthreetimes."

ShehadathroatylaughthatwasnotunlikeNancy'shadbeen.

AlthoughshewasdifferentfromNancyinmanyways,beingwithherwaslikebeingwithNancy.Shewaseasytotalkto—bright,funny,sensitive.

Perhapsitwastoosoontotellforsure,buthewasbeginningtothinkthatfate,inanuncharacteristicflushofgenerosity,hadgivenhimasecondchanceathappiness.

•••

WhenheandTinafinisheddessert,Elliotpouredsecondcupsofcoffee."StillwanttogotoMcDonald'sforahamburger?"

Themushroomsalad,thefettuccineAlfredo,andthezabaglionehadbeenexcellent."Youreallycancook."

"WouldIlietoyou?"

"IguessI'llhavetoeatthatcrownow."

"Ibelieveyoujustdid."

"AndIdidn'tevennoticethefeathers."

WhileTinaandElliothadbeenjokinginthekitchen,evenbeforedinnerhadbeencompletelyprepared,shehadbeguntothinktheymightgotobedtogether.Bythetimetheyfinishedeatingdinner,sheknewtheywould.Elliotwasn'tpushingher.Forthatmatter,shewasn'tpushinghim,either.Theywerebothbeingdrivenbynaturalforces.Liketherushofwaterdownstream.Liketherelentlessbuildingofastormwindandthenthelightning.Theybothrealizedthattheywereinneedofeachother,physicallyandmentallyandemotionally,andthatwhateverhappenedbetweenthemwouldbegood.

Itwasfastbutright,inevitable.

Atthestartoftheevening,theundercurrentofsexualtensionmadehernervous.Shehadn'tbeentobedwithanymanbutMichaelinthepastfourteenyears,sinceshewasnineteen.Shehadn'tbeentobedwithanyoneatallforalmosttwoyears.Suddenlyitseemedtoherthatshehaddoneamad,stupidthingwhenshe'dhiddenawaylikeanunfortwoyears.Ofcourse,duringthefirstofthosetwoyears,she'dstillbeenmarriedtoMichaelandhadfeltcompelledtoremainfaithfultohim,eventhoughaseparationandthenadivorcehadbeenintheworks,andeventhoughhehadnotfeltconstrainedbyanysimilarmoralsense.Later,withthestageshowtoproduceandwithpoorDanny'sdeathweighingheavilyonher,shehadn'tbeeninthemoodforromance.Nowshefeltlikeaninexperiencedgirl.Shewonderedifshewouldknowwhattodo.Shewasafraidthatshewouldbeinept,clumsy,ridiculous,foolishinbed.Shetoldherselfthatsexwasjustlikeridingabicycle,impossibletounlearn,butthefrivolousnessofthatanalogydidn'tincreaseherself-confidence.

Gradually,however,assheandElliotwentthroughthestandardritesofcourtship,theindirectsexualthrustsandparriesofabuddingrelationship,albeitatanacceleratedpace,thefamiliarityofthegamesreassuredher.Amazingthatitshouldbesofamiliar.Maybeitreallywasabitlikeridingabicycle.

Afterdinnertheyadjournedtotheden,whereElliotbuiltafireintheblack-granitefireplace.Althoughwinterdaysinthedesertwereoftenaswarmas

granitefireplace.Althoughwinterdaysinthedesertwereoftenaswarmasspringtimeelsewhere,winternightswerealwayscool,sometimesdownrightbitter.Withachillynightwindmoaningatthewindowsandhowlingincessantlyundertheeaves,theblazingfirewaswelcome.

Tinakickedoffhershoes.

Theysatsidebysideonthesofainfrontofthefireplace,watchingtheflamesandtheoccasionalburstsoforangesparks,listeningtomusic,andtalking,talking,talking.Tinafeltasiftheyhadtalkedwithoutpauseallevening,speakingwithquieturgency,asifeachhadavastquantityofearthshakinglyimportantinformationthathemustpassontotheotherbeforetheyparted.Themoretheytalked,themoretheyfoundincommon.Asanhourpassedinfrontofthefire,andthenanotherhour,TinadiscoveredthatshelikedElliotStrykermorewitheachnewthingshelearnedabouthim.

Sheneverwassurewhoinitiatedthefirstkiss.Hemayhaveleanedtowardher,orperhapsshetiltedtowardhim.Butbeforesherealizedwhatwashappening,theirlipsmetsoftly,briefly.Thenagain.Andathirdtime.Andthenhebeganplantingsmallkissesonherforehead,onhereyes,onhercheeks,hernose,thecornersofhermouth,herchin.Hekissedherears,hereyesagain,andleftachainofkissesalongherneck,andwhenatlasthereturnedtohermouth,hekissedhermoredeeplythanbefore,andsherespondedatonce,openinghermouthtohim.

Hishandsmovedoverher,testingthefirmnessandresilienceofher,andshetouchedhimtoo,gentlysqueezinghisshoulders,hisarms,thehardmusclesofhisback.Nothinghadeverfeltbettertoherthanhefeltatthatmoment.

Asifdriftinginadream,theyleftthedenandwentintothebedroom.Heswitchedonasmalllampthatstooduponthedresser,andheturneddownthesheets.

Duringtheminutethathewasawayfromher,shewasafraidthespellwasbroken.Butwhenhereturned,shekissedhimtentatively,foundthatnothinghadchanged,andpressedagainsthimoncemore.

Shefeltasifthetwoofthemhadbeenhere,likethis,lockedinanembrace,manytimesbefore.

"Wehardlyknoweachother,"shesaid.

"Wehardlyknoweachother,"shesaid.

"Isthatthewayyoufeel?"

"No."

"Me,neither."

"Iknowyousowell."

"Forages."

"Yetit'sonlybeentwodays."

'Toofast?"heasked.

"Whatdoyouthink?"

"Nottoofastforme."

"Nottoofastatall,"sheagreed.

"Sure?"

"Positive."

"You'relovely."

"Loveme."

Hewasnotaparticularlylargeman,buthepickedherupinhisarmsasifshewereachild.

Sheclungtohim.Shesawalongingandaneedinhisdarkeyes,apowerfulwantingthatwasonlypartlysex,andsheknewthesameneedtobelovedandvaluedmustbeinhereyesforhimtosee.

Hecarriedhertothebed,putherdown,andurgedhertolieback.Withouthaste,withabreathlessanticipationthatlituphisface,heundressedher.

Hequicklystrippedoffhisownclothesandjoinedheronthebed,tookherinhisarms.

arms.

Heexploredherbodyslowly,deliberately,firstwithhiseyes,thenwithhislovinghands,thenwithhislipsandtongue.

Tinarealizedthatshehadbeenwrongtothinkthatcelibacyshouldbeapartofherperiodofmourning.Justtheoppositewastrue.Good,healthylovemakingwithamanwhocaredforherwouldhavehelpedherrecovermuchfasterthanshehaddone,forsexwastheantithesisofdeath,ajoyouscelebrationoflife,adenialofthetomb'sexistence.

Theamberlightmoldedtohismuscles.

Heloweredhisfacetohers.Theykissed.

Sheslidahandbetweenthem,squeezedandstrokedhim.

Shefeltwanton,shameless,insatiable.

Asheenteredher,sheletherhandstraveloverhisbody,alonghisleanflanks.

"You'resosweet,"hesaid.

Hebegantheage-oldrhythmoflove.Foralong,longtime,theyforgotthatdeathexisted,andtheyexploredthedelicious,silkensurfacesoflove,anditseemedtothem,inthoseshininghours,thattheywouldbothliveforever.

THURSDAY,

JANUARY1

15

TINASTAYEDTHENIGHTWITHELLIOT,ANDHErealizedthathehadforgottenhowpleasantitcouldbetosharehisbedwithsomeoneforwhomhetrulycared.He'dhadotherwomeninthisbedduringthepasttwoyears,andafewhadstayedthenight,butnotoneofthoseotherlovershadmadehimfeelcontentmerelybythefactofherpresence,asTinadid.Withher,sexwasadelightfulbonus,alagniappe,butitwasn'tthemainreasonhewantedherbesidehim.Shewasanexcellentlover—silken,smooth,anduninhibitedinthepursuitofherownpleasure—butshewasalsovulnerableandkind.Thevague,shadowyshapeofherunderthecovers,inthedarkness,wasatalismantowardoffloneliness.

Eventuallyhefellasleep,butatfouro'clockinthemorning,hewasawakenedbycriesofdistress.

Shesatstraightup,thesheetsknottedinherfists,catapultedoutofanightmare.Shewasquaking,gaspingaboutamandressedallinblack,themonstrousfigurefromherdream.

Elliotswitchedonthebedsidelamptoprovetoherthattheywerealoneintheroom.

Shehadtoldhimaboutthedreams,buthehadn'trealized,untilnow,howterribletheywere.TheexhumationofDanny'sbodywouldbegoodforher,regardlessofthehorrorthatshemighthavetoconfrontwhenthecoffinlidwasraised.Ifseeingtheremainswouldputanendtothesebloodcurdlingnightmares,shewouldgainanadvantagefromthegrimexperience.

Heswitchedoffthebedsidelampandpersuadedhertoliedownagain.Heheldheruntilshestoppedshuddering.

Tohissurprise,herfearrapidlychangedtodesire.Theyfelleasilyintothepaceandrhythmthathadearlierbestpleasedthem.Afterward,theyslippedintosleepagain.

•••

OverbreakfastheaskedhertogowithhimtotheafternoonpartyatwhichhewasgoingtocornerJudgeKennebecktoaskabouttheexhumation.ButTinawantedtogobacktoherplaceandcleanoutDanny'sroom.Shefeltuptothechallengenow,andsheintendedtofinishthetaskbeforeshelosthernerveagain.

"We'llseeeachothertonight,won'twe?"heasked.

"Yes."

"I'llcookforyouagain."

Shesmiledlasciviously."Inwhatsensedoyoumeanthat?"

Sheroseoutofherchair,leanedacrossthetable,kissedhim.

Thesmellofher,thevibrantblueofhereyes,thefeelofhersuppleskinasheputahandtoherface—thosethingsgeneratedwavesofaffectionandlongingwithinhim.

HewalkedhertoherHondainthedrivewayandleanedinthewindowaftershewasbehindthewheel,delayingherforanotherfifteenminuteswhileheplanned,tohersatisfaction,everydishofthisevening'sdinner.

Whenatlastshedroveaway,hewatchedhercaruntilitturnedthecorneranddisappeared,andwhenshewasgoneheknewwhyhehadnotwantedtolethergo.He'dbeentryingtopostponeherdeparturebecausehewasafraidthathewouldneverseeheragainaftershedroveoff.

Hehadnorationalreasontoentertainsuchdarkthoughts.Certainly,theunknownpersonwhowasharassingTinamighthaveviolentintentions.ButTinaherselfdidn'tthinktherewasanyseriousdanger,andElliottendedtoagreewithher.Themalicioustormentorwantedhertosuffermentalanguishandspiritualpain;buthedidn'twanthertodie,becausethatwouldspoilhisfun.

ThefearElliotfeltatherdeparturewaspurelysuperstitious.Hewasconvincedthat,withherarrivalonthescene,hehadbeengrantedtoomuchhappiness,toofast,toosoon,tooeasily.Hehadanawfulsuspicionthatfatewassettinghimupforanotherhardfall.HewasafraidTinaEvanswouldbetakenawayfromhimjustasNancyhadbeen.

Unsuccessfullytryingtoshrugoffthegrimpremonition,hewentintothehouse.

Hespentanhourandahalfinhislibrary,pagingthroughlegalcasebooks,boninguponprecedentsfortheexhumationofabodythat,asthecourthadputit,"wastobedisinterredintheabsenceofapressinglegalneed,solelyforhumanereasons,inconsiderationofcertainsurvivorsofthedeceased."Elliotdidn'tthinkHaroldKennebeckwouldgivehimanytrouble,andhedidn'texpectthejudgetorequestalistofprecedentsforsomethingasrelativelysimpleandharmlessasreopeningDanny'sgrave,butheintendedtobewellprepared.InArmyIntelligence,Kennebeckhadbeenafairbutalwaysdemandingsuperiorofficer.

Atoneo'clockElliotdrovehissilverMercedesS600sportscoupetotheNewYear'sDaypartyonSunriseMountain.Theskywasceruleanblueandclear,andhewishedhehadtimetotaketheCessnaupforafewhours.Thiswasperfectweatherforflying,oneofthosecrystallinedayswhenbeingabovetheearthwouldmakehimfeelcleanandfree.

OnSunday,whentheexhumationwasoutoftheway,maybehewouldflyTinatoArizonaortoLosAngelesfortheday.

OnSunriseMountainmostofthebig,expensivehousesfeaturednaturallandscaping—whichmeantrocks,coloredstones,andartfullyarrangedcactiinsteadofgrass,shrubs,andtrees—inacknowledgmentthatman'sgriponthisportionofthedesertwasnewandperhapstenuous.AtnighttheviewofLasVegasfromthemountainsidewasundeniablyspectacular,butElliotcouldn'tunderstandwhatotherreasonsanyonecouldpossiblyhaveforchoosingtolivehereratherthaninthecity'solder,greenerneighborhoods.Onhotsummerdaysthesebarren,sandyslopesseemedgodforsaken,andtheywouldnotbemadelushandgreenforanothertenyearsatleast.Onthebrownhills,thehugehousesthrustlikethebleakmonumentsofanancient,deadreligion.TheresidentsofSunriseMountaincouldexpecttosharetheirpatiosanddecksandpoolapronswithoccasionalvisitingscorpions,tarantulas,andrattlesnakes.Onwindydaysthedustwasasthickasfog,anditpusheditsdirtylittlecatfeetunderdoors,

thedustwasasthickasfog,anditpusheditsdirtylittlecatfeetunderdoors,aroundwindows,andthroughatticvents.

ThepartywasatalargeTuscan-stylehouse,halfwayuptheslopes.Athree-sided,fan-shapedtenthadbeenerectedonthebacklawn,toonesideofthesixty-footpool,withtheopensidefacingthehouse.Aneighteen-pieceorchestraperformedattherearofthegailystripedcanvasstructure.Approximatelytwohundredguestsdancedormilledaboutbehindthehouse,andanotherhundredpartiedwithinitstwentyrooms.

ManyofthefaceswerefamiliartoElliot.Halfoftheguestswereattorneysandtheirwives.Althoughajudicialpuristmighthavedisapproved,prosecutorsandpublicdefendersandtaxattorneysandcriminallawyersandcorporatecounselwereminglingandgettingpleasantlydrunkwiththejudgesbeforewhomtheyarguedcasesmosteveryweek.LasVegashadajudicialstyleandstandardsofitsown.

Aftertwentyminutesofdiligentmixing,ElliotfoundHaroldKennebeck.Thejudgewasatall,dour-lookingmanwithcurlywhitehair.HegreetedElliotwarmly,andtheytalkedabouttheirmutualinterests:cooking,flying,andriver-rafting.

Elliotdidn'twanttoaskKennebeckforafavorwithinhearingofadozenlawyers,andtodaytherewasnowhereinthehousewheretheycouldbeassuredofprivacy.Theywentoutsideandstrolleddownthestreet,pasttheparty-goers'cars,whichranthegamutfromRolls-RoycestoRangeRovers.

KennebecklistenedwithinteresttoElliot'sunofficialfeeleraboutthechancesofgettingDanny'sgravereopened.Elliotdidn'ttellthejudgeaboutthemaliciousprankster,forthatseemedlikeanunnecessarycomplication;hestillbelievedthatoncethefactofDanny'sdeathwasestablishedbytheexhumation,thequickestandsurestwayofdealingwiththeharassmentwastohireafirst-ratefirmofprivateinvestigatorstotrackdowntheperpetrator.Now,forthejudge'sbenefit,andtoexplainwhyanexhumationhadsuddenlybecomesuchavitalmatter,ElliotexaggeratedtheanguishandconfusionthatTinahadundergoneasadirectconsequenceofneverhavingseenthebodyofherchild.

HarryKennebeckhadapokerfacethatalsolookedlikeapoker—hardandplain,dark—anditwasdifficulttotellifhehadanysympathywhatsoeverforTina'splight.AsheandElliotambledalongthesun-splashedstreet,Kennebeckmulledovertheprobleminsilenceforalmostaminute.Atlasthesaid,"Whataboutthe

overtheprobleminsilenceforalmostaminute.Atlasthesaid,"Whataboutthefather?"

"Iwashopingyouwouldn'task."

"Ah,"Kennebecksaid.

"Thefatherwillprotest."

"You'repositive?"

"Yes."

"Onreligiousgrounds?"

"No.Therewasabitterdivorceshortlybeforetheboydied.MichaelEvanshateshisex-wife."

"Ah.Sohe'dcontesttheexhumationfornootherreasonbuttocausehergrief?"

"That'sright,"Elliotsaid."Nootherreason.Nolegitimatereason."

"Still,I'vegottoconsiderthefather'swishes."

"Aslongastherearen'tanyreligiousobjections,thelawrequiresthepermissionofonlyoneparentinacaselikethis,"Elliotsaid.

"Nevertheless,Ihaveadutytoprotecteveryone'sinterestsinthematter."

"Ifthefatherhasachancetoprotest,"Elliotsaid,"we'llprobablygetinvolvedinaknock-down-drag-outlegalbattle.It'lltieupahellofalotofthecourt'stime."

"Iwouldn'tlikethat,"Kennebecksaidthoughtfully."Thecourt'scalendarisoverloadednow.Wesimplydon'thaveenoughjudgesorenoughmoney.Thesystem'screakingandgroaning."

"Andwhenthedustfinallysettled,"Elliotsaid,"myclientwouldwintherighttoexhumethebodyanyway."

"Probably."

"Definitely,"Elliotsaid."Herhusbandwouldbeengagedinnothingmorethanspitefulobstructionism.Intheprocessoftryingtohurthisex-wife,he'dwaste

spitefulobstructionism.Intheprocessoftryingtohurthisex-wife,he'dwasteseveraldaysofthecourt'stime,andtheendresultwouldbeexactlythesameasifhe'dneverbeengivenachancetoprotest."

"Ah,"Kennebecksaid,frowningslightly.

Theystoppedattheendofthenextblock.Kennebeckstoodwithhiseyesclosedandhisfaceturneduptothewarmwintersun.

Atlastthejudgesaid,"You'reaskingmetocutcorners."

"Notreally.Simplyissueanexhumationorderonthemother'srequest.Thelawallowsit."

"Youwanttheorderrightaway,Iassume."

"Tomorrowmorningifpossible."

"Andyou'llhavethegravereopenedbytomorrowafternoon."

"Saturdayatthelatest."

"Beforethefathercangetarestrainingorderfromanotherjudge,"Kennebecksaid.

"Ifthere'snohitch,maybethefatherwon'teverfindoutabouttheexhumation."

"Ah."

"Everyonebenefits.Thecourtsavesalotoftimeandeffort.Myclientissparedagreatdealofunnecessaryanguish.Andherhusbandsavesabundleinattorney'sfeesthathe'djustbethrowingawayinahopelessattempttostopus."

"Ah,"Kennebecksaid.

Insilencetheywalkedbacktothehouse,wherethepartywasgettinglouderbytheminute.

Inthemiddleoftheblock,Kennebeckfinallysaid,"I'llhavetochewonitforawhile,Elliot."

"Howlong?"

"Howlong?"

"Ah.Willyoubehereallafternoon?"

"Idoubtit.Withalltheseattorneys,it'ssortofabusman'sholiday,don'tyouthink?"

"Goinghomefromhere?"Kennebeckasked.

"Yes."

"Ah."Hepushedacurlystrandofwhitehairbackfromhisforehead."ThenI'llcallyouathomethisevening."

"Canyouatleasttellmehowyou'releaning?"

"Inyourfavor,Isuppose."

"YouknowI'mright,Harry."

Kennebecksmiled."I'veheardyourargument,counselor.Let'sleaveitatthatfornow.I'llcallyouthisevening,afterI'vehadachancetothinkaboutit."

AtleastKennebeckhadn'trefusedtherequest;nevertheless,Elliothadexpectedaquickerandmoresatisfyingresponse.Hewasn'taskingthejudgeformuchofafavor.Besides,thetwoofthemwentbackalongwayindeed.HeknewthatKennebeckwasacautiousman,butusuallynotexcessivelyso.Thejudge'shesitationinthisrelativelysimplematterstruckElliotasodd,buthesaidnothingmore.HehadnochoicebuttowaitforKennebeck'scall.

Astheyapproachedthehouse,theytalkedaboutthedelightsofpastaservedwithathin,lightsauceofoliveoil,garlic,andsweetbasil.

•••

Elliotremainedatthepartyonlytwohours.Thereweretoomanyattorneysandnotenoughcivilianstomakethebashinteresting.Everywherehewent,heheardtalkabouttorts,writs,briefs,suits,countersuits,motionsforcontinuation,

talkabouttorts,writs,briefs,suits,countersuits,motionsforcontinuation,appeals,pleabargaining,andthelatesttaxshelters.Theconversationswerelikethoseinwhichhewasinvolvedatwork,eightortenhoursaday,fivedaysaweek,andhedidn'tintendtospendaholidaynatteringaboutthesamedamnedthings.

Byfouro'clockhewashomeagain,workinginthekitchen.Tinawassupposedtoarriveatsix.Hehadafewchorestofinishbeforeshecame,sotheywouldn'thavetospendalotoftimedoinggalleylaborastheyhaddonelastnight.Standingatthesink,hepeeledandchoppedasmallonion,cleanedsixstalksofcelery,andpeeledseveralslendercarrots.Hehadjustopenedabottleofbalsamicvinegarandpouredfourouncesintoameasuringcupwhenheheardmovementbehindhim.

Turning,hesawastrangemanenterthekitchenfromthediningroom.Theguywasaboutfivefeeteightwithanarrowfaceandaneatlytrimmedblondbeard.Heworeadarkbluesuit,whiteshirt,andbluetie,andhecarriedaphysician'sbag.Hewasnervous.

"Whatthehell?"Elliotsaid.

Asecondmanappearedbehindthefirst.Hewasconsiderablymoreformidablethanhisassociate:tall,rough-edged,withlarge,big-knuckled,leatheryhands—likesomethingthathadescapedfromarecombinantDNAlabexperimentinginthecrossbreedingofhumanbeingswithbears.Infreshlypressedslacks,acrispblueshirt,apatternedtie,andagraysportsjacket,hemighthavebeenaprofessionalhitmanuncomfortablygottenupforthebaptismofhisMafiadon'sgrandchild.Buthedidn'tappeartobenervousatall.

"Whatisthis?"Elliotdemanded.

Bothintrudersstoppedneartherefrigerator,twelveorfourteenfeetfromElliot.Thesmallmanfidgeted,andthetallmansmiled.

"How'dyougetinhere?"

"Alock-releasegun,"thetallmansaid,smilingcordiallyandnodding."Bobhere"—heindicatedthesmallerman—"hastheneatestsetoftools.Makesthingseasier."

"Whatthehellisthisabout?"

"Whatthehellisthisabout?"

"Relax,"saidthetallman.

"Idon'tkeepalotofmoneyhere."

"No,no,"thetallmansaid."It'snotmoney."

Bobshookhisheadinagreement,frowning,asifhewasdismayedtothinkthathecouldbemistakenforacommonthief.

"Justrelax,"thetallmanrepeated.

"You'vegotthewrongguy,"Elliotassuredthem.

"You'retheone,allright."

"Yes,"Bobsaid."You'retheone.There'snomistake."

Theconversationhadthedisorientingqualityoftheoff-kilterexchangesbetweenAliceandthescrawnydenizensofWonderland.

Puttingdownthevinegarbottleandpickinguptheknife,Elliotsaid,"Getthefuckoutofhere."

"Calmdown,Mr.Stryker,"thetallonesaid.

"Yes,"Bobsaid."Pleasecalmdown."

Elliottookasteptowardthem.

Thetallmanpulledasilencer-equippedpistoloutofashoulderholsterthatwasconcealedunderhisgraysportsjacket."Easy.Justyoutakeitrealniceandeasy."

Elliotbackedupagainstthesink.

"That'sbetter,"thetallmansaid.

"Muchbetter,"Bobsaid.

"Puttheknifedown,andwe'llallbehappy."

"Let'skeepthishappy,"Bobagreed.

"Yeah,niceandhappy."

TheMadHatterwouldbealonganyminutenow.

"Downwiththeknife,"saidthetallman."Comeon,comeon."

FinallyElliotputitdown.

"Pushitacrossthecounter,outofreach."

Elliotdidashewastold."Whoareyouguys?"

"Aslongasyoucooperate,youwon'tgethurt,"thetallmanassuredhim.

Bobsaid,"Let'sgetonwithit,Vince."

Vince,thetallman,said,"We'llusethebreakfastareaoverthereinthecorner."

Bobwenttotheroundmapletable.Heputdowntheblack,physician'sbag,openedit,andwithdrewacompactcassettetaperecorder.Heremovedotherthingsfromthebagtoo:alengthofflexiblerubbertubing,asphygmomanometerformonitoringbloodpressure,twosmallbottlesofamber-coloredfluid,andapacketofdisposablehypodermicsyringes.

Elliot'smindracedthroughalistofcasesthathislawfirmwascurrentlyhandling,searchingforsomeconnectionwiththesetwointruders,buthecouldn'tthinkofone.

Thetallmangesturedwiththegun."Goovertothetableandsitdown."

"Notuntilyoutellmewhatthisisallabout."

"I'mgivingtheordershere."

"ButI'mnottakingthem."

"I'llputaholeinyouifyoudon'tmove."

"No.Youwon'tdothat,"Elliotsaid,wishingthathefeltasconfidentashesounded."You'vegotsomethingelseinmind,andshootingmewouldruinit."

sounded."You'vegotsomethingelseinmind,andshootingmewouldruinit."

"Moveyourassovertothattable."

"Notuntilyouexplainyourself."

Vinceglaredathim.

Elliotmetthestranger'seyesanddidn'tlookaway.

AtlastVincesaid,"Bereasonable.We'vejustgottoaskyousomequestions."

Determinednottoletthemseethathewasfrightened,awarethatanysignoffearwouldbetakenasproofofweakness,Elliotsaid,"Well,you'vegotonehellofaweirdapproachforsomeonewho'sjusttakingapublicopinionsurvey."

"Move."

"Whatarethehypodermicneedlesfor?"

"Move."

"Whataretheyfor?"

Vincesighed."Wegottabesureyoutellusthetruth."

"Theentiretruth,"saidBob.

"Drugs?"Elliotasked.

"They'reeffectiveandreliable,"saidBob.

"Andwhenyou'vefinished,I'llhaveabraintheconsistencyofgrapejelly."

"No,no,"Bobsaid."Thesedrugswon'tdoanylastingphysicalormentaldamage."

"Whatsortofquestions?"Elliotasked.

"I'mlosingmypatiencewithyou,"Vincesaid.

"It'smutual,"Elliotassuredhim.

"It'smutual,"Elliotassuredhim.

"Move."

Elliotdidn'tmoveaninch.Herefusedtolookatthemuzzleofthepistol.Hewantedthemtothinkthatgunsdidn'tscarehim.Inside,hewasvibratinglikeatuningfork.

"Yousonofabitch,move!"

"Whatsortofquestionsdoyouwanttoaskme?"

Thebigmanscowled.

Bobsaid,"ForChrist'ssake,Vince,tellhim.He'sgoingtohearthequestionsanywaywhenhefinallysitsdown.Let'sgetthisoverwithandsplit."

Vincescratchedhisconcrete-blockchinwithhisshovelofahandandthenreachedinsidehisjacket.Fromaninnerpocket,hewithdrewafewsheetsoffoldedtypingpaper.

Thegunwavered,butitdidn'tmoveofftargetfarenoughtogiveElliotachance.

"I'msupposedtoaskyoueveryquestiononthislist,"Vincesaid,shakingthefoldedpaperatElliot."It'salot,thirtyorfortyquestionsaltogether,butitwon'ttakelongifyoujustsitdownoverthereandcooperate."

"Questionsaboutwhat?"Elliotinsisted.

"ChristinaEvans."

ThiswasthelastthingElliotexpected.Hewasdumbfounded."TinaEvans?Whatabouther?"

"Gottoknowwhyshewantsherlittleboy'sgravereopened."

Elliotstaredathim,amazed."Howdoyouknowaboutthat?"

"Nevermind,"Vincesaid.

"Yeah,"Bobsaid."Nevermindhowweknow.Theimportantthingiswedoknow."

"Areyouthebastardswho'vebeenharassingTina?"

"Huh?"

"Areyoutheoneswhokeepsendinghermessages?"

"Whatmessages?"Bobasked.

"Areyoutheoneswhowreckedtheboy'sroom?"

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Vinceasked."Wehaven'theardanythingaboutthis."

"Someone'ssendingmessagesaboutthekid?"Bobasked.

Theyappearedtobegenuinelysurprisedbythisnews,andElliotwasprettysuretheyweren'tthepeoplewhohadbeentryingtoscareTina.Besides,thoughtheybothstruckhimasslightlywacky,theydidn'tseemtobemerelyhoaxersorborderlinepsychopathswhogottheirkicksbyscaringdefenselesswomen.Theylookedandactedlikeorganizationmen,eventhoughthebigonewasroughenoughattheedgestopassforacommonthug.Asilencer-equippedpistol,lock-releasegun,truthserums—theirapparatusindicatedthattheseguyswerepartofasophisticatedoutfitwithsubstantialresources.

"Whataboutthemessagesshe'sbeengetting?"Vinceasked,stillwatchingElliotclosely.

"Iguessthat'sjustonemorequestionyou'renotgoingtogetananswerfor,"Elliotsaid.

"We'llgettheanswer,"Vincesaidcoldly.

"We'llgetalltheanswers,"Bobagreed.

"Now,"Vincesaid,"counselor,areyougoingtowalkovertothetableandsityourassdown,oramIgoingtohavetomotivateyouwiththis?"Hegesturedwithhispistolagain.

"Kennebeck!"Elliotsaid,startledbyasuddeninsight."TheonlywayyoucouldhavefoundoutabouttheexhumationsoquicklyisifKennebecktoldyou."

Thetwomenglancedateachother.Theywereunhappytohearthejudge'sname.

"Who?"Vinceasked,butitwastoolatetocovertherevealinglooktheyhadexchanged.

"That'swhyhestalledme,"Elliotsaid."Hewantedtogiveyoutimetogettome.WhyinthehellshouldKennebeckcarewhetherornotDanny'sgraveisreopened?Whyshouldyoucare?Whothehellareyoupeople?"

TheUrsineescapeefromtheislandofDr.Moreauwasnolongermerelyimpatient;hewasangry."Listen,youstupidfuck,I'mnotgonnahumoryouanylonger.I'mnotgonnaansweranymorequestions,butIamgonnaputabulletinyourcrotchifyoudon'tmoveovertothetableandsitdown."

Elliotpretendednottohaveheardthethreat.Thepistolstillfrightenedhim,buthewasnowthinkingofsomethingelsethatscaredhimmorethanthegun.Achillspreadfromthebaseofhisspine,uphisback,asherealizedwhatthepresenceofthesemenimpliedabouttheaccidentthathadkilledDanny.

"There'ssomethingaboutDanny'sdeath...somethingstrangeaboutthewayallthosescoutsdied.Thetruthofitisn'tanythingliketheversioneveryone'sbeentold.Thebusaccident...that'salie,isn'tit?"

Neithermanansweredhim.

"Thetruthisalotworse,"Elliotsaid."Somethingsoterriblethatsomepowerfulpeoplewanttohushitup.Kennebeck...onceanagent,alwaysanagent.Whichsetoflettersdoyouguysworkfor?NottheFBI.They'reallIvyLeaguersthesedays,polished,educated.SamefortheCIA.You'retoocrude.NottheCID,forsure;there'snomilitarydisciplineaboutyou.Letmeguess.Youworkforsomesetoflettersthepublichasn'tevenheardaboutyet.Somethingsecretanddirty."

Vince'sfacedarkenedlikeaslabofSpamonahotgriddle."Goddamnit,Isaidyouweregoingtoanswerthequestionsfromnowon."

"Relax,"Elliotsaid."I'veplayedyourgame.IwasinArmyIntelligencebackwhen.I'mnotexactlyanoutsider.Iknowhowitworks—therules,themoves.Youdon'thavetobesohard-assedwithme.Openup.Givemeabreak,andI'llgiveyouabreak."

EvidentlysensingVince'sonrushingblowupandawarethatitwouldn'thelpthemaccomplishtheirmission,Bobquicklysaid,"Listen,Stryker,wecan'tanswermostofyourquestionsbecausewedon'tknow.Yes,weworkforagovernmentagency.Yes,it'soneyou'veneverheardofandprobablyneverwill.Butwedon'tknowwhythisDannyEvanskidissoimportant.Wehaven'tbeentoldthedetails,notevenhalfofthem.Andwedon'twanttoknowallofit,either.YouunderstandwhatI'msaying—thelessaguyknows,thelesshecanbenailedforlater.Christ,we'renotbigshotsinthisoutfit.We'restrictlyhiredhelp.Theyonlytellusasmuchasweneedtoknow.Sowillyoucoolit?Justcomeoverhere,sitdown,letmeinjectyou,giveusafewanswers,andwecanallgetonwithourlives.Wecan'tjuststandhereforever."

"Ifyou'reworkingforagovernmentintelligenceagency,thengoawayandcomebackwiththelegalpapers,"Elliotsaid."Showmesearchwarrantsandsubpoenas."

"Youknowbetterthanthat,"Vincesaidharshly.

"Theagencyweworkfordoesn'tofficiallyexist,"Bobsaid."Sohowcananagencythatdoesn'texistgotocourtforasubpoena?Getserious,Mr.Stryker."

"IfIdosubmittothedrug,whathappenstomeafteryou'vegotyouranswers?"Elliotasked.

"Nothing,"Vincesaid.

"Nothingatall,"Bobsaid.

"HowcanIbesure?"

Atthisindicationofimminentsurrender,thetallmanrelaxedslightly,althoughhislumpishfacewasstillflushedwithanger."Itoldyou.Whenwe'vegotwhatwewant,we'llleave.WejusthavetofindoutexactlywhytheEvanswomanwantsthegravereopened.Wehavetoknowifsomeone'srattedtoher.Ifsomeonehas,thenwegottaspikehisasstoabarndoor.Butwedon'thaveanythingagainstyou.Notpersonally,youknow.Afterwefindoutwhatwewanttoknow,we'llleave."

"Andletmegotothepolice?"Elliotasked.

"Copsdon'tscareus,"Vincesaidarrogantly."Hell,youwon'tbeabletotell

"Copsdon'tscareus,"Vincesaidarrogantly."Hell,youwon'tbeabletotellthemwhowewereorwheretheycanstartlookingforus.Theywon'tgetanywhere.Nowhere.Zip.Andiftheydopickupourtrailsomehow,wecanputpressureonthemtodropitfast.Thisisnationalsecuritybusiness,pal,thebiggestofthebigtime.Thegovernmentisallowedtobendtherulesifitwants.Afterall,itmakesthem."

"That'snotquitethewaytheyexplainedthesysteminlawschool,"Elliotsaid.

"Yeah,well,that'sivorytowerstuff,"Bobsaid,nervouslystraighteninghistie.

"Right,"Vincesaid."Andthisisreallife.Nowsitdownatthetablelikeagoodboy."

"Please,Mr.Stryker,"Bobsaid.

"No."

Whentheygottheiranswers,theywouldkillhim.Iftheyhadintendedtolethimlive,theywouldn'thaveusedtheirrealnamesinfrontofhim.Andtheywouldn'thavewastedsomuchtimecoaxinghimtocooperate;theywouldhaveusedforcewithouthesitation.Theywantedtogainhiscooperationwithoutviolencebecausetheywerereluctanttomarkhim;theirintentionwasthathisdeathshouldappeartobeanaccidentorasuicide.Thescenario*wasobvious.Probablyasuicide.Whilehewasstillundertheinfluenceofthedrug,theymightbeabletomakehimwriteasuicidenoteandsignitinalegible,identifiablescript.Thentheywouldcarryhimouttothegarage,prophimupinhislittleMercedes,puttheseatbeltsnuglyaroundhim,andstarttheenginewithoutopeningthegaragedoor.Hewouldbetoodruggedtomove,andthecarbonmonoxidewoulddotherest.Inadayortwosomeonewouldfindhimoutthere,hisfaceblue-green-gray,histonguedarkandlolling,hiseyesbulgingintheirsocketsashestaredthroughthewindshieldasifonadrivetoHell.Iftherewerenounusualmarksonhisbody,noinjuriesincompatiblewiththecoroner'sdeterminationofsuicide,thepolicewouldbequicklysatisfied."No,"hesaidagain,louderthistime."Ifyoubastardswantmetositdownatthattable,you'regoingtohavetodragmethere."

16

TINARESOLUTELYCLEANEDUPTHEMESSINDanny'sroomandpackedhisbelongings.SheintendedtodonateeverythingtoGoodwillIndustries.

Severaltimesshewasonthevergeoftearsasthesightofoneobjectoranotherreleasedafloodofmemories.Shegrittedherteeth,however,andrestrainedtheurgetoleavetheroomwiththejobuncompleted.

Notmuchremainedtobedone:Thecontentsofthreecartonsinthebackofthedeepclosethadtobesorted.Shetriedtoliftoneofthem,butitwastooheavy.Shedraggeditintothebedroom,acrossthecarpet,intotheshaftsofreddish-goldafternoonsunlightthatfilteredthroughtheshelteringtreesoutsideandthenthroughthedust-filmedwindow.

Whensheopenedthecarton,shesawthatitcontainedpartofDanny'scollectionofcomicbooksandgraphicnovels.Theyweremostlyhorrorcomics.

She'dneverbeenabletounderstandthismorbidstreakinhim.Monstermovies.Horrorcomics.Vampirenovels.Scarystoriesofeverykind,ineverymedium.Initiallyhisgrowingfascinationwiththemacabrehadnotseemedentirelyhealthytoher,butshehadneverdeniedhimthefreedomtopursueit.Mostofhisfriendshadsharedhisavidinterestinghostsandghouls;besides,thegrotesquehadn'tbeenhisonlyinterest,soshehaddecidednottoworryaboutit.

Inthecartonweretwostacksofcomicbooks,andthetwoissuesontopsportedgruesome,full-colorcovers.Onthefirst,ablackcarriage,drawnbyfourblackhorseswithevilglaringeyes,rushedalonganighthighway,beneathagibbousmoon,andaheadlessmanheldthereins,urgingthefrenziedhorsesforward.Brightbloodstreamedfromtheraggedstumpofthecoachman'sneck,andgelatinousclotsofbloodclungtohiswhite,ruffledshirt.Hisgrislyheadstoodonthedriver'sseatbesidehim,grinningfiendishly,filledwithmalevolentlifeeventhoughithadbeenbrutallyseveredfromhisbody.

Tinagrimaced.IfthiswaswhatDannyhadreadbeforegoingtobedatnight,howhadhebeenabletosleepsowell?He'dalwaysbeenadeep,unmovingsleeper,nevertroubledbybaddreams.

sleeper,nevertroubledbybaddreams.

Shedraggedanothercartonoutofthecloset.Itwasasheavyasthefirst,andshefigureditcontainedmorecomicbooks,butsheopenedittobesure.

Shegaspedinshock.

Hewasglaringupatherfrominsidethebox.Fromthecoverofagraphicnovel.Him.Themandressedallinblack.Thatsameface.Mostlyskullandwitheredflesh.Prominentsocketsofbone,andthemenacing,inhumancrimsoneyesstaringoutwithintensehatred.Theclusterofmaggotssquirmingonhischeek,atthecornerofoneeye.Therotten,yellow-toothedgrin.Ineveryrepulsivedetail,hewaspreciselylikethehideouscreaturethatstalkedhernightmares.

Howcouldshehavedreamedaboutthishideouscreaturejustlastnightandthenfinditwaitingforherhere,today,onlyhourslater?

Shesteppedbackfromthecardboardbox.

Theburning,scarleteyesofthemonstrousfigureinthedrawingseemedtofollowher.

ShemusthaveseenthisluridcoverillustrationwhenDannyhadfirstbroughtthemagazineintothehouse.Thememoryofitwasfixedinhersubconscious,festering,untilsheeventuallyincorporateditintohernightmares.

Thatseemedtobetheonlylogicalexplanation.

Butsheknewitwasn'ttrue.

Shehadneverseenthisdrawingbefore.WhenDannyhadfirstbeguncollectinghorrorcomicswithhisallowance,shehadcloselyexaminedthosebookstodecidewhetherornottheywereharmfultohim.Butaftershehadmadeuphermindtolethimreadsuchstuff,sheneverthereafterevenglancedathispurchases.

Yetshehaddreamedaboutthemaninblack.

Andherehewas.Grinningather.

Curiousaboutthestoryfromwhichtheillustrationhadbeentaken,Tinasteppedtotheboxagaintopluckoutthegraphicnovel.Itwasthickerthanacomicbook

totheboxagaintopluckoutthegraphicnovel.Itwasthickerthanacomicbookandprintedonslickpaper.

Asherfingerstouchedtheglossycover,abellrang.

Sheflinchedandgasped.

Thebellrangagain,andsherealizedthatsomeonewasatthefrontdoor.

Heartthumping,shewenttothefoyer.

Throughthefish-eyelensinthedoor,shesawayoung,clean-cutmanwearingabluecapwithanunidentifiableemblemonit.Hewassmiling,waitingtobeacknowledged.

Shedidn'topenthedoor."Whatdoyouwant?"

"Gas-companyrepair.Weneedtocheckourlineswheretheycomeintoyourhouse."

Tinafrowned."OnNewYear'sDay?"

"Emergencycrew,"therepairmansaidthroughthecloseddoor."We'reinvestigatingapossiblegasleakintheneighborhood."

Shehesitated,butthenopenedthedoorwithoutremovingtheheavy-dutysecuritychain.Shestudiedhimthroughthenarrowgap."Gasleak?"

Hesmiledreassuringly."Thereprobablyisn'tanydanger.We'velostsomepressureinourlines,andwe'retryingtofindthecauseofit.Noreasontoevacuatepeopleorpanicoranything.Butwe'retryingtocheckeveryhouse.Doyouhaveagasstoveinthekitchen?"

"No.Electric."

"Whatabouttheheatingsystem?"

"Yes.There'sagasfurnace."

"Yeah.Ithinkallthehousesinthisareahavegasfurnaces.I'dbetterhavealookatit,checkthefittings,theincomingfeed,allthat."

Shelookedhimovercarefully.Hewaswearingagas-companyuniform,andhewascarryingalargetoolkitwiththegas-companyemblemonit.

Shesaid,"CanIseesomeidentification?"

"Sure."Fromhisshirtpocket,hewithdrewalaminatedIDcardwiththegas-companyseal,hispicture,hisname,andhisphysicalstatistics.

Feelingslightlyfoolish,likeaneasilyspookedoldwoman,Tinasaid,"I'msorry.It'snotthatyoustrikemeasadangerouspersonoranything.Ijust—"

"Hey,it'sokay.Don'tapologize.Youdidtherightthing,askingforanID.Thesedays,you'recrazyifyouopenyourdoorwithoutknowingexactlywho'sontheothersideofit."

Sheclosedthedoorlongenoughtoslipoffthesecuritychain.Thensheopeneditagainandsteppedback."Comein."

"Where'sthefurnace?Inthegarage?"

FewVegashouseshadbasements."Yes.Thegarage."

"Ifyouwant,Icouldjustgointhroughthegaragedoor."

"No.That'sallright.Comein."

Hesteppedacrossthethreshold.

Sheclosedandlockedthedoor.

"Niceplaceyou'vegothere."

"Thankyou."

"Cozy.Goodsenseofcolor.Alltheseearthtones.Ilikethat.It'salittlebitlikeourhouse.Mywifehasarealgoodsenseofcolor."

