ONE

CHARLES RESTED HIS HAND FIRMLY ON MY BACK AS WE SPUN once, then again ao!n"
the con#e$ato%, the g!e#t# &atching' I (e)t *% e%e# o$e hi# #ho!+"e, #tee+ing *%#e+, again#t hi#
#hot -eath#' The choi #too" at the -ac( o, the "o*e" ha++, ti++ing o!t the ,i#t ho+i"a% #ong# o, the
%ea' .Me% *e% *e% *e% Chi#t*a#,/ the% #ang, thei *o!th# *o$ing in !ni#on, .*e% *e%
*e% *e% ' ' '/
.At +ea#t #*i+e,/ Cha+e# &hi#)ee" into *% nec( a# &e too( anothe t!n ao!n" the ,+oo' .P+ea#e0/
.I1* #o%, I "i"n1t ea+i2e *% !nha))ine## &a# -otheing %o!' I# thi# -ette0/ I ai#e" *% chin,
&i"ening *% e%e# a# I #*i+e" "iect+% at hi*' A*e+"a Went&oth, an o+"e&o*an &ith a o!n", &a3%
,ace, #tae" 4!i22ica++% a# &e )a##e" he ta-+e'
.Yo! (no& that1# not &hat I *eant,/ Cha+e# #ai"' We t!ne" 4!ic(+%, #o A*e+"a "i"n1t #ee' .It1# 5!#t ' ' '
)eo)+e notice' The% ta+('/
.So +et the* notice,/ I #ai", tho!gh in t!th I &a# too e3ha!#te" to ea++% ag!e' Mo#t night# I a&o(e
-e,oe "a&n' Stange #ha"o&# &o!+" *o$e in, #!o!n"ing *e, an" I1" ca++ ,o Ca+e-, ,ogetting he &a#
gone'
The #ong "one" on' Cha+e# #)!n *e again ao!n" the ,+oo' .Yo! (no& &hat I *eant,/ he #ai"' .Yo!
co!+" at +ea#t t%'/
T%' That1# &hat he &a# a+&a%# a#(ing6 that I t% to *a(e a +i,e ,o *%#e+, in#i"e the Cit%, that I t% to
*o$e on ,o* Ca+e-1# "eath' Co!+"n1t I t% to get o!t o, the to&e e$e% "a%, to &a+( ,o a ,e& ho!# in
the #!n0 Co!+"n1t I t% to )!t a++ that ha" ha))ene" -ehin" *e, -ehin" !#0 .I, %o! &ant *e to #*i+e,/ I
#ai", .then &e )o-a-+% #ho!+"n1t ha$e thi# con$e#ation7not hee'/
We #tate" to&a" the ,a ta-+e#, co$ee" &ith -+oo"e" c+oth, the &eath# #et !) a#cente)iece#' The
Cit% ha" tan#,o*e" in the )a#t ,e& "a%#' Light# &ent !) on the *ain oa", coi+ing ao!n" the +a*)
)o+e# an" tee#' Fa(e )+a#tic ,i# ha" -een a##e*-+e" o!t#i"e the Pa+ace, thei thin -anche# -a+" in
)+ace#' E$e%&hee I t!ne" thee &a# #o*e #t!)i", ginning #no&*an o a ga!"% -o& &ith go+" ti*'
M% ne& *ai" ha" "e##e" *e in a e" $e+$et go&n, a# i, I &ee )at o, the "8co'
It &a# t&o "a%# a,te Than(#gi$ing, a ho+i"a% I1" hea" o, -e,oe -!t ne$e e3)eience"' The King ha"
#at at the +ong ta-+e, going on a-o!t ho& than(,!+ he &a# ,o hi# ne& #on9in9+a&, Cha+e# Hai#, the
Cit% o, San"1# Hea" o, De$e+o)*ent' He &a# than(,!+ ,o the contin!e" #!))ot o, the citi2en# o, The
Ne& A*eica' He he+" hi# g+a## in the ai, hi# #ha"o&e" e%e# ,i3e" on *ine, in#i#ting that he &a# *o#t
than(,!+ ,o o! e!nion' I co!+"n1t -e+ie$e hi*, not a,te a++ that ha" tan#)ie"' He &a# a+&a%#
&atching, &aiting ,o *e to #ho& an% #ign# o, -eta%a+'
.I "on1t !n"e#tan" &h% %o! &ent tho!gh &ith it,/ Cha+e# &hi#)ee"' .What1# the )ointo, a++ thi#0/
.What choice "o I ha$e0/ I #ai", +oo(ing a&a%, ho)ing to en" the con$e#ation' So*eti*e# I &on"ee" i,
he &o!+" )!t it togethe, the eg!+a inte$ie&# I "i" &ith Regina+", &ho #at at *% ,athe1# ta-+e,
&o(ing a# hi# Hea" o, Pe##, -!t &a# #ecet+% Mo##, +ea"e o, the e-e+ *o$e*ent' I e,!#e" to #+ee) in
the #a*e -e" a# Cha+e#, &aiting !nti+ he +e,t ,o the #!ite1# #itting aea e$e% night' I he+" hi# han" on+%
in )!-+ic, -!t a# #oon a# &e &ee a+one, I )!t a# *!ch "i#tance -et&een !# a# )o##i-+e' Di"n1t he ea+i2e
that the#e )a#t *onth#, hi# $e% *aiage, &ee a++ ,o #o*e othe )!)o#e0
The #ong en"e", the *!#ic gi$ing &a% to #cattee" c+a)#' The Pa+ace #ta,, cic+e" the ta-+e#
&ith )+ate# o, ice" e" ca(e an" #tea*ing co,,ee' Cha+e# (e)t *% han" in hi# a# he +e" *e -ac( to the
+ong -an4!et ta-+e &hee the King #at' M% ,athe &a# "e##e" ,o the )at, hi# t!3e"o 5ac(et o)en,
e$ea+ing a ci*#on c!**e-!n"' A o#e &a# )inne" to hi# +a)e+, the )eta+# &i+te" at the e"ge#' Mo##
#at t&o #eat# "o&n, a #tange +oo( on hi# ,ace' He #too", geeting *e' .Pince## :ene$ie$e,/ he #ai",
o,,eing *e hi# han"' .Ma% I ha$e thi# "ance0/
.I #!))o#e %o! &ant to )% anothe 4!ote ,o* *e,/ I #ai", gi$ing hi* a ten#e #*i+e' .Co*e then; 5!#t
"on1t #te) on *% toe# thi# ti*e'/ I e#te" *% han" in Mo##1#, #tating -ac( onto the ,+oo'
Mo## &aite" !nti+ &e &ee in the cente o, the oo*, the neae#t co!)+e t&o %a"# a&a%' Fina++% he
#)o(e' .Yo!1e getting -ette at thi#,/ he #ai" &ith a +a!gh' .Then again, I g!e## %o!1$e +eane" ,o* the
*a#te'/ He +oo(e" "i,,eent to"a%, nea+% !necogni2a-+e' It too( *e a *o*ent to ea+i2e &hat it &a#7
he &a# #*i+ing'
.It1# t!e,/ I &hi#)ee", g+ancing at the in#i"e o, hi# #+ee$e, &hee hi# c!,,+in( &a# thea"e" tho!gh hi#
#hit' I ha+, e3)ecte" to #ee the #*a++ )ac(et o, )oi#on ne#t+e" again#t hi# &i#t' Ricin, he ha" ca++e" it'
Mo## ha" -een &aiting *onth# ,o the #!-#tance,&hich &a# to -e #!))+ie" -% a e-e+ in the O!t+an"#'
.Yo! contact ca*e tho!gh0/
Mo## g+ance" at the King1# ta-+e' M% a!nt Ro#e &a# #)ea(ing ani*ate"+% to the Hea" o, Finance,
ge#t!ing &ith he han"# a# *% ,athe +oo(e" on' .Bette,/ he #ai"' .The ,i#t o, the ca*)# &a#
+i-eate"' The e$o+t ha# -eg!n' I got &o" ,o* the Tai+ thi# a,tenoon'/
It &a# the ne&# &e1" -een &aiting *onth# to hea' No& that the -o%# in the +a-o ca*)# &ee ,ee, the
e-e+# on the Tai+ &o!+" -ing the* into the ,ight' Thee &a# #)ec!+ation that an a*% &a# ,o*ing in
the ea#t, co*)o#e" o, #!))ote# ,o* the co+onie#' A #iegeon the Cit% co!+"n1t -e *oe than a ,e&
&ee(# o,,' .:oo" ne&#, then' Yo! ha$en1t hea" ,o* %o! contact, tho!gh,/ I #ai"'
.The% )o*i#e" it ,o to*oo&,/ he #ai"' .I1++ ha$e to ,in" #o*e &a% to get it to %o!'/
.So it1# ha))ening'/ Tho!gh I ha" agee" to )oi#on *% ,athe7I &a# the on+% one &ho ha" !ng!a"e"
acce## to hi*7I co!+"n1t 4!ite co*)ehen" &hat it *eant to act!a++% go tho!gh &ith it' He &a#
e#)on#i-+e ,o #o *an% "eath#, Ca+e-1# inc+!"e"' It #ho!+"1$e -een an ea#% choice; I #ho!+"1$e &ante" it
*oe' B!t no& that it &a# c+o#e, a ho++o& ,ee+ing #)ea" o!t in the -otto* o, *% #to*ach' He &a# *%
,athe, *% -+oo", the on+% othe )e#on &ho1" +o$e" *% *othe' Ha" thee -een #o*e t!th to &hat
he1" #ai", e$en no&, e$en in the &a(e o, Ca+e-1# "eath0 Wa# it )o##i-+e he "i" +o$e *e0
We too( a #+o& +a) ao!n" the o!t#i"e o, the -a++oo* ,+oo, t%ing to (ee) o! #te)# +ight' M% e%e#
+ingee" ,o a *o*ent on the King a# he +a!ghe" at #o*ething Cha+e# #ai"' .It1++ -e ,ini#he" in a ,e&
"a%#,/ Mo## &hi#)ee", hi# $oice -ae+% a!"i-+e o$e the *!#ic' I (ne& &hat it *eant' Fighting a+ong
the Cit% &a++#' Re$o+t# in the O!t+an"#' Moe "eath' I co!+" #ti++ #ee the ,aint c+o!" o, #*o(e that ha"
a))eae" &hen Ca+e- &a# #hot, co!+" #ti++ #*e++ the #tin( o, -+oo" on the concete ,+oo o, the ai)+ane
hanga' We1" -een ca!ght &hi+e e#ca)ing the Cit%, 5!#t *in!te# -e,oe "e#cen"ing into the t!nne+# the
e-e+# ha" "!g'
Mo## #ai" the%1" ta(en Ca+e- into c!#to"% a,te he &a# &o!n"e"' The )i#on "octo eco"e" the "eath
at e+e$en thit%9thee that *oning' I ,o!n" *%#e+, &atching the c+oc( at that ho!, &aiting ,o it to #to)
,o the *in!te on tho#e n!*-e#, the #econ" han" 4!iet+% cic+ing' He1" +e,t #o *!ch #)ace in *% +i,e'
The e3)an#i$e, ho++o& ,ee+ing #ee*e" i*)o##i-+e to ,i++ &ith an%thing e+#e' In the )a#t &ee(# I ,e+t it in
e$e%thing I "i"' It &a# in the #hi,ting c!ent o, *% tho!ght#, the night# no& #)ent a+one,
the #heet# -e#i"e *e co+"' Thi# i# &hee he !#e" to -e, I1" thin(' Ho& can I )o##i-+% +i$e &ith a++ thi#
e*)t% #)ace0
.The #o+"ie# &on1t +et the Cit% -e ta(en,/ I #ai", -+in(ing -ac( a #!""en !#h o, tea#' M% ga2e #ett+e"
on *% ,athe, &ho ha" )!#he" hi# chai -ac( ,o* the ta-+e an" #too", &a+(ing aco## the -a++oo*' .It
"oe#n1t *atte i, he1# "ea" o not'/
Mo## #hoo( hi# hea" #+ight+%, #igna+ing that #o*eone &a# &ithin ea#hot' I g+ance" o$e *% #ho!+"e'
C+aa &a# "ancing &ith the Hea" o, Finance 5!#t a ,e& ,eet a&a%' .Yo!1e ight, the Pa+ace "oe# co*e
a+i$e thi# ti*e o, %ea,/ Mo## #ai" +o!"+%' .We++ )!t, Pince##'/ He #te))e" a&a% ,o* *e a# the #ong
en"e", e+ea#ing *% han" an" ta(ing a 4!ic( -o&'
A# &e &a+(e" o,, the "ance ,+oo, a ,e& )eo)+e in the co&" a))+a!"e"' It too( *e a *o*ent to +ocate
*% ,athe' He &a# #tan"ing -% the -ac( e3it, hi# hea" ti+te" a# he #)o(e to a #o+"ie'
Mo## ,o++o&e" a,te *e, an" &ithin a ,e& #te)# the #o+"ie1# ,ace ca*e into $ie&' I ha"n1t #een hi* in
*oe than a *onth, -!t hi# chee(# &ee #ti++ thin, hi# hai #ti++ co))e" c+o#e to hi# #(!++' Hi# #(in &a# a
"ee) e""i#h -o&n ,o* the #!n' The Lie!tenant #tae" at *e a# I too( *% #eat at the ta-+e' He
+o&ee" hi# $oice, -!t -e,oe the ne3t #ong #tate" I co!+" hea hi* #a%ing #o*ething a-o!t the +a-o
ca*)#' He &a# hee to -ing ne&# o, the e$o+t'
The King1# hea" &a# coc(e" #o hi# ea &a# +e$e+ &ith the Lie!tenant1# *o!th' I "i"n1t "ae +oo( at Mo##'
In#tea" I (e)t *% e%e# on the *ioe" &a++ o))o#ite *e' Fo* &hee I &a# #itting I co!+" #ee *%
,athe1# e,+ection in the g+a##' Thee &a# a ne$o!#ne## in hi# e3)e##ion I1" ne$e #een -e,oe' He he+"
hi# chin in hi# han", hi# chee(# "aine" o, a++ co+o'
Anothe #ong -egan, the con#e$ato% ,i++ing &ith the #o!n" o, the choi' .To the Pince##,/ Cha+e#
#ai", ho+"ing !) a thin ,+!te o, ci"e' I c+in(e" *% g+a## again#t hi#, thin(ing on+% o, Mo##1# &o"#'
Within the &ee(, *% ,athe &o!+" -e "ea"'
TWO
AT FIRST I WASN1T CERTAIN WHAT I WAS HEARIN:; THE SOUND e3i#te" in the ha2% #)ace o,
"ea*#' I )!++e" the co$e# c+o#e, -!t the noi#e )e#i#te"' The oo* #+o&+% ca*e into ,oc!#, the
&a"o-e an" chai# +it -% the #o,t g+o& ,o* o!t#i"e' Cha+e# &a# #+ee)ing a# he a+&a%# "i" on the
chai#e in the cone, hi# ,eet hanging a ,e& inche# o,, the #hot c!#hion' Whene$e I #a& hi* +i(e that,
c!+e" !), hi# e3)e##ion #o,tene" -% #+ee), g!i+t i))e" tho!gh *e' I ha" to e*in" *%#e+, &ho he
&a#, &h% &e &ee -oth hee, an" that he &a#n1t an%thing to *e'
I #at !) an" +i#tene"' The #ha), #)oa"ic #4!ea(ing o, -a(e# &a# ,ainte ,o* #o high !), -!t
!n*i#ta(a-+e' I1" hea" it a# &e *o$e" &e#t to&a" Ca+i,ia an" on the +ong "i$e to the Cit% o, San"' I
&ent to the &in"o& an" +oo(e" o!t at the *ain oa", &hee a +ine o, go$en*ent <ee)# #na(e" tho!gh
the Cit%, thei hea"+ight# +ighting !) the "a('
.What i# it0/ Cha+e# a#(e"'
Fo* t&ent% #toie# !), I co!+" 5!#t *a(e o!t the #ha"o&% ,ig!e# )ac(e" into the -e"#' .I thin( the%1e
ta(ing )eo)+e o!t o, the Cit%,/ I #ai", &atching a# the <ee)# *o$e" #o!th a+ong the oa"' The +ine
#tetche" on ,oe$e in each "iection, one a,te the ne3t'
Cha+e# &i)e" the #+ee) ,o* hi# e%e#' .I "i"n1t thin( the% &o!+" "o it,/ he *!ttee"'
.What "o %o! *ean0/ I t!ne" to hi*, -!t he e,!#e" to +oo( at *e' .Whee ae the% ta(ing the*0/
He 5oine" *e at the &in"o&, o! e,+ection# -ae+% $i#i-+e in the g+a##' .The%1e co*ing, not going,/ he
#ai" ,ina++%' He )ointe" to the a-an"one" ho#)ita+ in the O!t+an"#' .The gi+#'/
.What gi+#0/ I &atche" the <ee)# *a(e thei &a% "o&n the *ain oa", #to))ing an" #tating !) again'
A han",!+ o, #o+"ie# &ee #tan"ing in the *i""+e o, the )a$e*ent, "iecting the*' Thee &ee a ,e&
"o2en t!c(#, at +ea#t' It &a# the *o#t ca# I1" e$e #een "i$ing in one )+ace'
.The gi+# ,o* the Schoo+#,/ he #ai"' He e#te" hi# han" on *% -ac(, a# i, that ge#t!e a+one co!+" ca+*
*e' .I hea" %o! ,athe ta+(ing a-o!t it to"a%' The% #ai" it &a# a )e$enti$e *ea#!e a,te &hat
ha))ene" at the ca*)#'/
The King ha" -een +oc(e" in hi# o,,ice &ith hi# a"$i#e# a,te "inne' I (ne& the% &ee "e$e+o)ing a
"e,en#e #tateg%, that *!ch &a# c+ea, -!t I ha"n1t i*agine" the% &o!+" go #o ,a a# to e$ac!ate the
Schoo+#' Be,oe I co!+" )oce## it, tea# co++ecte" in the cone# o, *% e%e#, -+!ing *% $i#ion' The%
&ee hee, ,ina++%, i*)o##i-+%7R!-%, A"en, an" Pi)'
.I# it a++ o, the gi+#0 Ho& *an% tota+0/ I *o$e" 4!ic(+% ao!n" the oo*, )!++ing a #&eate ,o* the
&a"o-e an" a )ai o, nao& )ant# ,o* the c+o#et' I %an(e" the* on !n"e *% nightgo&n, not
-otheing to go into the -athoo* a# I no*a++% "i"' I t!ne" *% -ae -ac( to Cha+e# a# I ta"e" the
go&n ,o a #o,t -eige #&eate'
When I #)!n -ac( ao!n" he &a# #taing at *e, hi# chee(# ,+!#he"' .I -e+ie$e it1# a++ o, the*' It1#
#!))o#e" to -e "one -% #!ni#e' The% "on1t &ant it to -e )!-+ic'/
.That1++ -e i*)o##i-+e'/ I g+ance" -ehin" hi*, at the -!i+"ing aco## the &a%' A ,e& othe +ight# ha"
gone on in the a)at*ent#' Si+ho!ette# )a##e" -ehin" the c!tain#, +oo(ing "o&n at the #cene -e+o&'
He "i"n1t e#)on"' In#tea" he #t!"ie" *e a# I )!++e" on the #hin% -+ac( ,+at# ,o* the -otto* o, *%
c+o#et' A+ina, *% ne& *ai", ae+% a++o&e" *e to &ea the* in )!-+ic, in#i#ting on the ,o*a+ hee+# that
)inche" *% toe# an" *a"e *e ,ee+ +i(e I &a# ,a++ing ,o&a"' .Yo! can1t +ea$e7it1# )a#t c!,e&,/ Cha+e#
#ai", ea+i2ing &hat I &a# "oing' .The #o+"ie# &on1t +et %o! o!t'/
I ga--e" a #!it 5ac(et ,o* a hange, a+ong &ith the )ant# that &ee ,o+"e" !n"eneath' .The% &i++,/ I
#ai", to##ing the* at hi* one -% one, .i, %o!1e &ith *e'/
He g+ance" at *e, then at the c+othe#, &hich &ee -a++e" !) again#t hi# che#t' S+o&+%, &itho!t a &o",
he &ent into the -athoo* to change'
IT TOOK US NEARLY AN HOUR TO REACH THE HOSPITAL IN THE O!t+an"#' The $ehic+e# &ee
#ti++ c+!#tee" on the *ain oa", #o a #o+"ie e#cote" !# -% ,oot' A# &e &a+(e", I (e)t *% hea" "o&n,
*% e%e# on the #an"% )a$e*ent' The +a#t ti*e I1" -een in thi# aea I &a# going to *eet Ca+e-' The #ti++
night ha" en$e+o)e" *e, #)!e" on -% the )o##i-i+it% o, a +i,e togethe -e%on" the &a++#, the )o##i-i+it%
o, !#' No& the ,aint o!t+ine o, the ai)ot o#e !) in the "i#tance' M% e%e# ,o!n" the hanga &hee &e1"
#)ent the night' The thin )+ane -+an(et# ha" )o$i"e" +itt+e )otection ,o* the co+"' Ca+e- ha" -o!ght
*% han" to hi# +i)#, (i##ing each ,inge -e,oe &e ,e++ a#+ee) ' ' '
A 4!ea#%, !n#ett+e" ,ee+ing con#!*e" *e' I he+" the co+" ai in *% +!ng#, ho)ing it &o!+" )a##' A# &e
*o$e" ,!the into the O!t+an"# *% tho!ght# #hi,te" ,o* Ca+e- to Pi)' The +a#t ti*e I1" #)o(en to *%
,ien"# &a# *onth# -e,oe, on an .o,,icia+/ $i#it I1" negotiate" &ith *% ,athe' I1" et!ne" to o!
Schoo+ to #ee the*, ageeing to a""e## the %o!nge #t!"ent# thee' Pi) an" I ha" #at 5!#t -e%on" the
&in"o&+e## -ic( -!i+"ing, Pi) a))ing he (n!c(+e# again#t the #tone ta-+e !nti+ the% &ee )in(' She1"
-een #o ang% &ith *e' It ha" -een *oe than t&o *onth# #ince I1" gi$en A"en the (e% to the Schoo+1#
#i"e e3it, the #a*e (e% Teache F+oence ha" gi$en *e' B!t I ha"n1t hea" an%thing a-o!t an e#ca)e
atte*)t' I &on"ee" i, A"en #ti++ ha" it, concea+e" #o*e&hee a*ong he -e+onging#, o i, it ha" -een
"i#co$ee"'
A# &e a))oache" the ho#)ita+, the ai ,i++e" &ith the +o& )!tteing o, engine#' A o& o, <ee)# h!gge"
the #i"e o, the #tone -!i+"ing, thei hea"+ight# a &e+co*e e#)ite ,o* the "a(' U) ahea", thee ,e*a+e
#o+"ie# #too" o!t#i"e the g+a## "oo#, ha+, o, &hich &ee -oa"e" !) &ith )+%&oo"' The ho#)ita+ ha"n1t
-een !#e" #ince -e,oe the )+ag!e' E$en no&, the #h!-# ao!n" it &ee #hi$e+e" an" -ae, the #an"
)i+e" in the #)ace &hee the &a++ *et the eath' T&o o, the #o+"ie# &ee ag!ing &ith an o+"e &o*an
"e##e" in a ci#) &hite #hit an" -+ac( )ant#7the !ni,o* &on -% &o(e# in the Cit% cente'
.We can1t he+) %o!,/ a #o+"ie &ith a e", o$a+ -ith*a( on he chee( #ai" to the &o*an' One o, the
othe #o+"ie#, a &o*an in he *i"thitie# &ith thin e%e-o&# an" a #*a++, -ea(+i(e no#e, o"ee" the
)e#on on the othe en" o, he a"io to ho+" o,,'
The &o(e ha" he -ac( to&a" !#, -!t I ecogni2e" the thin go+" -an" #he &oe on he ,inge, &ith a
#i*)+e geen #tone in the cente' The% &ee the #a*e han"# that ha" he+" *ine &hen I1" ,i#t ai$e" in
the Pa+ace, the one# that ha" &o(e" the &a#hc+oth o$e *% "it9ca(e" #(in an" cae,!++% !ntang+e" the
(not# in *% &et hai' .Beatice,/ I ca++e" o!t' .Ho& "i" %o! get hee0/
She t!ne" ao!n" to ,ace *e' Tho!gh on+% t&o *onth# ha" )a##e", #he +oo(e" o+"e, the "ee) +ine#
,a*ing he *o!th +i(e )aenthe#e#' The #(in -eneath he e%e# &a# thin an" ga%' .It1# #o goo" to #ee
%o!, E$e,/ #he #ai", #te))ing ,o&a"'
.Pince## :ene$ie$e,/ Cha+e# coecte", ho+"ing !) a han" to #to) he'
I )!#he" )a#t, ignoing hi*' A,te I &a# "i#co$ee" *i##ing the *oning o, the &e""ing, Beatice ha"
con,e##e" to he+)ing *e +ea$e the Pa+ace' The King ha" theatene" he an" he "a!ghte, &ho1" -een in
one o, the Schoo+# #ince #he &a# a -a-%' A,ai" ,o he "a!ghte1# +i,e, Beatice ha" to+" hi* &hee I
&a# *eeting Ca+e-, e$ea+ing the +ocation o, the ,i#t o, thee t!nne+# the e-e+# ha" -!i+t -eneath the
&a++' She &a# the ea#on the%1" ,o!n" !# that *oning, the ea#on &e1" -een ca!ght an" Ca+e- (i++e"' I
ha"n1t #een he #ince'
.Thee &a# a !*o at the cente,/ Beatice &ent on, he $oice nea+% a &hi#)e' .I #a& #o*e o, the
t!c(# co*ing tho!gh an" ,o++o&e" the*' The%1e the gi+# ,o* the Schoo+#0/ She )ointe" -ac( at the
-!i+"ing, at the &in"o&# that &ee co$ee" &ith )+%&oo", he han" !n#tea"%' .I1* ight, aen1t I0/
The #o+"ie &ith the -ith*a( #te))e" ,o&a"' .Yo! ha$e to +ea$e, o I1++ ha$e to ae#t %o! ,o -eing
o!t )a#t c!,e&'/
.Yo!1e ight,/ I inte!)te"' The%1" !+ti*ate+% c+eae" Beatice o, an% in$o+$e*ent &ith the "i##i"ent#,
a,te I ag!e" he ca#e to *% ,athe, in#i#ting #he (ne& +itt+e a-o!t Ca+e-, 5!#t that &e &ee )+anning on
+ea$ing the Cit% togethe' The%1" *o$e" he to the a"o)tion cente, &hee #he no& &o(e", caing ,o
#o*e o, the %o!nge#t chi+"en ,o* the -ithinginitiati$e' .That1# &h% &e1e hee, too'/ I t!ne" to the
#o+"ie' .I &ante" to #ee *% ,ien"# ,o* the Schoo+'/
The &o*an #hoo( he hea"' .We can1t )e*it that'/ He &o"# &ee c+i))e", he e%e# ne$e +ea$ing
*ine' De#)ite e,,ot# to (ee) the #to% containe", it ,e+t a# tho!gh a++ the #o+"ie# (ne& &hat ha"
ha))ene"6 I ha" tie" to e#ca)e &ith one o, the "i##i"ent#' I (ne& o, a t!nne+ -eing -!i+t -eneath the
&a++, an" I1" (e)t that in,o*ation ,o* *% ,athe, "e#)ite the i#( it )o#e" to #ec!it%' None o, the*
t!#te" *e'
She )ointe" -ehin" *e at Cha+e# an" the *a+e #o+"ie &ho1" e#cote" !# to the ho#)ita+' .E#)ecia++%
not &ith the* hee' Yo! ha$e to go'/
.The% &on1t co*e &ith !#,/ I in#i#te"'
A #hote #o+"ie &ith a chi))e" ,ont tooth (e)t )e##ing he th!*- "o&n on he a"io, ,i++ing the ai
&ith #tatic' On the othe en" o, the connection &ee the +o& *!*!ing# o, a &o*an1# $oice, a#(ing i,
the% &ee ea"% ,o he to )!++ anothe <ee) ao!n" ,o!n+oa"ing' .We a+ea"% (no& a-o!t the
:a"!ate#,/ I #ai" +o!"+%, no""ing to Beatice' .Both o, !#' I1$e $i#ite" the gi+# in the Schoo+# -e,oe,
&ith *% ,athe1# )e*i##ion' Thee1# no #ec!it% i#( hee'/
The &o*an &ith the -ith*a( !--e" the -ac( o, he nec(, a# i, con#i"eing it' I t!ne" to Cha+e# to
#ee i, he co!+" #&a% he' Hi# &o" #ti++ *eant #o*ething in#i"e the Cit% &a++#, e$en i, *% +o%a+t% &a# in
4!e#tion' .We can &ait hee ,o the*,/ he #ai" 4!iet+%, #te))inga&a% ,o* the -!i+"ing'
.We ha$e to ,ini#h -inging the +a#t o, the* in#i"e,/ #he ,ina++% #ai"' Then #he *o$e" ,o* in ,ont o,
the g+a## "oo#, )e*itting !# entance' .Ten *in!te#, no *oe'/
ONLY A FEW LI:HTS WERE ON IN THE FRONT LOBBY' MOST OF the -!+-# &ee -o(en, -!t a ,e&
,+ic(ee" ince##ant+%, #tinging *% e%e#' Beatice &a+(e" c+o#e+% -ehin" *e' So*e o, the chai# in the
&aiting oo* &ee o$et!ne", an" the thin, tattee" ca)et #*e++e" o, "!#t' .Bac( in %o! oo*#,
+a"ie#,/ a &o*an1# $oice echoe" in the ha++&a%' A #ha"o& )a##e" on the &a++, then &a# gone'
So*eone ha" *a"e ha#t% atte*)t# to &i)e "o&n the ,+oo#, -!t it ha" on+% *o$e" the gi*e ao!n",
co$eing the ha++ ti+e &ith -+ac( #tea(#' E4!i)*ent on o++ing *eta+ ac(# +ine" the ha++&a%, -e#i"e o+"
*achine# co$ee" &ith )a)e #heet#' I t!ne" "o&n a #i"e coi"o, &hee an o+"e &o*an &eaing a
e" -+o!#e an" -+!e #+ac(# #too", #ci--+ing #o*ething "o&n on a c+i)-oa"' I #tae" at the Teache1#
!ni,o* I1" #een tho!#an"# o, ti*e# at Schoo+, then at the &o*an1# nao& ,ace' It too( *e a *o*ent
to ea+i2e I "i"n1t (no& he7#he *!#t1$e -een ,o* anothe ,aci+it%' .I1* +oo(ing ,o the gi+# ,o*
Schoo+ ==,/ I #ai"' Fo %ea# I1" (no&n *% Schoo+ on+% -% it# geoga)hic coo"inate#, -e,oe ,in"ing o!t
the Cit% ha" n!*-e# ,o the* a++'
Beatice too( o,, "o&n the othe #i"e o, the coi"o, )a!#ing in one "oo&a%, then the ne3t, +oo(ing ,o
he "a!ghte, Saah' I #tate" )a#t the &o*an, into the "i*+% +it ho#)ita+ oo* -ehin" he' Lo& cot#
co$ee" the ,+oo, the thin c!tain "a&n' The gi+# &ee a++ %o!nge than ,i,teen' Mo#t &ee c!+e" !) in
thei !ni,o* 5!*)e#, )i++e" cotton -+an(et# o$e thei -ae +eg#' The% ha"n1t e$en ta(en o,, thei
#hoe#'
.I1* not cetain,/ the Teache #ai"' She #t!"ie" *% ,ace, -!t thee &a# no #ign o, ecognition' In the
#&eate an" #+ac(# I +oo(e" +i(e an% othe &o*an in#i"e the Cit%' .Not thi# ,+oo, -!t *a%-e !)#tai#'
Ma% I a#( &hat %o!1e "oing hee0/
I "i"n1t -othe to an#&e' In#tea" I &a+(e" )a#t he, )!#hing into a #e)aate coi"o -+oc(e" o,,
-% "o!-+e "oo#' In the ,i#t oo* a gi+ #at on the high -e" ,athe#t ,o* the &in"o&, anothe gi+ on a
!#te" *achine &ith &ie# #na(ing o!t o, it' The -+on" gi+ he+" a )a)e ,ot!ne9te++e in he han"#, +i(e
the one# &e ha" *a"e at Schoo+' When the% hea" *e the% 5!*)e" "o&n an" h!ie" !n"e thei
-+an(et#'
I *o$e" 4!ic(+% "o&n anothe ha++, "o!-+e9chec(ing the oo*# on eithe #i"e o, the coi"o'
Occa#iona++% a Teache #+e)t on one o, the *!#t% ho#)ita+ -e"# o in a chai in the cone' None o, the
#t!"ent# &ee )egnant' I (ne& the% ha" to ha$e ho!#e" the gi+# ,o* the -ithing initiati$e #e)aate+%
,o* the e#t, -!t it &a# i*)o##i-+e to (no& &hee'
I an !) a #i"e #tai&e++' It &a# *o#t+% "a(, the hea"+ight# ,o* the <ee)# o!t#i"e ca#ting a "i* g+o& on
the &a++#' I &ent !) one ,+ight an" #tate" )a#t the "oo#7it &a# the #a*e a# the ,i#t &ing' I &o!n" *%
&a% !) to the ne3t coi"o, then tho!gh it, not #to))ing !nti+ I1" #t!"ie" a++ the oo*#' The gi+# &ee
5!#t a# %o!ng a# the othe#, thei ,ace# !n,a*i+ia'
When I eache" the #i3th ,+oo +an"ing, a ,e*a+e #o+"ie &a# #tatione" o!t#i"e the "oo' I1" ha"+%
notice" I &a# !nning' M% e%e# &ee "o&n, *% hai c+inging to *% "a*) #(in' .Can I he+) %o!0/ #he
a#(e"' A #ca c!t tho!gh he to) +i), the #(in &hite an" ai#e"'
.I nee" to ,in" gi+# ,o* one o, the Schoo+#,/ I #ai"' .I1* +oo(ing ,o a gi+ na*e" Pi)7e" hai, ,ai
#(in' She1# ,i$e *onth# )egnant o #o'/
The #o+"ie &ent to the e"ge o, the -ani#te an" )eee" o$e, "o&n into the ho++o& #)acein the cente o,
the #tai#' .What "i" %o! #a%0/ #he a#(e", t!ning -ac( to *e' She he+" the -!tt o, the i,+e o!t, 5!#t
inche# ,o* *% che#t, to )e$ent *e ,o* going an% ,athe' .Who ae %o!0/
I he+" !) *% han"#' .I1* :ene$ie$e7the King1# "a!ghte' I &a# at the Schoo+ *%#e+,'/
The &o*an con#i"ee" *e' .The one &ith e" hai0 Fo* the Schoo+ in nothen Ne$a"a0/
I no""e", e*e*-eing the cit% I1" #een on *a)#' I1" #)ent #o *an% %ea# e,eing to the Schoo+ -% it#
coo"inate#, a# i, it &ee the on+% thing that e3i#te" in that )+ace' No& it &a# ha" to thin( o, it a# an
act!a+ to&n &hee )eo)+e ha" +i$e" -e,oe the )+ag!e, #o*e&hee #o*eone ca++e" ho*e' .Yo! (no&
he0/
Witho!t #a%ing an%thing #he !n+oc(e" the "oo an" &ent tho!gh it, +ea$ing eno!gh #)ace,o *e to
)a##' On+% one +ight &a# on in the +ong ha++' T&o ,e*a+e #o+"ie# &ee #tatione" a+ong the coi"o' One
g+ance" !) ,o* a tattee" -oo( &ith a "ino#a! on the co$e7#o*ething ca++e" <!a##ic Pa(' .I *ight
(no& &ho %o!1e ta+(ing a-o!t,/ the #o+"ie &ith the #ca #ai"' .She &a# in the <ee) I ca*e in on' We
ha" a-o!t ten gi+# in the -ac('/
The 4!ea#%, +ight ,ee+ing in *% #to*ach et!ne" a# I g+ance" into the oo*# &hee the gi+# #+e)t' The%
&ee a++ ao!n" *% age, #o*e a -it o+"e, thei #&o++en -e++ie# $i#i-+e -eneath the -+an(et#' The%
co!+"n1t ha$e -een *oe than #i3 *onth# )egnant7the gi+# &ho &ee ,!the a+ong *!#t1$e -een
"ee*e" too ,agi+e to *o$e'
No&, &ith the* #o c+o#e, I tie" to (ee) the ,anta#ie# containe"' Ho& *an% ti*e# ha" I &a+(e" tho!gh
the Cit%, i*agining A"en -e#i"e *e, o #tae" at the e*)t% #eat aco## ,o* *e "!ing a,tenoon tea,
&on"eing &hat it &o!+" -e +i(e i, Pi) &a# thee0 I #ti++ #et a#i"e a )otion o, *% choco+ate ca(e o!t o,
ha-it, (no&ing it &a# R!-%1# ,a$oite' I !n"e#too" &hat it *!#t1$e -een +i(e to co*e hee a,te the
)+ag!e, to -e one o, the citi2en# &ho1" +o#t e$e% ,ien", e$e% *e*-e o, thei ,a*i+%' M% ,ien"#1
gho#t# ,o++o&e" *e a+&a%#, a))eaing an" "i#a))eaing &hen I +ea#t e3)ecte" the*'
.She1# -ac( thee,/ the #o+"ie #ai", ge#t!ing to a cot at the othe en" o, the oo*, 5!#t -e+o& the
&in"o&' I #too" ,o2en, +oo(ing at the gi+#1 ,ace#, thei e%e+i"# ,+!tteing in #+ee)' >io+et, a "a(9haie"
gi+ &ho1" +i$e" in the oo* -e#i"e !#, &a# t!ne" on he #i"e, he )i++o& t!c(e" -et&een he (nee#' I
ecogni2e" L%"ia, &ho1" #t!"ie" at &ith *e' She1" *a"e #o *an% $e#ion# o, the #a*e in( "a&ing7a
&o*an in -e", a to&e+ )e##e" to he no#e, t%ing to #to) the -+oo"'
It &a# +i(e &a+(ing tho!gh a "ea*#ca)e, the ,ace# ,a*i+ia -!t the cic!*#tance# change"' I co!+"n1t
co*)ehen" it, e$en (no&ing &hat I (ne&7e$en no&' I a))oache" Pi)'
He hai ha" go&n o!t, the &a$e# +oo#e a# the% ,e++ "o&n he -ac(' She &a# c!+e" a&a% ,o* *e,
,acing the &a++ -eneath the &in"o&, one han" e#ting on he #to*ach' .Pi)7&a(e !),/ I #ai", #itting on
the cot' I to!che" he e+-o&, #tat+ing he'
.What1# &ong0/ She t!ne" he hea", an" he ,ace &a# #!""en+% $i#i-+e in the "i* +ight' The high
chee(-one#, the thic(, "a( -o&# that a+&a%# *a"e he +oo( #o #eio!#' It &a# Ma3ine, the gi+ &ho1"
#)ec!+ate" that the King &a# co*ing ,o o! ga"!ation, a,te o$eheaing a con$e#ation -et&een
Teache#' .E$e0/ #he a#(e", #itting !)' .What ae %o! "oing hee0/
.I tho!ght %o! &ee Pi),/ I #ai", #+i"ing -ac( on the "!#t% cot' .I "i"n1t ea+i2e'/
Ma3ine 5!#t #tae" at *e' He #(in ha" a #tange %e++o&i#h tint to it' Thee &ee #oe# on he &i#t#
&hee e#taint# ha" -een' .The% +e,t,/ #he #ai"' .Pi), R!-%, an" A"en' No one ha# #een the* in *oe
than thee &ee(#'/
I #too", #eaching the oo* once *oe, #t!"%ing the ,ace# o, the gi+#, a# i, +oo(ing t&ice co!+" change
&hat &a# a+ea"% a))aent' Wh% ha"n1t I hea" ne&# o, it0 Ha" *% ,athe (no&n an" (e)t it ,o* *e0
M% e%e# ,e++ ,o a *o*ent on Ma3ine, on the cotton ta)e" to the in#i"e o, he e+-o&, co$ee" &ith "ie"
-+oo"' I co!+"n1t -ing *%#e+, to a#( a-o!t &hat ha" ha))ene" in the -!i+"ing, a-o!t the 5o!ne% #he1"
ta(en hee' I co!+"n1t )eten" &e &ee c+o#e no&, thi# gi+ I1" ta+(e" to on+% in )a##ing at Schoo+, to hea
&hate$e go##i) &a# !n,o+"ing in#i"e the co*)o!n" &a++#'
I t!ne" to go -!t #he #to))e" *e, he han" c+a*)ing "o&n on *% a*' .Yo! (ne&,/ #he #ai"' She
ti+te" he hea" to the #i"e, +oo(ing at *e a# i, ,o the ,i#t ti*e' .That1# &h% %o! +e,t' Yo! he+)e" the*
e#ca)e, "i"n1t %o!0/
.I1* #o%/ &a# a++ I *anage"'
The #o+"ie #te))e" in#i"e the oo*, t%ing to ga!ge &hat &a# ha))ening' Ma3ine e+ea#e" *e, he e%e#
"i,ting to the i,+e c+!tche" in the &o*an1# han"#' I t!ne" to go,#te))ing ao!n" the cot#, co$eing *%
,ace &ith *% hai #o a# not to -e ecogni2e" -% the gi+# &ho #at !), #tat+e" -% Ma3ine1# $oice' I "i"n1t
-eathe !nti+ I &a# o!t#i"e'
.Ho& &a# %o! ,ien"0/ the #o+"ie a#(e"'
M% han"# &ee #ha(ing' The ha++&a% #*e++e" +i(e a *i3t!e o, "!#t an" che*ica+ c+eane' .Than( %o!