"It'srelaxing,"Tinasaid.

"Isn'tit?Soniceandnatural."

"Thegarageisthisway,"shesaid.

"Thegarageisthisway,"shesaid.

Hefollowedherpastthekitchen,intotheshorthall,intothelaundryroom,andfromthereintothegarage.

Tinaswitchedonthelight.Thedarknesswasdispelled,butshadowsremainedalongthewallsandinthecorners.

Thegaragewasslightlymusty,butTinawasn'tabletodetecttheodorofgas.

"Doesn'tsmelllikethere'stroublehere,"shesaid.

"You'reprobablyright.Butyounevercantell.Itcouldbeanundergroundbreakonyourproperty.Gasmightbeleakingundertheconcreteslabandbuildingupdownthere,inwhichcaseit'spossibleyouwouldn'tdetectitrightaway,butyou'dstillbesittingontopofabomb."

"Whatalovelythought."

"Makeslifeinteresting."

"It'sagoodthingyou'renotworkinginthegascompany'spublicrelationsdepartment."

Helaughed."Don'tworry.IfIreallybelievedtherewaseventhetiniestchanceofanythinglikethat,wouldIbestandingheresocheerful?"

"Iguessnot."

"Youcanbetonit.Really.Don'tworry.Thisisjustgoingtobearoutinecheck."

Hewenttothefurnace,puthisheavytoolkitonthefloor,andhunkereddown.Heopenedahingedplate,exposingthefurnace'sworkings.Aringofbrilliant,pulsingflamewasvisibleinthere,anditbathedhisfaceinaneeriebluelight.

"Well?"shesaid.

Helookedupather."Thiswilltakememaybefifteenortwentyminutes."

"Oh.Ithoughtitwasjustasimplething."

"It'sbesttobethoroughinasituationlikethis."

"It'sbesttobethoroughinasituationlikethis."

"Byallmeans,bethorough."

"Hey,ifyou'vegotsomethingtodo,feelfreetogoaheadwithit.Iwon'tbeneedinganything."

Tinathoughtofthegraphicnovelwiththemaninblackonitscover.Shewascuriousaboutthestoryoutofwhichthatcreaturehadstepped,forshehadthepeculiarfeelingthat,insomeway,itwouldbesimilartothestoryofDanny'sdeath.Thiswasabizarrenotion,andshedidn'tknowwhereithadcomefrom,butshecouldn'tdispelit.

"Well,"shesaid,"Iwascleaningthebackroom.Ifyou'resure—"

"Oh,certainly,"hesaid."Goahead.Don'tletmeinterruptyourhousework."

Shelefthimthereintheshadowygarage,hisfacepaintedbyshimmeringbluelight,hiseyesgleamingwithtwinreflectionsoffire.

17

WHENELLIOTREFUSEDTOMOVEAWAYFROMTHEsinktothebreakfasttableinthefarcornerofthebigkitchen,Bob,thesmallerofthetwomen,hesitated,thenreluctantlytookasteptowardhim.

"Wait,"Vincesaid.

Bobstopped,obviouslyrelievedthathishulkingaccomplicewasgoingtodealwithElliot.

"Don'tgetinmyway,"Vinceadvised.Hetuckedthesheafoftypewrittenquestionsintohiscoatpocket."Letmehandlethisbastard."

Bobretreatedtothetable,andElliotturnedhisattentiontothelargerintruder.

Vinceheldthepistolinhisrighthandandmadeafistwithhisleft."Youreallythinkyouwanttotanglewithme,littleman?Hell,myfistisjustaboutasbigasyourhead.Youknowwhatthisfistisgoingtofeellikewhenithits,littleman?"

Elliothadaprettygoodideaofwhatitwouldfeellike,andhewassweatingunderhisarmsandinthesmallofhisback,buthedidn'tmove,andhedidn'trespondtothestranger'staunting.

"It'sgoingtofeellikeafreighttrainrammingstraightthroughyou,"Vincesaid."Sostopbeingsodamnstubborn."

Theyweregoingtogreatlengthstoavoidusingviolence,whichconfirmedElliot'ssuspicionthattheywantedtoleavehimunmarked,sothatlaterhisbodywouldbearnocutsorbruisesincompatiblewithsuicide.

Thebear-who-would-be-a-manshambledtowardhim."Youwanttochangeyourmind,becooperative?"

Elliotheldhisground.

"Onegoodpunchinthebelly,"Vincesaid,"andyou'llbepukingyourgutsoutonyourshoes."

onyourshoes."

Anotherstep.

"Andwhenyou'redonepukingyourgutsout,"Vincesaid,"I'mgoingtograbyoubyyourballsanddragyouovertothetable."

Onemorestep.

Thenthebigmanstopped.

Theywereonlyanarm'slengthapart.

ElliotglancedatBob,whowasstillstandingatthebreakfasttable,thepacketofsyringesinhishand.

"Lastchancetodoittheeasyway,"Vincesaid.

Inonesmoothlightning-fastmovement,Elliotseizedthemeasuringcupintowhichhehadpouredfourouncesofvinegarafewminutesago,andhethrewthecontentsinVince'sface.Thebigmancriedoutinsurpriseandpain,temporarilyblinded.Elliotdroppedthemeasuringcupandseizedthegun,butVincereflexivelysqueezedoffashotthatbreezedpastElliot'sfaceandsmashedthewindowbehindthesink.Elliotduckedawildroundhousepunch,steppedinclose,stillholdingontothepistolthattheothermanwouldn'tsurrender.Heswungonearmaround,slamminghisbentelbowintoVince'sthroat.Thebigman'sheadsnappedback,andElliotchoppedtheexposedAdam'sapplewiththeflatbladeofhishand.Herammedhiskneeintohisadversary'scrotchandtorethegunoutofthebear-pawhandasthoseclutchingfingerswentslack.Vincebentforward,gagging,andElliotslammedthebuttofthegunagainstthesideofhishead,withasoundlikestonemeetingstone.

Elliotsteppedback.

Vincedroppedtohisknees,thenontohisface.Hestayedthere,tongue-kissingthefloortiles.

Theentirebattlehadtakenlessthantenseconds.

Thebigmanhadbeenoverconfident,certainthathissix-inchadvantageinheightandhisextraeightypoundsofmusclemadehimunbeatable.Hehadbeen

heightandhisextraeightypoundsofmusclemadehimunbeatable.Hehadbeenwrong.

Elliotswungtowardtheotherintruder,pointingtheconfiscatedpistol.

Bobwasalreadyoutofthekitchen,inthediningroom,runningtowardthefrontofthehouse.Evidentlyhewasn'tcarryingagun,andhewasimpressedbythespeedandeasewithwhichhispartnerhadbeentakenoutofaction.

Elliotwentafterhimbutwasslowedbythedining-roomchairs,whichthefleeingmanhadoverturnedinhiswake.Inthelivingroom,otherfurniturewasknockedover,andbookswerestrewnonthefloor.Theroutetotheentrancefoyerwasanobstaclecourse.

BythetimeElliotreachedthefrontdoorandrushedoutofthehouse,Bobhadrunthelengthofthedrivewayandcrossedthestreet.Hewasclimbingintoadark-green,unmarkedChevysedan.ElliotgottothestreetintimetowatchtheChevypullaway,tiressquealing,engineroaring.

Hecouldn'tgetthelicensenumber.Theplatesweresmearedwithmud.

Hehurriedbacktothehouse.

Themaninthekitchenwasstillunconsciousandwouldprobablyremainthatwayforanothertenorfifteenminutes.Elliotcheckedhispulseandpulledbackoneofhiseyelids.Vincewouldsurvive,althoughhemightneedhospitalization,andhewouldn'tbeabletoswallowwithoutpainfordaystocome.

Elliotwentthroughthethug'spockets.Hefoundsomesmallchange,acomb,awallet,andthesheafofpapersonwhichweretypedthequestionsthatElliothadbeenexpectedtoanswer.

Hefoldedthepagesandstuffedthemintohishippocket.

Vince'swalletcontainedninety-twodollars,nocreditcards,nodriver'slicense,noidentificationofanykind.DefinitelynotFBI.Bureaumencarriedthepropercredentials.NotCIA,either.CIAoperativeswereloadedwithID,evenifitwasinaphonyname.AsfarasElliotwasconcerned,theabsenceofIDwasmoresinisterthanacollectionofpatentlyfalsepaperswouldhavebeen,becausethisabsoluteanonymitysmackedofasecretpoliceorganization.

Secretpolice.SuchapossibilityscaredthehelloutofElliot.Notinthegoodold

Secretpolice.SuchapossibilityscaredthehelloutofElliot.NotinthegoodoldU.S.ofA.Surelynot.InChina,inthenewRussia,inIranorIraq—yes.InaSouthAmericanbananarepublic—yes.Inhalfthecountriesintheworld,thereweresecretpolice,moderngestapos,andcitizenslivedinfearofalate-nightknockonthedoor.ButnotinAmerica,damnit.

Evenifthegovernmenthadestablishedasecretpoliceforce,however,whywasitsoanxioustocoverupthetruefactsofDanny'sdeath?WhatweretheytryingtohideabouttheSierratragedy?Whatreallyhadhappenedupinthosemountains?

Tina.

Suddenlyherealizedshewasinasmuchdangerashewas.Ifthesepeopleweredeterminedtokillhimjusttostoptheexhumation,theywouldhavetokillTina.Infact,shemustbetheirprimarytarget.

Herantothekitchenphone,snatchedupthehandset,andrealizedthathedidn'tknowhernumber.Hequicklyleafedthroughthetelephonedirectory.ButtherewasnolistingforChristinaEvans.

Hewouldneverbeabletoconanunlistednumberoutofthedirectory-assistanceoperator.Bythetimehecalledthepoliceandmanagedtoexplainthesituation,theymightbetoolatetohelpTina.

Brieflyhestoodinterribleindecision,incapacitatedbytheprospectoflosingTina.Hethoughtofherslightlycrookedsmile,hereyesasquickanddeepandcoolandblueasapuremountainstream.Thepressureinhischestgrewsogreatthathecouldn'tgethisbreath.

Thenherememberedheraddress.Shehadgivenittohimtwonightsago,atthepartyafterthepremiereofMagyck!Shedidn'tlivefarfromhim.Hecouldbeatherplaceinfiveminutes.

Hestillhadthesilencer-equippedpistolinhishand,andhedecidedtokeepit.

Herantothecarinthedriveway.

18

TINALEFTTHEREPAIRMANFROMTHEGASCOMPANYinthegarageandreturnedtoDanny'sroom.Shetookthegraphicnoveloutofthecartonandsatontheedgeofthebedinthetarnished-coppersunlightthatfelllikeashowerofpenniesthroughthewindow.

Themagazinecontainedhalfadozenillustratedhorrorstories.Theonefromwhichthecoverpaintinghadbeendrawnwassixteenpageslong.Inlettersthatweresupposedtolookasiftheyhadbeenformedfromrottingshroudcloth,theartisthademblazonedthetitleacrossthetopofthefirstpage,aboveasomber,well-detailedsceneofarain-sweptgraveyard.Tinastaredatthosewordsinshockeddisbelief.

THEBOYWHOWASNOTDEAD

Shethoughtofthewordsonthechalkboardandonthecomputerprintout:Notdead,notdead,notdead....

Herhandsshook.Shehadtroubleholdingthemagazinesteadyenoughtoread.

Thestorywassetinthemid-nineteenthcentury,whenaphysician'sperceptionofthethinlinebetweenlifeanddeathwasoftencloudy.Itwasthetaleofaboy,Kevin,whofelloffaroofandtookabadknockonthehead,thereafterslippingintoadeepcoma.Theboy'svitalsignswereundetectabletothemedicaltechnologyofthatera.Thedoctorpronouncedhimdead,andhisgrievingparentscommittedKevintothegrave.Inthosedaysthecorpsewasnotembalmed;therefore,theboywasburiedwhilestillalive.Kevin'sparentswentawayfromthecityimmediatelyafterthefuneral,intendingtospendamonthattheirsummerhouseinthecountry,wheretheycouldbefreefromthepressofbusinessandsocialduties,thebettertomourntheirlostchild.Butthefirstnightinthecountry,themotherreceivedavisioninwhichKevinwasburiedaliveandcallingforher.Thevisionwassovivid,sodisturbing,thatsheandherhusband

callingforher.Thevisionwassovivid,sodisturbing,thatsheandherhusbandracedbacktothecitythatverynighttohavethegravereopenedatdawn.ButDeathdecidedthatKevinbelongedtohim,becausethefuneralhadbeenheldalreadyandbecausethegravehadbeenclosed.Deathwasdeterminedthattheparentswouldnotreachthecemeteryintimetosavetheirson.MostofthestorydealtwithDeath'sattemptstostopthemotherandfatherontheirdesperatenightjourney;theywereassaultedbyeveryformofthewalkingdead,everymanneroflivingcorpseandvampireandghoulandzombieandghost,buttheytriumphed.Theyarrivedatthegravebydawn,haditopened,andfoundtheirsonalive,releasedfromhiscoma.ThelastpaneloftheillustratedstoryshowedtheparentsandtheboywalkingoutofthegraveyardwhileDeathwatchedthemleave.Deathwassaying,"Onlyatemporaryvictory.You'llallbeminesoonerorlater.You'llbebacksomeday.I'llbewaitingforyou."

Tinawasdry-mouthed,weak.

Shedidn'tknowwhattomakeofthedamnedthing.

Thiswasjustasillycomicbook,anabsurdhorrorstory.Yet...strangeparallelsexistedbetweenthisgruesometaleandtherecentuglinessinherownlife.

Sheputthemagazineaside,cover-down,soshewouldn'thavetomeetDeath'swormy,red-eyedgaze.

TheBoyWhoWasNotDead.

Itwasweird.

ShehaddreamedthatDannywasburiedalive.Intoherdreamsheincorporatedagrislycharacterfromanoldissueofahorror-comicsmagazinethatwasinDanny'scollection.Theleadstoryinthisissuewasaboutaboy,approximatelyDanny'sage,mistakenlypronounceddead,thenburiedalive,andthenexhumed.

Coincidence?

Yeah,sure,justaboutascoincidentalassunrisefollowingsunset.

Crazily,Tinafeltasifhernightmarehadnotcomefromwithinher,butfromwithout,asifsomepersonorforcehadprojectedthedreamintohermindinaneffortto—

Towhat?

Towhat?

TotellherthatDannyhadbeenburiedalive?

Impossible.Hecouldnothavebeenburiedalive.Theboyhadbeenbattered,burned,frozen,horriblymutilatedinthecrash,deadbeyondanyshadowofadoubt.That'swhatboththeauthoritiesandthemorticianhadtoldher.Furthermore,thiswasnotthemid-nineteenthcentury;thesedays,doctorscoulddetecteventhevaguestheartbeat,theshallowestrespiration,thedimmesttracesofbrainwaveactivity.

Dannycertainlyhadbeendeadwhentheyhadburiedhim.

Andif,bysomemillion-to-onechance,theboyhadbeenalivewhenhe'dbeenburied,whywouldittakeanentireyearforhertoreceiveavisionfromthespiritworld?

Thislastthoughtprofoundlyshockedher.Thespiritworld?Visions?Clairvoyantexperiences?Shedidn'tbelieveinanyofthatpsychic,supernaturalstuff.Atleastshe'dalwaysthoughtshedidn'tbelieveinit.Yetnowshewasseriouslyconsideringthepossibilitythatherdreamshadsomeotherworldlysignificance.Thiswassheerclaptrap.Utternonsense.Therootsofalldreamsweretobefoundinthestoreofexperiencesinthepsyche;dreamswerenotsentlikeetherealtelegramsfromspiritsorgodsordemons.Hersuddengullibilitydismayedandalarmedher,becauseitindicatedthatthedecisiontohaveDanny'sbodyexhumedwasnothavingthestabilizingeffectonheremotionsthatshehadhopeditwould.

Tinagotupfromthebed,wenttothewindow,andgazedatthequietstreet,thepalms,theolivetrees.

Shehadtoconcentrateontheindisputablefacts.Ruleoutallofthisnonsenseaboutthedreamhavingbeensentbysomeoutsideforce.Itwasherdream,entirelyofhermaking.

Butwhataboutthehorrorcomic?

Asfarasshecouldsee,onlyonerationalexplanationpresenteditself.ShemusthaveglimpsedthegrotesquefigureofDeathonthecoverofthemagazinewhenDannyfirstbroughttheissuehomefromthenewsstand.

Exceptthatsheknewshehadn't.

Andevenifshehadseenthecolorillustrationbefore,sheknewdamnedwellthatshehadn'treadthestory—TheBoyWhoWasNotDead.ShehadpagedthroughonlytwoofthemagazinesDannyhadbought,thefirsttwo,whenshehadbeentryingtomakeuphermindwhethersuchunusualreadingmaterialcouldhaveanyharmfuleffectsonhim.Fromthedateonitscover,sheknewthattheissuecontainingTheBoyWhoWasNotDeadcouldn'tbeoneofthefirstpiecesinDanny'scollection.Ithadbeenpublishedonlytwoyearsago,longaftershehaddecidedthathorrorcomicswereharmless.

Shewasbackwhereshe'dstarted.

Herdreamhadbeenpatternedaftertheimagesintheillustratedhorrorstory.Thatseemedindisputable.

Butshehadn'treadthestoryuntilafewminutesago.Thatwasafactaswell.

Frustratedandangryatherselfforherinabilitytosolvethepuzzle,sheturnedfromthewindow.Shewentbacktothebedtohaveanotherlookatthemagazine,whichshe'dleftthere.

Thegascompanyworkmancalledfromthefrontofthehouse,startlingTina.

Shefoundhimwaitingbythefrontdoor.

"I'mfinished,"hesaid."IjustwantedtoletyouknowIwasgoing,soyoucouldlockthedoorbehindme."

"Everythingallright?"

"Oh,yeah.Sure.Everythinghereisingreatshape.Ifthere'sagasleakinthisneighborhood,it'snotanywhereonyourproperty."

Shethankedhim,andhesaidhewasonlydoinghisjob.Theybothsaid"Haveaniceday,"andshelockedthedoorafterheleft.

ShereturnedtoDanny'sroomandpickeduptheluridmagazine.Deathglaredhungrilyatherfromthecover.

Sittingontheedgeofthebed,shereadthestoryagain,hopingtoseesomething

Sittingontheedgeofthebed,shereadthestoryagain,hopingtoseesomethingimportantinitthatshehadoverlookedinthefirstreading.

Threeorfourminuteslaterthedoorbellrang—one,two,three,fourtimes,insistently.

Carryingthemagazine,shewenttoanswerthebell.Itrangthreemoretimesduringthetensecondsthatshetooktoreachthefrontdoor.

"Don'tbesodamnimpatient,"shemuttered.

Tohersurprise,throughthefish-eyelens,shesawElliotonthestoop.

Whensheopenedthedoor,hecameinfast,almostinacrouch,glancingpasther,leftandright,towardthelivingroom,thentowardthediningarea,speakingrapidly,urgently."Areyouokay?Areyouallright?"

"I'mfine.What'swrongwithyou?"

"Areyoualone?"

"Notnowthatyou'rehere."

Heclosedthedoor,lockedit."Packasuitcase."

"What?"

"Idon'tthinkit'ssafeforyoutostayhere."

"Elliot,isthatagun?"

"Yeah.Iwas—"

"Arealgun?"

"Yeah.Itookitofftheguywhotriedtokillme."

Shewasmoreabletobelievethathewasjokingthanthathehadreallybeenindanger."Whatman?When?"

"Afewminutesago.Atmyplace."

"But—"

"But—"

"Listen,Tina,theywantedtokillmejustbecauseIwasgoingtohelpyougetDanny'sbodyexhumed."

Shegapedathim."Whatareyoutalkingabout?"

"Murder.Conspiracy.Somethingdamnstrange.Theyprobablyintendtokillyoutoo."

"Butthat's—"

"Crazy,"hesaid."Iknow.Butit'strue."

"Elliot—"

"Canyoupackasuitcasefast?"

Atfirstshehalfbelievedthathewastryingtobefunny,playingagametoamuseher,andshewasgoingtotellhimthatnoneofthisstruckherasfunny.Butshestaredintohisdark,expressiveeyes,andsheknewthathe'dmeanteverywordhesaid.

"MyGod,Elliot,didsomeonereallytrytokillyou?"

"I'lltellyouaboutitlater."

"Areyouhurt?"

"No,no.Butweoughttolielowuntilwecanfigurethisout."

"Didyoucallthepolice?"

"I'mnotsurethat'sagoodidea."

"Whynot?"

"Maybethey'repartofitsomehow."

"Partofit?Thecops?"

"Wheredoyoukeepyoursuitcases?"

"Wheredoyoukeepyoursuitcases?"

Shefeltdizzy."Wherearewegoing?"

"Idon'tknowyet."

"But—"

"Comeon.Hurry.Let'sgetyoupackedandthehelloutofherebeforeanymoreoftheseguysshowup."

"Ihavesuitcasesinmybedroomcloset."

Heputahandagainstherback,gentlybutfirmlyurgingheroutofthefoyer.

Sheheadedforthemasterbedroom,confusedandbeginningtobefrightened.

Hefollowedclosebehindher."Hasanyonebeenaroundherethisafternoon?"

"Justme."

"Imean,anyonesnoopingaround?Anyoneatthedoor?"

"No."

"Ican'tfigurewhythey'dcomeformefirst."

"Well,therewasthegasman,"Tinasaidasshehurrieddowntheshorthalltowardthemasterbedroom.

"Thewhat?"

"Therepairmanfromthegascompany."

Elliotputahandonhershoulder,stoppedher,andturnedheraroundjustastheyenteredthebedroom."Agascompanyworkman?"

"Yes.Don'tworry.Iaskedtoseehiscredentials."

Elliotfrowned."Butit'saholiday."

"Hewasanemergencycrewman."

"Whatemergency?"

"They'velostsomepressureinthegaslines.Theythinktheremightbealeakinthisneighborhood."

ThefurrowsinElliot'sbrowgrewdeeper."Whatdidthisworkmanneedtoseeyoufor?"

"Hewantedtocheckmyfurnace,makesuretherewasn'tanygasescaping."

"Youdidn'tlethimin?"

"Sure.HehadaphotoIDcardfromthegascompany.Hecheckedthefurnace,anditwasokay."

"Whenwasthis?"

"Heleftjustacoupleminutesbeforeyoucamein."

"Howlongwashehere?"

"Fifteen,twentyminutes."

"Ittookhimthatlongtocheckoutthefurnace?"

"Hewantedtobethorough.Hesaid—"

"Wereyouwithhimthewholetime?"

"No.IwascleaningoutDanny'sroom."

"Where'syourfurnace?"

"Inthegarage."

"Showme."

"Whataboutthesuitcases?"

"Theremaynotbetime,"hesaid.

Hewaspale.Finebeadsofsweathadpoppedoutalonghishairline.

Hewaspale.Finebeadsofsweathadpoppedoutalonghishairline.

Shefelttheblooddrainfromherface.

Shesaid,"MyGod,youdon'tthink—"

"Thefurnace!"

"Thisway."

Stillcarryingthemagazine,sherushedthroughthehouse,pastthekitchen,intothelaundryroom.Adoorstoodatthefarendofthisnarrow,rectangularworkarea.Asshereachedfortheknob,shesmelledthegasinthegarage.

"Don'topenthatdoor!"Elliotwarned.

Shesnatchedherhandofftheknobasifshehadalmostpickedupatarantula.

"Thelatchmightcauseaspark,"Elliotsaid."Let'sgetthehellout.Thefrontdoor.Comeon.Fast!"

Theyhurriedbackthewaytheyhadcome.

Tinapassedaleafygreenplant,afour-foot-highschef-flerathatshehadownedsinceitwasonlyone-fourthastallasitwasnow,andshehadtheinsaneurgetostopandriskgettingcaughtinthecomingexplosionjustlongenoughtopickuptheplantandtakeitwithher.Butanimageofcrimsoneyes,yellowskin—theleeringfaceofdeath—flashedthroughhermind,andshekeptmoving.

Shetightenedhergriponthehorror-comicsmagazineinherlefthand.Itwasimportantthatshenotloseit.

Inthefoyer,Elliotjerkedopenthefrontdoor,pushedherthroughaheadofhim,andtheybothplungedintothegoldenlate-afternoonsunshine.

"Intothestreet!"Ellioturged.

Ablood-freezingimageroseatthebackofhermind:thehousetornapartbyacolossalblast,shrapnelofwoodandglassandmetalwhistlingtowardher,hundredsofsharpfragmentspiercingherfromheadtofoot.

Theflagstonewalkthatledacrossherfrontlawnseemedtobeoneofthose

Theflagstonewalkthatledacrossherfrontlawnseemedtobeoneofthosetreadmillpathwaysinadream,stretchingoutfartherinfrontofhertheharderthatsheran,butatlastshereachedtheendofitanddashedintothestreet.Elliot'sMercedeswasparkedatthefarcurb,andshewassixoreightfeetfromthecarwhenthesuddenoutward-sweepingshockoftheexplosionshovedherforward.Shestumbledandfellintothesideofthesportscar,bangingherkneepainfully.

Twistingaroundinterror,shecalledElliot'sname.Hewassafe,closebehindher,knockedoffbalancebytheforceoftheshockwave,staggeringforward,butunhurt.

Thegaragehadgoneupfirst,thebigdoorrippingfromitshingesandsplinteringintothedriveway,theroofdissolvinginaconfetti-showerofshakeshinglesandflamingdebris.ButevenasTinalookedfromElliottothefire,beforealloftheshingleshadfallenbacktoearth,asecondexplosionslammedthroughthehouse,andabillowingcloudofflameroaredfromoneendofthestructuretotheother,burstingthosefewwindowsthathadmiraculouslysurvivedthefirstblast.

Tinawatched,stunned,asflamesleapedfromawindowofthehouseandigniteddrypalmfrondsonanearbytree.

ElliotpushedherawayfromtheMercedessohecouldopenthedooronthepassengerside."Getin.Quick!"

"Butmyhouseisonfire!"

"Youcan'tsaveitnow."

"Wehavetowaitforthefirecompany."

"Thelongerwestandhere,thebettertargetswemake."

Hegrabbedherarm,swungherawayfromtheburninghouse,thesightofwhichaffectedherasmuchasifithadbeenahypnotist'sslowlyswingingpocketwatch.

"ForGod'ssake,Tina,getinthecar,andlet'sgobeforetheshootingstarts."

Frightened,dazedbytheincrediblespeedatwhichherworldhadbeguntodisintegrate,shedidashesaid.

Whenshewasinthecar,heshutherdoor,rantothedriver'sside,andclimbedinbehindthesteeringwheel.

"Areyouallright?"heasked.

Shenoddeddumbly.

"Atleastwe'restillalive,"hesaid.

Heputthepistolonhislap,themuzzlefacingtowardhisdoor,awayfromTina.Thekeyswereintheignition.Hestartedthecar.Hishandswereshaking.

Tinalookedoutthesidewindow,watchingindisbeliefastheflamesspreadfromtheshatteredgaragerooftothemainroofofthehouse,longtonguesoflambentfire,licking,licking,hungry,bloodredinthelastorangelightoftheafternoon.

19

ASELLIOTDROVEAWAYFROMTHEBURNINGhouse,hisinstinctualsenseofdangerwasassensitiveasithadbeeninhismilitarydays.Hewasonthethinlinethatseparatedanimalalertnessfromnervousfrenzy.

Heglancedattherearviewmirrorandsawablackvanpullawayfromthecurb,halfablockbehindthem.

"We'rebeingfollowed,"hesaid.

Tinahadbeenlookingbackatherhouse.Nowsheturnedallthewayaroundandstaredthroughtherearwindowofthesportscar."I'llbetthebastardwhoriggedmyfurnaceisinthattruck."

"Probably."

"IfIcouldgetmyhandsonthesonofabitch,I'dgougehiseyesout."

HerfurysurprisedandpleasedElliot.Stupefiedbytheunexpectedviolence,bythelossofherhouse,andbyherclosebrushwithdeath,shehadseemedtobeinatrance;nowshehadsnappedoutofit.Hewasencouragedbyherresilience.

"Putonyourseatbelt,"hesaid."We'llbemovingfastandloose."

Shefacedfrontandbuckledup."Areyougoingtotrytolosethem?"

"I'mnotjustgoingtotry."

Inthisresidentialneighborhoodthespeedlimitwastwenty-fivemilesanhour.Elliottrampedontheaccelerator,andthelow,sleek,two-seatMercedesjumpedforward.

Behindthemthevandwindledrapidly,untilitwasablockandahalfaway.Thenitstoppeddwindlingasitalsoaccelerated.

"Hecan'tcatchupwithus,"Elliotsaid."Thebesthecanhopetodoisavoidlosingmoreground."

losingmoreground."

Alongthestreet,peoplecameoutoftheirhouses,seekingthesourceoftheexplosion.TheirheadsturnedastheMercedesrocketedpast.

WhenElliotroundedthecornertwoblockslater,hebrakedfromsixtymilesanhourtomaketheturn.Thetiressquealed,andthecarslidsideways,butthesuperbsuspensionandresponsivesteeringheldtheMercedesfirmlyonfourwheelsallthewaythroughthearc.

"Youdon'tthinkthey'llactuallystartshootingatus?"Tinaasked.

"HellifIknow.Theywantedittoappearasifyou'ddiedinanaccidentalgasexplosion.AndIthinktheyhadafakesuicideplannedforme.Butnowthattheyknowwe'reontothem,theymightpanic,mightdoanything.Idon'tknow.TheonlythingIdoknowistheycan'tletusjustwalkaway."

"Butwho—"

"I'lltellyouwhatIknow,butlater."

"WhatdotheyhavetodowithDanny?"

"Later,"hesaidimpatiently.

"Butit'sallsocrazy."

"You'retellingme?"

Hewheeledaroundanothercorner,andthenanother,tryingtodisappearfromthemeninthevanlongenoughtoleavethemwithsomanychoicesofstreetstofollowthattheywouldhavetogiveupthechaseinconfusion.Toolate,hesawthesignatthefourthintersection—NOTATHROUGHSTREET—buttheywerealreadyaroundthecornerandheadeddownthenarrowdeadend,withnothingbutarowoftenmodeststuccohousesoneachside.

"Damn!"

"Betterbackout,"shesaid.

"Andrunrightintothem."

"You'vegotthegun."

"There'sprobablymorethanoneofthem,andthey'llbearmed."

Atthefifthhouseontheleft,thegaragedoorwasopen,andtherewasn'tacarinside.

"We'vegottogetoffthestreetandoutofsight,"Elliotsaid.

Hedroveintotheopengarageasboldlyasifitwerehisown.Heswitchedofftheengine,scrambledoutofthecar,andrantothebigdoor.Itwouldn'tcomedown.Hestruggledwithitforamoment,andthenherealizedthatitwasequippedwithanautomaticsystem.

Behindhim,Tinasaid,"Standback."

Shehadgottenoutofthecarandhadlocatedthecontrolbuttononthegaragewall.

Heglancedoutside,upthestreet.Hecouldn'tseethevan.

Thedoorrumbleddown,concealingthemfromanyonewhomightdrivepast.

Elliotwenttoher."Thatwasclose."

Shetookhishandinhers,squeezedit.Herhandwascold,buthergripwasfirm.

"Sowhothehellarethey?"sheasked,

"IsawHaroldKennebeck,thejudgeImentioned.He—"

Thedoorthatconnectedthegaragetothehouseopenedwithoutwarning,butwithasharp,drysqueakofunoiledhinges.

Animposing,barrel-chestedmaninrumpledchinosandawhiteT-shirtsnappedonthegaragelightandpeeredcuriouslyatthem.Hehadmeatyarms;thecircumferenceofoneofthemalmostequaledthecircumferenceofElliot'sthigh.Andtherewasn'tashirtmadethatcouldbebuttonedeasilyaroundhisthick,muscularneck.Heappearedformidable,evenwithhisbeerbelly,whichbulgedoverthewaistbandofhistrousers.

FirstVinceandnowthisspecimen.ItwastheDayoftheGiants.

FirstVinceandnowthisspecimen.ItwastheDayoftheGiants.

"Who'reyou?"thepituitary-challengedbehemothaskedinasoft,gentlevoicethatdidn'tequatewithhisappearance.

ElliothadtheawfulfeelingthatthisguywouldreachforthebuttonTinahadpushedlessthanaminuteago,andthatthegaragedoorwouldliftjustastheblackvanwasrollingslowlybyinthestreet.

Stallingfortime,hesaid,"Oh,hi.Myname'sElliot,andthisisTina."

"Tom,"thebigmansaid."TomPolumby."

TomPolumbydidn'tappeartobeworriedbytheirpresenceinhisgarage;heseemedmerelyperplexed.Amanofhissizeprobablywasn'tfrightenedanymoreeasilythanGodzillaconfrontedbythepatheticbazooka-wieldingsoldierssurroundingdoomedTokyo.

"Nicecar,"Tomsaidwithanunmistakabletraceofreverenceinhisvoice.HegazedcovetouslyattheS600.

Elliotalmostlaughed.Nicecar!Theypulledintothisguy'sgarage,parked,closedthedoorboldasyouplease,andallhehadtosaywasNicecar!

"Verynicelittlenumber,"Tomsaid,nodding,lickinghislipsashestudiedtheMercedes.

ApparentlyTomcouldn'tconceivethatburglars,psychopathickillers,andotherlow-lifeswerepermittedtopurchaseaMercedes-Benziftheyhadthemoneyforit.Tohim,evidently,anyonewhodroveaMercedeshadtobetherightkindofpeople.

ElliotwonderedhowTomwouldhavereactediftheyhadshriekedintohisgarageinanoldbatteredChevy.

Pullinghiscovetousgazefromthecar,Tomsaid,"What'reyoudoinghere?"Therewasstillneithersuspicionnorbelligerenceinhisvoice.

"We'reexpected,"Elliotsaid.

"Huh?Iwasn'texpectingnobody."

"Huh?Iwasn'texpectingnobody."

"We'rehere...abouttheboat,"Elliotsaid,notevenknowingwherehewasgoingtogowiththatline,readytosayanythingtokeepTomfromputtingupthegaragedoorandthrowingthemout.

Tomblinked."Whatboat?"

"Thetwenty-footer."

"Idon'townatwenty-footer."

"TheonewiththeEvinrudemotor."

"Nothinglikethathere."

"Youmustbemistaken,"Elliotsaid.

"Ifigureyou'vegotthewrongplace,"Tomsaid,steppingoutofthedoorway,intothegarage,reachingforthebuttonthatwouldraisethebigdoor.

Tinasaid,"Mr.Polumby,wait.Theremustbesomemistake,really.Thisisdefinitelytherightplace."

Tom'shandstoppedshortofthebutton.

Tinacontinued:"You'rejustnotthemanweweresupposedtosee,that'sall.Heprobablyforgottotellyouabouttheboat."

Elliotblinkedather,amazedbyhernaturalfacilityfordeception.

"Who'sthisguyyou'resupposedtosee?"Tomasked,frowning.

Appearingtobesomewhatamazedherself,Tinahesitatednotatallbeforeshesaid,"SolFitzpatrick."

"Nobodyherebythatname."

"Butthisistheaddresshegaveus.Hesaidthegaragedoorwouldbeopenandthatweweretopullrightinside."

Elliotwantedtohugher."Yeah.Solsaidweweretopullin,outofthedriveway,sothathe'dhaveaplacetoputtheboatwhenhegotherewithit."

sothathe'dhaveaplacetoputtheboatwhenhegotherewithit."

Tomscratchedhishead,thenpulledononeear."Fitzpatrick?"

"Yeah."

"Neverheardofhim,"Tomsaid."What'shebringingaboatherefor,anyway?"

"We'rebuyingitfromhim,"Tinasaid.

Tomshookhishead."No.Imean,whyhere?"

"Well,"Elliotsaid,"thewayweunderstoodit,thiswaswherehelived."

"Buthedoesn't,"Tomsaid."Ilivehere.Meandmywifeandourlittlegirl.They'reoutrightnow,andthere'snobodyeverbeenherenamedFitzpatrick."

"Well,whywouldhetellusthiswashisaddress?"Tinaasked,scowling.

"Lady,"Tomsaid,"Idon'thavethefoggiest.Unlessmaybe...Didyoualreadypayhimfortheboat?"

"Well..."

"Maybejustadownpayment?"Tomasked.

"Wedidgivehimtwothousandondeposit,"Elliotsaid.

Tinasaid,"Itwasarefundabledeposit."

"Yeah.Justtoholdtheboatuntilwecouldseeitandmakeupourminds."

Smiling,Tomsaid,"Ithinkthedepositmightnotturnouttobeasrefundableasyouthought."

Pretendingsurprise,Tinasaid,"Youdon'tmeanMr.Fitzpatrickwouldcheatus?"

ObviouslyitpleasedTomtothinkthatpeoplewhocouldaffordaMercedeswerenotsosmartafterall."Ifyougavehimadeposit,andifhegaveyouthisaddressandclaimedhelivedhere,thenit'snotverylikelythisSolFitzpatrickevenownsanyboatinthefirstplace."

evenownsanyboatinthefirstplace."

"Damn,"Elliotsaid.

"Wewereswindled?"Tinaasked,feigningshock,buyingtime.

Grinningbroadlynow,Tomsaid,"Well,youcanlookatitthatwayifyouwant.OryoucanthinkofitasanimportantlessonthishereFitzpatrickfellataughtyou."

"Swindled,"Tinasaid,shakingherhead.

"Sureasthesunwillcomeuptomorrow,"Tomsaid.

TinaturnedtoElliot."Whatdoyouthink?"

Elliotglancedatthegaragedoor,thenathiswatch.Hesaid,"Ithinkit'ssafetoleave."

"Safe?"Tomasked.

TinasteppedlightlypastTomPolumbyandpressedthebuttonthatraisedthegaragedoor.ShesmiledatherbewilderedhostandwenttothepassengersideofthecarwhileElliotopenedthedriver'sdoor.

PolumbylookedfromElliottoTinatoElliot,puzzled."Safe?"

Elliotsaid,"Isurehopeitis,Tom.Thanksforyourhelp."Hegotinthecarandbackeditoutofthegarage.

AnyamusementhefeltatthewaytheyhadhandledPolumbyevaporatedinstantlyashereversedwarilyoutofsanctuary,downthedriveway,andintothestreet.Hesatstifflybehindthewheel,clenchinghisteeth,wonderingifabulletwouldcrackthroughthewindshieldandshatterhisface.

Hewasn'taccustomedtothistension.Physically,hewasstillhard,tough;butmentallyandemotionally,hewassofterthanhehadbeeninhisprime.Alongtimehadpassedsincehisyearsinmilitaryintelligence,sincethenightsoffearinthePersianGulfandincountlesscitiesscatteredaroundtheMideastandAsia.Then,he'dhadtheresiliencyofyouthandhadbeenlessburdenedwithrespectfordeaththanhewasnow.Inthosedaysithadbeeneasytoplaythehunter.Hehadtakenpleasureinstalkinghumanprey;hell,therehadevenbeenameasure

hadtakenpleasureinstalkinghumanprey;hell,therehadevenbeenameasureofjoyinbeingstalked,foritgavehimtheopportunitytoprovehimselfbyoutwittingthehunteronhistrail.Muchhadchanged.Hewassoft.Asuccessful,civilizedattorney.Livingthegoodlife.Hehadneverexpectedtoplaythatgameagain.Butoncemore,incredibly,hewasbeinghunted,andhewonderedhowlonghecouldsurvive.

TinaglancedbothwaysalongthestreetasElliotswungthecaroutofthedriveway."Noblackvan,"shesaid.

"Sofar."

Severalblockstothenorth,anuglycolumnofsmokeroseintothetwilightskyfromwhatwasleftofTina'shouse,roiling,night-black,theupperreachestintedaroundtheedgesbythelastpinkishraysofthesettingsun.

Ashedrovefromoneresidentialstreettoanother,steadilyheadingawayfromthesmoke,workingtowardamajorthoroughfare,Elliotexpectedtoencountertheblackvanateveryintersection.

Tinaappearedtobenolesspessimisticabouttheirhopeofescapethanhewas.Eachtimeheglancedather,shewaseithercrouchedforward,squintingateverynewstreettheyentered,ortwistedhalfwayaroundinherseat,lookingouttherearwindow.Herfacewasdrawn,andshewasbitingherlowerlip.

However,bythetimetheyreachedCharlestonBoulevard—viaMarylandParkway,SaharaAvenue,andLasVegasBoulevard—theybegantorelax.TheywerefarfromTina'sneighborhoodnow.Nomatterwhowassearchingforthem,nomatterhowlargetheorganizationpittedagainstthem,thiscitywastoobigtoharbordangerforthemineverynookandcrevice.Withmorethanamillionfull-timeresidents,withmorethantwentymilliontouristsayear,andwithavastdesertonwhichtosprawl,Vegasofferedthousandsofdark,quietcornerswheretwopeopleontheruncouldsafelystoptocatchtheirbreathandsettleuponacourseofaction.

AtleastthatwaswhatElliotwantedtobelieve.

"Whereto?"TinaaskedasElliotturnedwestonCharlestonBoulevard.

"Let'srideoutthiswayforafewmilesandtalk.We'vegotalottodiscuss.Planstomake."

tomake."

"Whatplans?"

"Howtostayalive."

20

WHILEELLIOTDROVE,HETOLDTINAWHATHADhappenedathishouse:thetwothugs,theirinterestinthepossibilityofDanny'sgravebeingreopened,theiradmissionthattheyworkedforsomegovernmentagency,thehypodermicsyringes....

Shesaid,"Maybeweshouldgobacktoyourplace.IfthisVinceisstillthere,weshouldusethosedrugsonhim.Evenifhereallydoesn'tknowwhyhisorganizationisinterestedintheexhumation,he'llatleastknowwhohisbossesare.We'llgetnames.There'sboundtobealotwecanlearnfromhim."

Theystoppedataredtrafficlight.Elliottookherhand.Thecontactgavehimstrength."I'dsureliketointerrogateVince,butwecan't.Heprobablyisn'tatmyplaceanymore.He'llhavecometohissensesandscrammedbynow.AndevenifhewasdeeperunderthanIthought,someofhispeopleprobablywentinthereandpulledhimoutwhileIwasrushingofftoyou.Besides,ifwegobacktomyhouse,we'lljustbewalkingintothedragon'sjaws.They'llbewatchingtheplace."

Thetrafficlightchangedtogreen,andElliotreluctantlyletgoofherhand.

"Theonlywaythesepeoplearegoingtogetus,"hesaid,"isifwejustgiveourselvesovertothem.Nomatterwhotheyare,they'renotomniscient.Wecanhidefromthemforalongtimeifwehaveto.Iftheycan'tfindus,theycan'tkillus."

AstheycontinuedwestonCharlestonBoulevard,Tinasaid,"Earlieryoutoldmewecouldn'tgotothepolicewiththis."

"Right."

"Whycan'twe?"

"Thecopsmightbeapartofit,atleasttotheextentthatVince'sbossescanputpressureonthem.Besides,we'redealingwithagovernmentagency,andgovernmentagenciestendtocooperatewithoneanother."

governmentagenciestendtocooperatewithoneanother."

"It'sallsoparanoid."

"Eyeseverywhere.Iftheyhaveajudgeintheirpocket,whynotafewcops?"

"ButyoutoldmeyourespectedKennebeck.Yousaidhewasagoodjudge."

"Heis.He'swellversedinthelaw,andhe'sfair."

"Whywouldhecooperatewiththesekillers?Whywouldheviolatehisoathofoffice?"