,o %o! he+),/ I #ai", not an#&eing the 4!e#tion' She o)ene" he *o!th to #a% #o*ething *oe, -!t I
#tate" "o&n the #tai#, not #to))ing !nti+ I hea" the "oo +oc( -ehin" *e'
The% &ee gone' It &a# &hat I1" &ante", -!t no& that the% &ee -e%on" the Schoo+ &a++# I ha" no
&a% to each the*' Thei -e#t chance &a# Ca+i,ia, that *!ch I (ne&, -!t it &o!+"1$e ta(en the* *oe
than thee &ee(# to get thee' I "i"n1t (no& ho& Pi) o R!-% &o!+" -e a-+e to ta$e+, i, A"en &a#
)egnant, &hen the%1" +e,t o ho&' Fo a *o*ent I &ante" to et!n to Ma3ine, to a#( he e$e%thing,
-!t he &o"# ca*e -ac( to *e' I ha" cho#en to he+) the*, e$en i, it *eant +ea$ing othe# -ehin"' Who
&a# I to go to he no&, to e3)ect he to he+) *e0 Who &a# I to e$en a#(0
At the -otto* o, the #tai# I #)otte" Beatice' She &a# c+!tching a gi+ &ith #hot, #ta&9co+oe" hai
that &a# *e##% in the -ac(, a# i, #he1" 5!#t &o(en !)' The gi+1# ,ace &a# )in(, he e%e# #&o++en' Beatice
oc(e" on he hee+#, )!++ing the gi+ c+o#e, an" ,o a *o*ent, *% +one+ine## +i,te"' .I ,o!n" he,/ #he
#ai", catching *% e%e' .Thi# i# *% Saah'/
THREE
.THESE ARE THE OLD ENCYCLOPEDIAS YOU ASKED FOR,/ MOSS #ai", )+acing the #tac( o,
ha"co$e# in *% a*#, .an" one no$e+ I tho!ght %o!1" en5o%'/ Thee &ee thee$o+!*e# tota+, each t&o
inche# thic(' .The one# that &ee *i##ing ,o* %o! co++ection' W an" <' I ho)e %o!1++ ,in" the* !#e,!+,
,o +oo(ing !) &ee&o+$e# an" the +i(e'/ He ta))e" hi# ,inge on the to) o, the ,i#t co$e, #igna+ing ,o
*e to o)en it'
I +i,te" it gent+%, ta(ing in the #*a++ )ac(et o, &hite )o&"e ne#t+e" in#i"e' A ,e& o, the )age# ha" -een
c!t o!t, ceating a #ha++o& ece##' .Wo!+" %o! *in" gi$ing !# a ,e& *o*ent# a+one0/ I a#(e", +oo(ing to
the cone o, the )a+o' A+ina, the *ai" &ho1" e)+ace" Beatice, &a# aanging "e+icate c!)# on a ta%,
c+eaing the *oning tea' She &a# #hot, &ith c!+% -o&n hai an" #*a++, &i"e9#et e%e#' She no""e"
-e,oe #tating to&a" the "oo'
I (ne& thi# &a# one o, o! ,ina+ *eeting#, that thing# &ee co*ing to ,!ition, the )o&e #+o&+%, #ecet+%
#hi,ting to the e-e+#' It &a# "i,,ic!+t to -e ho)e,!+, tho!gh; a hea$ine## ha" #ett+e" in a,te #eeing
Ma3ine' I &oie" a-o!t *% ,ien"#, &on"eing &hee the% &ee7i, the% co!+" #!$i$e' R!-% an" Pi)
&ee nea+% ,i$e *onth# a+ong, *a%-e *oe' Wh% ha"n1t A"en #ent &o" tho!gh the Tai+0
When the "oo &a# #h!t tight+% -ehin" A+ina, I !n#tac(e" the -oo(#, )eeing into each one' In#i"e the <
enc%c+o)e"ia &a# a ,o+"e" *a) an" a can( a"io #i*i+a to the one# !#e" on the Tai+' .F!nn%,/ I #ai",
o)ening the thic( no$e+ #et on to), it# tit+e !n,a*i+ia' A (ni,e #at in#i"e, the *eta+ g+inting in the +ight'
.Wa an" Peace' I get it'/
Mo## #*i+e" a# he #at "o&n in ,ont o, *e' .I co!+"n1t he+) *%#e+,,/ he &hi#)ee"' .It ,e+t a))o)iate'
I1* &o(ing on getting %o! a g!n' B!t &ith the #iege c+o#e, #!))+ie# aen1t a# ea#% to co*e -%' Peo)+e
aen1t eage to )at &ith the &ea)on# the% ha$e'/
Mo## &a# ha))ie than I1" e$e #een hi*' I co!+"n1t he+) -!t -e 5ea+o!#' M% ne$o!#ne## ha" go&n'
Mo#t *oning# I &a# &eighe" "o&n -% e3ha!#tion' M% han"# #hoo(, an" thee &a# a con#tant t&i#ting
)ain in *% #to*ach, +i(e it ha" -een &!ng "%'
.The en" i# nea,/ Mo## &hi#)ee"' Then he a))e" hi# ,inge# on the -oo(#' .An" %o! &i++ -e !#heing
it in'/
.I #ho!+" -e a-+e to get in#i"e'/ I1" tho!ght a-o!t the cic!*#tance# !n"e &hich I co!+" get into *%
,athe1# #!ite, ho& I1" a#( to #)ea( &ith hi*, *a(e !) #o*e #ot o, ea#on to ta+(' .B!t once I1* thee0/
He #*oothe" hi# han" o$e the co$e o, the -oo(, &o(ing at the &on go+" e*-o##ing' .Yo!1++ ha$e to
get into the "a&e# -e#i"e hi# -athoo* #in(' Yo! ,athe ha# a -ott+e o, -+oo" )e##!e *e"icine that
he ta(e#' Each )i++ #ho!+" co*e a)at in t&o an" ha$e &hite )o&"e in#i"e'/
.Then I1++ e)+ace it,/ I #ai", g+ancing at the -oo('
Mo## no""e"' .E3act+%' In a# *an% a# %o! can7at +ea#t #i3 o #e$en )i++#' Yo! ha$e to -e cae,!+,
tho!gh' Ma(e #!e %o! "on1t -eathe it in o ha$e an% e#i"!e +e,t on %o! han"#' Thee &a# to!-+e
)oc!ing the icin7thi# i# "ie" o+ean"e e3tact' It1# not i"ea+, -!t it &i++ #!,,ice' Lea$e the )i++# at the
to), &hee the%1++ -e ta(en #oone' It #ho!+" ta(e on+% a ,e& "o#e#'/
.Then &e 5!#t &ait0/
Mo## e#te" hi# ,inge on hi# -o&' .Once %o! ,athe #ho&# #ign# o, i++ne##, %o!1++ ha$e to +ea$e the
Cit%, at +ea#t ,o a *onth o t&o, !nti+ the ,ighting #to)#' With the too)# ,o* the co+onie#, &e ha$e a
-ette chance at en"ing the con,+ict #&i,t+%' When I1* #ett+e" a# the intei* +ea"e, an" &e #et !)
e+ection#, %o! can et!n' It1++ -e too "angeo!# ,o %o! hee in the *eanti*e' I (no& &hee %o!
+o%a+tie# +ie, -!t it1# not #o*ething I can o &i++ #hae &ith the *a5oit% o, the e-e+#7not initia++%' It
&o!+" -e too "angeo!#'/
I tho!ght o, the e*aining t!nne+# -eneath the &a++' On+% one o, the thee ha" -een "i#co$ee" &hen
Ca+e- &a# #hot' Mo## ha" o,ten "e#ci-e" the +ocation# o, the othe t&o, e*in"ing *e &hee the% &ee
in ca#e o! connection &a# e$e "i#co$ee"' .That1# &hat the a"io an" the *a) ae ,o, then,/ I #ai"'
.The (ni,e' I1++ +ea$e the Cit% a# #oon a# he get# #ic('/ An%one &ho +i$e" in#i"e the &a++# &o!+" ecogni2e
*e' I &a# the King1# hei, the gi+ on the ,ont )age o, the ne&#)a)e, on the e+ectic #ceen# that
ho$ee" on the #i"e# o, the +!3!% -!i+"ing#' In the &i+", I &o!+" -e #a,e, +e## (no&n'
.Thee1++ -e #o*e )o$i#ion# &aiting ,o %o! &hen %o! +ea$e' Ma(e #!e to !#e the #o!tht!nne+'/ Mo##
g+ance" "o&n at the ta-+e, #taing at the c!*-# ,o* the -+!e-e% #cone#' I1" )ic(e" the* a)at,
e)!+#e" -% the "%, ,+o!% #*e++' He ,+ic(e" one onto the ,+oo &ith hi# ,inge' .A ,e& "a%#1 &oth,
eno!gh to get %o! a&a% ,o* the Cit% &itho!t ha$ing to h!nt' An" )+ea#e7#ta% a&a% ,o* the
ho#)ita+ an" the gi+#, at +ea#t ,o no&'/
.Who to+" %o! I &a# thee0/
.One o, the e-e+#' See*a7an o+"e #o+"ie, e" #tea( in he hai'/ He #tae" at *e, -!t I co!+"n1t
e*e*-e #eeing the &o*an the )e$io!# night' .Yo! -eing thee ai#e# 4!e#tion#' Let1# (ee) &ith
thi# )+an'/
I #+i" the chai -ac( ,o* the ta-+e' .Whi+e e$e%one i# hee, *o$ing in ,o the #iege, I1* #!))o#e" to
5!#t ,+ee0 Won1t that con,i* e$e%one1# #!#)icion#0/
.Once the ,ighting ha# #ett+e" an" I e#ta-+i#h #o*e conto+ intena++%, %o!1++ co*e -ac(' A *onth o t&o
7that1# a++'/
.I, I co*e -ac(,/ I #ai"' .Ho& can &e )e"ict &hat1++ ha))en a,te the #iege0/ Mo## #ee*e" con,i"ent
that once the ,ighting #to))e" an" the King &a# (i++e", the Cit% &o!+" nat!a++% *o$e to&a"
"e*ocac%; that a# each citi2en +eane" a-o!t the con"ition# at the +a-o ca*)# an" Schoo+#, e$en the
#o+"ie# &o!+" t!n to&a" the e-e+#'
Mo## co$ee" *% han" &ith hi#' .Thee1# +o"ging tho!gho!t Death >a++e%7the e-e+# ha$e hi""en
#!))+ie# at a )oint ca++e" Sto$e)i)e We++#' The%1$e !#e" it a# a #to))ing )oint on thei &a% to the Cit%'
The a"io co"e# I )a##e" a+ong a ,e& &ee(# ago &i++ -e the #a*e' We can "i#c!## it *oe once %o!
,athe i# #ic(, -!t it &i++ &o(' T!#t *e'/
I nea+% +a!ghe"' Co!+" thee -e a )+ace *oe o*ino!# #o!n"ing than Death >a++e%0 .What a-o!t
C+aa0 An" Ro#e0 What &i++ ha))en to Cha+e# once the e-e+# ta(e )o&e0/
Mo## )e##e" hi# +i)# togethe' .I can t% to o,,e the* )otection, -!t the%1e a##ociate" &ith %o!
,athe' The%1$e +i$e" in the Pa+ace ,o %ea#7the%1e ea#i+% ecogni2a-+e' Cha+e# ha# -een &o(ing ,o
the King'/
.I can ta(e the* &ith *e,/ I #ai"' .The%1++ et!n &hen I can'/
.The +a#t ti*e #o*eone in the Pa+ace &a# to+" a-o!t the t!nne+#, t&o o, o! *en &ee (i++e",/ Mo##
#ai"' He "i"n1t +oo( at *e a# he #)o(e' Wa# thee a #+ight acc!#ation in hi# tone, o ha" I i*agine" it0
.When0/ I a#(e", the oo* c+o#ing in on *e' .Ho& +ong -e,oe &e #ee the e,,ect# o, the )oi#on0/
Mo## g+ance" !) at the +oc(e" "oo' The )a+o &a# 4!iet' S!n #tea*e" tho!gh the &in"o&, +ighting
!) the tin% "!#t )atic+e# in the ai' .A# #oon a# thit%9#i3 ho!#, a# +ate a# #e$ent%9t&o' It "e)en"# on
ho& *an% )i++# he inge#t# an" ho& *!ch o, the e3tact %o!1e a-+e to get in#i"e the ca)#!+e#' It1++ #tat
&ith na!#ea an" $o*iting, #o*e a-"o*ina+ )ain' Within t&ent%9,o! ho!# thee1" -e
"eh%"ation, ha++!cination, #ei2!e#7/ He #to))e", #t!"%ing *% ,ace' .What i# it0 Yo! "on1t +oo( &e++'/
I #too", "a&ing -ac( ,o* the ta-+e' The ,+oo -eneath *% ,eet ,e+t +e## cetain' E$en the #+o&e#t,
,!++e#t -eath co!+"n1t ca+* the ten#ing o, *% #to*ach' A #tange, a++9con#!*ing #ic(ne## &a#
#o*e&hee -ehin" *% e%e# an" no#e, the 4!ea#ine## *o$ing tho!gh *e' .So*ething1# &ong,/ I
*anage" to #a%'
Mo## o#e, hi# e%e# #canning the oo*, #eaching the ha+,9eaten )+ate# o, ,oo", the tea, the g+a## o,
&ate' .What ae %o! ,ee+ing0/ He &ent to the #i+$e ta% A+ina ha" -een a##e*-+ing an" #t!"ie" the
,oo", t!ning o$e the #cone in hi# han"#' .Di" %o! eat thi#0 Who -o!ght it to %o!0/
I co!+"n1t an#&e' M% #(in &a# hot an" "a*)' The $ent# -+e& #coching ai "o&n on *e' I too( o,, the
#ha&+, -!t it &a# no !#e; I co!+"n1t e#ca)e the #ic(, #)inning ,ee+ing' I an to the "oo, ,i""+ing &ith the
han"+e !nti+ it ga$e' I "i"n1t get *oe than t&o #te)# -e,oe I h!nche" o$e' The #o! #)it ca*e ,o* *%
*o!th an" hit the ,+oo, co$eing it &ith a &ate% -o&n #)atte' M% in#i"e# ten#e" again'
.E$e0/ I hea" C+aa1# $oice ,o* #o*e&hee "o&n the ha++' Then #he &a# co*ing to&a" *e' .He+)?
So*eone ca++ the "octo?/
FOUR
WHEN I AWOKE, CLARA WAS SITTIN: ON THE CHAISE IN THE cone, the Cit% )a)e ,o+"e" o$e
he +a)' She &a# a#+ee), +eaning !) again#t the )i++o&# Cha+e# a+&a%# !#e", he hea" ti+te" to one #i"e' I
+oo(e" "o&n at *% a*' A &a" o, cotton &a# ta)e" o$e the in#i"e o, *% e+-o&, an" a #*a++ e" "ot
-+oo*e" in it# cente' It co!+"n1t ha$e -een *oe than an ho! o t&o #ince the "octo ha" ta(en -+oo",
eco"e" *% )!+#e, in#)ecte" *% thoat an" e%e# &ith the #a*e conica+ +ight the%1" ha" at Schoo+' I1"
in#i#te" I &a# ,ine, an" I &a#' The na!#ea ha" "i##i)ate"' The ,ee+ing in *% han"# ha" et!ne"' The
on+% e*aining #%*)to*# &ee the e*)t% ten#ing o, *% #to*ach an" the ,aint #o! ta#te on *% tong!e'
I hea" #o*eone o++ing a #e$ing cat "o&n the ha++&a% o!t#i"e, the &hee+# #4!ea(ing !n"e the
&eight' I #too", *% +eg# ,ee+ing &ea(e than I e3)ecte" a# I &a+(e" to the ca$e" &oo" -oo(#he+$e#,
co!ching "o&n -e#i"e the*' A++ thee -oo(# &ee t!c(e" #a,e+% on the -otto* #he+$e#, ight &hee
Mo## ha" )!t the* ho!# -e,oe' I, &hat he1" #!gge#te" &a# coect, i, #o*eone ha" tie" to )oi#on *e,
I1" nee" the* #oone than I1" tho!ght'
.Yo!1e !) ' ' '/ C+aa !--e" he e%e#, then g+ance" at *% han", &hee *% ,inge# #ti++ e#te" on one o,
the #)ine#' .What ae %o! +oo(ing at0/
.Nothing,/ I #ai", #ett+ing into the c!#hion -e#i"e he' .T%ing to "i#tact *%#e+,, that1# a++'/
C+aa )!t he han" on *% -ac(' .I1$e ne$e #een %o! +i(e that,/ #he #ai"' .Yo! #cae" *e'/
.I ,ee+ -ette a+ea"%,/ I #ai"' .The &o#t ha# )a##e"'/
She an he ,inge o$e the e"ge o, the c!#hion, tacing a+ong the thin &hite )i)ing' .I1* g+a"' The%
co!+"n1t each Cha+e#'/
.That "oe#n1t #!)i#e *e,/ I #ai"' .He1# at a con#t!ction #ite in the O!t+an"#' He1++ -e gone !nti+
#!n"o&n'/
He e3)e##ion change"' I i**e"iate+% ,e+t g!i+t% ,o #a%ing &hat I ha"7the #!-t+e ac(no&+e"g*ent
that I (ne& hi# #che"!+e -ette than #he "i"' C+aa an" Cha+e# &ee the on+% t&o teenage# &ho1" -een
ai#e" in the Pa+ace, an" #he1" a+&a%# ha-oe" ,ee+ing# ,o hi*' She1" *a"e *e )o*i#e to te++ he i, he
e$e #)o(e o, he' .He ha#n1t #ai" an%thing %et,/ I o,,ee", t%ing to co*,ot he' .Yo! (no&, *o#t o, the
ti*e &hen &e1e ta+(ing &e1e ,ighting' We1e not e3act+% c+o#e'/ I co$ee" he han" &ith *% o&n an"
#he #*i+e", a #*a++, )in)oint "i*)+e a))eaing in he chee('
.I *!#t #ee* #o ,oo+i#h to %o!,/ #he #ai" &ith a +a!gh' .I1* ca%ing on a e+ation#hi) in *% hea"'/
.Not at a++'/
Ho& *an% ti*e# ha" I #to))e" in Ca+i,ia, i*agining Ca+e- &a# thee -e#i"e *e &hi+e I #at on the oc(#,
&atching the &a$e# +a) at the #hoe0 Ho& *an% ti*e# ha" I +et *%#e+, -e+ie$e that he &a# #ti++ hee,
in#i"e the Cit%, that he1" a))ea one "a%, &aiting ,o *e -% the Pa+ace ga"en#0 I #ti++ #)o(e to hi*, in
the 4!iet o, the #!ite, #ti++ to+" hi* I &i#he" to go -ac( to e$e%thing -e,oe' Thee &ee ti*e# I ha" to
e*in" *%#e+, that he &a# gone, that the "eath e)ot ha" -een ,i+e", that &hat ha" ha))ene" co!+"
ne$e -e e$e#e"' Tho#e ,act# &ee *% on+% tethe to ea+it%'
Be,oe I co!+" #a% an%thing *oe, the "oo o)ene", the King )!#hing into the oo* &itho!t #o *!ch a#
a (noc(' He "i" thi# #o*eti*e#, a# i, to e*in" *e that he o&ne" e$e% )at o, the Pa+ace' .I hea"
&hat ha))ene",/ he #ai", t!ning to *e' I #at !) #taight, a# the "octo ca*e in -ehin" hi*'
.It &a# nothing,/ I #ai", e$en tho!gh I &a#n1t %et #!e' Mo## ha" ta(en the e*nant# o, -ea(,a#t to the
O!t+an"#, t%ing to get an#&e# a-o!t &hat it containe"'
.Yo! the& !) t&ice,/ he #ai"' .Yo!1e "eh%"ate"' Yo! co!+" ha$e )a##e" o!t'/
The "octo, a thin, -a+" *an, "i"n1t &ea a &hite coat a# the one# at Schoo+ "i"' In#tea" he &a# "e##e"
in a )+ain -+!e #hit an" ga% #+ac(#, +i(e an% othe o,,ice &o(e in the Cit% cente' I1" -een to+" it &a#
#a,e thi# &a%' E$en #i3teen %ea# a,te the )+ag!e thee &ee ,ee+ing# o, e#ent*ent to&a" #!$i$ing
"octo#, 4!e#tion# o, &hat the% (ne& an" &hen'
.Yo! ,athe &a# concene"' He1" a#(e" i, it co!+" -e a ee*egence o, the $i!#,/ the "octo
#ai", c!))ing hi# han"# togethe' .I a##!e %o! it1# not'/
.Thi# ha# -eco*e #!ch an e$ent,/ I #ai", *% ga2e "ating -et&een the*' .I ,ee+ a++ ight, ea++%'/
.It1++ ha))en again, tho!gh,/ the "octo #ai"' I #tae" at hi*, con,!#e"' .Na!#ea ga$i"a!*,/ he #ai",
a# i, that e3)+aine" #o*ething' .Mo#t )eo)+e ca++ it *oning #ic(ne##'/
M% ,athe &a# #*i+ing, hi# e%e# gi$ing o,, a +oo( o, 4!iet a*!#e*ent' He ca*e to&a" *e, )!++ing *e to
#tan" a# he #4!ee2e" *% han"#' .Yo!1e )egnant'/
He h!gge" *e, the #ic(, hea$% #cent o, hi# co+ogne #tinging *% +!ng#' I "i"n1t ha$e ti*e to )oce## it' I
ha" to #*i+e, to -+!#h, to ,eign &hate$e 5o% I (ne& I &a# #!))o#e" to ,ee+' O, co!#e thi# &a# &hat *%
,athe &ante"' In hi# e%e#, Cha+e# an" I ha" ,ina++% gi$en hi* an hei'
.Thi# i# ha))% ne&#' We *!#t go #ee Cha+e# in the O!t+an"#,/ *% ,athe &ent on' .Once
%o!1e )o)e+% "e##e", co*e *eet *e -% the e+e$ato#'/ C+aa "i"n1t #a% an%thing' I "i"n1t "ae +oo( at
he; in#tea" I +i#tene" to he #+o&, !ne$en -eath#' It #o!n"e" +i(e #he &a# cho(ing'
.Yo!1++ ha$e to co*e in to the o,,ice thi# a,tenoon,/ the "octo contin!e"' .R!n #o*e te#t# to *a(e #!e
e$e%thing i# no*a+' In the *eanti*e I1$e ha" the (itchen #toc( !) on #o*e ginge tea, #o*e cac(e#
7+itt+e thing# to #ett+e %o! #to*ach' Yo! *a% ,ee+ a -it na!#eo!#, -!t #(i))ing *ea+# &i++ on+% *a(e it
&o#e' An" a# %o! )o-a-+% a+ea"% (no&, %o! *a% ,in" it &ea# o,, o$e the co!#e o, the "a%'/ He )!t
o!t hi# han" ,o *e to #ha(e' I ho)e" he "i"n1t notice *% co+" )a+*# o *% #ti,,, !nchanging #*i+e' It
&a#n1t !nti+ he &a# gone, *% ,athe ,o++o&ing -ehin" hi*, that C+aa ,ina++% #)o(e'
.I tho!ght %o! "i"n1t +o$e hi*,/ #he &hi#)ee", he &o"# #+o&'
.I "on1t,/ I #ai"'
I1" #een C+aa ang% -e,oe, co!+" ecogni2e ho& he ,ace change", he 5a& #et in a ha" e3)e##ion' B!t
thi# &a# "i,,eent' She t!ne" he -ac( to *e, *o$ing ao!n" the oo*, #ha(ing o!t he han"# a# i,
t%ing to "% the*' .It1# not t!e, C+aa,/ I #ai"'
.Then &hat i# t!e0/ She #tae" at *e, he e%e# &ate%'
I ha"n1t to+" an%one &hat ha" ha))ene" in the hanga &ith Ca+e-' It &a# the thing I et!ne" to
&hene$e *% tho!ght# &an"ee"' I e*e*-ee" ho& hi# han"# ,e+t ca"+ing *% nec(, hi# ,inge#
"ancing o$e *% #to*ach, the gent+e gi$e o, hi# +i)# again#t *ine' Ho& o! -o"ie# *o$e" togethe, hi#
#(in ta#ting o, #a+t an" #&eat' No& it e3i#te" in *e*o%, a )+ace that on+% I co!+" $i#it, &hee Ca+e- an"
I &ee ,oe$e a+one'
I1" hea" the Teache#1 &aning#, ha" e$ie&e" a++ the "ange# o, ha$ing #e3 o .#+ee)ing &ith/ a *an'
The% ha" to+" !#, in tho#e #ti++ c+a##oo*#, that e$en one ti*e co!+" -ing on a )egnanc%' B!t in the
*onth# #ince I1" +e,t, I1" +eane" that nothing the%1" #ai" co!+" -e t!#te"' An" e$en i, it &a# a hi""en
t!th7e$en i, it &a#n1t an e3aggeation o ,a+#i,ication7it &o!+"n1t ha$e *attee"' Thee &a# no &a% to
)e$ent )egnanc% in#i"e the Cit%' The King ha" ,o-i""en it'
No&, #o *an% tho!ght# ,+e& tho!gh *% hea"6 That it &o!+" -e -ette i, #he "i"n1t (no&' That it &o!+"
-e #a,e i, #he "i"n1t (no&' That I &o!+" ,ee+ +one+ie i, #he "i"n1t (no&, that I &o!+" -e in *oe "ange
i, #he "i" (no&, that I &o!+" ,ee+ "eceit,!+ i, #he "i"n1t (no&' .Ca+e-,/ I #ai" ,ina++%' A# #oon a# *%
,athe eache" Cha+e# it &o!+" -e o$e an%&a%' .It &a# Ca+e-' I to+" %o! the t!th7I ha$e no intee#t in
Cha+e#' I ne$e ha$e'/
She +et he han"# ,a++' .Ho& co*e %o! ne$e to+" *e0/ #he a#(e"' .When0/
.The +a#t night I +e,t the Pa+ace,/ I #ai"' .T&o an" a ha+, *onth# ago'/
She &oie" at the &ai#t o, he "e##, )ic(ing at the "e+icate #titching' .Yo! ,athe can ne$e (no&,/
#he #ai"'
I i*agine" *% ,athe1# e3)e##ion &hen Cha+e# to+" hi* the t!th' Hi# *o!th &o!+" ten#e a# it a+&a%#
"i" &hen he &a# ang%' Thee1" -e that hint o, #o*ething "a(e, then he &o!+" #et hi*#e+, ight,
!--ing hi# han" "o&n hi# ,ace, a# i, that one *otion ha" the )o&e to ,i3 hi# ,eat!e#' He &o!+" (i++
*e' I ,e+t cetain o, it then, in the #ti++ne## o, the oo*' I &a# !#e+e## to hi* no&' Since Ca+e-1# *!"e
thee &ee #o *an% 4!e#tion# a-o!t *e, a-o!t *% in$o+$e*ent in the -!i+"ing o, the t!nne+#' Di" I #ti++
ha$e connection# to the"i##i"ent#0 Ha" I -eta%e" hi* #ince Ca+e-1# "eath0 I &a# a++o&e" to +i$e in the
Pa+ace, (e)t a# an a##et, on+% -eca!#e I co!+" )o"!ce a Ne& A*eican o%a+ ,a*i+%' I &a# :ene$ie$e,
the "a!ghte ,o* the Schoo+# &ho1" *aie" hi# Hea" o, De$e+o)*ent' When Cha+e# e$ea+e" the
t!th on+% &e (ne&, *% ,athe &o!+" ,in" a &a%' Ma%-e I1" "i#a))ea a,te the Cit% ha" gone to #+ee), a#
#o*e o, the "i##i"ent# ha"' The% co!+" #a% an%thing7an int!"e in the Pa+ace, a #!""en #ic(ne##'
An%thing'
Thee &a#n1t ti*e to e3)+ain it a++ to C+aa, to te++ he the &h%# an" ho&#' I (ne+t "o&n an" )!++e" the
thic( -oo(# ,o* the #he+,, t!c(ing the tin% -ag into the #i"e )oc(et o, *% "e##' I )!t the (ni,e an" the
a"io into *% )!#e, then #tate" o!t o, the oo*' I nee"e" to "o &hat Mo## ha" #ai", to go tho!gh
&ith thi#, -e,oe I &a# "i#co$ee"' I &o!+" +ea$e the Cit% to"a% i, I ha" to'
.Wh% "o %o! ha$e a (ni,e0/ C+aa a#(e", #te))ing -ac(' .What ae %o! "oing0/
.I can1t e3)+ain it no&,/ I #ai" 4!ic(+%, a# I &ent to the "oo' .I "on1t (no& &hat1# going to ha))en &hen
*% ,athe ,in"# o!t, an" I nee" )otection'/
.So %o!1e -inging a (ni,e ' ' ' to "o &hat0/
.I "on1t (no& &hat *% ,athe i# ca)a-+e o,,/ I #ai", #ha(ing *% hea"' .It1# 5!#t in ca#e'/
C+aa no""e" once -e,oe I t!ne" o!t the "oo'
I (e)t the -ag t!c(e" tight+% !n"e *% a* a# I &ent "o&n the ha++' The #o+"ie1#,oot#te)# &ee
#o*e&hee -ehin" *e, co*ing c+o#e a# I *o$e" to&a" *% ,athe1# #!ite' I too( a "ee) -eath,
i*agining &hat it &o!+" ha$e ,e+t +i(e i, thing# ha" -een "i,,eent, i, I ha" ,o!n" o!t a-o!t the
)egnanc% in #o*e othe )+ace an" ti*e' I co!+"1$e -een ha))%, ha" Ca+e- -een a+i$e, ha" &e -een o!t
in the &i+", at #o*e #to) on the Tai+' It co!+" ha$e -een one o, tho#e !nc+o!"e", )e,ect *o*ent#, a
4!iet ea+i2ation #hae" -et&een !#' In#tea" I ,e+t on+% "ea"' Ho& co!+" I ai#e a chi+" -% *%#e+,,
e#)ecia++% no&, in the *i"#t o, a++ thi#0
M% ,athe e*ege" ,o* hi# #!ite' .Pe,ect ti*ing,/ he #ai"' He t!ne" to&a" the e+e$ato#, ge#t!ing
,o *e to ,o++o&'
A# I a))oache" the "oo to hi# #!ite, I #+o&e", #&a++o&ing -ac( the #o! #)it that coate" *% tong!e' I
)e##e" *% han" to *% ,ace, &i)ing at *% #(in, an" too( a "ee) -eath' Thi# &a# it'
I he+" one )a+* to *% *o!th an" ge#t!e" to&a" the "oo' .P+ea#e, I thin( I *ight -e #ic( again'/ I
"i"n1t *eet hi# ga2e' In#tea" I e#te" *% #ho!+"e again#t the "oo, &aiting ,o hi* to +et *e in#i"e'
.Ye#, o, co!#e,/ he #ai", )!nching a ,e& n!*-e# in the (e%)a" -e+o& the +oc(' .<!#t one *o*ent ' ' '/
He )!#he" the "oo o)en to a++o& *e tho!gh'
M% ,athe1# #!ite &a# thee ti*e# the #i2e o, o!#, &ith a #)ia+ #taica#e that +e" to the !)#tai# #itting
aea' A o& o, &in"o&# o$e+oo(e" the Cit% -e+o&, &ith $ie&# #tetching o!t -e%on" the c!$e" &a++,
&hee the +an" &a# i""+e" &ith -o(en -!i+"ing#' I t!ne", ta(ing in the *iniat!e *o"e+# that #at on
the ce"en2a -e#i"e the "oo' Thee &ee e+a-oate &oo"en -oat# in g+a## -ott+e#, a++
"i,,eent co+o# an" #i2e#, thei can$a# #ai+# ai#e"' I1" -een in the #!ite on+% ,o! o ,i$e ti*e#, -!t e$e%
ti*e I #t!"ie" the*, t%ing to !n"e#tan" &h% *% ,athe #)ent hi# ,ee ti*e )!tting togethe *iniat!e
#hi)#' I &on"ee" i, he ,o!n" it #ati#,%ing to contain the* a++, the#e tin% &o+"# a+&a%# in hi# conto+'
.I1++ 5!#t -e a *in!te,/ I #ai", #tating to&a" the -athoo*' It &a# #hae" &ith the *a#te #!ite, -!t the
#econ" "oo &a# nea+% a+&a%# +oc(e"' I )e##e" one ,i#t to *% *o!th, a# i, #t!gg+ing to (ee) *%
co*)o#!e' Then I !#he" into the *a-+e -athoo*, than(,!+ &hen I &a# ,ina++% a+one'

FIVE
I TWISTED ON THE TAP, LETTIN: THE COOL WATER RUN O>ER *% ,inge#' I +et o!t a ,e& +o!"
co!gh# an" #tate" on the nao& #et o, "a&e#, #eaching tho!gh the tin% )+a#tic -o3e# an" cani#te#'
The &iting on #o*e o, the +a-e+# ha" &on o,,' I )ic(e" o$e ta++ -ott+e# ,i++e" &ith &hite +i4!i", a )ai
o, thic( *eta+ a2o#, a ho#ehai -!#h an" ha" #oa) !#e" to *a(e #ha$ing ,oa*' Thee &ee ,o+"e"
&hite to&e+# that #*e++e" o, *int' Then, in the to) "a&e, I ,o!n" t&o a*-e9co+oe" -ott+e#' A
han"&itten +a-e+ &a# on each, &ith the "octo1# #ignat!e #ca&+e" aco## it'
The e3tact ,e+t hea$% in *% )oc(et' I e*)tie" the #hin% &hite ca)#!+e# onto the *a-+e co!nte an"
-egan the &o(, )o))ing o)en thee o, the* an" #)i++ing thei in#i"e# into the #in(' The )o&"e
c+!*)e" togethe an" &a# #&e)t a&a%, ,+oating a-o$e the "ain ,o a *o*ent -e,oe it &a# #!c(e"
!n"e'
I e*)tie" #o*e o, the e3tact on the co!nte an" )e##e" it in#i"e the ha" ca)#!+e, cae,!+ to (ee) it
a&a% ,o* *% ,ace, a# Mo## ha" in#t!cte"' I )inche" one #i"e an" #+i" the ca) on, "o))ing it -ac(
into the -ott+e' I &a# ha+,&a% tho!gh the #econ" one &hen *% ,athe (noc(e" on the "oo' The #o!n"
echoe" in the ho++o& oo*, ai#ing tin% -!*)# on *% a*#' .I# e$e%thing a++ ight0/ he a#(e"' The
(no- t!ne" -!t +oc(e" in )+ace, e,!#ing to o)en'
.<!#t one *o*ent,/ I ca++e"'
I *o$e" 4!ic(+%, ,ini#hing the #econ" )i++, then thee *oe, an" "!*)e" the e*aining )oi#on into the
#in(' I #ec!e" the +i" on the -ott+e, cae,!+ to #et it -ac( 5!#t a# it ha" -een, in the e*)t% #)ace -et&een
t&o tin -o3e#' Then I &a#he" *% han"#, +etting the co+" &ate !n o$e *% ,inge# !nti+ the% &ee
n!*-' I #)+a#he" #o*e on *% ,ace an" #+i))e" the -ag -ac( in *% )oc(et'
When I #te))e" o!t#i"e *% ,athe &a# #tan"ing ight -e#i"e the "oo, 5!#t inche# a&a%' Hi# a*# &ee
,o+"e"' .Fee+ing -ette0/ he a#(e", hi# e%e# +ingeing ,o a *o*ent on *% han"#, &hich &ee #ti++ &et'
I -o!ght the* to *% chee(#, &i++ing the #o,t, e" #(in -ac( to no*a+' .I ha$e to +ie "o&n,/ I #ai"' .I
&on1t -e a-+e to *a(e it to the O!t+an"#' Not +i(e thi#'/
M% ,athe ti+te" hi# hea" to one #i"e, #t!"%ing *e' .I can1t go #ee Cha+e# a+one,/ he #ai"' .Co*e no&, it
&i++ -e a 4!ic( $i#it' Yo!1++ -e -ac( &ithin the ha+, ho!'/ Hi# ,eat!e# ha"ene", an" I (ne& then it
&a#n1t !) ,o "i#c!##ion' Hi# han" ca*e "o&n ao!n" *% a*, g!i"ing *e to&a" the "oo'
THE RIDE WAS ENDLESS' THE CAR LURCHED AT E>ERY CORNER, the ca-in thic( &ith the #*e++#
o, +eathe an" co+ogne' I o)ene" the &in"o&, t%ing to get #o*e ai, -!t the O!t+an"# he+" the "%
#tench o, "!#t an" a#h' M% han" &a# at *% &ai#t, ,ee+ing the#o,t ,+e#h o, *% -e++% ,o the *o!n" that
ha" not %et a))eae"' I (ne& I1" *i##e" *% )eio" an" ha" &on"ee" i, it &a# )o##i-+e I &a# )egnant,
-!t e$e%thing in the )a#t *onth# ha" gone -% 4!ic(+%, #o*e&hee o!t#i"e *e'
Mo## ha" #to+en a tattee" T9#hit ,o* the -o3 o, ite*# eco$ee" ,o* the ai)+ane hanga' Thee &a#
a C on the tag, the ,a-ic thin ,o* #o *an% &ea#' A+one in the #!ite, Ca+e-1# #hit -a++e" in *% han"#, I
&a# cetain that &hen he "ie" a )at o, *e ha" "ie" &ith hi*' I co!+"n1t ,ee+ an%*oe, not the &a% I ha"
&hen he &a# hee, in#i"e the Cit%' The "a%# in the Pa+ace #ee*e" en"+e##, ,i++e" &ith #ti+te"
con$e#ation an" )eo)+e &ho #a& *e on+% a# *% ,athe1# "a!ghte, nothing *oe'
I )ic(e" at the thin #(in ao!n" *% ,ingenai+#, &atching a# the ca #)e" c+o#e to the con#t!ction #ite'
The +i#t o, #+ight# again#t Cha+e# too( on #igni,icance no&' Thing# I1" "one o ha"n1t "one ,e+t +i(e
*oe ea#on# he1" te++ *% ,athe the t!th' I1" -een the one to in#i#t he +ea$e the -e" that ,i#t night' I
co!+"n1t #tan" it &hen he +oo(e" at *e too *!ch, &hen he ta+(e" to *e too *!ch, &hen he ta+(e" to *%
,athe too *!ch, &hen he #ai" an%thing )o#iti$e a-o!t the egi*e' Tho!gh thee &ee *o*ent# &hen
thing# &ee -eaa-+e, *o#t o, the ti*e &e #)ent togethe in the #!ite &a# *a(e" &ith hi# 4!e#tion#, hi#
e,,ot, an" *% #i+ence o citici#*'
.:ene$ie$e, I1* #)ea(ing to %o!,/ *% ,athe #ai"' I ,+inche" &hen he to!che" *% a*' .We1e hee'/
The ca ha" #to))e" o!t#i"e a "e*o+ition #ite' The%1" ton "o&n an o+" hote+ that &a# !#e" a# a *og!e
"!ing the )+ag!e' It ha" -een -oa"e" !) ,o *oe than a "eca"e, the -one# o, $icti*# #ti++ in#i"e' A
,e& -!n"+e# o, ,+o&e# #at on the go!n"7&i+ting o#e#, "ai#ie# that &ee no& #hi$e+e" an" #ti,,'
The #ite &a# -+oc(e" o,, &ith )+%&oo" ,encing, -!t thee &ee o)ening# +ea"ing "o&n to the *a##i$e
cate in the eath' I got o!t, &a+(ing to&a" a -ea( in the &a++' .:ene$ie$e,/ I hea" hi* ca++ -ehin"
*e' .That1# not ,o %o! to #ee'/
A-o!t thit% ,eet -e+o& the eath &a# a giant )i+e o, !--+e' A -!++"o2e )!#he" concete-ac(, again#t
the e"ge o, the ,o!n"ation' Anothe cane #at *otion+e##, it# giant %e++o& ,i#t +o&ee" to the go!n"'
Tho!gho!t the #ite, -o%# ,o* the +a-o ca*)# &ee c+eaing -ic( an" a#h !#ing #ho$e+# an"
&hee+-ao&#' The% &ee thinne than the -o%# I1" #een in#i"e the Cit% )e$io!#+%' Thee1" -een !*o#
that &ith the +i-eation o, the ca*)#, the -o%# &ho1" -een hee at the ti*e &ee no& ta))e" an"
&o(e" "o!-+% a# ha" to *a(e !) ,o the othe#'
One o, the o+"e -o%# )ointe" at !# ,o* -e+o&' Cha+e# t!ne" an" #tate" !) the inc+ine, )a!#ing ,o a
*o*ent -% a tang+e" hea) o, #tee+ o"# an" concete' He %e++e" #o*ething at t&o %o!nge -o%# &ho
ha" thei #hit# o,,' The% &ee "ating ao!n" the ,a en" o, the #ite, (ic(ing #o*ething' I #4!inte"
again#t the #!n, #+o&+% *a(ing o!t the "a( ho++o&# in it# #i"e' It &a# a h!*an #(!++'
I co$ee" *% no#e, o$eta(en -% the "% #tench' I1" hea" h!n"e"# ha" -een -!ie" in#i"e the hote+,
thei -o"ie# &a))e" in #heet# an" to&e+#' Thee &ee !*o# that #o*e ha" #ti++ -een a+i$e, #!,,eing
,o* the )+ag!e; that tei,ie" ,a*i+% *e*-e# ha" +e,t the* thee in thei +a#t ho!#' D!#t ha" #ett+e"
on e$e% #!,ace &ithin a 4!ate o, a *i+e' The )a$e*ent, the #!o!n"ing -!i+"ing#, the !#te" ca#
that #at, &hee+# o,,, in a $acant)a(ing +ot7it &a# a++ co$ee" &ith a thin +a%e o, ga%'
I (e)t *% hea" "o&n a# Cha+e# ca*e to&a" !#, &a+(ing !) the )+%&oo" a*) that ha"
-een anchoe" to the #i"e o, the "itch' I t!c(e" *% th!*- !n"e the #ta) o, the -ag, e*in"ing *%#e+,
o, it# content#' The neae#t t!nne+ &a# #ti++ thit% *in!te# a&a%, e$en i, I an' The -e#t chance I ha" &a#
to ta(e the ca -ac( &ith *% ,athe an" e#ca)e &hen &e t!ne" onto the *ain oa"' The #o!th t!nne+
&o!+" -e 5!#t ten *in!te# ,o* thee' U#ing the a++e%# in the O!t+an"#, thee &a# a chance I co!+" +o#e
the #o+"ie# &ho ,o++o&e" *e, i, I *o$e" 4!ic(+% eno!gh'
.We ha$e #o*e ne&# ,o %o!,/ *% ,athe ca++e" o!t &hen Cha+e# ca*e c+o#e' The #ho!+"e# o, hi# na$%
5ac(et &ee co$ee" &ith "!#t' He )!++e" o,, the %e++o& con#t!ction hat he &oe, ca"+ing it +i(e a -a-%'
He g+ance" ,o* *% ,athe to *e, then to the ca i"+ing -ehin" !#' The #o+"ie &a# #tan"ing o!t#i"e it,
hi# i,+e #+!ng o$e hi# #ho!+"e' .It *!#t -e i*)otant' I can1t e*e*-e a ti*e &hen :ene$ie$e $i#ite"
*e on a )o5ect'/
The King e#te" hi# han" on *% -ac(, )!#hing *e ,o&a" e$e #o #+ight+%' .:o on, :ene$ie$e,/ he
&hi#)ee"' .Te++ Cha+e# the ha))% ne&#'/ He &a# &atching *e, hi# e%e# ,i3e" on the #i"e o, *% ,ace'
It &a# o$e no&, I co!+" #en#e it, a# *% ga2e *et Cha+e#1#' He +oo(e" at once ho)e,!+ an" ne$o!#, a#
he #*oothe" "o&n a t!,t o, -+ac( hai that ha" ,a++en in hi# e%e#' I ,i++e" *% +!ng#, ho+"ing it thee !nti+
it &a# too *!ch to ta(e' .I1* )egnant,/ I #ai", *% thoat tight' .The Cit% &i++ -e thi++e", I1* #!e'/
The -!++"o2e *o$e" a+ong the con#t!ction ,+oo -e+o&, a +o&, -ee)ing #o!n" ,i++ing the ai' I e#te"
*% han" on *% che#t, ,ee+ing *% heat a+i$e -eneath *% -ea#t-one, the #tea"ine## o, it ca+*ing *e'
<!#t #a% it, I tho!ght, &atching a# Cha+e# "o))e" hi# hea", hi# e%e# on the )a$e*ent' Don1t "ag thi#
o!t an% ,!the'
.A# a* I'/ He ca*e to&a" *e, hi# a*# o$e *% #ho!+"e#, !nti+ I &a# )e##e" tight+% again#t hi#
che#t' I -eathe" in, *% -o"% #+o&+% e+a3ing, #ett+ing in -e#i"e hi*' He e#te" hi# han" on the -ac( o,
*% hea" #o gent+%, I ha" to -+in( -ac( tea#' .I1$e ne$e -een ha))ie'/
SIX
THE PARTY WAS STILL :OIN: ON, E>EN AFTER THE MUSICIANS ha" +e,t ,o the night an" the
+a#t o, the c!)# an" #a!ce# ha" -een c+eae" ,o* the ta-+e# in the )a+o' M% ,athe &a# *oe
ani*ate" than I1" e$e #een hi*, ge#t!ing &ith hi# c%#ta+ g+a##, a*-+ing on to Hao+" Po++ac(, an
enginee in the Cit%' .It1# #o*ething to ce+e-ate,/ I hea" hi* #a%, a# Cha+e# an" I #tate" ,o the "oo'
.In a ti*e &hen thing# aen1t a# cetain,/ Hao+" agee"'
At thi# the King &a$e" hi# han" "i#*i##i$e+%, a# i, #&atting a&a% a ,+%' .Don1t -e+ie$e e$e%thing %o!
hea,/ he #ai"' .A ,e& iot# at the +a-o ca*)# ae ha"+% a theat to the Cit%'/
I +ingee" thee ,o a *o*ent, &atching the* a# Cha+e# #)o(e &ith the Hea" o, Finance' M% ,athe
&ith#too" Hao+"1# )e#ence a *o*ent +onge -e,oe e3c!#ing hi*#e+,' Thee ha" -een ta+( o, the +a-o
ca*) iot# a++ night' In -et&een congat!+ation#, )eo)+e *entione" !*o# a-o!t the +a-o ca*)#,
a#(ing *% ,athe a-o!t the e-e+# o!t#i"e the Cit%' With e$e% 4!e#tion he +a!ghe" a +itt+e ha"e, *a"e
*oe o, a #ho& o, 5!#t ho& con,i"ent he &a#' He ca++e" the* iot#, not #iege#, an" *a"e it #o!n" +i(e it
ha" on+% ha))ene" at one o t&o o, the ca*)#'
.Rea"% to go0/ Cha+e# a#(e", o,,eing *e hi# a*' I thea"e" *ine tho!gh it a# &e #tate" "o&n the
ha++' Neithe o, !# #)o(e' In#tea" I +i#tene" to the #o!n" o, o! ,oot#te)# an" the ,aint echo o, the
#o+"ie1# -ehin" !#'
We got to the #!ite, the +oc( c+ic(ing #h!t -ehin" !#' I &atche" Cha+e# a# he *o$e" ao!n" the oo*,
#+inging hi# #!it 5ac(et o$e the a*chai an" +oo#ening hi# tie' .Yo! "i"n1t ha$e to "o that to"a%,/ I
#ai"' Hi# -ac( &a# to&a" *e a# he #te))e" o!t o, hi# #hoe#'
.O, co!#e I "i",/ he #ai", )!#hing hi# hai o,, hi# ,ace' .I &a#n1t a-o!t to te++ %o! ,athe the t!th' Yo!