"Onceanagent,alwaysanagent,"Elliotsaid."That'sthewisdomoftheservice,notmine,butinmanycasesit'strue.Forsomeofthem,it'stheonlyloyaltythey'lleverbecapableof.Kennebeckheldseveraljobsindifferentintelligenceorganizations.Hewasdeeplyinvolvedinthatworldforthirtyyears.Afterheretiredabouttenyearsago,hewasstillayoungman,fifty-three,andheneededsomethingelsetooccupyhistime.Hehadhislawdegree,buthedidn'twantthehassleofaday-to-daylegalpractice.Soheranforanelectivepositiononthecourt,andhewon.Ithinkhetakeshisjobseriously.Nevertheless,hewasanintelligenceagentahellofalotlongerthanhe'sbeenajudge,andIguessbreedingtells.Ormaybeheneveractuallyretiredatall.Maybehe'sstillonthepayrollofsomespookshop,andmaybethewholeplanwasforhimtopretendtoretireandthengetelectedasajudgehereinVegas,sohisbosseswouldhaveafriendlycourtroomintown."

"Isthatlikely?Imean,howcouldtheybesurehe'dwintheelection?"

"Maybetheyfixedit."

"You'reserious,aren'tyou?"

"RemembermaybetenyearsagowhenthatTexaselectionsofficialrevealedhowLyndonJohnson'sfirstlocalelectionwasfixed?Theguysaidhewasjusttryingtoclearhisconscienceafterallthoseyears.Hemightaswellhavesavedhisbreath.Hardlyanyoneraisedaneyebrow.Ithappensnowandthen.AndinasmalllocalelectionliketheoneKennebeckwon,stackingthedeckwouldbeeasyifyouhadenoughmoneyandgovernmentmusclebehindyou."

"ButwhywouldtheywantKennebeckonaVegascourtinsteadofinWashingtonorNewYorkorsomeplacemoreimportant?"

WashingtonorNewYorkorsomeplacemoreimportant?"

"Oh,Vegasisaveryimportanttown,"Elliotsaid."Ifyouwanttolaunderdirtymoney,thisisbyfartheeasiestplacetodoit.Ifyouwanttopurchaseafalsepassport,acounterfeitdriver'slicense,oranythingofthatnature,youcanpickandchoosefromseveralofthebestdocument-forgeryartistsintheworld,becausethisiswherealotofthemlive.Ifyou'relookingforafreelancehitman,someonewhodealsincarloadlotsofillegalweapons,maybeamercenarywhocanputtogetherasmallexpeditionaryforceforanoverseasoperation—youcanfindallofthemhere.Nevadahasfewerstatelawsonthebooksthananystateinthenation.Itstaxratesarelow.There'snostateincometaxatall.Regulationsonbanksandrealestateagentsandoneveryoneelse—exceptcasinoowners—arelesstroublesomeherethaninotherstates,whichtakesaburdenoffeverybody,butwhichisespeciallyattractivetopeopletryingtospendandinvestdirtycash.Nevadaoffersmorepersonalfreedomthananywhereinthecountry,andthat'sgood,bymywayofthinking.Butwhereverthere'sagreatdealofpersonalfreedom,there'salsoanelementthattakesmorethanfairadvantageoftheliberallegalstructure.VegasisanimportantfieldofficeforanyAmericanspookshop."

"Sotherereallyareeyeseverywhere."

"Inasense,yes."

"ButevenifKennebeck'sbosseshavealotofinfluencewiththeVegaspolice,wouldthecopsletusbekilled?Wouldtheyreallyletitgothatfar?"

"Theyprobablycouldn'tprovideenoughprotectiontostopit."

"Whatkindofgovernmentagencywouldhavetheauthoritytocircumventthelawlikethis?Whatkindofagencywouldbeempoweredtokillinnocentcivilianswhogotinitsway?"

"I'mstilltryingtofigurethatone.Itscaresthehelloutofme."

Theystoppedatanotherredtrafficlight.

"Sowhatareyousaying?"Tinaasked."Thatwe'llhavetohandlethisallbyourselves?"

"Atleastforthetimebeing."

"Butthat'shopeless!Howcanwe?"

"Itisn'thopeless."

"Justtwoordinarypeopleagainstthem?"

Elliotglancedintherearviewmirror,ashehadbeendoingeveryminuteortwosincethey'dturnedontoCharlestonBoulevard.Noonewasfollowingthem,buthekeptchecking.

"Itisn'thopeless,"hesaidagain."Wejustneedtimetothinkaboutit,timetoworkoutaplan.Maybewe'llcomeupwithsomeonewhocanhelpus."

"Likewho?"

Thetrafficlightturnedgreen.

"Likethenewspapers,forone,"Elliotsaid,acceleratingacrosstheintersection,glancingintherearviewmirror."We'vegotproofthatsomethingunusualishappening:thesilencer-equippedpistolItookoffVince,yourhouseblowingup....I'mprettysurewecanfindareporterwho'llgowiththatmuchandwriteastoryabouthowabunchofnameless,facelesspeoplewanttokeepusfromreopeningDanny'sgrave,howmaybesomethingtrulystrangeliesatthebottomoftheSierratragedy.Thenalotofpeoplearegoingtobepushingforanexhumationofallthoseboys.There'llbeademandfornewautopsies,investigations.Kennebeck'sbosseswanttostopusbeforewesowanyseedsofdoubtabouttheofficialexplanation.Butoncethoseseedsaresown,oncetheparentsoftheotherscoutsandtheentirecityareclamoringforaninvestigation,Kennebeck'sbuddieswon'thaveanythingtogainbyeliminatingus.Itisn'thopeless,Tina,andit'snotlikeyoutogiveupsoeasily."

Shesighed."I'mnotgivingup."

"Good."

"Iwon'tstopuntilIknowwhatreallyhappenedtoDanny."

"That'sbetter.ThatsoundsmoreliketheChristinaEvansIknow."

Duskwasslidingintonight.Elliotturnedontheheadlights.

Tinasaid,"It'sjustthat...forthepastyearI'vebeenstrugglingtoadjusttothefactthatDannydiedinthatstupid,pointlessaccident.Andnow,justwhenI'mbeginningtothinkIcanfaceuptoitandputitbehindme,Idiscoverhemightnothavediedaccidentallyafterall.Suddenlyeverything'supintheairagain."

"It'llcomedown."

"Willit?"

"Yes.We'llgettothebottomofthis."

Heglancedintherearviewmirror.

Nothingsuspicious.

Hewasawareofherwatchinghim,andafterawhileshesaid,"Youknowwhat?"

"What?"

"Ithink...inaway...you'reactuallyenjoyingthis."

"Enjoyingwhat?"

"Thechase."

"Oh,no.Idon'tenjoytakinggunsawayfrommenhalfagainasbigasIam."

"I'msureyoudon't.Thatisn'twhatIsaid."

"AndIsurewouldn'tchoosetohavemynice,peaceful,quietlifeturnedupsidedown.I'dratherbeacomfortable,upstanding,boringcitizenthanafugitive."

"Ididn'tsayanythingaboutwhatyou'dchooseifitwereuptoyou.Butnowthatit'shappened,nowthatit'sbeenthrustuponyou,you'renotentirelyunhappy.There'sapartofyou,deepdown,that'srespondingtothechallengewithadegreeofpleasure."

"Baloney."

"Ananimalawareness...anewkindofenergyyoudidn'thavethismorning."

"TheonlythingnewaboutmeisthatIwasn'tscaredstiffthismorning,andnowIam."

"Beingscared—that'spartofit,"shesaid."Thedangerhasstruckachordinyou."

Hesmiled."Thegoodolddaysofspiesandcounterspies?Sorry,butno,Idon'tlongforthatatall.I'mnotanatural-bornmanofaction.I'mjustme,thesameoldmethatIalwayswas."

"Anyway,"Tinasaid,"I'mgladI'vegotyouonmyside."

"Ilikeitbetterwhenyou'reontop,"hesaid,andhewinkedather.

"Haveyoualwayshadsuchadirtymind?"

"No.I'vehadtocultivateit."

"Jokinginthemidstofdisaster,"shesaid.

"'Laughterisabalmfortheafflicted,thebestdefenseagainstdespair,theonlymedicineformelancholy.'"

"Whosaidthat?"sheasked."Shakespeare?"

"GrouchoMarx,Ithink."

Sheleanedforwardandpickedsomethingupfromthefloorbetweenherfeet."Andthenthere'sthisdamnthing."

"Whatdidyoufind?"

"Ibroughtitfrommyplace,"shesaid.

Intherushtogetoutofherhousebeforethegasexplosionleveledit,hehadn'tnoticedthatshe'dbeencarryinganything.Heriskedaquicklook,shiftinghisattentionfromtheroad,buttherewasn'tenoughlightinthecarforhimtoseewhatsheheld."Ican'tmakeitout."

"It'sahorror-comicsmagazine,"shesaid."IfounditwhenIwascleaningoutDanny'sroom.Itwasinaboxwithalotofothermagazines."

"So?"

"RememberthenightmaresItoldyouabout?"

"Yeah,sure."

"Themonsterinmydreamsisonthecoverofthismagazine.It'shim.Detailfordetail."

"Thenyoumusthaveseenthemagazinebefore,andyoujust—"

"No.That'swhatItriedtotellmyself.ButIneversawituntiltoday.IknowIdidn't.IporedthroughDanny'scollection.Whenhecamehomefromthenewsstand,Inevermonitoredwhathe'dbought.Ineversnooped."

"Maybeyou—"

"Wait,"shesaid."Ihaven'ttoldyoutheworstpart."

Thetrafficthinnedoutastheydrovefartherfromtheheartoftown,closertotheloomingblackmountainsthatthrustintothelastelectric-purplelightinthewesternsky.

TinatoldElliotaboutTheBoyWhoWasNotDead.

ThesimilaritiesbetweenthehorrorstoryandtheirattempttoexhumeDanny'sbodychilledElliot.

"Now,"Tinasaid,"justlikeDeathtriedtostoptheparentsinthestory,someone'stryingtostopmefromopeningmyson'sgrave."

Theyweregettingtoofaroutoftown.Ahungrydarknesslayonbothsidesoftheroad.ThelandbegantorisetowardMountCharlestonwhere,lessthananhouraway,pineforestsweremantledwithsnow.Elliotswungthecararoundandstartedbacktowardthelightsofthecity,whichspreadlikeavast,glowingfungusontheblackdesertplain.

"Therearesimilarities,"hesaid.

"You'redamnedrightthereare.Toomany."

"There'salsoonebigdifference.Inthestory,theboywasburiedalive.But

"There'salsoonebigdifference.Inthestory,theboywasburiedalive.ButDannyisdead.Theonlythingindoubtishowhedied."

"Butthat'stheonlydifferencebetweenthebasicplotofthisstoryandwhatwe'regoingthrough.AndthewordsNotDeadinthetitle.AndtheboyinthestorybeingDanny'sage.It'sjusttoomuch,"shesaid.

Theyrodeinsilenceforawhile.

FinallyElliotsaid,"You'reright.Itcan'tbecoincidence."

"Thenhowdoyouexplainit?"

"Idon'tknow."

"Welcometotheclub."

Aroadsidedinerstoodontheright,andElliotpulledintotheparkinglot.Asinglemercury-vaporpolelampattheentranceshedfuzzypurplelightoverthefirstthirdoftheparkinglot.ElliotdrovebehindtherestaurantandtuckedtheMercedesintoaslotinthedeepestshadows,betweenaToyotaCelicaandasmallmotorhome,whereitcouldnotbeseenfromthestreet.

"Hungry?"heasked.

"Starving.Butbeforewegoin,let'scheckoutthatlistofquestionstheyweregoingtomakeyouanswer."

"Let'slookatitinthecafé,"Elliotsaid."Thelightwillbebetter.Itdoesn'tseemtobebusyinthere.Weshouldbeabletotalkwithoutbeingoverheard.Bringthemagazinetoo.Iwanttoseethatstory."

Ashegotoutofthecar,hisattentionwasdrawntoawindowonthesideofthemotorhomenexttowhichhehadparked.Hesquintedthroughtheglassintotheperfectlyblackinterior,andhehadthedisconcertingfeelingthatsomeonewashidinginthere,staringoutathim.

Don'tsuccumbtoparanoia,hewarnedhimself.

Whenheturnedfromthemotorhome,hisgazefellonadensepoolofshadowsaroundthetrashbinatthebackoftherestaurant,andagainhehadthefeeling

aroundthetrashbinatthebackoftherestaurant,andagainhehadthefeelingthatsomeonewaswatchinghimfromconcealment.

HehadtoldTinathatKennebeck'sbosseswerenotomniscient.Hemustrememberthat.HeandTinaapparentlywereconfrontedwithapowerful,lawless,dangerousorganizationhell-bentonkeepingthesecretoftheSierratragedy.Butanyorganizationwascomposedofordinarymenandwomen,noneofwhomhadtheall-seeinggazeofGod.

Nevertheless...

AsheandTinawalkedacrosstheparkinglottowardthediner,Elliotcouldn'tshakethefeelingthatsomeoneorsomethingwaswatchingthem.Notnecessarilyaperson.Just...something...weird,strange.Somethingbothmoreandlessthanhuman.Thatwasabizarrethought,notatallthesortofnotionhe'dordinarilygetinhishead,andhedidn'tlikeit.

Tinastoppedwhentheyreachedthepurplelightunderthemercury-vaporlamp..Sheglancedbacktowardthecar,acuriousexpressiononherface.

"Whatisit?"Elliotasked.

"Idon'tknow...."

"Seesomething?"

"No."

Theystaredattheshadows.

Atlengthshesaid,"Doyoufeelit?"

"Feelwhat?"

"I'vegotthis...pricklyfeeling."

Hedidn'tsayanything.

"Youdofeelit,don'tyou?"sheasked.

"Yes."

"Asifwearen'talone."

"Asifwearen'talone."

"It'scrazy,"hesaid,"butIfeeleyesonme."

Sheshivered."Butnoone'sreallythere."

"No.Idon'tthinkanyoneis."

Theycontinuedtosquintattheinkyblackness,searchingformovement.

Shesaid,"Arewebothcrackingunderthestrain?"

"Justjumpy,"hesaid,buthewasn'treallyconvincedthattheirimaginationwastoblame.

Asoftcoolwindsprangup.Itcarriedwithittheodorofdrydesertweedsandalkalinesand.Ithissedthroughthebranchesofanearbydatepalm.

"It'ssuchastrongfeeling,"shesaid."Andyouknowwhatitremindsmeof?It'sthesamedamnfeelingIhadinAngela'sofficewhenthatcomputerterminalstartedoperatingonitsown.Ifeel...notjustasifI'mbeingwatchedbut...somethingmore...likeapresence...asifsomethingIcan'tseeisstandingrightbesideme.Icanfeeltheweightofit,apressureintheair...sortoflooming."

Heknewexactlywhatshemeant,buthedidn'twanttothinkaboutit,becausetherewasnowayhecouldmakesenseofit.Hepreferredtodealwithhardfacts,realities;thatwaswhyhewassuchagoodattorney,soadeptattakingthreadsofevidenceandweavingagoodcaseoutofthem.

"We'rebothoverwrought,"hesuggested.

"Thatdoesn'tchangewhatIfeel."

"Let'sgetsomethingtoeat."

Shestayedamomentlonger,staringbackintothegloom,wherethepurplemercury-vaporlightdidnotreach.

"Tina...?"

Abreathofwindstirredadrytumbleweedandblewitacrosstheblacktop.

Abreathofwindstirredadrytumbleweedandblewitacrosstheblacktop.

Abirdswoopedthroughthedarknessoverhead.Elliotcouldn'tseeit,buthecouldhearthebeatingofitswings.

Tinaclearedherthroat."It'sasif...thenightitselfiswatchingus...thenight,theshadows,theeyesofdarkness."

ThewindruffledElliot'shair.Itrattledaloosemetalfixtureonthetrashbin,andtherestaurant'sbigsigncreakedbetweenitstwostandards.

AtlastheandTinawentintothediner,tryingnottolookovertheirshoulders.

21

THELONGL-SHAPEDDINERWASFILLEDWITHglimmeringsurfaces:chrome,glass,plastic,yellowFormica,andredvinyl.ThejukeboxplayedacountrytunebyGarthBrooks,andthemusicsharedtheairwiththedeliciousaromasoffriedeggs,bacon,andsausages.TruetotherhythmofVegaslife,someonewasjustbeginninghisdaywithaheartybreakfast.Tina'smouthbegantowaterassoonasshesteppedthroughthedoor.

ElevencustomerswereclusteredattheendofthelongarmoftheL,neartheentrance,fiveonstoolsatthecounter,sixintheredbooths.ElliotandTinasatasfarfromeveryoneaspossible,inthelastboothintheshortwingoftherestaurant.

TheirwaitresswasaredheadnamedElvira.Shehadaroundface,dimples,eyesthattwinkledasiftheyhadbeenwaxed,andaTexasdrawl.Shetooktheirordersforcheeseburgers,Frenchfries,coleslaw,andCoors.

WhenElviraleftthetableandtheywerealone,Tinasaid,"Let'sseethepapersyoutookoffthatguy."

Elliotfishedthepagesoutofhishippocket,unfoldedthem,andputthemonthetable.Therewerethreesheetsofpaper,eachcontainingtenortwelvetypewrittenquestions.Theyleanedinfromoppositesidesoftheboothandreadthematerialsilently:

1.HowlonghaveyouknownChristinaEvans?

2.WhydidChristinaEvansaskyou,ratherthananotherattorney,tohandletheexhumationofherson'sbody?

3.Whatreasondoesshehavetodoubttheofficialstoryofherson'sdeath?

4.Doesshehaveanyproofthattheofficialstoryofherson'sdeathisfalse?

5.Ifshehassuchproof,whatisit?

5.Ifshehassuchproof,whatisit?

6.Wheredidsheobtainthisevidence?

7.Haveyoueverheardof"ProjectPandora"?

8.Haveyoubeengiven,orhasMrs.Evansbeengiven,anymaterialrelatingtomilitaryresearchinstallationsintheSierraNevadaMountains?

Elliotlookedupfromthepage."HaveyoueverheardofProjectPandora?"

"No."

"SecretlabsintheHighSierras?"

"Oh,sure.Mrs.Neddlertoldmeallaboutthem."

"Mrs.Neddler?"

"Mycleaningwoman."

"Jokesagain."

"Atatimelikethis."

"Balmfortheafflicted,medicineformelancholy."

"GrouchoMarx,"shesaid.

"EvidentlytheythinksomeonefromProjectPandorahasdecidedtoratonthem."

"Isthatwho'sbeeninDanny'sroom?DidsomeonefromProjectPandorawriteonthechalkboard...andthenfiddlewiththecomputeratwork?"

"Maybe,"Elliotsaid.

"Butyoudon'tthinkso."

"Well,ifsomeonehadaguiltyconscience,whywouldn'theapproachyou

"Well,ifsomeonehadaguiltyconscience,whywouldn'theapproachyoudirectly?"

"Hecouldbeafraid.Probablyhasgoodreasontobe."

"Maybe,"Elliotsaidagain."ButIthinkit'smorecomplicatedthanthat.Justahunch."

Theyreadquicklythroughtheremainingmaterial,butnoneofitwasenlightening.MostofthequestionswereconcernedwithhowmuchTinaknewaboutthetruenatureoftheSierraaccident,howmuchshehadtoldElliot,howmuchshehadtoldMichael,andwithhowmanypeopleshehaddiscussedit.TherewerenomoreintriguingtidbitslikeProjectPandora,nomorecluesorleads.

ElvirabroughttwofrostedglassesandicybottlesofCoors.

ThejukeboxbegantoplayamournfulAlanJacksonsong.

Elliotsippedhisbeerandpagedthroughthehorror-comicsmagazinethathadbelongedtoDanny."Amazing,"hesaidwhenhefinishedskimmingTheBoyWhoWasNotDead.

"You'dthinkitwasevenmoreamazingifyou'dsufferedthosenightmares,"shesaid."Sonowwhatdowedo?"

"Danny'swasaclosed-coffinfuneral.Wasitthesamewiththeotherthirteenscouts?"

"Abouthalftheotherswereburiedwithoutviewings,"Tinasaid.

"Theirparentsneversawthebodies?"

"Oh,yes.Alltheotherparentswereaskedtoidentifytheirkids,eventhoughsomeofthecorpseswereinsuchahorriblestatetheycouldn'tbecosmeticallyrestoredforviewingatafuneral.MichaelandIweretheonlyoneswhowerestronglyadvisednottolookattheremains.Dannywastheonlyonewhowastoobadly...mangled."

Evenafterallthistime,whenshethoughtaboutDanny'slastmomentsonearth—theterrorhemusthaveknown,theexcruciatingpainhemusthaveendured,evenifitwasofbriefduration—shebegantochokewithsorrowandpity.She

evenifitwasofbriefduration—shebegantochokewithsorrowandpity.Sheblinkedbacktearsandtookaswallowofbeer.

"Damn,"Elliotsaid.

"What?"

"Ithoughtwemightmakesomequickalliesoutofthoseotherparents.Iftheyhadn'tseentheirkids'bodies,theymighthavejustgonethroughayearofdoubtlikeyoudid,mightbeeasilypersuadedtojoinusinacallforthereopeningofallthegraves.Ifthatmanyvoiceswereraised,thenVince'sbossescouldn'trisksilencingallofthem,andwe'dbesafe.Butiftheotherpeoplehadachancetoviewthebodies,ifnoneofthemhashadanyreasontoentertaindoubtslikeyours,thenthey'realljustfinallylearningtocopewiththetragedy.Ifwegotothemnowwithawildstoryaboutamysteriousconspiracy,theyaren'tgoingtobeanxioustolisten."

"Sowe'restillalone."

"Yeah."

"Yousaidwecouldgotoareporter,trytogetmediainterestbrewing.Doyouhaveanyoneinmind?"

"Iknowacoupleoflocalguys,"Elliotsaid."Butmaybeit'snotwisetogotothelocalpress.ThatmightbejustwhatVince'sbossesareexpectingustodo.Ifthey'rewaiting,watching—we'llbedeadbeforewecantellareportermorethanasentenceortwo.Ithinkwe'llhavetotakethestoryoutoftown,andbeforewedothat,I'dliketohaveafewmorefacts."

"Ithoughtyousaidwehadenoughtointerestagoodnewsman.Thepistolyoutookoffthatman...myhousebeingblownup..."

"Thatmightbeenough.Certainly,fortheLasVegaspaper,itoughttobesufficient.ThiscitystillrememberstheJaborskigroup,theSierraaccident.Itwasalocaltragedy.ButifwegotothepressinLosAngelesorNewYorkorsomeothercity,thereporterstherearen'tgoingtohaveawholelotofinterestinitunlesstheyseeanaspectofthestorythatliftsitoutofthelocal-interestcategory.Maybewe'vealreadygotenoughtoconvincethemit'sbignews.I'mnotsure.AndIwanttobedamnsurebeforewetrytogopublicwithit.Ideally,I'devenliketobeabletohandthereporteraneattheoryaboutwhatreally

I'devenliketobeabletohandthereporteraneattheoryaboutwhatreallyhappenedtothosescouts,somethingsensationalthathecanhookhisstoryonto."

"Suchas?"

Heshookhishead."Idon'thaveanythingworkedoutyet.Butitseemstomethemostobviousthingwehavetoconsideristhatthescoutsandtheirleaderssawsomethingtheyweren'tsupposedtosee."

"ProjectPandora?"

Hesippedhisbeerandusedonefingertowipeatraceoffoamfromhisupperlip."Amilitarysecret.Ican'tseewhatelsewouldhavebroughtanorganizationlikeVince'ssodeeplyintothis.Anintelligenceoutfitofthatsizeandsophisticationdoesn'twasteitstimeonMickeyMousestuff."

"Butmilitarysecrets...thatseemssofarout."

"Incaseyoudidn'tknowit,sincetheColdWarendedandCaliforniatooksuchabighitinthedefensedownsizing,NevadahasmorePentagon-supportedindustriesandinstallationsthananystateintheunion.AndI'mnotjusttalkingabouttheobviousoneslikeNellisAirForceBaseandtheNuclearTestSite.Thisstate'sideallysuitedforsecretorquasi-secret,high-securityweaponsresearchcenters.Nevadahasthousandsofsquaremilesofremoteunpopulatedland.Thedeserts.Thedeeperreachesofthemountains.Andmostofthoseremoteareasareownedbythefederalgovernment.Ifyouputasecretinstallationinthemiddleofallthatlonelyland,youhaveaprettyeasyjobmaintainingsecurity."

Armsonthetable,bothhandsclaspedaroundherglassofbeer,TinaleanedtowardElliot."You'resayingthatMr.Jaborski,Mr.Lincoln,andtheboysstumbledacrossaplacelikethatintheSierras?"

"It'spossible."

"Andsawsomethingtheyweren'tsupposedtosee."

"Maybe."

"Andthenwhat?Youmean...becauseofwhattheysaw,theywerekilled!"

"It'satheorythatoughttoexciteagoodreporter."

Sheshookherhead."Ijustcan'tbelievethegovernmentwouldmurderagroupoflittlechildrenjustbecausetheyaccidentallygotaglimpseofanewweaponorsomething."

"Wouldn'tit?ThinkofWaco—allthosedeadchildren.RubyRidge—afourteen-year-oldboyshotinthebackbytheFBI.VinceFosterfounddeadinaWashingtonparkandofficiallydeclaredasuicideeventhoughmostoftheforensicevidencepointstomurder.Evenaprimarilygoodgovernment,whenit'sbigenough,hassomeprettymeansharksswimminginthedarkercurrents.We'relivinginstrangetimes,Tina."

Therisingnightwindthrummedagainstthelargepaneofglassbesidetheirbooth.Beyondthewindow,outonCharlestonBoulevard,trafficsailedmurkilythroughasuddenchurningriverofdustandpaperscraps.

Chilled,Tinasaid,"Buthowmuchcouldthekidshaveseen?You'retheonewhosaidsecuritywaseasytomaintainwhenoneoftheseinstallationsislocatedinthewilderness.Theboyscouldn'thavegottenveryclosetosuchawell-guardedplace.Surelytheycouldn'thavemanagedtogetmorethanaglimpse."

"Maybeaglimpsewasenoughtocondemnthem."

"Butkidsaren'tthebestobservers,"sheargued."They'reimpressionable,excitable,giventoexaggeration.Iftheyhadseensomething,they'dhavecomebackwithatleastadozendifferentstoriesaboutit,noneofthemaccurate.Agroupofyoungboyswouldn'tbeathreattothesecurityofasecretinstallation."

"You'reprobablyright.Butabunchofhard-nosedsecuritymenmightnothaveseenitthatway."

"Well,they'dhavehadtobeprettystupidtothinkmurderwasthesafestwaytohandleit.Killingallthosepeopleandtryingtofakeanaccident—thatwasawholelotriskierthanlettingthekidscomebackwiththeirhalf-bakedstoriesaboutseeingsomethingpeculiarinthemountains."

"Remember,thereweretwoadultswiththosekids.Peoplemighthavediscountedmostofwhattheboyssaidaboutit,butthey'dhavebelievedJaborskiandLincoln.MaybetherewassomuchatstakethatthesecuritymenattheinstallationdecidedJaborskiandLincolnhadtodie.Thenitbecamenecessaryto

installationdecidedJaborskiandLincolnhadtodie.Thenitbecamenecessarytokillthekidstoeliminatewitnessestothefirsttwomurders."

"That's...diabolical."

"Butnotunlikely."

Tinalookeddownatthewetcirclethatherglasshadleftonthetable.WhileshethoughtaboutwhatElliothadsaid,shedippedonefingerinthewateranddrewagrimmouth,anose,andapairofeyesinthecircle;sheaddedtwohorns,transformingtheblotofmoistureintoalittledemonicface.Thenshewipeditawaywiththepalmofherhand.

"Idon'tknow...hiddeninstallations...militarysecrets...itallseemsjusttooincredible."

"Nottome,"Elliotsaid."Tome,itsoundsplausibleifnotprobable.Anyway,I'mnotsayingthat'swhatreallyhappened.It'sonlyatheory.Butit'sthekindoftheorythatalmostanysmart,ambitiousreporterwillgoforinabig,bigway—ifwecancomeupwithenoughfactsthatappeartosupportit."

"WhataboutJudgeKennebeck?"

"Whatabouthim?"

"Hecouldtelluswhatwewanttoknow."

"We'dbecommittingsuicideifwewenttoKennebeck'splace,"Elliotsaid."Vince'sfriendsaresuretobewaitingforusthere."

"Well,isn'tthereanywaythatwecouldslippastthemandgetatKennebeck?"

Heshookhishead."Impossible."

Shesighed,slumpedbackinthebooth.

"Besides,"Elliotsaid,"Kennebeckprobablydoesn'tknowthewholestory.He'sjustlikethetwomenwhocametoseeme.He'sprobablybeentoldonlywhatheneedstoknow."

Elviraarrivedwiththeirfood.Thecheeseburgersweremadefromjuicygroundsirloin.TheFrenchfrieswerecrisp,andthecoleslawwastartbutnotsour.

sirloin.TheFrenchfrieswerecrisp,andthecoleslawwastartbutnotsour.

Byunspokenagreement,TinaandElliotdidn'ttalkabouttheirproblemswhiletheyate.Infacttheydidn'ttalkmuchatall.TheylistenedtothecountrymusiconthejukeboxandwatchedCharlestonBoulevardthroughthewindow,wherethedesertduststormcloudedoncomingheadlightsandforcedthetraffictomoveslowly.Andtheythoughtaboutthosethingsthatneitherofthemwantedtospeakof:murderpastandmurderpresent.

Whentheyfinishedeating,Tinaspokefirst."Yousaidweoughttocomeupwithmoreevidencebeforewegotothenewspapers."

"Wehaveto."

"Buthowarewesupposedtogetit?Fromwhere?Fromwhom?"

"I'vebeenponderingthat.Thebestthingwecoulddoisgetthegravereopened.Ifthebodywereexhumedandreexaminedbyatopnotchpathologist,we'dalmostcertainlyfindproofthatthecauseofdeathwasn'twhattheauthoritiesoriginallysaiditwas."

"Butwecan'treopenthegraveourselves,"Tinasaid."Wecan'tsneakintothegraveyardinthemiddleofthenight,moveatonofearthwithshovels.Besides,it'saprivatecemetery,surroundedbyahighwall,sotheremustbeasecuritysystemtodealwithvandals."

"AndKennebeck'scronieshavealmostcertainlyputawatchontheplace.Soifwecan'texaminethebody,we'llhavetodothenextbestthing.We'llhavetotalktothemanwhosawitlast."

"Huh?Who?"

"Well,Iguess...thecoroner."

"YoumeanthemedicalexaminerinReno?"

"Wasthatwherethedeathcertificatewasissued?"

"Yes.Thebodieswerebroughtoutofthemountains,downtoReno."

"Onsecondthought...maybewe'llskipthecoroner,"Elliotsaid."He'stheonewhohadtodesignateitanaccidentaldeath.There'sabetterthanevenchance

whohadtodesignateitanaccidentaldeath.There'sabetterthanevenchancehe'sbeenco-optedbyKennebeck'scrowd.Onethingforsure,he'sdefinitelynotonourside.Approachinghimwouldbedangerous.Wemighteventuallyhavetotalktohim,butfirstweshouldpayavisittothemorticianwhohandledthebody.Theremightbealothecantellus.IshehereinVegas?"

"No.AnundertakerinRenopreparedthebodyandshippedithereforthefuneral.Thecoffinwassealedwhenitarrived,andwedidn'topenit."

Elvirastoppedbythetableandaskediftheywantedanythingmore.Theydidn't.Sheleftthecheckandtookawaysomeofthedirtydishes.

ToTina,Elliotsaid,"DoyourememberthenameofthemorticianinReno?"

"Yes.Bellicosti.LucianoBellicosti."

Elliotfinishedthelastswallowofbeerinhisglass."Thenwe'llgotoReno."

"Can'twejustcallBellicosti?"

"Thesedays,everyone'sphoneseemstobetapped.Besides,ifwe'reface-to-facewithhim,we'llhaveabetterideaofwhetherornothe'stellingthetruth.No,itcan'tbedonelong-distance.Wehavetogoupthere."

HerhandshookwhensheraisedherglasstodrinkthelastofherownCoors.

Elliotsaid,"What'swrong?"

Shewasn'texactlysure.Shewasfilledwithanewdread,afeargreaterthantheonethathadburnedwithinherduringthepastfewhours."I...IguessI'mjust...afraidtogotoReno."

Hereachedacrossthetableandputhishandoverhers."It'sokay.There'slesstobefrightenedofuptherethanhere.It'sherewe'vegotkillershuntingus."

"Iknow.Sure,I'mscaredofthosecreeps.Butmorethanthat,whatI'mafraidof...isfindingoutthetruthaboutDanny'sdeath.AndIhaveastrongfeelingwe'llfinditinReno."

"Ithoughtthatwasexactlywhatyouwantedtoknow."

"Oh,Ido.Butatthesametime,I'mafraidofknowing.Becauseit'sgoingtobe

"Oh,Ido.Butatthesametime,I'mafraidofknowing.Becauseit'sgoingtobebad.Thetruthisgoingtobesomethingreallyterrible."

"Maybenot."

"Yes."

"Theonlyalternativeistogiveup,tobackoffandneverknowwhatreallyhappened."

"Andthat'sworse,"sheadmitted.

"Anyway,wehavetolearnwhatreallyhappenedintheSierras.Ifweknowthetruth,wecanuseittosaveourselves.It'souronlyhopeofsurvival."

"SowhendoweleaveforReno?"sheasked.

"Tonight.Rightnow.We'lltakemyCessnaSkylane.Nicelittlemachine."

"Won'ttheyknowaboutit?"

"Probablynot.Ionlyhookedupwithyoutoday,sotheyhaven'thadtimetolearnmorethantheessentialsaboutme.Justthesame,we'llapproachtheairfieldwithcaution."

"IfwecanusetheCessna,howsoonwouldwegettoReno?"

"Afewhours.Ithinkitwouldbewiseforustostayupthereforacoupleofdays,evenafterwe'vetalkedtoBellicosti,untilwecanfigureawayoutofthismess.Everyone'llstillbelookingforusinVegas,andwe'llbreathealittleeasierifwearen'there."

"ButIdidn'tgetachancetopackthatsuitcase,"Tinasaid."Ineedachangeofclothes,atleastatoothbrushandafewotherthings.Neitheroneofushasacoat,andit'sdamncoldinRenoatthistimeofyear."

"We'llbuywhateverweneedbeforeweleave."

"Idon'thaveanymoneywithme.Notapenny."

"I'vegotsome,"Elliotsaid."Acouplehundredbucks.Plusawalletfilledwithcreditcards.Wecouldgoaroundtheworldonthecardsalone.Theymighttrack

creditcards.Wecouldgoaroundtheworldonthecardsalone.Theymighttrackuswhenweusethecards,butnotforacoupleofdays."

"Butit'saholidayand—"

"AndthisisLasVegas,"Elliotsaid."There'salwaysastoreopensomewhere.Andtheshopsinthehotelswon'tbeclosed.Thisisoneoftheirbusiesttimesoftheyear.We'llbeabletofindcoatsandwhateverelseweneed,andwe'llfinditallinahurry."Heleftageneroustipforthewaitressandgottohisfeet."Comeon.Thesoonerwe'reoutofthistown,thesaferI'llfeel."

Shewentwithhimtothecashregister,whichwasneartheentrance.

Thecashierwasawhite-hairedman,owlishbehindapairofthickspectacles.HesmiledandaskedElliotiftheirdinnerhadbeensatisfactory,andElliotsaidithadbeenfine,andtheoldmanbegantomakechangewithslow,arthriticfingers.

Therichodorofchilisaucedriftedoutofthekitchen.Greenpeppers.Onions.Jalapenos.ThedistinctaromasofmeltedcheddarandMontereyJack.

Thelongwingofthedinerwasnearlyfullofcustomersnow;aboutfortypeoplewereeatingdinnerorwaitingtobeserved.Somewerelaughing.Ayoungcouplewasplottingconspiratorially,leaningtowardeachotherfromoppositesidesofabooth,theirheadsalmosttouching.Nearlyeveryonewasengagedinanimatedconversations,couplesandcozygroupsoffriends,enjoyingthemselves,lookingforwardtotheremainingthreedaysofthefour-dayholiday.

SuddenlyTinafeltapangofenvy.Shewantedtobeoneofthesefortunatepeople.Shewantedtobeenjoyinganordinarymeal,onanordinaryevening,inthemiddleofablissfullyordinarylife,witheveryreasontoexpectalong,comfortable,ordinaryfuture.Noneofthesepeoplehadto.worryaboutprofessionalkillers,bizarreconspiracies,gas-companymenwhowerenotgas-companymen,silencer-equippedpistols,exhumations.Theydidn'trealizehowluckytheywere.Shefeltasifavastunbridgeablegapseparatedherfrompeoplelikethese,andshewonderedifsheeveragainwouldbeasrelaxedandfreefromcareasthesedinerswereatthismoment.

Asharp,colddraftprickledthebackofherneck.

Sheturnedtoseewhohadenteredtherestaurant.

Sheturnedtoseewhohadenteredtherestaurant.

Thedoorwasclosed.Noonehadentered.

Yettheairremainedcool—changed.

Onthejukebox,whichstoodtotheleftofthedoor,acurrentlypopularcountryballadwasplaying:

"Baby,baby,baby,Iloveyoustill.

Ourlovewilllive;Iknowitwill

Andonethingonwhichyoucanbet

Isthatourloveisnotdeadyet.

No,ourloveisnotdead—

notdead—

notdead—

notdead—"

Therecordstuck.

Tinastaredatthejukeboxindisbelief.

"notdead—

notdead—

notdead—

notdead—"

ElliotturnedawayfromthecashierandputahandonTina'sshoulder."Whatthehell...?"

Tinacouldn'tspeak.Shecouldn'tmove.

Theairtemperaturewasdroppingprecipitously.

Sheshuddered.

Theothercustomersstoppedtalkingandturnedtostareaithestutteringmachine.

"notdead—

notdead—

notdead—

notdead—"

TheimageofDeath'srottingfaceflashedintoTina'smind.

"Stopit,"shepleaded.

Someonesaid,"Shootthepianoplayer."

Someoneelsesaid,"Kickthedamnthing."

Elliotsteppedtothejukeboxandshookitgently.Thetwowordsstoppedrepeating.Thesongproceededsmoothlyagain—butonlyforonemorelineofverse.AsElliotturnedawayfromthemachine,theeerilymeaningfulrepetitionbeganagain:

"notdead—

notdead—

notdead—"

Tinawantedtowalkthroughthedinerandgrabeachofthecustomersbythethroat,shakeandthreateneachofthem,untilshediscoveredwhohadriggedthejukebox.Atthesametime,sheknewthiswasn'tarationalthought;theexplanation,whateveritmightbe,wasnotthatsimple.Nooneherehadriggedthemachine.Onlyamomentago,shehadenviedthesepeoplefortheveryordinarinessoftheirlives.Itwasludicroustosuspectanyofthemofbeingemployedbythesecretorganizationthathadblownupherhouse.Ludicrous.Paranoid.Theywerejustordinarypeopleinaroadsiderestaurant,havingdinner.

"notdead—

notdead—

notdead—"

Elliotshookthejukeboxagain,butthistimetonoavail.

Theairgrewcolderstill.Tinaheardsomeofthecustomerscommentingonit.

Elliotshookthemachineharderthanhehaddonethelasttime,thenharderstill,butitcontinuedtorepeatthetwo-wordmessageinthevoiceofthecountrysinger,asifaninvisiblehandwereholdingthepick-upstylusorlaser-discreaderfirmlyinplace.

Thewhite-hairedcashiercameoutfrombehindthecounter."I'lltakecareofit,folks."Hecalledtooneofthewaitresses:"Jenny,checkthethermostat.We'resupposedtohaveheatinheretonight,notairconditioning."

supposedtohaveheatinheretonight,notairconditioning."

Elliotsteppedoutofthewayastheoldmanapproached.

Althoughnoonewastouchingthejukebox,thevolumeincreased,andthetwowordsboomedthroughthediner,thundered,vibratedinthewindows,andrattledsilverwareonthetables.

"NOTDEAD—

NOTDEAD—

NOTDEAD—"

Somepeoplewincedandputtheirhandsovertheirears.

Theoldmanhadtoshouttobeheardabovetheexplosivevoicesonthejukebox."There'sabuttononthebacktorejecttherecord."

Tinawasn'tabletocoverherears;herarmshungstraightdownathersides,frozen,rigid,handsfisted,andshecouldn'tfindthewillorthestrengthtoliftthem.Shewantedtoscream,butshecouldn'tmakeasound.

Colder,colder.

Shebecameawareofthefamiliar,spiritlikepresencethathadbeeninAngela'sofficewhenthecomputerhadbeguntooperatebyitself.Shehadthesamefeelingofbeingwatchedthatshe'dhadintheparkinglotashortwhileago.

Theoldmancrouchedbesidethemachine,reachedbehindit,foundthebutton.Hepusheditseveraltimes.

"NOTDEAD—

NOTDEAD—

NOTDEAD—"

NOTDEAD—"

"Havetounplugit!"theoldmansaid.

Thevolumeincreasedagain.Thetwowordsblastedoutofthespeakersinallcornersofthedinerwithsuchincredible,bone-jarringforcethatitwasdifficulttobelievethatthemachinehadbeenbuiltwiththecapabilityofpouringoutsoundwiththisexcessive,unnervingpower.

Elliotpulledthejukeboxfromthewallsotheoldmancouldreachthecord.

InthatinstantTinarealizedshehadnothingtofearfromthepresencethatlaybehindthiseeriemanifestation.Itmeanthernoharm.Quitetheopposite,infact.Inaflashofunderstandingshesawthroughtotheheartofthemystery.Herhands,whichhadbeencurledintotightfists,cameopenoncemore.Thetensionwentoutofherneckandshouldermuscles.Herheartbeatbecamelesslikethepoundingofajackhammer,butitstilldidnotsettleintoanormalrhythm;nowitwasaffectedbyexcitementratherthanterror.Ifshetriedtoscreamnow,shewouldbeabletodoso,butshenolongerwantedtoscream.

Asthewhite-hairedcashiergraspedthepluginhisarthritis-gnarledhandsandwiggleditbackandforthinthewallsocket,tryingtofreeit,Tinaalmosttoldhimtostop.Shewantedtoseewhatwouldhappennextifnooneinterferedwiththepresencethathadtakencontrolofthejukebox.Butbeforeshecouldthinkofawaytophraseheroddrequest,theoldmansucceededinunpluggingthemachine.

Followingthemonotonous,earsplittingrepetitionofthattwo-wordmessage,thesilencewasstunning.

Afterasecondofsurprisedrelief,everyoneinthedinerapplaudedtheoldfellow.

Jenny,thewaitress,calledtohimfrombehindthecounter."Hey,Al,Ididn'ttouchthethermostat.Itsaystheheat'sonandsetatseventy.Youbettertakealookatit."

"Youmusthavedonesomethingtoit,"Alsaid."It'sgettingwarminhereagain."

"Ididn'ttouchit,"Jennyinsisted.

Aldidn'tbelieveher,butTinadid.

ElliotturnedawayfromthejukeboxandlookedatTinawithconcern."Areyouallright?"

"Yes.God,yes!BetterthanI'vebeeninalongtime."

Hefrowned,baffledbyhersmile.

"Iknowwhatitis.Elliot,Iknowexactlywhatitis!Comeon,"shesaidexcitedly."Let'sgo."

Hewasconfusedbythechangeinherdemeanor,butshedidn'twanttoexplainthingstohimhereinthediner.Sheopenedthedoorandwentoutside.