(no& &hat (in" o, )o#ition that &o!+"1$e )!t %o! in'/ He t!ne", an" ,o the ,i#t ti*e I notice" that hi#
chee(# &ee #)+otch% an" )in(, a# i, he1" 5!#t co*e in ,o*the co+"' .No one can ,in" o!t, :ene$ie$e7
no one'/
.It1# not %o! )o-+e* to ,i3,/ I #ai"' .I "i" thi#'/
A,te &hat ha))ene" at the con#t!ction #ite, I1" gone to *% a))oint*ent &ith the "octo, then *et
Cha+e# at the ece)tion' The gatit!"e I1" ,e+t ,o hi* ha" +e##ene", gi$ing &a% to a (in" o, 4!iet
e#ent*ent' He ha" #a$e" *e' He -e+ie$e" he ha", at +ea#t, an" I co!+" ,ee+ the i*)+ie" "e-t -et&een !#
&hene$e hi# han" ,o!n" *ine, hi# ,inge# c+a*)e" "o&n on *% )a+*' We1e in thi# togethe, he
#ee*e" to #a%' I &on1t +ea$e %o! no&'
He )e##e" hi# )a+*# to hi# ,ace, then #hoo( hi# hea"' .I# thi# %o! &a% o, than(ing *e0 I "i"n1t &ant
thi#, %o! (no&, &hen &e &ee *aie"' I "i"n1t &ant to ,ee+ +i(e I &a# #o*e hoi-+e, #econ" choice
,oce" !)on %o!' I a* t%ing hee, an" I a+&a%# ha$e -een' Yo! co!+"1$e at +ea#t to+" *e -e,oe %o!
a*-!#he" *e at the #ite'/
.I "i"n1t (no& !nti+ thi# *oning,/ I #ai"' I #te))e" a&a% ,o* the "oo, t%ing to (ee) *% $oice "o&n' I
&a# than(,!+' What he1" "one &a# (in" an" "ecent' He1" gi$en *e at +ea#t one *oe "a% in#i"e the Cit%
&a++#, a chance to #)ea( &ith Mo## -e,oe I e#ca)e"' B!t I ha" ne$e a#(e" ,o hi# he+)'
Cha+e# !--e" hi# ,oehea"' .Yo! #)en" ho!# in the ga"en#, &a+(ing in cic+e#, ta(ing the #a*e )ath
thee ti*e# a# i, it1# a+&a%# ne&' I #ee the &a% %o! #tae o,, &hen &e1e at "inne' It1# +i(e %o!1e in thi#
!n#een &o+" that no one e+#e can each' I (no& %o! ha" ,ee+ing# ,o hi*7/
.I "i"n1t ha$e ,ee+ing# ,o hi*,/ I coecte"' .I +o$e hi*'/
.Lo$e"' He1# gone,/ Cha+e# #ai"' M% &ho+e -o"% &ent igi", a# i, he1" )e##e" hi# ,inge# into a ne&
-!i#e' .I "on1t +i(e &hat ha))ene" eithe, -!t I -e+ie$e %o! co!+" -e ha))%' I -e+ie$e that1# )o##i-+e
#ti++'/
Not &ith %o!' The &o"# &ee #o c+o#e to co*ing o!t' I he+" the* #o*e&hee -ehin" *% teeth, t%ing
not to +a!nch the* !n(in"+%' I #t!"ie" Cha+e#1# ,ace, ho& o""+% ho)e,!+ he +oo(e", hi# e%e# ,i3e" on
*e, &aiting' Ye#, it &o!+" -e ea#ie i, I ,e+t #o*ething ,o hi*' B!t I co!+"n1t ignoe the #*a++, co&a"+%
thing# a-o!t hi*' Ho& he a+&a%# #ai" .&hat ha))ene",/ a# i, Ca+e-1# *!"e &ee #o*e !nco*,ota-+e
"inne )at% &e1" atten"e" &ee(# -e,oe'
.I1* gate,!+ ,o &hat %o! "i" to"a%,/ I #ai"' .B!t it &on1t change ho& I ,ee+'/ Hi# e%e# ,i++e" #!""en+%
an" he t!ne", ho)ing I &o!+"n1t #ee' I ga--e" hi# han" &itho!t thin(ing' I he+" it thee ,o a *o*ent,
,ee+ing the heat in hi# )a+*' E$en hee an" -% *% o&n "oing, it ,e+t #tange an" ,oce"' O! ,inge#
"i"n1t nat!a++% ,o+" into each othe1# the &a% Ca+e-1# an" *ine ha", the ea#e o, it *a(ing it #ee* that
&a# 5!#t the &a% ,inge# &ee #!))o#e" to -e7entang+e" ,oe$e &ith #o*eone e+#e1#' I +et go ,i#t, o!
a*# "o))ing -ac( to o! #i"e#'
He #at on the e"ge o, the -e", hi# e+-o&# on hi# (nee#, ca"+ing hi# hea" in hi# han"#' He &a# *oe
!)#et than I1" e$e #een hi*' I #at "o&n -e#i"e hi*, &atching the #i"e o, hi# ,ace, &aiting !nti+ he
t!ne" to *e' .Te++ *e thi#,/ he #ai" #o,t+%' .Yo! &ee in$o+$e" &ith the e-e+#' I# &hat the%1e #a%ing
t!e0/
I ,i3e" *% ga2e on the ,+oo' .What "o %o! *ean0/ I a#(e"'
.Ho& the% too( the +a-o ca*)#, an" the%1e co*ing hee' Thee ae a++ #ot# o, !*o#7that the%1++
-!n the Cit%, that thee1# a h!ge ,action a+ea"% in#i"e the &a++#'/ He +et hi# hea" ,a++ -ac( a# he #)o(e'
.The% #a% e$e%one &ho &o(# ,o the King &i++ -e e3ec!te"' No one &i++ #!$i$e'/
I e*e*-ee" Mo##1# &aning o, the "i##i"ent# &ho1" -een e)ote" an" (i++e", #o*e tot!e" in#i"e
the Cit% )i#on#' I co!+" not te++ Cha+e# an%thing7I &o!+"n1t' An" %et a# I #at thee, +i#tening to hi#
!ne$en -eath#, I &i#he" thee &a# #o*e &a% I co!+" &an hi*' I e#te" *% han" on hi# -ac(, ,ee+ing
hi# che#t e3)an" tho!gh hi# #hit' .Yo! *ight1$e #a$e" *% +i,e to"a%'/
.An" I &o!+" "o it again'/ He t!ne" an" &ent in the -athoo*, the "oo c+o#ing tight+% -ehin" hi*' I
#at, +i#tening to the ta) !nning, the "a&e# #+i"ing o)en, then -anging #h!t' He &o(e" ,o *% ,athe,
5!#t a# hi# ,athe ha"' In Mo##1# *in" he &a# no -ette than the King' B!t ight then he &a# 5!#t
Cha+e#, the )e#on &ho #to+e )eonie# ,o* the Pa+ace ga"en# -eca!#e he (ne& I +i(e" to )e## the* in
-oo(#' He hate" to*atoe# an" &a# t%annica+ a-o!t ,+o##ing, an" he #o*eti*e# he+" the #*e++ o, the
con#t!ction #ite# in hi# hai, e$en a,te a #ho&e'
I )!++e" on *% nightgo&n an" +a% !n"e the co$e#' He #ta%e" in the #ho&e ,o nea+% an ho!' Then he
,ina++% ,+i))e" o,, the +ight an" c!+e" !) on the +o!nge in the cone, hi# -eath #+o&ing in #+ee)' I
e*aine" a&a(e, #t!"%ing the #ha"o&# on the &a++, t%ing to i*agine &hat it &o!+" -e +i(e to -e hee,
in#i"e the Cit%, &hen the e-e+# ca*e' Ho& +ong &o!+" it ta(e the* to each the Pa+ace0 I i*agine" the
teo o, it, )ict!e" Cha+e# in the #tai&e++, hi# han"# -o!n"' What &o!+" he thin(, &hat &o!+" he #a%
&hen the% ca*e ,o hi*0 The%1" (i++ hi*, I ,e+t cetain o, it no&'
M% +i*-# &ent co+"' I +a% thee, &i++ing *%#e+, to #ta% 4!iet, &i++ing *%#e+, to (ee) the #ecet# I1"
)o*i#e" to (ee)' B!t I (ne& #o*ething e+#e7)eha)# 5!#t a# cetain+%, the tho!ght tightening *%
+!ng#'
He "i"n1t "e#e$e it'
SEVEN
MY FATHER WASN1T AT BREAKFAST' I WAITED, LETTIN: THE SECOND han" *a(e it# #+o&
+a) ao!n" the c+oc(, once an" again' T&o *in!te# )a##e"' He a+&a%# ca*e in at nine, not a #econ"
+ate' B!t #ti++ the e*)t% )+ate #at thee, the #i+$e&ae !nto!che"'
.<!#t one *oe *in!te,/ A!nt Ro#e #ai", no""ing to hi# chai' S&eat an "o&n the #i"e o, hi# &ate
g+a##, )oo+ing on the ta-+e' I )!#he" *% #ti,, egg# ao!n" the )+ate, t%ing to (ee) *% e%e# o,, C+aa an"
Cha+e#' I ha"n1t #+e)t the night -e,oe' To"a%, #itting hee, I ,e+t +i(e I &a# #!o!n"e" -% gho#t#' The
#iege &o!+" ha))en to*oo&, Mo## ha" #ai"' Once #!))ot ,o* the co+onie# ai$e", the% co!+" ta(e
the Pa+ace &ithin the &ee(' That )+an7o! )+an7#ee*e" #o *!ch *oe co*)+icate" no&' No *atte
&hat *% a++egiance# &ee, no *atte &hat ha" -een )o*i#e", ho& co!+" I +ea$e the* a++ hee0
C+aa ,ingee" he #*a++, #ta&9co+oe" -ai"' .Yo! "on1t (no& &hee he i#0/ #he a#(e", he e%e#
*eeting *ine' We ha"n1t #)o(en #ince the ece)tion, &hee #he congat!+ate" *e an" Cha+e# a# i, #he
ha"n1t &itne##e" the e$ent# o, the *oning' He ga2e (e)t catching *ine, an" I (ne& #he &a# "e#)eate
to ta+( to *e' I1" a$oi"e" &a+(ing -% he oo* +a#t night, a,ai" #he1" hea *e an" a#( again a-o!t the
(ni,e an" the tin% -ag I1" t!c(e" a&a% in *% )oc(et' The% &ee &aiting on the -oo(#he+,, ea"% ,o *e
to ta(e the* tonight &hen I +e,t'
Cha+e# t!ne" hi# ,o( o$e in hi# han", !--ing hi# th!*- again#t the #i+$e' I &atche" that #i*)+e
ge#t!e, -inging the ai into *% +!ng#, t%ing to +e##en the na!#ea' It ha" a+ea"% #tate"' M% ,athe
&a# a+ea"% #ic(' It &a# the on+% ea#on he &o!+"n1t -e hee' Mo## ha" &ante" the )oi#oning to go
!n"etecte" ,o a# +ong a# )o##i-+e' He1" ho)e" the i++ne## &o!+" con,!#e the "octo#, an" &hi+e the%
&ee !nning te#t# the e-e+# &o!+" *a(e thei &a% to&a" the Cit%'
.I1* going to go chec( on hi*,/ I #ai", g+ancing ao!n" the ta-+e' .Yo! can #tat &itho!t !#'/
C+aa &atche" *e a# I +e,t the oo*' I "i"n1t "ae +oo( at he' In#tea" I (e)t *% e%e# on the "oo, then
the ha++&a% in ,ont o, *e, on the #)ot &hee it "ea"9en"e" at *% ,athe1# #!ite' I a))e" *% (n!c(+e#
again#t the &oo", +etting *% han" e#t thee ,o a *o*ent,not 4!ite ea"% to go in#i"e' I hea" the ,aint
*!*! o, $oice#' Then thee &ee ,oot#te)# a# #o*eone a))oache" the "oo'
The "octo o)ene" it 5!#t eno!gh #o I co!+" #ee hi# ,ace -!t not the oo* -ehin" hi*' Hi# g+a##e# ha"
#+i" "o&n
.Can I co*e in0/ I #te))e" ,o&a" -!t he he+" the "oo, not +etting *e in#i"e' He )!t !) one ,inge an"
"i#a))eae" ,o a *o*ent, #h!tting it tight+% -ehin" hi*' Thee &a# *oe *!*!ing' I hea" *%
,athe co!gh' Then the "oo #&!ng o)en again'
The #!ite +oo(e" the #a*e a# it ha" the "a% -e,oe, e$e% #!,ace #+ic( an" #hine", the &i"e )+ate9g+a##
&in"o&# e3)o#ing the g+ea*ing Cit% -e+o&' B!t a #o! #tench ha" #ett+e" into e$e%thing' That #*e++7
o, ot an" #&eat7hit *e in an in#tant, #en"ing the -i+e i#ing !) the -ac( o, *% thoat' I #&a++o&e" it
"o&n, co$eing *% no#e &ith *% han"'
The "octo #too" in the "oo&a% to *% ,athe1# -e"oo*, &aiting ,o *e to co*e in#i"e' I -o!ght *%
#ha&+ to *% ,ace a# I entee" the "i* oo*' The c!tain# &ee o)en on+% an inch' A thin #+i$e o, +ight
,e++ aco## the ,+oo an" o$e the en" o, the -e"' The $ent# -+e& a-o$e *e, *a(ing the oo* ,ee+
#*a++e, #t!,,ie, the #&eat a+ea"% co$eing the -ac( o, *% nec('
M% ,athe &a# in -e", a# I1" ne$e #een hi*' Hi# na$% )a5a*a# ha" a "ie" %e++o& #tain on the +a)e+' Hi#
e%e# &ee ha+, c+o#e", an" hi# #(in ha" a #tange ga% h!e I1" #een on+% on the "%ing'
I c+o#e" *% e%e# an" et!ne" to the 4!iet o, he oo*, to the ti*e I1" o)ene" *% *othe1# "oo' She1"
-een #+ee)ing, he hea" t!ne" to one #i"e, the -!i#e# #)ea"ing o!t a+ong he hai+ine' B+oo" &a#
c!#te" -+ac( ao!n" he no#e' I1" #tate" to&a" he, &anting to c!+ !) in the -e", to ha$e he t!c(
he (nee# -eneath *ine the &a% #he a+&a%# "i" &hen #he he+" *e' I c+i*-e" onto the *atte## an" #he
a&o(e, )!#hing -ac( again#t the hea"-oa"' Yo! ha$e to +ea$e, #he #ai", -inging the -+an(et to he
,ace' No&' When #he ,ina++% #h!t the "oo I hea" the +oc( #ett+e, then the #+o& #ca)e o, the chai +eg#,
a# #he "agge" it !n"e the "oo(no-'
.I1* "oing e$e%thing I can #o he1# co*,ota-+e,/ the "octo #ai"' He ti+te" hi# hea", &atching a# I
"a--e" at *% e%e#' .It ha))ene" +ate +a#t night' It1# +i(e+% a $i!#' It1# not the )+ag!e, tho!gh, I can
a##!e %o!'/
I #t!"ie" *% ,athe1# +i)#, the #(in -+i#teing at the cone# o, hi# *o!th' Hi# ,ace change", hi#
e3)e##ion ten#e a# he #t!gg+e" again#t #o*ething !n#een' I (ne& thi# &a# *% "oing7he &a# h!ting
-eca!#e o, *e' No&, in the *i"#t o, it, I ,e+t +i(e I &a# #hin(ing into nothingne##' I1" gone into hi# #!ite
an" )oi#one" hi# *e"ication &hi+e he &aite" o!t#i"e the "oo, thin(ing I &a# #ic(' Hee, +i(e thi#, he
&a# 5!#t the *an &ho1" +o$e" *% *othe' Who1" ,o!n" *e, a,te a++ thi# ti*e, to te++ *e that'
I &ent to hi# #i"e, #taing at hi# han"#, the thic( -+!e $ein# -!+ging -eneath the #!,ace o, hi# #(in' One
&a# #t!c( &ith a #*a++ t!-e, the -+oo" #ti++ &et -eneath the c+ea ta)e that he+" it thee' .It1# *e'/ I
+eane" in #o he co!+" hea' .I ca*e to #ee &hat &a# &ong'/
He t!ne" hi# hea" an" o)ene" hi# e%e#, hi# +i)# c!+ing into the ,ainte#t #*i+e' .<!#t a #to*ach $i!#,
that1# a++'/ He &i)e" the #)it ,o* the cone o, hi# *o!th' .Tonight0/ he a""e", +oo(ing to the "octo'
.Ye#, &e1++ ha$e a *!ch -ette #en#e o, thing# tonight' We1++ #ee i, he1# i*)o$e" at a++' Right no& the
*ain thing i# (ee)ing hi* h%"ate"'/
M% ,athe )e##e" hi# han" to hi# #i"e, hi# -o"% #ti,, an" ten#e' The "octo !#hee" *e -ac(, then
+eane" o$e hi*, +i#tening to hi# -eathing' .Yo! can co*e -ac( +ate to"a%,/ he #ai", ge#t!ing to the
"oo'
I 5!#t #too" thee, &atching the &a% *% ,athe1# ,eet ten#e", hi# toe# )ointe" to the cei+ing, one (nee
ai#e" a# he tie" to -ace hi*#e+, again#t the )ain' He +et o!t a +o&, att+ing -eath, then e+a3e" a +itt+e,
hi# e%e# ,in"ing thei &a% to *e' .Don1t &o%, :ene$ie$e'/ When he #*i+e" it +oo(e" +i(e he &a# t%ing
not to c%' .It &i++ )a##'/
I #tae" at the ,+oo, at the #&i+ing )atten in the ca)et, the thin #+i$e o, +ight *o$ing &ith the c!tain'
I tho!ght o, *% *othe' Wo!+" #he -e "i#g!#te" &ith *e no&, he "a!ghte &ho1" "one the#e thing# to
#o*eone #he ha" +o$e"0 No *atte ho& *an% "eath# he &a# e#)on#i-+e ,o, ha"n1t I no& "one the
#a*e thing0 Wa# I no -ette0
I t!ne" to go, )a!#ing in the "oo&a% a# he co!ghe", ,+inching at each o, the &et, cho(e" ga#)#' It &a#
too +ate' It &a# "one' No& I on+% ho)e" he &o!+"n1t ha$e to #ta% +i(e thi#, ha+, a+i$e, ,o *!ch
+onge' Let it -e 4!ic(, I #ai", #)ea(ing to #o*e na*e+e##, ,ace+e## ,oce, +i(e a++ tho#e )a%e# I1" hea"
!ttee" at the *e*oia+#' Let it en"'
EIGHT
THE DAY WAS FADIN:' THE SKY SPREAD OUT ABO>E US, A PALE oange a&ning &ith on+%
a ,aint, )a##ing c+o!"' I ,ingee" a china teac!), )e##ing the thin han"+e -et&een *% ,inge#' It &a#
C+aa &ho1" &ante" to co*e hee' A,te I1" a$oi"e" he a++ "a%, #he1" ,o!n" *e in the Pa+ace ga++e% an"
in#i#te" &e go ,o a &a+( "o&n the *ainoa"' I co!+"n1t -ing *%#e+, to #a% an%thing, not a# &e )a##e"
the o+" >enetian ga"en# o the +ate#t hote+ that ha" -een con$ete" to a)at*ent#' She &aite", he
#te)# in ti*e &ith *ine, -!t it &a#n1t !nti+ &e eache" the oo,to) e#ta!ant at the en" o, the oa" that
eithe o, !# ,o!n" the co!age to #)ea('
.<!#t te++ *e,/ C+aa &hi#)ee"' She #et he han" on to) o, *ine an" +e,t it thee' .Di" %o! ha$e
an%thing to "o &ith &hat ha))ene" to %o! ,athe0 The% #a% he1# getting &o#e'/
I #t!"ie" he -+oo"e" )o+i#h, the th!*-nai+ that &a# chi))e" in the cone' The ta-+e# #!o!n"ing !#
&ee e*)t%, -!t nea+% ,i,t% )eo)+e &ee #ti++ on the oo,, +ingeing a,te +!nch' An o+"e *an &ith ,i22%
ga% hai #at a ,e& %a"# a&a%, occa#iona++% g+ancing at !#, then -ac( to hi# ne&#)a)e' .I &a# !)#et
%e#te"a%'/ I #h!gge"' .Yo! #ho!+"n1t ha$e #een &hat %o! "i"'/
She #at ,o&a", -oth e+-o&# on the ta-+e, an" e#te" he ,ace in he han"#' .I "on1t (no& &hat e+#e I
nee" to "o ,o %o! to t!#t *e' I1$e (e)t e$e% one o, %o! #ecet#'/
I &atche" the t&o #o+"ie# -ehin" he' The%1" ,o++o&e" !# hee an" &ee no& #itting at a ta-+e in the
cone o, the e#ta!ant, eating the tin% tiang!+a #an"&iche# in one -ite' .It1# not that,/ I #ai" 4!iet+%'
.I 5!#t can1t'/
The &aite##, an o+"e &o*an &ith #catche" g+a##e#, )a!#e" to e,i++ o! c!)#' We &ee 4!iet &hi+e #he
#too" thee, ho$eing o$e !#' E$e% #o o,ten )eo)+e t!ne" ,o* thei )+ate# to #ee &hat &e &ee "oing'
We +oo(e" co*ica++% o$e"e##e" ,o +ate9a,tenoon tea, C+aa in a go&n that #)ea" o!t at the &ai#t,
he onate !-% eaing# nea+% to!ching he #ho!+"e#' On A+ina1# in#i#tence *% hai &a# "one in c!+#,
a -!n"+e o, the* )inne" at the na)e o, *% nec(' M% na$% go&n &a# #hee at the to), the *e#h #+ee$e#
tight ao!n" *% a*#, )o$i"ing +itt+e e+ie, ,o* the go&ing co+"' C+aa "i"n1t +oo( at *e, in#tea"
&aiting !nti+ the &o*an #tate" -ac( aco## the oo,'
She t!ne" a&a% ,o* the e#t o, the ta-+e#, #taing o!t o$e the Cit%, cae,!+ #o no one &o!+" #ee he
,ace' .Yo!1e going to +ea$e, aen1t %o!'/ She #ai" it a# a #tate*ent, not a 4!e#tion, he e3)e##ion
!n#tea"%'
.I can1t "o thi# no& ' ' '/ I #tate", -!t *% $oice tai+e" o,, a# I &atche" he' She -it "o&n ha" on one o,
he nai+#, t!ning it #i"e&a%#, a# i, #he1" i) it o,,'
.I1* #o a,ai"'/ She #ai" it #o +o& I co!+" -ae+% hea he'
So*ething in#i"e o, *e -o(e' The% &o!+" a++ -e (i++e" hee i, I +e,t the*' Mo## &o!+" -ethe on+%
one in#i"e the Pa+ace &ho co!+" #to) it, an" e$en then, I &on"ee" i, he &o!+"' I co!+"n1t "o thi# again,
the con#tant +oo(ing -ac(, i*agining the thing# I co!+" ha$e "one to #a$e the*' I +o&ee" *% hea",
e#ting *% ,inge# on *% -o& to #hie+" *% ,ace' .We #ho!+"n1t ta+( hee,/ I #ai"'
It &a# #o *!ch ea#ie to +ea$e, &a#n1t it0 I #a& *% ,athe in *e, that 4!iet, co&a"+% #i"e o, hi* that
ha"n1t an#&ee" *% *othe1# +ette#, that ha" +e,t !# in that ho!#e, ta))e" -ehin" -aica"e#, &aiting
to "ie' The tho!ght ,i++e" *e &ith "ea"' He &o!+" -e &ith *e, a )at o, *e a+&a%#, &hethe he +i$e" o
"ie"'
.I *ight not -e a-+e to ta(e %o!,/ I *!ttee"' .B!t I1++ -e cetain %o!1e #a,e'/ I &o!+"n1t +ea$e !nti+
Mo## )o*i#e" the* )otection7Cha+e#, C+aa, an" he *othe'
C+aa "o))e" he hea" -ac(, +etting he hai ,a++ a&a% ,o* he ,ace' He e%e# &ee g+a##%' .So it i#
ha))ening' A++ the !*o# ae t!e'/
.I )o*i#e I &on1t +et an%thing ha))en to %o!,/ I #ai", !na-+e to con,i* it'
.Ho& +ong ha# it -een0/ She #hoo( he hea"' .Di" %o! e$e c!t contact &ith the"i##i"ent#0/
I +et o!t a -eath, t%ing to #to) the te*-+ing in *% han"#' .Thee1# a contact in the Pa+ace &ho &i++
,in" %o! &hen it ha))en#' Yo! *othe an" Cha+e#, too' Wait ,o hi*'/
She +eane" ,o&a" an" the tea# ca*e ,a#t, to!ching "o&n on the *a-+e ta-+e' I e#te" *% han" on
he &i#t an" #4!ee2e", t%ing to te++ he e$e%thing !n#ai"' I &on1t +et the* h!t %o!' I &ante" to *o$e
*% chai -e#i"e he, to ,o+" *% a*# ao!n" he #ho!+"e#, )!++ing he to *e' B!t it &a# too i#(% hee'
It &o!+" -e too o-$io!# #he &a# c%ing, an" then thee &o!+" -e 4!e#tion#'
I #t!"ie" the &i#)# o, ,ine hai that a+&a%# ,a*e" C+aa1# ,ace e$en tho!gh he *othe tie" "e#)eate+%
to #*ooth the* -ac( &ith hai#)a%' He no#e &a# a +itt+e t!ne" !) at the en"' It co!+" -e *onth# !nti+
I &a# -ac( in#i"e the Cit%' I &ante" to ,i3 he in *% *in" in a &a% I ha"n1t &ith A"en o Pi)' No& the%
a))eae" *o#t $i$i"+% in "ea*#' When I tie" to e*e*-e #o*ething *oe #)eci,ic7a ge#t!e, the
#o!n" o, thei $oice7I co!+"n1t' It (e)t getting ha"e, the *onth# )a##ing 4!ic(+% &itho!t &o" ,o*
the*' I tho!ght o, ta(ing a )hoto o, C+aa, *a%-e one o, !# that ha" !n in the ne&#)a)e in the )a#t
&ee(#, *% a* thea"e" tho!gh he# a# &e &a+(e" in the Pa+ace ga"en#'
Tonight, at *% ,ina+ *eeting &ith Mo##, I1" *a(e #!e the% &ee (e)t #a,e'
C+aa #&i)e" he chee(# &ith the -ac(# o, he han"#' .Thi# i# going to #o!n" ca2%,/ #he #tate"'
.T% *e ' ' '/
At that he +i)# t&i#te" into a ha+, #*i+e' .The gi+# *% age &ho &een1t o)hane" &ee ne$e e3act+%
(een on #)en"ing ti*e &ith the King1# niece' The% !#e" to #a% I &a# #t!c(9!)'/
I #*i+e", e*e*-eing the ,i#t ti*e I *et C+aa, ho& #he1" gi$en *e a 4!ic(, "i#ceningonce9o$e,
a##e##ing *% #hoe#, *% hai, an" *% "e## a# tho!gh it &ee on one o, the #ho) *anne4!in#' .Nooo,/ I
5o(e"' .I "on1t -e+ie$e it'/
C+aa #*oothe" "o&n the thin -ai" that he+" -ac( he hai' .Ma%-e I1* not #o #!)i#e",/ #he #ai"'
.B!t no& I can1t i*agine thing# &itho!t %o!'/
In the "a%# a,te the &e""ing, C+aa ha" -een the one &ho1" -o!ght *% *ea+# into the #!ite, &hen I
e,!#e" to #ee an%one e+#e' Tho#e ,i#t &ee(# #he1" ne$e once #)o(en a-o!t Cha+e#, no *atte ho&
#tange it *!#t1$e -een to #ee hi* *aie", to ha$e to +oo( on an"#*i+e a# he #&oe hi*#e+, to *e'
In#tea" #he c!+e" !) -e#i"e *e, he han" on *% -ac( a# I eco!nte" &hat ha" ha))ene" to Ca+e-'
.I1++ #ee %o! again,/ I #ai", -!t e$en then I (ne& ho& ha" it &o!+" -e'
She &i)e" he e%e#' .Yo!1e ,ee+ing -ette0/ #he a#(e", he ga2e "o))ing ,o a *o*ent to *%
*i"#ection'
.It co*e# an" goe#'/ I tie" not to +oo( at the ha+,9eaten #an"&iche# on he )+ate, &hee a )a+e )iece o,
chic(en +a% e3)o#e", the *eat an" *a%onnai#e ta(ing on a hea$%, #ic(ening #*e++'
.An" Ca+e-0/ #he a#(e"'
I *o$e" *% )+ate to the e"ge o, the ta-+e, a&a% ,o* *e' Late+% I "i"n1t ta+( a-o!t hi* a# *!ch,
ea+i2ing it &a# i*)o##i-+e ,o an%one to !n"e#tan" &hat I ,e+t' That &a# &hat I e*e*-ee" *o#t
a-o!t the "a%# a,te he "ie"7the o-+igato% Ho& ae %o!0# that &ee e$e%&hee in the Cit%' Mo## an"
C+aa ha" a#(e" &ith c+ea intention#, -!t e$en the #i*)+e#t tan#action#7the o)ening o, a "oo, the
)!cha#e o, #o*ething &ithin the Pa+ace *a++7&o!+" e+icit the*, the innocent, ea#% 4!e#tion ta(ing on
*oe &eight' With each an#&e I &a# )!#he" ,!the into gie,, the #*a++, e*)t% e#)on#e# *a(ing *e
,ee+ *oea+one in *% +one+ine##'
.That co*e# an" goe#, too,/ I #ai"'
.M% *othe #ai" the%1++ (no& -% tonight,/ C+aa &ent on' .A-o!t the King'/
She )a!#e", &aiting ,o *% e)+%, -!t I 5!#t #hoo( *% hea"' .I can1t "i#c!## it,/ I &hi#)ee", *% ga2e
"ating aco## the oo,' Both #o+"ie# &ee #tan"ing no&, thei han"# #hie+"ing thei e%e# a# the% +oo(e"
o!t, o$e the Cit%' A ,e& )eo)+e at the #!o!n"ing ta-+e# o#e ,o* thei chai#, t%ing to #ee &hat the%
#a&'
I ,o++o&e" thei ga2e -e%on" the &a++' In the "&in"+ing +ight it &a# ha" to "eci)he, -!t one )ointe" to
an aea o, #an"9co$ee" -!i+"ing#' The a"io at hi# -e+t cac(+e"' Fo the ,i#t ti*e I notice" that the to)
o, the Stato#)hee to&e ha" change"co+o#, a e", )!+#ing +ight a))eaing at the ti) o, the nee"+e'
So*ething -et&een the -!i+"ing# *o$e"' The #ha"o&# on the go!n" change" a# the *en "ate" ,o*
one -!i+"ing to the ne3t' The% co!+"n1t ha$e -een *oe than a ha+,9*i+e-e%on" the Cit%' Ma%-e +e##' I
+eane" in, t%ing to a+et C+aa, &hen the ,i#t #hot# #o!n"e"' An e3)+o#ion &ent o,, on the othe #i"e o,
the &a++, the #*o(e -+ac(, -i++o&ing !) in a thic(, i))+ing #tea*'
The &o*an -e#i"e !# )ointe" to the #o!then O!t+an"#' Fig!e# "ate" "o&n the #teet, #canning the
-!i+"ing# ,o #o+"ie#' E$en ,o* !) high &e co!+" #ee thei a*# o!t#tetche" an" hea the )o))ing
#o!n" o, g!n,ie a# the% *o$e" #&i,t+% to&a" the cente o, the Cit%' .The% ae in#i"e the &a++#,/ #he
#ai"' .The%1$e gotten in#i"e'/
.That1# i*)o##i-+e,/ a *an -ehin" !# e#)on"e"' C+aa t!ne" to *e, #eaching *% ,ace' I (ne& &hat
#he &a# a#(ing' Wee thee *oe t!nne+# +i(e the one Ca+e- ha" -een &o(ing on0 Wa# thee a &a% to
get )a#t the &a++, "e#)ite &hat e$e%one tho!ght0 I no""e", a -ae+% )ece)ti-+e %e#'
One #o+"ie *o$e" to the othe #i"e o, the oo,, -+oc(ing the e3it' The )eo)+e in the e#ta!ant &ee
eei+% #ti++' A &o*an ha" ,o2en in the *i"#t o, he con$e#ation, he +i)# #+ight+% )ate", he c!)
)eche" in the ai'
.So*eone he+) *e,/ the #o+"ie #ai", )ointing to the #e$ing cat# an" ta-+e# #!o!n"ing the e3it' .We
ha$e to *o$e the#e'/
He "agge" a ta-+e in ,ont o, the #tai&e++ "oo#, -+oc(ing the on+% entance' B!t it &a#n1t !nti+ the
othe #o+"ie #)o(e that an%one *o$e"'
.Co*e on, )eo)+e?/ he #ai", ai#ing hi# $oice to a %e++' .Can1t %o! #ee &hat1# ha))ening0 The Cit% i#
!n"e attac('/
NINE
AN HOUR PASSED' THE AIR SMELLED OF SMOKE' FROM THE ROOFTOP &e co!+" #ee a ,ie
#)ea"ing in the O!t+an"#, 5!#t -e%on" the o+" ai)+ane hanga#' Moe e-e+# ha" *a"e it into the Cit%,
,ighting a+ong &ith the o))o#ition in#i"e' Scea*# o#e !) ,o* the *ain oa"' I (e)t *% e%e# on the
#teet# -e+o&, &atching )eo)+e "at into -!i+"ing#, #o*e t%ing to *a(e it "o&n the Sti), -ac( to thei
a)at*ent#' E3)+o#ion# #o!n"e" a+ong the &a++' The at9tat9tat o, *achine g!n# &a# #o con#tant I no
+onge ,+inche"'
.Yo! #ai" &e ha" ti*e #ti++,/ C+aa &hi#)ee"' He han" &a# c+!tching *% &i#t, he ,inge# "igging in
*% #(in a# &e +oo(e" o$e the Cit%'
.I tho!ght &e "i"'/ M% $oice &a# #tange+% ca+*' The #o+"ie# e,!#e" to +et !# *o$e the ta-+e# #tac(e"
again#t the #tai&e++ "oo#, -+oc(ing the oo,1# on+% entance' Mo#t o, the )eo)+e #too" at the ai+ing,
&atching the ,ighting' Not *an% #)o(e' A &o*an ha" )!++e" o!t a ca*ea an" &a# ta(ing )ict!e#,
)hotoga)hing the ,+a*e# that con#!*e" a &aeho!#e in the O!t+an"#'
:!n#hot# #o!n"e" #o*e&hee in the #o!then )at o, the Cit%, &hee ,ie# -!ne", thei ,+a*e# !ge"
on -% the &in"' Thee &ee h!n"e"# o!t#i"e the gate# no&, a geat *a## o, )eo)+e, ,iing !) at the
#o+"ie# #tatione" a+ong the &a++1# &atchto&e#' Fo* &hee &e &ee &e co!+" #ee 5!#t a #+i$e o, the
noth gate an" the #!""en ,+a#h o, e3)+o#ion# -e%on" it' The #i+ho!ette# -+en"e" togethe in the
go&ing "a(ne##, one in"i#ting!i#ha-+e ,o* the ne3t'
The o+"e *an &ith &hite hai &a# #itting &ith hi# -ac( h!nche", hi# a*# ,o+"e" on the ai+ing'
Anothe *an, no *oe than ,ot%, #too" -e#i"e !#' .The%1++ ne$e *a(e it tho!ghthe gate#,/ he #ai"'
.Thee &a# an attac( ,i$e %ea# ago' A gang *a"e -o*-# &ithga#o+ine' It *!#t1$e -!ne" ,o an entie
"a%7the &ho+e noth en" o, the &a++ &a# con#!*e"' E$en the% co!+"n1t get )a#t' Whate$e iot# ae
going on in the O!t+an"# #ho!+" -e conto++e" &ithin a co!)+e o, ho!#' No nee" to -e ,ightene"'/ He
-o&e" #+ight+%, hi# e3)e##ion #o eane#t, a# i, he a+one ha" the )o&e to ea##!e !#'
I t!ne" -ac(, t%ing to catch a g+i*)#e o, the #o!then en" o, the &a++, &hee one o, the e*aining
t!nne+# +a%' The *an &a# &ong7the e-e+# &o!+" *a(e it into the Cit%, i, the% ha"n1t a+ea"%' Mo##
ha" "e#ci-e" it in "etai+6 ho& the noth gate &o!+" -e attac(e" ,i#t, then, once the #o+"ie# ha" -een
ca++e" to that e"ge o, the &a++, anothe &a$e o, e-e+# &o!+" *o$e tho!gh one o, the e*aining t!nne+#
an" into the O!t+an"#, -inging in a""itiona+ #!))+ie#' No& that the #iege ha" #tate", I co!+"n1t -e
cetain &hen the e-e+# &o!+" each the Cit% cente' B!t i, &e &een1t -ac( in the Pa+ace, &ith Mo##,
&hen the% #&e)t tho!gh, &e1" -oth -e "ea"'
I #tate" to&a" the e3it, )!++ing C+aa &ith *e' .We nee" to +ea$e,/ I &hi#)ee" to he' .I "on1t (no&
ho& *!ch ti*e &e ha$e'/
A #*a++ co&" ha" ,o*e" -% the e3it, )e))eing the #o+"ie# &ith 4!e#tion#' A #hot &o*an #too" in
,ont o, the*, he han"# ge#t!ing ,antica++%' No& that the #!n ha" #et, #he1" -oo&e" a #hot e"
5ac(et ,o* the &aiting #ta,, to (ee) &a*' .B!t I ha$e to go,/ #he #ai", he $oice !ne$en' .M% #on# ae
5!#t t&o -+oc(# #o!th o, hee' What i, the e-e+# *a(e it tho!gh the gate0 What &i++ &e "o then0/
.The% &on1t *a(e it tho!gh the gate'/ The #o+"ie1# hea" &a# co*)+ete+% #ha$e"' The #(in at the -ac(
o, hi# nec( ca*e togethe in thic(, )in( ,o+"#' .We1e *oe concene" ight no& &ith
the "i##i"ent# in#i"e the Cit%' It1# #a,e hee than "o&n on the #teet'/
Thee *en #too" -e#i"e he, +i#tening' One eache" o$e the #o+"ie1# a* an" )!#he" atthe to)
o, the *eta+ "oo, #eeing i, it &o!+" gi$e' .:et -ac(?/ the othe #o+"ie %e++e"' He %an(e" the co++a o,
the *an1# #hit, )!++ing hi* a&a%'
The *an #t!gg+e" ,ee o, the #o+"ie1# gi)' .We ha$e ,a*i+ie# &e nee" to get to' What i# it to %o! i, &e
&ant to +ea$e0/
.The%1e ight,/ I #ai"' .Ho& +ong ae &e e3)ecte" to #ta% !) hee0/
The hea$% #o+"ie g+ance" #i"e&a%# at hi# co++eag!e' .The#e &ee %o! ,athe1# o"e#'/ He +oo(e" +e##
cetain no&, a# a ,e& othe# *o$e" to&a" the e3it' .The% nee" )eo)+e o,, the oa" #o the <ee)# can
)a##' The%1e #!))o#e" to e*ain hee' It1# 5!#t ,o no&'/
.We1e 5!#t #!))o#e" to #it hee0/ One o, the *en -% the "oo ha" ta(en o,, hi# #!it 5ac(et, e$ea+ing a
#&eat9#taine" #hit' .What a-o!t o! ,a*i+ie#0/ A ,e& ta-+e# &ee #ti++ -+oc(ing the e3it' He ga--e" the
+eg#, )!++ing one o, the* -ac(' .So*eone he+) *e *o$e the#e'/
The hea$% #o+"ie &ent to #to) hi*, -!t I too( hi# a*' .Yo! ha$e to +et !# +ea$e,/ I #ai"' Anothe
e3)+o#ion &ent o,, in the O!t+an"#, the #*o(e i#ing !) in a #!""en *a##i$e c+o!"' I #tee+e" *%#e+,
again#t it' .A++ o, !#' I, &e #ta% hee *!ch +onge &e1++ -e ta))e"'/
.E$e,/ C+aa &hi#)ee"' .Ma%-e the%1e ight' Ma%-e &e 5!#t ha$e to &ait it o!t' We #ho!+"n1t ag!e
&ith the*'/ She &atche" the hea$% #o+"ie ea"5!#t hi# i,+e a# the co&" *o$e"'
B!t I )!#he" ,o&a", ga--ing one o, the chai# ,o* the to) o, the )i+e an" )a##ing it -ac( to he' T&o
ta-+e# &ee &e"ge" again#t the "oo' I #+i" the -otto* one #i"e&a%# a+ong the oo,1# e"ge' The #o+"ie
ho$ee" thee, !ncetain &hethe to #to) *e'
The ho++o&, )o))ing #o!n" o, e3)+o#i$e# &a# *!ch +o!"e than -e,oe' .We nee" to go no&,/ anothe
*an %e++e"' He &a# in a &aite1# !ni,o*, the $e#t !n"one' He )!#he" hi# &a% tho!gh to the ,ont o,
the co&"'
The )eo)+e -ehin" hi* ,o++o&e", (noc(ing !# ,o&a"' The #o+"ie )e##e" one a* -ac( again#t the
*an1# che#t, t%ing to #to) hi*, -!t the co&" (e)t *o$ing' A &o*an ,e++ into *e, an" &e )!#he"
to&a" the "oo#' She &a# #o c+o#e I co!+" #*e++ the co,,ee on he -eath'
M% (nee# ,a+tee"' I +o#t ho+" o, C+aa1# han"' Thee &a# #ho!ting a# the co&" *o$e" in one geat
*a##' The "oo# ga$e #!""en+%, an" e$e%one +!che" ,o&a"' A %o!nge&o*an &ith a e" hat #te))e"
o$e the chai# that ha" -een )o))e" again#t the e3it' A# &e an "o&n the #tai#, #)!e" on -% the
"en#e ,+o& o, )anic(e" )eo)+e, I +oo(e" !) to #ee t&o o, the *en ho+"ing the #o+"ie again#t the &a++
&hi+e the e#t o, the co&" )a##e"'
It &a# 4!iet a# &e #)ia+e" "o&n the #tai&e++, &atching o! ,eet, o! #te)# echoing on the concete' An
o+"e *an #to))e" in ,ont o, *e, )anting, hi# han"# on hi# (nee#' A ,e& )eo)+e "ate" )a#t hi*, nea+%
(noc(ing hi* ,o&a" a# the% "i"' .It1# a++ ight,/ I #ai", ta(ing hi* -% the a*' .One at a ti*e'/
We contin!e" "o&n !nti+ the #tai&e++ #)it !# o!t on the -otto* ,+oo o, the eno$ate" hote+' The
#)a&+ing +o--% &a# e*)t%' The o+" ga*ing *achine# &ee co$ee" &ith #heet#' Each e#ta!ant &a#
c+o#e", "oo a,te "oo +oc(e"' The co&" "i#)e#e" tho!gh the *a2e o, ha++&a%#, t%ing the "i,,eent
e3it# &hi+e I &aite" ,o C+aa' .Than( %o!, Pince##,/ the o+"e *an #ai" a# he #tate" tho!gh one o, the
"a( ha++#' I &atche" hi* go !nti+ he &a# a tin% #)ec(, #&a++o&e" -% "a(ne##'
The #i+ence tei,ie" *e' Be%on" the g+a## "oo# the *ain oa" &a# "e#o+ate e3ce)t ,o a +one,
)a##ing <ee)' A #o+"ie an -% on the #i"e&a+(, the #o!n" o, hi# ,oot#te)# ece"ing, et!ning the &o+"
to it# 4!iet )+ace'
The #ti++ne## &a# -o(en -% the 4!ic( )o))ing o, g!n#hot#' A ,aa&a% $oice ca++e" o!t ,o* a #i"e
ha++&a%, .O$e hee7I ,o!n" an e3it tho!gh the -ac(?/
C+aa an o!t o, the #tai&e++, ho+"ing !) he "e## #o #he "i"n1t ti)' Watching he no&, c+!tching the
a&9#i+( go&n that #)ea" o!t at he &ai#t, he "e+icate nec( "ecoate" &ith a !-% )en"ant, I
!n"e#too" ho& *!ch "ange &e &ee in' We &ee #o o-$io!#+% ,o* the Pa+ace7o! hai )inne" !),
o! go&n# in c!#to* ,a-ic# that &ee nea+% i*)o##i-+e to ,in" no&, #o *an% %ea# a,te the )+ag!e'
A *an )!#he" )a#t !#, hi# 5ac(et #+!ng o$e hi# a*' .Si?/ I #ho!te" a# he an to&a" a "a( ha++&a%'
He "i"n1t #+o& "o&n' In#tea" he g+ance" o$e hi# #ho!+"e, hi# ,ace in )o,i+e' .Can &e ha$e %o!
5ac(et0 We can1t go o!t thee +i(e thi#' I, a e-e+ #ee# !# &e1++ -e #hot'/
He #+o&e" ,o a *o*ent a# he con#i"ee" it' Then he too( o,, "o&n a "i* coi"o an" 5!#t "o))e" the
5ac(et, +ea$ing it thee on the ,+oo ,o !# to )ic( !)' A ,e& &o*en ,i+e" )a#t a,te hi*, "ating ao!n"
it, !nti+ C+aa an" I &ee a+one in the e*)t% +o--%'
I "a)e" the 5ac(et o$e C+aa1# #ho!+"e#' Then I !n)inne" *% hai, +etting it ,a++ +oo#e #o it co$ee" the
#i"e# o, *% ,ace an" to) o, *% go&n' It &a# on+% a ,i,teen9*in!te &a+( -ac( to the Pa+ace, *a%-e +e##,
an" &e co!+"n1t #ta% hee an" &ait' We ,o++o&e" the e#t o, the co&" "o&n the e*)t% ha++, *o$ing
,o&a" into the "a('
TEN
THE MAIN ROAD WAS EMPTY E@CEPT FOR A FEW OTHERS WHO &ee t%ing to get -ac( to thei
a)at*ent# on the Sti)' Meta+ -aica"e# ha" -een )!t !), -+oc(ing the &e#t #i"e o, the #teet,
)e$enting )eo)+e ,o* )a##ing tho!gh' A <ee) o"e )a#t an" &e #to))e", &aiting ,o the* to
ecogni2e !#, -!t the $ehic+e 5!#t (e)t *o$ing, the #o+"ie1# e%e# +oc(e" on the #o!then e"ge o, the &a++'
I g+ance" at the #(%, &atching the #*o(e i#e !) in a ha2e, -+an(eting the #ta#' Thee &a# an oange
g+o& co*ing ,o* the noth, &hee the ,ie# ge& in the O!t+an"#' T&o g!n#hot# #o!n"e" in
#!cce##ion, then a &o*an1# #cea*'
.Whee i# that #ho)0/ I a#(e" C+aa, h!%ing o!t ahea" o, he' I +oo(e" to the ea#t, &hee the #i"e
#teet# o)ene" !) to #toe# an" e#ta!ant#' .We )a##e" it one "a% &hi+e &e &ee &a+(ing, an" %o! #ai"
e$e%one -o!ght c+othe# thee'/
.It1# 5!#t anothe -+oc('/ She )ointe" to the cone ten %a"# ahea"' I #)e" !), !nning a# ,a#t a# I co!+"
in the +ong #(it, the t!++e !n"e)inning #catching at *% +eg#' I "i"n1t #to) !nti+ I1" t!ne" onto the
4!iet #i"e #teet' The #ho) &a# 5!#t t&o "oo# in ,o* the oa"' I tie" the "oo -!t it "i"n1t gi$e'
.The oc(#,/ I #ai", )ointing to the -!#he# that +ine" the *ain #ti)' The% &ee )+ante" -e#i"e
the #i"e&a+(, the "it #!o!n"e" -% hea$% #tone#' .Pa## *e one'/
C+aa ,o!n" a +age oc( -% the -a#e o, the oot# an" han"e" it to *e' I ai*e" at the cente o, the
g+a## "oo, +a!nching it tho!gh the &in"o& 5!#t a-o$e the han"+e' The g+a###hattee" ao!n" it,
#)+intee" an" &hite, +i(e c!#he" ice' The a+a* #o!n"e", an e+ectic ho&+ #o +o!" I ,e+t the $i-ation#
in *% che#t' I !n+oc(e" the "oo an" an in#i"e, to&a" the -ac(, &hee #hit# h!ng on a ac('
C+aa !n2i))e" the -ac( o, *% go&n, he+)ing *e o!t o, it' I )!++e" a -+ac( -+o!#e o,, the ac(, then
#o*e to!#e#' C+aa "e##e" 4!ic(+%, ga--ing anothe #hit ,o* a hange an" #+i))ing on a )ai o,
#hoe#' A# #he (ne+t "o&n to tie the*, the a+a* contin!e" it# hoi-+e &ai+' I +oo(e" o!t the #hattee"
"oo, #cae" it &o!+" "a& attention, -!t on+% one )e#on "ate" )a#t' The% ha"+% g+ance" at the #toe
a# the% an'
.The#e too,/ I #ai", ga--ing t&o hat# ,o* a ta-+e on o! &a% o!t' We )!++e" the* "o&n o$e o! e%e#
an" i**e"iate+% I ,e+t *oe at ea#e, #te))ing -ac( onto the *ain oa"'
We an in #i+ence, o! hea"# "o&n, #taing at the )a$e*ent' Moe g!n,ie co!+" -e hea" #o*e&hee in
the noth, then an e3)+o#ion that cac(e" an" o++e" +i(e th!n"e, #ha(inge$e%thing ao!n" !#' A
&o*an an !) the *ain oa", co$eing he ea# &ith he han"#' An o+"e *an &a# ight -ehin" he, hi#
5ac(et -+ac( &ith "it, hi# ight )ant +eg i))e" at the (nee' The% #+o&e" "o&n a# the% )a##e"' The
&o*an )ointe" o$e he #ho!+"e' .The%1e co*ing !) ,o* the #o!th,/ #he %e++e"' .Thee ae h!n"e"#
o, the*' Bo%# ,o* the ca*)#, too'/
The *an +ingee" at the cone ,o a *o*ent, hi# &i,e1# han" c+!tche" in hi#' .:oo" +!c( to %o! -oth'/
A ,ie ha" #tate" in an o+" &aeho!#e' B+ac( #*o(e i))+e" !) ,o* a -o(en &in"o&, the ai #ha)
&ith the #*e++ o, -!ne" )+a#tic' I &atche" the -en" in the oa" a# &e an, &aiting ,o the Pa+ace to
a))ea -e%on" it' I co!+" hea C+aa1# -eath# -ehin" *e an" the "!++ #o!n" o, he #hoe# on the
)a$e*ent' S+o&+% it ca*e into $ie&' The +ight# -e+o& the #tat!e# ha" -een t!ne" o,,,
the #i+ho!ette# 5!#t $i#i-+e again#t the tee#' The ,o!ntain# &ee #ti++' Do2en# o, #o+"ie# +ine" the noth
en" o, the *a++, the <ee)# )a(e" on the #i"e&a+(, -+oc(ing the entance#'
I he+" *% han"# in ,ont o, *e, #ho&ing the* I &a# !na*e"' We #tate" !) the +ong "i$e&a%, the thin
tee# i#ing !) on eithe #i"e o, !#' A #o+"ie -% the ,ont entance #)otte" !# ,i#t, -inging hi# g!n
"o&n, )ointing to &hee &e #too"' I )a!#e" thee, C+aa ne3t to *e, &atching a# t&o othe #o+"ie#
a))oache"' .It1# :ene$ie$e,/ I #ai"' I )!++e" o,, *% hat, e$ea+ing *% ,ace' .C+aa an" I &ee ta))e" on
the othe en" o, the oa"'/
One o, the #o+"ie# )!++e" a ,+a#h+ight ,o* hi# -e+t, !nning it o$e the -+ac( )ant# an" -+o!#e# &e1"
#to+en ,o* the #toe' He e#te" it ,o a *o*ent on *% ,ace, an" I #4!inte" again#t the +ighte" -ea*'
.O! a)o+ogie#, Pince##,/ I hea" hi* #a%, e)eating it a# the ,ig!e# an to&a" !#' .We "i"n1t
ecogni2e %o! in tho#e c+othe#'/
The% e#cote" !# on -oth #i"e#, -inging !# into the Pa+ace1# *ain ,+oo, &hee the *a-+e #tat!e#
#too", the &o*en1# a*# ai#e" to the cei+ing in geeting' B!t e$en a,te &e &ee in the e+e$ato, i#ing
a-o$e the Cit%, thee &a# no #en#e o, e+ie,' I tho!ght on+% o, Mo##, o, the a*% co*ing ,o* the
co+onie#, &on"eing &hen an" ho& I1" e#ca)e'
I SAT ON THE ED:E OF THE BATHTUB, THE RADIO IN MY HANDS' I1" co$ee" the #*a++ #)ea(e
&ith a to&e+, a,ai" Cha+e# &o!+" hea it ,o* the -e"oo*' He1" -een on a #ite in the O!t+an"# &hen
the #iege -egan an" &a# ta(en -ac( in a go$en*ent ca' A -o%, no *oe than #i3teen, ha" tho&n a
,+a*ing -ott+e at a <ee)' He1" "e#ci-e" ho& it -o(e again#t the !n"ecaiage, igniting the #eat, &hee
t&o #o+"ie# &ee' E$en a,te Cha+e# +a% "o&n ,o the night, he (e)t hi# e%e# o)en, hi# ,ace ,i3e" in a
#tange e3)e##ion' He #tae" at a #)ot -e%on" the ,+oo, +oo(ing at #o*ething I co!+"n1t #ee'
I t&i#te" the a"io on, t!ning it )a#t the Cit% #tation# an" )atche# o, e*)t% #tatic, to the ,i#t +ine Mo##
ha" *a(e" in )en' A *e##age c!t the 4!iet, inte!)te" -% an occa#iona+ +o& cac(+e' It &a# a *an1#
$oice, #tinging togethe #e$ea+ !nconnecte" tho!ght# that &o!+" #ee* +i(e gi--ei#h to an%one
!n,a*i+ia &ith the co"e#' I tie" to e*e*-e Mo##1# "iection# e3act+%, the n!*-e# he !#e" to *a(e
#en#e o, it' The *e##age &o!+" e)eat on a ten9*in!te +oo), the #econ" #tation )o$i"ing the +a#t
)otion'
I1" tie" to (ee) *% $oice #tea"% a# I a#(e" Cha+e# to aange a *eeting &ith Regina+", the King1# Hea"
o, Pe##' M% ,athe ha" gotten &o#e o$e the co!#e o, the "a% an" &a# #ti++ -e"i""en' I1" #ai" I
&ante" to o,,e a #tate*ent on hi# -eha+,' Cha+e# ha"n1t #een Regina+" #ince the *oning, an" *o#t o,
the #o+"ie# in the Pa+ace -e+ie$e" he1" gone to the O!t+an"# to e)ot on &hat &a# ha))ening' I
co!+"n1t +ea$e the Pa+ace tonight, a# &e1" "i#c!##e"7not !nti+ I1" #ec!e" )otection ,o C+aa, he
*othe, an" Cha+e#'
E$e%thing ,e+t &ong' I tie" not to thin(, 5!#t co)ie" the &o"# ,o* the a"io, +i#ting #e$en at a ti*e
"o&n the )age, a# Mo## ha" in#t!cte"' I &ote !nti+ *% &i#t h!t, *% ,inge# ca*)e" an" #oe, then
t&i#te" the "ia+ to the ne3t +ine Mo## ha" *a(e"'
It too( *e nea+% an ho!, &iting "o&n the *!*-+e" non#en#e, then +i#tening to it again7t&ice7to -e
cetain I1" gotten it coect' When I &a# "one I ha" t&o -+oc(# o, &o"#, #e$en "o&n an" ten aco##' I
#et the )a)e# -e#i"e each othe, *o$ing o$e e$e% thee, then e$e% #i3, then e$e% nine, eco)%ing the
&o"#'
I #tae" at the* ,o a *o*ent, the#e ne& #entence#' I #h!t the a"io o,, an" #at thee in #i+ence' The
co+onie# ha$e -ac(e" o!t' The% cannot )o$i"e #!))ot ,o the #iege on the Cit%'
I he+" the a"io in *% han"#, not 4!ite -e+ie$ing it' The co+onie# &een1t co*ing' In one "a%, &ith one
"eci#ion, the e-e+# ha" +o#t tho!#an"# o, #o+"ie#' What "i" thi# *ean ,o tho#e &ho1" a+ea"% -eg!n
,ighting0 What "i" thi# *ean ,o e$e%one in#i"e the Cit% &a++#0 Mo## ha" -een #o con,i"ent the%1"
co*e, that the%1" )o$i"e the ,ina+ )!#h nee"e" to #ec!e the Cit%' E$e%thing #ee*e" +e## cetain no&'
I #at thee, &aiting to ,ee+ #o*ething, an%thing, -!t *% in#i"e# ,e+t ho++o& an" co+"' M% han"# &ee
n!*- a# I #et the a"io "o&n' M% )egnanc% #o*eti*e# #ee*e" *oe +i(e a con#tant, a++9con#!*ing
#ic(ne## than a chi+" go&ing in#i"e *e' B!t #ince the #iege -egan I ha"n1t ,e+t the hea$% na!#ea' Moe
than eight ho!# ha" )a##e"' M% #to*ach &a#n1t ten#e an" t&i#te"' I "i"n1t ,ee+ an%thing, an" that
nothingne## #cae" *e' The "octo1# &o"# (e)t co*ing -ac( to *e' He1" #ai" it &a# #ti++ )o##i-+e to
+o#e the chi+", that #te## an" #tain co!+" ca!#e it a++ to go a&a%'
I #too", *% (nee# +ight, an" &ent to the -ac( o, the -athoo*' Ste))ing onto the e"ge o, the t!-, I co!+"
5!#t each the #*a++ *eta+ $ent nea the cei+ing' I1" ta(en one o, the #ce&# o!t o, the -otto* o,
the cic!+a gate, &hich no& #+i" to the ight, ao!n" an" !), +ea$ing oo* to each *% han" in' I
)!++e" o!t the )+a#tic -ag ne#t+e" in the -ac( o, the $ent' The ga% T9#hit &a# -a++e" !) in#i"e it, #ec!e
in it# o&n #ecet )o!ch'
I he+" it in *% han"#, ,ee+ing the i))e" he* a+ong the -otto*, the tag that h!ng on -% a ,e& +oo#e
#titche#, the +ette C in(e" in' Thi# *ight -e the +a#t thing I ha" o, Ca+e-7the on+% )oo, he1" e3i#te" at
a++' It #ee*e" #o #*a++ an" )athetic no&, #o *o*enta%' The thea" &a# a+ea"% co*ing a)at at the
#ea*#'
That &o"7+o#e7,e+t hea$ie than it e$e ha" -e,oe' What i,, a,te &ee(# o, ha$ing the-a-% &itho!t
(no&ing, I1" a+ea"% +o#t it0 Fo the ,i#t ti*e #ince I1" ,o!n" o!t a-o!t the )egnanc% I &a# )!++e"
!n"e -% gie,, the (in" that too( ho+" o, *e #!""en+% in the &ee(# a,te Ca+e-1# "eath' Ho&e$e ha" it
&o!+" -e to ha$e a chi+" -e%on" the Cit% &a++#, I &ante" it7it &a# a )at o, *e, o, !#' An" &ithin a ,e&
"a%#, #he A&h% "i" I thin( it &a# a #he0B &o!+" -e the on+% ,a*i+% I ha"'
I co!+"n1t +o#e an% *oe' Thee &a# #o +itt+e a+ea"% ,o *e to ho+" on to' Mo## &a# gone' Ca+e- &a#
"ea"' Within "a%# it &o!+" -e o$e, the Cit%, C+aa, an" the Pa+ace ece"ing -ehin" *e !nti+ I &a# -ac(
in the &i+", a+one, &aiting ho& +ong7*onth#0 %ea#07to -e ca++e" -ac(' She &a# a++ I ha" +e,t'
P+ea#e, I tho!ght, &i#hing ,o the ,i#t ti*e in "a%# that the #ic(ne## &o!+" co*e -ac(, that I &o!+" ,ee+
#o*ething7an%thing7again' I "i"n1t &ant to +o#e he' I "i"n1t &ant to +o#e the )o##i-i+it% o, &hat #he
&o!+" -e, o, &hat I co!+" -e ,o he' I co!+"n1t no&' E$e% ti*e I )!#he" the i"ea o!t o, *% hea" it
et!ne", !nti+ I ,o!n" *%#e+, #itting on the &in"o&#i++, the T9#hit in *% han"#' I )e##e" the thin
,a-ic to *% ,ace, t%ing to conto+ *% -eath, -!t each one ca!ght #o*e&hee in#i"e *e' I #ta%e" thee
+i(e that, in the 4!iet o, the oo*, ,o ho!#, -ae+% a-+e to ,oce hi# na*e )a#t *% +i)#6 .Ca+e-'/
ELEVEN
.THE LIEUTENANT SAID THE SOLDIERS OUTNUMBER THEM thee to one'/ A!nt Ro#e )!#he" he
egg# ao!n" he )+ate, )o""ing the* a+ong &ith he ,o(' It &a# the ,i#t ti*e I1" #een he &itho!t
*a(e!)' The #(in -eneath he e%e# &a# a "!++ -+!e, he +a#he# -ae+% $i#i-+e'
.What *atte# i# &e1e #a,e hee,/ Cha+e# #ai"' .Thee ae a h!n"e" #o+"ie# #!o!n"ing the Pa+ace,
*a%-e *oe' No one i# getting into the to&e'/ He g+ance" #i"e&a%# at *e a# he #ai" it, a# i, I
co!+" con,i* it# t!th'
I #tae" "o&n at the thin )iece o, -ea" on *% )+ate an" the #*a++ )i+e o, egg# -e#i"e it' M% a))etite ha"
gone, -!t I #ti++ ,e+t nothing' M% ,athe ha" -een too i++ to #)ea( &ith *e the night -e,oe, -!t the
Lie!tenant ha" a##!e" e$e%one the #iege &o!+" -e #!))e##e" &ithin a "a% o t&o' The% &ee a+ea"%
ationing, tho!gh' No #!))+% t!c(# co!+" co*e in ,o* the O!t+an"#, #o the (itchen# ha" -een +oc(e"'
One o, the Pa+ace &o(e#, an o+"e, #)in"+% &o*an &ith g+a##e#, ha" -een gi$en the !n,ot!nate ta#(
o, an#&eing e4!e#t#'
We #at thee, )!#hing the ,oo" ao!n" o! )+ate#, +i#tening to the #o!n"# o, the Cit% -e+o&' The
g!n#hot# co!+" #ti++ -e hea", e$en ,o* the to) o, the Pa+ace to&e' E$e% no& an" then the ,ighting
&a# inte!)te" -% a 4!ic(, ho++o& )o) that ai#e" goo#e -!*)# on *% a*#'
C+aa -o(e the #i+ence, he $oice tentati$e' .Ho& i# he0/ She "i"n1t "ae +oo( at *e a# #he #ai" it'
Ro#e (e)t he e%e# on he ,oo", +etting the ,o( e#t ,o a *o*ent on the e"ge o, he )+ate' .No -ette,
no &o#e,/ #he #ai"' .Yo! "i"n1t "i#c!## hi# i++ne## o!t#i"e the Pa+ace, "i" %o!0/
.No, Mothe'/ C+aa #hoo( he hea"'
The -+oo" !#he" to *% ,ace, *% chee(# hot' So*eone )a##e" tho!gh the ha++, the #o!n" o, thei
,oot#te)# getting +o!"e a# the% neae"' I (e)t *% e%e# on the "oo, &aiting ,o Mo## to ente' Whee
&a# he0 He co!+"1$e -een in5!e" in the #iege, o hi"ing o!t &ith the e-e+#' He co!+"1$e -een ca!ght'
Thee &ee #o *an% )o##i-i+itie# o, &h% he &a#n1t hee no&, in the Pa+ace, -!t I tie" to #tee *%
tho!ght# a&a% ,o* the *o#t tei,%ing o, a++6 What i, he ha" -eta%e" *e0
I co!+" -ae+% -eathe' The oo* &a# too hot' The #ight o, the ,oo" #ic(ene" *e, the egg##ti,, an" co+"'
.I1* not ,ee+ing &e++,/ I #ai", )!#hing -ac( ,o* the ta-+e' .I can1t ' ' '/
I "i"n1t -othe ,ini#hing the #entence' I 5!#t got !) an" +e,t, the hoi-+e, ho)e+e## ,ee+ing ,o++o&ing *e'
Ma%-e it &a# -ette to go no&, "e#)ite the !ncetaint%' B!t ho& co!+" I +ea$e C+aa hee, o Cha+e#0 I,
&hat the Lie!tenant #ai" &a# t!e, i, the a*% &o!+" -e a-+e to "e,eat the e-e+#, then the%1" -e #a,e
a,te a++' I &a# the on+% one in "ange'
I #tate" to&a" *% oo* &hen a $oice ca++e" o!t -ehin" *e' .Pince## :ene$ie$e,/ the "octo #ai"'
.Yo! ,athe &o!+" +i(e to #)ea( &ith %o!'/ Hi# #*a++, -+ac( e%e# &atche" *e ,o* -ehin" thic( +en#e#'
He +oo(e" tie", hi# #ho!+"e# #too)e", hi# ,ace )a++i"'
.I1* not ,ee+ing &e++' I can1t ight no&,/ I #ai", t!ning to go' .I1* #o%'/ I #tate" a&a%, to&a" *%
#!ite, -!t he ,o++o&e" a,te *e, eaching ,o *% a*'
.He *a% on+% -e a&a(e ,o an ho! o t&o,/ he #ai"' He ge#t!e" -ac( to the othe en" o, the ha++' .He
#ai" it &a# i*)otant'/
We &a+(e" in #i+ence' I "i"n1t e#i#t an% ,!the' I (ne& ho& #tange it &o!+" #ee* to the "octo i, I
e,!#e" to #)ea( to *% ,athe no&, &hen he &a# #o #ic(' I he+" one han" in the othe, #4!ee2ing the
-+oo" ,o* *% ,inge#, t%ing to ,ight the "o!-t that #ti++ he+" *e'
.The te#t# ha$e -een inconc+!#i$e #o ,a,/ the "octo o,,ee", a# &e a))oache" *% ,athe1# #!ite' T&o
#o+"ie# #too" o!t#i"e' .We1e nao&ing it "o&n, -!t he1# #ta-+e ,o no&'/
I co!+" #*e++ the -+each ,o* the ha++&a%' In#i"e it &a# &o#e, !n"ec!t -% the #tench o, #ic(ne##,
&hich #ti++ +ingee" in the ai' I #tate" to&a" the "oo&a% an" &a# #!)i#e" to #ee *% ,athe #itting
!) in -e", the c!tain# o)en, the oo* !n-eaa-+% -ight'
He +oo(e" ,ai+, hi# #(in )a)e% an" thin' In the #!n+ight he #ee*e" )a+e, hi# ga%9-+!e e%e#
tan#+!cent' Hi# +i)# &ee cac(e" #o -a"+% the% -+e"' I t!ne" to the "octo, -!t he1" gone' The ,ont
"oo o, the #!ite ,e++ #h!t, +ea$ing the t&o o, !# a+one in #i+ence'
I co!+"n1t -ing *%#e+, to a#( hi* ho& he &a# o #tan" thee )eten"ing thi# ha"n1t -een &hat I &ante"'
In#tea" I 5!#t #at at the en" o, the -e", ,o+"ing *% han"# in *% +a) to (ee) the* ,o* #ha(ing' It &a# a
&hi+e -e,oe he #)o(e'
.Yo! +ie" to *e,/ he #ai"' He #t!"ie" the #i"e o, *% ,ace'
The -ac( o, *% thoat &a# #o "% it h!t' It &a# i*)o##i-+e to te++ &hat he (ne&, o ho&; i, I
co!+" #i"e#te) ao!n" the ,act#, o i, thee &a# no &a% o!t'
.I "on1t (no& &hat %o! *ean,/ I #ai", heaing ho& )athetic it #o!n"e", e$en to *e'
.I "on1t -e+ie$e %o! an%*oe, :ene$ie$e'/ He ,ingee" the ta)e on the -ac( o, hi# han"' A )+a#tic t!-e
#na(e" o!t o, it, connecting !) to a +i*) -ag o, ,+!i"' .I #to))e" -e+ie$ing %o! a +ong ti*e ago' A# I1*
#!e %o! ha$e *e'/
.Then &h% -othe a#(ing0/ Thee &a# +itt+e !#e no& in )eten"ing' We1" #!n( into #i+ence, the
e#ent*ent -!i+"ing the#e )a#t *onth#, *oe nat!a+ than an%thing e+#e' E$en *% )egnanc% co!+"n1t
change that ,o +ong'
He +et o!t a +o& att+ing #igh, e#ting hi# hea" -ac( on the )i++o&' .Te++ *e7i# thee *oe than one
t!nne+ +ea"ing into the O!t+an"#0/
.I a+ea"% #hae" &ith %o! e$e%thing I (no& a-o!t the "i##i"ent#1 )+an#,/ I #ai" 4!ic(+%, (ee)ing *%
e%e# +oc(e" on hi#' .Ca+e- "i"n1t te++ *e an%thing -e%on" &hat I nee"e" to (no& ,o !# to +ea$e'/
.E3)+ain to *e ho& the%1e co*ing into the Cit%,/ he #ai"' A thin tic(+e o, #&eat ca*e "o&n the #i"e o,
hi# ,oehea", catching in the hai a-o$e hi# ea' .The noth gate #ti++ ha#n1t -een co*)o*i#e", "e#)ite
a++ thei e,,ot#' An" %et thee ae tho!#an"# o, the* in#i"e the &a++#' Tho!#an"#'/
.I "on1t (no&,/ I e)eate", *oe ,oce,!++% thi# ti*e' .An" &e can "o thi# again, &ith the Lie!tenant
hee i, %o! &ant, -!t nothing &i++ change' I "on1t ha$e an%thing *oe to te++ %o!'/
S+o&+%, &itho!t #a%ing an%thing e+#e, hi# -o"% e+a3e" into the )i++o&' He +oo(e" #*a++e #o*eho&, hi#
a*# thin -eneath hi# +oo#e night#hit' .The% &on1t ta(e the Cit%' I &on1t +et the*,/ he #ai"' He "i"n1t
+oo( at *e' In#tea" he #tae" o!t the &in"o&, at #o*e in"i#ting!i#ha-+e #)ot nea the ea#t &a++' .It &i++
en" #oon'/
I an *% han"# tho!gh *% hai' I1" ne$e &ante" to #cea* #o +o!" o #o +ong' The a*% ,o* the
co+onie# &o!+" not ai$e' M% ,athe (ne& a-o!t the othe t!nne+# in the O!t+an"#' So &hee &a# Mo##
no&0 Whee &a# I to go0 Wee the t!nne+# c+ea ,o *e to )a## tho!gh, o &o!+" I -e ca!ght thee -%
e-e+# co*ing into the Cit%, !na&ae that I &a# on thei #i"e0
I #at thee, on the e"ge o, hi# -e", +i#tening to the ,aint #o!n" o, g!n,ie in the &e#t' Thee &a# on+% one
4!e#tion that *attee" no&, a# he +a% thee, -et&een #ic(ne## an" "eath' I, he &a# ight7i, the e-e+#
&ee "e,eate"7&o!+" I -e co!nte" a*ong the*0
TWELVE
THE NE@T MORNIN: I LAY IN BED FOR A LON: WHILE, MY EYES c+o#e", #t!"%ing the #i+ence' M%
-o"% ,e+t hea$%, *% +i*-# &eighe" "o&n -% e3ha!#tion' I #!c(e" in ai, t%ing to #tea"% *% -eathing,
a# I1" "one #o *an% ti*e# in the )a#t &ee(#' It too( *e a *o*ent to egi#te &hat I &a# e#)on"ing to'
The na!#ea ha" et!ne"' The "en#e, hea"% ,ee+ing #)ea" o!t -ehin" *% no#e' M% han" "o))e" to
the #o,t ,+e#h o, *% #to*ach, the gent+e o!n"ne## hi""en -eneath *% nightgo&n'
I #*i+e", a++o&ing *%#e+, that #i*)+e, *o*enta% ha))ine##' E$e%thing &a# a++ ight' She &a# #ti++
hee, &ith *e, no&' I &a#n1t a+one'
Do&n the ha++, I co!+" hea the ,aint c+an(ing o, )ot# a# the coo( )e)ae" o! -ea(,a#t' The oo* &a#
othe&i#e 4!iet' The g!n,ie ha" #to))e"' Thee &ee no *oe e3)+o#ion# in the O!t+an"#, on+% the
#o!n" o, the go$en*ent <ee)#, a hon -+a#ting e$e% no& an" then a# one ,+e& )a#t the Pa+ace' I +a%
thee &ith *% e%e# c+o#e", c!+e" in on *%#e+,, t%ing to ,en" o,, the na!#ea'
.Ae %o! #+ee)ing0/ Cha+e# &hi#)ee" ,o* #o*e&hee -e%on" *e' He "i" that at ti*e#7it &a# one o,
the *o#t no*a+ thing# a-o!t hi*' Ae %o! #+ee)ing0 he1" a#(, a,te the +ight# ha" -een t!ne" o,, an"
&e &ee #!#)en"e" in the "a(' I, I &ee, ho& co!+" I )o##i-+% an#&e0
I o++e" onto *% #i"e, &atching hi* at the &in"o&' The +ight &a# "!++e" -% c+o!"#' He he+" the c!tain,
&o(ing at the ,a-ic &ith hi# th!*-' .What i# it0/ I a#(e"' He &a# a+ea"% "e##e", hi# tie hanging
ao!n" hi# nec('
.So*ething1# going on o!t#i"e'/ He "i"n1t +oo( at *e a# he #ai" it' He +eane" ,o&a", hi# ,ace an inch
,o* the g+a##'
.It1# o$e, i#n1t it0/ I a#(e"' .The g!n,ie #to))e" #o*eti*e thi# *oning'/
He #hoo( hi# hea"' He +oo(e" #tange, hi# -o&# (nitte" togethe, a# tho!gh t%ing to )!22+e #o*ething
o!t' .I thin( it1# 5!#t -eginning'/
Hi# $oice ca!ght in the -ac( o, hi# thoat' I &ent to the &in"o&, +oo(ing "o&n at the Cit% -e+o&' The
co&" ha" #)ea" o!t on the *ain oa", a "en#e *a## #4!ee2e" -et&een -!i+"ing#, 5!#t a# the% ha"
-een ,o the )aa"e#' B!t thee &a# no &a$ing o, ,+ag#, no chee# o %e++# 5oining togethe, hea" +i(e a
#tatic h!* ,o* a-o$e' In#tea" the% &ee c+!#tee" ao!n" the ,ont o, the Pa+ace, ight -e%on" the
,o!ntain#, -ae+% *o$ing a# the #!n &a*e" the #(%'
.What ae the% "oing hee0/ I a#(e"' .What1# going on0/
.The%1e &aiting,/ he #ai"' .I "on1t (no& ,o &hat'/ He )ointe" to the nothen e"ge o, the oa", &hee
a <ee) &o(e" it# &a% tho!gh the co&", the *a## o, )eo)+e )ating, then #&a++o&ing it &ho+e' A
)+at,o* ha" -een #et !) at the ,ont o, the Pa+ace' The #hot, #4!ae -+oc( &a# $i#i-+e ,o* a-o$e'
.Yo! ha$en1t hea" an%thing a-o!t thi#0/ I a#(e"'
Cha+e# ai#e" hi# han" to hi# te*)+e, a# tho!gh hi# hea" h!t' .I1$e -een hee a++ night,/ he #ai"' .Wh%
&o!+" I (no& an%thing *oe than %o! "o0/
.Beca!#e %o! &o( ,o *% ,athe,/ I #ai" 4!ic(+%, )!++ing a #&eate an" )ant# ,o* the c+o#et'
Cha+e# ,o++o&e" *e a# I co##e" the oo* to *% "e##e' He +oo)e" hi# tie ao!n" hi# nec(, tho&ing
one en" o$e the othe, *o$ing hi# han"# 4!ic(+% !nti+ he #+i" the (not to hi# thoat' .I1* !nning the
con#t!ction #ite#' I1* not ,ighting a &a again#t the e-e+#' I1* +i(e e$e%one e+#e in#i"e thi# Cit%, "oing
the -e#t I can &ith &hat I1$e -een gi$en'/
.That1# not goo" eno!gh,/ I #hot -ac(' Thi# &a#n1t hi# ,a!+t, I (ne& that, an" %et he &a# hee' He &a#
the on+% )e#on &ithin ange'
Cha+e# #te))e" a&a% ,o* *e, hi# e%e# #*a++ an" nao&' He hate" it &hen I "i" thi#, )+ace" hi* on
the #i"e o, the King, he+" hi* acco!nta-+e ,o &hat *% ,athe ha" "one' B!t he ha" -een thee, ha"n1t
he0 I, he1" ag!e" ,o i*)o$e" con"ition# at the ca*)#, a# he #ai" he ha", then &h% ha" thing#
contin!e" a# the% &ee0 Wh% "i"n1t he, o, a++ )eo)+e, )!t a #to) to it0
I change" 4!ic(+%, hi"ing ,o* hi* in the co+", #ti++ -athoo*' The 4!iet o!t#i"e ,ightene" *e' It &a#
no *oe than eight o1c+oc(' I, *% ,athe o the Lie!tenant &ee gi$ing #)eeche#, the%1" ti*e" it -e,oe
-ea(,a#t, &hen *o#t o, !# &ee 5!#t &a(ing !)'
I #tate" o!t o, the oo* an" into the ha++, *o$ing )a#t the o& o, #!ite#' It &a#n1t +ong -e,oe I hea"
the "oo #&ing o)en an" the #o!n" o, Cha+e#1# ,oot#te)# a# he #tate" a,te *e' I "i"n1t -othe to t!n
ao!n"' .What ae %o! "oing0/ I #ai"'
.I1" a#( %o! the #a*e thing'/
.I1* going "o&n#tai# to #ee &hat1# ha))ening'/
I (e)t &a+(ing, o! #te)# in #%nch, !nti+ he "ate" !) -e#i"e *e' He &a# #ti++ #taightening hi# tie' .I1++
co*e &ith %o!,/ he #ai"' The ha++&a% &a# coo+, the ai ai#ing goo#e -!*)# on *% #(in' At the ,a en" o,
the coi"o, nea *% ,athe1# #!ite, I hea" &hi#)e# o, #o*ething, ,aint $oice# "i,ting o!t o, the
)a+o' The #o+"ie# &ho &ee no*a++% #tatione" o!t#i"e the e+e$ato an" #tai&e++# &ee gone'
We t!ne" in to the oo*' A go!) &a# h!""+e" ao!n" the &in"o&7#o*e #o+"ie#, #o*e o, the
&o(e# ,o* the Pa+ace (itchen' One o, the coo(# &ho1" -een #t!c( in#i"e the to&e ,o "a%#, a&aiting
the en" o, the #iege, ha" he han" )e##e" again#t the g+a##, he e%e# e"'
.What i# it0/ I a#(e"' .What1# ha))ening0/
The #o+"ie# ha"+% +oo(e" a&a% ,o* the &in"o&' I ca*e !) -ehin" the*, t%ing to #ee &hat &a#
ha))ening' Fa -e+o&, the <ee) ha" *a"e it# &a% tho!gh the co&", the #o+"ie# #&a*ing it a#
it# -ac( "oo #&!ng o)en' It &a# i*)o##i-+e to te++ &ho ha" gotten o!t, -!t a# #oon a# the ,ig!e ca*e
into the co&" )eo)+e #tate" #hi,ting, the #ho!t# an" %e++# -+en"ing togethe a# one' A #ection o, )eo)+e
ca*e togethe then "i#)e#e", +i(e a geat #&a* o, ,+ie#' .The e-e+ +ea"e#,/ one o, the #o+"ie# #ai",
not t!ning to +oo( at *e' .The% ,o!n" the*'/
I ,e+t the )anic i#ing, *% )!+#e tho--ing in *% han"#' .Who ae the%0/ I a#(e"' .Whee &ee the%
,o!n"0/
I t!ne", +oo(ing at a ,e& o, the Pa+ace &o(e#' The coo(, an o+"e &o*an &ith a +ong &hite -ai",
c!))e" he chin in he han"' .So*e&hee in the O!t+an"#, I i*agine'/ She "i"n1t +oo( at *e a# #he
#)o(e'
Mac!#, one o, the #e$e# ,o* the "ining oo*, ha" hi# +i)# )e##e" togethe in a #taight +ine' Hi#
e%e# &ee -+oo"#hot, hi# chee(# #+ac(' .Poo -a#ta"#'/
.The%1e not e3act+% innocent, ae the%0/ one o, the #o+"ie# #hot -ac(' .Do %o! (no& ho& *an% )eo)+e
"ie" )otecting the Cit% in 5!#t the )a#t ,e& "a%#0/
.Whee ae the% ta(ing the*0/ I c!t in'
A ,e& )eo)+e t!ne", #t!"%ing *e, -!t no one #ai" an%thing' I &ent -ac( into the ha++, Cha+e# ,o++o&ing
in *% &a(e' I (e)t )e##ing the -!tton on the e+e$ato, +i#tening to it a#cen" the to&e' It &a#n1t !nti+
&e &ee in#i"e, the "oo# c+o#ing -ehin" !#, that I #)o(e'
.The% -o!ght the* hee, o!t#i"e the Pa+ace, to "o &hat0 :i$e the )!-+ic a +e##on0 Sho& e$e%one &hat
ha))en# to )eo)+e &ho "i#o-e% *% ,athe0/ M% #to*ach ,e+t +ight a# the ,+oo# ,+e& )a#t, one gone, then
ten'
Cha+e# )!#he" hi# hai o!t o, hi# ,ace' .I "on1t (no&,/ he #ai"' .I "on1t thin( &e1" e$et to that' Thee
#ho!+" -e tia+#, at +ea#t' Innocent !nti+ )o$en g!i+t%, &a#n1t it0/
.Wa#n1t it,/ I e)eate"' .Pa#t ten#e' I "on1t thin( *% ,athe cae# *!ch ,o tia+# no&'/
We &atche" the n!*-e# +ight !) one -% one, c+oc(ing o! "e#cent' When the "oo# o)ene" to the *ain
+o--%, it #o!n"e" a# i, the co&" &a# in#i"e' On the oa" 5!#t -e%on" the Pa+ace ,o!ntain#, )eo)+e &ee
#ho!ting' I co!+"n1t *a(e o!t a &o"; it a++ -+en"e" togethe an" echoe" tho!gh the *a-+e ha++,
co*ing at !# +i(e a !*-+ing tain' Hannah an" L%+e, t&o o, the Pa+ace &o(e#, ha" a-an"one" thei
)o#t# at the *ain "e#( an" &ee #tan"ing in ,ont o, the g+a## "oo#, &atching' A++ the co+o ha" gone
,o* thei ,ace#'
.Thi# i# he++,/ Hannah #ai"' .I "on1t -e+ie$e the%1e act!a++% going tho!gh &ith it' The% can1t'/ L%+e, &ho
o,ten aange" ,o the ca# that ca*e an" &ent ,o* the Pa+ace, ha" hi# a* &a))e" ao!n" he, hi#
han" c+!tching he #i"e to ho+" he !)' I an to&a" the*, )!#hing tho!gh the ,ont "oo#' Thee, 5!#t
-e%on" the ,o!ntain#, the -ac( o, the )+at,o* &a# $i#i-+e' It &a# nea+% ,i$e ,eet high, the -otto* o, it
c+o#e" o,,, o!t o, $ie&' T&o )o+e# o#e !) ,o* it, ,o*ing a *a##i$e T' One )i#one #too" on eithe
#i"e o, the *i""+e, thei han"# tie" -ehin" thei -ac(#, the o)e (notte" ao!n" thei nec(#'
I too( o,, "o&n the )ath, c+i*-ing the +o& #tone )+ante# that #e)aate" the Pa+ace ,o* the oa"' It &a#
i*)o##i-+e to co*e !) -ehin" the*7the -ac( o, the )+at,o* &a# -+oc(e" -% a <ee), the #o+"ie#
&atching ,o* the -ac(#eat a# i, it &ee one o, the #teet )e,o*ance# #o*eti*e# he+" on the *ain
oa"' T&o othe# he+" the )i#one#1 han"#' .:ene$ie$e? Wait?/ Cha+e# ca++e" o$e *% #ho!+"e' B!t I
&a# a+ea"% *o$ing to&a" the #i"e&a+(, &hee a o& o, )eo)+e )e##e" again#t a *eta+ ,ence,
&atching'
.Taito#?/ a *an in ,ont o, the )+at,o* %e++e"' He &a# ,o* the O!t+an"#; I co!+" te++ -% hi# i))e"
5ac(et, the e+-o&# *!""%' He coc(e" hi# hea" -ac(, then #)it, ai*ing at thei ,eet'
Tho!gh the tee# I co!+" 5!#t *a(e o!t g+i*)#e# o, the t&o e-e+#' The *an &a# ta++ an" thin, hi# i-#
$i#i-+e tho!gh hi# -+oo"ie" #hit' He ha" ,ai #(in, -!t I "i"n1t i**e"iate+% ecogni2e hi*' It &a#n1t
!nti+ I )!#he" )a#t the ,ence an" into the co&" that I co!+" *a(e o!t the thic( -+ac( hai, ha" an"
"a( ao!n" the ,oehea", &hee it &a# c!#te" &ith -+oo"' One o, hi# e%e# &a# #&o++en #h!t, an" hi#
g+a##e# &ee gone, -!t C!ti# &a# #ti++ C!ti#' He he+" hi# #ho!+"e# -ac(, hi# chin ai#e" a# the *en in
the ,ont o, the co&" #cea*e"'
<o #too" ight -e#i"e hi*, he han"# tie"' He -+on" "ea"+oc(# ha" -een c!t, he hai no& co))e"
#hot ao!n" he ea#' He #hit &a# i))e" in the ,ont, e3)o#ing the to) o, he che#t, &hee he #(in
&a# !--e" a&' .Let *e )a##,/ I %e++e", )!#hing "ee)e into the co&", to&a" the )+at,o*' .I nee" to
get tho!gh'/
Ha"+% an%one ecogni2e" *e in ca#!a+ c+othe#, &ith *% hai ,a++ing +oo#e )a#t *%#ho!+"e#' The "en#e
co&" )e##e" in, an e+-o& (noc(ing *e ha" in the #i"e' I (e)t ,ighting tho!gh the geat #&a* o,
)eo)+e' A *a##i$e oa, o, a *an +eane" on *e, an" I +eane" -ac(, *ane!$eing in ,ont o, hi*' .What i#
the *atte &ith a++ o, %o!0/ I #cea*e"' .Wh% &on1t #o*eone #to) thi#0/
I #te))e" c+o#e, t%ing to c+o#e the ga), &hen *% e%e# +oc(e" &ith <o1#' In an in#tant, the ,+oo ,e++ o!t
,o* !n"e the e-e+#' I #too" thee, the tea# -+!ing *% $i#ion, a# #o*e o, the co&" cheee"' Othe#
&ee 4!iet' She &ent ,i#t, he -o"% on+% ha+, $i#i-+e a-o$e the )+at,o*, he hea" coc(e" at a hoi-+e
ang+e' I &atche" the &a% C!ti# -!c(e" ,o a ,e& #econ"#, ,ighting it, then &ent #ti++, hi# toe# 5!#t inche#
,o* the )a$e*ent'
THIRTEEN
THEY WERE BRIN:IN: IN ANOTHER <EEP' THE CROWD WAS #hi,ting to +et it tho!gh, it# ca-
)ac(e" &ith thee *oe )i#one# I "i"n1t ecogni2e' A# the *in!te# )a##e" an" the #o+"ie# )!++e"
"o&n C!ti#1# an" <o1# -o"ie#, +oa"ing the* into a ,+at-e" t!c(, #o*e o, the co&" "i#)e#e" -ac(
"o&n the *ain oa"' A &o*an -e#i"e *e )e##e" he ,ace into he han"#, he chee(# ,+!#he"' .What1#
ha))ening to !#0/ #he *!*-+e" to the *an #he &a# &ith, -e,oe the% )!#he" ,o&a", 4!ic(+% eng!+,e"
-% the co&"'
B!t othe# #ta%e", #o*e #i+ent, &aiting to &atch the ne3t e3ec!tion#' I )!#he" to&a" the ,ont o, the
)+at,o*, !nti+ I &a# )e##e" again#t the *eta+ ,ence' I ga--e" on to it, (ic(ing o,, the -otto* ai+ to
hea$e *%#e+, o$e' Cha+e# ca++e" o!t #o*e&hee -ehin" *e, -!t I "i"n1t +i#ten, in#tea" !nning !) to
the -ac( o, the )+at,o*, &hee t&o o, the #o+"ie# #too"' Thei ,ace# &ee hi""en -% geen -an"ana#,
the e"ge# )!++e" !) to thei e%e#' The% &ee t!ne" #+ight+%, ,acing the <ee)# in -ac(, an" "i"n1t #ee *e
co*ing' Be,oe I co!+" thin( I eache" ,o one, %an(ing the c+oth "o&n #o he &a# e3)o#e"' .Yo!1e a++
co&a"#,/ I %e++e"' .I &ant to (no& &ho "i" thi#' Sho& *e &ho %o! ae'/ The -o%, no o+"e than
#e$enteen, 4!ic(+% co$ee" hi*#e+, -ac( !), g+ancing at the #t!nne" co&" -ehin" *e, &on"eing &ho
ha" #een'
T&o #o+"ie# "e& thei g!n#, ai*ing at *e, -e,oe Cha+e# ca*e ,o&a", 5!*)ing the -aica"e' .It1#
the Pince##,/ he %e++e"' .She "i"n1t *ean it; #he1# in #hoc('/
.I "i" *ean it,/ I #ai"' .Yo! can1t "o thi#, %o!7/
.:et he o!t o, hee,/ one o, the o+"e #o+"ie# %e++e"' He &a# #ti++ &atching *e ,o* "o&n the en" o,
hi# i,+e' .No&'/
Cha+e#1# han"# ca*e "o&n on *% a*, an" he %an(e" *e to&a" the Pa+ace' .Ha$e %o! co*)+ete+%
+o#t %o! *in"0/ he #ai", &hen &e &ee ,ina++% a&a% ,o* the*' .Yo!1e +!c(% the% "i"n1t #hoot %o!'