22

THEWINDSTORMWASSTILLINPROGRESS,BUTITwasnotragingasfiercelyasithadbeenwhenElliotandTinahadwatcheditthroughtherestaurantwindow.Abriskwindpushedacrossthecityfromtheeast.Ladenwithdustandwiththepowderywhitesandthathadbeensweptinfromthedesert,theairabradedtheirfacesandhadanunpleasanttaste.

Theyputtheirheadsdownandscurriedpastthefrontofthediner,aroundtheside,throughthepurplelightunderthesinglemercury-vaporlamp,andintothedeepshadowsbehindthebuilding.

IntheMercedes,inthedarkness,withthedoorslocked,shesaid,"Nowonderwehaven'tbeenabletofigureitout!"

"Whyonearthareyouso—"

"We'vebeenlookingatthisallwrong—"

"—sobubblywhen—"

"—approachingitass-backwards.Nowonderwehaven'tbeenabletofindasolution."

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?DidyouseewhatIsawinthere?Didyouhearthejukebox?Idon'tseehowthatcouldhavecheeredyouup.Itmademybloodruncold.Itwasweird."

"Listen,"shesaidexcitedly,"wethoughtsomeonewassendingmemessagesaboutDannybeingalivejusttorubmyfaceinthefactthathewasactuallydead—ortoletmeknow,inaroundaboutfashion,thatthewayhediedwasn'tanythinglikewhatI'dbeentold.Butthosemessageshaven'tbeencomingfromasadist.Andtheyhaven'tbeencomingfromsomeonewhowantstoexposethetruestoryoftheSierraaccident.Theyaren'tbeingsentbyatotalstrangerorbyMichael.Theyareexactlywhattheyappeartobe!"

Confused,hesaid,"Andtoyourwayofthinking,whatdotheyappeartobe?"

Confused,hesaid,"Andtoyourwayofthinking,whatdotheyappeartobe?"

"They'recriesforhelp."

"What?"

"They'recomingfromDanny!"

Elliotstaredatherwithconsternationandwithpity,hisdarkeyesreflectingadistantlight."What'reyousaying—thatDannyreachedouttoyoufromthegravetocausethatexcitementintherestaurant?Tina,youreallydon'tthinkhisghostwashauntingajukebox?"

"No,no,no.I'msayingDannyisn'tdead."

"Waitaminute.Waitaminute."

"MyDannyisalive!I'msureofit."

"We'vealreadybeenthroughthisargument,andwerejectedit,"heremindedher.

"Wewerewrong.Jaborski,Lincoln,andalltheotherboysmighthavediedintheSierras,butDannydidn't.Iknowit.Isenseit.It'slike...arevelation...almostlikeavision.Maybetherewasanaccident,butitwasn'tlikeanythingweweretold.Itwassomethingverydifferent,somethingexceedinglystrange."

"That'salreadyobvious.But—"

"Thegovernmenthadtohideit,andsothisorganizationthatKennebeckworksforwasgivenresponsibilityforthecover-up."

"I'mwithyouthatfar,"Elliotsaid."That'slogical.ButhowdoyoufigureDanny'salive?Thatdoesn'tnecessarilyfollow."

"I'monlytellingyouwhatIknow,whatIfeel,"shesaid."Atremendoussenseofpeace,ofreassurance,cameovermeinthediner,justbeforeyoufinallymanagedtoshutoffthejukebox.Itwasn'tjustaninnerfeelingofpeace.Itcamefromoutsideofme.Likeawave.Oh,hell,Ican'treallyexplainit.IonlyknowwhatIfelt.Dannywastryingtoreassureme,tryingtotellmethathewasstillalive.Iknowit.Dannysurvivedtheaccident,buttheycouldn'tlethimcomehomebecausehe'dtelleveryonethegovernmentwasresponsibleforthedeaths

homebecausehe'dtelleveryonethegovernmentwasresponsibleforthedeathsoftheothers,andthatwouldblowtheirsecretmilitaryinstallationwideopen."

"You'rereaching,graspingforstraws."

"I'mnot,I'mnot,"sheinsisted.

"SowhereisDanny?"

"They'rekeepinghimsomewhere.Idon'tknowwhytheydidn'tkillhim.Idon'tknowhowlongtheythinktheycankeephimbottleduplikethis.Butthat'swhatthey'redoing.That'swhat'sgoingon.Thosemightnotbetheprecisecircumstances,butthey'reprettydamnclosetothetruth."

"Tina—"

Shewouldn'tlethiminterrupt."Thissecretpoliceforce,thesepeoplebehindKennebeck...theythinksomeoneinvolvedwithProjectPandorahasturnedonthemandtoldmewhatreallyhappenedtoDanny.They'rewrong,ofcourse.Itwasn'toneofthem.It'sDanny.Somehow...Idon'tknowhow...buthe'sreachingouttome."Shestruggledtoexplaintheunderstandingthathadcometoherinthediner."Somehow...someway...he'sreachingout...withhismind,Iguess.Dannywastheonewhowrotethosewordsonthechalkboard.Withhismind."

"Theonlyproofofthisiswhatyousayyoufeel...thisvisionyou'vehad."

"Notavision—"

"Whatever.Anyway,that'snoproofatall."

"It'sproofenoughforme,"shesaid."Anditwouldbeproofenoughforyou,ifyou'dhadthesameexperiencebackthereinthediner,ifyou'dfeltwhatIfelt.ItwasDannywhoreachedoutformewhenIwasatwork...foundmeintheoffice...triedtousethehotelcomputertosendhismessagetome.Andnowthejukebox.Hemustbe...psychic.That'sit!That'swhatheis.He'spsychic.Hehassomepower,andhe'sreachingout,tryingtotellmehe'salive,askingmetofindhimandsavehim.Andthepeoplewho'reholdinghimdon'tknowhe'sdoingit!They'reblamingtheleakononeoftheirown,onsomeonefromProjectPandora."

"Tina,thisisaveryimaginativetheory,but—"

"Tina,thisisaveryimaginativetheory,but—"

"Itmightbeimaginative,butit'snotatheory.It'strue.It'sfact.Ifeelitdeepinmybones.Canyoushootbolesthroughit?CanyouproveI'mwrong?"

"Firstofall,"Elliotsaid,"beforehewentintothemountainswithJaborski,inalltheyearsyouknewhimandlivedinthesamehousewithhim,didDannyevershowanysignsofbeingpsychic?"

Shefrowned."No."

"Thenhowcomehesuddenlyhasalltheseamazingpowers?"

"Wait.Yeah,Idoremembersomelittlethingshedidthatweresortofodd."

"Likewhat?"

"Likethetimehewantedtoknowexactlywhathisdaddydidforaliving.Hewaseightornineyearsold,andhewascuriousaboutthedetailsofadealer'sjob.Michaelsatatthekitchentablewithhimanddealtblackjack.Dannywasbarelyoldenoughtounderstandtherules,buthe'dneverplayedbefore.Hecertainlywasn'toldenoughtorememberallthecardsthatweredealtandcalculatehischancesfromthat,likesomeoftheverybestplayerscando.Yethewonsteadily.Michaelusedajarfullofpeanutstorepresentcasinochips,andDannywoneverynutinthejar."

"Thegamemusthavebeenrigged,"Elliotsaid."Michaelwaslettinghimwin."

"That'swhatIthoughtatfirst.ButMichaelsworehewasn'tdoingthat.AndheseemedgenuinelyastonishedbyDanny'sstreakofluck.Besides,Michaelisn'tacardmechanic.Hecan'thandleadeckwellenoughtostackitwhilehe'sshuffling.AndthentherewasElmer."

"Who'sElmer?"

"Hewasourdog.Acutelittlemutt.Oneday,abouttwoyearsago,Iwasinthekitchen,makinganapplepie,andDannycameintotellmeElmerwasn'tanywheretobefoundintheyard.Apparently,thepoochslippedoutofthegatewhenthegardenerscamearound.DannysaidhewassureElmerwasn'tgoingtocomebackbecausehe'dbeenhitandkilledbyatruck.Itoldhimnottoworry.Isaidwe'dfindElmersafeandsound.Butweneverdid.Weneverfoundhimat

saidwe'dfindElmersafeandsound.Butweneverdid.Weneverfoundhimatall."

"Justbecauseyouneverfoundhim—that'snotproofhewaskilledbyatruck."

"ItwasproofenoughforDanny.Hemournedforweeks."

Elliotsighed."Winningafewhandsatblackjack—that'sluck,justlikeyousaid.Andpredictingthatarunawaydogwillbekilledintraffic—that'sjustareasonableassumptiontomakeunderthecircumstances.Andevenifthosewereexamplesofpsychicability,littletrickslikethatarelight-yearsfromwhatyou'reattributingtoDannynow."

"Iknow.Somehow,hisabilitieshavegrownalotstronger.Maybebecauseofthesituationhe'sin.Thefear.Thestress."

"Iffearandstresscouldincreasethepowerofhispsychicgifts,whydidn'thestarttryingtogetintouchwithyoumonthsago?"

"Maybeittookayearofstressandfeartodeveloptheability.Idon'tknow."Afloodofunreasonableangerwashedthroughher:"Christ,howcouldIknowtheanswertothat?"

"Calmdown,"hesaid."Youdaredmetoshootholesinyourtheory.That'swhatI'mdoing."

"No,"shesaid."AsfarasIcansee,youhaven'tshotoneholeinityet.Danny'salive,beingheldsomewhere,andhe'stryingtoreachmewithhismind.Telepathically.No.Nottelepathy.He'sabletomoveobjectsjustbythinkingaboutthem.Whatdoyoucallthat?Isn'tthereanameforthatability?"

"Telekinesis,"Elliotsaid.

"Yes!That'sit.He'stelekinetic.Doyouhaveabetterexplanationforwhathappenedinthediner?"

"Well...no."

"Areyougoingtotellmeitwascoincidencethattherecordstuckonthosetwowords?"

"No,"Elliotsaid."Itwasn'tacoincidence.Thatwouldbeevenmoreunlikely

"No,"Elliotsaid."Itwasn'tacoincidence.ThatwouldbeevenmoreunlikelythanthepossibilitythatDannydidit."

"YouadmitI'mright."

"No,"hesaid."Ican'tthinkofabetterexplanation,butI'mnotreadytoacceptyours.I'veneverbelievedinthatpsychiccrap."

Foraminuteortwoneitherofthemspoke.Theystaredoutatthedarkparkinglotandatthefencedstorageyardfulloffifty-gallondrumsthatlaybeyondthelot.Sheets,puffs,andspinningfunnelsofvaguelyphosphorescentdustmovedlikespectersthroughthenight.

AtlastTinasaid,"I'mright,Elliot.IknowIam.Mytheoryexplainseverything.Eventhenightmares.That'sanotherwayDanny'sbeentryingtoreachme.He'sbeensendingmenightmaresforthepastfewweeks.That'swhythey'vebeensomuchdifferentfromanydreamsI'vehadbefore,somuchstrongerandmorevivid."

Heseemedtofindthisnewstatementmoreoutrageousthanwhatshe'dsaidbefore."Wait,wait,wait.Nowyou'retalkingaboutanotherpowerbesidestelekinesis."

"Ifhehasoneability,whynottheother?"

"Becauseprettysoonyou'llbesayinghe'sGod."

"Justtelekinesisandthepowertoinfluencemydreams.ThatexplainswhyIdreamedaboutthehideousfigureofDeathinthiscomicbook.IfDanny'ssendingmemessagesindreams,it'sonlynaturalhe'duseimageshewasfamiliarwith—likeamonsteroutofafavoritehorrorstory."

"Butifhecansenddreamstoyou,"Elliotsaid,"whywouldn'thesimplytransmitaneat,clearmessagetellingyouwhat'shappenedtohimandwhereheis?Wouldn'tthatgethimthehelphewantsalotfaster?Whywouldhebesounclearandindirect?Heshouldsendaconcisementalmessage,psychicE-mailfromtheTwilightZone,makeitaloteasierforyoutounderstand."

"Don'tgetsarcastic,"shesaid.

"I'mnot.I'mmerelyaskingatoughquestion.It'sanotherholeinyourtheory."

Shewouldnotbedeterred."It'snotahole.There'sagoodexplanation.Obviously,likeItoldyou,Dannyisn'ttelepathicexactly.He'stelekinetic,abletomoveobjectswithhismind.Andhecaninfluencedreamstosomeextent.Buthe'snotflat-outtelepathic.Hecan'ttransmitdetailedthoughts.Hecan'tsend'concisementalmessages'becausehedoesn'thavethatmuchpowerorcontrol.Sohehastotrytoreachmeasbesthecan."

"Willyoulistentous?"

"I'vebeenlistening,"shesaid.

"Wesoundlikeacoupleofprimecandidatesforapaddedcell."

"No.Idon'tthinkwedo."

"Thistalkofpsychicpower...it'snotexactlylevelheadedstuff,"Elliotsaid.

"Thenexplainwhathappenedinthediner."

"Ican't.Damnit,Ican't,"hesaid,soundinglikeapriestwhosefaithhadbeendeeplyshaken.Thefaiththathewasbeginningtoquestionwasnotreligious,however,butscientific.

"Stopthinkinglikeanattorney,"shesaid."Stoptryingtoherdthefactsintoneatcorralsoflogic."

"That'sexactlywhatI'vebeentrainedtodo."

"Iknow,"shesaidsympathetically."Buttheworldisfullofillogicalthingsthatarenonethelesstrue.Andthisisoneofthem."

Thewindbuffetedthesportscar,moanedalongthewindows,seekingawayin.

Elliotsaid,"IfDannyhasthisincrediblepower,whyishesendingmessagesjusttoyou?Whydoesn'theatleastcontactMichaeltoo?"

"Maybehedoesn'tfeelcloseenoughtoMichaeltotryreachinghim.Afterall,thelastcoupleofyearsweweremarried,Michaelwasrunningaroundwithalotofotherwomen,spendingmostofhistimeawayfromhome,andDannyfeltevenmoreabandonedthanIdid.InevertalkedagainstMichael.Ieventriedtojustifysomeofhisactions,becauseIdidn'twantDannytohatehim.ButDanny

justifysomeofhisactions,becauseIdidn'twantDannytohatehim.ButDannywashurtjustthesame.Isupposeit'snaturalforhimtoreachouttomeratherthantohisfather."

Awallofdustfellsoftlyoverthecar.

"Stillthinkyoucanshootmytheoryfullofholes?"sheasked.

"No.Youarguedyourcaseprettywell."

"Thankyou,judge."

"Istillcan'tbelieveyou'reright.IknowsomeprettydamnintelligentpeoplebelieveinESP,butIdon't.Ican'tbringmyselftoacceptthispsychiccrap.Notyet,anyway.I'mgoingtokeeplookingforsomelessexoticexplanation."

"Andifyoucomeupwithone,"Tinasaid,"I'llgiveitveryseriousconsideration."

Heputahandonhershoulder."ThereasonI'vearguedwithyouis...I'mworriedaboutyou,Tina."

"Aboutmysanity?"

"No,no.ThispsychicexplanationbothersmemainlybecauseitgivesyouhopethatDanny'sstillalive.Andthat'sdangerous.Itseemstomeasifyou'rejustsettingyourselfupforabadfall,alotofpain."

"No.Notatall.BecauseDannyreallyisalive."

"Butwhatifheisn't?"

"Heis."

"Ifyoudiscoverhe'sdead,it'llbelikelosinghimalloveragain."

"Buthe'snotdead,"sheinsisted."Ifeelit.Isenseit.Iknowit,Elliot."

"Andifheisdead?"Elliotasked,everybitasinsistentasshewas.

Shehesitated.Then:"I'llbeabletohandleit."

"You'resure?"

"You'resure?"

"Positive."

Inthedimlight,wherethebrightestthingwasmauveshadow,hefoundhereyes,heldherwithhisintentgaze.Shefeltasifhewerenotmerelylookingatherbutintoher,throughher.Finallyheleanedoverandkissedthecornerofhermouth,thenhercheek,hereyes.

Hesaid,"Idon'twanttoseeyourheartbroken."

"Itwon'tbe."

"I'lldowhatIcantoseeitisn't."

"Iknow."

"Butthereisn'tmuchIcando.It'soutofmyhands.Wejusthavetoflowwithevents."

Sheslippedahandbehindhisneck,holdinghisfaceclose.Thetasteofhislipsandhiswarmthmadeherinexpressiblyhappy.

Hesighed,leanedbackfromher,andstartedthecar."Webettergetmoving.Wehavesomeshoppingtodo.Wintercoats.Acoupleoftoothbrushes."

ThoughTinacontinuedtobebuoyedbytheunshakableconvictionthatDannywasalive,fearcreptintoheragainastheydroveontoCharlestonBoulevard.ShewasnolongerafraidoffacingtheawfultruththatmightbewaitinginReno.WhathadhappenedtoDannymightstillprovetobeterrible,shattering,butshedidn'tthinkitwouldbeashardtoacceptashis"death"hadbeen.TheonlythingthatscaredhernowwasthepossibilitythattheymightfindDanny—andthenbeunabletorescuehim.Intheprocessoflocatingtheboy,sheandElliotmightbekilled.IftheyfoundDannyandthenperishedtryingtosavehim,thatwouldbeanastytrickoffate,forsure.Sheknewfromexperiencethatfatehadcountlessnastytricksupitsvoluminoussleeve,andthatwaswhyshewasscaredshitless.

23

WILLISBRUCKSTERSTUDIEDHISKENOTICKET,carefullycomparingittothewinningnumbersbeginningtoflashontotheelectronicboardthathungfromthecasinoceiling.Hetriedtoappearintentlyinterestedintheoutcomeofthisgame,butinfacthedidn'tcare.Themarkedticketinhishandwasworthless;hehadn'ttakenittothebettingwindow,hadn'twageredanymoneyonit.Hewasusingkenoasacover.

Hedidn'twanttoattracttheattentionoftheomnipresentcasinosecuritymen,andtheeasiestwaytoescapetheirnoticewastoappeartobetheleastthreateninghickinthehugeroom.Withthatinmind,Brucksterworeacheapgreenpolyesterleisuresuit,blackloafers,andwhitesocks.Hewascarryingtwobooksofthediscountcouponsthatcasinosusetopullslot-machineplayersintothehouse,andheworeacameraonastraparoundhisneck.Furthermore,kenowasagamethatdidn'thaveanyappealforeithersmartgamblersorcheaters,thetwotypesofcustomerswhomostinterestedthesecuritymen.WillisBrucksterwassosureheappeareddullandordinarythathewouldn'thavebeensurprisedifaguardhadlookedathimandyawned.

Hewasdeterminednottofailonthisassignment.Itwasacareermaker—orbreaker.TheNetworkbadlywantedtoeliminateeveryonewhomightpressfortheexhumationofDannyEvans'sbody,andtheagentstargetedagainstElliotStrykerandChristinaEvanshadthusfarfailedtocarryouttheirorderstoterminatethepair.TheirineptitudegaveWillisBrucksterachancetoshine.Ifhemadeacleanhithere,inthecrowdedcasino,hewouldbeassuredofapromotion.

BrucksterstoodattheheadoftheescalatorthatledfromthelowershoppingarcadetothecasinolevelofBally'sHotel.Duringtheirperiodicbreaksfromthegamingtables,nursingstiffnecksandsoreshouldersandleadenarms,thewearydealersretiredtoacombinationloungeandlockerroomatthebottom—andtotheright—oftheescalator.Agrouphadgonedownawhileagoandwouldbereturningfortheirlaststandatthetablesbeforeawholenewstaffcameondutywiththeshiftchange.Brucksterwaswaitingforoneofthosedealers:MichaelEvans.

Hehadn'texpectedtofindthemanatwork.HehadthoughtEvansmightbekeepingavigilatthedemolishedhouse,whilethefiremensiftedthroughthestill-smolderingdebris,searchingfortheremainsofthewomantheythoughtmightbeburiedthere.ButwhenBrucksterhadcomeintothehotelthirtyminutesago,Evanshadbeenchattingwiththeplayersathisblackjacktable,crackingjokes,andgrinningasifnothingofanyimportancehadhappenedinhislifelately.

PerhapsEvansdidn'tknowabouttheexplosionathisformerhouse.Ormaybehedidknowandjustdidn'tgiveadamnabouthisex-wife.Itmighthavebeenabitterdivorce.

Brucksterhadn'tbeenabletogetclosetoEvanswhenthedealerlefttheblackjackpitatthebeginningofthebreak.Consequently,he'dstationedhimselfhere,attheheadoftheescalator,andhadpretendedtobeinterestedinthekenoboard.HewasconfidentthathewouldnailEvanswhenthemanreturnedfromthedealer'sloungeinthenextfewminutes.

Thelastofthekenonumbersflashedontotheboard.WillisBrucksterstaredatthem,thencrumpledhisgamecardwithobviousdisappointmentanddisgust,asifhehadlostafewhard-earneddollars.

Heglanceddowntheescalator.Dealersinblacktrousers,whiteshirts,andstringtieswereascending.

Bruckstersidledawayfromtheescalatorandunfoldedhiskenocard.Hecompareditoncemorewiththenumbersontheelectronicboard,asifhewereprayingthathehadmadeamistakethefirsttime.

MichaelEvanswastheseventhdealerofftheescalator.Hewasahandsome,easygoingguywhoambledratherthanwalked.Hestoppedtohaveawordwithastrikinglyprettycocktailwaitress,andshesmiledathim.Theotherdealersstreamedby,andwhenEvansfinallyturnedawayfromthewaitress,hewasthelastintheprocessionasitmovedtowardtheblackjackpits,

Brucksterfellinbesideandslightlybehindhistargetastheypressedthroughtheteemingmobthatjammedtheenormouscasino.Hereachedintoapocketofhisleisuresuitandtookoutatinyaerosolcanthatwasonlyslightlylargerthanoneofthosespray-stylebreathfresheners,smallenoughtobeconcealedinBruckster'shand.

Theycametoastandstillataclusteroflaughingpeople.Nooneinthejollygroupseemedtorealizethathewasobstructingthemainaisle.Bruckstertookadvantageofthepausetotaphisquarryontheshoulder.

Evansturned,andBruckstersaid,"Ithinkmaybeyoudroppedthisbackthere."

"Huh?"

BrucksterheldhishandeighteeninchesbelowMichaelEvans'seyes,sothatthedealerwasforcedtoglancedowntoseewhatwasbeingshowntohim.

Thefinespray,propelledwithtremendouspressure,caughthimsquarelyintheface,acrossthenoseandlips,penetratingswiftlyanddeeplyintothenostrils.Perfect.

Evansreactedasanyonewould.Hegaspedinsurpriseasherealizedhewasbeingsquirted.

Thegaspdrewthedeadlymistuphisnose,wheretheactivepoison—aparticularlyfast-actingneurotoxin—wasinstantaneouslyabsorbedthroughthesinusmembranes.Intwosecondsitwasinhisbloodstream,andthefirstseizurehithisheart.

Evans'ssurprisedexpressionturnedtoshock.Thenawild,twistedexpressionofagonywrenchedhisfaceasbrutalpainslammedthroughhim.Hegagged,andaribbonoffoamysalivaunraveledfromthecornerofhismouth,downhischin.Hiseyesrolledbackinhishead,andhefell.

AsBrucksterpocketedtheminiatureaerosoldevice,hesaid,"Wehaveasickmanhere."

Headsturnedtowardhim.

"Givethemanroom,"Bruckstersaid."ForGod'ssake,someonegetadoctor!"

Noonecouldhaveseenthemurder.Ithadbeencommittedinashelteredspacewithinthecrowd,hiddenbythekiller'sandthevictim'sbodies.Evenifsomeonehadbeenmonitoringthatareafromanoverheadcamera,therewouldnothavebeenmuchforhimtosee.

WillisBrucksterquicklykneltatMichaelEvans'ssideandtookhispulseasifhe

WillisBrucksterquicklykneltatMichaelEvans'ssideandtookhispulseasifheexpectedtofindone.Therewasnoheartbeatwhatsoever,notevenafaintlub-dub.

Athinfilmofmoisturecoveredthevictim'snoseandlipsandchin,butthiswasonlytheharmlessmediuminwhichthetoxinhadbeensuspended.Theactivepoisonitselfhadalreadypenetratedthevictim'sbody,doneitswork,andbeguntobreakdownintoaseriesofnaturallyoccurringchemicalsthatwouldraisenoalarmswhenthecoronerlaterstudiedtheresultsoftheusualbatteryofforensictests.Inafewsecondsthemediumwouldevaporatetoo,leavingnothingunusualtoarousetheinitialattendingphysician'ssuspicion.

AuniformedsecurityguardshoulderedthroughthemobofcuriousonlookersandstoopednexttoBruckster."Oh,damn,it'sMikeEvans.Whathappenedhere?"

"I'mnodoctor,"Bruckstersaid,"butitsurelookslikeaheartattacktome,thewayhedroppedlikeastone,samewaymyuncleNedwentdownlastFourthofJulyrightinthemiddleofthefireworksdisplay."

Theguardtriedtofindapulsebutwasn'tabletodoso.HebeganCPR,butthenrelented."Ithinkit'shopeless."

"Howcoulditbeaheartattack,himbeingsoyoung?"Brucksterwondered."Jesus,youjustneverknow,doyou?"

"Youneverknow,"theguardagreed.

Thehoteldoctorwouldcallitaheartattackafterhehadexaminedthebody.Sowouldthecoroner.Sowouldthedeathcertificate.

Aperfectmurder.

WillisBruckstersuppressedasmile.

24

JUDGEHAROLDKENNEBECKBUILTEXQUISITELYdetailedshipsinbottles.Thewallsofhisdenwerelinedwithexamplesofhishobby.Atinymodelofaseventeenth-centuryDutchpinnacewasperpetuallyundersailinasmall,pale-bluebottle.Alargefour-mastedtopsailschoonerfilledafive-gallonjug.Herewasafour-mastedbarkentinewithsailstautinaperpetualwind;andherewasamid-sixteenth-centurySwedishkravel.Afifteenth-centurySpanishcaravel.ABritishmerchantman.ABaltimoreclipper.Everyshipwascreatedwithremarkablecareandcraftsmanship,andmanywereinuniquelyshapedbottlesthatmadetheirconstructionallthemoredifficultandadmirable.

Kennebeckstoodbeforeoneofthedisplaycases,studyingtheminutelydetailedriggingofalate-eighteenth-centuryFrenchfrigate.Ashegazedatthemodel,hewasn'ttransportedbackintimeorlostinfantasiesofhigh-seasadventure;rather,hewasmullingovertherecentdevelopmentsintheEvanscase.Hisships,sealedintheirglassworlds,relaxedhim;helikedtospendtimewiththemwhenhehadaproblemtoworkoutorwhenhewasonedge,fortheymadehimfeelserene,andthatsecurityallowedhismindtofunctionatpeakperformance.

Thelongerhethoughtaboutit,thelessKennebeckwasabletobelievethattheEvanswomanknewthetruthaboutherson.Surely,ifsomeonefromProjectPandorahadtoldherwhathadhappenedtothatbusloadofscouts,shewouldn'thavereactedtothenewswithequanimity.Shewouldhavebeenfrightened,terrified...anddamnedangry.Shewouldhavegonestraighttothepolice,thenewspapers—orboth.

Instead,shehadgonetoElliotStryker.

Andthatwaswheretheparadoxjumpeduplikeajack-in-the-box.Ontheonehand,shebehavedasifshedidnotknowthetruth.Butontheotherhand,shewasworkingthroughStrykertohaveherson'sgravereopened,whichseemedtoindicatethatsheknewsomething.

IfStrykercouldbebelieved,thewoman'smotivationswereinnocentenough.Accordingtotheattorney,Mrs.Evansfeltguiltyaboutnothavinghadthecouragetoviewtheboy'smutilatedbodypriortotheburial.Shefeltasifshe

couragetoviewtheboy'smutilatedbodypriortotheburial.Shefeltasifshehadfailedtopayherlastrespectstothedeceased.Herguilthadgrowngraduallyintoaseriouspsychologicalproblem.Shewasingreatdistress,andshesufferedfromhorribledreamsthatplaguedhereverynight.ThatwasStryker'sstory.

KennebecktendedtobelieveStryker.Therewasanelementofcoincidenceinvolved,butnotallcoincidencewasmeaningful.Thatwassomethingonetendedtoforgetwhenhespenthislifeintheintelligencegame.ChristinaEvansprobablyhadn'tentertainedasingledoubtabouttheofficialexplanationoftheSierraaccident;sheprobablyhadn'tknownadamnedthingaboutPandorawhenshehadrequestedanexhumation,buthertimingcouldn'thavebeenworse.

Ifthewomanactuallyhadn'tknownanythingofthecover-up,thentheNetworkcouldhaveusedherex-husbandandthelegalsystemtodelaythereopeningofthegrave.Inthemeantime,Networkagentscouldhavelocatedaboy'sbodyinthesamestateofdecayasDanny'scorpsewouldhavebeenifithadbeenlockedinthatcoffinforthepastyear.Theywouldhaveopenedthegravesecretly,atnight,whenthecemeterywasclosed,switchingtheremainsofthefakeDannyfortherocksthatwerecurrentlyinthecasket.Thentheguilt-strickenmothercouldhavebeenpermittedonelast,late,ghastlylookattheremainsofherson.

Thatwouldhavebeenacomplexoperation,fraughtwiththeperilofdiscovery.Theriskswouldhavebeenacceptable,however,andtherewouldn'thavebeenanyneedtokillanyone.

Unfortunately,GeorgeAlexander,chiefoftheNevadabureauoftheNetwork,hadn'tpossessedthepatienceortheskilltodeterminethewoman'struemotives.Hehadassumedtheworstandhadactedonthatassumption.WhenKennebeckinformedAlexanderofElliotStryker'srequestforanexhumation,thebureauchiefrespondedimmediatelywithextremeforce.HeplannedasuicideforStryker,anaccidentaldeathforthewoman,andaheartattackforthewoman'shusband.Twoofthosehurriedlyorganizedassassinationattemptshadfailed.Strykerandthewomanhaddisappeared.NowtheentireNetworkwasinthesoup,deepinit.

AsKennebeckturnedawayfromtheFrenchfrigate,beginningtowonderifheoughttogetoutfromundertheNetworkbeforeitcollapsedonhim,GeorgeAlexanderenteredthestudythroughthedoorthatopenedoffthedownstairshallway.Thebureauchiefwasaslim,elegant,distinguished-lookingman.HewaswearingGucciloafers,anexpensivesuit,ahandmadesilkshirt,andagoldRolexwatch.Hisstylishlycutbrownhairshadedtoiron-grayatthetemples.His

Rolexwatch.Hisstylishlycutbrownhairshadedtoiron-grayatthetemples.Hiseyesweregreen,clear,alert,and—ifonetookthetimetostudythem—menacing.Hehadawell-formedfacewithhighcheekbones,anarrowstraightnose,andthinlips.Whenhesmiled,hismouthturnedupslightlyattheleftcorner,givinghimavaguelyhaughtyexpression,althoughatthemomenthewasn'tsmiling.

KennebeckhadknownAlexanderforfiveyearsandhaddespisedhimfromthedaytheymet.Hesuspectedthatthefeelingwasmutual.

Partofthisantagonismbetweenthemrosebecausetheyhadbeenbornintoutterlydifferentworldsandwereequallyproudoftheirorigins—aswellasdisdainfulofallothers.HarryKennebeckhadcomefromadirt-poorfamilyand,byhisownestimationatleast,madequitealotofhimself.Alexander,ontheotherhand,wasthescionofaPennsylvaniafamilythathadbeenwealthyandpowerfulforahundredandfiftyyears,perhapslonger.Kennebeckhadliftedhimselfoutofpovertythroughhardworkandsteelydetermination.Alexanderknewnothingofhardwork;hehadascendedtothetopofhisfieldasifhewereaprincewithadivinerighttorule.

KennebeckwasalsoirritatedbyAlexander'shypocrisy.Thewholefamilywasnothingbutabunchofhypocrites.Thesociety-registerAlexanderswereproudoftheirhistoryofpublicservice.ManyofthemhadbeenPresidentialappointees,occupyinghigh-levelpostsinthefederalgovernment;afewhadservedonthePresident'scabinet,inhalfadozenadministrations,thoughnonehadeverdeignedtorunforanelectiveposition.ThefamousPennsylvaniaAlexandershadalwaysbeenprominentlyassociatedwiththestruggleforminoritycivilrights,theEqualRightsAmendment,thecrusadeagainstcapitalpunishment,andsocialidealismsofeveryvariety.Yetnumerousmembersofthefamilyhadsecretlyrenderedservice—someofitdirty—totheFBI,theCIA,andvariousotherintelligenceandpoliceagencies,oftentheverysameorganizationsthattheypubliclycriticizedandreviled.NowGeorgeAlexanderwastheNevadabureauchiefofthenation'sfirsttrulysecretpoliceforce—afactthatapparentlydidnotweighheavilyonhisliberalconscience.

Kennebeck'spoliticswereoftheextremeright-wingvariety.Hewasanunreconstructedfascistandnottheleastbitashamedofit.When,asayoungman,hehadfirstembarkeduponacareerintheintelligenceservices,Harryhadbeensurprisedtodiscoverthatnotallofthepeopleintheespionagebusinesssharedhisultraconservativepoliticalviews.Hehadexpectedhisco-workersto

sharedhisultraconservativepoliticalviews.Hehadexpectedhisco-workerstobesuper-patrioticright-wingers.Butallthesnoopshopswerestaffedwithleftiststoo.EventuallyHarryrealizedthattheextremeleftandtheextremerightsharedthesametwobasicgoals:Theywantedtomakesocietymoreorderlythanitnaturallywas,andtheywantedtocentralizecontrolofthepopulationinastronggovernment.Left-wingersandright-wingersdifferedaboutcertaindetails,ofcourse,buttheironlymajorpointofcontentioncenteredontheidentityofthosewhowouldbepermittedtobeapartoftheprivilegedrulingclass,oncethepowerhadbeensufficientlycentralized.

AtleastI'mhonestaboutmymotives,KennebeckthoughtashewatchedAlexandercrossthestudy.Mypublicopinionsarethesameasthose1expressprivately,andthat'savirtuehedoesn'tpossess.I'mnotahypocrite.I'mnotatalllikeAlexander.Jesus,he'ssuchasmug,Janus-facedbastard!

"Ijustspokewiththemenwho'rewatchingStryker'shouse,"Alexandersaid."Hehasn'tshownupyet."

"Itoldyouhewouldn'tgobackthere."

"Soonerorlaterhewill."

"No.Notuntilhe'sabsolutelycertaintheheatisoff.Untilthenhe'llhideout."

"He'sboundtogotothepoliceatsomepoint,andthenwe'llhavehim."

"Ifhethoughthecouldgetanyhelpfromthecops,he'dhavebeentherealready,"Kennebecksaid."Buthehasn'tshownup.Andhewon't."

Alexanderglancedathiswatch."Well,hestillmightpopuphere.I'msurehewantstoaskyoualotofquestions."

"Oh,I'mdamnsurehedoes.Hewantsmyhide,"Kennebecksaid."Buthewon'tcome.Nottonight.Eventually,yes,butnotforalongtime.Heknowswe'rewaitingforhim.Heknowshowthegameisplayed.Don'tforgetheusedtoplayithimself."

"Thatwasalongtimeago,"Alexandersaidimpatiently."He'sbeenacivilianforfifteenyears.He'soutofpractice.Evenifhewasanaturalthen,there'snowayhecouldstillbeassharpasheoncewas."

"Butthat'swhatI'vebeentryingtotellyou,"Kennebecksaid,pushingalockof

"Butthat'swhatI'vebeentryingtotellyou,"Kennebecksaid,pushingalockofsnow-whitehairbackfromhisforehead."Elliotisn'tstupid.Hewasthebestandbrightestyoungofficerwhoeverservedunderme.Hewasanatural.Andthatwaswhenhewasyoungandrelativelyinexperienced.Ifhe'sagedaswellasheseemstohavedone,thenhemightevenbesharperthesedays."

Alexanderdidn'twanttohearit.Althoughtwoofthehitshehadorderedhadgonetotallyawry,Alexanderremainedself-assured;hewasconvincedthathewouldeventuallytriumph.

He'salwayssodamnedself-confident,HarryKennebeckthought.Andusuallythere'snogoodreasonwhyheshouldbe.Ifhewasawareofhisownshortcomings,thesonofabitchwouldbecrushedtodeathunderhiscollapsingego.

Alexanderwenttothehugemapledeskandsatbehindit,inKennebeck'swingchair.

Thejudgeglaredathim.

AlexanderpretendednottonoticeKennebeck'sdispleasure."We'llfindStrykerandthewomanbeforemorning.I'venodoubtaboutthat.We'recoveringallthebases.We'vegotmencheckingeveryhotelandmotel—"

"That'sawasteoftime,"Kennebecksaid."Elliotistoosmarttowaltzintoahotelandleavehisnameontheregister.Besides,therearemorehotelsandmotelsinVegasthaninanyothercityintheworld."

"I'mfullyawareofthecomplexityofthetask,"Alexandersaid."Butwemightgetlucky.Meanwhile,we'recheckingoutStryker'sassociatesinhislawfirm,hisfriends,thewoman'sfriends,,anyonewithwhomtheymighthavetakenrefuge."

"Youdon'thaveenoughmanpowertofollowupallthosepossibilities,"thejudgesaid."Can'tyouseethat?Youshoulduseyourpeoplemorejudiciously.You'respreadingyourselftoothin.Whatyoushouldbedoing—"

"I'llmakethosedecisions,"Alexandersaidicily.

"Whatabouttheairport?"

"That'stakencareof,"Alexanderassuredhim."We'vegotmengoingoverthe

"That'stakencareof,"Alexanderassuredhim."We'vegotmengoingoverthepassengerlistsofeveryoutboundflight."Hepickedupanivory-handledletteropener,turneditoverandoverinhishands."Anyway,evenifwe'respreadabitthin,itdoesn'tmattermuch.Ialreadyknowwherewe'regoingtonailStryker.Here.Righthereinthishouse.That'swhyI'mstillhangingaround.Oh,Iknow,Iknow,youdon'tthinkhe'llshowup.ButalongtimeagoyouwereStryker'smentor,themanherespected,themanhelearnedfrom,andnowyou'vebetrayedhim.He'llcomeheretoconfrontyou,evenifheknowsit'srisky.I'msurehewill."

"Ridiculous,"Kennebecksaidsourly."Ourrelationshipwasneverlikethat.He—"

"Iknowhumannature,"Alexandersaid,thoughhewasoneoftheleastobservantandleastanalyticalmenthatKennebeckhadeverknown.

Thesedayscreamseldomroseintheintelligencecommunity—butcrapstillfloated.

Angry,frustrated,KennebeckturnedagaintothebottlethatcontainedtheFrenchfrigate.SuddenlyherememberedsomethingimportantaboutElliotStryker."Ah,"hesaid.

Alexanderputdowntheenameledcigaretteboxthathehadbeenstudying."Whatisit?"

"Elliot'sapilot.Heownshisownplane."

Alexanderfrowned.

"Haveyoubeencheckingsmallcraftleavingtheairport?"Kennebeckasked.

"No.Justscheduledairlinersandcharters."

"Ah."

"He'dhavehadtotakeoffinthedark,"Alexandersaid."Youthinkhe'slicensedforinstrumentflying?Mostbusinessmen-pilotsandhobbypilotsaren'tcertifiedforanythingbutdaylight."

"Bettergetholdofyourmenattheairport,"Kennebecksaid."Ialreadyknowwhatthey'regoingtofind.I'llbetahundredbuckstoadimeElliotslippedoutof

whatthey'regoingtofind.I'llbetahundredbuckstoadimeElliotslippedoutoftownunderyournose."

•••

TheCessnaTurboSkylaneRGknifedthroughthedarkness,twomilesabovetheNevadadesert,withthelowcloudsunderit,wingsplatedsilverbymoonlight.

"Elliot?"

"Hmmm?"

"I'msorryIgotyoumixedupinthis."

"Youdon'tlikemycompany?"

"YouknowwhatImean.I'mreallysorry."

"Hey,youdidn'tgetmemixedupinit.Youdidn'ttwistmyarm.Ipracticallyvolunteeredtohelpyouwiththeexhumation,anditalljustfellapartfromthere.It'snotyourfault."

"Still...hereyouare,runningforyourlife,andallbecauseofme."

"Nonsense.Youcouldn'thaveknownwhatwouldhappenafterItalkedtoKennebeck."

"Ican'thelpfeelingguiltyaboutinvolvingyou."

"Ifitwasn'tme,itwouldhavebeensomeotherattorney.Andmaybehewouldn'thaveknownhowtohandleVince.Inwhichcase,bothheandyoumightbedead.Soifyoulookatitthatway,itworkedoutaswellasitpossiblycould."

"You'rereallysomethingelse,"shesaid.

"WhatelseamI?"

"Lotsofthings."

"Suchas?"

"Terrific."

"Notme.Whatelse?"

"Brave."

"Braveryisavirtueoffools."

"Smart."

"NotassmartasIthinkIam."

"Tough."

"Icryatsadmovies.See,I'mnotasgreatasyouthinkIam."

"Youcancook."

"Nowthat'strue!"

TheCessnahitanairpocket,droppedthreehundredfeetwithasickeninglurch,andthensoaredtoitscorrectaltitude.

"Agreatcookbutalousypilot,"shesaid.

"ThatwasGod'sturbulence.ComplaintoHim."

"HowlongtillwelandinReno?"

"Eightyminutes."

•••

GeorgeAlexanderhungupthetelephone.HewasstillsittinginKennebeck'swingchair."StrykerandthewomantookofffromMcCarranInternationalmorethantwohoursago.TheyleftinhisCessna.HefiledaflightplanforFlagstaff."

thantwohoursago.TheyleftinhisCessna.HefiledaflightplanforFlagstaff."

Thejudgestoppedpacing."Arizona?"

"That'stheonlyFlagstaffIknow.ButwhywouldtheygotoArizona,ofallplaces?"

"Theyprobablydidn't,"Kennebecksaid."IfigureElliotfiledafalseflightplantothrowyouoffhistrail."HewasperverselyproudofStryker'scleverness.

"IftheyactuallyheadedforFlagstaff,"Alexandersaid,"theyoughttohavelandedbynow.I'llcallthenightmanagerattheairportdownthere,pretendtobeFBI,seewhathecantellme."

BecausetheNetworkdidnotofficiallyexist,itcouldn'topenlyuseitsauthoritytogatherinformation.Asaresult,NetworkagentsroutinelyposedasFBImen,withcounterfeitcredentialsinthenamesofactualFBIagents.

WhilehewaitedforAlexandertofinishwiththenightmanagerattheFlagstaffairport,Kennebeckmovedfromonemodelshiptoanother.Forthefirsttimeinhisexperience,thesightofthisbottledfleetdidn'tcalmhim.

FifteenminuteslaterAlexanderputdownthetelephone."Strykerisn'tontheFlagstafffield.Andhehasn'tyetbeenidentifiedintheirairspace."

"Ah.Sohisflightplanwasaredherring."

"Unlesshecrashedbetweenhereandthere,"Alexandersaidhopefully.

Kennebeckgrinned."Hedidn'tcrash.Butwherethehelldidhego?"

"Probablyintheoppositedirection,"Alexandersaid."SouthernCalifornia."

"Ah.LosAngeles?"

"OrSantaBarbara.Burbank.LongBeach.Ontario.OrangeCounty.TherearealotofairportswithintherangeofthatlittleCessna."

Theywerebothsilent,thinking.ThenKennebecksaid,"Reno.That'swheretheywent.Reno."

"Youweresosuretheydidn'tknowathingabouttheSierralabs,"Alexander

"Youweresosuretheydidn'tknowathingabouttheSierralabs,"Alexandersaid."Haveyouchangedyourmind?"

"No.Istillthinkyoucouldhaveavoidedissuingallthoseterminationorders.Look,theycan'tbegoinguptothemountains,becausetheydon'tknowwherethelaboratoriesare.Theydon'tknowanythingmoreaboutProjectPandorathanwhattheypickedupfromthatlistofquestionstheytookoffVinceImmelman."