What the he++ &ee %o! thin(ing0/
We #tate" !) the +ong "i$e&a%, Cha+e#1# ,inge# &a))e" tight+% ao!n" *% -ice)#' He "i"n1t +et go o,
*% a* a# &e )!#he" tho!gh the g+a## "oo# an" #tate" aco## the +o--%, the #&e++ o, the co&"
tai+ing in -ehin" !#' .Yo! ha$e to #)ea( to %o! ,athe a-o!t thi#,/ he #ai"'
.Who "o %o! thin( o"ee" it0/ I &i)e" at *% e%e#, t%ing not to thin( a-o!t <o1# ,ace #&e++ing, he #(in
t!ning the co+o o, -!i#e#' He e%e# &ee #ti++ o)en, the &hite# co$ee" &ith -+oo"' Ho& ha" the%
,o!n" the*0 An" i, Mo## &a#n1t &ith the*, then &hee &a# he0
Cha+e# )e##e" the e+e$ato -!tton' I co!+" ,ee+ hi# !ncetaint% a# he he+" *% a*, hi# han" #ha(ing
#+ight+%' I co!+" thin( on+% o, the (ni,e an" the a"io ne#t+e" in the -oo(#he+,' I ha" to go no&,
to"a%, &ith o &itho!t Mo##1# &o"'
.Oh *% go",/ Cha+e# #ai", a# &e #te))e" into the e+e$ato' The "oo c+o#e", #h!tting !# inthe co+" #tee+
ce++' .Yo! (ne& the*, "i"n1t %o!0/
He +eane" "o&n, t%ing to +oo( into *% ,ace, -!t I co!+"n1t #)ea(' I (e)t )ict!ing C!ti# that night in
the *ote+, hi# e+a3e" e3)e##ion, hi# +i)# c!+ing into an a+*o#t9#*i+e a# he #t!"ie" the -+!e)int# ,o
the ,+oo" t!nne+#' It &a# the ha))ie#t I1" e$e (no&n hi*'
.I can1t ta+( a-o!t thi#,/ I #ai" ,ina++%, #t!"%ing *% e,+ection in the #*a++, c!$e" *io in the !))e
cone o, the e+e$ato' .I 5!#t can1t'/ I )!#he" *% han"# "o&n into *% )oc(et#, t%ing to #tea"% the*'
.Yo!1e not a+one in thi#' I can he+) %o!'/ He +eane" "o&n to *eet *% ga2e' He )!t hi# han" o!t an" I
e#te" *ine in hi#, +etting hi* )e## it ,+at, the heat #+o&+% et!ning to *% ,inge#'
.Whate$e %o! nee", :ene$ie$e'/
I &ante" to -e+ie$e hi*, I &ante" to t!#t hi*, -!t thee &a# that na*e again' :ene$ie$e' The ea#on I
&a# a+one, one o, *an% ea#on# he co!+"n1t !n"e#tan"' He #ti++ ca++e" *e that #o*eti*e#, #+i))ing into
the #a*e )ha#ing *% ,athe !#e", the #a*e ,o*a+, #ti+te" atte*)t# at inti*ac%' No& that the #iege ha"
,ai+e", no& that the Cit% &a# again !n"e *% ,athe1# conto+, he co!+"n1t he+) *e' He "i"n1t e$en (no&
&ho I &a#'
Fo a #econ" I &ante" to te++ hi*, to #ee hi# ,ace a# I e$ea+e" that I ha" tie" to (i++ *% ,athe' That the
*i##ing -+!e)int# that he1" &on"ee" a-o!t one a,tenoon, a# he &ent tho!gh hi# ,i+e "a&e#, &ee
act!a++% #to+en an" gi$en to the e-e+#' That Regina+", the King1# Hea" o, Pe##, ha" -een *% on+% t!e
con,i"ant in#i"e the Pa+ace &a++#, that thee &ee co"e# in the )a)e "ai+%, one o, &hich he1" ea" o!t
+o!" to *e the othe *oning, &itho!t e$en ea+i2ing' What &o!+" he ea++% #a%, &hat &o!+" he ea++%
"o, i, I to+" hi* I &a# +ea$ing no&, a+one, )o##i-+% ,oe$e0
A# the "oo# o)ene", I #tate" "o&n the ha++, )!++ing *% han" ,ee' .I, %o! &ant to he+) *e,/ I #ai", .+et
*e -e' <!#t ,o the *oning' <!#t ,o no&'/ He #too" thee, ho+"ing the "oo o)en, &atching *e go'
I PUSHED INTO THE SUITE, :RABBIN: ONE OF CHARLES1S +eathe -ag# an" e*)t%ing hi# )a)e#
into a -otto* "e#( "a&e' I *o$e" 4!ic(+%, )!++ing a ,e& #&eate#an" #oc(# ,o* the che#t, o)ting ,o
the thic( &oo+ one# he &oe &ith hi# +oa,e#' I t!c(e" the a"io into the -ag an" the (ni,e into the #i"e
o, *% -e+t, &hee it &o!+" -e ea#ie to each' I too( the -!n"+e o, +ette# ,o* the night#tan", ,!*-+ing
one +a#t ti*e tho!gh each "a&e, t%ing to +ocate the )ict!e o, *% *othe' It ha" "i#a))eae" a,te
tho#e ,i#t &ee(# in the Pa+ace, -!t I ne$e #to))e" ho)ing I1" ,in" it, hi""en -eneath #o*e )a)e# o in
the ece## -ehin" the "a&e#' It &a# too +ate no&' I *o$e" 4!ic(+% into the -athoo* an" #te))e" onto
the e"ge o, the t!-' Ca+e-1# #hit &a# #ti++ thee, 5!#t in#i"e the gate' I 2i))e" e$e%thing into the -ag
an" +e,t'
On *% &a% o!t I #to))e" at the Pa+ace (itchen' It &a# e*)t%, the &o(e# #ti++ co&"e"-% the )a+o
&in"o&#' The #he+$e# &ee on+% ha+, ,!++, the #!))+ie# "e)+ete" ,o* #o *an% "a%# &itho!t "e+i$eie#' I
&ent tho!gh each ca-inet an" "a&e, )ac(ing a ,e& -ag# o, "ie" ,ig# an" a))+e#, a+ong &ith the thin,
#a+te" -oa1# *eat that &a# )e##e" in )a)e' I ha"n1t -een a-+e to #to*ach it in the )a#t &ee(#, -!t I
-o!ght it an%&a%, (no&ing it &o!+" -e goo" to ha$e' I an &ate ,o* the ta), ,i++ing !) thee -ott+e#1
&oth -e,oe t!c(ing the* a&a%' When I t!ne" -ac( into the ha++, thee &ee t&o #o+"ie# #tan"ing
-e#i"e the e+e$ato, thei e%e# *o$ing ,o* *e to the -ag'
I &a+(e" to&a" the*, *eeting thei ga2e' .I1++ -e ight -ac(,/ I #ai", )!#hing the -!tton -e#i"e the
e+e$ato' .I )o*i#e" Cha+e# I1" +ea$e thi# in hi# o,,ice' He1" a#(e" ,o #o*e )a)e# ,o* the #!ite'/ I
)ointe" at the *eta+ "oo#, &aiting ,o the* to #te) a#i"e, )e*itting *e tho!gh' B!t the% "i"n1t
*o$e' In#tea" the o+"e o, the t&o, a *an &ith a chi))e" ,ont tooth, a"5!#te" hi# #tance, ,i++ing the
"oo,a*e'
.Yo! ,athe nee"# to #)ea( &ith %o!,/ the othe #ai", c+a*)ing "o&n on *% &i#t' I1" #een hi* -e,oe,
#tatione" at the en" o, the ha++' He ha" a )e*anent ,i$e o1c+oc( #ha"o&, hi# #(in #o )a+e %o! co!+"
a+&a%# #ee the "a( hai 5!#t -e+o& the #!,ace'
.I nee" to go "o&n#tai# ,i#t,/ I #ai", )!++ing ,ee' .He can #)ea( to *e &hen I1*,ini#he"'/ B!t the
othe #o+"ie ga--e" *% a*' I #t!"ie" hi# han" a# it c+!tche" *% -ice)#, &aiting ,o hi* to +et go, -!t
in#tea" he )!++e" *e -ac(, to&a" *% ,athe1# #!ite'
.It can1t &ait,/ he #ai"' He "i"n1t *eet *% e%e#'
I ,e+t the (ni,e )e##e" in#i"e *% -e+t, t!c(e" tight+% again#t *% hi)' He he+" *% ight a*, the othe
#o+"ie ,+an(ing *e on *% +e,t, &ith no oo* ,o *e to *ane!$e' The% +e" *e "o&n the ha++&a% to *%
,athe1# #!ite' A# &e a))oache" the "oo I co!+" hea Cha+e#1# $oice ,o* the othe #i"e, hi# &o"#
h!ie"'
.I can1t #a%,/ he ,ini#he", a# &e &a+(e" in' .I "on1t thin( that1# t!e'/
The #o+"ie he &a# #)ea(ing to t!ne" to ,ace *e' The Lie!tenant' M% ,athe &a# !),
+oo(ing #tonge than I1" #een hi* in "a%#' Thee &a# one othe *an, hi# -ac( to&a" *e, hi# han"#
tie" togethe &ith )+a#tic e#taint#' I co!+" te++ -% the #hot, ga%ing hai an" tani#he" go+" ing that it
&a# Mo##'
.:ene$ie$e,/ the Lie!tenant #ai", .&e &ee 5!#t t%ing to )!t thi# a++ togethe' Wee %o!the one &ho )!t
the o+ean"e e3tact in %o! ,athe1# *e"ication, o "i" Regina+" "o it hi*#e+,0/ Mo## t!ne" to *e, hi#
"a( e%e# *eeting *ine' Thee &a# nothing "eci)hea-+e in hi# e3)e##ion7no ,ea, no con,!#ion,
nothing'
.I to+" the* I "on1t (no& &hat the%1e ta+(ing a-o!t,/ Cha+e# #ai"' Hi# -+!e e%e# nao&e", a# tho!gh
he "i"n1t 4!ite ecogni2e *e'
I eaange" *% ,eat!e#, t%ing to catch *% co*)o#!e, to t!n *% ,ace into #o*ething that &o!+"
in#)ie t!#t' .Wh% &o!+" Regina+" "o that0/
M% ,athe g+ance" #i"e&a%# at the Lie!tenant -e,oe #)ea(ing' .Thee1# no )oint in +%ing' One o, the
e-e+# ga$e hi* !)' The on+% 4!e#tion i# ho& the )oi#on ,o!n" it# &a% into the *e"icine, con#i"eing
Mo## ha#n1t -een in thi# #!ite in *onth#' That "a% %o! ca*e hee, the "a% &e ,o!n" o!t %o! &ee
)egnant' I &ant to (no&7"i" %o! "o it then0/
.I co!+" -ae+% #tan" !) that "a%' I1$e ne$e -een #o #ic('/
At thi#, *% ,athe e3)+o"e"' Hi# nec( #taine" a# he #)o(e' .Yo! cannot +ie to *e an%*oe' I &on1t ha$e
it' An" i, %o! thin( that %o! ae #o*eho& i**!ne -eca!#e o, %o! )egnanc%, %o! ae *i#ta(en'/
.I**!ne ,o* &hat0/ I a#(e"' .I**!ne ,o* -eing (i++e", +i(e a++ the othe e-e+#0 Li(e an%one &ho
"oe#n1t agee &ith %o!0/
M% ,athe "i"n1t +oo( at *e' In#tea" he no""e" to the Lie!tenant, then to Mo##' The
Lie!tenant ga--e" Mo## -% the a* an" t!ne" hi* ao!n"' The #o+"ie# t&i#te" *% +e,t &i#t -ehin"
*% -ac(' .Thi# "oe#n1t ha$e to ha))en,/ Cha+e# #ai" a# he #te))e" ,o&a", t%ing to -+oc( the "oo'
.I1* #!e thi# i# a *i#!n"e#tan"ing7&h% &o!+" :ene$ie$e -e in$o+$e" in thi#0 Whee ae %o! ta(ing
the*0/
The King "i"n1t e#)on"' In#tea" he t!ne" a&a%, to&a" the &in"o&, +oo(ing "o&n at the co&"
a##e*-+e" on the oa"' Mo## g+ance" #i"e&a%# at *e, an" I &on"ee" i, he1" ,e+t it #o*eho&, in a++
tho#e *eeting# &e1" ha", #itting in the #ti++ne## o, the )a+o, i, he1" #en#e" !# #)ee"ing to&a" thi#
*o*ent' Co!+" he ha$e (no&n &e1" -e hee, togethe, hi# ,!t!e #o entang+e" &ith *ine0
Be,oe the% co!+" ga- *% othe &i#t, I &ent ,o the (ni,e in *% -e+t' It too( the* a *o*ent
to )oce## &hat &a# ha))ening' Mo## "i"n1t he#itate' He )!#he" a++ hi# &eight -ac(&a", (noc(ing the
Lie!tenant into the c+o#et "oo# -ehin" hi*' I hea" the ho++o& #o!n" the Lie!tenant *a"e, then hi#
#hot inta(e o, -eath, a# he #t!gg+e" to get ai'
Mo## an to&a" *e, hi# han"# #ti++ -o!n" togethe -% the )+a#tic tie, (noc(ing one o, the #o+"ie# o,,
-a+ance' I )!++e" -ac(, #&i)ing at the othe &ith the (ni,e' A# the #o+"ie h!nche" o$e, the
-+oo" )oo+ing in#i"e hi# )a+*, &e #tate" tho!gh the "oo'
O!t#i"e, the ha++ &a# e*)t%' I c+i))e" Mo##1# e#taint# &ith the -+a"e, an" he #hoo( o!t hi# han"# to
get the -+oo" -ac( into the*' We #tate" to&a" the en" o, the ha++, to the #tai&e++ 5!#t ao!n" the
cone' .Thee ae t&o #o+"ie# #tatione" thee,/ I #ai"' .Po##i-+% *oe'/
I co!+" #ee hi# #+ight he#itation a# &e an in#tea" to&a" the e+e$ato#' The "oo to the #!ite o)ene", the
Lie!tenant a))eaing at the othe en" o, the ha++' I #a& hi# g!n -e,oe Mo## "i"' Mo## "o$e ,o the
e+e$ato -!tton, +oo(ing #taight ahea", not -otheing to t!n' The #hot hit hi* in the -ac(, teaing
tho!gh the ten"e #)ot -et&een hi# #ho!+"e -+a"e#' He #taggee" ,o&a", then ,o+"e" in on hi*#e+,'
He )e##e" hi# #i"e into the &a++, t%ing to #ta% #tan"ing'
The Lie!tenant ai#e" hi# a* again 5!#t a# the e+e$ato "oo# o)ene"' I ga--e" Mo## -eneath hi# a*#
an" "agge" hi* in#i"e, #t!gg+ing again#t hi# &eight' When I +oo(e" !) Cha+e# &a# thee, hi# ,i#t
c+o#ing ao!n" the Lie!tenant1# #hit, )!++ing hi# &i#t -ac( an" a&a%' When the g!n &ent o,, it hit the
&a++ -e#i"e !#, t!nne+ing into the *eta+' The +a#t thing I #a& &a# Cha+e#1# ,ace, hi# ,eat!e# t&i#te" an"
#tange, a# he ,o!ght the Lie!tenant ,o hi# &ea)on'
FOURTEEN
I WAS AFRAID TO TURN MOSS O>ER, WORRIED THAT MO>IN: hi* *ight ca!#e *oe "a*age'
The &o!n" in hi# -ac( -ae+% -+e"' In#tea" hi# +i)# +o#t co+o an" hi# che#t #&e++e", a# i, he &ee ta(ing
one +ong, )e*anent -eath' I !n"i" the to) -!tton# o, hi# #hit an" too( hi# tie o,,, t%ing to ceate
#)ace ,o ai' Hi# *o!th o)ene" an" #h!t, again an" again, #+o&e each ti*e, +i(e a ,i#h &itho!t &ate'
It ,e+t #!ea+, +i(e a #tange #cene I &a# &itne##ing -!t not a )at o,' I tie" to -eathe into hi# +!ng#, a#
I1" #een at Schoo+ &hen one o, the %o!nge gi+# ha" ha" a #ei2!e' Nothing &o(e"' The -!++et ha"
entee" in the cente o, hi# -ac(, -ea(ing #o*ething in#i"e hi*'
B% the ti*e &e eache" the -otto* o, the to&e Mo## &a# "ea"' I (ne& I ha" to +ea$e, -!t I co!+"n1t
)!++ *% ,inge# ,o* hi# &i#t, a# i, hi# )!+#e &o!+" et!n i, I he+" the* thee +ong eno!gh' I ,e+t the
co+" "a*)ne## in hi# )a+*#' I notice" the &a% hi# e%e# #ta%e" o)en, hi# +i*-# ten#e an" #ti++' When
I ,ina++% #tate" o!t o, the e+e$ato, I &aite" !nti+ the "oo# c+o#e" -ehin" *e, +oc(ing hi# -o"% in#i"e'
I (e)t *% e%e# "o&n a# I )a##e" the o& o, #o+"ie# -% the entance' The Pa+ace &o(e# #ti++ ho$ee"
5!#t -e%on" the g+a##, &atching a# the +a#t )i#one# &ee e3ec!te"' I )!++e" the #&eate ao!n" *%
han"#, t%ing to hi"e the -+oo" #*eae" on *% #(in' I ha" *in!te#, i, that, -e,oe the% &ee a++ a+ete",
-e,oe the Lie!tenant &a# at the -a#e o, the to&e, #eaching the *ain oa"'
I &o!n" "o&n the +ong "i$e&a%, *o$ing #o!th !nti+ I eache" the #teet' I (e)t i*agining &hat
&o!+"1$e ha))ene" i, &e ha" t!ne" ight, not +e,t, o!t o, *% ,athe1# #!ite, i, I ha" -een the one &ho
eache" the e+e$ato "oo# ,i#t' What "i" it *ean ,o the Tai+ &ith Mo## gone, ho& &o!+" the7
.E$e7#to)?/ a ,a*i+ia $oice %e++e"' .I1$e -een ca++ing %o!' Wh% "i"n1t %o! t!n ao!n"0/ I ,+inche" a#
C+aa1# han" ca*e "o&n on *% &i#t'
He ,ace &a# a *e## o, tea#, the ti) o, he no#e +ight )in(' .Yo!1e +ea$ing, aen1t %o!0/ #he a#(e"' She
g+ance" -ehin" *e, &hee the co&" &a# "i#)e#ing into the O!t+an"#' The #(% a-o$e &a# a #*otheing
ga%, &hich o++e" an" cac(e" &ith th!n"e'
.I ha$e to go,/ I #ai"' .The%1e a,te *e'/ I #&i)e" at *% chee(#, ,o the ,i#t ti*e noticing that I &a#
c%ing' I #4!ee2e" he han", ,ee+ing the &a*th o, it in *% o&n, an" then t!ne" a&a%, -ac( "o&n the
*ain #ti), *o$ing #o!th a+ong the oa"'
I +o#t *%#e+, in the #hi,ting c!ent o, the co&"' I ca!ght g+i*)#e# o, the ,o!ntain# o!t#i"e the Be++agio,
o, t&o o+"e &o*en in ,ont o, *e &ho &ee ho+"ing han"#, o, the *an &ho )e##e" hi# ca) to hi#
che#t, again#t hi# heat'
I &a# 5!#t -e%on" the Co#*o)o+itan to&e &hen C+aa ,o!n" *e, he -eath# #+o&ing a# he #te)#
#%nche" !) &ith *ine' .I1* co*ing &ith %o!,/ #he #ai"'
I g+ance" o$e he #ho!+"e, -!t thee &ee no #o+"ie# in $ie&' The #(% oc(e" &ith th!n"e, an" the
c+o!"# +et +oo#e thei ,i#t hea$% "o)#' Ahea" o, !#, )eo)+e he+" thei5ac(et# a-o$e thei hea"# to #hie+"
the*#e+$e# ,o* the co*ing ain' I )!++e" *% hai "o&n ao!n" *% ,ace, t%ing to hi"e ,o* a #o+"ie
#tan"ing to the ea#t, 5!#t -e%on" the *eta+ -aica"e#' .No& that the #iege i# o$e, %o! &on1t -e h!t'
Yo! "on1t ha$e to co*e; %o!7/
.I &on1t +i$e hee,/ #he #ai"' .Not +i(e thi#'/ She g+ance" -ac( at the Pa+ace, &hee the &oo"en )+at,o*
&a# #ti++ $i#i-+e' T&o *oe -o"ie# &ee -eing c!t "o&n ,o* the o)e#'
.Yo! can1t,/ I #ai"' .The% (no& a-o!t &hat I "i"' I, %o!1e ,o!n" &ith *e, %o!1++ -e (i++e", too'/ I h!ie"
*% )ace, t!ning ight, co##ing the *ain oa", &hee the co&" thinne" o!t' The t!nne+ co!+"n1t -e
*oe than t&o *i+e# o,,' I co!+" +ea$e the Cit% &ithin an ho!, e$en i, I &o!n" tho!gh the O!t+an"#,
a$oi"ing the #tetche# o, o)en oa"'
.What1# the o)tion0/ C+aa a#(e"' She (e)t a+ong, not ta(ing he e%e# a&a% ,o* *e' .Sta% hee0 Wait
!nti+ thee1# anothe attac(0 Wait !nti+ the% te++ *e the%1$e ,o!n" %o!0 Yo! can1t go a+one, E$e'/ The
+a#t )at o, he #entence #o*eho& he+" a 4!e#tion, a# i, #he &ee a#(ing *e6 Wh% &o!+" I +et %o! "o
that0 I )e##e" *% ,ace into he nec(, c+inging to he ,o 5!#t a *o*ent -e,oe -ea(ing a&a%'
.The t!nne+ i# in the #o!th,/ I &hi#)ee", +ea"ing he "o&n a nao& a++e%&a%, &hee o+" #ho)# &ee
-oa"e" !), ga,,iti #ca&+e" aco## thei #i"e#' A FREE CITY NOW &a# &itten in e" )aint' Witho!t
Mo##, it &a# i*)o##i-+e to (no& i, the t!nne+ &o!+" -e c+ea o i, the e*aining e-e+# &o!+" -e !#ing it
,o e#ca)e' B!t &hat choice "i" &e ha$e0
I -o!ght *% han" to *% ,ace, t%ing to -eathe tho!gh *% *o!th, an%thing to "!++ the #*e++# that
ca*e o,, the oa"' A -o"% +a% a*ong the -!ne" a#h an" !in, it# -ac( to&a" !#, a thin
)+a#tic 5ac(et ,!#e" to the #(e+eton'
We (e)t *o$ing, the #o!n" o, a <ee)1# engine #)+itting the ai, the tie# (ic(ing !) "!#t an" #an" a# it
,+e& )a#t the oa" -ehin" !#' The ain ca*e "o&n' So*e o, the e#i"ent# in the O!t+an"# "!c(e" in
"oo&a%# o !n"e the #ha++o& o$ehang# o, -!i+"ing#' A go!) #cattee" into a )a(ing +ot, #itting in
the ho++o& #he++# o, ca#, &aiting ,o the #to* to )a##'
I he+" the -ag tight to *% #i"e, (ee)ing *% hea" "o&n' It &a# on+% &hen I t!ne", &atching
anothe <ee) "i#a))ea into the O!t+an"#, that I notice" the ho#)ita+, no *oe than a h!n"e" %a"#
o,,'
.What i# it0/ C+aa a#(e"' She (e)t !) he )ace, +ea$ing *e thee at the e"ge o, the oa"' She #hie+"e"
he e%e# ,o* the ain'
I co!+"n1t +oo( a&a%' No& that the #iege ha" en"e", the gi+# &o!+" -e ta(en o!t o, the Cit%, -ac( to the
Schoo+#' It co!+" -e %ea# -e,oe the% &ee +i-eate", i, e$e' Ho& *an% o, the* &o!+" -e ta(en to tho#e
-!i+"ing#0 Thi# &a# thei on+% chance to get o!t o, the Cit%' I &o!+"n1t -e a-+e to ta(e *oe than a ,e&, i,
I co!+" get in at a++, -!t I co!+"n1t +ea$e the* &itho!t "oing #o*ething'
.Wait thee,/ I ca++e" to C+aa' .The t!nne+ i#n1t *oe than t&o -+oc(# ,athe' It1# in a *ote+ *a(e"
&ith an eight'/ I "o))e" *% -ag, ge#t!ing to the a&ning o, an a-an"one" goce% #toe' C+aa ca++e"
a,te *e, a#(ing *e &hat to &ait ,o, -!t I too( o,, to&a" the -!i+"ing, he $oice "i#a))eaing -ehin"
the hea$% ain'
T&o #o+"ie# &ee #tan"ing o!t#i"e the ,ont entance' I #+!n( ao!n" the -ac(, noticing an o+"e
&o*an at the #i"e "oo' O! e%e# *et' She #igna+e" to *e &ith he han"' It &a#n1t !nti+ I &a# a ,e&
%a"# a&a% that I notice" the -ight e" #tea( in he hai' It &a# the #a*e &o*an Mo## ha"
*entione"'
.The% a+ea"% (no& a-o!t %o!,/ #he #ai", +eaning in' She "i"n1t +oo( at *e' In#tea" he e%e# &atche"
the #cene o$e *% #ho!+"e' The high #h!-# )o$i"e" +itt+e co$e ,o* an% $ehic+e# that )a##e" on the
oa"' .The a+et# ha$e gone o!t' Yo! ha$e ten *in!te#, *a%-e ,i,teen, -e,oe the%1e hee' The%1$e
"i#)atche" the <ee)# ,o* the noth en" o, the &a++' Yo! ha$e to +ea$e no&'/
I )!#he" again#t the #i"e o, the -!i+"ing, t%ing to get #o*e e#)ite ,o* the ain that )e+te" *% #(in'
The -+oo" ca*e o,, *% ,inge#, the &ate )oo+ing )in( in *% )a+* -e,oe it ,+oo"e" o$e the #i"e# o, *%
han" an" &a#he" a&a%' .I nee" %o! to +et *e in#i"e,/ I #ai"' .P+ea#e7I1++ -e 4!ic('/
.Thee1# "o2en# o, gi+# on thi# ,+oo7*a%-e *oe' What ae %o! going to "o0/
.P+ea#e,/ I #ai" again' .I "on1t ha$e ti*e'/
She "i"n1t e#)on"' In#tea" #he o)ene" the +oc(, an" ,o the ,i#t ti*e I notice" that he han"# &ee
#ha(ing' .That1# a++ I can "o,/ #he #ai"' .I1* #o%, I &on1t te++, -!t I can1t he+) %o! an% *oe than thi#'/
She #te))e" -ac(, a&a% ,o* *e, "i#a))eaing ao!n" the #i"e o, the -!i+"ing'
I )o))e" the "oo o)en &ith a oc(' In#i"e, the +ong coi"o &a# 4!iet' A ,e& gi+# in a #i"e oo* &ee
ta+(ing a-o!t the e3)+o#ion# the%1" hea" o!t#i"e, &on"eing &hat ha" ha))ene" an" &h%' T&o )eo)+e
#at !n"e a giant ca+en"a +a-e+e" <an!a% CDCE, thei hea"# -o&e" togethe a# the% #)o(e' It &a#n1t
!nti+ Beatice t!ne", heaing *% ,oot#te)#, that I ecogni2e" he'
.What ae %o! "oing hee0/ #he a#(e", #tating to&a" *e' Saah ,o++o&e" a+ong -ehin" he, he e%e#
#&o++en' .I# &hat the%1e #a%ing t!e0 The%1e ta(ing the gi+# -ac( to the Schoo+#0/
.We ha$e to gathe a# *an% gi+# a# )o##i-+e,/ I #ai", g+ancing into one o, the oo*#' A go!) o, gi+#
&ee #itting &ith thei +eg# ,o+"e", ea"ing #o*e o+" *aga2ine#' .Thee1# a o!te &e can ta(e o!t o, the
Cit%' Ha$e the* -ing thei &a*e#tc+othe# an" &hate$e #!))+ie# the% ha$e' Ho& *an% ae on thi#
ha++0/
.<!#t nine o, !#,/ Saah #ai"' .The e#t ae )a#t thee'/ She )ointe" to the c+o#e" "o!-+e "oo# -ehin"
he'
I "!c(e" into the #econ" oo*, not &aiting ,o Beatice to e#)on"' Fo! gi+# &ee c!+e" !) in -e",
ea"ing a tattee" co)% o, #o*ething ca++e" Ha% Potte' The% +oo(e" !) &hen I ca*e in, #canning *%
"enche" c+othe# an" *% hai, &hich c+!ng to *% ,ace an" nec( in thic(, -+ac( coi+#' Loc(ing e%e# &ith
the*, I #!""en+% &a#n1t 4!ite cetain &hat to #a%, ho& to con$ince the* to co*e no&, &ith *e, a&a%
,o* e$e%thing the%1" (no&n' .I nee" %o! to gathe a++ %o! thing# an" +ine !) -% the e3it,/ I #ai"' .It1#
not #a,e hee an%*oe' Ta(e &hate$e #!))+ie# %o! ha$e an" -e ea"% to +ea$e in t&o *in!te#, no
*oe'/
A gi+ &ith -+on" hai an" ,ec(+e# nao&e" he e%e# at *e' .Who ae %o!0 Do the g!a"# (no& %o!1e
hee0/
.No7an" %o! &on1t te++ the*'/ I ga--e" one o, the to) "a&e# an" e*)tie" it onto the -e", to##ing
the gi+ a can$a# -ag that ha" ,a++en o!t' .I1* :ene$ie$e7the King1# "a!ghte' An" &e nee" to +ea$e the
Cit% tonight, no&, -e,oe %o! no +onge ha$e the chance'/
The gi+ &ith ,ec(+e# ga--e" he ,ien"1# a*, ooting he in )+ace' .Wh% &o!+" &e +ea$e the Cit%0
The% #ai" the%1e ta(ing !# -ac( to the Schoo+# #oon' The% #ai" it1# #a,e no&'/
.Beca!#e the%1$e +ie" to %o!,/ I #ai"' The gi+ -ehin" he #hi,te" on he ,eet' .Thee ae no ta"e #choo+#'
A,te ga"!ation, the gi+# in the Schoo+#7gi+# +i(e %o!, +i(e *% ,ien"#7ae i*)egnate" an" #)en"
%ea# gi$ing -ith in that -!i+"ing' The%1e he+" thee again#t thei &i++' The King i# t%ing to ai#e the
)o)!+ation n!*-e# an% &a% he can'/
.Yo!1e +%ing,/ the gi+ &ith the +ong -ai" #ai"' B!t the othe# +oo(e" +e## cetain'
.Ha$e %o! e$e #een the gi+# &ho ga"!ate" -e,oe %o!0 Ha$e the% e$e co*e -ac( to #a% &hat the%1e
"oing in#i"e the Cit%0/ I )a!#e"' .What i, I1* not +%ing0 What &i++ %o! "o once %o!1e -ac( at the Schoo+
an" %o! ea+i2e I &a# ight0 What &i++ %o! "o then0/
A gi+ &ith tin% -+ac( -ai"# got !) an" #+o&+% #tate" )ic(ing tho!gh a -o3 -e+o& he cot' .Co*e on,
Bette,/ #he #ai"' .What i, #he i# ight0 Wh% &o!+" the Pince## +ie to !#0/
I "i"n1t ha$e ti*e to con$ince the*' I &ent into the ha++ a# a ,e& o, the othe# #tate")ac(ing,
&hi#)eing to one anothe' Fo! o, the gi+# ,o* the oo* -e#i"e !# &ee in thee, c+!tching the
(na)#ac(# the%1" -o!ght ,o* Schoo+' The% +oo(e" !ncetain, #o*e on the $ege o, tea#, othe#
+a!ghing, a# i, I &ee acco*)an%ing the* on #o*e #ot o, e3c!#ion' Beatice ha" +oc(e" he a*
ao!n" Saah1# an" &a# #tan"ing at the ,ont o, the "oo, &atching the coi"o -ehin" *e' .Ta(e the*
aco## the oa", to the e*)t% goce% #toe on the othe #i"e,/ I to+" he' .C+aa &i++ -e thee'/
Beatice )eee" o!t the "oo, &atching the nao& #teet that an -e#i"e !#' The &ate )oo+e" -% the
cac(e" c!-#, #)ea"ing o!t in $a#t, *!(% )!""+e#' The on+% #o!n" &a# the ain a# it hit the #i"e o,
the #tone -!i+"ing' .Then &hat0/ #he a#(e"'
.I1++ -ing the e#t o, the* a# #oon a# the%1e ea"%'/ I t!ne" "o&n the ha++, to&a" the #tai#, a#
Beatice +e,t' I +oo(e" !) the ,i#t +ong ,+ight' The gi+# ,o* *% Schoo+ &ee #e$ea+ ,+oo# a-o$e,
&aiting to -e -o!ght -ac( to that -!i+"ing aco## the +a(e' I ha" to at +ea#t t%' Di"n1t I o&e the* that0
.F!ic(+%,/ I #ai", t!ning to the gi+# in the ha++' A ,e& *oe tai+e" o!t o, the oo*,
thic(#&eate# )!++e" o$e thei 5!*)e#' Othe# ,i+e" o!t -ehin" Beatice' When I t!ne" -ac( to the
#tai# I hea" it6 the 4!ic(, con#tant c+o*) o, -oot# "e#cen"ing the #te)#' T&o ,+ight# !), a ,e*a+e
#o+"ie )eee" o$e the ai+ing, #)otting *e, he ,ace ten#e a# #he "e& he g!n'
I #tate" "o&n the ha++, )!++ing the #tai&e++ "oo #h!t an" o++ing a !#te" *eta+ cat in ,ont o, it to
#+o& he' .:o,/ I %e++e", ge#t!ing ,o the gi+# to ,o++o& Beatice o!t the #i"e e3it' .No&?/
Fi$e o, the* #too" -% the "oo' .Yo! ha$e to t!#t *e,/ I %e++e", !nning !) -ehin" the*' S+o&+%, the
gi+# #tate" o!t#i"e an" into the ain, ho+"ing thei -ag# a-o$e thei hea"# a# the% an' I ,o++o&e"
-ehin" the*, !ging the* to *o$e ,a#te, to &ea$e tho!gh the a++e%&a% to thea-an"one" #toe, &hee
Beatice an" the othe# &aite", thei ,ig!e# -ae+% $i#i-+e -eneath the i))e" a&ning'
I #)+a#he" tho!gh the an(+e9"ee) )!""+e#, +etting the ain #oa( *e again' When I +oo(e" -ac( the
#o+"ie &a# e*eging ,o* the #i"e o, the -!i+"ing, t&o *oe *en in to& a# the% #tate" a,te !#' A#
#oon a# I eache" the #toe I #)inte" o!t ,ont, ignoing the #o!n" o, the <ee)# a# the% #)e" #o!th on
the oa", to&a" !#, thei hea"+ight# i++!*inating the "a('
FIFTEEN
THERE WAS NO RELIEF FROM THE RAIN' IT CAME FAST AND ha", )e+ting *% han"#, *%
nec(, *% ,ace' Stea*# ,+oo"e" the O!t+an"#, -!o&ing into the #an", t!ning the go!n" to a thic(,
hea$% #+!"ge' When I g+ance" -ac(, C+aa ha" )!++e" o,, he #hoe# an" &a# &a"ing, (nee9"ee), tho!gh
a )!""+e' Behin" he, the e#t o, the gi+# t!"ge" on, nine in a++, thei 5!*)e# #oa(e" tho!gh'
.H!% no&,/ Beatice ca++e" o!t, !#heing the* a+ong' He #hot, ga% coat h!ng hea$% on he
#ho!+"e#, the ain "i))ing o,, the he*'
Saah &a# %e++ing to a gi+ to&a" the ea o, the go!) &ho1" #ta++e"' I t!ne", noticing it &a# the gi+
&ith ,ec(+e#7Bette' .We can1t go to the Schoo+#,/ Saah (e)t e)eating, a# #he )!++e" Bette to&a" the
&a++' .Beatice #ai" it, too' It1# not #a,e an%*oe' Yo! ha$e to 5!#t t!#t the*'/
The <ee)# ha" #to))e" on the oa"' A# the #o+"ie# c+i*-e" o!t, the% &ee "e+i-eate in thei
*o$e*ent#, thin(ing the% ha" ti*e, that &e ha" no&hee to go, the &a++ 5!#t a 4!ate *i+e o,,' I #)e"
!) an" the gi+# ,o++o&e", &ea$ing "o&n one +a#t #teet !nti+ the *ote+ ca*e into $ie& !) ahea", the
)oo+ ,i++e" &ith a *!(% ga% +i4!i", the ain i))+ing it# #!,ace'
.We1e not going to *a(e it,/ C+aa #ai" a# #he an -e#i"e *e, he -ae ,eet #in(ing into the #an"'
.Thee1# too *an% o, the* an" thee1# too *an% o, !#'/ She #&i)e" the &et hai o!t o, he ,ace'
.<!#t h!%,/ I #ai" a# I )!++e" o)en the chain gate, the gi+# ,i+ing )a#t *e' A ,e& he+" thei -ag# o$e
thei hea"#, thei #hoe# (notte" togethe, the +ace# #+!ng o$e thei #ho!+"e' The% (e)t +oo(ing to *e,
then -ac( at the #o+"ie#, a# the% #tate" to&a" the ,ont o, the *ote+' .Bing the* into the one *a(e"
e+e$en'/
I "!c(e" tho!gh the gate, &atching a# the #o+"ie# #tate" "o&n the oa" to&a" !#' Thee &ee ten o,
the*, *a%-e *oe' We on+% ha" a ,e& *in!te#'
When the +a#t gi+ )a##e" into the oo* I ,o++o&e" -ehin" he, &ea$ing ao!n" a ac( o, c+othe# that
ha" -een co$ee" &ith a c+ea )+a#tic ta)' The oo* #*e++e" o, *i+"e&, the ca)et )ee+ing !) at the
-a#e-oa"#' Bo3e# o, c+othe# co$ee" a +age che#t again#t the &a++, the #hit# "a)e" o$e the #i"e#,
aange" -% co+o' The +oc( &a# a +oo#e, )athetic thing, -!t I )!++e" the chain o$e the "oo
an%&a%, #ea+ing it #h!t'
.It1# not hee,/ C+aa %e++e", a# #he o)ene" the c+o#et in the -ac(' He $oice #tat+e" the e#t o, the gi+#'
The% )e##e" again#t the &a++#, &atching *e' .It1# the &ong oo*'/
A *atte## &a# )o))e" again#t the &in"o&, ha+, -+oc(ing the $ie&' I )!++e" -ac( a #*a++ #+i$e o,
c!tain, &atching a# the #o+"ie# #tate" into the *ote+1# entance&a%, &o(ing thei &a% "o&n the o&
o, oo*#' I *o$e" 4!ic(+%, "agging the &oo" che#t again#t the "oo'
Thee &ee &et, *!""% ,oot)int# a++ o$e the ca)et, -!t it &a# i*)o##i-+e to #a% i, the% &ee o!# o
not' Anothe *atte## #at at an ang+e on the ,+oo, one cone o, it -ent again#t the &a++' I chec(e" the
-athoo*, the c+o#et#, the #*a++ #)ace -et&een the "e##e#' I &on"ee" i, I co!+"1$e ea" the *a)
incoect+%, o i, thi# &a#n1t the *ote+Mo## ha" "e#ci-e"'
.The%1e co*ing,/ Beatice #ai", he $oice ,a%e" -% ne$e#' She +et the c!tain "o) an" -egan )!++ing
at the *atte##, *ane!$eing it #o it co$ee" *oe o, the e3)o#e" &in"o&'
I #tae" at the *atte## on the ,+oo' Bette &a# #tan"ing on it, he ,eet #in(ing "o&n in the cente' I
&atche" a# #he #hi,te" he &eight, the thic( )a""ing gi$ing -eneath he' .He+) *e *o$e thi#,/ I #ai"'
.F!ic(+%' An" #tac( the "e##e again#t the "oo'/
I #igna+e" to the gi+# -e#i"e *e, an" the% ga--e" the *!#t% cone# o, the )a", #+i"ing it -ac( into the
cente o, the oo*' A ho+e a))eae" in the ,+oo, no *oe than thee ,eet &i"e, the ca)et c!t a&a%
ao!n" the e"ge#' C+aa )e##e" he han"# to he ,+!#he" chee(#, a *o*enta% e+ie,, !nti+ the ,i#t
#o+"ie -ange" on the "oo' .:o,/ I to+" he, no""ing to&a" it' .I1++ *eet %o! o!t on the othe #i"e'/
The oo* &a# "a(' The #o!n" o, ain ,i++e" the #i+ence' We co!+" #ee the #o+"ie# o!t#i"e, thei
#ha"o&# *o$ing )a#t the thin #ti) o, &in"o& that &a#n1t -+oc(e"' C+aa +o&ee" he#e+, into the
t!nne+, he -eath #!c(ing in a# #he +et go' .Thee1# &ate "o&n hee,/ #he #ai"' She t!ne" -ac(, he
han"# gi))ing the i*' .It1# !) to *% (nee#'/
I c+o#e" *% e%e#, &anting a *in!te to thin(, -!t the #o+"ie )o!n"e" on the "oo again' Mo## ha"
ne$e to+" *e the e3act "i#tance o, the t!nne+, -!t I i*agine" it &a# the #a*e +ength a# the one in the
hanga7no *oe than a *i+e' Man% o, the ,+oo" channe+# ha" -een ,i++e" in &ith concete a,te the
)+ag!e -eca!#e the% &ee #een a# a #ec!it% theat' The e-e+# ha" ,o++o&e" thei -a#ic o!te#, e3ten"ing
the* &hee nece##a%, -!t *o#t &ee *!ch nao&e than the oigina+#7no *oe than ,i$e ,eet aco##
in )+ace#, &ith +o& cei+ing#' It &a# i*)o##i-+e to (no& ho& 4!ic(+% thi# one &o!+" ,i++, -!t &e1" -e in
*oe "ange #ta%ing hee, &aiting ,o the #o+"ie# to co*e tho!gh' .:o 4!ic(+%,/ I #ai", he+)ing the
ne3t gi+ in' .<!#t (ee) *o$ing !nti+ %o! each the othe #i"e'/
.I can1t #&i*,/ the gi+ #ai", he ,ace ten#ing a# #he #)+a#he" "o&n into the *!(% &ate -e+o&' She
)!++e" the he* o, he 5!*)e a-o$e he (nee#'
.Yo! "on1t ha$e to75!#t *o$e 4!ic(+%'/ I )eee" into the t!nne+, *% e%e# *eeting C+aa1# -e,oe #he
too( o,,, t!"ging tho!gh the &ate an" into the "a(ne## ahea"' One -% one the gi+# +o&ee"
the*#e+$e# into the eath' The #o+"ie# o!t#i"e &o(e" at the (no-, t%ing to ,ee it' Saah ha" *o$e"
the #econ" *atte## to the "oo, &e"ging it -ehin" the &oo" che#t, #o it &a# ,+!#h again#t the &a++'
A# #he &o(e", )!#hing the "e##e tight+% -ehin" it, I #a& a ,+a#h o, &hat Beatice *!#t ha$e -een +i(e
&hen #he &a# %o!nge' He #hot, #tong -!i+", the #ta&9co+oe" hai c!+e" at the na)e o, he nec('
.Yo! #ho!+" go,/ Saah #ai", )ointing into the t!nne+' The +a#t gi+ +o&ee" he#e+, "o&n, +ea$ing on+%
the thee o, !#' .I1++ ,o++o& -ehin" %o!'/
.Yo! &i++ not,/ Beatice #ai"' She )!t he han" on the gi+1# a*, )!++ing he to&a" *e' A# #he #ai" it,
the +oc( -o(e' The "oo )e##e" again#t the *atte##' The #o+"ie )!#he" into the oo*, #taining
again#t the #tac( o, ,!nit!e' Within #econ"# the &in"o& ga$e, the #hattee" g+a## ,a++ing -e+o& the
c!tain#'
I +eane" o$e the e"ge o, the t!nne+1# entance, &atching the +a#t gi+ *o$e ,o&a", into the "a(' I
he+)e" Beatice into the &ate -e+o&' He #(it -+oo*e" ao!n" he, the thin ga% ,a-ic ,+oating on the
g+a##% #!,ace' The &ate ha" i#en7an inch, *a%-e t&o'
Saah +o&ee" he#e+, in -ehin" he *othe, ga#)ing a# #he #an( into the co+"' .<!#t (ee) *o$ing,/ I
#ai", ca++ing o$e Saah1# #ho!+"e a# I #tate" in#i"e' I hit the go!n", the &ate nea+% !) to *% hi)#'
When I #)ea" *% a*# o!t, -oth han"# ga2e" the #i"e# o, the ca$en, the &a++# )itte" an" o!gh
&hee the e-e+# ha" chi))e" a&a% at the concete' M% )ant# c+!ng to *% +eg#, an" the e"ge o, *%
#&eate &a# hea$% &ith &ate' M% -oot# ,i++e", anchoing *e to the ,+oo'
I co!+" #ee $e% +itt+e -e%on" Saah1# -ac(, 5!#t hea the #+o#hing o, the &ate again#t the &a++# a# the
gi+# )!#he" tho!gh' So*e&hee in ,ont o, *e a gi+ &a# c%ing' .M% #hoe i# #t!c(,/ #he %e++e"' A++
*o$e*ent #to))e"' I co!+" hea he +a-oe" -eathing a# I !n2i))e" *% -oot#, c+!tching the* again#t
*% che#t' Thee &a# &hi#)eing, 4!iet coa3ing, an" then &e -egan *o$ing again, ,athe into the
-+ac(ne##'
I g+ance" -ehin" *e, &atching the "i* +ight that ,i+tee" "o&n ,o* the *ote+ oo*' Sha"o&# ca*e
o$e the #!,ace o, the &ate' .It1# anothe )a##age&a%,/ I hea" a #o+"ie ca++ o!t' One 5!*)e" in, the
&ate hitting hi* 5!#t -e+o& the hi)#' He &aite" thee, #4!inting into the "a(, t%ing to ,ig!e o!t 5!#t
ho& ,a a&a% &e &ee'
.H!%,/ I &hi#)ee"' The% &ee no *oe than ten %a"# -ac(' I #t!gg+e" to )ic( !) *% ,eet, *% +eg#
-!ning ,o* the e,,ot' Each #te) &a# #taine", the c!ent )!#hing again#t !#'
We contin!e" on' The go!) &o!+" #tat, then #to), an" I ,o++o&e" a+ong, +i#tening to Saah #o*e&hee
ahea" o, *e, the &ate #)+a#hing !) ao!n" he a# #he tie" to get taction in it' Occa#iona++% Beatice
a#(e" ,o he, *a(ing #!e #he &a# #ti++ ight thee' I +et o!t +ong, #+o& -eath#, -!t nothing co!+" (ee)
o,, the chi++ o the #ic(, )anic(e" ,ee+ing a# the &ate o#e to *% i-#'
The #o+"ie &a#n1t -ehin" !# an%*oe' A# ,a a# I co!+" te++ he1" #ta++e" at the e"ge o, the t!nne+ an"
then t!ne" -ac(, "i#a))eaing into the oo*' Kee) going, I to+" *%#e+,, ,ee+ing *% eneg% "aining, *%
+eg# n!*- an" tie" ,o* the co+"' <!#t (ee) *o$ing' B!t the &ate &a# i#ing ,a#te, the #!,ace
co*ing !) to o! che#t#, an" the ,e& gi+# in ,ont o, *e #t!gg+e" to #ta% a,+oat'
.It1# the en",/ I hea" C+aa #a%, #o*e&hee ahea"' .U) hee75!#t a +itt+e ,athe'/ The t!nne+ &i"ene",
the )a##age&a% nea+% #i3 ,eet aco## in )+ace#' The o!gh concete &a++ #catche" at *% #(in' I )e##e"
*% )a+* again#t it, t%ing to #tea"% *%#e+,'
I co!+"n1t te++ e3act+% &hee C+aa &a#, 5!#t that #he &a# a ,e& %a"# o,,, )a#t a -en" in the coi"o'
When the &ate eache" o! #ho!+"e# I #t!gg+e" to (ee) ho+" o, *% -ag an" the -oot#' M% c+othe#,
#oa(e" tho!gh, &ee too hea$% to *o$e ,a#te than a ca&+'
.We ha$e to #&i*,/ I #ai", t%ing to (ee) *% chin a-o$e &ate' I co!+" #en#e that Saah ha" ,a++en
-ehin" *e' He +eg# (ic(e" ,antica++% -e+o& the #!,ace' I eache" o!t *% han", )!++ing he ,o&a",
to&a" the en" o, the t!nne+' .Ta(e the -igge#t -eath %o! can,/ I e3)+aine"' .Then &e1++ go !n"e' U#e
%o! a*#7+i(e thi#'/ I he+" on to he &i#t, )!++ing it "o&n -eneath the &ate, *i*ing the #i*)+e
#to(e Ca+e- ha" #ho&n *e *onth# -e,oe' In ,ont o, !#, +ight ,i+tee" in ,o* a-o$e' I co!+" 5!#t
-ae+% #ee Beatice ,+oating, )!#he" ,o&a" -% the #!""en #&e++' She eache" the e"ge o, the t!nne+, a
#et o, +eg# "i#a))eaing a-o$e he a# anothe gi+ &a# )!++e" o!t'
I too( a "ee) -eath, &aiting !nti+ Saah "i" the #a*e, an" &e -oth &ent !n"e, he ,inge# #4!ee2e"
ao!n" *ine' I (ic(e" ,!io!#+%, )!++ing he a+ong in *% &a(e, #&i**ing to&a" the t!nne+1# en"' M%
#ho!+"e ga2e" the t!nne+1# o!gh &a++#, the #(in !--e" a&' The !#h o, &ate #!o!n"e" *e'
When I o)ene" *% e%e# the &ate &a# *!(%' A ,e& -!--+e# o#e !) in ,ont o, *% ,ace' Di* +ight
#)ea" o!t in a cic+e a-o$e !#, 5!#t a ,e& ,eet a&a%, #igna+ing the t!nne+1# en"' When I eache" it I
#too", -!t the &ate ha" gone a-o$e *% hea", the oo* #o*e&hee a-o$e *e' I #t!gg+e" !n"e&ate,
hoi#ting Saah !) &ith *% han"#' >oice# ca++e" o!t ,o* #o*e&hee -e%on" the #!,ace, *!te" an"
+o&, +i(e a "i#tant #ong'
I )!#he" o,, the -otto* an" &a# !), ta(ing in ai, the e#t o, the gi+# h!""+e" in a #*a++#toage oo*' I
the& *% -oot# onto the ,+oo an" gi))e" the o!gh e"ge o, the o)ening' C+aa t!c(e" he han"# !n"e
*% a*# an" )!++e" *e !) onto the concete' A *eta+ gate &a# ha+, c+o#e" o$e the entance, #h!tting
o!t the ain' The #ing+e -ac()ac( in the cone &a# ,at &ith #!))+ie#' A ,e& ca"-oa" #heet# ,+oate" in
t&o ,eet o, &ate'
.What ae &e #!))o#e" to "o no&0/ the gi+ &ith -+ac( -ai"# a#(e"' She co##e" he a*# o$e he
che#t, t%ing to &a* he#e+,' He +i)# &ee a #tange )!)+e co+o'
I )eee" o!t#i"e the gate, &atching the aea a+ong the &a++' The Cit% +oo(e" a-o!t a ha+, *i+e o,,,
*a%-e *oe' I co!+" 5!#t *a(e o!t the -!i+"ing# i#ing a-o$e the &a++, thei#i+ho!ette# "otte" &ith
co+oe" +ight' .We can1t #ta% hee,/ I #ai"' .The%1++ -e #eaching o!t#i"e the &a++ #oon'/
.I &ant to go -ac(,/ the gi+ &ith ,ec(+e# #ai"' .Wh% "i" &e ha$e to +ea$e0/
.Yo!1e not #a,e in the Cit% an%*oe,/ Beatice an#&ee"' She #4!ee2e" the &ate o!t o,
Saah1# #&eate, t&i#ting it into a tight -+!e coi+' .We can te++ %o! *oe &hen &e1e a&a% ,o* hee'/
I #te))e" into *% #ogg% -oot# an" 2i))e" the* !)' .We nee" to go no&,/ I #ai"' I #tate" onto the oa",
a&a% ,o* the Cit% &a++, the ain ha" on *% #(in' Fo* the o!t#i"e I co!+" #ee &hee the -o*-# ha"
gone o,, "!ing the #iege, the #tone -+ac( an" chae"' C+aa !#hee" the othe# o!t -ehin" *e, an"
the% ,o++o&e" into the co+"'
We #tate" )a#t o& !)on o& o, #toage containe#, *o#t &ith thei *eta+ gate# #h!t, +oc(ing o!t the
ain' A ,e& )+a#tic to%# &ee #cattee" in one, a "o++ ,+oating ,ace"o&n in the inch o, &ate that ca*e
o$e the c!-' I &on"ee" ho& -a" the ,+oo"ing &a# in#i"e the Cit%' It ha"+% e$e aine", an" &ith the
t!nne+# *o#t+% o-#t!cte" it &o!+" #!e+% -e "a%#, at +ea#t, -e,oe the &ate# ece"e"'
We co##e" tho!gh a )a(ing +ot an" #tate" !) a +o& hi++, the )a$e*ent i#ing to&a" a c+!#te
o, a-an"one" #toe#' When &e &ee ha+,&a% "o&n the #teet I t!ne", &atching the #)ot on the hoi2on
&hee the #o!th gate #too"' Fa -e+o&, t&o <ee)# )!++e" o!t#i"e the Cit% &a++' The% o!n"e" the cone,
the *!" #)+a#hing !) ao!n" thei tie#'
A# &e (e)t on, ain ca#ca"e" "o&n the hi++, the )a$e*ent co$ee" &ith a thin, i))+ing +a%e o, &ate' I
t!ne" -ac(, &atching a# one <ee) "i))e" "o&n into the #o,t *!"' The #o+"ie# got o!t an" #tate"
tho!gh a neigh-ohoo" on ,oot, -!t the% &ee going in the &ong "iection' I (e)t going, each #te)
ea#ie, a +ightne## ,i++ing *% &ho+e -o"%' We &ee o!t o, the Cit%' The% co!+"n1t each !# no&'
SIXTEEN
.HOW LON: DO WE HA>E TO WAIT HERE0/ SARAH ASKED' SHE #too" -% the &in"o&, he
#i+ho!ette 5!#t $i#i-+e again#t the #(%' The *oon &a# co$ee" -% c+o!"#, the ain #ti++ co*ing "o&n,
)!**e+ing the +e"ge o!t#i"e'
.<!#t ,o the night,/ I #ai"' .We1++ +ea$e to*oo&'/ A,te &a+(ing ,o *oe than t&o ho!#, &e1"
#to))e" in a neigh-ohoo" at the e"ge o, the *o!ntain#, hi"ing in the !))e ,+oo# o,
an a-an"one" ho!#e' I #te))e" ao!n" the -o(en ,+oo-oa"# an" eache" C+aa 5!#t a# #he ca*e !)
the #tai#' She &a# tai+e" -% t&o o, the othe gi+#, Bette an" He+ene, a ,e& to&e+# in thei han"#' .Yo!
ha$en1t ,o!n" an% *oe0/ I a#(e", )ointing to the #*a++ )i+e o, -+an(et# on the ,+oo' Thee &ee -ae+%
eno!gh to (ee) thee )eo)+e &a* ,o the night, +et a+one t&e+$e'
.Mo#t o, the #!))+ie# ha$e -een )ic(e" o$e a+ea"%,/ C+aa #ai"' She +oo(e" at the i))e", #taine"
,a-ic in he han"#' .The#e aen1t i"ea+ eithe ' ' '/
Bette, a ta++ gi+ &ith &i"e, "ee)9#et ga% e%e# an" "en#e ,ec(+e#, the& one o, the to&e+# "o&n'
.The%1e "i#g!#ting,/ #he *!*-+e"' .An" &e on+% ,o!n" one can75!#t one' That1# not eno!gh ,o a++ o,
!#'/
.We can +oo( ,o *oe to*oo&,/ I #ai"' .An" &e1++ h!nt i, &e ha$e to' We1e +!c(%, tho!gh7&e ha$e
&ate' That1# the *o#t i*)otant thing'/
Saah &atche" the )+a#tic containe# #itting on the oo,1# e"ge, &aiting ,o the* to ,i++' He hai &a# #ti++
#oa(e" ,o* the ain, e*)t% )+a#tic containe# )i+e" -% he -ae ,eet' .Don1t,/ Beatice #ai", a# Saah
eache" tho!gh the -o(en &in"o&)ane, *ane!$eing he thin &i#t to a$oi" getting c!t on the g+a##'
.Let *e'/
.I1* ,ine,/ Saah e)+ie", ho+"ing !) he han"' .See0/ She )ic(e" !) a &hite containe &ith ,a"e"
&iting on it, cae,!+ not to +et too *!ch &ate #)i++ o$e the #i"e#' She -o!ght it in o,, the &in"o&
+e"ge, #+o&+% e)+acing it &ith an e*)t% caton'
Beatice +eane" -ac( again#t the &a++, he e%e# *eeting *ine ,o 5!#t a *o*ent' I co!+" #ee g+i*)#e# o,
he ,eat!e# in Saah1#' The% -oth ha" o!n", heat9#ha)e" ,ace# an" a "i*)+e in the cente o, the chin'
Saah &a# #hote an" *oe ath+etic +oo(ing than *o#t o, the gi+#, an" the on+% one &ho ha"n1t
co*)+aine" %et7a-o!t the ain, a-o!t +ea$ing the Cit%, a-o!t the a-an"one" ho!#e'
We1" gone #e$en *i+e#, *a%-e +e##' The gi+# ha" tie" 4!ic(+%, an" the ain &a# co*ing "o&n
#i"e&a%#, the &in" )!#hing again#t !#' I (ne& &e &o!+"n1t get ,a, -!t the#e ,i#t ,e& *i+e# o!t#i"e the
Cit% &ee the *o#t "angeo!#' A# #oon a# the ,+oo"ing #!-#i"e", the #o+"ie# &o!+" -e -ac( on the
oa"#, can$a##ing, +oo(ing ,o !#' We1" ha$e to e#t no& an" ta(e one o, the -ac( o!te# o!t o, the
"e$e+o)*ent the ,o++o&ing *oning, -e,oe the #!n ca*e !)'
The #econ" #to% o, the ho!#e &a# *o#t+% "a(, &ith "i* +ight co*ing in ,o* the -o(en &in"o&#' One
cone o, the ,+oo &a# &a)e", the &oo"en -oa"# otte"' A ,e& o, the gi+# #at on a -ae *atte##,
co$ee" -% the one #heet &e1" ,o!n"' .I "on1t !n"e#tan",/ He+ene, the gi+ &ith tin% -+ac( -ai"#, #ai"
to no one in )atic!+a' She1" ,o!n" a )ac( o, T9#hit# in a -a#e*ent c+o#et, an" #o*e o, the gi+# ha"
)!t the* on, +oo(ing #tange+% !ni,o* no&, &ith the e3ce)tion o, thee gi+# &ho1"
"i#co$ee" #&eate# in a -otto* "a&e' Nea+% e$e% #!,ace &a# co$ee" &ith &et c+othe#75!*)e#
an" #oc(# +ai" o$e the -ac( o, the a*chai, *!"9ca(e" #hoe# #te&n -% the -e"oo* "oo'
.It1# i*)o##i-+e to !n"e#tan",/ Beatice #ai"' She #4!ee2e" the en"# o, he hai, t%ing to get o!t the
+a#t -it o, &ate' .Lo" (no&#, I ha$e tie"'/
I )ic(e" one o, the -+an(et# o,, the ,+oo, o)ening it !) to&a" the &in"o&' Then I )a##e" it to Bette an"
Lena, the t&o gi+# #itting c+o#e#t to *e' .I1$e #een &hat ha))en# in that co*)o!n"7I &a# at *% Schoo+
,o t&e+$e %ea#,/ I #ai"' .An" a,te I +e,t, &hene$e I ,e+t #cae", o con,!#e", o &oie", I 5!#t ca*e
-ac( to one ,act7the Teache# thee +ie"' It &a# ne$e o! +i,e; &e &ee a+&a%# !n"e thei conto+'/
Lena too( o,, he -+ac( )+a#tic g+a##e#, &i)ing the #catche" +en#e# on he #hit' .B!t
Teache Henietta #ai"7/
.I (no& &hat the% #ai"'/ I an *% han"# o$e *% hai, )!#hing a ,e& &et #tan"# a&a% ,o* *% ,ace'
The gi+# &ee no o+"e than ,o!teen, -!t the%1" a+ea"% !n"egone #o*e o, the initia+ )oce##e# ,o
ga"!ation' .Do %o! e*e*-e the $ita*in# the% ga$e %o!0 The &a% the% chate" %o! height an"
&eight e$e% *onth0 Ho& the o+"e gi+# &ent to the "octo# *oe ,e4!ent+%0 Di" %o! (no& an% gi+#
&ho1" #tate" the in5ection#0/
He+ene1# ,ace change", e$ea+ing #o*e #ot o, ecognition' I e*e*-ee" &hat I ,e+t that "a% &hen
A"en ha" to+" *e the t!th' E$e% )at o, *e ha" &ante" not to -e+ie$e, that e#i#tance +ingeing e$en
a,te I1" #een the :a"!ate# *%#e+,' I, e$e%thing that ha))ene" in#i"e the Schoo+ &a# a +ie, then &ho
&a# I no&, a,te ha$ing -a#e" *% i"entit% ao!n" it0 Ho& co!+" I )o##i-+% go on0
.I "i",/ He+ene #ai", not +oo(ing at the othe# a# #he #ai" it'
.Yo!1e )o-a-+% con$ince" %o!1e going to "ie o!t hee, that %o! co!+"n1t )o##i-+% #!$i$e in the &i+",/
I contin!e"' .B!t that1# not t!e eithe'/
I +oo(e" to a ,e& o, the gi+# &ho &ee h!""+e" togethe on the -e"' So*e ha" #o,tene" to&a" *e, no&
that &e1" *a"e it o!t o, the ain' I (ne& *% )o#ition a# Pince## *eant #o*ething to the*7the% ha"
hea" *% $oice -e,oe on the -oa"ca#t# ,o* the Cit%' The%1" #at in a "ining ha++ #i*i+a to the one at
*% Schoo+, +i#tening to the )aa"e &hen I ,i#t ai$e", +i#tening to the #toie# a-o!t the gi+ &ho1" co*e
,o* the Schoo+# to the Pa+ace, a# i, that &ee a )o##i-i+it% ,o the*, too' Ho& *an% o, the* *!#t1$e
i*agine" &ho thei )aent# &ee, i, the% ha" #o*eho& #!$i$e" an" &ee +i$ing #o*e&hee in#i"e the
Cit%0
.We #ho!+"n1t ha$e co*e hee,/ Bette #ai"' .We #ho!+"1$e #ta%e" &ith the e#t o, the gi+#' No& &e1++
ne$e #ee the* again'/
Saah t!ne" ,o* the &in"o&, &hee #he &a# -inging in anothe )+a#tic -ott+e o, ain&ate' .B!t &e
can1t go -ac( no&,/ #he #ai"' Beatice #te))e" ,o&a" to he+) he, -!t #he t!ne" a&a%, #etting the
-ott+e "o&n again#t the &a++'
Bette )!++e" he #&eate tighte ao!n" he #i"e#' .Wh% &o!+" the% "o that, tho!gh0 Ma%-e it &a#n1t at
a++ the Schoo+#7*a%-e it &a# 5!#t at %o!#' Ho& "o %o! (no&0/
C+aa #ett+e" into the a*chai in the cone' .She (no&# -ette than an%one' We &ee +i$ing in the
Pa+ace' The King #ai" it hi*#e+,'/
Bette #hoo( he hea"' She &hi#)ee" #o*ething to the gi+ ne3t to he that I co!+"n1t 4!ite hea' .I ho)e
%o!1++ +ean to t!#t *e,/ I #ai"' .I, %o! &ent -ac( to tho#e Schoo+# %o!1" -e ta))e" thee in"e,inite+%'/
.Then &hat ae &e going to "o0/ Bette a#(e"' .We can1t 5!#t #ta% hee ,oe$e'/
.We1e going to Ca+i,ia,/ I #ai" a# I #at on the e"ge o, the *atte##, +oo(ing at the gi+#' I !--e" *%
han"# togethe, t%ing to &a* the*' .It1# a #ett+e*ent !) noth' An" thee1# ,oo", &ate, #!))+ie#' Yo!
can #ta% thee a# +ong a# %o! nee"7othe e#ca)ee# ,o* the Schoo+# ha$e'/
Lena h!gge" he (nee# to he che#t' .Ae thee *en thee0/ #he a#(e"'
.It1# a++ &o*en,/ I #ai"'
Bette (e)t #ha(ing he hea"' .So &hat i, it1# a++ &o*en0/ She +oo(e" at the othe gi+#' .Ho& ae &e
e$en going to get thee0/
.We1e going to &a+(,/ I #ai"' .An" i, &e can ,in" #o*e othe, ,a#te &a% to get thee &e &i++' B!t it *a%
ta(e !# a# +ong a# a *onth' An" &e1++ h!nt, an" e#t, an" get #!))+ie# ho&e$e &e can, -!t &e1++ get
thee' I1$e "one it -e,oe'/
I co!+" ,ee+ C+aa1# e%e# on *e' I "i"n1t t!n to ,ace he' I (ne& &hat #he &a# thin(ing7that I1" "i$en
)at o, the &a% to Ca+i,ia, !) the Siea Ne$a"a an" then tho!gh to the ocean in the #o+"ie#1 <ee)'
Ma%-e it &a# #t!)i", ,oo+i#h e$en, to thin( &e co!+" get that ,a on ,oot, -!t no& that &e &ee -e%on"
the &a++# &e co!+"n1t hi"e o!t in"e,inite+%' The gi+#, C+aa an" Beatice at +ea#t, nee"e" #o*e&hee
the% co!+" #ett+e' M% ,athe *ight e*ain in )o&e ,o %ea# #ti++, hi# each e3ten"ing to )at# o, the
&i+"'
.Ho& ae &e #!))o#e" to #!$i$e ,o a *onth0/ He+ene a#(e"' .Thee ae gang# o!t hee &ho1$e
*!"ee" gi+# *!ch %o!nge than !#' Thee &a# a t&e+$e9%ea9o+" o)han(i"na))e" 5!#t a *i+e
o!t#i"e Schoo+, a+*o#t a# #oon a# #he tie" to go -e%on" the &a++'/
Saah #et anothe -ott+e "o&n, t%ing to #ea+ it a# -e#t #he co!+" &ith one o, the &a)e" )+a#tic ca)#'
.B!t *a%-e that &a# a +ie, too' Teache Ro#e #ai" that, an" #he #ai" +ot# o, othe thing#'/
.It1# not too +ate,/ Bette #ai"' .We can #ti++ go -ac(' We1++ 5!#t ,in" one o, the #o+"ie# an" te++7/
.Yo! &i++ not,/ I inte!)te"' .Yo!1++ co*e &ith !#, an" &e1++ get to Ca+i,ia' An" *a%-e %o! "on1t
!n"e#tan" it no&, -!t %o! &i++ e$ent!a++%' Thee i# no going -ac( at thi# )oint'/
Bette (e)t #ha(ing he hea"' .We "on1t e$en (no& %o!'/ She +oo(e" at a ,e& o, the othe gi+#' .What "o
%o! thin( i# going to ha))en to !# o!t thee0 We1e not going to *a(e it' I "on1t cae &hat the% #a%7&e
&ee #a,e at Schoo+'/
.Yo! &ee ne$e #a,e thee,/ C+aa #ai"' She )ic(e" !) a ,e& o, the -+an(et# an" )a##e" the* to the
gi+#, ho)ing to en" the con$e#ation, -!t I co!+" #ee Bette &a#n1t ea"% to +et it go' She
&hi#)ee" #o*ething e+#e to the )etite gi+ c!+e" !) -e#i"e he, an" I ha" a #!""en g+i*)#e o, the
&ee(# #)ea" o!t -e,oe *e, ho& "i,,ic!+t it &o!+" -e to (ee) the* #a,e'
Be%on" the ,ont &in"o&, the #(% &a# a *ott+e" ga% *a##, the *oon co$ee" -% c+o!"#' The ain (e)t
on, co*ing #i"e&a%# at the ,ont o, the ho!#e' Wate )oo+e" on the ,+oo -e+o& the &in"o& +e"ge' A#
Beatice #ett+e" on the ,+oo -e#i"e Saah, *% e%e# ,oc!#e" on a #ing+e )oint on the hoi2on, the +ight# #o
#*a++ at ,i#t the% &ee ha"+% noticea-+e' A<ee) &a# co*ing to&a" !#, on the -o(en high&a% a-o$e7
the ,i#t one &e1" #een in the ho!# #ince &e1" +e,t'
.What0/ C+aa a#(e", +oo(ing o!t at the oa"' .What i# it0/
Bette t!ne", noticing it at the #a*e ti*e' The <ee) -ae+e" ,o&a", #)ee"ing o$e the !ne$en
)a$e*ent' A #each+ight on the -ac( &ent on, an" #o*eone t!ne" it #i"e&a%#, "iecting it at the
ho!#e#, the <ee) #+o&ing a# it )a##e"'
I too( a #te) to&a" Bette, t%ing to )!t *%#e+, -et&een he an" the ,ont &in"o&, -!t #he *o$e" too
4!ic(+%' She &a# a+ea"% !), &ithin a ,e& ,eet o, it, &a$ing he han"# ,antica++%' .We1e hee,/ #he
ca++e", he $oice #catch% an" #hi++' .O$e hee?/
I )e##e" *% )a+* again#t he *o!th, )!++ing he -ac( into the oo*' .<!#t #ta% 4!iet,/ I #ai" to the e#t
o, the gi+#' .Mo$e to the #i"e# o, the &in"o&7no&'/ Bette #t!gg+e" again#t *e ,o a *o*ent -!t I
)!++e" he c+o#e, he -ac( to *e a# I (e)t *% han" o$e he *o!th'
C+aa !#hee" the gi+# again#t the ,ont &a++' She )ee(e" o!t the &in"o& a# the <ee)neae"' .It1#
#+o&ing,/ #he #ai"' She +o&ee" he hea", c+o#ing he e%e# ,o a *o*ent, he -ac( )e##e" again#t the
&a++'
The #(% o!t#i"e the &in"o& &a# -ighte a# the +ight )a##e" o$e the ho!#e# -e#i"e o!#' I co!+" hea
the gi+#1 4!iet -eathing, an" Bette tie" to #a% #o*ething to *e, he &o"# *!,,+e" !n"e *% han"'
Then, in an in#tant, the oo*1# #ha"o&% in#i"e# &ee +it !)' Fo the ,i#t ti*e I co!+" #ee e$e% tea in
the &a++)a)e, the &a% the cei+ing -!c(+e" in )+ace#, ho& ,i+th% the ,+oo &a#, co$ee" &ith "!#t an"
#an"' Won, -eaten #hoe# &ee #cattee" -eneath the -e"' We #at thee, #i+ent, #4!inting again#t the
!n-eaa-+e +ight, &atching a# it )a##e"'
The <ee) contin!e" on' C+aa )e##e" he ,ace again#t the &a++, he e%e# on the oa"' .The%1e +ea$ing,/
#he #ai" a,te a +ong &hi+e' .I can -ae+% #ee the tai++ight# an%*oe'/ She +oo(e" "o&n at Bette, &ho &a#
ten#e !n"e *% gi)' It &a# on+% then that I notice" ho& tight+% I &a# ho+"ing he'
I e+ea#e" he -!t he+" on to he a*, e$en a# #he tie" to )!++ a&a%' .I, %o! &ant to +ea$e, +ea$e no&,/ I
#ai", )ointing to the "oo, &hich &a# e#ting on it# #i"e, the hinge# -o(en' .B!t no one i# going &ith
%o!'/
I +et he go' She #at -ac( on the ,+oo' Again#t the "i* +ight ,o* the &in"o& I co!+" #ee ho& #*a++ #he
&a#' The T9#hit #he &oe &a# thee #i2e# too -ig, he a*# -on% an" thin' She "i"n1t get !) to +ea$e'
She "i"n1t e$en ac(no&+e"ge &hat I1" #ai"' In#tea" #he )ic(e" at he -otto* +i), the #i+ence #&e++ing
ao!n" !#'
.She "i"n1t *ean it,/ He+ene ,ina++% #ai"' She #+i" "o&n o,, the -e", o,,eing Bette the to&e+ #he &a#
ho+"ing'
In #o*e othe )+ace an" ti*e I &o!+"1$e gone to he, he+)ing he !), te++ing he not to get !)#et' B!t I
,e+t nothing no&, e$en a# #he cie"' I, the%1" hea" he, #een !#, a# #he &ante", I &o!+"1$e -een ta(en
-ac( to the Cit%, thee o, !#7C+aa, Beatice, an" I7hange" a# taito#'
I #ett+e" "o&n in the chai in the cone, t%ing to e+a3 into the thin c!#hion#' It &a# C+aa &ho he+)e"
he, &ho a##e*-+e" the e#t o, the gi+#1 -e"# #o the% each ha" a #)ot to e#t' .We1e a++ tie"/ &a# the
on+% thing I *anage" to #a%'
A# the oo* 4!iete", He+ene co*,ote" Bette, &hi#)eing #o*ething to he -e,oe the% &ent to #+ee)'
The e#t o, the gi+# +a% "o&n, gi$ing in to e3ha!#tion' I &aite" !nti+ *% -eath# #+o&e", the #o!n"
o, the <ee) ,a"ing in the "i#tance a# it c+i*-e" the oa"'
E$en i, nothing ha" ha))ene" tonight, I ha" the hoi-+e, #in(ing ,ee+ing I1" *a"e a *i#ta(e' Ma%-e I
#ho!+"n1t ha$e -o!ght the* hee, thin(ing the%1" -e -ette o,,' Ma%-e in #o*e &a%#, Bette &a# ight'
A++ o, !# *a(ing it to Ca+i,ia, a+i$e, &o!+" -e i*)o##i-+e'
SEVENTEEN
THE ROAD SPREAD OUT IN FRONT OF US, RUNNIN: ALON: THE i"ge+ine an" o!t into the #(%'
A# &e #tate" into Death >a++e% &e (e)t c+i*-ing, highe into the *o!ntain#, the #a+t ,+oo h!n"e"# o,
,eet -e+o&' I tie" to #tea"% *% han"#, -!t the% #ti++ #hoo(, the #o! #ting o, -i+e in the -ac( o, *%
thoat' M% +eg# ache"; *% ,eet &ee cac(e" an" #&o++en' The ten"e #)ot -et&een *% #ho!+"e -+a"e#
h!t ,o* ca%ing the -ag ,o #o *an% *i+e#' I1" tie" to #ta% on a #che"!+e, "in(ing #o*e o, the
-oi+e" ain9&ate e$e% thee ho!#' B!t &ith e$e% *i+e *% tho!ght# et!ne" to the -a-%, &on"eing i,
&e1" -oth #!$i$e'
Each "a% that &ent -%, each *oning I &o(e !) &ith the #a*e 4!ea#ine##, &a#
anothecon,i*ation that #he &a# #ti++ a+i$e, that &e &ee togethe' It &a# ea#% to go thee, &hene$e
*% tho!ght# &an"ee", to i*agine &hat #he &o!+" +oo( +i(e, &hat #he &o!+" -e +i(e, i, #he1" ha$e
Ca+e-1# )a+e geen e%e# o *% ,ai co*)+e3ion' So*eti*e# I1" +et *%#e+, i*agine the )o##i-i+it% o,
Ca+i,ia, o, a +i,e +i(e the one Mae$e ha" a##e*-+e" ,o Li+ac' I1" thin( !) a ho!#e-oat o i*agine one o,
the a-an"one" ca-in# that &ee )eche" in the*o!ntain# o$e the -a%, t%ing to )ict!e &hat tho#e
"a( oo*# &o!+" -e +i(e i, the% &ee c+eane" an" e#toe", the thic( $ine# c+eae" ,o* the &in"o&#'
On *% c+eae#t "a%#, &hen the t!th (e)t )e#enting it#e+, to *e, I (ne& that +i,e in Ca+i,ia &a# )at
,anta#%' A# +ong a# *% ,athe &a# a+i$e he1" a+&a%# -e +oo(ing ,o *e7,o !#' I &a# )o-a-+% a+ea"% on
the -i++-oa"# in#i"e the Cit%, +i#te" a*ong the e-e+#' Ho&e$e ha" it ha" -een to a$oi" the #o+"ie#
-e,oe, it &o!+" -e e$en ha"e no&'
.I can1t &a+( an%*oe,/ He+ene ca++e" o!t' She (ne+t "o&n a ,e& %a"# ahea", he e%e# #4!inting again#t
the *oning #!n' .When i# the ne3t #to)0/
.We 5!#t #tate",/ C+aa )ointe" o!t' .We1$e -een on the oa" ,o +e## than an ho!'/ She #+o&e" in ,ont
o, *e, the )+a#tic #+e" #(i""ing on the )a$e*ent -ehin" he' We ta"e" on an" o,,, "agging it a+ong,
-inging the ,e& #!))+ie# &e1" co++ecte" in the )a#t ,o! "a%#' O+" -+an(et# an" c+othe# &ee &a))e"
ao!n" the +a#t -ott+e# o, &ate' We #ti++ ha" ,i$e !n*a(e" can# +e,t, #o*e )+a#tic o)e, an" ta)e, a#
&e++ a# an !no)ene" -ott+e o, a+coho+ &e1" ,o!n" in a ce++a' O! on+% *a)7the ,o+"e" #heetMo## ha"
gi$en *e7&a# t!c(e" into the &ai#t o, *% )ant#, ight -e#i"e *% (ni,e'
.I can1t he+) it' It h!t#,/ He+ene #ai", he -ai"# ,a++ing in he ,ace a# #he e3a*ine" he #hoe' She &oe
the #a*e )ai #he1" -o!ght ,o* the ho#)ita+' The +eathe #+i))e# &ee-o(en in the -ac(, he hee+#
-+oo"% an" a&'
I t!ne" -ac(, +oo(ing o$e *% #ho!+"e' I co!+" #ti++ #ee the ga# #tation a *i+e -ac(7the on+% #t!ct!e
on the i"ge+ine' We1" #)ent the night thee, the #*a++, ca*)e" oo* )o$i"ing e+ie, ,o* the &in"
that i))e" tho!gh the $a++e%' .T% thi#,/ I #ai", ga--ing an o+" o++ o, "!ct ta)e ne#t+e" in the #+e"' M%
e%e# *et Beatice1#7#he &a# the one &ho1" in#i#te" &e ta(e it ,o* !n"e the -o(en ca#h egi#te,
#a%ing &e co!+" !#e it, i, on+% ,o *a(e#hi,t -an"age#'
.I1* thi#t%,/ Bette #ai", ga--ing ,o a -ott+e in the #+e"'
.Not !nti+ the ne3t -ea('/ I too( it -ac(, hi"ing it -eneath the -+an(et#, o!t o, #ight' .Thi# ha# to +a#t !#
!nti+ the ne3t +a(e'/
Bette t!ne" a&a% &itho!t ac(no&+e"ging *e, a# #he1" "one ,o *o#t o, the#e ,i#t "a%#' She thea"e"
he a* tho!gh Kit1#, a gi+ &ith "ee) a!-!n hai that ca#ca"e" "o&n he -ac(' She1" tie" it -ac( &ith
#ting #he1" ,o!n" a+ong the &a%, -!t it &a# a+&a%# co*ing +oo#e'
.Yo! a++ ight0/ C+aa #ai" #o,t+%, a# He+ene ,ini#he" -an"aging he ,oot' .Yo! "on1t +oo( &e++'/
I g+ance" ahea", &hee the othe gi+# &a+(e" togethe in #*a++ go!)#, thei #te)# #+o& an" !ne$en'
.<!#t the !#!a+,/ I #ai", #ha(ing o!t *% han"#, &aiting ,o the 4!a(ing in *% #to*ach to )a##' Beatice
an" Saah t!ne" -ac(, &atching *e o$e thei #ho!+"e#, a# I )a!#e" at the e"ge o, the oa", &hee the
)a$e*ent "o))e" "o&n a #tee) inc+ine' .:o ahea"' I1++ catch !)'/
I ,e+t the na!#ea ta(ing o$e again' C+aa &aite" thee, #eeing i, it &o!+" )a##' Fina++% #he t!ne" to go,
,o++o&ing the gi+# o$e the t&i#ting oa", &hich nao&e" !) ahea", the oc(% c+i,, +e"ge the on+% thing
-et&een !# an" the #a+t ,+oo -e+o&' Thee &a# no #to))ing it' M% -o"% ten#e" a# I +eane" o$e, #taing
at the )a$e*ent' M% #to*ach &a# e*)t%, tho!gh, the )a#t "a%# a #ting o, in#!-#tantia+ *ea+#, *%
thoat tho--ing ,o* the e,,ot'
Co*e on, %o!1$e -een tho!gh &o#e than thi#, a ,a*i+ia $oice o#e !) ,o* #o*e&hee in#i"e *e' It
&a# Ca+e-7that gent+e, 5o(ing tone he #o*eti*e# too( &ith *e' I co!+" a+*o#t hea hi* no&, ha$ing
5!#t the tinie#t +a!gh at *% e3)en#e' Wa#n1t he ight, tho!gh0 Ha"n1t I -een tho!gh &o#e0 I1" *a"e it
to Ca+i,ia once -e,oe' I1" e#ca)e" *% ,athe' I1" +o#t the one )e#on I +o$e" "e#)ite *%#e+,, thi# 4!iet
$oice the on+% thing I ha" +e,t' What &a# thi# 4!ic(, )a##ing i++ne## co*)ae" to that0
I &i)e" *% *o!th an" #too", noticing Beatice thee ,o the ,i#t ti*e, he +i)# )e##e" togethe a# #he
&atche" *e' She +oo(e" o+"e than &hen I1" ,i#t *et he, he #ho!+"e# #too)e", he #(in "% an"
+eathe% ,o* the #!n' .Yo! #ho!+" ha$e to+" *e #oone,/ #he #ai", t!ning o$e he #ho!+"e to *a(e
#!e the gi+# &ee ,a eno!gh ahea"'
.To+" %o! &hat0/ I a#(e"'
.That %o!1e )egnant'/ Beatice )!#he" a )iece o, hai -ac( ,o* he ,ace' .Thee &ee *!*!ing# o,
it at the a"o)tion cente#, -!t I &a#n1t cetain i, it &a# t!e' Thi# i# the thi" *oning %o!1$e -een #ic('
Ma%-e that1# +o#t on the gi+#, -!t not on *e'/
I +oo(e" "o&n at the )a$e*ent, (ic(ing #o*e #an" o$e the tin% )oo+ o, #)it' .I "i"n1t &ant the* to
(no&,/ I #ai"' .The%1e a+ea"% &oie" eno!gh a# it i#'/
She he+)e" *e !), a&a% ,o* the oc(% +e"ge, an" &e #tate" a,te the gi+#' She #tae" ahea", not
"aing to +oo( at *e a# #he #ai" it' .It1# Ca+e-1#0/
I "i"n1t an#&e' With e$e% )e#on &ho (ne& the t!th it -eca*e *oe ea+, an" I -eca*e *oe
attache" to it a++7the i"ea o, thi# +itt+e gi+, *% "a!ghte, an" a +i,e &e co!+" ha$e in Ca+i,ia' It &a#
nea+% i*)o##i-+e to ,oc!# on &hat &a# -e,oe *e6 ho& &e1" get to the ocean, o! ne3t *ea+#, &hee
&e1" #)en" the night' Thee &a# #ti++ a chance I co!+" +o#e he, that it a++ co!+" go a&a%'
Beatice (e)t he hea" "o&n, he $oice #+o& an" "e+i-eate' .Yo! can te++ *e, E$e,/ #he #ai"' .Yo! ha$e
to (no& %o! can t!#t *e' What ha))ene" &ith Ca+e- &a# a *i#ta(e' I )anic(e"' Yo! ,athe
ha" theatene" he'/ He e%e# ,e++ on Saah, &ho &a# &a+(ing #e$ea+ %a"# ahea", he+)ing He+ene
a+ong'
.I "o,/ I #ai"' .I (no& %o! &o!+" ta(e it -ac( i, %o! co!+"'/
Beatice co$ee" he *o!th &ith he han"' .Yo!1++ #ee,/ #he #ai"' .It1# not ea#%' So*eti*e# I ,ee+ +i(e
I1$e *a"e #o *an% *i#ta(e#7too *an%' I1$e tie" #o ha" to )otecthe'/
.Yo! "i"n1t (no& a-o!t the Schoo+#,/ I #ai", e*e*-eing the night I ha" *et Beatice, ho& &e++ (e)t
the #ecet ha" -een' She, +i(e *o#t in the Cit%, -e+ie$e" the gi+# ha" $o+!nteee" to gi$e -ith'
.Yo! #ho!+"1$e to+" *e %o! &ee )egnant,/ Beatice &ent on' .I co!+"1$e he+)e" %o!' Hee &e ae, a++
a+one, an" %o!1e #!,,eing +i(e thi#' Yo! #ho!+" ha$e to+" *e'/ She #4!ee2e" *% han", the &a*th o,
it co*,oting *e'
I &atche" Saah !) ahea", -e#i"e He+ene, (ic(ing a oc( a# the% t!"ge" o$e the nao& oa"' She1"
,o!n" a c+oth -ag in a ho!#e *i+e# -ac( an" caie" a ,e& o, he thing# in#i"e, +etting it #&ing on he
#ho!+"e' The gi+# #ta%e" in the cente, a# I1" "iecte", a&a% ,o* the #tee) "o)' .She1++ -e o(a%,
Beatice,/ I #ai"' .She1# han"+e" thi# the -e#t o!t o, a++ o, the*' That ha# to *ean #o*ething'/
Beatice &atche" the oa" a# &e &a+(e"' .Yo!1e )o+ite,/ #he #ai"' .She ha#n1t e3act+% ta(en to *e #o
ea#i+%' Yo!1$e #een he, I (no& %o! ha$e'/
I no""e"' When Saah &ent to #+ee) ,o the night, #ett+ing "o&n -e#i"e He+ene o Kit, I1" #een the
)a##ing "i#a))oint*ent on Beatice1# ,ace' Saah in#i#te" on ca%ing he o&n -ag, on &a+(ing &ith he
,ien"#, an" the con$e#ation# I ha" o$ehea" -et&een *othe an" "a!ghte a+&a%# #ee*e" a +itt+e
,oce" an" a&(&a"' Beatice a#(e" 4!e#tion#, an" Saah )o$i"e" #hot, one9&o" an#&e#' .It1++ ta(e
ti*e,/ I o,,ee"'
Beatice no""e"' She #4!ee2e" *% han" again, he e%e# et!ning to Saah' The gi+# ha" #to))e" at the
e"ge o, the oa", C+aa &ith the*' The% &ee +oo(ing "o&n at #o*ething -e+o&' .I ho)e,/ #he #ai"' .An"
I1++ (ee) %o! #ecet i, that1# &hat %o! &ant, -!t %o!1++ ha$e *% "inne tonight'/
.Beatice, that1# not7/
.I (no& thee1# not *!ch, -!t %o! nee" it' An" &e1++ ,ig!e o!t *oe )o$i#ion# in a ,e& "a%#, &hen &e
get to the +o"ging# on the *a),/ #he #ai"' .I in#i#t'/
.We can h!nt &hen &e get to the ,i#t +a(e,/ I #ai", t%ing to ignoe the go&ing )ain in *% #to*ach'
.It1# on+% t&o "a%# o,,'/ A# &e a))oache" the gi+# the% &ee #*i+ing, Kit )ointing to #o*ething o!t
aco## the $a++e% ,+oo'
.Yo! can #ee the*?/ #he %e++e" to !# o$e he #ho!+"e' .Shee)?/
I #4!inte" again#t the *oning #!n, noticing the hone" #hee) *o$ing !) the #i"e o, the oc( ,ace, a
h!n"e" %a"# -e+o&, 5!#t to o! +e,t' Beatice &a+(e" -e#i"e *e, +a!ghing &hen #he notice" the*'
Thee &a# a &ho+e he", t&o #*a++e one# in the cente' The% nea+% -+en"e" in &ith the #an"#tone
oc(' .I #)otte" the* ,i#t,/ Kit ca++e" to !#, he ,inge# co*-ing o!t he +ong )on%tai+' .Do %o! #ee,
E$e0/
We *a"e o! &a% !) the nao& oa"' The gi+# ha" t!ne" to !#, &aiting ,o *% eaction' It &a# a e+ie,
to #ee the* #*i+ing, the heat o, the "a% not %et !)on !#, thei thi#t an" h!nge ,ogotten, i, on+% ,o a
*o*ent' I &a# a-o!t to co**ent on thei "i#co$e% &hen I &a# "i#tacte" -% He+ene' She #too" to the
#i"e o, the go!), nea the e"ge o, the c+i,,, &hee the )a$e*ent ga$e &a% to oc(' She he+" one hee+ in
he han", ,i""+ing &ith the #a*e #hoe that ha" -othee" he -e,oe'
It ha))ene" #o 4!ic(+% I -ae+% ha" ti*e to eact' She #et he ,oot -ac( -ehin" he, too c+o#e to the e"ge,
an" the oc( c!*-+e" -eneath he #te)' She &a# )!++e" "o&n the #i"e o, the #tee) c+i,,, the eath going
&ith he' She +et o!t a cho(e" %e++ a# #he #+i))e" a&a%, o!t o, *% $ie&'
EIGHTEEN
I HEARD HER LOW, BROKEN CRIES AND THE SOUND OF THE ROCK gi$ing &a%, h!n"e"# o, tin%
)e--+e# caeening "o&n into the a$ine, to&a" the $a++e% ,+oo' A ,e& o, the gi+# (ne+t, t%ing to each
he, -!t #he &a# a+ea"% too ,a -e+o&' He -o"% ,e++ ,athe "o&n the 5agge" c+i,,' Thee &a# the
hoi-+e, #(i""ing #o!n" o, he han"# "agging again#t the #tone, t%ing to ,in" #o*ething to ho+" on to'
.Sta% -ac( ,o* the +e"ge,/ I ca++e", *otioning ,o Bette an" Saah to *o$e a&a%' A# I eache" the* I
#t!"ie" thei ,ace#, a,ai" to +oo( o$e the c+i,,, into the $a++e%' Thee &a# a th!""ing #o!n" a ,e& *ete#
-e+o&, then 4!iet' A# I !#hee" the* -ac(, ,athe onto the oa", I )eee" o$e the e"ge, cae,!+ to (ee)
-oth ,eet on the )a$e*ent' He+ene &a# thit% ,eet "o&n, *a%-e *oe, +%ing on an o!tco))ing o, oc(#'
She &a# ho+"ing he #hin &ith -oth han"#' He (n!c(+e# &ee #ca)e" to the -one' A ga#h ha" o)ene"
at the ,ont o, he hea", the -+oo" !nning into he e%e#'
.M% +eg,/ #he ca++e"' He ,ace &a# contote" in )ain'
.Ho& ,a "i" #he ,a++0/ C+aa a#(e"' .Ho& -a"+% i# #he h!t0/ She )!#he" the gi+# -ac(, ,athe a&a%
,o* the +e"ge'
Bette1# e%e# ,i++e" &ith tea#' She (e)t !nning he han" o$e he -+on" )on%tai+, )!++ing at it' .I to+"
%o!,/ #he #ai", he $oice !ne$en' .Thi# i# &hat7/
.That1# not &hat &e nee" ight no&,/ I #ai"' .She1# h!t'/ I &ent to the #+e" an" i,,+e" tho!gh it, t%ing
to ,in" the )+a#tic o)e' I +oo#ene" it, thea"ing one en" ao!n" *% &ai#t, tho!gh the -e+t +oo)# at *%
hi)#'
.What ae %o! "oing0/ C+aa a#(e"' She g+ance" #i"e&a%# at Beatice, t%ing to ga!ge he eaction'
.Thee1# eno!gh,/ I #ai", #ho&ing he the othe en" o, the o)e' Thee &a# at +ea#t ,ot% ,eet, )o##i-+%
*oe' I #eache" the e"ge o, the oa", +oo(ing ,o #o*ething7an%thing7to ancho it' .So*eone ha# to
go "o&n an" get he'/
C+aa )eee" o$e the c+i,,' On+% the to) o, He+ene1# hea" &a# $i#i-+e no&' She1" )!#he" -ac( again#t the
,ont o, the oc(, t%ing to #ta% a# ,a a&a% ,o* the e"ge a# )o##i-+e' .Wh% "oe# it ha$e to -e %o!0/
C+aa he+" o)en he han", ge#t!ing ,o *e to gi$e he the o)e' .Yo! #ho!+"n1t'/
Bette an" Saah inche" ,o&a", t%ing to get a g+i*)#e o, He+ene on the +e"ge -e+o&' .H!%,/ Bette
#ai"' .She co!+" ,a++'/
C+aa too( the o)e, %an(ing the en" ,o* *% &ai#t' .Yo! can1t,/ #he #ai"' .Yo!1e the on+% one &ho
(no&# &hee &e1e going'/ He e%e# he+" *ine ,o a *o*ent too +ong, an" I (ne& &hat #he &o!+"n1t
a""7that I &a# )egnant' That thee &a# *oe i#( ,o *e than thee &a# ,o he'
Beatice ga--e" *% a*' .Let C+aa go,/ #he #ai"' .We1++ ho+" the o)e ,o he' We can ancho it -ac(
thee'/ She )ointe" to the +o& ai+ing on the othe #i"e o, the oa"' It &a# coo"e" ,o* the #!n, the
*eta+ no& co$ee" in a -!*)% &hite ,i+* that +oo(e" +i(e -anac+e#' It #ee*e" ,+i*#%, -!t the -otto*#
o, the *eta+ )o+e# &ee #ti++ oote" to the go!n", -!ie" in a ,e& ,eet o, #o+i" concete'
I e3a*ine" the ai+ing, (ic(ing the -otto* )o+e to *a(e #!e it &o!+"n1t gi$e' Then I +a#he" the )+a#tic
o)e ao!n" it, !#ing the #a*e (not I1" !#e" *onth# -e,oe a# &e #ec!e" F!inn1# ho!#e-oat to the
"oc( in Ca+i,ia' I +eane" -ac(, +etting it ho+" *% ,!++ &eight, the )+a#tic thea"# tightening !n"e *%
gi)'
Stan"ing thee, +oo(ing at the $a++e% -e+o&, I e*e*-ee" the !n*i#ta(a-+e )!++ I ,e+t in the Pa+ace
&hene$e I &a# 5!#t inche# ,o* the to&e &in"o&#' A "i22ine## #et in' I ,e+t +i(e at an% *o*ent I co!+"
t!*-+e ,o&a", the geat e3)an#e ca)a-+e o, #&a++o&ing *e &ho+e' .Yo! ha$e to #ho& *e ho& to tie
it,/ C+aa #ai" ,o* #o*e&hee -ehin" *e' She han"e" the o)e to *e, an" I notice" then that he
han"# &ee #ha(ing, he ,inge# -+oo"+e## an" )a+e'
.Let *e go,/ I #ai"' B!t C+aa 5!#t )e##e" the o)e into *% han"#'
Bette an" Saah #too" on the )a$e*ent -e#i"e !#, Saah ho+"ing Bette1# a*' Bette &i)e" at he ,ace,
t%ing to "% it' .Yo! ha$e to "o #o*ething,/ #he #ai"' .She1# in )ain'/
I *o$e" ,a#t, #ec!ing the o)e ao!n" C+aa1# &ai#t, 5!#t -e+o& he i-#, "o!-+e9(notting it to *a(e
#!e it &o!+" ho+"' .We co!+" ,i#t t% to +o&e it "o&n to he,/ I #ai", &hen I &a# #!e the othe gi+#
co!+"n1t hea' .Yo! "on1t ha$e to "o thi#'/
C+aa1# ,ace &a# &et an" )a+e' He han"# *o$e" eatica++%, ,i#t ga--ing the o)e, then he &ai#t,
!ncetain &hee to )!t the*' .No, I1++ "o it,/ #he #ai"' She no""e"' .I &i++'/
I o"ee" the gi+# to +ine !)' I #too" ight -ehin" C+aa, Beatice -ehin" *e, an" the gi+# he+" the
o)e -ehin" !#' .No& +ean -ac(7)!t %o! ,!++ &eight again#t it,/ I #ai"' .Whate$e ha))en#, "on1t +et
go' Thee ae eno!gh o, !# that &e1++ -e a-+e to -ing the* !)'/
C+aa +oo(e" at *e, each o, he -eath# #+o& an" "e+i-eate, c!tting the #i+ence' .I, %o! +ean -ac(, %o!