"ThenwhyReno?"

Pacing,Kennebecksaid,"Nowthatwe'vetriedtokillthem,theyknowthestoryoftheSierraaccidentwasentirelycontrived.Theyfigurethere'ssomethingwrongwiththelittleboy'sbody,somethingoddthatwecan'taffordtoletthemsee.Sonowthey'retwiceasanxioustoseeit.They'dexhumeitillegallyiftheycould,buttheycan'tgetnearthecemeterywithuswatchingit.AndStrykerknowsforsurethatwe'vegotitstakedout.Soiftheycan'topenthegraveandseeforthemselveswhatwe'vedonetoDannyEvans,whataretheygoingtodoinstead?They'regoingtodothenextbestthing—talktothepersonwhowassupposedlythelastonetoseetheboy'scorpsebeforeitwassealedinthecoffin.They'regoingtoaskhimtodescribetheconditionoftheboyinminutedetail."

"RichardPannafinisthecoronerinReno.Heissuedthedeathcertificate,"Alexandersaid.

"No.Theywon'tgotoPannafin.They'llfigurehe'sinvolvedinthecover-up."

"Whichheis.Reluctantly."

"Sothey'llgotoseethemorticianwhosupposedlypreparedtheboy'sbodyforburial."

"Bellicosti."

"Wasthathisname?"

"LucianoBellicosti,"Alexandersaid."Butifthat'swheretheywent,thenthey'renotjusthidingout,lickingtheirwounds.GoodGod,they'veactuallygoneontheoffensive!"

"That'sStryker'smilitary-intelligencetrainingtakinghold,"Kennebecksaid."That'swhatI'vebeentryingtotellyou.He'snotgoingtobeaneasytarget.HecoulddestroytheNetwork,givenhalfachance.Andthewoman'sevidentlynot

coulddestroytheNetwork,givenhalfachance.Andthewoman'sevidentlynotonetohideorrunawayfromaproblemeither.Wehavetogoafterthesetwowithmorecarethanusual.WhataboutthisBellicosti?Willhekeephismouthshut?"

"Idon'tknow,"Alexandersaiduneasily."Wehaveaprettygoodholdonhim.He'sanItalianimmigrant.Helivedhereforeightornineyearsbeforehedecidedtoapplyforcitizenship.Hehadn'tgottenhispapersyetwhenwefoundourselvesneedingacooperativemortician.WeputafreezeonhisapplicationwiththeBureauofImmigration,andwethreatenedtohavehimdeportedifhedidn'tdowhatwewanted.Hedidn'tlikeit.Butcitizenshipwasabigenoughcarrottokeephimmotivated.However...Idon'tthinkwe'dbetterrelyonthatcarrotanylonger."

"Thisisahellofanimportantmatter,"Kennebecksaid."AnditsoundstomeasifBellicostiknowstoomuchaboutit."

"Terminatethebastard,"Alexandersaid.

"Eventually,butnotnecessarilyrightnow.Iftoomanybodiespileupatonce,we'llbedrawingattentionto—"

"Takenochances,"Alexanderinsisted."We'llterminatehim.Andthecoronertoo,Ithink.Scrubawaythewholetrail."Hereachedforthephone.

"Surelyyoudon'twanttotakesuchdrasticactionuntilyou'repositiveStrykeractuallyisheadedforReno.Andyouwon'tknowforsureuntilhelandsupthere."

Alexanderhesitatedwithhishandonthephone."ButifIwait,I'mjustgivinghimachancetokeeponestepahead."Worried,hecontinuedtohesitate,anxiouslychewinghislip.

"There'sawaytofindoutifit'sreallyRenohe'sheadedfor.Whenhegetsthere,he'llneedacar.Maybehe'salreadyarrangedforonetobewaiting."

Alexandernodded."WecancalltherentalagenciesattheRenoairport."

"Noneedtocall.Thehackergeeksincomputeroperationscanprobablyaccessalltherentalagencies'datafileslongdistance."

Alexanderpickedupthephoneandgavetheorder.

Fifteenminuteslatercomputeroperationscalledbackwithitsreport.ElliotStrykerhadarentalcarreservedforlate-nightpickupattheRenoairport.Hewasscheduledtotakepossessionofitshortlybeforemidnight.

"That'sabitsloppyofhim,"Kennebecksaid,"consideringhowcleverhe'sbeensofar."

"Hefigureswe'refocusingonArizona,notReno."

"It'sstillsloppy,"Kennebecksaid,disappointed."Heshouldhavebuiltadoubleblindtoprotecthimself."

"Soit'slikeIsaid."Alexander'scrookedsmileappeared."Heisn'tassharpasheusedtobe."

"Let'snotstartcrowingtoosoon,"Kennebecksaid."Wehaven'tcaughthimyet."

"Wewill,"Alexandersaid,hiscomposurerestored."OurpeopleinRenowillhavetomovefast,butthey'llmanage.Idon'tthinkit'sagoodideatohitStrykerandthewomaninapublicplacelikeanairport."

Whatanuncharacteristicdisplayofreserve,Kennebeckthoughtsourly.

"Idon'teventhinkweshouldputatailonthemassoonastheygetthere,"Alexandersaid."Strykerwillbeexpectingatail.Maybehe'lleludeit,andthenhe'llbespooked."

"Gettotherentalcarbeforehedoes.Slapatransponderonit.Thenyoucanfollowhimwithoutbeingseen,atyourleisure."

"We'lltryit,"Alexandersaid."We'vegotlessthananhour,sotheremightnotbetime.Butevenifwedon'tgetabeeperonthedamncar,we'reokay.Weknowwherethey'regoing.We'lljusteliminateBellicostiandsetupatrapatthefuneralhome."

HesnatchedupthetelephoneanddialedtheNetworkofficeinReno.

25

INRENO,WHICHBILLEDITSELFAS"THEBIGGESTLittleCityintheWorld,"thetemperaturehoveredattwenty-onedegreesabovezeroasmidnightapproached.Abovethelightsthatcastafrostyglowontheairportparkinglot,theheavilyshroudedskywasmoonless,starless,perfectlyblack.Snowflurriesweredancingona.changeablewind.

ElliotwasgladtheyhadboughtacoupleofheavycoatsbeforeleavingLasVegas.Hewishedthey'dthoughtofgloves;hishandswerefreezing.

HethrewtheirsinglesuitcaseintothetrunkoftherentedChevrolet.Inthecoldair,whitecloudsofexhaustvaporswirledaroundhislegs.

Heslammedthetrunklidandsurveyedthesnow-dustedcarsintheparkinglot.Hecouldn'tseeanyoneinanyofthem.Hehadnofeelingofbeingwatched.

Whentheyhadlanded,they'dbeenalertforunusualactivityontherunwayandintheprivate-craftdockingyard—suspiciousvehicles,anunusualnumberofgroundcrewmen—buttheyhadseennothingoutoftheordinary.Thenashehadsignedfortherentalcarandpickedupthekeysfromthenightclerk,hehadkeptonehandinapocketofhiscoat,grippingthehandgunhe'dtakenoffVinceinLasVegas—buttherewasnotrouble.

Perhapsthephonyflightplanhadthrownthehoundsoffthetrail.Nowhewenttothedriver'sdoorandclimbedintotheChevy,whereTinawasfiddlingwiththeheater.

"Myblood'sturningtoice,"shesaid.

Elliotheldhishandtothevent."We'regettingsomewarmairalready."

Fromhiscoat,hewithdrewthepistolandputitontheseatbetweenhimandChristina,themuzzlepointedtowardthedashboard.

"YoureallythinkweshouldconfrontBellicostiatthishour?"sheasked.

"Sure.It'snotverylate."

"Sure.It'snotverylate."

Inanairport-terminaltelephonedirectory,TinahadfoundtheaddressoftheLucianoBellicostiFuneralHome.Thenightclerkattherentalagency,fromwhomtheyhadsignedoutthecar,hadknownexactlywhereBellicosti'splacewas,andhehadmarkedtheshortestrouteonthefreecitymapprovidedwiththeChevy.

Elliotflickedontheoverheadlightandstudiedthemap,thenhandedittoTina."IthinkIcanfinditwithoutanytrouble.ButifIgetlost,you'llbethenavigator."

"Aye,aye,Captain."

Hesnappedofftheoverheadlightandreachedforthegearshift.

Withadistantclick,thelightthathehadjustturnedoffnowturneditselfon.

HelookedatTina,andshemethiseyes.

Heclickedoffthelightagain.

Immediatelyitswitchedon.

"Herewego,"Tinasaid.

Theradiocameon.Thedigitalstationindicatorbegantosweepacrossthefrequencies.Split-secondblastsofmusic,commercials,anddiscjockeys'voicesblaredsenselesslyoutofthespeakers.

"It'sDanny,"Tinasaid.

Thewindshieldwipersstartedthumpingbackandforthattopspeed,addingtheirmetronomicalbeattothechaosinsidetheChevy.

Theheadlightsflashedonandoffsorapidlythattheycreatedastroboscopiceffect,repeatedly"freezing"thefallingsnow,sothatitappearedasifthewhiteflakesweredescendingtothegroundinshort,jerkysteps.

Theairinsidethecarwasbitterlycoldandgrowingcolderbythesecond.

Elliotputhisrighthandagainstthedashboardvent.Heatwaspushingoutofit,

Elliotputhisrighthandagainstthedashboardvent.Heatwaspushingoutofit,buttheairtemperaturecontinuedtoplunge.

Theglovecompartmentpoppedopen.

Theashtrayslidoutofitsniche.

Tinalaughed,clearlydelighted.

ThesoundofherlaughterstartledElliot,butthenhehadtoadmittohimselfthathedidnotfeelmenacedbytheworkofthispoltergeist.Infact,justtheoppositewastrue.Hesensedthathewaswitnessingajoyousdisplay,awarmgreeting,theexcitedwelcomeofachild-ghost.Hewasoverwhelmedbytheastonishingnotionthathecouldactuallyfeelgoodwillintheair,atangibleradiationofloveandaffection.Anotunpleasantshiverraceduphisspine.Apparently,thiswasthesameastonishingawarenessofbeingbuffetedbywavesoflovethathadcausedTina'slaughter.

Shesaid,"We'recoming,Danny.Hearmeifyoucan,baby.We'recomingtogetyou.We'recoming."

Theradioswitchedoff,andsodidtheoverheadlight.

Thewindshieldwipersstoppedthumping.

Theheadlightsblinkedoffandstayedoff.

Stillness.

Silence.

Scatteredflakesofsnowcollidedsoftlywiththewindshield.

Inthecar,theairgrewwarmagain.

Elliotsaid,"Whydoesitgetcoldeverytimeheuseshis...psychicabilities?"

"Whoknows?Maybehe'sabletomoveobjectsbyharnessingtheheatenergyintheair,changingitsomehow.Ormaybeit'ssomethingelsealtogether.We'llprobablyneverknow.Hemightnotunderstandithimself.Anyway,thatisn'timportant.What'simportantisthatmyDannyisalive.There'snodoubtaboutthat.Notnow.Notanymore.AndIgatherfromyourquestion,you'vebecomea

that.Notnow.Notanymore.AndIgatherfromyourquestion,you'vebecomeabelievertoo."

"Yeah,"Elliotsaid,stillmildlyamazedbyhisownchangeofheartandmind."Yeah,Ibelievethere'sachanceyou'reright."

"IknowIam."

"Somethingextraordinaryhappenedtothatexpeditionofscouts.Andsomethingdownrightuncannyhashappenedtoyourson."

"Butatleasthe'snotdead,"Tinasaid.

Elliotsawtearsofhappinessshininginhereyes.

"Hey,"hesaidworriedly,"betterkeepatightreinonyourhopes.Okay?We'vegotalong,longwaytogo.Wedon'tevenknowwhereDannyisorwhatshapehe'sin.We'vegotagauntlettorunbeforewecanfindhimandbringhimback.Wemightbothbekilledbeforeweevengetclosetohim."Hedroveawayfromtheairport.Asfarashecouldtell,noonefollowedthem.

26

SUFFERINGONEOFHISOCCASIONALBOUTSOFclaustrophobia,Dr.CarltonDombeyfeltasthoughhehadbeenswallowedaliveandwastrappednowinthedevil'sgut.

DeepinsidethesecretSierracomplex,threestoriesbelowgroundlevel,thisroommeasuredfortyfeetbytwenty.Thelowceilingwascoveredwithaspongy,pebbly,yellowishsoundproofing,whichgavethechamberapeculiarorganicquality.Fluorescenttubesshedcoldlightoverbanksofcomputersandoverworktablesladenwithjournals,charts,filefolders,scientificinstruments,andtwocoffeemugs.

Inthemiddleofthewestwall—oneofthetwoshorterwalls—oppositetheentrancetotheroom,wasasix-foot-long,three-foot-highwindowthatprovidedaviewofanotherspace,whichwasonlyhalfaslargeasthisouterchamber.Thewindowwasconstructedlikeasandwich:Twoone-inch-thickpanesofshatterproofglasssurroundedaninch-widespacefilledwithaninertgas.Twopanesofironlikeglass.Stainless-steelframe.Fourairtightrubberseals—onearoundthebothfacesofeachpane.Thisviewportwasdesignedtowithstandeverythingfromagunshottoanearthquake;itwasvirtuallyinviolable.

Becauseitwasimportantforthemenwhoworkedinthelargeroomtohaveanunobstructedviewofthesmallerinnerchamberatalltimes,fourangledceilingventsinbothroomsbathedtheglassinacontinuousflowofwarm,dryairtopreventcondensationandclouding.Currentlythesystemwasn'tworking,forthree-quartersofthewindowwasfilmedwithfrost.

Dr.CarltonDombey,acurly-hairedmanwithabushymustache,stoodatthewindow,blottinghisdamphandsonhismedicalwhitesandpeeringanxiouslythroughoneofthefewfrost-freepatchesofglass.Althoughhewasstrugglingtocastofftheseizureofclaustrophobiathathadgrippedhim,wastryingtopretendthattheorganic-lookingceilingwasn'tpressinglowoverhisheadandthatonlyopenskyhungabovehiminsteadofthousandsoftonsofconcreteandsteelrock,hisownpanicattackconcernedhimlessthanwhatwashappeningbeyondtheviewport.

Dr.AaronZachariah,youngerthanDombey,cleanshaven,withstraightbrownhair,leanedoveroneofthecomputers,readingthedatathatflowedacrossthescreen."Thetemperature'sdroppedthirty-fivedegreesinthereduringthepastminuteandahalf,"Zachariahsaidworriedly."Thatcan'tbegoodfortheboy."

"Everytimeit'shappened,it'sneverseemedtobotherhim,"Dombeysaid.

"Iknow,but—"

"Checkouthisvitalsigns."

Zachariahmovedtoanotherbankofcomputerscreens,whereDannyEvans'sheartbeat,bloodpressure,bodytemperature,andbrainwaveactivitywereconstantlydisplayed."Heartbeat'snormal,maybeevenslightlyslowerthanbefore.Bloodpressure'sallright.Bodytempunchanged.Butthere'ssomethingunusualabouttheEEGreading."

"Astherealwaysisduringthesecoldsnaps,"Dombeysaid."Oddbrainwaveactivity.Butnootherindicationhe'sinanydiscomfort."

"Ifitstayscoldinthereforlong,we'llhavetosuitup,goin,andmovehimtoanotherchamber,"Zachariahsaid.

"Thereisn'toneavailable,"Dombeysaid."Alltheothersarefulloftestanimalsinthemiddleofoneexperimentoranother."

"Thenwe'llhavetomovetheanimals.Thekid'salotmoreimportantthantheyare.There'smoredatatobegottenfromhim."

He'smoreimportantbecausehe'sahumanbeing,notbecausehe'sasourceofdata,Dombeythoughtangrily,buthedidn'tvoicethethoughtbecauseitwouldhaveidentifiedhimasadissidentandasapotentialsecurityrisk.

Instead,Dombeysaid,"Wewon'thavetomovehim.Thecoldspellwon'tlast."Hesquintedintothesmallerroom,wheretheboylaymotionlessonahospitalbed,underawhitesheetandyellowblanket,trailingmonitorwires.Dombey'sconcernforthekidwasgreaterthanhisfearofbeingtrappedundergroundandburiedalive,andfinallyhisattackofclaustrophobiadiminished."Atleastit'sneverlastedlong.Thetemperaturedropsabruptly,staysdownfortwoorthreeminutes,neverlongerthanfive,andthenitrisestonormalagain."

"Whatthedeviliswrongwiththeengineers?Whycan'ttheycorrecttheproblem?"

Dombeysaid,"Theyinsistthesystemchecksoutperfectly."

"Bullshit."

"There'snomalfunction.Sotheysay."

"Likehellthereisn't!"Zachariahturnedawayfromthevideodisplays,wenttothewindow,andfoundhisownspotofclearglass."Whenthisstartedamonthago,itwasn'tthatbad.Afewdegreesofchange.Onceanight.Neverduringtheday.Neverenoughofavariationtothreatentheboy'shealth.Butthelastfewdaysit'sgottencompletelyoutofhand.Againandagain,we'regettingthesethirty-andforty-degreeplungesintheairtemperatureinthere.Nomalfunction,myass!"

"Ihearthey'rebringingintheoriginaldesignteam,"Dombeysaid."Thoseguys'llspottheprobleminaminute."

"Bozos,"Zachariahsaid.

"Anyway,Idon'tseewhatyou'resoriledupabout.We'resupposedtobetestingtheboytodestruction,aren'twe?Thenwhyfretabouthishealth?"

"Surelyyoucan'tmeanthat,"Zachariahsaid."Whenhefinallydies,we'llwanttoknowforsureitwastheinjectionsthatkilledhim.Ifhe'ssubjectedtomanymoreofthesesuddentemperaturefluctuations,we'llneverbecertaintheydidn'tcontributetohisdeath.Itwon'tbecleanresearch."

Athin,humorlesslaughescapedCarltonDombey,andhelookedawayfromthewindow.Riskyasitmightbetoexpressdoubttoanycolleagueontheproject,Dombeycouldnotcontrolhimself:"Clean?Thiswholethingwasneverclean.Itwasadirtypieceofbusinessrightfromthestart."

Zachariahfacedhim."YouknowI'mnottalkingaboutthemoralityofit."

"ButIam."

"I'mtalkingaboutclinicalstandards."

"Ireallydon'tthinkIwanttohearyouropinionsoneithersubject,"Dombeysaid."I'vegotasplittingheadache."

"I'mjusttryingtobeconscientious,"Zachariahsaid,almostpouting."Youcan'tblamemebecausetheworkisdirty.Idon'thavemuchtosayaboutresearchpolicyaroundhere."

"Youdon'thaveanythingtosayaboutit,"Dombeytoldhimbluntly."AndneitherdoI.We'relowmenonthetotempole.That'swhywe'restuckwithnight-shift,baby-sittingdutylikethis."

"EvenifIwereinchargeofmakingpolicy,"Zachariahsaid,"I'dtakethesamecourseDr.Tamaguchihas.Hell,hehadtopursuethisresearch.Hedidn'thaveanychoicebuttocommittheinstallationtoitoncewefoundoutthedamnChineseweredeeplyintoit.AndtheRussiansgivingthemahandtoearnsomeforeigncurrency.OurnewfriendstheRussians.Whatajoke.WelcometothenewColdWar.It'sChina'snastylittleproject,remember.Allwe'redoingisjustplayingcatch-up.Ifyouhavetoblamesomeonebecauseyou'refeelingguiltyaboutwhatwe'redoinghere,thenblametheChinese,notme."

"Iknow.Iknow,"Dombeysaidwearily,pushingonehandthroughhisbushofcurlyhair.Zachariahwouldreporttheirconversationindetail,andDombeyneededtoassumeamorebalancedpositionfortherecord."Theyscaremesureenough.Ifthere'sanygovernmentonearthcapableofusingaweaponlikethis,it'sthem—ortheNorthKoreansortheIraqis.Neverashortageoflunaticregimes.Wedon'thaveanychoicebuttomaintainastrongdefense.Ireallybelievethat.Butsometimes...Iwonder.Whilewe'reworkingsohardtokeepaheadofourenemies,aren'tweperhapsbecomingmorelikethem?Aren'twebecomingatotalitarianstate,the-verythingwesaywedespise?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe,"Dombeysaid,thoughhewassureofit.

"WhatchoicedoIhave?"

"None,Iguess."

"Look,"Zachariahsaid.

"What?"

"What?"

"Thewindow'sclearingup.Itmustbegettingwarmintherealready."

Thetwoscientiststurnedtotheglassagainandpeeredintotheisolationchamber.

Theemaciatedboystirred.Heturnedhisheadtowardthemandstaredatthemthroughtherailedsidesofthehospitalbedinwhichhelay.

Zachariahsaid,"Thosedamneyes."

"Penetrating,aren'tthey?"

"Thewayhestares...hegivesmethecreepssometimes.There'ssomethinghauntingabouthiseyes."

"You'rejustfeelingguilty,"Dombeysaid.

"No.It'smorethanthat.Hiseyesarestrange.Theyaren'tthesameastheywerewhenhefirstcameinhereayearago."

"There'spaininthemnow,"Dombeysaidsadly."Alotofpainandloneliness."

"Morethanthat,"Zachariahsaid."There'ssomethinginthoseeyes...somethingthereisn'tanywordfor."

Zachariahwalkedawayfromthewindow.Hewentbacktothecomputers,withwhichhefeltcomfortableandsafe.

FRIDAY

JANUARY2

27

FORTHEMOSTPART,RENO'SSTREETSWERECLEANanddryinspiteofarecentsnowfall,thoughoccasionalpatchesofblackicewaitedfortheunwarymotorist.ElliotStrykerdrovecautiouslyandkepthiseyesontheroad.

"Weshouldalmostbethere,"Tinasaid.

TheytraveledanadditionalquarterofamilebeforeLucianoBellicosti'shomeandplaceofbusinesscameintosightontheleft,beyondablack-borderedsignthatgrandioselystatedthenatureoftheservicethatheprovided:FUNERALDIRECTORANDGRIEFCOUNSELOR.Itwasanimmense,pseudo-Colonialhouse,perchedprominentlyontopofahill,onathree-orfour-acreproperty,andconvenientlynextdoortoalarge,nondenominationalcemetery.Thelongdrivewaycurvedupandtotheright,likeawidthofblackfuneralbuntingdrapedacrosstherising,snow-shroudedlawn.Stonepostsandsoftlyglowingelectriclampsmarkedthewaytothefrontdoor,andwarmlightradiatedfromseveralfirst-floorwindows.

Elliotalmostturnedinattheentrance,butatthelastmomenthedecidedtodrivebytheplace.

"Hey,"Tinasaid,"thatwasit."

"Iknow."

"Whydidn'tyoustop?"

"Stormingrightuptothefrontdoor,demandinganswersfromBellicosti—thatwouldbeemotionallysatisfying,brave,bold—andstupid."

"Theycan'tbewaitingforus,canthey?Theydon'tknowwe'reinReno."

"Neverunderestimateyourenemy.Theyunderestimatedmeandyou,whichiswhywe'vegottenthisfar.We'renotgoingtomakethesamemistaketheydidandwindupbackintheirhands."

Beyondthecemetery,heturnedleft,intoaresidentialstreet.Heparkedatthe

Beyondthecemetery,heturnedleft,intoaresidentialstreet.Heparkedatthecurb,switchedofftheheadlights,andcuttheengine.

"Whatnow?"sheasked.

"I'mgoingtowalkbacktothefuneralhome.I'llgothroughthecemetery,circlearound,andapproachtheplacefromtherear."

"Wewillapproachitfromtherear,"shesaid.

"No."

"Yes."

"You'llwaithere,"heinsisted.

"Noway."

Palelightfromastreetlamppiercedthewindshield,revealingahard-edgeddeterminationinherface,steelyresolutioninherblueeyes.

Althoughherealizedthathewasgoingtolosetheargument,Elliotsaid,"Bereasonable.Ifthere'sanytrouble,youmightgetinthewayofit."

"Nowreally,Elliot,talksense.AmIthekindofwomanwhogetsintheway?"

"There'seightorteninchesofsnowontheground.Youaren'twearingboots."

"Neitherareyou."

"Ifthey'veanticipatedus,setatrapatthefuneralhome—"

"Thenyoumightneedmyhelp,"shesaid."Andiftheyhaven'tsetatrap,I'vegottobetherewhenyouquestionBellicosti."

"Tina,we'rejustwastingtimesittinghere—"

"Wastingtime.Exactly.I'mgladyouseeitmyway."Sheopenedherdoorandclimbedoutofthecar.

Heknewthen,beyondanyshadowofadoubt,thathelovedher.

Stuffingthesilencer-equippedpistolintooneofhisdeepcoatpockets,hegotoutoftheChevy.Hedidn'tlockthedoors,becauseitwaspossiblethatheandTinawouldneedtogetintothecarinahurrywhentheyreturned.

Inthegraveyard,thesnowcameuptothemiddleofElliot'scalves.Itsoakedhistrousers,cakedinhissocks,andmeltedintohisshoes.

Tina,wearingrubber-soledsneakerswithcanvastops,wassurelyasmiserableashewas.Butshekeptpacewithhim,andshedidn'tcomplain.

Theraw,dampwindwasstrongernowthanithadbeenashortwhileago,whenthey'dlandedattheairport.Itsweptthroughthegraveyard,flutingbetweentheheadstonesandthelargermonuments,whisperingapromiseofmoresnow,muchmorethanthemeagerflurriesitnowcarried.

Alowstonewallandalineofhouse-highspruceseparatedthecemeteryfromLucianoBellicosti'sproperty.ElliotandTinaclimbedoverthewallandstoodinthetreeshadows,studyingtherearapproachtothefuneralhome.

Tinadidn'thavetobetoldtoremainsilent.Shewaitedbesidehim,armsfolded,handstuckedintoherarmpitsforwarmth.

Elliotwasworriedabouther,afraidforher,butatthesametimehewasgladtohavehercompany.

TherearofBellicosti'shousewasalmostahundredyardsaway.Eveninthedimlight,Elliotcouldseethefringeoficicleshangingfromtheroofofthelongbackporch.Afewevergreenshrubswereclusterednearthehouse,butnonewasofsufficientsizetoconcealaman.Therearwindowswereblank,black;asentrymightbestandingbehindanyofthem,invisibleinthedarkness.

Elliotstrainedhiseyes,tryingtocatchaglimpseofmovementbeyondtherectanglesofglass,buthesawnothingsuspicious.

Therewasn'tmuchofachancethatatraphadbeensetforthemsosoon.Andifassassinswerewaitinghere,theywouldexpecttheirpreytoapproachthefuneralhomeboldly,confidently.Consequently,theirattentionwouldbefocusedlargelyonthefrontofthehouse.

Inanycase,hecouldn'tstandhereallnightbroodingaboutit.

Hesteppedfrombeneaththeshelteringbranchesofthetrees.Tinamovedwithhim.

Thebitterwindwasalash.Itskimmedcrystalsofsnowoffthegroundandspunthestingingcoldflecksattheirreddenedfaces.

Elliotfeltnakedastheycrossedtheluminescentsnowfield.Hewishedthattheyweren'twearingsuchdarkclothes.Ifanyonedidglanceoutabackwindow,hewouldspotthetwooftheminstantly.

Thecrunchingandsqueakingofthesnowundertheirfeetseemedhorrendouslyloudtohim,thoughtheyactuallyweremakinglittlenoise.Hewasjustjumpy.

Theyreachedthefuneralhomewithoutincident.

Forafewsecondstheypaused,touchingeachotherbriefly,gatheringtheircourage.

Elliottookthepistoloutofhiscoatjacketandhelditinhisrighthand.Withhislefthand,hefumbledforthetwosafetycatches,releasedthem.Hisfingerswerestifffromthecold.Hewonderedifhe'dbeabletohandletheweaponproperlyiftheneedarose.

Theyslippedaroundthecornerofthebuildingandmovedstealthilytowardthefront.

Atthefirstwindowwithlightbehindit,Elliotstopped.HemotionedforTinatostaybehindhim,closetothehouse.CautiouslyheleanedforwardandpeekedthroughanarrowgapinapartlyclosedVenetianblind.Henearlycriedoutinshockandalarmatwhathesawinside.

Adeadman.Naked.Sittinginabathtubfullofbloodywater,staringatsomethingfearsomebeyondtheveilbetweenthisworldandthenext.Onearmtrailedoutofthetub;andonthefloor,asifithaddroppedoutofhisfingers,wasarazorblade.

Elliotstaredintotheflatdeadgazeofthepasty-facedcorpse,andheknewthathewaslookingatLucianoBellicosti.Healsoknewthatthefuneraldirectorhadnotkilledhimself.Thepoorman'sblue-lippedmouthhunginapermanentgape,asifheweretryingtodenyalloftheaccusationsofsuicidethatweretocome.

ElliotwantedtotakeTinabythearmandhustleherbacktothecar.Butshesensedthathe'dseensomethingimportant,andshewouldn'tgoeasilyuntilsheknewwhatitwas.Shepushedinfrontofhim.Hekeptonehandonherbackassheleanedtowardthewindow,andhefelthergorigidwhensheglimpsedthedeadman.WhensheturnedtoElliotagain,shewasclearlyreadytogetthehelloutofthere,withoutquestions,withoutargument,withouttheslightestdelay.

TheyhadtakenonlytwostepsfromthewindowwhenElliotsawthesnowmovenomorethantwentyfeetfromthem.Itwasn'tthegauzy,insubstantialstirringofwindblownflakes,butanunnaturalandpurposefulrisingofanentiremoundofwhite.Instinctivelyhewhippedthepistolinfrontofhimandsqueezedofffourrounds.Thesilencerwassoeffectivethattheshotscouldnotbeheardabovethebrittle,paperyrustleofthewind.

Crouchinglow,tryingtomakeassmallatargetofhimselfaspossible,Elliotrantowherehehadseenthesnowmove.Hefoundamandressedinawhite,insulatedskisuit.Thestrangerhadbeenlyinginthesnow,watchingthem,waiting;nowhehadawetholeinhischest.Andachunkofhisthroatwasgone.Eveninthedim,illusorylightfromthesurroundingsnow,Elliotcouldseethatthesentry'seyeswerefixedinthesameunseeinggazethatBellicostiwasevennowdirectingatthebathroomwindow.

AtleastonekillerwouldbeinthehousewithBellicosti'scorpse.Probablymorethanone.

Atleastonemanhadbeenwaitingouthereinthesnow.

Howmanyothers?

Where?

Elliotscannedthenight,hisheartclutchingup.Heexpectedtoseetheentirewhite-shroudedlawnbegintomoveandriseintheformsoften,fifteen,twentyotherassassins.

Butallwasstill.

Hewasbrieflyimmobilized,dazedbyhisownabilitytostrikesofastandsoviolently.Awarm,animalsatisfactionroseinhim,whichwasnotanentirelywelcomefeeling,forhelikedtothinkofhimselfasacivilizedman.Atthesametime,hewashitbyawaveofrevulsion.Histhroattightened,andasourtaste

time,hewashitbyawaveofrevulsion.Histhroattightened,andasourtastesuddenlyoverwhelmedhim.Heturnedhisbackonthemanwhomhehadkilled.

Tinawasapaleapparitioninthesnow."Theyknowwe'reinReno,"shewhispered."Theyevenknewwewerecominghere."

"Buttheyexpectedusthroughthefrontdoor."Hetookherbythearm."Let'sgetoutofhere."

Theyhurriedlyretracedtheirpath,movingawayfromthefuneralhome.Witheverystephetook,Elliotexpectedtohearashotfired,acryofalarm,andthesoundsofmeninpursuitofquarry.

HehelpedTinaoverthecemeterywall,andthen,clamberingafterher,hewassurethatsomeonegrabbedhiscoatfrombehind.Hegasped,jerkedloose.Whenhewasacrossthewall,helookedback,buthecouldn'tseeanyone.

Evidentlythepeopleinthefuneralhomewerenotawarethattheirmanoutsidehadbeeneliminated.Theywerestillwaitingpatientlyfortheirpreytowalkintothetrap.

ElliotandTinarushedbetweenthetombstones,kickingupcloudsofsnow.Twinplumesofcrystallizedbreathtrailedbehindthem,likeghosts.

Whentheywerenearlyhalfwayacrossthegraveyard,whenElliotwaspositivetheyweren'tbeingpursued,hestopped,leanedagainstatallmonument,andtriednottotakesuchhuge,deepgulpsofthepainfullycoldair.Animageofhisvictim'stornthroatexplodedinhismemory,andashockwaveofnauseaoverwhelmedhim.

Tinaputahandonhisshoulder."Areyouallright?"

"Ikilledhim."

"Ifyouhadn't,hewouldhavekilledus."

"Iknow.Justthesame...itmakesmesick."

"Iwouldhavethought...whenyouwereinthearmy..."

"Yeah,"hesaidsoftly."Yeah,I'vekilledbefore.Butlikeyousaid,thatwasinthearmy.Thiswasn'tthesame.Thatwassoldiering.Thiswasmurder."He

thearmy.Thiswasn'tthesame.Thatwassoldiering.Thiswasmurder."Heshookhisheadtoclearit."I'llbeokay."Hetuckedthepistolintohiscoatpocketagain."Itwasjusttheshock."

Theyembraced,andthenshesaid,"IftheyknewwewereflyingtoReno,whydidn'ttheyfollowusfromtheairport?Thentheywouldhaveknownweweren'tgoingtowalkinthefrontdoorofBellicosti'splace."

"MaybetheyfiguredI'dspotatailandbespookedbyit.AndIguesstheyweresosureofwherewewereheaded,theydidn'tthinkitwasnecessarytokeepaclosewatchonus.Theyfiguredtherewasn'tanywhereelsewecouldgobutBellicosti'sfuneralhome."

"Let'sgetbacktothecar.I'mfreezing."

"Metoo.Andwebettergetoutoftheneighborhoodbeforetheyfindthatguyinthesnow."

Theyfollowedtheirownfootprintsoutofthecemetery,tothequietresidentialstreetwheretherentedChevroletwasparkedinthewanlightofthestreetlamp.

AsElliotwasopeningthedriver'sdoor,hesawmovementoutofthecornerofhiseye,andhelookedup,alreadysureofwhathewouldsee.AwhiteFordsedanhadjustturnedthecorner,movingslowly.Itdriftedtothecurbandbrakedabruptly.Twodoorsopened,andapairoftall,darklydressedmenclimbedout.

Elliotrecognizedthemforwhattheywere.HegotintctheChevy,slammedthedoor,andjammedthekeyintotheignition.

"Wehavebeenfollowed,"Tinasaid.

"Yeah."Heswitchedontheengineandthrewthecaringear."Atransponder.Theymusthavejustnowhomedinonit."

Hedidn'thearashot,butabulletshatteredtherearsidewindowbehindhisheadandslammedintothebackofthefrontseat,sprayinggummybitsofsafetyglassthroughthecar.

"Headdown!"Elliotshouted.

Heglancedback.

Heglancedback.

Thetwomenwereapproachingatarun,slippingonthesnow-spottedpavement.

Elliotstampedontheaccelerator.Tiressquealing,hepulledtheChevyawayfromthecurb,intothestreet.

Twoslugsricochetedoffthebodyofthecar,eachtrailingawaywithabrief,high-pitchedwhine.

Elliothunchedlowoverthewheel,expectingabulletthroughtherearwindow.Atthecorner,heignoredthestopsignandswungthecarhardtotheleft,onlytappingthebrakesonce,severelytestingtheChevy'ssuspension.

Tinaraisedherhead,glancedattheemptystreetbehindthem,thenlookedatElliot."Transponder.What'sthat?Youmeanwe'rebugged?Thenwe'llhavetoabandonthecar,won'twe?"

"Notuntilwe'vegottenridofthoseclownsonourtail,"hesaid."Ifweabandonthecarwiththemsoclose,they'llrunusdownfast.Wecan'tgetawayonfoot."

"Thenwhat?"

Theyarrivedatanotherintersection,andhewhippedthecartotheright."AfterIturnthenextcorner,I'llstopandgetout.Youbereadytoslideoverandtakethewheel."

"Whereareyougoing?"

"I'llfadebackintotheshrubberyandwaitforthemtocomearoundthecornerafterus.Youdriveondownthestreet,butnottoofast.Givethemachancetoseeyouwhentheyturnintothestreet.They'llbelookingatyou,andtheywon'tseeme."

"Weshouldn'tsplitup."

"It'stheonlyway."

"Butwhatiftheygetyou?"

"Theywon't."

"I'dbealonethen."

"Theywon'tgetme.Butyouhavetomovefast.Ifwestopformorethanacoupleofseconds,it'llshowupontheirreceiver,andtheymightgetsuspicious."

Heswungrightattheintersectionandstoppedinthemiddleofthenewstreet.

"Elliot,don't—"

"Nochoice."Heflungopenthedoorandscrambledoutofthecar."Hurry,Tina!"

Heslammedthecardoorandrantoarowofevergreenshrubsthatborderedthefrontlawnofalow,brick,ranch-stylehouse.Crouchingbesideoneofthosebushes,huddlingintheshadowsjustbeyondthecircleoffrostylightfromanearbystreetlamp,hepulledthepistoloutofhiscoatpocketwhileTinadroveaway.

AsthesoundoftheChevyfaded,hecoulddiscerntheroarofanothervehicle,approachingfast.Afewsecondslaterthewhitesedanracedintotheintersection.

Elliotstood,extendingthepistolinbothhands,andsnappedoffthreequickrounds.Thefirsttwoclangedthroughsheetmetal,butthethirdpuncturedtherightfronttire.

TheFordhadroundedthecornertoofast.Joltedbytheblowout,thecarcareenedoutofcontrol.Itspunacrossthestreet,jumpedthecurb,crashedthroughahedge,destroyedaplasterbirdbath,andcametorestinthemiddleofasnow-blanketedlawn.

ElliotrantowardtheChevy,whichTinahadbroughttoastopahundredyardsaway.Itseemedmorelikeahundredmiles.Hispoundingfootstepswereasthunderousasdrumbeatsinthequietnightair.Atlasthereachedthecar.Shehadthedooropen.Heleapedinandpulledthedoorshut."Go,go!"

Shetrampedtheacceleratorintothefloorboards,andthecarrespondedwithashudder,thenasurgeofpower.

Whentheyhadgonetwoblocks,hesaid,"Turnrightatthenextcorner."Aftertwomoreturnsandanotherthreeblocks,hesaid,"Pullittothecurb.Iwanttofindthebugtheyplantedonus."

findthebugtheyplantedonus."

"Buttheycan'tfollowusnow,"shesaid.

"They'vestillgotareceiver.Theycanwatchourprogressonthat,eveniftheycan'tgettheirhandsonustillanotherchasecarcatchesup.Idon'tevenwantthemtoknowwhatdirectionwewent."

Shestoppedthecar,andhegotout.Hefeltalongtheinnerfacesofthefenders,aroundthetirewells,whereatranspondercouldhavebeenstuckinplacequicklyandeasily.Nothing.Thefrontbumperwascleantoo.Finallyhelocatedtheelectronicspackage:Thesizeofapackofcigarettes,itwasfixedmagneticallytotheundersideoftherearbumper.Hewrencheditloose,stompeditrepeatedlyunderfoot,andpitcheditaway.

Inthecaragain,withthedoorslockedandtheenginerunningandtheheateroperatingfull-blast,theysatinstunnedsilence,baskinginthewarmair,butshiveringnonetheless.

EventuallyTinasaid,"MyGod,theymovefast!"

"We'restillonestepaheadofthem,"Elliotsaidshakily.

"Halfastep."

"That'sprobablymorelikeit,"headmitted.

"Bellicostiwassupposedtogiveustheinformationweneedtointerestatopnotchreporterinthecase."

"Notnow."

"Sohowdowegetthatinformation?"

"Somehow,"hesaidvaguely.

"Howdowebuildourcase?"

"We'llthinkofsomething."

"Whodoweturntonext?"

"Itisn'thopeless,Tina."

"Ididn'tsayitwas.Butwheredowegofromhere?"

"Wecan'tworkitouttonight,"hesaidwearily."Notinourcondition.We'rebothwipedout,operatingonsheerdesperation.That'sdangerous.Thebestdecisionwecanmakeistomakenodecisionsatall.We'vegottoholeupandgetsomerest.Inthemorningwe'llhaveclearerheads,andtheanswerswillallseemobvious."

"Youthinkyoucanactuallysleep?"

"Hell,yes.It'sbeenahardday'snight."

"Wherewillwebesafe?"

"We'lltrythepurloinedlettertrick,"Elliotsaid."Insteadofsneakingaroundtosomeout-of-the-waymotel,we'llmarchrightintooneofthebesthotelsintown."

"Harrah's?"

"Exactly.Theywon'texpectustobethatbold.They'lltxsearchingforuseverywhereelse."

"It'srisky."

"Canyouthinkofanythingbetter?"

"No."

"Everythingisrisky."

"Allright.Let'sdoit."

Shedroveintotheheartoftown.TheyabandonedtheChevroletinapublicparkinglot,fourblocksfromHarrah's.

"Iwishwedidn'thavetogiveupthecar,"Tinasaidashetooktheironlysuitcaseoutofthetrunk.

"They'llbelookingforit."

"They'llbelookingforit."

TheywalkedtoHarrah'sHotelalongwindy,neon-splashedstreets.Evenat1:45inthemorning,astheypassedtheentrancestocasinos,loudmusicandlaughterandtheringingofslotmachinesgushedforth,notamerrysoundatthathour,aregurgitantnoise.

AlthoughRenodidn'tjumpallnightwithquitethesameenergyasLasVegas,andalthoughmanytouristshadgonetobed,thecasinoatHarrah'swasstillrelativelybusy.Ayoungsailorapparentlyhadarungoingatoneofthecrapstables,andacrowdofexcitedgamblersurgedhimtorollaneightandmakehispoint.

Onthisholidayweekendthehotelwasofficiallybookedtocapacity;however,Elliotknewaccommodationswerealwaysavailable.Attherequestofitscasinomanager,everyhotelheldahandfulofroomsoffthemarket,justincaseafewregularcustomers—highrollers,ofcourse—showedupbysurprise,withnoadvancenotice,butwithfatbankrollsandnoplacetostay.Inaddition,somereservationswerecanceledatthelastminute,andtherewerealwaysafewno-shows.Aneatlyfoldedpairoftwenty-dollarbills,placedwithoutostentationintothehandofafront-deskclerk,wasalmostcertaintoresultinthetimelydiscoveryofaforgottenvacancy.

WhenElliotwasinformedthataroomwasavailable,afterall,fortwonights,hesignedtheregistrationcardas"HankThomas,"aslighttwistonthenameofoneofhisfavoritemoviestars;heenteredaphonySeattleaddresstoo.TheclerkrequestedIDoramajorcreditcard,andElliottoldasadstoryofbeingvictimizedbyapickpocketattheairport.Unabletoprovehisidentity,hewasrequiredtopayforbothnightsinadvance,whichhedid,takingthemoneyfromawadofcashhe'dstuckinhispocketratherthanfromthewalletthatsupposedlyhadbeenstolen.

HeandTinaweregivenaspacious,pleasantlydecoratedroomontheninthfloor.

Afterthebellmanleft,Elliotengagedthedeadbolt,hookedthesecuritychaininplace,andfirmlywedgedtheheavystraight-backeddeskchairundertheknob.

"It'slikeaprison,"Tinasaid.

"Exceptwe'relockedin,andthekillersarerunningaroundlooseontheoutside."

"Exceptwe'relockedin,andthekillersarerunningaroundlooseontheoutside."

Ashorttimelater,inbed,theyheldeachotherclose,butneitherofthemhadsexinmind.Theywantednothingmorethantotouchandtobetouched,toconfirmforeachotherthattheywerestillalive,tofeelsafeandprotectedandcherished.Theirswasananimalneedforaffectionandcompanionship,areactiontothedeathanddestructionthathadfilledtheday.Afterencounteringsomanypeoplewithsolittlerespectforhumanlife,theyneededtoconvincethemselvesthattheyreallyweremorethandustinthewind.

Afterafewminuteshesaid,"Youwereright."

"Aboutwhat?"

"Aboutwhatyousaidlastnight,inVegas."

"Refreshmymemory."

"YousaidIwasenjoyingthechase."

"Apartofyou...deepdowninside.Yes,Ithinkthat'strue."

"Iknowitis,"hesaid."Icanseeitnow.Ididn'twanttobelieveitatfirst."

"Whynot?Ididn'tmeanitnegatively."

"Iknowyoudidn't.It'sjustthatformorethanfifteenyears,I'veledaveryordinarylife,aworkadaylife.IwasconvincedInolongerneededorwantedthekindofthrillsthatIthrivedonwhenIwasyounger."

"Idon'tthinkyoudoneedorwantthem,"Tinasaid."Butnowthatyou'reinrealdangeragainforthefirsttimeinyears,apartofyouisrespondingtothechallenge.Likeanoldathletebackontheplayingfieldafteralongabsence,testinghisreflexes,takingprideinthefactthathisoldskillsarestillthere."

"It'smorethanthat,"Elliotsaid."Ithink...deepdown,IgotasicksortofthrillwhenIkilledthatman."

"Don'tbesohardonyourself."

"I'mnot.Infact,maybethethrillwasn'tsodeepdown.Maybeitwasreallyprettynearthesurface."

prettynearthesurface."

"Youshouldbegladyoukilledthatbastard,"shesaidsoftly,squeezinghishand.

"ShouldI?"

"Listen,ifIcouldgetmyhandsonthepeoplewho'retryingtokeepusfromfindingDanny,Iwouldn'thaveanycompunctionsaboutkillingthem.Noneatall.Imighteventakeacertainpleasureinit.I'mamotherlion,andthey'vestolenmycub.Maybekillingthemisthemostnatural,admirablethingIcoulddo."

"Sothere'sabitofthebeastinallofus.Isthatit?"

"It'snotjustmethathasasavagetrappedinside."

"Butdoesthatmakeitanymoreacceptable?"

"What'stoaccept?"sheasked."It'sthewayGodmadeus.It'sthewayweweremeanttobe,sowho'stosayitisn'tright?"

"Maybe."

"Ifamankillsonlyforthepleasureofit,orifhekillsonlyforanideallikesomeofthesecrackpotrevolutionariesyoureadabout,that'ssavagery...ormadness.Whatyou'vedoneisaltogetherdifferent.Self-preservationisoneofthemostpowerfuldrivesGodgaveus.We'rebuilttosurvive,evenifwehavetokillsomeoneinordertodoit."

Theyweresilentforawhile.Thenhesaid,"Thankyou."

"Ididn'tdoanything."

"Youlistened."

28

KURTHENSEN,GEORGEALEXANDER'SRIGHT-handman,dozedthroughtheroughflightfromLasVegastoReno.Theywereinaten-passengerjetthatbelongedtotheNetwork,andtheaircrafttookabatteringfromthehigh-altitudewindsthatblewacrossitsassignedflightcorridor.Hensen,apowerfullybuiltmanwithwhite-blondhairandcat-yelloweyes,wasafraidofflying.Hecouldonlymanagetogetonaplaneafterhehadmedicatedhimself.Asusualhenoddedoffminutesaftertheaircraftliftedfromtherunway.

GeorgeAlexanderwastheonlyotherpassenger.HeconsideredtherequisitioningofthisexecutivejettobeoneofhismostimportantaccomplishmentsinthethreeyearsthathehadbeenchiefoftheNevadabureauoftheNetwork.AlthoughhespentmorethanhalfhistimeworkinginhisLasVegasoffice,heoftenhadreasontoflytofarpointsatthespurofthemoment:Reno,Elko,evenoutofthestatetoTexas,California,Arizona,NewMexico,Utah.Duringthefirstyear,he'dtakencommercialflightsorrentedtheservicesofatrustworthyprivatepilotwhocouldflytheconventionaltwin-enginecraftthatAlexander'spredecessorhadmanagedtopryoutoftheNetwork'sbudget.ButithadseemedabsurdandshortsightedofthedirectortoforceamanofAlexander'spositiontotravelbysuchrelativelyprimitivemeans.Histimewasenormouslyvaluabletothecountry;hisworkwassensitiveandoftenrequiredurgentdecisionsbaseduponfirst-handexaminationofinformationtobefoundonlyindistantplaces.Afterlongandarduouslobbyingofthedirector,Alexanderhadatlastbeenawardedthissmalljet;andimmediatelyheputtwofull-timepilots,ex-militarymen,onthepayrolloftheNevadabureau.

SometimestheNetworkpinchedpenniestoitsdisadvantage.AndGeorgeLincolnStanhopeAlexander,whowasanheirtoboththefortuneofthePennsylvaniaAlexandersandtotheenormouswealthoftheDelawareStanhopes,hadabsolutelynopatiencewithpeoplewhowerepenurious.

Itwastruethateverydollarhadtocount,foreverydollaroftheNetwork'sbudgetwasdifficulttocomeby.Becauseitsexistencemustbekeptsecret,theorganizationwasfundedoutofmisdirectedappropriationsmeantforothergovernmentagencies.Threebilliondollars,thelargestsinglepartoftheNetwork'syearlybudget,camefromtheDepartmentofHealthandWelfare.The

Network'syearlybudget,camefromtheDepartmentofHealthandWelfare.TheNetworkhadadeep-coveragentnamedJacklininthehighestpolicy-makingranksoftheHealthbureaucracy.ItwasJacklin'sjobtoconceivenewwelfareprograms,convincetheSecretaryofHealthandWelfarethatthoseprogramswereneeded,sellthemtotheCongress,andthenestablishconvincingbureaucraticshellstoconcealthefactthattheprogramswereutterlyphony;andasfederalfundsflowedtothesefalse-frontoperations,themoneywasdivertedtotheNetwork.ChippingthreebillionoutofHealthwastheleastriskyoftheNetwork'sfundingoperations,forHealthwassogiganticthatitnevermissedsuchapettysum.TheDepartmentofDefense,whichwaslessflushthanHealthandWelfarethesedays,wasneverthelessalsoguiltyofwaste,anditwasgoodforatleastanotherbillionayear.Lesseramounts,rangingfromonlyonehundredmilliontoasmuchashalfabillion,weresecretlyextractedfromtheDepartmentofEnergy,theDepartmentofEducation,andothergovernmentbodiesonanannualbasis.

TheNetworkwasfinancedwithsomedifficulty,tobesure,butitwasundeniablywellfunded.AnexecutivejetforthechiefofthevitalNevadabureauwasnotanextravagance,andAlexanderbelievedhisimprovedperformanceoverthepastyearhadconvincedtheoldmaninWashingtonthatthiswasmoneywellspent.

Alexanderwasproudoftheimportanceofhisposition.Buthewasalsofrustratedbecausesofewpeoplewereawareofhisgreatimportance.

Attimesheenviedhisfatherandhisuncles.Mostofthemhadservedtheircountryopenly,inasupremelyvisiblefashion,whereeveryonecouldseeandadmiretheirselflesspublic-spiritedness.SecretaryofDefense,SecretaryofState,theAmbassadortoFrance...inpositionsofthatnature,amanwasappreciatedandrespected.

George,ontheotherhand,hadn'tfilledapostofgenuinestatureandauthorityuntilsixyearsago,whenhewasthirty-six.Duringhistwentiesandearlythirties,hehadlaboredatavarietyoflesserjobsforthegovernment.Thesediplomaticandintelligence-gatheringassignmentswereneveraninsulttohisfamilyname,buttheywerealwaysminorpostingstoembassiesinsmallercountrieslikeIcelandandEcuadorandTonga,nothingforwhichTheNewYorkTimeswoulddeigntoacknowledgehisexistence.

Then,sixyearsago,theNetworkhadbeenformed,andthePresidenthadgiven

Then,sixyearsago,theNetworkhadbeenformed,andthePresidenthadgivenGeorgethetaskofdevelopingareliableSouthAmericanbureauofthenewintelligenceagency.Thathadbeenexciting,challenging,importantwork.Georgehadbeendirectlyresponsiblefortheexpenditureoftensofmillionsofdollarsand,eventually,forthecontrolofhundredsofagentsinadozencountries.AfterthreeyearsthePresidenthaddeclaredhimselfdelightedwiththeaccomplishmentsinSouthAmerica,andhehadaskedGeorgetotakechargeofoneoftheNetwork'sdomesticbureaus—Nevada—whichhadbeenterriblymismanaged.Thisslotwasoneofthehalf-dozenmostpowerfulintheNetwork'sexecutivehierarchy.GeorgewasencouragedbythePresidenttobelievethateventuallyhewouldbepromotedtothebureauchiefoftheentirewesternhalfofthecountry—andthenallthewaytothetop,ifonlyhecouldgettheflounderingwesterndivisionfunctioningassmoothlyastheSouthAmericanandNevadaoffices.Intimehewouldtakethedirector'schairinWashingtonandwouldbearfullresponsibilityforalldomesticandforeignintelligenceoperations.WiththattitlehewouldbeoneofthemostpowerfulmenintheUnitedStates,moreofaforcetobereckonedwiththananymereSecretaryofStateorSecretaryofDefensecouldhopetobe.

Buthecouldn'ttellanyoneabouthisachievements.Hecouldneverhopetoreceivethepublicacclaimandhonorthathadbeenheapeduponothermeninhisfamily.TheNetworkwasclandestineandmustremainclandestineifitwastohaveanyvalue.Atleasthalfofthepeoplewhoworkedforitdidnotevenrealizeitexisted;somethoughttheywereemployedbytheFBI;othersweresuretheyworkedfortheCIA;andstillothersbelievedthattheywereinthehireofvariousbranchesoftheTreasuryDepartment,includingtheSecretService.NoneofthosepeoplecouldcompromisetheNetwork.Onlybureauchiefs,theirimmediatestaffs,stationchiefsinmajorcities,andseniorfieldofficerswhohadprovedthemselvesandtheirloyalty—onlythosepeopleknewthetruenatureoftheiremployersandtheirwork.ThemomentthatthenewsmediabecameawareoftheNetwork'sexistence,allwaslost.

Ashesatinthedimlylightedcabinofthefan-jetandwatchedthecloudsracingbelow,Alexanderwonderedwhathisfatherandhisuncleswouldsayiftheyknewthathisservicetohiscountryhadoftenrequiredhimtoissuekillorders.MoreshockingstilltothesensibilitiesofpatricianEasternerslikethem:onthreeoccasions,inSouthAmerica,Alexanderhadbeeninapositionwhereithadbeennecessaryforhimtopulltheassassin'striggerhimself.Hehadenjoyedthosemurderssoimmensely,hadbeensoprofoundlythrilledbythem,thathehad,bychoice,performedtheexecutioner'sroleonhalfadozenotherassignments.WhatwouldtheelderAlexanders,thefamousstatesmen,thinkiftheyknewhe'd

WhatwouldtheelderAlexanders,thefamousstatesmen,thinkiftheyknewhe'dsoiledhishandswithblood?Asforthefactthatitwassometimeshisjobtoorderothermentokill,hesupposedhisfamilywouldunderstand.TheAlexanderswereallidealistswhentheywerediscussingthewaythingsoughttobe,buttheywerealsohardheadedpragmatistswhendealingwiththewaythingsactuallywere.Theyknewthattheworldsofdomesticmilitarysecurityandinternationalespionagewerenotchildren'splaygrounds.Georgelikedtobelievethattheymightevenfinditintheirheartstoforgivehimforhavingpulledthetriggerhimself.

Afterall,hehadneverkilledanordinarycitizenorapersonofrealworth.Histargetshadalwaysbeenspies,traitors;morethanafewofthemhadbeencold-bloodedkillersthemselves.Scum.Hehadonlykilledscum.Itwasn'taprettyjob,butitalsowasn'twithoutameasureofrealdignityandheroism.AtleastthatwasthewayGeorgesawit;hethoughtofhimselfasheroic.Yes,hewassurethathisfatheranduncleswouldgivehimtheirblessings—ifonlyhewerepermittedtotellthem.

Thejethitanespeciallybadpatchofturbulence.Ityawed,bounced,shuddered.

KurtHensensnortedinhissleepbutdidn'twake.

Whentheplanesettleddownoncemore,Alexanderlookedoutthewindowatthemilky-white,moonlit,feminineroundnessofthecloudsbelow,andhethoughtoftheEvanswoman.Shewasquitelovely.Herfilefolderwasontheseatbesidehim.Hepickeditup,openedit,andstaredatherphotograph.Quitelovelyindeed.Hedecidedhewouldkillherhimselfwhenthetimecame,andthatthoughtgavehimaninstanterection.

Heenjoyedkilling.Hedidn'ttrytopretendotherwisewithhimself,nomatterwhatfacehehadtopresenttotheworld.Allofhislife,forreasonshehadneverbeenabletofullyascertain,hehadbeenfascinatedbydeath,intriguedbytheformandnatureandpossibilitiesofit,enthralledbythestudyandtheoryofitsmeaning.Heconsideredhimselfamessengerofdeath,adivinelyappointedheadsman.Murderwas,inmanyways,morethrillingtohimthansex.HistasteforviolencewouldnothavebeentoleratedforlongintheoldFBI—perhapsnoteveninthenew,thoroughlypoliticizedFBI—orinmanyothercongressionallymonitoredpoliceagencies.Butinthisunknownorganization,inthissecretandincomparablycozyplace,hethrived.

HeclosedhiseyesandthoughtaboutChristinaEvans.

HeclosedhiseyesandthoughtaboutChristinaEvans.

29

INTINA'SDREAM,DANNYWASATTHEPARENDOFAlongtunnel.Hewasinchains,sittinginthecenterofasmall,well-lightedcavern,butthepassagewaythatledtohimwasshadowyandreekedofdanger.Dannycalledtoheragainandagain,begginghertosavehimbeforetheroofofhisundergroundprisoncavedinandburiedhimalive.Shestarteddownthetunneltowardhim,determinedtogethimoutofthere—andsomethingreachedforherfromanarrowcleftinthewall.Shewasperipherallyawareofasoft,firelikeglowfrombeyondthecleft,andofamysteriousfiguresilhouettedagainstthatreddishbackdrop.Sheturned,andshewaslookingintothegrinningfaceofDeath,asifhewerepeeringoutatherfromthebowelsofHell.Thecrimsoneyes.Theshriveledflesh.Thelaceworkofmaggotsonhischeek.Shecriedout,butthenshesawthatDeathcouldnotquitereachher.Theholeinthewallwasnotwideenoughforhimtostepthrough,intoherpassageway;hecouldonlythrustonearmather,andhislong,bonyfingerswereaninchortwoshortofher.Dannybegancallingagain,andshecontinueddowntheduskytunneltowardhim.Adozentimesshepassedchinksinthewall,andDeathglaredoutatherfromeveryoneofthoseapertures,screamedandcursedandragedather,butnoneoftheholeswaslargeenoughtoallowhimthrough.ShereachedDanny,andwhenshetouchedhim,thechainsfellmagicallyawayfromhisarmsandlegs.Shesaid,"Iwasscared."AndDannysaid,"Imadetheholesinthewallssmaller.Imadesurehecouldn'treachyou,couldn'thurtyou."

Ateight-thirtyFridaymorningTinacameawake,smilingandexcited.SheshookElliotuntilshewokehim.

Blinkingsleepily,hesatup."What'swrong?"

"Dannyjustsentmeanotherdream."

Takinginherbroadsmile,hesaid,"Obviously,itwasn'tthenightmare."

"Notatall.Dannywantsustocometohim.Hewantsusjusttowalkintotheplacewherethey'rekeepinghimandtakehimout."

"We'dbekilledbeforewecouldreachhim.Wecan'tjustchargeinlikethe

"We'dbekilledbeforewecouldreachhim.Wecan'tjustchargeinlikethecavalry.We'vegottousethemediaandthecourtstofreehim."

"Idon'tthinkso."

'Thetwoofuscan'tfighttheentireorganizationthat'sbehindKennebeckplusthestaffofsomesecretmilitaryresearchcenter."

"Danny'sgoingtomakeitsafeforus,"shesaidconfidently."He'sgoingtousethispowerofhistohelpusgetinthere."

"Thatisn'tpossible."

"Yousaidyoubelieved."

"Ido,"Elliotsaid,yawningandstretchingelaborately."Idobelieve.But...howcanhehelpus?Howcanheguaranteeoursafety?"

"Idon'tknow.Butthat'swhathewastellingmeinthedream.I'msureofit."

Sherecountedthedreamindetail,andElliotadmittedthatherinterpretationwasn'tstrained.

"ButevenifDannycouldsomehowgetusin,"hesaid,"wedon'tknowwherethey'rekeepinghim.Thissecretinstallationcouldbeanywhere.Andmaybeitdoesn'tevenexist.Andifitdoesexist,theymightnotbeholdinghimthereanyway."

"Itexists,andthat'swhereheis,"shesaid,tryingtosoundmorecertainthansheactuallywas.

ShewaswithinreachofDanny.Shefeltalmostasifshehadhiminherarmsagain,andshedidn'twantanyonetotellherthathemightbeahair'sbreadthbeyondhergrasp.

"Okay,"Elliotsaid,wipingatthecornersofhissleep-mattedeyes."Let'ssaythissecretinstallationexists.Thatdoesn'thelpusawholehellofalot.Itcouldbeanywhereinthosemountains."

"No,"shesaid."IthastobewithinafewmilesofwhereJaborskiintendedtogowiththescouts."

"Okay.That'sprobablytrue.Butthatcoversahellofalotofruggedterrain.Wecouldn'tbegintoconductathoroughsearchofit."

Tina'sconfidencecouldn'tbeshaken."Dannywillpinpointitforus."

"Danny'sgoingtotelluswhereheis?"

"He'sgoingtotry,Ithink.Isensedthatinthedream."

"How'shegoingtodoit?"

"Idon'tknow.ButIhavethisfeelingthatifwejustfindsomeway...somemeansoffocusinghisenergy,channelingit..."

"Suchas?"

Shestaredatthetangledbedclothesasifsheweresearchingforinspirationinthecreasesofthelinens.Herexpressionwouldhavebeenappropriatetothefaceofagypsyfortune-tellerpeeringwithaclairvoyantfrownattealeaves.

"Maps!"shesaidsuddenly.

"What?"

"Don'ttheypublishterrainmapsofthewildernessareas?Backpackersandothernatureloverswouldneedthem.Notminutelydetailedthings.Basicallymapsthatshowthelayoftheland—hills,valleys,thecoursesofriversandstreams,footpaths,abandonedloggingtrails,thatsortofthing.I'msureJaborskihadmaps.Iknowhedid.Isawthemattheparent-sonscoutmeetingwhenheexplainedwhythetripwouldbeperfectlysafe."

"Isupposeanysporting-goodsstoreinRenooughttohavemapsofatleastthenearestpartsoftheSierras."

"Maybeifwecangetamapandspreaditout...well,maybeDannywillfindawaytoshowusexactlywhereheis."

"How?"

"I'mnotsureyet."Shethrewbackthecoversandgotoutofbed."Let'sgetthemapsfirst.We'llworryabouttherestofitlater.Comeon.Let'sgetshowered

mapsfirst.We'llworryabouttherestofitlater.Comeon.Let'sgetshoweredanddressed.Thestoreswillbeopeninanhourorso."

•••

Becauseofthefoul-upattheBellicostiplace,GeorgeAlexanderdidn'tgettobeduntilfive-thirtyFridaymorning.StillfuriouswithhissubordinatesforlettingStrykerandthewomanescapeagain,hehaddifficultygettingtosleep.Hefinallynoddedoffaround7:00A.M.

Atteno'clockhewasawakenedbythetelephone.ThedirectorwascallingfromWashington.Theyusedanelectronicscramblingdevice,sotheycouldspeakcandidly,andtheoldmanwasfuriousandcharacteristicallyblunt.

AsAlexanderenduredthedirector'saccusationsanddemands,herealizedthathisownfuturewiththeNetworkwasatstake.IfhefailedtostopStrykerandtheEvanswoman,hisdreamofassumingthedirector'schairinafewyearswouldneverbecomeareality.

Aftertheoldmanhungup,Alexandercalledhisownoffice,innomoodtobetoldthatElliotStrykerandChristinaEvanswerestillatlarge.Butthatwasexactlywhatheheard.Heorderedmenpulledoffotherjobsandassignedtothemanhunt.

"Iwantthemfoundbeforeanotherdaypasses,"Alexandersaid."Thatbastard'skilledoneofusnow.Hecan'tgetawaywiththat.Iwanthimeliminated.Andthebitchwithhim.Bothofthem.Dead."

30

TWOSPORTING-GOODSSTORESANDTWOGUNshopswerewithineasywalkingdistanceofthehotel.Thefirstsporting-goodsdealerdidnotcarrythemaps,andalthoughthesecondusuallyhadthem,itwascurrentlysoldout.ElliotandTinafoundwhattheyneededinoneofthegunshops:asetoftwelvewildernessmapsoftheSierras,designedwithbackpackersandhuntersinmind.Thesetcameinaleatherette-coveredcaseandsoldforahundreddollars.

Backinthehotelroom,theyopenedoneofthemapsonthebed,andElliotsaid,"Nowwhat?"

ForamomentTinaconsideredtheproblem.Thenshewenttothedesk,openedthecenterdrawer,andwithdrewafolderofhotelstationery.Inthefolderwasacheapplasticballpointpenwiththehotelnameonit.Withthepen,shereturnedtothebedandsatbesidetheopenmap.

Shesaid,"Peoplewhobelieveintheocculthaveathingtheycall'automaticwriting.'Everhearofit?"

"Sure.Spiritwriting.Aghostsupposedlyguidesyourhandtodeliveramessagefrombeyond.Alwayssoundedliketheworstsortofbunkumtome."

"Well,bunkumornot,I'mgoingtotrysomethinglikethat.Except,Idon'tneedaghosttoguidemyhand.I'mhopingDannycandoit."

"Don'tyouhavetobeinatrance,likeamediumataseance?"

"I'mjustgoingtocompletelyrelax,makemyselfopenandreceptive.I'llholdthepenagainstthemap,andmaybeDannycandrawtherouteforus."

Elliotpulledachairbesidethebedandsat."Idon'tbelieveforaminuteit'sgoingtowork.Totallynuts.ButI'llbeasquietasamouseandgiveitachance."

Tinastaredatthemapandtriedtothinkofnothingbuttheappealinggreens,blues,yellows,andpinksthatthecartographershadusedtoindicatevarioustypesofterrain.Sheallowedhereyestoswimoutoffocus.

typesofterrain.Sheallowedhereyestoswimoutoffocus.

Aminutepassed.

Twominutes.Three.

Shetriedclosinghereyes.

Anotherminute.Two.

Nothing.

Sheturnedthemapoverandtriedtheothersideofit.

Stillnothing.

"Givemeanothermap,"shesaid.

Elliotwithdrewanotheronefromtheleatherettecaseandhandedittoher.Herefoldedthefirstmapassheunfoldedthesecond.

Halfanhourandfivemapslater,Tina'shandsuddenlyskippedacrossthepaperasifsomeonehadbumpedherarm.

Shefeltapeculiarpullingsensationthatseemedtocomefromwithinherhand,andshestiffenedinsurprise.

Instantlytheinvasivepowerretreatedfromher.

"Whatwasthat?"Elliotasked.

"Danny.Hetried."

"You'resure?"

"Positive.Buthestartledme,andIguesseventhelittlebitofresistanceIofferedwasenoughtopushhimaway.Atleastweknowthisistherightmap.Letmetryagain."

Sheputthepenattheedgeofthemaponcemore,andshelethereyesdriftoutoffocus.

Theairtemperatureplummeted.

Theairtemperatureplummeted.

Shetriednottothinkaboutthechill.Shetriedtobanishallthoughts.

Herrighthand,inwhichsheheldthepen,grewrapidlycolderthananyotherpartofher.Shefelttheunpleasant,innerpullingagain.Herfingersachedwiththecold.Abruptlyherhandswungacrossthemap,thenback,thendescribedaseriesofcircles;thepenmademeaninglessscrawlsonthepaper.Afterhalfaminute,shefeltthepowerleaveherhandagain.

"Nogood,"shesaid.

Themapflewintotheair,asifsomeonehadtosseditinangerorfrustration.

Elliotgotoutofhischairandreachedforthemap—butitspunintotheairagain.Itflappednoisilytotheotherendoftheroomandthenbackagain,finallyfallinglikeadeadbirdontotheflooratElliot'sfeet.

"Jesus,"hesaidsoftly."ThenexttimeIreadastoryinthenewspaperaboutsomeguywhosayshewaspickedupinaflyingsaucerandtakenonatouroftheuniverse,Iwon'tbesoquicktolaugh.IfIseemanymoreinanimateobjectsdancingaround,I'mgoingtostartbelievingineverything,nomatterhowfreaky."

Tinagotupfromthebed,massaginghercoldrighthand."IguessI'mofferingtoomuchresistance.Butitfeelssoweirdwhenhetakescontrol...Ican'thelpstiffeningalittle.Iguessyouwererightaboutneedingtobeinatrance."

"I'mafraidIcan'thelpyouwiththat.I'magoodcook,butI'mnotahypnotist."

Sheblinked."Hypnosis!Ofcourse!That'llprobablydothetrick."

"Maybeitwill.Butwheredoyouexpecttofindahypnotist?ThelasttimeIlooked,theyweren'tsettingupshopsonstreetcorners."

"BillySandstone,"shesaid.

"Who?"

"He'sahypnotist.HelivesrighthereinReno.Hehasastageact.It'sabrilliantact.IwantedtousehiminMagyck!,buthewastiedupinanexclusivecontractwithachainofReno-Tahoehotels.IfyoucangetholdofBilly,hecanhypnotize

withachainofReno-Tahoehotels.IfyoucangetholdofBilly,hecanhypnotizeme.ThenmaybeI'llberelaxedenoughtomakethisautomaticwritingwork."

"Doyouknowhisphonenumber?"

"No.Andit'sprobablynotlisted.ButIdoknowhisagent'snumber.Icangetthroughtohimthatway."

Shehurriedtothetelephone.

31

BILLYSANDSTONEWASINHISLATETHIRTIES,ASsmallandleanasajockey,andhiswatchwordseemedtobe"neatness."Hisshoesshonelikeblackmirrors.Thecreasesinhisslackswereassharpasblades,andhisbluesportshirtwasstarched,crisp.Hishairwasrazor-cut,andhegroomedhismustachesometiculouslythatitalmostappearedtohavebeenpaintedonhisupperlip.

Billy'sdiningroomwasneattoo.Thetable,thechairs,thecredenza,andthehutchallglowedwarmlybecauseoftheprodigiousamountoffurniturepolishthathadbeenbuffedintothewoodwithevenmorevigorthanhehademployedwhenshininghisdazzlingshoes.Freshroseswerearrangedinacut-crystalvaseinthecenterofthetable,andcleanlinesoflightgleamedintheexquisiteglass.Thedraperieshunginperfectlymeasuredfolds.Anentirebattalionofnitpickersandfussbudgetswouldbehard-pressedtofindaspeckofdustinthisroom.

ElliotandTinaspreadthemaponthetableandsatdownacrossfromeachother.

Billysaid,"Automaticwritingisbunk,Christina.Youmustknowthat."

"Ido,Billy.Iknowthat."

"Well,then—"

"ButIwantyoutohypnotizemeanyway."

"You'realevelheadedperson,Tina,"Billysaid."Thisreallydoesn'tseemlikeyou."

"Iknow,"shesaid.

"Ifyou'djusttellmewhy.Ifyou'dtellmewhatthisisallabout,maybeIcouldhelpyoubetter."

"Billy,"shesaid,"ifItriedtoexplain,wewouldbehereallafternoon."

"Longer,"Elliotsaid.

"Andwedon'thavemuchtime,"Tinasaid."Alot'satstakehere,Billy.Morethanyoucanimagine."

Theyhadn'ttoldhimanythingaboutDanny.Sandstonedidn'thavethefaintestideawhytheywereinRenoorwhattheywereseekinginthemountains.

Elliotsaid,"I'msurethisseemsridiculous,Billy.You'reprobablywonderingifI'msomesortoflunatic.You'rewonderingifmaybeI'vemessedwithTina'smind."

"Whichdefinitelyisn'tthecase,"Tinasaid.

"Right,"Elliotsaid."Hermindwasmessedup.beforeIevermether."

ThejokeseemedtorelaxSandstone,asElliothadhopeditwould.Lunaticsandjustplainirrationalpeopledidn'tintentionallytrytoamuse.

Elliotsaid,"Iassureyou,Billy,wehaven'tlostourmarbles.Andthisisamatteroflifeanddeath."

"Itreallyis,"Tinasaid.

"Okay,"Billysaid."Youdon'thavetimetotellmeaboutitnow.I'llacceptthat.Butwillyoutellmeonedaywhenyouaren'tinsuchadamnrush?"

"Absolutely,"Tinasaid."I'lltellyoueverything.Justplease,please,putmeinatrance."

"Allright,"BillySandstonesaid.

Hewaswearingagoldsignetring.Heturneditaround,sothefaceofitwasonthewrongside—thepalmside—ofhisfinger.HeheldhishandinfrontofTina'seyes.

"Keepyoureyesontheringandlistenonlytomyvoice."

"Waitasecond,"shesaid.

Shepulledthecapofftheredfelt-tippenthatElliothadpurchasedatthehotelnewsstandjustbeforethey'dcaughtataxitoSandstone'shouse.Elliothadsuggestedachangeinthecolorofink,sotheywouldbeabletotellthe

suggestedachangeinthecolorofink,sotheywouldbeabletotellthedifferencebetweenthemeaninglessscribblesthatwerealreadyonthemapandanynewmarksthatmightbemade.

Puttingthepointofthepentothepaper,Tinasaid,"Okay,Billy.Doyourstuff."

ElliotwasnotsurewhenTinaslippedunderthehypnotist'sspell,andhehadnoideahowthissmoothmesmerismwasaccomplished.AllSandstonedidwasmoveonehandslowlybackandforthinfrontofTina'sface,simultaneouslyspeakingtoherinaquiet,rhythmicvoice,frequentlyusinghername.

Elliotalmostfellintoatrancehimself.HeblinkedhiseyesandtunedoutSandstone'smelodiousvoicewhenherealizedthathewassuccumbingtoit.

Tinastaredvacantlyintospace.

Thehypnotistloweredhishandandturnedhisringaroundasitbelonged."You'reinadeepsleep,Tina."

"Yes."

"Youreyesareopen,butyouareinadeep,deepsleep."

"Yes."

"YouwillstayinthatdeepsleepuntilItellyoutowakeup.Doyouunderstand?"

"Yes."

"Youwillremainrelaxedandreceptive."

"Yes."

"Nothingwillstartleyou."

"No."

"Youaren'treallyinvolvedinthis.You'rejustthemethodoftransmission—likeatelephone."

"Telephone,"shesaidthickly.

"Youwillremaintotallypassiveuntilyoufeeltheurgetousethepeninyourhand."

"Allright."

"Whenyoufeeltheurgetousethepen,youwillnotresistit.Youwillflowwithit.Understood?"

"Yes."

"YouwillnotbebotheredbyanythingElliotandIsaytoeachother.YouwillrespondtomeonlywhenIspeakdirectlytoyou.Understood?"

"Yes."

"Now...openyourselftowhoeverwantstospeakthroughyou."

Theywaited.

Aminutepassed,thenanother.

BillySandstonewatchedTinaintentlyforawhile,butatlastheshiftedimpatientlyinhischair.HelookedatElliotandsaid,"Idon'tthinkthisspiritwritingstuffis—"

Themaprustled,drawingtheirattention.Thecornerscurledanduncurled,curledanduncurled,againandagain,likethepulseofalivingthing.

Theairwascolder.

Themapstoppedcurling.Therustlingceased.

Tinaloweredhergazefromtheemptyairtothemap,andherhandbegantomove.Itdidn'tswoopanddartuncontrollablythistime;itcreptcarefully,hesitantlyacrossthepaper,leavingathinredlineofinklikeathreadofblood.

Sandstonewasrubbinghishandsupanddownhisarmstowardoffthesteadilydeepeningchillthathadgrippedtheroom.Frowning,glancingupattheheatingvents,hestartedtogetoutofhischair.

Elliotsaid,"Don'tbothercheckingtheair-conditioning.Itisn'ton.Andtheheathasn'tfailedeither."

hasn'tfailedeither."

"What?"

"Thecoldcomesfromthe...spirit,"Elliotsaid,decidingtostickwiththeoccultterminology,notwantingtogetboggeddownintherealstoryaboutDanny.

"Spirit?"

"Yes."

"Whosespirit?"

"Couldbeanyone's."

"Areyouserious?"

"Prettymuch."

Sandstonestaredathimasiftosay,You'renuts,butareyoudangerous?

Elliotpointedtothemap."See?"

AsTina'shandmovedslowlyoverthepaper,thecornersofthemapbegantocurlanduncurlagain.

"Howisshedoingthat?"Sandstoneasked.

"Sheisn't."

"Theghost,Isuppose."

"That'sright."

AnexpressionofpainsettledoverBilly'sface,asifheweresufferinggenuinephysicaldiscomfortbecauseofElliot'sbeliefinghosts.ApparentlyBillylikedhisviewoftheworldtobeasneatandunclutteredaseverythingelseabouthim;ifhestartedbelievinginghosts,he'dhavetoreconsiderhisopinionsaboutalotofotherthingstoo,andthenlifewouldbecomeintolerablymessy.

Elliotsympathizedwiththehypnotist.Rightnowhelongedfortherigidlystructuredroutineofthelawoffice,theneatlyorderedparagraphsoflegal

structuredroutineofthelawoffice,theneatlyorderedparagraphsoflegalcasebooks,andthetimelessrulesofthecourtroom.

Tinaletthependropfromherfingers.Sheliftedhergazefromthemap.Hereyesremainedunfocused.

"Areyoufinished?"Billyaskedher.

"Yes."

"Areyousure?"

"Yes."

Withafewsimplesentencesandasharpclapofhishands,thehypnotistbroughtheroutofthetrance.

Sheblinkedinconfusion,thenglanceddownattheroutethatshehadmarkedonthemap.ShesmiledatElliot."Itworked.ByGod,itworked!"

"Apparentlyitdid."

Shepointedtotheterminusoftheredline."That'swhereheis,Elliot.That'swherethey'rekeepinghim."

"It'snotgoingtobeeasygettingintocountrylikethat,"Elliotsaid.

"Wecandoit.We'llneedgood,insulatedoutdoorclothes.Boots.Snowshoesincasewehavetowalkveryfarinopencountry.Doyouknowhowtousesnowshoes?Itcan'tbethathard."

"Holdon,"Elliotsaid."I'mstillnotconvincedyourdreammeantwhatyouthinkitdid.Basedonwhatyousaidhappenedinit,Idon'tseehowyoureachtheconclusionthatDanny'sgoingtohelpusgetintotheinstallation.Wemightgettothisplaceandfindwecan'tsliparounditsdefenses."

BillySandstonelookedfromTinatoElliot,baffled."Danny?YourDanny,Tina?Butisn'the—"

Tinasaid,"Elliot,itwasn'tonlywhathappenedinthedreamthatledmetothisconclusion.WhatIfeltinitwasfarmoreimportant.Ican'texplainthatpartofit.Theonlywayyoucouldunderstandisifyouhadthedreamyourself.I'msurehe

Theonlywayyoucouldunderstandisifyouhadthedreamyourself.I'msurehewastellingmethathecouldhelpusgettohim."

Elliotturnedthemaptobeabletostudyitmoreclosely.

Fromtheheadofthetable,Billysaid,"Butisn'tDanny—"

Tinasaid,"Elliot,listen,Itoldyouhewouldshowuswherehe'sbeingkept,andhedrewthatrouteforus.SofarI'mbattingathousand.Ialsofeelhe'sgoingtohelpusgetintotheplace,andIdon'tseeanyreasonwhyIshouldstrikeoutonthatone."

"It'sjust...we'dbewalkingintotheirarms,"Elliotsaid.

"Whosearms?"BillySandstoneasked.

Tinasaid,"Elliot,whathappensifwestayhere,hidingoutuntilwecanthinkofanalternative?Howmuchtimedowehave?Notmuch.They'regoingtofindussoonerorlater,andwhentheygettheirhandsonus,they'llkillus."

"Kill?"BillySandstoneasked."There'sawordIdon'tlike.It'srightupthereonthebad-wordlistbesidebroccoli."

"We'vegottenthisfarbecausewe'vekeptmovingandwe'vebeenaggressive,"Tinasaid."Ifwechangeourapproach,ifwesuddenlygettoocautious,that'llbeourdownfall,notoursalvation."

"Youtwosoundlikeyou'reinawar,"BillySandstonesaiduneasily.

"You'reprobablyright,"ElliottoldTina."OnethingIlearnedinthemilitarywasyouhavetostopandregroupyourforcesonceinawhile,butifyoustoptoolong,thetidewillturnandwashrightoveryou."

"ShouldImaybegolistentothenews?"BillySandstoneasked."Isthereawaron?HaveweinvadedFrance?"

ToTina,Elliotsaid,"Whatelsewillweneedbesidesthermalclothing,boots,andsnowshoes?"

"AJeep,"shesaid.

"That'satallorder."

"That'satallorder."

"Whataboutatank?"BillySandstoneasked."Goingtowar,youmightpreferatank."

Tinasaid,"Don'tbesilly,Billy.AJeepisallweneed."

"Justtryingtobehelpful,love.AndthanksforrememberingIexist."

"AJeeporanExplorer—anythingwithfour-wheeldrive,"TinatoldElliot."Wedon'twanttowalkfartherthannecessary.Wedon'twanttowalkatallifwecanhelpit.Theremustbesomesortofroadintotheplace,evenifit'swellconcealed.Ifwe'relucky,we'llhaveDannywhenwecomeout,andheprobablywon'tbeinanyconditiontotrekthroughtheSierrasinthedeadofwinter."

"IhaveanExplorer,"Billysaid.

"IguessIcouldhavesomemoneytransferredfrommyVegasbank,"Elliotsaid."Butwhatifthey'rewatchingmyaccountsdownthere?Thatwouldleadthemtousfast.Andsincethebanksareclosedfortheholiday,wecouldn'tdoanythinguntilnextweek.Theymightfindusbythen."

"WhataboutyourAmericanExpresscard?"sheasked.

"Youmean,chargeaJeep?"

"There'snolimitonthecard,isthere?"

"No.But—"

"IreadanewspaperstoryonceaboutaguywhoboughtaRolls-Roycewithhiscard.Youcandothatsortofthingaslongastheyknowforsureyou'recapableofpayingtheentirebillwhenitcomesdueamonthlater."

"Itsoundscrazy,"Elliotsaid."ButIguesswecantry."

"IhaveanExplorer,"BillySandstonesaid.

"Let'sgettheaddressofthelocaldealership,"Tinasaid."We'llseeifthey'llacceptthecard."

"IhaveanExplorer!"Billysaid.

"IhaveanExplorer!"Billysaid.

Theyturnedtohim,startled.

"ItakemyacttoLakeTahoeafewweekseverywinter,"Billysaid."Youknowwhatit'slikedowntherethistimeofyear.Snowuptoyourass.IhateflyingtheTahoe-Renoshuttle.Theplane'ssodamnsmall.Andyouknowwhataticky-tackyairporttheyhaveatTahoe.SoIusuallyjustdrivedownthedaybeforeIopen.AnExplorer'stheonlythingI'dwanttotakethroughthemountainsonabadday."

"AreyougoingtoTahoesoon?"Tinaasked.

"No.Idon'topenuntiltheendofthemonth."

"WillyoubeneedingtheExplorerinthenextcoupleofdays?"Elliotasked.

"No."

"Canweborrowit?"

"Well...Iguessso."

Tinaleanedacrossthecornerofthetable,grabbedBilly'sheadinherhands,pulledhisfacetohers,andkissedhim."You'realifesaver,Billy.AndImeanthatliterally."

"I'masmallcircletofhardcandy?"

"Maybethingsarebreakingrightforus,"Elliotsaid."Maybewe'llgetDannyoutofthereafterall."

"Wewill,"Tinasaid."Iknowit."

Therosesinthecrystalvasetwirledaroundlikeagroupofspinning,redheadedballerinas.

Startled,BillySandstonejumpedup,knockingoverhischair.

Thedrapesdrewopen,slidshut,drewopen,slidshut,eventhoughnoonewasnearthedrawcords.

Thechandelierbegantoswinginalazycircle,andthedanglingcrystalscastprismaticpatternsoflightonthewalls.

Billystared,open-mouthed.

ElliotknewhowdisorientedBillywasfeeling,andhefeltsorryfortheman.

Afterhalfaminutealloftheunnaturalmovementstopped,andtheroomrapidlygrewwarmagain.

"Howdidyoudothat?"Billydemanded.

"Wedidn't,"Tinasaid.

"Notaghost,"Billysaidadamantly.

"Notaghosteither,"Elliotsaid.

Billysaid,"YoucanborrowtheExplorer.Butfirstyou'vegottotellmewhatinhell'sgoingon.Idon'tcarehowmuchofahurryyou'rein.Youcanatleasttellmealittleofit.Otherwise,I'mgoingtoshrivelupanddieofcuriosity."

TinaconsultedElliot."Well?"

Elliotsaid,"Billy,youmightbebetteroffnotknowing."

"Impossible."

"We'reupagainstsomedamndangerouspeople.Iftheythoughtyouknewaboutthem—"

"Look,"Billysaid,"I'mnotjustahypnotist.I'msomethingofamagician.That'sreallywhatImostwantedtobe,butIdidn'treallyhavetheskillforit.SoIworkedupthisactbuiltaroundhypnotism.Butmagic—that'smyonegreatlove.Ijusthavetoknowhowyoudidthattrickwiththedrapes,theroses.Andthecornersofthemap!Ijusthavetoknow."

EarlierthismorningithadoccurredtoElliotthatheandTinaweretheonlypeoplewhoknewthattheofficialstoryoftheSierrasaccidentwasalie.Iftheywerekilled,thetruthwoulddiewiththem,andthecover-upwouldcontinue.Consideringthehighpricethattheyhadpaidforthepatheticallyinsufficient

Consideringthehighpricethattheyhadpaidforthepatheticallyinsufficientinformationtheyhadobtained,hecouldn'ttoleratetheprospectofalltheirpainandfearandanxietyhavingbeenfornaught.

Elliotsaid,"Billy,doyouhaveataperecorder?"

"Sure.It'snothingfancy.It'salittleoneIcarrywithme.Idosomecomedylinesintheact,andIusetherecordertodevelopnewmaterial,correctproblemswithmytiming."

"Itdoesn'thavetobefancy,"Elliotsaid."Justsoitworks.We'llgiveyouacondensedversionofthestorybehindallofthis,andwe'llrecorditaswego.ThenI'llmailthetapetooneofmylawpartners."Heshrugged."Notmuchinsurance,butbetterthannothing."

"I'llgettherecorder,"Billysaid,hurryingoutofthediningroom.

Tinafoldedthemap.

"It'snicetoseeyousmilingagain,"Elliotsaid.

"Imustbecrazy,"shesaid."Westillhavedangerousworkaheadofus.We'restillupagainstthisbunchofcutthroats.Wedon'tknowwhatwe'llwalkintointhosemountains.SowhydoIfeelterrificallofasudden?"