can &a+( "o&n the c+i,, ,ont,/ I e3)+aine"' I1" #een F!inn "o it t&ice, t%ing to each one o, the
nao&, #ec+!"e" -eache# on the ea#t en" o, Main' .Kee) %o! han"# on the o)e'/
.Right,/ #he #ai"' .I1++ -e ,ine'/ I )!++e" #o*e o, the o)e in, #o it &a# ta!t, an" #he #tate" -ac(&a",
g+ancing to the #)ot &hee the )a$e*ent t!ne" into oc(' A# #he got to the c+i,,1# e"ge, #he +eane" -ac(,
he e%e# *eeting *ine ,o a #econ" a# I +et o!t the +ine' She #4!ee2e" the tea# a&a%'
I &atche" a# #he #+o&+% #te))e" "o&n the ,ont o, the +e"ge, ,ina++% "o))ing o!t o, $ie&' Thee &a# the
4!iet ,a++ing o, )e--+e#, #(itteing "o&n the c+i,, ,ont, hea" each ti*e #he )!#he" o,,' Behin" *e,
Bette1# -eath# &ee cho(e" an" &et' .She ha# to get he,/ #he #ai"' .She can1t "ie'/
.No one i# going to "ie,/ Beatice #na))e"' It &a# the c+o#e#t thing I1" e$e hea" to ange in he $oice'
It #tat+e" e$en the gi+#' The% a++ ge& #i+ent, +etting the o)e o!t on+% &hen I to+" the* to'
C+aa &a# #a%ing #o*ething, &hi#)eing to he#e+, a# #he &ent "o&n, tho!gh I co!+"n1t hea &hat'
E$e% "o!-t I1" )!#he" a#i"e in the )a#t "a%# co&"e" *% *in", c+o#ing in on *e' I1" -een ,oo+i#h to
thin( I co!+" -ing the gi+# &ith *e, that &e &o!+"n1t a++ -e ca)t!e" o "ie ,o* #ta$ation' E$en i,
He+ene co!+" -e -o!ght !), he +eg &a# +i(e+% -o(en o #)aine"' Ho& &o!+" #he -e a-+e to (ee)
)ace0 We1" -e on the oa" anothe t&o &ee(#, at +ea#t, a# &e hea"e" ,o the coa#t'
The o)e -!ne" again#t *% )a+*' I co!+" ,ee+ a++ o, C+aa1# &eight #taining again#t it, )!++ing -ac( an"
a&a%' I +et #o*e o, it gi$e, an" a,te a ,e& *in!te# it +oo#ene" a# #he hit the o!tco))ing &hee He+ene
&a#' .I1$e got he,/ #he %e++e", he $oice #*a++ an" "i#tant' .She1# o(a%' I1* -inging he !)'/
I RESTED MY HAND ON HELENE1S FOREHEAD, <UST ABO>E HER -o&' .It1++ #ting,/ I #ai"' He
tin% -+ac( -ai"# &ee ca(e" &ith "ie" -+oo"' The thee9inch ga#h &a# #ti++ #)+it o)en' I -eathe"
tho!gh *% *o!th, t%ing not to gi$e in to the #ic(, #in(ing ,ee+ing in *% #to*ach a# I )o!e" the $o"(a
o$e the c!t' She &ince", he -o"% ten#ing again#t it' I -o!ght one o, the to&e+# to the #i"e o, he hea",
catching the e#t o, the +i4!i", cae,!+ to (ee) the c+oth a&a% ,o* the &o!n"' .It1# "one no&,/ I #ai"'
.It1# o$e' T% to get #o*e #+ee)'/
He+ene "i"n1t +oo( at *e' He e%e# &ee #4!ee2e" #h!t, tea# ca!ght in he +a#he#' Co+o ha" co*e into
the -!i#e# on he a*#, the -+oo" c!#te" -+ac( -eneath he ,ingenai+#' I +oo(e" "o&n at he +eg'
Beatice ha" ,a#hione" a #)+int o!t o, t&o -anche# &e1" ,o!n", t%ing the* togethe &ith o)e' I ha"
he+" He+ene1# han" a# Beatice )!++e" he hee+, #etting the -one in )+ace' No& the aea ,o* he (nee to
he an(+e &a# #&o++en, the #(in #tetche" an" e"' We1" gi$en he #o*e o, the $o"(a ,o the )ain, -!t it
&a# ha" to (no& ho& -a" the -ea( &a#' The -one "i"n1t co*e tho!gh the #(in7Beatice ha" #ai"
thee &a# ho)e'
I t!ne" a&a%, #te))ing ao!n" the gi+# &ho1" #ett+e" -e#i"e he' Bette an" Saah ha" ,a++en a#+ee)'
The -+an(et# &e ha"n1t !#e" ,o He+ene &ee #hae" a*ong the othe#' Bette #hi,te" on the ha" eath,
#t!gg+ing to get co*,ota-+e' A# the &in" ca*e tho!gh the $a++e%, I )!++e" *% #&eate c+o#e, t%ing to
#tee+ *%#e+, again#t the co+", -!t it i))e" ight tho!gh *e' The te*)eat!e ha" "o))e" ten "egee#
#ince the #!n "i#a))eae" ,o* the #(%'
We1" ,o!n" ca*) a# #oon a# the oa" ,+attene" o!t, #etting !) -ehin" a c+!#te o, high oc(#' Bette an"
Saah ha" )!++e" He+ene -ehin" the* in the #+e"' E$en a,te &e1" gi$en he a# *!ch o, the a+coho+ a#
#he co!+" ta(e "o&n, #he #ti++ #o--e", the )ain co*ing an" going in &a$e#' I1" #)ent nea+% an
ho! #itting -e#i"e he, occa#iona++% +i#tening to the a"io, t%ing to get ne&# ,o* the Tai+'
I +oo(e" o!t at Beatice an" C+aa, thei #i+ho!ette# 5!#t $i#i-+e -e%on" "%, &ithee" #h!-#' A# I
a))oache", I ca!ght #ni))et# o, thei con$e#ation, a ,e& #entence# caie" in -% the &in"' .I, it1#
in,ecte", &e "on1t ha$e a choice,/ C+aa #ai"' .I 5!#t "on1t #ee ho& #he co!+" #!$i$e othe&i#e'/ Beatice
&a# at he #i"e, the t&o o, the* h!nche" o$e, -acing the*#e+$e# again#t the co+"'
.It1# not in,ecte", tho!gh7not %et,/ Beatice #ai"' The% t!ne" &hen the% #a& *e co*ing'
Beatice #hoo( he hea"' .Yo! ha$en1t hea" an%thing ne& ,o* the a"io0/ #he a#(e"' .Thee ae no
#to)# on the Tai+ nea-%0 I, &e co!+" ,in" #o*e&hee to e#t ' ' ' e$en 5!#t a &ee( o #o ' ' '/
.Mo#t o, the e-e+# +e,t ,o the Cit%' The one# o!t#i"e the &a++# ha$e -een 4!iet,/ I #ai"' .The on+%
*e##age# I1$e hea" ha$e co*e ,o* #!$i$o# in#i"e' The )!-+ic e3ec!tion# ha$e #to))e", -!t othe#
ae -eing ta(en ,o* thei ho*e# ,o 4!e#tioning' The co+onie# ha$e -een #i+ent7i, the% ha$en1t co*e
%et, it #ee*# !n+i(e+% the%1++ co*e at a++'/
.An" *% *othe ' ' '0/ C+aa a#(e"'
I #hoo( *% hea"' I ha"n1t hea" an%thing a-o!t *% a!nt Ro#e #ince the #iege ha" en"e"' I ha" to ho)e
that #he an" Cha+e# &ee #ti++ a+i$e, tho!gh I (ne& at +ea#t Cha+e# &a# i*)+icate" in o! e#ca)e'
We #at "o&n in ,ont o, the +o& o& o, #h!-#, o! #ho!+"e# )e##e" togethe, t%ing to (ee) &a*'
C+aa +et o!t a +ong, #+o& -eath' He (nee# &ee #ca)e" an" -+oo"% ,o* &hee the%1" -it into the
c+i,,1# ,ace a# #he1" tie" to ho+" on to He+ene' .What i, He+ene1# +eg get# in,ecte"0/ C+aa a#(e"' .In the
Cit% thee1" -e &a%# to teat he, -!t o!t hee ' ' ' #he co!+" "ie' What ae &e #!))o#e" to te++ the gi+#
then0/
Beatice !--e" he ,oehea"' .Peo)+e "i" #!$i$e the#e thing# in the %ea# a,te the )+ag!e' She1# not
the ,i#t )e#on to -ea( an a* o +eg in the &i+"' We ha$e to &ait an" #ee'/
.Yo! #ho!+" #en" a *e##age o!t on the a"io,/ C+aa #ai"' The *oon ca#t #tange #ha"o&# on he ,ace'
He #(in +oo(e" #o )a+e, a+*o#t ga%, in the +ight' .We #ho!+" #ee i, the e-e+#co!+" #en" he+)'/
.On+% a# a +a#t e#ot,/ I #ai"' .It1# too "angeo!#' Mo## to+" *e a-o!t a #to) on the *a)7it1# not *oe
than a "a%1# &a+(' So*e o, the e-e+# !#e" it on thei &a% to the Cit%, -!t it1# a-an"one" no&' We co!+"
ca*) thee ,o a ,e& "a%# to e#t'/
Beatice no""e"' .Sto$e)i)e We++#0 The )+ace %o! *entione"0/
.E3act+%,/ I #ai"' .We 5!#t nee" to get thee'/
.We1++ ha$e to ca% he the &ho+e &a%,/ C+aa #ai"' .I, #he #!$i$e#'/
.She &i++,/ Beatice #ai"' .I ho)e #he &i++'/
Behin" !#, thee &a# a cac(ing #o!n", the "% #h!-# -ea(ing !n"e ne& &eight' I t!ne", noticing
the ,ig!e #tan"ing in the -!#he#' It too( *e a *o*ent, #t!"%ing he ,eat!e# in the *oon+ight, to
ea+i2e &ho it &a#' .What ae %o! "oing !)0/ I a#(e"'
.What "o %o! *ean, %o! ho)e #he &i++ #!$i$e0/ Bette a#(e"' .Yo! thin( #he *ight "ie0/
Beatice #too" 4!ic(+%, going to Bette1# #i"e' .No, #he1# not going to "ie,/ #he #ai"' She he+" Bette c+o#e,
t%ing to ca+* he' .Don1t &o%' We1e ta(ing cae o, he' We1$e #et he +eg; &e1e "oing e$e%thing &e
can'/
Bette "i"n1t *o$e, e$en a# Beatice )!++e" he c+o#e, ca"+ing he hea" &ith he han"' She "i"n1t ta(e
he e%e# o,, *e' In he ga2e &a# a 4!iet acc!#ation'
.So &e1++ go to Sto$e)i)e We++# to*oo& *oning,/ C+aa #ai", #te))ing )a#t *e' .A# &e agee"'/ The%
#tate" -ac( to the "a( ca*)#ite, *o$ing aco## the $a++e% ,+oo &itho!t *e'
Bette &a# the on+% one &ho t!ne" -ac(, o! e%e# *eeting' .She1# going to -e ,ine,/ I #ai"' B!t the% &ee
a+ea"% a ,e& %a"# ahea", *o$ing ,athe into the "a(ne##, -e%on" &hee *% $oice co!+" each'
NINETEEN
.I :OT IT?/ SARAH YELLED AS SHE CROSSED THE DOORWAY INTO the *ote+ +o--%' .I &in?/
Thee gi+# "ate" a,te he, ea+i2ing the% &ee a #econ" too +ate' Saah he+" the #t!,,e" *o!#e in the
ai' It ha" on+% one e%e, it# e" #hot# *i##ing a %e++o& -!tton' The othe gi+# tie" to ga- it o!t o, he
han"#, -!t #he #too" on he ti)toe#, ho+"ing it a-o$e thei hea"#'
.The%1e in -ette #)iit#,/ Beatice &hi#)ee" to *e' She ,o+"e" a ,e& o, the #hit# &e1" ,o!n", )e##ing
the* into a "!,,e+ -ag' .I "on1t thin( I can ta(e *!ch *oe o, that #cea*ing, tho!gh'/
.Wh% "on1t %o! g!%# ca++ it a night,/ I #ai", g+ancing o!t#i"e' The #(% &a# a+ea"% a "ee) e""i#h )in(,
the #!n #in(ing +o& -ehin" the *o!ntain#' .Yo!1$e got a-o!t ,i,teen *oe *in!te# o, +ight' Yo!
#ho!+" get %o! -e"# #et !)'/
Saah &an"ee" "o&n the ha++, #o*e o, the gi+# ,o++o&ing he, +ea$ing to etie$e the -+an(et# ,o* the
oo* &hee He+ene #+e)t' We1" -een at the *ote+ in Sto$e)i)e We++# ,o ,o! "a%#, #ta%ing in the -ac(
#ection o, the -!i+"ing that &a# #et o,, ,o* the oa"' The gi+# ha" *a"e !) a ga*e that in$o+$e"
(i"na))ing, then hi"ing, a tattee" #t!,,e" ani*a+the%1" ,o!n"' The ,i#t one to co## tho!gh the ,ont
"oo &ith it in he han" &on' What e3act+% the )i2e &a# ne$e &a# c+ea'
C+aa #too" -ehin" the ,ont "e#(, +ining !) a o& o, g+a## -ott+e# on the co!nte' .Thee1# ten in a++,/
#he #ai"' .Sho!+" &e +ea$e #o*e in ca#e *oe )eo)+e )a## tho!gh0/
I &ent -e#i"e he, )eeing into the ca-inet# -e+o& the ,ont "e#(' We1" ,o!n" the #!))+ie# the e-e+#
ha" +e,t' Thee &ee -ott+e# o, &ate, "ie" ,!it an" n!t#, an" #o*e c+ean to&e+# an" -an"age#' It
co!+"n1t ha$e -een *oe than thee o ,o! &ee(# #ince the%1" #to))e" hee on thei &a% to the Cit%'
Thee &ee +itt+e #ign# o, the* #ti++' Fe#h ,oot)int# in the "it, tai+ing ao!n" to the -ac( ho!#e#'
So*eone ha" +e,t a co*- -% an o+" *io in the ha++, the )+a#tic c+ea o, a++ "!#t' Thee &a# a go+"
+oc(et I1" "i#co$ee", tang+e" in one o, the to&e+#, a tin% )iece o, e" )a)e ,o+"e" in#i"e, *% +o$e to
ca% #ca&+e" aco## it' I (e)t it &ith *e, the chain att+ing in *% )oc(et' I co!+"n1t #to) &on"eing
&ho#e it &a#, &hee the% &ee no&, i, the% ha" -een (i++e" in#i"e the Cit%'
.T&o -ott+e# an" #o*e o, the "ie" ,oo",/ I #ai"' .No& that the #iege i# o$e, I "o!-t an%one &i++ !#e
thi# #to)' B!t -ette to +ea$e #o*e 5!#t in ca#e'/
Saah an" a ,e& o, the gi+# ca*e -ac( into the +o--%, "!#t% -+an(et# in thei a*#' The% the& #o*e
"o&n on the o+" co!che#, the c!#hion# #!n(en in' Lena, a 4!iet gi+ &ith #catche" -+ac( g+a##e#, +a%
"o&n on one, )!++ing the -+an(et o$e he +eg#' She eache" ,o the )+a#tic containe o, &in(+e"
)a*)h+et# +a-e+e" HIKIN: IN DEATH >ALLEY an" WELCOME TO STO>EPIPE WELLS' She a+&a%#
ea" the* -e,oe #he &ent to #+ee)'
Bette )!++e" He+ene a+ong in the #+e", *o$ing a +itt+e too 4!ic(+% tho!gh the nao& ha++' .Cae,!+,/ I
ca++e" o!t' .Watch he +eg'/
Bette g+ae" at *e' .I a* &atching,/ #he *!ttee"' She he+)e" He+ene !), e#ting he -a" +eg on the
)i+e# o, ,+attene" )i++o&# at the en" o, the co!ch' The #&e++ing ha" gone "o&n, -!t the #(in &a# #ti++
-ight )in(' The -!i#ing *a"e e$e%thing +oo( &o#e' P!)+e &e+t# co$ee" one #ho!+"e' The #i"e o,
he ,ace &a# #&o++en, the ga#h on he ,oehea" #ti++ a&'
.Do &e ha$e to +ea$e to*oo&0/ He+ene a#(e", &incing a# #he +o&ee" he#e+, onto the co!ch'
Beatice #et "o&n the ,o+"e" c+othe# an" )e##e" he )a+* to He+ene1# ,oehea"' .Yo!1++ -e than(,!+
&hen &e1e ,ina++% in Ca+i,ia' Yo!1++ ha$e a ea+ -e" to #+ee) on an" can e#t a++ %o! +i(e'/ She t!ne" to
*e an" no""e", a# #he ha" each ti*e #he1" chec(e" He+ene' The#e +a#t ,e& "a%# #he1" "one it e$e% ,e&
ho!#, *a(ing #!e #he ha"n1t gotten a ,e$e, that the +eg ha"n1t #&e++e" an% ,!the, that thee &ee no
#ign# o, in,ection' We &ee ho)e,!+ that the &o#t ha" )a##e"'
.She1# not ea"% to go,/ Bette #ai"' .Wh% can1t %o! #ee that0/
.We ha$e to,/ I #ai"' .It1# not &oth ag!ing' O!t hee &e1e #ti++ e3)o#e"' I, an%one )a##e# tho!gh &e
co!+" -e "i#co$ee"' We ha$e to (ee) *o$ing'/
Bette #hoo( he hea"' A# the e#t o, the gi+# #)ea" o!t thei -+an(et# an" )i++o&# on the ,+oo, c!+ing
!) -e#i"e one anothe, #he t!ne" "o&n one o, the #i"e ha++#' C+aa ca*e o$e to *e, he han" e#ting
on *% a* a# &e &atche" he go' .I, it *a(e# %o! ,ee+ an% -ette, #he ha#n1t #)o(en to *e eithe,/ #he
#ai"' .She1++ -e -ette once &e get to Ca+i,ia' She1++ #ee %o! &ee ight'/
.I ho)e #o,/ I #ai"' I #te))e" a&a% ,o* the othe#, ge#t!ing ,o C+aa to ,o++o&' I ga--e" the tattee"
*a) ,o* *% -e+t an" #)ea" it o!t, )ointing to the o!te I1" *a(e" in )enci+' C+aa #t!"ie" it in the
+a#t o, the "a%1# +ight' .I, &e go noth thee1# &ate a+ong the &a%' A g!aantee" #!))+% e$e% thee
"a%# o #o' O&en# La(e, Fi#h S)ing# e#e$oi, Me#a La(e, La(e Co&+e% ' ' ' #ee0 A++ the &a% !)'/
.La(e Tahoe0/ C+aa a#(e"' .Wa#n1t that &hee the "!go!t &a#0/ She tace" he ,inge o$e the ,o( in
the oa", *o$ing !), )a#t the +ine I1" "a&n' I1" tho!ght a-o!t Si+a# an" Benn% a,te I1" +e,t' Mo## ha"
#ent *e##age# to the "!go!t &hen I1" ,i#t ai$e" in the Cit%, #tating that I &a# a+i$e, that Ca+e- an" I
&ee togethe' We ha"n1t hea" an%thing -ac(, an" it &a# i*)o##i-+e to con,i* the%1" gotten &o"' A#
*!ch a# I &ante" to (no& i, the% &ee a++ ight, )at o, *e "i"n1t &ant to #!,,e the ea+it% i, the%
&een1t' What i, &e ,o!n" the "!go!t a-an"one"0 What i, the%1" gone to the #iege, i, the% &ee a*ong
the -o"ie# #te&n in the oa" tho#e ,i#t ,e& "a%#0 An" i, the% &ee a+i$e, i, the% &ee thee, I "i"n1t
(no& i, I &ante" to e$i#it it a++7that ti*e, that )+ace' Ca+e-' Lei,' I1" )!)o#e+% ha" !# go &e#t -e,oe
&e eache" the -o%#1 ca*)'
I no""e"' .It &o!+" a"" "a%# to the 5o!ne%, tho!gh' I tho!ght7/
.I "i"n1t *ean &e #ho!+" go thee,/ C+aa #ai", t!ning to *e' He e3)e##ion &a# a)o+ogetic' .I
&o!+"n1t &ant %o! to' I &o!+"n1t &ant an% o, !# to7not a,te &hat ha))ene"to %o!'/
A ,e& o, the gi+# ,e++ a#+ee), o,,eing one anothe :oo" night#, &hi+e Saah an" Kit &ent to etie$e
*oe #!))+ie# ,o* one o, the -e"oo*#' C+aa (ne+t "o&n -e#i"e the "!,,e+ -ag, ooting tho!gh it
!nti+ #he ,o!n" the a"io' .I &a# thin(ing ' ' '/ #he #ai", ho+"ing it !)' .I# thee an% &a% &e co!+" #en"
he a *e##age0 <!#t to +et he (no& I *a"e it o!t o, the Cit%' That I1* #a,e7that I1* &ith %o!' She1#
)o-a-+% a *e##, thin(ing I &a# (i++e" in the O!t+an"#, &on"eing i, I &a# ta(en -% the e-e+#'/
I t!ne" the a"io o$e in *% han"#, &on"eing &ho in#i"e the Pa+ace &o!+" -e a-+e to "eco"e the
*e##age' I (ne& it &a# i*)o-a-+e that an% o, the e-e+# &ho #ti++ &o(e" in the to&e &o!+" i#(
e$ea+ing the*#e+$e# to Ro#e7not no&, an" e#)ecia++% not to te++ he that C+aa, &ho ,o a++ an%one
(ne& #!))ote" *% ,athe, &a# a+i$e' I1" tho!ght a-o!t it an%&a%, noticing ho& C+aa1# *oo" ha"
change" o$e the )a#t &ee(, the &a% #he1" -ing !) he *othe, o the Cit%, &anting to (no& i, thee
&ee an% "i#)atche# a-o!t the Pa+ace' .O, co!#e &e can,/ I #ai"' .I 5!#t ha$e to &an %o!7it1# +i(e+% #he
&on1t get it' No& that Mo## i# "ea", I "on1t thin( an% o, the e-e+# &o!+" "eco"e it an" )a## it a+ong'/
C+aa e#te" he -ac( again#t the &a++, )e##ing he ,ace into he han"#' .We1++ go -ac( e$ent!a++%,/ #he
#ai", not ea++% "iecting it at *e' .E$ent!a++% #he1++ (no& I1* a++ ight' I1* #!e #he1# ,ig!e" o!t &hat
ha))ene"'/
.She *!#t1$e,/ I #ai"' .We1++ ha$e *oe e#o!ce# once &e each Ca+i,ia' Once %o!1e thee &e1++ ha$e a
-ette #en#e o, &hat to "o'/
The +a#t o, the "a%1# #!n ca*e in tho!gh the "oo, catching C+aa1# -+!e9ga% e%e#, +ighting !) thei
"e)th#' .I #ho!+"n1t ha$e 5!#t +e,t,/ #he #ai"' .It &a# +i(e I &a# t%ing to )!ni#h he o #o*ething'/
.Yo! "i"n1t ha$e *!ch ti*e to "eci"e,/ I #ai"'
.It &a# a+&a%# 5!#t !#'/ C+aa &o(e" at a (not in he thic( go+" hai, )!++ing at the tang+e !nti+ it ca*e
!n"one' .E$e #ince the )+ag!e, e$e #ince *% ,athe an" E$an "ie"' Thee ha$e -een #o *an% ti*e#
that I1$e 5!#t &ante" to -e ,ee o, he'/
.Yo! can1t -+a*e %o!#e+, ,o +ea$ing' What i, *% ,athe ha" ,o!n" o!t that %o!1" he+)e" *e that "a%0
What then0/
We &ee -oth 4!iet' I &ante" to te++ he that #he1" -e a-+e to go -ac( to the Cit%, that &e co!+" -oth
et!n, -!t a# the "a%# )a##e" that #ee*e" +e## +i(e+%' I1" notice" a change e$en in the ti*e #ince &e1"
#et !) ca*)' The na!#ea ha" +i,te"' Beatice ha" #ai" it &a# no*a+, that no& that I1" *a"e it to thee
*onth# I &o!+"n1t e3)eience the *oning #ic(ne## a# I ha" -e,oe' M% *i"#ection ,e+t #&o++en an" ,!++,
an" *% c+othe# ,it "i,,eent+%7e$en i, it &a# noticea-+e on+% to *e' Once &e ai$e" in Ca+i,ia I
&on"ee" i, I1" e$e +ea$e o i, I1" -e -o!n" thee, in"e,inite+%, !na-+e to go an%&hee e+#e' Ho& +ong
"i" I ha$e -e,oe *% ,athe ,o!n" *e again0
Saah an" Kit )a##e", thei a*# ,i++e" &ith t&o *oe #tac(# o, -+an(et#' C+aa &i)e" the #(in -eneath
he e%e# an" #too", )+!c(ing a *!#t% ,e+t one ,o* the to)' I (ne+t "o&n, a-o!t to t!c( the a"io -ac(
into the -ag, &hee I1" (e)t it hi""en, &hen Kit #to))e" -%the "oo' She &a# #taing at *e, he ,ace 5!#t
$i#i-+e in the +ate +ight' .What ae %o! "oing &ith that0/ #he a#(e"'
C+aa c+!tche" the -+an(et to he che#t' .What "o %o! *ean0/ #he #ai"' .It1# a a"io, Kit' Yo!1$e ne$e7/
.I (no& &hat it i#'/ Kit )!++e" at he +ong )on%tai+, &a))ing it ao!n" he ,inge#' .B!t I tho!ght that
&a# Bette1#'/
I #canne" the +o--%, at the gi+# c!+e" !) on the co!che# an" ,+oo' I co!+" -ae+% #ee the* in the
#ha"o&#, #o ,a ,o* the &in"o&# an" the oa"' .Wh% &o!+" %o! thin( that0/
Kit #h!gge"' .She to+" *e #he1" ,o!n" it in the ga# #tation, that it &a# he#' She &a# !#ing it t&o night#
ago'/
I co!+" ,ee+ C+aa1# e%e# on *e' I )!#he" )a#t he, into the oo*' .Whee1# Bette0/ I eache" "o&n an"
#4!ee2e" He+ene1# #ho!+"e, #tat+ing he a&a(e' .Di" %o! (no& a-o!t the a"io0 Di" %o! (no& #he &a#
!#ing it0/ I +oo(e" at a ,e& o, the gi+# &ho &ee c!+e" !) on the ,+oo, catching g+i*)#e# o, thei
#ha"o&% ,ace#, t%ing to "i#ting!i#h one ,o*the ne3t' I "i"n1t #ee Bette an%&hee'
He+ene #hoo( he hea"' .I "on1t (no& &hee #he i#,/ #he #ai"' B!t #he c+a#)e" he han"# togethe, he
,ace ten#e' .I "on1t ' ' '/
.What &a# #he "oing &ith it0/ I a#(e"' .Te++ *e'/
He+ene -!#he" he -ai"# a&a% ,o* he ,ace' .She #ai" #he &a# going to get *e he+)' She )o*i#e"
*e'/
I too( o,, "o&n the "a( ha++&a%, )a#t the o+" *ote+ oo*#' So*e o, the -e"# &ee t!ne" o$e on thei
#i"e' Thee &ee "!#t% #!itca#e# ,i++e" &ith c+othe#, otting cei+ing ti+e#, a )i+e o, to%# that ha" -een
a-an"one" -% )eo)+e &ho1" +e,t in a h!%' I #)otte" a ,ig!e in the -o(en *io at the en" o, the ha++'
I ten#e", ta(ing a *o*ent to ea+i2e it &a# *% o&n e,+ection'
Stan"ing thee in the "i* ha++, I +i#tene" to each one o, *% -eath#, t%ing to ,ig!e o!t &hen Bette ha"
#een *e &ith the a"io' She ha" to ha$e gone tho!gh o! -ag#, #eaching ,o it' Ho& +ong ha" #he -een
t%ing to #en" o!t a *e##age0 Who "i" #he )o##i-+% thin( &o!+" co*e0
Fa a&a%, -e%on" the #hattee" &in"o&#, I hea" a #*a++ $oice ca++ing o!t, the &o"# in"i#ting!i#ha-+e'
I t!ne" "o&n the ha++, not #to))ing !nti+ I &a# o!t#i"e, o!n"ing the -ac( o, the -!i+"ing' I "ate" )a#t
the )a(ing +ot, ,i++e" &ith otting ca#, an" &hen I c+eae" the cone I ,ina++% #a& he' She &a# 5!#t a
-+ac( #i+ho!ette again#t the )!)+e #(%' She &a# &a$ing he han"# ,antica++%, -ac( an" ,oth, a )athetic
#igna+ ,ie -% he ,eet'
It too( *e a *o*ent to #ee &hat #he &a# +oo(ing at' M% han"# &ent co+"' Co*ing !) the i"ge+ine, on+%
a ha+, *i+e a&a%, &a# a *otoc%c+e, it# hea"+a*) a #*a++ )in)ic( o, +ight'
TWENTY
BETTE KEPT WA>IN: BACK AND FORTH, <UMPIN: UP AND DOWN, t%ing to #igna+ to the
*otoc%c+e' .O$e hee?/ #he %e++e" o!t' .We1e hee?/
I an a# 4!ic(+% a# I co!+", tho&ing *% a*# ao!n" he#, )inning the* to he #i"e#' .Do %o! (no&
&hat %o!1$e "one0/
The *oon+ight ca#t #tange #ha"o&# on he ,ace' .I "i" &hat %o! &o!+"n1t,/ #he #ai"' .She nee"# he+)'
Yo! #ai" %o!#e+, #he co!+" "ie'/
The *otoc%c+e &a# co*ing c+o#e, 2i))ing a+ong the i"ge+ine' I (ic(e" "it o$e the ,ie, a tin% )i+e o,
t&ig# an" -!#h, #cattee" &ith a ,e& -!ne" *atche# #he *!#t1$e #to+en ,o* the #!))+ie#' Then I
ga--e" he a*, )!++ing he to&a" the *ote+' It a++ ca*e -ac( to *e, !#hing in, &a#hing a&a% e$e%
othe tho!ght' In an in#tant, I co!+" #ee Ma5oie an" Oti# on the ce++a ,+oo, he -o"% #+!*)e" o$e
hi#, he -ai" #oa(e" &ith -+oo"' I1" ecogni2e" the i#( o, -inging the a"io a+ong, (no&ing &hat
co!+" ha))en, (no&ing ho& *!ch "ange &e &o!+" -e in i, one o, the gi+# !#e" it' I1" -!ie" it in the
-otto* o, the -ag &hee on+% Beatice, C+aa, an" I &o!+" (no& to ,in" it'
Bette "!g he hee+# in the "it, )!++ing !# -oth to a #to)' .I1* getting he he+),/ #he e)eate"' .We nee"
#o*eone to -ing he a "octo'/
.That1# not ho& it &o(#,/ I #ai"' She #t!gg+e" again#t *% ga#) -!t I he+" on, not +etting he go'
.When "i" %o! #en" o!t the *e##age0 What "i" %o! #a%0/
The hea"+ight #)e" c+o#e' The #o+"ie &a# 5!#t a "a( ,ig!e #i+ho!ette" again#t the #(%, hi# -ac(
h!nche" #+ight+%, the *otoc%c+e )ac(e" &ith #!))+ie#' I1" ne$e #een 5!#t one #o+"ie, -!t I1" hea" the
-o%# at the "!go!t #)ea( o, it, ho& #o*eti*e# the%1" !n#!$ei++ance ,o* #toeho!#e#
o go$en*ent chec()oint#' I, he &a# can$a##ing, that *eant thee &ee othe# c+o#e -%, not *oe than
,i,t% *i+e# o,,'
.Ye#te"a% night,/ #he #ai"' .When %o! &ee #+ee)ing' I #ai" &hee &e &ee'/
I )!++e" he -ac( to&a" the *ote+, !#ing *% ,!++ ,oce' .Yo! nee" to h!%,/ I #ai", +oo(ing at the #*a++
c+!#te o, -!i+"ing# ahea" o, !#' Thee &ee on+% thee &oo"en #t!ct!e# an" an a-an"one" #toe,
the )a(ing +ot# #cattee" &ith ca#, thei tie# ton a&a% ,o* the *eta+ i*#' It &o!+"n1t ta(e the
#o+"ie *oe than a ,e& *in!te# to #each the -!i+"ing#' O! on+% a"$antage# &ee that thee &ee
*oe o, !#, an" &e (ne& the +a%o!t o, the *ote+'
I )ic(e" !) the )ace, !nning to&a" the -ac( o, the -!i+"ing, Bette c+o#e -ehin"' The *otoc%c+e
a))oache" too 4!ic(+%' I hea" it co*ing !) the i"ge+ine, c+o#ing the ga) -et&een !#' Thee &a# the
tei-+e gating o, the tie# on )a$e*ent, the #o!n" o, the -a(e#' <!#t a# &e1" nea+% eache" the *ote+,
the engine t!ne" o,,, et!ning the o!t#i"e &o+" to #i+ence'
He "i"n1t ca++ o!t, a# the #o+"ie# o,ten "i", o"eing !# to t!n, to *a(e o!#e+$e# (no&n' I "i"n1t +oo(
at hi*, in#tea" -inging Bette ao!n" the #i"e o, the -!i+"ing, tho!gh the)a(ing +ot, to the -ac(
entance' I )!#he" o)en the +o--%1# g+a## "oo, #en"ing o,, the "!++ c+in(ing o, chi*e# #o*e&hee
a-o$e' .We ha$e to *o$e into the -ac( oo*#,/ I %e++e" o!t, )ointing to the "a( ha++&a% ,athe#t a&a%
,o* the oa"' .We1$e -een ,o!n"' :o74!ic(+%'/
Bette #too" -% the "oo, !n#!e &hat to "o' A ,e& o, the gi+# #tat+e" ,o* &hee the% #+e)t' C+aa
ho$ee" -% the +o--%1# ,ont entance, &hee #he ha" -een &atching !# a# the *otoc%c+e a))oache"'
She "o))e" the c!tain an" t!ne" to *e' .He1# not thee an%*oe,/ #he #ai", going to the &in"o&# on
the othe #i"e o, the "oo' .I "on1t #ee hi*'/
I #canne" the +o--%, -!t it &a# #o "a( it &a# ha" to *a(e o!t an%one1# ,ace' Beatice an" Saah he+)e"
He+ene to he ,eet' I ,e+t ,o the (ni,e at *% hi), ea##!e" that it &a# thee' A# I ga--e" Kit1# han",
#ho$ing he o!t to the #i"e ha++, I hea" the -e++# c+an( togethe, a #o!n" #o #!""en it ai#e" the ,ine
hai# on *% a*' Thee &a# the 4!ic( c+o*)ing o, -oot# on the ti+e ,+oo, then hi# #+o&, +a-oe"
-eathing, a# the *an ga--e" Bette -% the a*, ho+"ing a g!n to the #i"e o, he i-#'
He +oo(e" ao!n" the oo*, hi# ,ace ha+, $i#i-+e in the *oon+ight #tea*ing in ,o* the "oo' .Who "i"
thi#0/ he a#(e"' It &a# o-$io!# he &a#n1t a #o+"ie' He &oe a -o(en+eathe 5ac(et an" 5ean# that &ee
-+ac( &ith "it' I &atche" hi*, #t!"%ing the e" a*-an" tie" to hi# #+ee$e, &on"eing &hat it co!+"
#%*-o+i2e, i, he &a# ,o o again#t the e#i#tance' Di" he (no& a-o!t the Tai+0 .Who -o!ght %o! a++
hee0/ he %e++e"'
.Yo! can ta(e &hate$e %o! &ant,/ I #ai", t%ing to (ee) *% $oice e$en' .We ha$e &ate an" ,oo"'
Eno!gh to +a#t %o! a &ee('/
.I "on1t &ant #!))+ie#,/ he #ai", the g!n )e##e" into Bette1# #i"e' She &a# o""+% #ti++, he -o"% igi" an"
e%e# c+o#e", a# i, #he &ee a+ea"% "ea"' One o, the gi+# -ehin" *e &a# c%ing' I "i"n1t t!n to +oo('
So*e o, the* ha" on thei 5!*)e# ,o* Schoo+, an" I #!""en+% egette" +etting the* (ee) the*, e$en
i, the% on+% &oe the* &hen the% #+e)t' It &a# i*)o##i-+e no& to +ie a-o!t &ho the% &ee'
.I -o!ght the*,/ I #ai" ,ina++%' .The% &ee e#ca)ing the Schoo+#'/
He *o$e" the g!n ,o* Bette1# #i"e, )ointing it in#tea" at *e' .Yo! "i",/ he #tate", each &o" #hot'
.So*eone #ent o!t a *e##age #a%ing the% nee"e" he+)' That the% &ee -eing he+" hee'/
I +oo(e" to Bette' .She h!t he +eg,/ #he cho(e" o!t, -ae+% o)ening he e%e#' .He+ene' She nee"# a
"octo'/
The *an #canne" the oo*, ta(ing in He+ene at Saah1# #i"e' She he+" he h!t +eg o,, the go!n"' .E$e
&a# t%ing to #a$e !#,/ Kit #ai" 4!ic(+%' I t!ne" to he, ho)ing #he &o!+"n1t go on, -!t #he "i"' .She1#
the Pince##7the King1# "a!ghte'/
Beatice ga--e" Kit, t%ing to #i+ence he, -!t it &a# a+ea"% too +ate' He +et go o, Bette an" in#tea"
+!nge" at *e, #4!ee2ing *% a* #o tight it h!t' Then he +e$e+e" the g!n 5!#t -e+o& *% i-#' The ,ee+ o,
it thee, the -+!nt en" )e##ing into *% #(in, &a# eno!gh to #tea+ the -eath ,o* *% -o"%' .I# thee
an%one e+#e ,o* the Pa+ace0/ he %e++e" at the othe#'
Beatice #te))e" ,o&a", into the "i* +ight' .Yo!1$e *a"e a *i#ta(e,/ #he #ai"' .She1# t%ing to -ing
the gi+# to #a,et%' To Ca+i,ia' She1# -een &o(ing &ith Mo##'/
.Mo## i# "ea",/ the *an #ai"' .E$e%one on the Tai+ (no&# &ho Pince## :ene$ie$e i#' She &i++ -e
)!ni#he", e$en i, he ,athe &a# not'/
.I &a# &o(ing &ith the e-e+#,/ I #ai" #+o&+%, t%ing to (ee) *% $oice ca+*' .I1* on %o! #i"e'/ The *an
%an(e" *% a*, )!++ing *e to&a" the -ac( e3it' A ,e& o, the gi+# &ee c%ing, thei +o&, *!,,+e" #o-#
hea" in the "a('
.I (no& the co"e#,/ I #ai", thin(ing that *ight *ean #o*ething to hi*' B!t he (e)t the g!n ai*e" at
*% #to*ach'
.Yo! ha$e to +i#ten to he,/ C+aa #ai", !nning to&a" !#' .She ne$e #i"e" &ith he ,athe'/ I #hoo( *%
hea", ho)ing #he &o!+"n1t #a% an%thing *oe' It &a# )o##i-+e he (ne&&ho #he &a#' I, an%one #ai" he
na*e o *entione" #he &a# *% co!#in, he *ight ta(e he a# &e++'
He )!++e" *e to&a" the "oo' I "i"n1t e#i#t, in#tea" (ee)ing *% -eathing #tea"%, thin(ing o, the (ni,e