"Youfeelgood,"Elliotsaid,"becausewe'renotrunninganymore.We'regoingontheoffensive.Andfoolhardyasthatmightbe,itdoesalotforaperson'sself-respect."

"Canacoupleofpeoplelikeusreallyhaveachanceofwinningwhenwe'reupagainstsomethingasbigasthegovernmentitself?"

"Well,"Elliotsaid,"Ihappentobelievethatindividualsaremoreapttoactresponsiblyandmorallythaninstitutionseverdo,whichatleastputsusonthesideofjustice.AndIalsobelieveindividualsarealwayssmarterandbetteradaptedtosurvival,atleastinthelongrun,thananyinstitution.Let'sjusthopemyphilosophydoesn'tturnouttobehalf-baked."

•••

Atone-thirtyKurtHensencameintoGeorgeAlexander'sofficeindowntownReno."TheyfoundthecarthatStrykerrented.It'sinapubliclotaboutthreeblocksfromhere."

"Usedrecently?"Alexanderasked.

"No.Theengine'scold.There'sthickfrostonthewindows.It'sbeenparkedthereovernight."

"He'snotstupid,"Alexandersaid."He'sprobablyabandonedthedamnthing."

"Youwanttoputawatchonitanyway?"

"Betterdothat,"Alexandersaid."Soonerorlaterthey'llmakeamistake.Comingbacktothecarmightbeit.Idon'tthinkso.Butitmight."

Hensenlefttheroom.

AlexandertookaValiumoutofatinthathecarriedinhisjacketpocket,andhewasheditdownwithaswallowofhotcoffee,whichhepouredfromthesilverpotonhisdesk.Thiswashissecondpillsincehe'dgottenoutofbedjustthreeandahalfhoursago,buthestillfeltedgy.

Strykerandthewomanwereprovingtobeworthyopponents.

Alexanderneverlikedtohaveworthyopponents.Hepreferredthemtobesoftandeasy.

Wherewerethey?

32

THEDECIDUOUSTREES,STRIPPEDOFEVERYLEAF,appearedtobecharred,asifthisparticularwinterhadbeenmoreseverethanothersandascataclysmicasafire.Theevergreens—pine,spruce,fir,tamarack—wereflockedwithsnow.Abriskwindspilledoverthejaggedhorizonunderalowandmenacingsky,snappingice-hardflurriesofsnowagainstthewindshieldoftheExplorer.

Tinawasinaweof—anddisquietedby—thestatelyforestthatcrowdedthemastheydrovenorthonthenarrowingcountyroad.EvenifshehadnotknownthatthesedeepwoodlandsharboredsecretsaboutDannyandthedeathsoftheotherscouts,shewouldhavefoundthemmysteriousandunnervinglyprimeval.

SheandElliothadturnedoffInterstate80aquarterofanhourago,followingtherouteDannyhadmarked,circlingtheedgeofthewilderness.Onpapertheywerestillmovingalongtheborderofthemap,withalargeexpanseofbluesandgreensontheirleft.Shortlytheywouldturnoffthetwo-laneblacktopontoanotherroad,whichthemapspecifiedas"unpaved,nondirt,"whateverthatwas.

AfterleavingBillySandstone'shouseinhisExplorer,TinaandElliothadnotreturnedtothehotel.Theysharedapremonitionthatsomeonedecidedlyunfriendlywaswaitingintheirroom.

Firsttheyhadvisitedasporting-goodsstore,purchasingtwoGore-Tex/Thermolitestormsuits,boots,snowshoes,compacttinsofbackpacker'srations,cansofSterno,andothersurvivalgear.Iftherescueattemptwentsmoothly,asTina'sdreamseemedtopredict,theywouldn'thaveanyneedformuchofwhattheybought.ButiftheExplorerbrokedowninthemountains,orifanotherhitchdeveloped,theywantedtobepreparedfortheunexpected.

Elliotalsoboughtahundredroundsofhollow-pointammunitionforthepistol.Thiswasn'tinsuranceagainsttheunforeseen;thiswassimplyprudentplanningforthetroubletheycouldforeseealltoowell.

Fromthesporting-goodsstoretheyhaddrivenoutoftown,westtowardthemountains.Ataroadsiderestaurant,theychangedclothesintherestrooms.His

mountains.Ataroadsiderestaurant,theychangedclothesintherestrooms.Hisinsulatedsuitwasgreenwithwhitestripes;herswaswhitewithgreenandblackstripes.Theylookedlikeacoupleofskiersontheirwaytotheslopes.

Enteringtheformidablemountains,theyhadbecomeawareofhowsoondarknesswouldsettleovertheshelteredvalleysandravines,andtheyhaddiscussedthewisdomofproceeding.Perhapstheywouldhavebeensmartertoturnaround,gobacktoReno,findanotherhotelroom,andgetafreshstartinthemorning.Butneitherwantedtodelay.Perhapsthelatenessofthehourandthefadinglightwouldworkagainstthem,butapproachinginthenightmightactuallybetotheiradvantage.Thethingwas—theyhadmomentum.Theybothfeltasiftheywereonagoodroll,andtheydidn'twanttotemptfatebypostponingtheirjourney.

Nowtheywereonanarrowcountyroad,movingsteadilyhigherasthevalleyslopedtowarditsnorthernend.Plowshadkepttheblacktopclean,exceptforscatteredpatchesofhard-packedsnowthatfilledthepotholes,andsnowwaspiledfiveorsixfeethighonbothsides.

"Soonnow,"Tinasaid,glancingatthemapthatwasopenonherknees.

"Lonelypartoftheworld,isn'tit?"

"Yougetthefeelingthatcivilizationcouldbedestroyedwhileyou'reouthere,andyou'dneverbeawareofit."

Theyhadn'tseenahouseorotherstructurefortwomiles.Theyhadn'tpassedanothercarinthreemiles.

Twilightdescendedintothewinterforest,andElliotswitchedontheheadlights.

Ahead,ontheleft,abreakappearedinthebankofsnowthathadbeenheapedupbytheplows.WhentheExplorerreachedthisgap,Elliotswungintotheturnoffandstopped.Anarrowandforbiddingtrackledintothewoods,recentlyplowedbutstilltreacherous.Itwaslittlemorethanonelanewide,andthetreesformedatunnelaroundit,sothatafterfiftyorsixtyfeet,itdisappearedintoprematurenight.Itwasunpaved,butasolidbedhadbeenbuiltovertheyearsbythegenerousandrepeatedapplicationofoilandgravel.

"Accordingtothemap,we'relookingforan'unpaved,nondirt'road,"Tinatoldhim.

him.

"Iguessthisisit."

"Somesortofloggingtrail?"

"Looksmoreliketheroadtheyalwaystakeinthoseoldmovieswhenthey'reontheirwaytoDracula'scastle."

"Thanks,"shesaid.

"Sorry."

"Anditdoesn'thelpthatyou'reright.ItdoeslookliketheroadtoDracula'scastle."

Theydroveontothetrack,undertheroofofheavyevergreenboughs,intotheheartoftheforest.

33

INTHERECTANGULARROOM,THREESTORIESUNDERground,computershummedandmurmured.

Dr.CarltonDombey,whohadcomeondutytwentyminutesago,satatoneofthetablesagainstthenorthwall.HewasstudyingasetofelectroencephalogramsanddigitallyenhancedsonogramsandXrays.

Afterawhilehesaid,"Didyouseethepicturestheytookofthekid'sbrainthismorning?"

Dr.AaronZachariahturnedfromthebankofvideodisplays."Ididn'tknowtherewereany."

"Yeah.Awholenewseries."

"Anythinginteresting?"

"Yes,"Dombeysaid."Thespotthatshowedupontheboy'sparietallobeaboutsixweeksago."

"Whataboutit?"

"Darker,larger."

"Thenit'sdefinitelyamalignanttumor?"

"Thatstillisn'tclear."

"Benign?"

"Can'tsayforsureeitherway.Thespotdoesn'thaveallthespectrographiccharacteristicsofatumor."

"Coulditbescartissue?"

"Notexactlythat."

"Notexactlythat."

"Bloodclot?"

"Definitelynot."

"Havewelearnedanythinguseful?"

"Maybe,"Dombeysaid."I'mnotsureifit'susefulornot."Hefrowned."It'ssurestrange,though."

"Don'tkeepmeinsuspense,"Zachariahsaid,movingovertothetabletoexaminethetests.

Dombeysaid,"Accordingtothecomputer-assignedanalysis,thegrowthisconsistentwiththenatureofnormalbraintissue."

Zachariahstaredathim."Comeagain?"

"Itcouldbeanewlumpofbraintissue,"Dombeytoldhim.

"Butthatdoesn'tmakesense."

"Iknow."

"Thebraindoesn'tallofasuddenstartgrowingnewlittlenodesthatnobody'severseenbefore."

"Iknow."

"Someonebetterrunamaintenancescanonthecomputer.Ithastobescrewedup."

"Theydidthatthisafternoon,"Dombeysaid,tappingapileofprintoutsthatlayonthetable."Everything'ssupposedtobefunctioningperfectly."

"Justliketheheatingsysteminthatisolationchamberisfunctioningproperly,"Zachariahsaid.

Stillporingthroughthetestresults,strokinghismustachewithonehand,Dombeysaid,"Listentothis...thegrowthrateoftheparietalspotisdirectlyproportionaltothenumberofinjectionstheboy'sbeengiven.Itappearedafter

proportionaltothenumberofinjectionstheboy'sbeengiven.Itappearedafterhisfirstseriesofshotssixweeksago.Themorefrequentlythekidisreinfected,thefastertheparietalspotgrows."

"Thenitmustbeatumor,"Zachariahsaid.

"Probably.They'regoingtodoanexploratoryinthemorning."

"Surgery?"

"Yeah.Getatissuesampleforabiopsy."

Zachariahglancedtowardtheobservationwindowoftheisolationchamber."Damn,thereitgoesagain!"

Dombeysawthattheglasswasbeginningtocloudagain.

Zachariahhurriedtothewindow.

Dombeystaredthoughtfullyatthespreadingfrost.Hesaid,"Youknowsomething?Thatproblemwiththewindow...ifI'mnotmistaken,itstartedatthesametimetheparietalspotfirstshowedupontheXrays."

Zachariahturnedtohim."So?"

"Doesn'tthatstrikeyouascoincidental?"

"That'sexactlyhowitstrikesme.Coincidence.Ifailtoseeanyassociation."

"Well...couldtheparietalspothaveadirectconnectionwiththefrostsomehow?"

"What—youthinktheboymightberesponsibleforthechangesinairtemperature?"

"Couldhe?"

"How?"

"Idon'tknow."

"Well,you'retheonewhoraisedthequestion."

"Idon'tknow,"Dombeysaidagain.

"Itdoesn'tmakeanysense,"Zachariahsaid."Nosenseatall.Ifyoukeepcomingupwithweirdsuggestionslikethat,I'llhavetorunamaintenancecheckonyou,Carl."

34

THEOIL-AND-GRAVELTRAILLEDDEEPINTOTHEforest.Itwasremarkablyfreeofrutsandchuckholesformostofitslength,althoughtheExplorerscrapedbottomafewtimeswhenthetracktooksudden,sharpdips.

Thetreeshunglow,lower,lowerstill,until,atlast,theice-crustedevergreenboughsfrequentlyscrapedacrosstheroofoftheExplorerwithasoundlikefingernailsbeingdrawndownablackboard.

Theypassedafewsignsthattoldthemthelanetheywereusingwaskeptopenfortheexclusivebenefitoffederalandstatewildlifeofficersandresearchers.Onlyauthorizedvehicleswerepermitted,thesignswarned.

"Couldthissecretinstallationbedisguisedasawildliferesearchcenter?"Elliotwondered.

"No,"shesaid."Accordingtothemap,that'sninemilesintotheforestonthistrack.Danny'sinstructionsaretotakeaturnnorth,offthislane,afteraboutfivemiles."

"We'vegonealmostfivemilessinceweleftthecountyroad,"Elliotsaid.

Branchesscrapedacrosstheroof,andpowderysnowcascadedoverthewindshield,ontothehood.

Asthewindshieldwiperscastthesnowaside,Tinaleanedforward,squintingalongtheheadlightbeams."Holdit!Ithinkthisiswhatwe'relookingfor."

Hewasdrivingatonlytenmilesanhour,butshegavehimsolittlewarningthathepassedtheturnoff.Hestopped,puttheExplorerinreverse,andbackeduptwentyfeet,untiltheheadlightswereshiningonthetrailthatshehadspotted.

"Ithasn'tbeenplowed,"hesaid.

"Butlookatallthetiremarks."

"Alotoftraffic'sbeenthroughhererecently."

"Alotoftraffic'sbeenthroughhererecently."

"Thisisit,"Tinasaidconfidently."ThisiswhereDannywantsustogo."

"It'sadamnedgoodthingwehavefour-wheeldrive."

Hesteeredofftheplowedlane,ontothesnowytrail.TheExplorer,equippedwithheavychainsonitsbigwinter-treadtires,bitintothesnowandcheweditswayforwardwithouthesitation.

Thenewtrackranahundredyardsbeforerisingandturningsharplytotheright,aroundthebluntfaceofaridge.Whentheycameoutofthiscurve,thetreesfellbackfromtheverge,andopenskylayaboveforthefirsttimesincetheyhaddepartedthecountyblacktop.

Twilightwasgone;nightwasincommand.

Snowbegantofallmoreheavily—yetaheadofthem,notasingleflakelayintheirway.Bizarrely,theunplowedtrailhadledthemtoapavedroad;steamrosefromit,andsectionsofthepavementwereevendry.

"Heatcoilsembeddedinthesurface,"Elliotsaid.

"Hereinthemiddleofnowhere."

StoppingtheExplorer,hepickedupthepistolfromtheseatbetweenthem,andheflickedoffbothsafeties.Hehadloadedthedepletedmagazineearlier;nowhejackedabulletintothechamber.Whenheputthegunontheseatagain,itwasreadytobeused.

"Wecanstillturnback,"Tinasaid.

"Isthatwhatyouwanttodo?"

"No."

"NeitherdoI."

Ahundredandfiftyyardsfarther,theyreachedanothersharpturn.Theroaddescendedintoagully,swunghardtotheleftthistime,andthenheadedupagain.

Twentyyardsbeyondthebend,thewaywasbarredbyasteelgate.Oneachsideofthegate,anine-foot-highfence,angledoutwardatthetopandstrungwithwickedlysharpcoilsofrazorwire,stretchedoutofsightintotheforest.Thetopofthegatewasalsowrappedwithrazorwire.

Alargesignstoodtotherightoftheroadway,supportedontworedwoodposts:

PRIVATEPROPERTY

ADMISSIONBYKEYCARDONLY

TRESPASSERSWILLBEPROSECUTED

"Theymakeitsoundlikesomeone'shuntinglodge,"Tinasaid.

"Intentionally,I'msure.Nowwhat?Youdon'thappentohaveakeycard,doyou?"

"Dannywillhelp,"shesaid."That'swhatthedreamwasallabout."

"Howlongdowewaithere?"

"Notlong,"shesaidasthegateswunginward.

"I'llbedamned,"

Theheatedroadstretchedoutofsightinthedarkness.

"We'recoming,Danny,"Tinasaidquietly.

"Whatifsomeoneelseopenedthegate?"Elliotasked."WhatifDannydidn'thaveanythingtodowithit?Theymightjustbelettingusinsotheycantrapusinside."

"ItwasDanny."

"You'resosure."

"Yes."

Hesighedanddrovethroughthegate,whichswungshutbehindtheExplorer.

Theroadbegantoclimbinearnest,huggingtheslopes.Itwasoverhungbyhugerockformationsandbywind-sculptedcowlsofsnow.Thesinglelanewidenedtotwolanesinplacesandswitchbackeduptheridges,throughmoredenselypackedstrandsoflargertrees.TheExplorerlaboredeverhigherintothemountains.

Thesecondgatewasoneandahalfmilespastthefirst,onashortlengthofstraightaway,justoverthebrowofahill.Itwasnotmerelyagate,butacheckpoint.Aguardshackstoodtotherightoftheroad,fromwhichthegatewascontrolled.

ElliotpickedupthegunashebroughttheExplorertoafullstopatthebarrier.

Theywerenomorethansixoreightfeetfromthelightedshack,closeenoughtoseetheguard'sfaceashescowledatthemthroughthelargewindow.

"He'stryingtofigureoutwhothedevilweare,"Elliotsaid."He'sneverseenusortheExplorer,andthisisn'tthesortofplacewherethere'salotofneworunexpectedtraffic."

Insidethehut,theguardpluckedatelephonehandsetfromthewall.

"Damn!"Elliotsaid."I'llhavetogoforhim."

AsElliotstartedtoopenhisdoor,Tinasawsomethingthatmadehergrabhisarm."Wait!Thephonedoesn'twork."

Theguardslammedthereceiverdown.Hegottohisfeet,tookacoatfromthebackofhischair,slippedintoit,zipperedup,andcameoutoftheshack.Hewascarryingasubmachinegun.

Fromelsewhereinthenight,Dannyopenedthegate.

TheguardstoppedhalfwaytotheExplorerandturnedtowardthegatewhenhesawitmoving,unabletobelievehiseyes.

Elliotrammedhisfootdownhardontheaccelerator,andtheExplorershot

Elliotrammedhisfootdownhardontheaccelerator,andtheExplorershotforward.

Theguardswungthesubmachinegunintofiringpositionastheysweptpasthim.

Tinaraisedherhandsinaninvoluntaryandtotallyuselessattempttowardoffthebullets.

Buttherewerenobullets.

Notornmetal.Noshatteredglass.Nobloodorpain.

Theydidn'tevenheargunfire.

TheExplorerroaredacrossthestraightawayandcareeneduptheslopebeyond,throughthetendrilsofsteamthatrosefromtheblackpavement.

Stillnogunfire.

Astheyswungintoanothercurve,Elliotwrestledwiththewheel,andTinawasacutelyawarethatagreatdarkvoidlaybeyondtheshoulderoftheroad.Elliotheldthevehicleonthepavementastheyroundedthebend,andthentheywereoutoftheguard'slineoffire.Fortwohundredyardsahead,untiltheroadcurvedoncemore,nothingthreateningwasinsight.

TheExplorerdroppedbacktoasaferspeed.

Elliotsaid,"DidDannydoallofthat?"

"Hemusthave."

"Hejinxedtheguard'sphone,openedthegate,andjammedthesubmachinegun.Whatisthiskidofyours?"

Astheyascendedintothenight,snowbegantofallhardandfastinsheetsoffine,dryflakes.

AfteraminuteofthoughtTinasaid,"Idon'tknow.Idon'tknowwhatheisanymore.Idon'tknowwhat'shappenedtohim,andIdon'tunderstandwhathe'sbecome."

Thiswasanunsettlingthought.Shebegantowonderexactlywhatsortoflittle

Thiswasanunsettlingthought.Shebegantowonderexactlywhatsortoflittleboytheyweregoingtofindatthetopofthemountain.

35

WITHGLOSSYPHOTOGRAPHSOFCHRISTINAEvansandElliotStryker,GeorgeAlexander'smencirculatedthroughthehotelsindowntownReno,talkingwithdeskclerks,bellmen,andotheremployees.Atfour-thirtytheyobtainedastrong,positiveidentificationfromamaidatHarrah's.

Inroom918theNetworkoperativesdiscoveredacheapsuitcase,dirtyclothes,toothbrushes,varioustoiletryitems—andelevenmapsinaleatherettecase,whichElliotandTina,intheirhasteandweariness,evidentlyhadoverlooked.

Alexanderwasinformedofthediscoveryat5:05.By5:40everythingthatStrykerandthewomanhadleftinthehotelroomwasbroughttoAlexander'soffice.

Whenhediscoveredthenatureofthemaps,whenherealizedthatoneofthemwasmissing,andwhenhediscoveredthatthemissingmapwastheoneStrykerwouldneedinordertofindtheProjectPandoralabs,Alexanderfelthisfaceflushwithangerandchagrin."Thenerve!"

KurtHensenwasstandinginfrontofAlexander'sdesk,pickingthroughthejunkthathadbeenbroughtoverfromthehotel."What'swrong?"

"They'vegoneintothemountains.They'regoingtotrytogetintothelaboratory,"Alexandersaid."Someone,somedamnturncoatonProjectPandora,musthaverevealedenoughaboutitslocationforthemtofinditwithjustalittlehelp.Theywentoutandboughtmaps,forGod'ssake!"

Alexanderwasenragedbythecoolmethodicalnessthatthepurchaseofthemapsseemedtorepresent.Whowerethesetwopeople?Whyweren'ttheyhidinginadarkcornersomewhere?Whyweren'ttheyscaredwitless?ChristinaEvanswasonlyanordinarywoman.Anex-showgirl!Alexanderrefusedtobelievethatashowgirlcouldbeofmorethanaverageintelligence.AndalthoughStrykerhaddonesomeheavymilitaryservice,thathadbeenagesago.Whereweretheygettingtheirstrength,theirnerve,theirendurance?ItseemedasiftheymusthavesomeadvantageofwhichAlexanderwasnotaware.Thathadtobeit.Theyhadtohavesomeadvantagehedidn'tknowabout.Whatcoulditbe?Whatwas

hadtohavesomeadvantagehedidn'tknowabout.Whatcoulditbe?Whatwastheiredge?

Hensenpickeduponeofthemapsandturneditoverinhishands."Idon'tseeanyreasontogettooworkedupaboutit.Eveniftheylocatethemaingate,theycan'tgetanyfartherthanthat.Therearethousandsofacresbehindthefence,andthelabisrightsmackinthemiddle.Theycan'tgetclosetoit,letaloneinside."

Alexandersuddenlyrealizedwhattheiredgewas,whatkeptthemgoing,andhesatupstraightinhischair."Theycangetinsideeasilyenoughiftheyhaveafriendinthere."

"What?"

"That'sit!"Alexandergottohisfeet."NotonlydidsomeoneonProjectPandoratellthisEvanswomanaboutherson.Thatsametraitorousbastardisalsoupthereinthelabsrightthisminute,readytoopenthegatesanddoorstothem.Somebastardstabbedusintheback.He'sgoingtohelpthebitchgethersonoutofthere!"

AlexanderdialedthenumberofthemilitarysecurityofficeattheSierralab.Itneitherrangnorreturnedabusysignal;thelinehissedemptily.Hehungupandtriedagain,withthesameresult.

Hequicklydialedthelabdirector'soffice.Dr.Tamaguchi.Noringing.Nobusysignal.Justthesame,unsettlinghiss.

"Something'shappenedupthere,"Alexandersaidasheslammedthehandsetintothecradle.'Thephonesareout."

"Supposedtobeanewstormmovingin,"Hensensaid."It'sprobablyalreadysnowinginthemountains.Maybethelines—"

"Useyourhead,Kurt.Theirlinesareunderground.Andtheyhaveacellularbackup.Nostormcanknockoutallcommunications.GetholdofJackMorganandtellhimtogetthechopperready.We'llmeethimattheairportassoonaswecangetthere."

"He'llneedhalfanhouranyway,"Hensensaid.

"Notaminutemorethanthat."

"Hemightnotwanttogo.Theweather'sbadupthere."

"Idon'tcareifit'shailingironbasketballs,"Alexandersaid."We'regoingupthereinthechopper.Thereisn'ttimetodrive,notimeatall.I'msureofthat.Something'sgonewrong.Something'shappeningatthelabsrightnow."

Hensenfrowned."Buttryingtotakethechopperinthereatnight...inthemiddleofthestorm..."

"Morgan'sthebest."

"Itwon'tbeeasy."

"IfMorganwantstotakeiteasy,"Alexandersaid,"thenheshouldbeflyingoneoftheaerialridesatDisneyland."

"Butitseemssuicidal—"

"Andifyouwantiteasy,"Alexandersaid,"youshouldn'thavecometoworkforme.Thisisn'ttheLadies'AidSociety,Kurt."

Hensen'sfacecolored."I'llcallMorgan,"hesaid.

"Yes.Youdothat."

36

WINDSHIELDWIPERSBEATINGAWAYTHESNOW,chain-wrappedtiresclankingontheheatedroadbed,theExplorercrestedafinalhill.Theycameovertheriseontoaplateau,anenormousshelfcarvedinthesideofthemountain.

Elliotpumpedthebrakes,broughtthevehicletoafullstop,andunhappilysurveyedtheterritoryahead.

Theplateauwasbasicallytheworkofnature,butman'shandwasinevidence.Thisbroadshelfinthemountainsidecouldn'thavebeenaslargeorasregularlyshapedinitsnaturalstateasitwasnow:threehundredyardswide,twohundredyardsdeep,almostaperfectrectangle.Thegroundhadbeenrolledasflatasanairfieldandthenpaved.Notasingletreeoranyothersizableobjectremained,nothingbehindwhichamancouldhide.Talllamppostswerearrayedacrossthisfeaturelessplain,castingdim,reddishlightthatwasseverelydirecteddownwardtoattractaslittleattentionaspossiblefromaircraftthatstrayedoutoftheusualflightpatternsandfromanyonebackpackingelsewhereintheseremotemountains.Yettheweakilluminationthatthelampsprovidedwasapparentlysufficientforthesecuritycamerastoobtainclearimagesoftheentireplateau,becausecameraswereattachedtoeverylamppost,andnotaninchoftheareaescapedtheirunblinkingattention.

"Thesecuritypeoplemustbewatchingusonvideomonitorsrightnow,"Elliotsaidglumly.

"UnlessDannyscreweduptheircameras,"Tinasaid."Andifhecanjamasubmachinegun,whycouldn'theinterferewithaclosed-circuittelevisiontransmission?"

"You'reprobablyright."

Twohundredyardsaway,atthefarsideoftheconcretefield,stoodaone-storywindowlessbuilding,approximatelyahundredfeetlong,withasteeplypitchedslateroof.

"Thatmustbewherethey'reholdinghim,"Elliotsaid.

"Thatmustbewherethey'reholdinghim,"Elliotsaid.

"Iexpectedanenormousstructure,agiganticcomplex."

"Itmostlikelyisenormous.You'reseeingjustthefrontwall.Theplaceisbuiltintothenextstepofthemountain.Godknowshowfartheycutbackintotherock.Anditprobablygoesdownseveralstoriestoo."

"AllthewaytoHell."

"Couldbe."

Hetookhisfootoffthebrakeanddroveforward,throughsheetingsnowstainedredbythestrangelight.

Jeeps,LandRovers,andotherfour-wheeldrivevehicles—eightinall—werelinedupinfrontofthelowbuilding,side-by-sideinthefallingsnow.

"Doesn'tlooklikethere'salotofpeopleinside,"Tinasaid."Ithoughtthere'dbealargestaff."

"Oh,thereis.I'msureyou'rerightaboutthattoo,"Elliotsaid."Thegovernmentwouldn'tgotoallthetroubleofhidingthisjointoutherejusttohouseahandfulofresearchersorwhatever.Mostofthemprobablyliveintheinstallationforweeksormonthsatatime.Theywouldn'twantalotofdailytrafficcominginandoutofhereonaforestroadthat'ssupposedtobeusedonlybystatewildlifeofficers.Thatwoulddrawtoomuchattention.Maybeafewofthetoppeoplecomeandgoregularlybyhelicopter.Butifthisisamilitaryoperation,thenmostofthestaffisprobablyassignedhereunderthesameconditionssubmarinershavetolivewith.They'reallowedtogointoRenoforshoreleavebetweencruises,butforlongstretchesoftime,they'reconfinedtothis'ship.'"

HeparkedbesideaJeep,switchedofftheheadlights,andcuttheengine.

Theplateauwasethereallysilent.

Nooneyethadcomeoutofthebuildingtochallengethem,whichmostlikelymeantthatDannyhadjinxedthevideosecuritysystem.

Thefactthattheyhadgottenthisfarunhurtdidn'tmakeElliotfeelanybetteraboutwhatlayaheadofthem.HowlongcouldDannycontinuetopavetheway?Theboyappearedtohavesomeincrediblepowers,buthewasn'tGod.Sooneror

Theboyappearedtohavesomeincrediblepowers,buthewasn'tGod.Soonerorlaterhe'doverlooksomething.He'dmakeamistake.Justonemistake.Andtheywouldbedead.

"Well,"Tinasaid,unsuccessfullytryingtoconcealherownanxiety,"wedidn'tneedthesnowshoesafterall."

"Butwemightfindauseforthatcoilofrope,"Elliotsaid.Hetwistedaround,leanedoverthebackoftheseat,andquicklyfetchedtheropefromthepileofoutdoorgearinthecargohold."We'resuretoencounteratleastacoupleofsecuritymen,nomatterhowcleverDannyis.Wehavetobereadytokillthemorputthemoutofactionsomeotherway."

"Ifwehaveachoice,"Tinasaid,"I'dratheruseropethanbullets."

"Mysentimentsexactly."Hepickedupthepistol."Let'sseeifwecangetinside."

TheysteppedoutoftheExplorer.

Thewindwasananimalpresence,growlingsoftly.Ithadteeth,anditnippedtheirexposedfaces.Onitsbreathwerespraysofsnowlikeicyspittle.

Theonlyfeatureinthehundred-foot-long,one-story,windowlessconcretefacadewasawidesteeldoor.Theimposingdoorofferedneitherakeyholenorakeypad.Therewasnoslotinwhichtoputalock-deactivatingIDcard.Apparentlythedoorcouldbeopenedonlyfromwithin,afterthoseseekingentrancehadbeenscrutinizedbythecamerathathungovertheportal.

AsElliotandTinagazedupintothecameralens,theheavysteelbarrierrolledaside.

WasitDannywhoopenedit?Elliotwondered.Oragrinningguardwaitingtomakeaneasyarrest?

Asteel-walledchamberlaybeyondthedoor.Itwasthesizeofalargeelevatorcab,brightlylightedanduninhabited.

TinaandElliotcrossedthethreshold.Theouterdoorslidshutbehindthem—whoosh—makinganairtightseal.

Acameraandtwo-wayvideocommunicationsmonitorweremountedintheleft-

Acameraandtwo-wayvideocommunicationsmonitorweremountedintheleft-handwallofthevestibule.Thescreenwasfilledwithcrazilywigglinglines,asifitwasoutoforder.

Besidethemonitorwasalightedglassplateagainstwhichthevisitorwassupposedtoplacehisrighthand,palm-down,withintheexistingoutlineofahand.Evidentlytheinstallation'scomputerscannedtheprintsofvisitorstoverifytheirrighttoenter.

ElliotandTinadidnotputtheirhandsontheplate,buttheinnerdoorofthevestibuleopenedwithanotherpuffofcompressedair.Theywentintothenextroom.

Twouniformedmenwereanxiouslyfiddlingwiththecontrolconsolesbeneathaseriesoftwentywall-mountedvideodisplays.Allofthescreenswerefilledwithwigglinglines.

Theyoungestoftheguardsheardthedooropening,andheturned,shocked.

Elliotpointedthegunathim."Don'tmove."

Buttheyoungguardwastheheroictype.Hewaswearingasidearm—amonstrousrevolver—andhewasfastwithit.Hedrew,aimedfromthehip,andsqueezedthetrigger.

FortunatelyDannycamethroughlikeaprince.Therevolverrefusedtofire.

Elliotdidn'twanttoshootanyone."Yourgunsareuseless,"hesaid.HewassweatinginhisGore-Texsuit,prayingthatDannywouldn'tlethimdown."Let'smakethisaseasyaswecan."

Whentheyoungguarddiscoveredthathisrevolverwouldn'twork,hethrewit.

Elliotducked,butnotfastenough.Thegunstruckhimalongsidethehead,andhestumbledbackwardagainstthesteeldoor.

Tinacriedout.

Throughsuddentearsofpain,Elliotsawtheyoungguardrushinghim,andhesqueezedoffonewhisper-quietshot.

Thebullettorethroughtheguy'sleftshoulderandspunhimaround.Hecrashedintoadesk,sendingapileofwhiteandpinkpapersontothefloor,andthenhefellontopofthemessthathehadmade.

Blinkingawaytears,Elliotpointedthepistolattheolderguard,whohaddrawnhisrevolverbynowandhadfoundthatitdidn'tworkeither."Putthegunaside,sitdown,anddon'tmakeanytrouble."

"How'dyougetinhere?"theolderguardasked,droppinghisweaponashe'dbeenordered."Whoareyou?"

"Nevermind,"Elliotsaid."Justsitdown."

Buttheguardwasinsistent."Whoareyoupeople?"

"Justice,"Tinasaid.

•••

FiveminuteswestofReno,thechopperencounteredsnow.Theflakeswerehard,dry,andgranular;theyhissedlikedrivensandacrossthePerspexwindscreen.

JackMorgan,thepilot,glancedatGeorgeAlexanderandsaid,"Thiswillbehairy."Hewaswearingnight-visiongoggles,andhiseyeswereinvisible.

"Justalittlesnow,"Alexandersaid.

"Astorm,"Morgancorrected.

"You'veflowninstormsbefore."

"Inthesemountainsthedowndraftsandcrosscurrentsaregoingtobemurderous."

"We'llmakeit,"Alexandersaidgrimly.

"Maybe,maybenot,"Morgansaid.Hegrinned."Butwe'resuregoingtohave

"Maybe,maybenot,"Morgansaid.Hegrinned."Butwe'resuregoingtohavefuntrying!"

"You'recrazy,"Hensensaidfromhisseatbehindthepilot.

"WhenwewererunningoperationsagainstthedruglordsdowninColombia,"Morgansaid,"theycalledme'Bats,'meaningIhadbatsinthebelfry."Helaughed.

Hensenwasholdingasubmachinegunacrosshislap.Hemovedhishandsoveritslowly,asifhewerecaressingawoman.Heclosedhiseyes,andinhismindhedisassembledandthenreassembledtheweapon.Hehadaqueasystomach.Hewastryinghardnottothinkaboutthechopperthebadweather,andthelikelihoodthattheywouldtakealong,swift,hardfallintoaremotemountainravine.

37

THEYOUNGGUARDWHEEZEDINPAIN,BUTASFARasTinacouldsee,hewasnotmortallywounded.Thebullethadpartiallycauterizedthewoundasitpassedthrough.Theholeintheguy'sshoulderwasreassuringlyclean,anditwasn'tbleedingmuch.

"You'lllive,"Elliotsaid.

"I'mdying.Jesus!"

"No.Ithurtslikehell,butitisn'tserious.Thebulletdidn'tseveranymajorbloodvessels."

"Howthehellwouldyouknow?"thewoundedmanasked,straininghiswordsthroughclenchedteeth.

"Ifyouliestill,you'llbeallright.Butifyouagitatethewound,youmighttearabruisedvessel,andthenyou'llbleedtodeath."

"Shit,"theguardsaidshakily.

"Understand?"Elliotasked.

Themannodded.Hisfacewaspale,andhewassweating.

Elliottiedtheolderguardsecurelytoachair.Hedidn'twanttotiethewoundedman'shands,sotheycarefullymovedhimtoasupplyclosetandlockedhiminthere.

"How'syourhead?"TinaaskedElliot,gentlytouchingtheuglyknotthathadraisedonhistemple,wheretheguard'sgunhadstruckhim.

Elliotwinced."Stings."

"It'sgoingtobruise."

"I'llbeallright,"hesaid.

"I'llbeallright,"hesaid.

"Dizzy?"

"No."

"Seeingdouble?"

"No,"hesaid."I'mfine.Iwasn'thitthathard.There'snoconcussion.Justaheadache.Comeon.Let'sfindDannyandgethimoutofthisplace."

Theycrossedtheroom,passingtheguardwhowasboundandgaggedinhischair.Tinacarriedtheremainingrope,andElliotkeptthegun.

OppositetheslidingdoorthroughwhichsheandElliothadenteredthesecurityroomwasanotherdoorofmoreordinarydimensionsandconstruction.Itopenedontoajunctionoftwohallways,whichTinahaddiscoveredafewminutesago,justafterElliothadshottheguard,whenshehadpeekedthroughthedoortoseeifreinforcementswereontheway.

Thecorridorshadbeendesertedthen.Theyweredesertednowtoo.Silent.Whitetilefloors.Whitewalls.Harshfluorescentlighting.

Onepassagewayextendedfiftyfeettotheleftofthedoorandfiftyfeettotheright;onbothsidesweremoredoors,allshut,plusabankoffourelevatorsontheright.Theintersectinghallbegandirectlyinfrontofthem,acrossfromtheguardroom,andboredatleastfourhundredfeetintothemountain;alongrowofdoorswaitedoneachsideofit,andothercorridorsopenedoffitaswell.

Theywhispered:

"YouthinkDannyisonthisfloor?"

"Idon'tknow."

"Wheredowestart?"

"Wecan'tjustgoaroundjerkingopendoors."

"Peoplearegoingtobebehindsomeofthem."

"Andthefewerpeopleweencounter—"

"Andthefewerpeopleweencounter—"

"—thebetterchancewehaveofgettingoutalive."

Theystood,indecisive,lookingleft,thenright,andthenstraightahead.

Tenfeetaway,asetofelevatordoorsopened.

Tinacringedbackagainstthecorridorwall.

Elliotpointedthepistolatthelift.

Noonegotout.

Thecabwasatsuchananglefromthemthattheycouldn'tseewhowasinit.

Thedoorsclosed.

Tinahadthesickeningfeelingthatsomeonehadbeenabouttostepout,hadsensedtheirpresence,andhadgoneawaytogethelp.

EvenbeforeElliothadloweredthepistol,thesamesetofelevatordoorsslidopenagain.Thenslidshut.Open.Shut.Open.Shut.Open.

Theairgrewcold.

Withasighofrelief,Tinasaid,"It'sDanny.He'sshowingustheway."

Nevertheless,theycreptcautiouslytotheelevatorandpeeredinsideapprehensively.Thecabwasempty,andtheyboardedit,andthedoorsglidedtogether.

Accordingtotheindicatorboardabovethedoors,theywereonthefourthoffourlevels.Thefirstfloorwasatthebottomofthestructure,thedeepestunderground.

ThecabcontrolswouldnotoperateunlessonefirstinsertedanacceptableIDcardintoaslotabovethem.ButTinaandElliotdidn'tneedthecomputer'sauthorizationtousetheelevator;notwithDannyontheirside.Thelightontheindicatorboardchangedfromfourtothreetotwo,andtheairinsidetheliftbecamesofrigidthatTina'sbreathhungincloudsbeforeher.Thedoorsslidopenthreefloorsbelowthesurface,onthenexttothelastlevel.

openthreefloorsbelowthesurface,onthenexttothelastlevel.

Theysteppedintoahallwayexactlyliketheonetheyhadleftupstairs.

Theelevatordoorsclosedbehindthem,andaroundthemtheairgrewwarmeragain.

Fivefeetaway,adoorstoodajar,andanimatedconversationdriftedoutoftheroombeyond.Men'sandwomen'svoices.Halfadozenormore,judgingbythesoundofthem.Indistinctwords.Laughter.

TinaknewthatsheandElliotwerefinishedifsomeonecameoutofthatroomandsawthem.Dannyseemedabletoworkmiracleswithinanimateobjects,buthecouldnotcontrolpeople,liketheguardupstairs,whomElliothadbeenforcedtoshoot.Iftheywerediscoveredandconfrontedbyasquadofangrysecuritymen,Elliot'sonepistolmightnotbeenoughtodiscourageanassault.Then,evenwithDannyjammingtheenemy'sweapons,sheandElliotwouldbeabletoescapeonlyiftheyslaughteredtheirwayout,andsheknewthatneitherofthemhadthestomachforthatmuchmurder,perhapsnoteveninself-defense.

Laughterpealedfromthenearbyroomagain,andElliotsaidsoftly,"Wherenow?"

"Idon'tknow."

Thislevelwasthesamesizeastheoneonwhichtheyenteredthecomplex:morethanfourhundredfeetononeside,andmorethanonehundredfeetontheother.Fortythousandorfiftythousandsquarefeettosearch.Howmanyrooms?Forty?Fifty?Sixty?Ahundred,countingclosets?

Justasshewasbeginningtodespair,theairbegantoturncoldagain.Shelookedaround,waitingforsomesignfromherchild,andsheandElliottwitchedinsurprisewhentheoverheadfluorescenttubewinkedoff,thencameonagain.Thetubetotheleftofthefirstonealsoflickered.Thenathirdtubesputtered,stillfarthertotheleft.

Theyfollowedtheblinkinglightstotheendoftheshortwinginwhichtheelevatorsweresituated.Thecorridorterminatedinanairtightsteeldoorsimilartothosefoundonsubmarines;theburnishedmetalglowedsoftly,andlightgleamedoffthebiground-headedrivets.

AsTinaandElliotreachedthatbarrier,thewheel-likehandleinthecenterspun

AsTinaandElliotreachedthatbarrier,thewheel-likehandleinthecenterspunaround.Thedoorcycledopen.Becausehehadthepistol,Elliotwentthroughfirst,butTinawasclosebehindhim.

Theywereinarectangularroomapproximatelyfortyfeetbytwenty.Atthefarendawindowfilledthecenteroftheothershortwallandapparentlyofferedaviewofacold-storagevault;itwaswhitewithfrost.Totherightofthewindowwasanotherairtightdoorliketheonethroughwhichthey'djustentered.Ontheleft,computersandotherequipmentextendedthelengthofthechamber.ThereweremorevideodisplaysthanTinacouldcountataglance;mostwereswitchedon,anddataflowedintheformofgraphs,charts,andnumbers.Tableswerearrangedalongthefourthwall,coveredwithbooks,filefolders,andnumerousinstrumentsthatTinacouldnotidentify.

Acurly-hairedmanwithabushymustachesatatoneofthetables.Hewastall,broad-shouldered,inhisfifties,andhewaswearingmedicalwhites.Hewaspagingthroughabookwhentheyburstin.Anotherman,youngerthanthefirst,cleanshaven,alsodressedinwhite,wassittingatacomputer,readingtheinformationthatflashedontothedisplayscreen.Bothmenlookedup,speechlesswithamazement.

Coveringthestrangerswiththemenacing,silencer-equippedpistol,Elliotsaid,'Tina,closethedoorbehindus.Lockitifyoucan.Ifsecuritydiscoverswe'rehere,atleasttheywon'tbeabletogettheirhandsonusforawhile."

Sheswungthesteeldoorshut.Inspiteofitstremendousweight,itmovedmoresmoothlyandeasilythananaveragedoorinanaveragehouse.Shespunthewheelandlocatedapinthat,whenpushed,preventedanyonefromturningthehandlebacktotheunlockedposition.

"Done,"shesaid.

Themanatthecomputersuddenlyturnedtothekeyboardandstartedtyping.

"Stopthat,"Elliotadvised.

Buttheguywasn'tgoingtostopuntilhehadinstructedthecomputertotriggerthealarms.

MaybeDannycouldpreventthealarmsfromsounding,andmaybehecouldnot,soElliotfiredonce,andthedisplayscreendissolvedintothousandsofsplinters

soElliotfiredonce,andthedisplayscreendissolvedintothousandsofsplintersofglass.

Themancriedout,pushedhiswheeledchairawayfromthekeyboard,andthrusttohisfeet."Whothehellareyou?"

"I'mtheonewhohasthegun,"Elliotsaidsharply."Ifthat'snotgoodenoughforyou,IcanshutyoudownthesamewayIdidthatdamnmachine.NowparkyourassinthatchairbeforeIblowyourfuckin'headoff."

TinahadneverheardElliotspeakinthistoneofvoice,andhisfuriousexpressionwassufficienttochillevenher.Heseemedtobeutterlyviciousandcapableofanything.

Theyoungmaninwhitewasimpressedtoo.Hesatdown,pale.

"Allright,"Elliotsaid,addressingthetwomen."Ifyoucooperate,youwon'tgethurt."Hewavedthebarrelofthegunattheolderman."What'syourname?"

"CarlDombey."

"What'reyoudoinghere?"

"Iworkhere,"Dombeysaid,puzzledbythequestion.

"Imean,what'syourjob?"

"I'maresearchscientist."

"Whatscience?"

"Mydegreesareinbiologyandbiochemistry."

Elliotpointedattheyoungerman."Whataboutyou?"

"Whataboutme?"theyoungeronesaidsullenly.

Elliotextendedhisarm,liningupthemuzzleofthepistolwiththebridgeoftheguy'snose.

"I'mDr.Zachariah,"theyoungermansaid.

"Biology?"

"Yes.Specializinginbacteriologyandvirology."

Elliotloweredthegunbutstillkeptitpointedintheirgeneraldirection."Wehavesomequestions,andyoutwobetterhavetheanswers."

Dombey,whoclearlydidnotsharehisassociate'scompulsiontoplayhero,remaineddocileinhischair."Questionsaboutwhat?"

TinamovedtoElliot'sside.ToDombey,shesaid,"Wewanttoknowwhatyou’vedonetohim,whereheis."

"Who?"

"Myboy.DannyEvans."

Shecouldnothavesaidanythingelsethatwouldhavehadafractionasmuchimpactonthemasthewordsshe'dspoken.Dombey'seyesbulged.Zachariahregardedherashemighthavedoneifshehadbeendeadonthefloorandthenmiraculouslyrisen.

"MyGod,"Dombeysaid.

"Howcanyoubehere?"Zachariahasked."Youcan't.Youcan'tpossiblybehere."

"Itseemspossibletome,"Dombeysaid."Infact,allofasudden,itseemsinevitable.Iknewthiswholebusinesswastoodirtytoendanywaybutdisaster."Hesighed,asifagreatweighthadbeenliftedfromhim."I'llanswerallofyourquestions,Mrs.Evans."

Zachariahswungtowardhim."Youcan'tdothat!"

"Oh,no?"Dombeysaid."Well,ifyoudon'tthinkIcan,justsitbackandlisten.You'reinforasurprise."

"Youtookaloyaltyoath,"Zachariahsaid."Asecrecyoath.Ifyoutellthemanythingaboutthis...thescandal...thepublicoutrage...thereleaseofmilitarysecrets..."Hewassputtering."You'llbeatraitortoyourcountry."

"No,"Dombeysaid."I'llbeatraitortothisinstallation.I'llbeatraitortomycolleagues,maybe.Butnottomycountry.Mycountry'sfarfromperfect,butwhat'sbeendonetoDannyEvansisn'tsomethingthatmycountrywouldapproveof.ThewholeDannyEvansprojectistheworkofafewmegalomaniacs."

"Dr.Tamaguchiisn'tamegalomaniac,"Dr.Zachariahsaid,asifgenuinelyoffended.

"Ofcourseheis,"Dombeysaid."Hethinkshe'sagreatmanofscience,destinedforimmortality,amanofgreatworks.Andalotofpeoplearoundhim,alotofpeopleprotectinghim,peopleinresearchandpeopleinchargeofprojectsecurity—they'realsomegalomaniacs.ThethingsdonetoDannyEvansdon'tconstitute'greatwork.'Theywon'tearnanyoneimmortality.It'ssick,andI'mwashingmyhandsofit."HelookedatTinaagain."Askyourquestions."

"No,"Zachariahsaid."Youdamnfool."

ElliottooktheremainingropefromTina,andhegaveherthepistol."I'llhavetotieandgagDr.Zachariah,sowecanlistentoDr.Dombey'sstoryinpeace.Ifeitheroneofthemmakesawrongmove,blowhimaway."

"Don'tworry,"shesaid."Iwon'thesitate."

"You'renotgoingtotieme,"Zachariahsaid.

Smiling,Elliotadvancedonhimwiththerope.

•••

Awalloffrigidairfellonthechopperanddroveitdown.JackMorganfoughtthewind,stabilizedtheaircraft,andpulledituponlyafewfeetshortofthetreetops.

"Whoooooooeeeee!"thepilotsaid."It'slikebreakinginawildhorse."*.

Inthechopper'sbrilliantfloodlights,therewaslittletoseebutdrivingsnow.

Inthechopper'sbrilliantfloodlights,therewaslittletoseebutdrivingsnow.Morganhadremovedhisnight-visiongoggles.

"Thisiscrazy,"Hensensaid."We'renotflyingintoanordinarystorm.It'sablizzard."

IgnoringHensen,Alexandersaid,"Morgan,goddamnyou,Iknowyoucandoit."

"Maybe,"Morgansaid."IwishIwasassureasyou.ButIthinkmaybeIcan.WhatI'mgoingtodoismakeanindirectapproachtotheplateau,movingwiththewindinsteadofacrossit.I'mgoingtocutupthisnextvalleyandthenswingbackaroundtowardtheinstallationandtrytoavoidsomeofthesecrosscurrents.They'remurder.It'lltakeusalittlelongerthatway,butatleastwe'llhaveafightingchance.Iftherotorsdon'ticeupandcutout."

Aparticularlyfierceblastofwinddrovesnowintothewindscreenwithsuchforcethat,toKurtHensen,itsoundedlikeshotgunpellets.

38

ZACHARIAHWASONTHEFLOOR,BOUNDANDgagged,glaringupatthemwithhateandrage.

"You'llwanttoseeyourboyfirst,"Dombeysaid."ThenIcantellyouhowhecametobehere."

"Whereishe?"Tinaaskedshakily.

"Intheisolationchamber."Dombeyindicatedthewindowinthebackwalloftheroom."Comeon."Hewenttothebigpaneofglass,whereonlyafewsmallspotsoffrostremained.

ForamomentTinacouldn'tmove,afraidtoseewhattheyhaddonetoDanny.Fearspreadtendrilsthroughherandrootedherfeettothefloor.

Elliottouchedhershoulder."Don'tkeepDannywaiting.He'sbeenwaitingalongtime.He'sbeencallingyouforalongtime."

Shetookastep,thenanother,andbeforesheknewit,shewasatthewindow,besideDombey.

Astandardhospitalbedstoodinthecenteroftheisolationchamber.Itwasringedbyordinarymedicalequipmentaswellasbyseveralmysteriouselectronicmonitors.

Dannywasinthebed,onhisback.Mostofhimwascovered,buthishead,raisedonapillow,wasturnedtowardthewindow.Hestaredatherthroughthesiderailsofthebed.

"Danny,"shesaidsoftly.Shehadtheirrationalfearthat,ifshesaidhisnameloudly,thespellwouldbebrokenandhewouldvanishforever.

Hisfacewasthinandsallow.Heappearedtobeolderthantwelve.Indeed,helookedlikealittleoldman.

Dombey,sensinghershock,said,"He'semaciated.Forthepastsixorseven

Dombey,sensinghershock,said,"He'semaciated.Forthepastsixorsevenweeks,hehasn'tbeenabletokeepanythingbutliquidsonhisstomach.Andnotalotofthose."

Danny'seyeswerestrange.Dark,asalways.Bigandround,asalways.Buttheyweresunken,ringedbyunhealthydarkskin,whichwasnotthewaytheyhadalwaysbeen.Shecouldn'tpinpointwhatelseabouthiseyesmadehimsodifferentfromanyeyesshehadeverseen,butasshemetDanny'sgaze,ashiverpassedthroughher,andshefeltaprofoundandterriblepityforhim.

Theboyblinked,andwithwhatappearedtobegreateffort,atthecostofmorethanalittlepain,hewithdrewonearmfromunderthecoversandreachedouttowardher.Hisarmwasskinandbones,apatheticstick.Hethrustitbetweentwoofthesiderails,andheopenedhissmallweakhandbeseechingly,reachingforlove,tryingdesperatelytotouchher.

Hervoicequivering,shesaidtoDombey,"Iwanttobewithmyboy.Iwanttoholdhim."

Asthethreeofthemmovedtotheairtightsteeldoorthatledintotheroombeyondthewindow,Elliotsaid,"Whyisheinanisolationchamber?Isheill?"

"Notnow,"Dombeysaid,stoppingatthedoor,turningtothem,evidentlydisturbedbywhathehadtotellthem."Rightnowhe'sonthevergeofstarvingtodeathbecauseit'sbeensolongsincehe'sbeenabletokeepanyfoodonhisstomach.Buthe'snotinfectious.Hehasbeenveryinfectious,offandon,butnotatthemoment.He'shadauniquedisease,aman-madediseasecreatedinthelaboratory.He'stheonlypersonwho'seversurvivedit.Hehasanaturalantibodyinhisbloodthathelpshimfightoffthisparticularvirus,eventhoughit'sanartificialbug.That'swhatfascinatedDr.Tamaguchi.He'stheheadofthisinstallation.Dr.Tamaguchidroveusveryharduntilweisolatedtheantibodyandfiguredoutwhyitwassoeffectiveagainstthedisease.Ofcourse,whenthatwasaccomplished,Dannywasofnomorescientificvalue.ToTamaguchi,thatmeanthewasofnovalueatall...exceptinthecrudestway.TamaguchidecidedtotestDannytodestruction.Foralmosttwomonthsthey'vebeenreinfectinghisbodyoverandoveragain,lettingtheviruswearhimdown,tryingtodiscoverhowmanytimeshecanlickitbeforeitfinallylickshim.Yousee,there'snopermanentimmunitytothisdisease.It'slikestrepthroatorthecommoncoldorlikecancer,becauseyoucangetitagainandagain...ifyou'reluckyenoughtobeatitthefirsttime.Today,Dannyjustbeatitforthefourteenthtime."

beatitthefirsttime.Today,Dannyjustbeatitforthefourteenthtime."

Tinagaspedinhorror.

Dombeysaid,"Althoughhegetsweakereveryday,forsomereasonhewinsoutoverthevirusfastereachtime.Buteachvictorydrainshim.Thediseaseiskillinghim,evenifindirectly.It'skillinghimbysappinghisstrength.Rightnowhe'scleananduninfected.Tomorrowtheyintendtostickanotherdirtyneedleinhim."

"MyGod,"Elliotsaidsoftly."MyGod."

Grippedbyrageandrevulsion,TinastartedatDombey."Ican'tbelievewhatIjustheard."

"Braceyourself,"Dombeysaidgrimly."Youhaven'theardhalfofityet."

Heturnedawayfromthem,spunthewheelonthesteeldoor,andswungthatbarrierinward.

Minutesago,whenTinahadfirstpeeredthroughtheobservationwindow,whenshehadseenthefrighteninglythinchild,shehadtoldherselfthatshewouldnotcry.Dannydidn'tneedtoseehercry.Heneededloveandattentionandprotection.Hertearsmightupsethim.Andjudgingfromhisappearance,shewasconcernedthatanyseriousemotionaldisturbancewouldliterallydestroyhim.

Now,assheapproachedhisbed,shebitherlowerlipsohardthatshetastedblood.Shestruggledtocontainhertears,butsheneededallherwillpowertokeephereyesdry.

Dannybecameexcitedwhenhesawherdrawingnear,andinspiteofhisterriblecondition,heshakilythrusthimselfintoasittingposition,clutchingatthebedrailswithonefrail,tremblinghand,eagerlyextendinghisotherhandtowardher.

Shetookthelastfewstepshaltingly,herheartpounding,herthroatconstricted.Shewasoverwhelmedwiththejoyofseeinghimagainbutalsowithfearwhensherealizedhowhideouslywastedhewas.

Whentheirhandstouched,hissmallfingerscurledtightlyaroundhers.Heheldonwithafierce,desperatestrength.

"Danny,"shesaidwonderingly."Danny,Danny."

"Danny,"shesaidwonderingly."Danny,Danny."

Fromsomewheredeepinsideofhim,fromfardownbeneathallthepainandfearandanguish,Dannyfoundasmileforher.Itwasn'tmuchofasmile;itquiveredonhislipsasifsustainingitrequiredmoreenergythanliftingahundred-poundweight.Itwassuchatentativesmile,suchavagueghostofallthebroadwarmsmilessheremembered,thatitbrokeherheart.

"Mom."

Tinacouldhardlyrecognizehisweary,crackingvoice.

"Mom."

"It'sallright,"shesaid.

Heshuddered.

"It'sallover,Danny.It'sallrightnow."

"Mom..,Mom..."Hisfacespasmed,andhisbravesmiledissolved,andanagonizedgroanescapedhim."Oooo-hhhhh,Mommy..."

TinapusheddowntherailingandsatontheedgeofthebedandcarefullypulledDannyintoherarms.Hewasaragdollwithonlymeagerscrapsofstuffing,afragileandtimorouscreature,nothingwhatsoeverlikethehappy,vibrant,activeboythathehadoncebeen.Atfirstshewasafraidtohughim,forfearhewouldshatterinherembrace.Buthehuggedherveryhard,andagainshewassurprisedbyhowmuchstrengthhecouldstillsummonfromhisdevastatedbody.Shakingviolently,snuffling,heputhisfaceagainstherneck,andshefelthisscaldingtearsonherskin.Shecouldn'tcontrolherselfanylonger,sosheallowedherowntearstocome,riversoftears,aflood.Puttingonehandontheboy'sbacktopresshimagainsther,shediscoveredhowshockinglyspindlyhewas:eachribandvertebrasoprominentthatsheseemedtobeholdingaskeleton.Whenshepulledhimintoherlap,hetrailedwiresthatledfromelectrodesonhisskintothemonitoringmachinesaroundthebed,likeanabandonedmarionette.Ashislegscameoutfromunderthecovers,thehospitalgownslippedoffthem,andTinasawthathispoorlimbsweretoobonyandfleshlesstosafelysupporthim.Weeping,shecradledhim,rockedhim,croonedtohim,andtoldhimthatshelovedhim.

Dannywasalive.

Dannywasalive.

39

JACKMORGAN'SSTRATEGYOFFLYINGWITHTHElandinsteadofoveritwasasmashingsuccess.Alexanderwasincreasinglyconfidentthattheywouldreachtheinstallationunscathed,andhewasawarethatevenKurtHensen,whohatedflyingwithMorgan,wascalmernowthanhehadbeentenminutesago.

Thechopperhuggedthevalleyfloor,streakingnorthward,tenfeetaboveanice-blockedriver,stillforcedtomakeitswaythroughasnowfallthatnearlyblindedthem,butshelteredfromtheworstofthestorm'sturbulencebythewallsofmammothevergreensthatflankedtheriver.Silvery,almostluminous,thefrozenriverwasaneasytrailtofollow.Occasionallywindfoundtheaircraftandpummeledit,butthechopperbobbedandweavedlikeagoodboxer,anditnolongerseemedindangerofbeingdealtaknockoutpunch.

"Howlong?"Alexanderasked.

"Tenminutes.Maybefifteen,"Morgansaid."Unless."

"Unlesswhat?"

"Unlessthebladescakeupwithice.Unlessthedriveshaftandtherotorjointsfreeze."

"Isthatlikely?"Alexanderasked.

"It'scertainlysomethingtothinkabout,"Morgansaid."Andthere'salwaysthepossibilityI'llmisjudgetheterraininthedarkandramusrightintothesideofahill."

"Youwon't,"Alexandersaid."You'retoogood."

"Well,"Morgansaid,"there'salwaysthechanceI'llscrewup.That'swhatkeepsitfromgettingboring."

•••

•••

TinapreparedDannyforthejourneyoutofhisprison.Onebyone,sheremovedtheeighteenelectrodesthatwerefixedtohisheadandbody.Whenshegingerlypulledofftheadhesivetape,hewhimpered,andshewincedwhenshesawtherawnessofhisskinunderthebandage.Noefforthadbeenmadetokeephimfromchafing.

WhileTinaworkedonDanny,ElliotquestionedCarlDombey."Whatgoesoninthisplace?Militaryresearch?"

"Yes,"Dombeysaid.

"Strictlybiologicalweapons?"

"Biologicalandchemical.RecombinantDNAexperiments.Atanyonetime,wehavethirtytofortyprojectsunderway."

"IthoughttheU.S.gotoutofthechemicalandbiologicalweaponsracealongtimeago."

"Forthepublicrecord,wedid,"Dombeysaid."Itmadethepoliticianslookgood.Butinrealitytheworkgoeson.Ithasto.Thisistheonlyfacilityofitskindwehave.TheChinesehavethreelikeit.TheRussians...they'renowsupposedtobeournewfriends,buttheykeepdevelopingbacteriologicalweapons,newandmorevirulentstrainsofviruses,becausethey'rebroke,andthisisalotcheaperthanotherweaponssystems.Iraqhasabigbiochemwarfareproject,andLibya,andGodknowswhoelse.Lotsofpeopleoutthereintherestoftheworld—theybelieveinchemicalandbiologicalwarfare.Theydon'tseeanythingimmoralaboutit.Iftheyfelttheyhadsometerrificnewbugthatwedidn'tknowabout,somethingagainstwhichwecouldn'tretaliateinkind,they'duseitonus."

Elliotsaid,"ButifracingtokeepupwiththeChinese—ortheRussiansortheIraqis—cancreatesituationsliketheonewe'vegothere,whereaninnocentchildgetsgroundupinthemachine,thenaren'twejustbecomingmonsterstoo?Aren'twelettingourfearsoftheenemyturnusintothem?Andisn'tthatjustanotherwayoflosingthewar?"

Dombeynodded.Ashespoke,hesmoothedthespikesofhismustache."That'sthesamequestionI'vebeenwrestlingwitheversinceDannygotcaughtinthegears.Theproblemisthatsomeflakypeopleareattractedtothiskindofworkbecauseofthesecrecyandbecauseyoureallydogetasenseofpowerfromdesigningweaponsthatcankillmillionsofpeople.SomegalomaniacslikeTamaguchigetinvolved.MenlikeAaronZachariahhere.Theyabusetheirpower,perverttheirduties.There'snowaytoscreenthemoutaheadoftime.Butifweclosedupshop,ifwestoppeddoingthissortofresearchjustbecausewewereafraidofmenlikeTamaguchiwindingupinchargeofit,we'dbeconcedingsomuchgroundtoourenemiesthatwewouldn'tsurviveforlong.Isupposewehavetolearntolivewiththelesseroftheevils."

TinaremovedanelectrodefromDanny'sneck,carefullypeelingthetapeoffhisskin.

Thechildstillclungtoher,buthisdeeplysunkeneyeswererivetedonDombey.

"I'mnotinterestedinthephilosophyormoralityofbiologicalwarfare,"Tinasaid."RightnowIjustwanttoknowhowthehellDannywoundupinthisplace."

"Tounderstandthat,"Dombeysaid,"youhavetogobacktwentymonths.ItwasaroundthenthataChinesescientistnamedLiChendefectedtotheUnitedStates,carryingadisketterecordofChina'smostimportantanddangerous:newbiologicalweaponinadecade.Theycallthestuff'Wuhan-400'becauseitwasdevelopedattheirRDNAlabsoutsideofthecityofWuhan,anditwasthefour-hundredthviablestrainofman-mademicroorganismscreatedatthatresearchcenter.

"Wuhan-400isaperfectweapon.Itafflictsonlyhumanbeings.Nootherlivingcreaturecancarryit.Andlikesyphilis,Wuhan-400can'tsurviveoutsidealivinghumanbodyforlongerthanaminute,whichmeansitcan'tpermanentlycontaminateobjectsorentireplacesthewayanthraxandothervirulentmicroorganismscan.Andwhenthehostexpires,theWuhan-400withinhimperishesashortwhilelater,assoonasthetemperatureofthecorpsedropsbeloweighty-sixdegreesFahrenheit.Doyouseetheadvantageofallthis?"

TinawastoobusywithDannytothinkaboutwhatCarlDombeyhadsaid,butElliotknewwhatthescientistmeant."IfIunderstandyou,theChinesecoulduseWuhan-400towipeoutacityoracountry,andthentherewouldn'tbeanyneed

Wuhan-400towipeoutacityoracountry,andthentherewouldn'tbeanyneedforthemtoconductatrickyandexpensivedecontaminationbeforetheymovedinandtookovertheconqueredterritory."

"Exactly,"Dombeysaid."AndWuhan-400hasother,equallyimportantadvantagesovermostbiologicalagents.Foronething,youcanbecomeaninfectiouscarrieronlyfourhoursaftercomingintocontactwiththevirus.That'sanincrediblyshortincubationperiod.Onceinfected,noonelivesmorethantwenty-fourhours.Mostdieintwelve.It'sworsethantheEbolavirusinAfrica—infinitelyworse.Wuhan-400'skill-rateisonehundredpercent.Nooneissupposedtosurvive.TheChinesetesteditonGodknowshowmanypoliticalprisoners.Theywereneverabletofindanantibodyoranantibioticthatwaseffectiveagainstit.Thevirusmigratestothebrainstem,andthereitbeginssecretingatoxinthatliterallyeatsawaybraintissuelikebatteryaciddissolvingcheesecloth.Itdestroysthepartofthebrainthatcontrolsallofthebody'sautomaticfunctions.Thevictimsimplyceasestohaveapulse,functioningorgans,oranyurgetobreathe."

"Andthat'sthediseaseDannysurvived,"Elliotsaid.

"Yes,"Dombeysaid."Asfarasweknow,he'stheonlyonewhoeverhas."

Tinahadpulledtheblanketoffthebedandfoldeditinhalf,soshecouldwrapDannyinitforthetripouttotheExplorer.Nowshelookedupfromthetaskofbundlingthechild,andshesaidtoDombey,"Butwhywasheinfectedinthefirstplace?"

"Itwasanaccident,"Dombeysaid.

"I'veheardthatonebefore."

"Thistimeit'strue,"Dombeysaid."AfterLiChendefectedwithallthedataonWuhan-400,hewasbroughthere.Weimmediatelybeganworkingwithhim,tryingtoengineeranexactduplicateofthevirus.Inrelativelyshortorderweaccomplishedthat.Thenwebegantostudythebug,searchingforahandleonitthattheChinesehadoverlooked."

"Andsomeonegotcareless,"Elliotsaid.

"Worse,"Dombeysaid."Someonegotcarelessandstupid.Almostthirteenmonthsago,whenDannyandtheotherboysinhistroopwereontheirwintersurvivalouting,oneofourscientists,aquirkysonofabitchnamedLarry

survivalouting,oneofourscientists,aquirkysonofabitchnamedLarryBellinger,accidentallycontaminatedhimselfwhilehewasworkingaloneonemorninginthislab."

Danny'shandtightenedonChristina's,andshestrokedhishead,soothinghim.ToDombey,shesaid,"Surelyyouhavesafeguards,procedurestofollowwhenandif—"

"Ofcourse,"Dombeysaid."You'retrainedwhattodofromthedayyoustarttoworkhere.Intheeventofaccidentalcontamination,youimmediatelysetoffanalarm.Immediately.Thenyousealtheroomyou'reworkingin.Ifthere'sanadjoiningisolationchamber,you'resupposedtogointoitandlockthedoorafteryourself.Adecontaminationcrewmovesinswiftlytocleanupwhatevermessyou'vemadeinthelab.Andifyou'veinfectedyourselfwithsomethingcurable,you'llbetreated.Ifit'snotcurable...you'llbeattendedtoinisolationuntilyoudie.That'sonereasonourpayscaleissohigh.Hazardous-dutypay.Theriskispartofthejob."

"ExceptthisLarryBollingerdidn'tseeitthatway,"Tinasaidbitterly.ShewashavingdifficultywrappingDannysecurelyintheblanketbecausehewouldn'tletgoofher.Withsmiles,murmuredassurances,andkissesplantedonhisfrailhands,shefinallymanagedtopersuadehimtotuckbothofhisarmsclosetohisbody.

"Bollingersnapped.Hejustwentrightofftherails,"Dombeysaid,obviouslyembarrassedthatoneofhiscolleagueswouldlosecontrolofhimselfunderthosecircumstances.Dombeybegantopaceashetalked."BollingerknewhowfastWuhan-400claimsitsvictims,andhejustpanicked.Flippedout.Apparently,heconvincedhimselfhecouldrunawayfromtheinfection.Godknows,that'sexactlywhathetriedtodo.Hedidn'tturninanalarm.Hewalkedoutofthelab,wenttohisquarters,dressedinoutdoorclothes,andleftthecomplex.Hewasn'tscheduledforRandR,andonthespurofthemomenthecouldn'tthinkofanexcusetosignoutoneoftheRangeRovers,sohetriedtoescapeonfoot.Hetoldtheguardshewasgoingsnowshoeingforacoupleofhours.That'ssomethingalotofusdoduringthewinter.It'sgoodexercise,anditgetsyououtofthisholeinthegroundforawhile.Anyway,Bollingerwasn'tinterestedinexercise.Hetuckedthesnowshoesunderhisarmandtookoffdownthemountainroad,thesameoneIpresumeyoucameinon.Beforehegottotheguardshackattheuppergate,heclimbedontotheridgeabove,usedthesnowshoestocircletheguard,returnedtotheroad,andthrewthesnowshoes

snowshoestocircletheguard,returnedtotheroad,andthrewthesnowshoesaway.Securityeventuallyfoundthem.Bollingerwasprobablyatthebottomgatetwoandahalfhoursafterhewalkedoutofthedoorhere,threehoursafterhewasinfected.Thatwasjustaboutthetimethatanotherresearcherwalkedintohislab,sawtheculturesofWuhan-400brokenopenonthefloor,andsetoffthealarm.Meanwhile,inspiteoftherazorwire,Bollingerclimbedoverthefence.Thenhemadehiswaytotheroadthatservesthewildliferesearchcenter.Hestartedoutoftheforest,towardthecountylane,whichisaboutfivemilesfromtheturnofftothelabs,andafteronlythreemiles—"

"HeranintoMr.Jaborskiandthescouts,"Elliotsaid.

"Andbythenhewasabletopassthediseaseontothem,"TinasaidasshefinishedbundlingDannyintotheblanket.

"Yeah,"Dombeysaid."Hemusthavereachedthescoutsfiveorfiveandahalfhoursafterhewasinfected.Bythenhewaswornout.He'dusedupmostofhisphysicalreservesgettingoutofthelabreservation,andhewasalsobeginningtofeelsomeoftheearlysymptomsofWuhan-400.Dizziness.Mildnausea.Thescoutmasterhadparkedtheexpedition'sminibusonalay-byaboutamileandahalfintothewoods,andheandhisassistantandthekidshadwalkedinanotherhalf-milebeforetheyencounteredLarryBollinger.Theywerejustabouttomoveofftheroad,intothetrees,sotheywouldbeawayfromanysignofcivilizationwhentheysetupcampfortheirfirstnightinthewilderness.WhenBollingerdiscoveredtheyhadavehicle,hetriedtopersuadethemtodrivehimallthewayintoReno.Whentheywerereluctant,hemadeupastoryaboutafriendbeingstrandedinthemountainswithabrokenleg.Jaborskididn'tbelieveBollinger'sstoryforaminute,buthefinallyofferedtotakehimtothewildlifecenterwherearescueeffortcouldbemounted.Thatwasn'tgoodenoughforBollinger,andhegothysterical.BothJaborskiandtheotherscoutleaderdecidedtheymighthaveadangerouscharacterontheirhands.Thatwaswhenthesecurityteamarrived.Bollingertriedtorunfromthem.Thenhetriedtotearopenoneofthesecuritymen'sdecontaminationsuits.Theywereforcedtoshoothim."

"Thespacemen,"Dannysaid.

Everyonestaredathim.

Hehuddledinhisyellowblanketonthebed,andthememorymadehimshiver."Thespacemencameandtookusaway."

"Yeah,"Dombeysaid."Theyprobablydidlookalittlebitlikespacemenintheirdecontaminationsuits.Theybroughteveryonehereandputtheminisolation.Onedaylaterallofthemweredead...exceptDanny."Dombeysighed."Well...youknowmostoftherest."

40

THEHELICOPTERCONTINUEDTOFOLLOWTHEFRO-zenrivernorth,throughthesnow-sweptvalley.

Theghostly,slightlyluminouswinterlandscapemadeGeorgeAlexanderthinkofgraveyards.Hehadanaffinityforcemeteries.Helikedtotakelong,leisurelywalksamongthetombstones.Foraslongashecouldremember,hehadbeenfascinatedwithdeath,withthemechanicsandthemeaningofit,andhehadlongedtoknowwhatitwaslikeontheotherside—without,ofcourse,wishingtocommithimselftoaone-wayjourneythere.Hedidn'twanttodie;heonlywantedtoknow.Eachtimethathepersonallykilledsomeone,hefeltasifhewereestablishinganotherlinktotheworldbeyondthisone;andhehoped,oncehehadmadeenoughofthose,linkages,thathewouldberewardedwithavisionfromtheotherside.Onedaymaybehewouldbestandinginagraveyard,beforethetombstoneofoneofhisvictims,andthepersonhehadkilledwouldreachouttohimfrombeyondandlethimsee,insomevividclairvoyantfashion,exactlywhatdeathwaslike.Andthenhewouldknow.

"Notlongnow,"JackMorgansaid.

Alexanderpeeredanxiouslythroughthesheetingsnowintowhichthechoppermovedlikeablindmanrunningfull-steamintoendlessdarkness.Hetouchedthegunthathecarriedinashoulderholster,andhethoughtofChristinaEvans.

ToKurtHensen,Alexandersaid,"KillStrykeronsight.Wedon'tneedhimforanything.Butdon'thurtthewoman.Iwanttoquestionher.She'sgoingtotellmewhothetraitoris.She'sgoingtotellmewhohelpedhergetintothelabsevenifIhavetobreakherfingersoneatatimetomakeheropenup."

•••

Intheisolationchamber,whenDombeyfinishedspeaking,Tinasaid,"Danny

Intheisolationchamber,whenDombeyfinishedspeaking,Tinasaid,"Dannylookssoawful.Eventhoughhedoesn'thavethediseaseanymore,willhebeallright?"

"Ithinkso,"Dombeysaid."Hejustneedstobefattenedup.Hecouldn'tkeepanythingonhisstomachbecauserecentlythey'vebeenreinfectinghim,testinghimtodestruction,likeIsaid.Butoncehe'soutofhere,heshouldputweightonfast.Thereisonething..."

TinastiffenedatthenoteofworryinDombey'svoice."What?Whatonething?"

"Sinceallthesereinfections,he'sdevelopedaspotontheparietallobeofthebrain."

Tinafeltill."No."

"Butapparentlyitisn'tlife-threatening,"Dombeysaidquickly."Asfaraswecandetermine,it'snotatumor.Neitheramalignantnorabenigntumor.Atleastitdoesn'thaveanyofthecharacteristicsofatumor.Itisn'tscartissueeither.Andnotabloodclot."

"Thenwhatisit?"Elliotasked.

Dombeypushedonehandthroughhisthick,curlyhair."Thecurrentanalysissaysthenewgrowthisconsistentwiththestructureofnormalbraintissue.Whichdoesn'tmakesense.Butwe'vecheckedourdataahundredtimes,andwecan'tfindanythingwrongwiththatdiagnosis.Exceptit'simpossible.Whatwe'reseeingontheXraysisn'twithinourexperience.Sowhenyougethimoutofhere,takehimtoabrainspecialist.Takehimtoadozenspecialistsuntilsomeonecantellyouwhat'swrongwithhim.Theredoesn'tappeartobeanythinglife-threateningabouttheparietalspot,butyousureshouldkeepawatchonit."

TinametElliot'seyes,andsheknewthatthesamethoughtwasrunningthroughboththeirminds.CouldthisspotonDanny'sbrainhaveanythingtodowiththeboy'spsychicpower?Werehislatentpsychicabilitiesbroughttothesurfaceasadirectresultoftheman-madeviruswithwhichhehadbeenrepeatedlyinfected?Crazy—butitdidn'tseemanymoreunlikelythanthathehadfallenvictimtoProjectPandorainthefirstplace.AndasfarasTinacouldsee,itwastheonlythingthatexplainedDanny'sphenomenalnewpowers.

ApparentlyafraidthatshewouldvoiceherthoughtsandalertDombeytothe

ApparentlyafraidthatshewouldvoiceherthoughtsandalertDombeytotheincredibletruthofthesituation,Elliotconsultedhiswristwatchandsaid,"Weoughttogetoutofhere."

"Whenyouleave,"Dombeysaid,"youshouldtakesomefilesonDanny'scase.They'reonthetableclosesttotheouterdoor—thatblackboxfullofdiskettes.They'llhelpsupportyourstorywhenyougotothepresswithit.AndforGod'ssake,splashitalloverthenewspapersasfastasyoucan.Aslongasyou'retheonlyonesoutsideofherewhoknowwhathappened,you'remarkedpeople."

"We'repainfullyawareofthat,"Elliotacknowledged.

Tinasaid,"Elliot,you'llhavetocarryDanny.Hecan'twalk.He'snottooheavyforme,worndownasheis,buthe'sstillanawkwardbundle."

Elliotgaveherthepistolandstartedtowardthebed.

"Couldyoudomeafavorfirst?"Dombeyasked.

"What'sthat?"

"Let'smoveDr.Zachariahinhereandtakethegagoutofhismouth.Thenyoutiemeupandgagme,leavemeintheouterroom.I'mgoingtomakethembelievehewastheonewhocooperatedwithyou.Infact,whenyoutellyourstorytothepress,maybeyoucouldslantitthatway."

Tinashookherhead,puzzled."ButaftereverythingyousaidtoZachariahaboutthisplacebeingrunbymegalomaniacs,andafteryou'vemadeitsoclearyoudon'tagreewitheverythingthatgoesonhere,whydoyouwanttostay?"

"Thehermit'slifeagreeswithme,andthepayisgood,"Dombeysaid."AndifIdon'tstayhere,ifIwalkawayandgetajobatacivilianresearchcenter,that'llbejustonelessrationalvoiceinthisplace.Therearealotofpeopleherewhohavesomesenseofsocialresponsibilityaboutthiswork.Iftheyallleft,they'djustbeturningtheplaceovertomenlikeTamaguchiandZachariah,andtherewouldn'tbeanyonearoundtobalancethings.Whatsortofresearchdoyouthinktheymightdothen?

"Butonceourstorybreaksinthepapers,"Tinasaid,"they'llprobablyjustshutthisplacedown."

"Noway,"Dombeysaid."Becausetheworkhastobedone.ThebalanceofpowerwithtotalitarianstateslikeChinahastobemaintained.Theymightpretendtocloseusdown,buttheywon't.Tamaguchiandsomeofhisclosestaideswillbefired.There'llbeabigshake-up,andthat'llbegood.IfIcanmakethemthinkthatZachariahwastheonewhospilledthesecretstoyou,ifIcanprotectmypositionhere,maybeI'llbepromotedandhavemoreinfluence."Hesmiled."Attheveryleast,I'llgetmorepay."

"AHright,"Elliotsaid."We'lldowhatyouwant.Butwe'vegottobefastaboutit."

TheymovedZachariahintotheisolationchamberandtookthegagoutofhismouth.HestrainedathisropesandcursedElliot.ThenhecursedTinaandDannyandDombey.WhentheytookDannyoutofthesmallroom,theycouldn'thearZachariah'sshoutedinvectivesthroughtheairtightsteeldoor.

AsElliotusedthelastoftheropetotieDombey,thescientistsaid,"Satisfymycuriosity."

"Aboutwhat?"

"Whotoldyouyoursonwashere?Wholetyouintothelabs?"

Tinablinked.Shecouldn'tthinkwhattosay.

"Okay,okay,"Dombeysaid."Youdon'twanttoratonwhoeveritwas.Butjusttellmeonething.Wasitoneofthesecuritypeople,orwasitsomeoneonthemedicalstaff?I'dliketothinkitwasadoctor,oneofmyown,whofinallydidtherightthing."

TinalookedatElliot.

Elliotshookhishead:no.

SheagreedthatitmightnotbewisetoletanyoneknowwhatpowersDannyhadacquired.Theworldwouldregardhimasafreak,andeveryonewouldwanttogawkathim,puthimondisplay.Andforsure,ifthepeopleinthisinstallationgottheideathatDanny'snewfoundpsychicabilitieswerearesultoftheparietalspotcausedbyhisrepeatedexposuretoWuhan-400,theywouldwanttotesthim,pokeandprobeathim.No,shewouldn'ttellanyonewhatDannycoulddo.Notyet.NotuntilsheandElliotfiguredoutwhateffectthatrevelationwould

Notyet.NotuntilsheandElliotfiguredoutwhateffectthatrevelationwouldhaveontheboy'slife.

"Itwassomeoneonthemedicalstaff,"Elliotlied."Itwasadoctorwholetusinhere."

"Good,"Dombeysaid."I'mgladtohearit.IwishI'dhadenoughgutstodoitalongtimeago."

ElliotworkedawaddedhandkerchiefintoDombey'smouth.

Tinaopenedtheouterairtightdoor.

ElliotpickedupDanny."Youhardlyweighathing,kid.We'llhavetotakeyoustraighttoMcDonald'sandpackyoufullofburgersandfries."

Dannysmiledweaklyathim.

Holdingthepistol,Tinaledthewayintothehall.Intheroomneartheelevators,peoplewerestilltalkingandlaughing,butnoonesteppedintothecorridor.

Dannyopenedthehigh-securityelevatorandmadethecabriseoncetheywereinit.Hisforeheadwasfurrowed,asifhewereconcentrating,butthatwastheonlyindicationthathehadanythingtodowiththeelevator'smovement.

Thehallwaysweredesertedonthetopfloor.

Intheguardroom,theolderofthetwosecuritymenwasstillboundandgaggedinhischair.Hewatchedthemwithangerandfear.

Tina,Elliot,andDannywentthroughthevestibuleandsteppedintothecoldnight.Snowlashedthem.

Overthehowlingofthewind,anothersoundarose,andTinaneededafewsecondstoidentifyit.

Ahelicopter.

Shesquintedupintothesnow-shippednightandsawthechoppercomingovertheriseatthewestendoftheplateau.Whatmadmanwouldtakeahelicopteroutinthisweather?

"TheExplorer!"Elliotshouted."Hurry!"

TheyrantotheExplorer,whereTinatookDannyoutofElliot'sarmsandslidhimintothebackseat.Shegotinafterhim.

Elliotclimbedbehindthewheelandfumbledwiththekeys.Theenginewouldn'tturnoverimmediately.

Thechopperswoopedtowardthem.

"Who'sinthehelicopter?"Dannyasked,staringatitthroughthesidewindowoftheExplorer.

"Idon'tknow,"Tinasaid."Butthey'renotgoodpeople,baby.They'relikethemonsterinthecomicbook.Theoneyousentmepicturesofinmydream.Theydon'twantustogetyououtofthisplace."

Dannystaredattheoncomingchopper,andlinesappearedinhisforeheadagain.

TheExplorer'senginesuddenlyturnedover.

"ThankGod!"Elliotsaid.

Butthelinesdidn'tfadefromDanny'sforehead.

Tinarealizedwhattheboywasgoingtodo,andshesaid,"Danny,wait!"

•••

LeaningforwardtoviewtheExplorerthroughthebubblewindowofthechopper,GeorgeAlexandersaid,"Putusdownrightinfrontofthem,Jack."

"Willdo,"Morgansaid.

ToHensen,whohadthesubmachinegun,Alexandersaid,"LikeItoldyou,wasteStrykerrightaway,butnotthewoman."

Abruptlythechoppersoared.Ithadbeenonlyfifteenortwentyfeetabovethe

Abruptlythechoppersoared.Ithadbeenonlyfifteenortwentyfeetabovethepavement,butitrapidlyclimbedforty,fifty,sixtyfeet.

Alexandersaid,"What'shappening?"

"Thestick,"Morgansaid.Anedgeoffearsharpenedhisvoice,fearthathadn'tbeenaudiblethroughouttheentire,nightmarishtripthroughthemountains."Can'tcontrolthedamnthing.It'sfrozenup."

Eighty,ninety,ahundredfeettheysoared,soaredstraightupintothenight.

Thentheenginecutout.

"Whatthehell?"Morgansaid.

Hensenscreamed.

Alexanderwatcheddeathrushingupathimandknewhiscuriosityabouttheothersidewouldshortlybesatisfied.

•••

Astheydroveofftheplateau,aroundtheburningwreckageofthehelicopter,Dannysaid,"Theywerebadpeople.It'sallright,Mom.Theywererealbadpeople."

Toeverythingthereisaseason,Tinaremindedherself.Atimetokillandatimetoheal.

SheheldDannyclose,andshestaredintohisdarkeyes,andshewasn'tabletocomfortherselfwiththosewordsfromtheBible.Danny'seyesheldtoomuchpain,toomuchknowledge.Hewasstillhersweetboy—yethewaschanged.Shethoughtaboutthefuture.Shewonderedwhatlayaheadforthem.

AFTERWORD

TheEyesofDarknessisoneoffivenovelsthatIwroteunderthepenname"LeighNichols,"whichInolongeruse.Althoughitwasthesecondofthefive,itisthefifthandfinalintheseriestobereissuedinpaperbackundermyrealname.ThepreviousfourwereTheServantsofTwilight,Shadowfires,TheHouseofThunder,andTheKeytoMidnight.Demandfrommyreadersmadeitpossibleforthesebookstoberepublished,andI'mgratefultoallofyouforyourinterest.

AsyouknowifyouhavereadtheafterwordsinTheFunhouseandTheKeytoMidnight,IliketoamusemyselfbyrevealingthetragicdeathsofthevariouspennamesIusedearlyinmycareer.Somewhattomyembarrassment,ImustadmitthatI'venotalwaysbeentruthfulwithyouinthesematters.Previously,ItoldyouthatLeighNicholsdranktoomuchchampagneoneeveningonaCaribbeancruiseshipandwasdecapitatedinafreaklimboaccident.Iwastouchedbyyoursympathycardsandaccountsofthememorialservicesyouheld,butnowthatBerkleyBookshasbroughtyouthisfifthandfinaloftheNicholsnovels,ImustconfessthatIwaslyinginordernottohavetorevealNichols'strue—andmoredisturbing—fate.OnebleakandwintrynightLeighNicholswasabductedbyextraterrestrials,takenonatourofoursolarsystem,introducedtothealienNestQueen,andforcedtoundergoaseriesofhorrifyingsurgeries.ThougheventuallyreturnedtoEarth,theauthorwastootraumatizedtocontinueacareerasanovelist—butfinallybuiltanewlifeasthecurrentdictatorofIraq.

TheEyesofDarknesswasoneofmyearlyattemptstowriteacross-genrenovelmixingaction,suspense,romance,andatouchoftheparanormal.Whileitdoesn'thavetheintensity,depthofcharacterization,complexityoftheme,orpaceoflaternovelssuchasWatchersandMr.Murder,andwhileitdoesn'tgoforyourthroatasfearsomelyasabooklikeIntensity,readerswhohavefounditundertheNicholsnameinused-bookstoreshaveexpressedfavorableopinionsofit.Isupposetheylikeitbecausethedeviceofthelostchild—andthededicatedmotherwhowilldoanythingtofindoutwhathashappenedtoherlittleboy—strikesaprimalchordinallofus.

AsIrevisedthebookforthisnewedition,IresistedtheurgetotransformthestoryentirelyintoanovelofthetypethatIwouldwritetoday.Iupdatedculturalandpoliticalreferences,polishedawayafewofthemoreegregiousstylisticinadequacies,andtrimmedexcesswordagehereandthere.Ienjoyedrevisiting

inadequacies,andtrimmedexcesswordagehereandthere.IenjoyedrevisitingEyes,whichremainsabasicallysimpletalethatrelieslargelyonplotandonthestrangenessofthepremisetoengagethereader.Ihopeyouwereengaged,andthatyouhaveenjoyedtakingthisfive-bookvoyagethroughthecareerofLeighNichols.Ifyou'reeverinIraq,thesurgicallyalteredauthorwillprobablybehappytosigncopiesofthesebooksforyou—orwilldenounceyouasaninfidelandhaveyouthrownintoaprisoncellasvileasanysewer.Inquireatyourownrisk.