at *% -e+t' I "i"n1t (no& i, I co!+" )h%#ica++% -ing *%#e+, to "o it, -!t *% ga2e (e)t et!ning to the
g!n, the en" o, it #ti++ ai*e" ight a-o$e *% -e+t' He he+" *% a*, #tating -ac(&a"' When he eache"
the "oo, he t!ne" ,o a -ie, *o*ent to o)en it, +oo(ing "o&n a# he #eache" ,o the han"+e' I #+i))e"
*% han" to *% &ai#t, &a))ing *% ,inge# tight ao!n" the -!tt o, the (ni,e, )!++ing it ,o* it# #heath'
He o)ene" the "oo, #igna+ing *e tho!gh'
A# I #te))e" into the )a(ing +ot, I (e)t the -+a"e in ,ont o, *e' He ca*e tho!gh the "oo an" I
t!ne" 4!ic(+%, +an"ing it in hi# ight -ice)' He c!#e" an" e+ea#e" the g!n' I (ic(e" it ha", #en"ing it
#(i""ing o$e the )a$e*ent' I #te))e" a&a% ,o* hi*, t%ing to get #)ace -et&een !#, &hen C+aa ca*e
tho!gh the "oo' I hea" the -e++# c+an(ing, the +o!" &hine o, the hinge#, an" then #he #t!c( hi* in
the -ac( o, the hea"' It &a#n1t !nti+ he &a# on the go!n", t&i#te" in )ain, that I #a& one o, the
g+a## &ate -ott+e# in he han"'
He "i"n1t get !)' Hi# e%e# &ee #4!ee2e" #h!t, hi# (nee# ,o+"e" into hi# che#t' He eache" ,o the -ac(
o, hi# hea", &hee a ga#h ha" o)ene", the -+oo" &et in hi# hai' C+aa too( the )+a#tic o)e ,o* he -e+t
an" +oo)e" it ao!n" hi# &i#t#' E$en &hen he &a# on the go!n", hi# han"# +a#he" togethe, I co!+"n1t
catch *% -eath' I #a& the g!n again, the-ae+ )ointe" at *% #to*ach' It &a# eno!gh to )otect *%#e+,,
-!t I ,e+t no& thee &a# thi# othe )at o, *e, a )e#on I1" i*agine" a# $i$i"+% a# an%thing e+#e'
It &a#n1t *oe than a *in!te -e,oe the e#t o, the gi+# &ee o!t#i"e' A# the *an +o#t con#cio!#ne##
the% *o$e" in, #t!"%ing hi*' .He &a# going to (i++ %o!,/ He+ene #ai"' She tie" to "% he chee(#, -!t
he e%e# (e)t ,i++ing'
.I &a# 5!#t t%ing to he+),/ Bette #ai"' .I &a# t%ing to get #o*eone to he+) !#'/
C+aa1# ,ace &a# !n,a*i+ia to *e' He chee(# &ee e", he han" #4!ee2ing "o&n on Bette1# a*' She
#)o(e tho!gh c+enche" teeth' .What "o %o! thin( &e1e "oing0 We ae he+)ing %o!'/ Bette tie" to )!++
a&a%, -!t C+aa he+" he thee' .I, he hea" it, ho& *an% othe )eo)+e "i"0/
I +oo(e" "o&n at the *an, hi# ,ace ca(e" &ith "it' We ha" to +ea$e tonight' It &a# )o##i-+e *oe e-e+#
&ee a+ea"% on thei &a%' I, the #o+"ie# ha" hea" the *e##age, the%1" tac( !# hee' E$en i, &e (e)t
noth, a&a% ,o* thi# ca*)go!n", the% co!+" a))o3i*ate &hee &e &ee' I, the% tho!ght &e &ee
going to Ca+i,ia, the% *ight #et !) chec()oint# to the &e#t o, the *o!ntain#, -+oc(ing the &a%' We
nee"e" #o*e&hee &e co!+" hi"e'
I an o,, to&a" the oa", &hee the *otoc%c+e #ti++ #at' The 4!iet #o!n" o, *% ,eet again#t the
)a$e*ent ca+*e" *e' It ,e+t goo" to -e !), to -e *o$ing again, the night ai ,i++ing *% che#t' .E$e0/
C+aa ca++e" o!t, &atching *e' .What ae %o! "oing0/
When I got to the -i(e, I (ne+t "o&n -e#i"e the tie, ,ee+ing ,o the #*a++ no22+e in it# #i"e' F!inn
ha" to+" *e the tic( in Ca+i,ia, &hen &e1" #)o(en a-o!t the go$en*ent <ee)#' It &a# ea#ie than
c!tting tho!gh the thic( !--e'
I t&i#te" the $a+$e o)en, +i#tening to the #ati#,%ing hi## o, the ai a# it !#he" o!t' .:et e$e%thing
)ac(e",/ I ca++e", t!ning to &atch thei #i+ho!ette#, ,o2en thee again#t the #ta9"!#te" #(%' .We +ea$e
,o the "!go!t tonight'/
TWENTY-ONE
.IT1S SO CLOSE,/ SARAH CALLED AS WE CRESTED THE HILL' .I can #ee the &ate'/ I #canne" the
tee#, *a(ing #!e I1" "iecte" !# to the ight #)ot' It &a# a# I1" e*e*-ee" it, -!t #ee*e" +one+ie
#o*eho&, the +a(e !n,a*i+ia in Ca+e- an" A"en1# a-#ence'
The gi+# -o(e into a !n a# the &ate #)ea" o!t -e,oe the*, the #(% #ho&ing )in( an" oange again#t
it# g+a##% #!,ace' Bette he+)e" He+ene "o&n the oc(% #+o)e, ho+"ing the #+e" ,o* the -ac(, cae,!+ not
to +et it #+i"e too ,a#t' I &atche" he, gate,!+ &e1" *a"e it' We1" -!i+t thee ,ie# on the &a% noth7on+%
"!ing the "a%, to -oi+ +a(e &ate7an" #!,,ee" tho!gh night# in the co+", too a,ai" the #*o(e &o!+"
-e #een ,o* the oa"' When &e1" ca*)e" at Co&+e% La(e, a $ehic+e ha" )a##e" a-o$e !#' We #a& it
#to) on the i"ge+ine, the #o+"ie# getting o!t a# the% #!$e%e" the )a$e*ent, #t!"%ing ,o a ,e& *in!te#
the ,aint ,oot)int# &e1" +e,t in the #an" -e,oe )a##ing !# -%'
Bette he+)e" He+ene !), an" the% #tate" to&a" the +a(e' He+ene +i*)e", #ti++ !na-+e to )!t &eight on
he -a" +eg' A# the% eache" the #ha++o&#, the othe gi+# ha"+% t!ne", in#tea" in#ing thei a*# an"
+eg# &ith the c+ean &ate' The% ha"n1t hi""en thei anno%ance &ith Bette' E$en no&, a &ee( an" a ha+,
+ate, the% &a+(e" %a"# in ,ont o, he, #o*eti*e# ignoing he &hen #he ca++e" to the*'
Saah #!-*ege" he#e+, in the #ha++o&#' She &a#he" 4!ic(+%, ta(ing han",!+# o, #an" an" !--ing it
again#t he a*#, then ,i++ing he -ott+e# &ith ,e#h &ate' .I "on1t #ee the*,/ #he #ai", #canning the
tee# -ehin" *e' .Ma%-e the%1e not hee'/
A ,e& o, the gi+# t!ne" at the *ention o, the -o%#' The% #te))e" o!t o, the &ate, ,i++ing the +a#t o,
thei -ott+e# an" #etting the* on #hoe' .I1* not going !) thee,/ Bette #ai", g+ancing at the
"a(ne## -et&een tee#' .I "on1t cae i, I #+ee) a-o$ego!n"'/
.Yo!1e cetain it1# #a,e0/ C+aa #ai" a# #he &a+(e" !) -e#i"e *e' She "o))e" he )ac(an" !--e" the
ten"e #)ot on he #ho!+"e &hee the #ta) "!g into he #(in' .We can #ta% hee0/
.I1* not cetain o, an%thing,/ I #ai", +oo(ing at the )ath that +e" !) to the "!go!t' .B!t the )+ace i#
hi""en' Thee1# &ate an" )+ent% to h!nt' We *ight -e a-+e to ta(e the ho#e# the e#t o, the &a%7it
&o!+" ta(e at +ea#t a &ee( o,, the ti) to Ca+i,ia'/
C+aa1# ga2e ,e++ on He+ene' Beatice &a# !n&a))ing he +eg, changing the #)+int an" to&e+# that he+"
the -one in )+ace' None o, !# ha" #ai" it o!t +o!", -!t he in5!% ha" #+o&e" o! )ace con#i"ea-+%'
Tho!gh &e a++ too( t!n# )!++ing he a+ong, #o*e o, the gi+# &ee too &ea(, an" the *a5oit% o, the ta#(
,e++ to C+aa, Beatice, an" *e' De#)ite a ,e& #*a++ *ea+# o, a--it, &e &ee )e)et!a++% h!ng%' Thee
&a# a "!++, con#tant ache in *% #to*ach, an" *% eneg% &a# +o&' I &oie" i, &e "i"n1t #ta% hee an"
e#t, con#e$ing &hat #tength &e ha", &e1" -e #tan"e" on the &a% to Ca+i,ia, #o*e&hee &ith e$en
,e&e e#o!ce#' We *ight not *a(e it thee at a++'
Bette too( !) a han",!+ o, &et #an" an" #c!--e" the "it ,o* he )a+*#' So*e o, the gi+# &a"e" in
!) to thei (nee# -!t e,!#e" to t!n a&a% ,o* the #hoe, (ee)ing thei e%e# on the ,oe#t, a# i, &aiting
,o the -o%# to a))ea' The% &ee a++ #o thin' Lena ha" a hoi-+e #!n-!n on he #ho!+"e#, the #(in e"
an" -+i#teing'
He+ene an" Beatice &ee #ti++ on #hoe' He+ene &ince" a# Beatice he+" the t&o nao& -oa"# again#t
he +eg' She -egan &a))ing the o)e ao!n" the*, #ec!ing the #)+int in )+ace'
I #tate" to&a" the gi+#, t%ing to )!#h a&a% the "o!-t# I1" ha" a-o!t co*ing hee' I1" e$i#ite" tho#e
+a#t ho!# in the "!go!t #o *an% ti*e#, &on"eing i, it &a# ,oo+i#h to -e -ac(, (no&ing Lei, ha"
-een the one to -eta% !# to F+etche' A# +ong a# *% ,athe &a# +oo(ing ,o *e, a# +ong a# he ha" the
*ean# to, thee &a# a+&a%# the chance #o*eone &o!+" #en" &o" to the a*% a-o!t &hee I &a#' Fo*
no& on e$e% +ight on the oa", e$e% #ign o, #*o(e in the "i#tance, an" e$e% #tange &e enco!ntee"
&a# a theat'
.Re*e*-e &hat I #ai",/ I -egan, +oo(ing to the gi+# at the e"ge o, the +a(e' .It1# 5!#t ,o a ,e& "a%#, #o
&e can e#t' An" C+aa, Beatice, an" I ae hee &ith %o!, #o t% not to &o%'/
Saah )e##e" he ,inge into he *o!th, -iting at the #(in ao!n" he nai+' .Yo! (no& that1# ea#ie to
#a% ' ' '/ #he #tate", tai+ing o,,' He e%e# "ate" to&a" he *othe'
.Thee *ight ha$e -een #o*e t!th to it,/ I #ai", (no&ing ho& ha" it &a# to )oce##' .B!t on+% one
thing e$e *attee" to the Teache#7that %o! #ta%e" in#i"e the Schoo+ &a++#' An" i, %o! "i" go -e%on"
the*, the% &ante" to *a(e #!e %o! &o!+" et!n a# #oon a# %o! co!+"' Pat o, that &a# teaching %o! to
,ea e$e%thing an" e$e%one7e#)ecia++% *en' A# #oon a# %o! #tate" to ea+i2e that a++ *en -e%on" the
&a++ &een1t a# "angeo!#a# the% #ai", &hat e+#e &o!+" %o! #tat to 4!e#tion0 What i, %o! "i" ,in" an
a++% in one7&hat then0/
Kit "!g he toe# into the #an", -!%ing the* thee' The e#t o, the gi+# &ee #i+ent' Beatice the& a "%
to&e+ o$e Saah1# #ho!+"e#, !--ing the +a(e &ate ,o* he -ac(' Saah "i"n1t #h!g he o,, a# #he
#o*eti*e# "i"' She "i"n1t *!tte a-o!t &hat #he co!+" "o on he o&n, ho& Beatice "i"n1t nee" to he+)
he' Fo a *o*ent the% 5!#t #too" togethe +i(e that, Beatice1# a*# on he #ho!+"e#, in an a+*o#t9
h!g'
I t!ne", #canning the ,oe#t, #eaching ,o the -!ne" t!n( that t&i#te" to&a" the +a(e, it# oot#
)ointing -ac(, !) to&a" the "!go!t' Then I #tate" to the )+ace &hee the tee# *et the oc(% -each'
A# I eache" the e"ge o, the ,oe#t C+aa an !) -ehin" *e' .I1++ co*e &ith %o!,/ #he #ai", +oo(ing into
the #ha"o&#' I )!++e" *% #&eate ao!n" *e' The ai &a# coo+e -eneath the *a##i$e tee -anche#'
.Yo! can #ta%, ea++%' Kee) the gi+# at the &ate1# e"ge !nti+ I co*e -ac('/
I #te))e" ao!n" the tang+e" oot#, going "ee)e into the ,oe#t, #)otting the -!ne" tee !) ahea"' Fa
o,, to *% ight &a# one o, the #t!*)# the -o%# #et ,oo" on &hen the% coo(e"' The%1" c+eane" it o,,, -!t
thee &a# a ,e#h #tain o, -e% 5!ice on one #i"e' Tin% #ee"# &ee #ti++ #t!c( to the e"ge o, the &oo"'
So*eone ha" -een hee no *oe than a &ee( -e,oe' When I eache" the hi++#i"e I +eane" "o&n, t%ing
to ,in" the goo$e o, the hi""en "oo'
In#i"e, it &a# #tange+% 4!iet' I t!ne" into the ,i#t oo*, +it -% a #*a++ ho+e in the cei+ing' I co!+"n1t
e*e*-e &ho#e it &a#7Aaon1# o Ke$in1#' Thee &ee no c+othe# #te&n on the ,+oo, no e*)t% -o&+#
)i+e" in the cone' None o, the o+", "e,+ate" #occe -a++# the% (ic(e" ao!n", o the c!*)+e" &a))e#
+e,t o$e ,o* a #toeho!#e ai"' The *atte##&a# !nco$ee"' The t&o )+a#tic chai# in the cone,
c+ai*e" ,o* a ,ont +a&n, ha" on+% a#ing+e -+an(et on the*'
I t!ne" -ac( "o&n the *!" ha++, )eeing into the ne3t a+co$e' It &a# e*)t%' Othe than a *o+"% )+ate
o, -one# #itting on the ,+oo, thee &ee no #ign# o, the -o%#' I g+ance" ahea", &hee the coi"o
o)ene" !) to the &i"e, cic!+a oo* &e1" eaten *ea+# in' The "!go!t ha" -een a-an"one"' Ma%-e the%
ha" ,o!ght in the #iege, ta$e+ing &ith the e-e+# to +i-eate the +a-o ca*)#' Ma%-e the%1" -een #cae"
o!t -% #o*eone o #o*ething, the ca*) "i#co$ee" &ee(# -e,oe' I )!++e" *% (ni,e, &i#hing then I1"
-o!ght the e-e+1# g!n, no& #e)aate" into t&o )iece#, he+" -% C+aa an" Beatice'
I contin!e" "o&n the "i* coi"o, )a#t *oe e*)t% oo*#, !nning *% han" a+ong the &a++ to oient
*%#e+,' When I eache" the *ain ca$en it &a# a# it ha" -een *onth# -e,oe, the ,ie )it in the
cente, the a#he# co+"' Thee &ee a ,e& e*)t% can# #cattee" on the ,+oo' I an *% ,inge in#i"e one o,
the* an" )e##e" it to *% tong!e' It &a# #ti++ &et &ith )ea 5!ice'
A# I #too", I +oo(e" into the coi"o aco## ,o* *e, the *!" &a++# +it in a ,e& )+ace# -% ho+e# in the
cei+ing' A ,ig!e )a##e", "ating ,o* one oo* to anothe' Hi# ,ace &a# #hie+"e" -% a tattee" -+an(et,
the en"# co$eing hi# #ho!+"e#' I *o$e" 4!ic(+%, )e##ing again#t the &a++' A coo+ #&eat co$ee" *%
#(in' I tie" to 4!iet *% -eathing, +i#tening to the )e#on1# ,oot#te)# a# he h!ie" into the oo*'
I he+" the (ni,e o!t a# I #tate" into the t!nne+, ,ee+ing each #te) a# I &ent ,athe into the "a( coi"o'
It &a# )o##i-+e the "!go!t ha" -een "i#co$ee", that the too)# ha" #&e)t tho!gh at #o*e )oint, o the
nothen e-e+# ha" !#e" it on thei &a% to the Cit%' An%one co!+" -e hee no&, )i+,eing the #!))+ie#
that &ee +e,t'
A #ha"o& ho$ee" in the "oo&a%' He &a# a +itt+e ta++e than *e, hi# #i+ho!ette inching into the ha++' A#
#oon a# I +oo(e" at hi* he t!ne" in#i"e the oo*'
I a"$ance" on hi* a# he "!c(e" -ac(' M% han" ca!ght hi# a*, the (ni,e he+" 5!#t inche# ,o* hi# nec('
S+o&+%, the oo* ca*e into ,oc!#, the #!n+ight co*ing "o&n ,o* the cei+ing in one thin -ea*' I #a&
the ,ace I1" #een e$e% "a% ,o t&e+$e %ea#, e$e% *oning an" e$ening in Schoo+, he c!+% hai he+"
-ac( -% a thic( #ha&+' Pi) &a# ,ightening+% thin, he co++a-one )e##ing again#t the thin #(in on he
nec(' I g+ance" "o&n, noticing he )egnant #to*ach, &hich )ot!"e" o$e the to) o, he i))e" )ant#'
It +oo(e" #tange, a# i, it co!+"n1t -e+ong to #o*eone #o #*a++ an" ,agi+e'
.E$e, "on1t,/ a ,a*i+ia $oice #ai" -ehin" he' .P+ea#e'/ R!-% &a# #tan"ing in the cone &ith Benn% an"
Si+a#, ho$eing o$e the*, he a*# &a))e" ao!n" thei #ho!+"e#' The% a++ #tae" at *e, thei e%e# #o
a,ai", Pi) #te))ing in ,ont a# i, to -+oc( the* ,o* $ie&'
I +o&ee" the &ea)on, #eeing *%#e+, tho!gh thei e%e#' M% thoat #4!ee2e" #h!t, #!""en+%
e*-aa##e" ,o -eco*ing the t%)e o, )e#on &ho1" ho+" a (ni,e to anothe1# thoat'
.It1# !#,/ Benn% #ai", hi# #*a++ $oice ,i++ing the oo*' .It1# 5!#t !#'/
TWENTY-TWO
I ROLLED THE DIAL BETWEEN MY FIN:ERS, TUNIN: THE RADIO to the #tation Mo## ha"
*a(e" in )enci+' The ai ,i++e" &ith a +o&, cac(+ing #tatic' R!-% an" I +eane" in, &aiting to hea
#o*ething7an%thing7-!t the *in!te# )a##e" &ith no &o"' .Not a# *an% e-e+# ae #en"ing *e##age#
no&,/ I #ai", ,ina++% c+ic(ing it o,,'
.Ke$in an" Aaon &o!+"1$e #ent &o" i, the -o%# &ee on thei &a% -ac(,/ R!-% #ai"' I #et the a"io into
the "!,,e+ -ag, ta(ing the -atte% o!t an" ne#t+ing it in *% in#i"e )oc(et'
I )eee" into the nao& *!" oo*' .Thee1# eno!gh ,o ,o! *onth#,/ I #ai", !nning *% han" o$e a
o& o, can#, thei +a-e+# +ong gone' <!#t -e+o& &ee 5a# o, "ie" -eie# an" n!t#, #a+te" -oa, an"
-oi+e" +a(e &ate' Bo3e# &ee #tac(e" in one cone o, the oo*, the e#!+t o, a ecent #toeho!#e ai"'
.The -o%# #ai" it co!+" +a#t a# +ong a# #i3'/ R!-% )!++e" a ,e& 5a# o, &ate "o&n' .B!t &e1$e -een a""ing
to it' We ,o!n" o#e hi)#, &i+" -eie#, ga)e#' I, thee1# ,i#h in the #ha++o&# &e t% to -ing the* in &ith
the net, -!t &e can on+% go o!t #o ,a &itho!t -eing a-+e to #&i*'/ She #at -ac( "o&n -e#i"e Pi),
t&i#ting o,, the +i" ,o he' Pi) &a# 4!iet'
.That1# #*at,/ I #ai"' .It1# i*)o##i-+e to (no& i, the% #!$i$e" the #iege o not' B% the ti*e %o! "i" !n
o!t o, #!))+ie#, it *ight -e too +ate to co++ect the*'/ M% e%e# ,e++ ,o a *o*ent on Pi) an" R!-%' The%
&ee ,!the a+ong than I &a#, -% at +ea#t t&o *onth#7*a%-e *oe'
Aco## the oo*, the gi+# #at in ,ont o, the ,ie, *oe co*,ota-+e no& that the%1" #een Si+a# an"
Benn%' He+ene, &ho #ee*e" the +ea#t a,,ecte" -% thei )e#ence, e3)+aine" he #)+int to Si+a#, ta(ing it
o,, #o he co!+" #ee the +eg -eneath' Beatice +a"+e" o!t the caot #o!) into the )+a#tic containe# the
-o%#ha" once !#e" a# c!)#' .E$e ca*e -ac(,/ Benn% #ai", ca$ing into the *!" ,+oo &ith a t&ig,
#ho&ing Bette an" Saah the &o"# a# he #)o(e the*' I #ho!+"1$e -een e+ie$e"7that Lei, &a#n1t hee,
that *% ,ien"# &ee a+i$e an" #a,e' B!t *% ga2e (e)t et!ning to Pi)' She #at &ith he -ac( again#t the
&a++, #&i+ing the #)oon ao!n", he e%e# ,i3e" on the #o!)1# #tea*ing #!,ace'
The% &ee -oth *oe than ,i$e *onth# )egnant, -!t it ha" a,,ecte" the* #o "i,,eent+%' R!-% +oo(e"
hea+thie, he ,ace ,i++ing o!t, he chee(# ,!++ an" )in(' Whene$e #he &a#n1t ta+(ing, one han" ,o!n" it#
&a% to he #to*ach, he )a+* e#ting on the ten"e #)ot -e+o& he -e++% -!tton' Pi) +oo(e" a# tho!gh
#he &ee ,ighting o,, #ic(ne##, the co+o gone ,o* he ,ace' He e%e# &ee e" i**e" an" #a", an" in
the )a##ing ho! #ince I1" "i#co$ee" the*, #he1" #ai" on+% a ,e& &o"# to *e, each one c+i))e" an"
#tange'
.An" A"en ne$e got )egnant7%o!1e cetain0/ I a#(e", (ee)ing *% $oice +o& to a$oi" -eing hea"'
R!-% no""e"' .I1* cetain' That1# )at o, the ea#on &e +e,t the co*)o!n" &hen &e "i"'/
.When "i" %o! e#ca)e, then0 Ho& "i" A"en get %o! hee0/
She g+ance" #i"e&a%#, an" ,o a *o*ent Pi) *et he ga2e, *a(ing #o*e )a##ing e3)e##ion I "i"n1t
ecogni2e' Pi)1# e%e# &ee !n,oc!#e", a# tho!gh #he &ee in #o*e othe )+ace an" ti*e' .A-o!t a *onth
ago no&,/ R!-% #ai"' .We1" -een in the oo* ne3t to he ,o &ee(# an" #he ha"n1t #ai" an%thing' An"
then one night #he &a# thee' E$e%one e+#e &a# #+ee)ing' She o)ene" he han" an" thee &a# the (e%'
She #ai" %o! ga$e it to he, an" &e ha" on+% thi# one chance to +ea$e'
.She1" -e,ien"e" one o, the g!a"#' Miia*, I thin( &a# the na*e' A"en #o*eti*e# he+)e" &ith ta#(#
ao!n" the -!i+"ing7#&ee)ing, *o$ing e4!i)*ent, that #ot o, thing' She tho!ght it &o!+" *a(e the*
#ee #he ha" change", that #he &a#n1t a theat' I, #he &a# !#e,!+ in the co*)o!n", #he tho!ght the%
&o!+"n1t *a(e he tain ,o the a*%7thee &ee !*o# a-o!t that, &hat &o!+" ha))en i, #he co!+"n1t
get )egnant' We +e,t that night &ith he7#he1" #to+en a #ec!it% co"e ,o* Miia*' An" #he #&a* !#
aco## the +a(e, one at a ti*e' We &ee 5!#t #o!th o, the "!go!t, #o &e ca*e hee ,o #!))+ie#' That1#
&hen &e ,i#t hea" a-o!t the #iege' Within the &ee( the -o%# +e,t' The% &ent to +i-eate the ,i#t +a-o
ca*) &ith a go!) ,o* a #ett+e*ent !) noth' A"en &ent &ith the*'/
Pi) "i"n1t +i,t he e%e# ,o* the ,+oo' She &o(e" at the *!" &ith he nai+, go!ging o!t a #ha++o& ho+e'
.We1$e -een ta(ing cae o, Benn% an" Si+a#,/ #he #ai"'
R!-%1# e%e# &ee g+a##% in the ,ie+ight' .A"en ha" to+" !# %o! &ee -eing he+" in the Cit%,/ #he #ai"' .I
tho!ght I1" ne$e #ee %o! again'/
She )e##e" he +i)# togethe, *anaging a tight #*i+e' I ha"n1t #een he c% at Schoo+' She ha" a+&a%#
co*,ote" Pi) an" *e, &a# a+&a%# the ho)e+e##+% ationa+ one &ho *anage" to #ee e$e% #i"e o, e$e%
#it!ation, &ho#e )e#ence a!to*atica++% *a"e %o! +o&e %o! $oice, ta+( #+o&e, not -e a# ang% o #a"'
R!-%1# han" !--e" at the ,ont o, he #to*ach a# #he too( a "ee) -eath, &i++ing the tea# a&a%'
.I1* g+a" &e *a"e it hee,/ I #ai"' .I tho!ght the #a*e thing #o*eti*e#'/ I +eane" in, a-o!t to h!g he,
-!t #o*ething in he ,ace #to))e" *e' She +oo(e" o$e *% #ho!+"e, he e3)e##ion ,oeign an" co+"'
Pi) notice" R!-%1# he#itation' .I ne$e !n"e#too" ' ' ' &h% A"en0/ #he a#(e", each &o" #)o(en #o
cae,!++%, a# i, #he1" -een &aiting ,o "a%#, &ee(# *a%-e, to #a% the* to *e' .Yo! hate" he at Schoo+'
An" then #he co*e# to !#, #a%ing %o!1$e gi$en he thi# (e%' She to+" !# ho& %o! an" he &ee
togethe in the &i+"' She #ai" %o! #a$e" he'/ Pi) #&i)e" at he chee(, catching a tea -e,oe it ,e++' .I
5!#t "on1t !n"e#tan" &h% %o! -o!ght he an" not !#'/
.I "i"n1t,/ I #ai"' I ga--e" ,o Pi)1# han"# -!t #he #+i" the* o!t ,o* !n"e *ine' .I "i"n1t -ing he' I
,o!n" he a,te I +e,t7#he &a# the one &ho to+" *e a-o!t the -!i+"ing' I &a# ,oce" to +ea$e a+one'/
.Who0/ Pi)1# $oice &a$ee"' .Who ,oce" %o!0/
.Teache F+oence,/ I #ai"' .I co!+" +ea$e on+% i, I &ent a+one'/
.Then %o! #ho!+"n1t ha$e +e,t at a++'/ She ai#e" he $oice a# #he #ai" it' R!-% )+ace" he han" on he
-ac(, t%ing to ca+* he, -!t Pi) contin!e"' .Do %o! (no& that I &aite" ,o %o!0 I #at in that oo* a++
"a%, an" I ag!e" &ith Hea"*i#te## that I co!+"n1t go to ga"!ation, that #o*ething hoi-+e *!#t1$e
ha))ene"' I co!+" not i*agine that %o! &o!+" act!a++% +ea$e Schoo+ &itho!t *e' Ho& #t!)i" &a# that0
Ho& #t!)i" &a# I, thin(ing I1" -e going to the Cit%0 I*agining *% a)at*ent, the achitect!e ,i* I1"
&o( ,o thee7i*agining that &e1" -e togethe'/ She +eane" in, he chee(# ,+!#he"' She &a# ta+(ing #o
+o!"+% no& that the gi+# t!ne", &atching !#' .I &a# #taing at the +a(e a# I &a+(e" o$e that -i"ge' I
(e)t #eaching the &ate -eca!#e I &a# #o tei,ie" %o!1" "o&ne"' An" the &ho+e ti*e %o! (ne&'
Yo! +i#tene" to *e go on a-o!t *% +i,e in the Cit%, an" %o! (ne&'/
M% thoat #4!ee2e" #h!t' I )e##e" *% ,inge# to *% e%e#, t%ing to #to) the tea#, -!t *% ,ace &a# e",
the &ho+e oo* c+o#ing in on *e' .I *a"e a *i#ta(e,/ I #ai", ,ocing each &o" o!t' .A ea++% h!ge,
ie$e#i-+e *i#ta(e' An" I #ti++ ca% that' B!t I "i"n1t (no& !nti+ that night' I ha" on+% *in!te# to
,ig!e o!t &hat I &a# going to "o' I &a#n1t )+anning it' O, co!#e I &o!+"1$e ta(en %o! i, I (ne&'/
Pi) e+ea#e" a "ee) -eath' The ai ,e+t hea$ie, the inche# -et&een !# ho+"ing e$e%thing !n#)o(en'
.No& %o!1e the Pince##'/ Pi) +et o!t a #tange +a!gh' .A,te a++ thi# ti*e, %o! &ee +i$ing in the
Pa+ace'/
R!-% #et he han" "o&n on Pi)1# an" &hi#)ee" #o*ething to he, the &o"# #o +o& I co!+"n1t *a(e
the* o!t' .Wh% "o %o! thin( I1* hee0/ I a#(e"' .I1$e e#ca)e" the Cit%' I, &e1e ca!ght I1++ -e (i++e"' I
*ight1$e +i$e" in the Pa+ace, -!t it &a#n1t a# i, I ,ogot e$e%thing that ha))ene" -e,oe'/
Behin" !# C+aa an" Beatice #too", co++ecting #o*e o, the -o&+# #cattee" on the ,+oo' .Let1# get
e$e%one #it!ate" in thei oo*#7%o! co!+" a++ !#e #o*e e#t,/ C+aa #ai"' She he+)e" He+ene !),
&a))ing he a* ao!n" he #i"e' S+o&+% the gi+# *o$e" into the #!o!n"ing t!nne+#, thei e%e#
+ingeing on !#'
.Wh% "i" %o! -ing the* hee0/ R!-% a#(e"' .What1# the )oint o, thi#0/
I tie" to #tea"% *% -eath#' .We1e going to Ca+i,ia' A"en *!#t1$e to+" %o! a-o!t
the#ett+e*ent o$e the -i"ge'/
.The &o*en1# ca*)'/ R!-% no""e"' A# the ,ie "&in"+e" "o&n to the ,ina+, -+ac(ene" +og#, the oo*
ge& co+"e' .She #ai" %o!1" ha" to +ea$e thee, that it &a#n1t #a,e'/
.It1# the #a,e#t )+ace &e ha$e7*a%-e the on+% )+ace,/ I #ai"' .E#)ecia++% ,o the gi+#' A ,e& o, the
&o*en ae "octo#' Thee ae *i"&i$e# to he+) &ith "e+i$e%' I can #et !) +o"ging ,o a++ o, !#'/
Pi) #t!"ie" *e' .When ae %o! going0/
That &o", %o!7not &e7+e,t *e #i+ent ,o a *o*ent' .We1e +ea$ing in a &ee(1# ti*e, *a%-e +e##'
We1e ho)ing the -o%# +e,t at +ea#t a ,e& o, the ho#e#' The ti) co!+" -e +e## than ,o! "a%# i, &e o"e
thee' I &ant %o! -oth to co*e'/
R!-% #too", )!++ing he #ha&+ ao!n" he' .That1# a +ong ti*e to -e ta$e+ing'/
.We *a% -e a-+e to "o it ,a#te,/ I #ai"' .The i*)otant thing i# that &e go a# #oon a# )o##i-+e' The
too)# ae +oo(ing ,o !#, an" thi# &a# #!))o#e" to -e on+% a #to) a+ong the &a%'/
.Benn% an" Si+a#,/ Pi) #ai"' .We can1t +ea$e the*'/
.We &on1t'/ I eache" ,o he han", in#tinct!a++%, -!t #he ten#e" at *% to!ch' I +e,t it thee ,o a
*o*ent -e,oe )!++ing a&a%' .We1++ ha$e to -ing the* an" in#i#t the% #ta% &ith !#' The%1e #ti++ %o!ng
7the%1e not a theat'/
B!t Pi) (e)t #ha(ing he hea"' She #too", -!#hing the "it o,, he )ant#' .I can1t,/ #he #ai", he $oice
+o&' .I &on1t' We1e #a,e hee' E$e%thing &a# ,ine -e,oe %o! ca*e'/ She t!ne", )!++ing he #&eate
ao!n" he, an" #tate" "o&n one o, the ,a t!nne+#'
I #too", ,ee+ing +i(e #he1" 5!#t #+a))e" *e' .I #!))o#e %o!1e #ta%ing, too0/ I a#(e" R!-%, t%ing to (ee)
*% $oice e$en' She1" #een *e c% #o *an% ti*e# at Schoo+, ha" he+" *e a# &e ta+(e" a-o!t the )+ag!e,
the &a% *% *othe ha" +oo(e" -e,oe #he "ie"' It &o!+"n1t ha$e -een ne& ,o eithe o, !#, an" %et hee,
a,te #o *an% *onth# a)at, #he ,e+t +i(e a #tange' E$en he ,ace, the ,!++ chee(# an" &i"e, "ee)9#et
e%e#, &a# #o*ething I nee"e" to e+ean'
.I can1t +ea$e he'/ R!-% )!#he" he thic( -+ac( hai a&a% ,o* he ,ace' .We can #ta% hee' We1$e -een
*anaging on o! o&n'/ She )e##e" he +i)# togethe, a# i, thee &ee nothing *oe to #a%'
She )!#he" )a#t *e, #tating a,te Pi)' .I a* #o%,/ I #ai"' .I (no& it "oe#n1t *atte no&' B!t I
&o!+" change a +ot o, thing# i, I co!+"'/
R!-% "i"n1t +oo( -ac(' She ca!ght Pi)1# a*, )!++ing he c+o#e to he #i"e' I #too" in the oo*
a+one, +i#tening to the gi+# &hi#)eing, then the ,aint #+o#hing o, &ate a# Beatice &a+(e" the -!c(et#
o!t#i"e, Si+a# an" Benn% tai+ing -ehin" he'
I &atche" thei -ac(# !) ahea", t!ning in to the oo* that the% #hae"'
TWENTY-THREE
IN THE EARLY MORNIN: HOURS THE BEACH WAS FUIET' CLARA #tate" the &a#h, )+!nging the
c+othe# into the co+" &ate' She +oo(e" #o nat!a+ "oing it, !--ing the ,a-ic togethe, +oo#ening the
"it, I ha"+% ecogni2e" he a# the gi+ I ha" *et in the Cit% Pa+ace #o *an% *onth# -e,oe' She #)ea"
the c+othe# o!t on the oc(# to "%, a""ing the* to the e#t' Shit# an" )ant#, #&eate# an" #oc(#7the%
a++ +ai" thee, co+o,!+ #ha"o&# on the #hoe'
A# Saah an" I #tate" "o&n the #an"% inc+ine, ca%ing )ot# ,o +a(e &ate, I notice" He+ene' She #at o,,
to the #i"e, he -a" ,oot e#ting in the #ha++o&#' The #&e++ing ha" gone "o&n, -!t it &a# a))aent no&
that the -one ha"n1t hea+e" ight' He an(+e &a# t!ne" o!t&a" at an o"" ang+e' She eache" ,o it,
)e##ing he ,inge# again#t the ten"e #)ot &hee it ha" -o(en' .Be#t not to,/ I #ai", #etting the )ot#
"o&n' I +eane" o$e to e3a*ine the -one' The #(in &a# a geeni#h -+!e7the e*nant# o, -!i#ing'
.It +oo(# hoi-+e,/ #he #ai"' .La#t night I &o(e !) -eca!#e it &a# tho--ing' It1# a+&a%# going to -e +i(e
thi#, i#n1t it0 I1++ ne$e -e a-+e to &a+( on it again'/ She #eache" *% ,ace, +oo(ing ,o #o*e an#&e'
.We1++ get %o! -ette he+) &hen &e each Ca+i,ia' Thee1# a &o*an thee &ho #t!"ie" *e"icine' I "on1t
(no& eno!gh to te++ %o!,/ I #ai", -!#hing -ac( he -ai"#' B!t it #ee*e", *oe than a &ee( +ate, that
the -one ha" #et &ong' Thee *ight1$e -een a chance to e-ea( it, -!t I co!+"n1t i*agine that7to
ha$e to #!,,e tho!gh the )ain a++ o$e again' I )ic(e" !) the t&o -oa"# an" #et the* "o&n on eithe
#i"e o, he #hin, he+)ing he tie the #)+int -ac( in )+ace'
Saah "o))e" he )ot# at the e"ge o, the +a(e' .That1# &hat Beatice (ee)# #a%ing, -!t ho& +ong "o &e
ha$e to #ta% hee -e,oe &e can +ea$e0/ She )ointe" o!t o$e the &ate' .I, &e1e going to -e hee *!ch
+onge, %o! ha$e to at +ea#t teach !# ho& to #&i*' Ho& ae &e #!))o#e" to he+) ,i#h i, I can1t e$en go in
)a#t *% (nee#0/
.Thi# i# a goo" )+ace to e#t,/ I #ai"' .We ha$e #!))+ie# hee, an" &e "on1t nee" a +oo(o!t at night' We
#ho!+" #ta% a "a% o t&o *oe'/ I #tae" at a #)ot aco## the +a(e, 5!#t -ae+% a-+e to #ee R!-% an" Pi)
-ehin" the tee#' The% &ent o!t e$e% *oning, a+one, gatheing -eie# an" &i+" ga)e#' I "i"n1t (no&
i, it &o!+" e$e #ee* +i(e eno!gh ti*e hee' Thee "a%# o thit%, &hen I +e,t I1" -e +ea$ing the* a++ o$e
again'
I )!++e" *% #&eate "o&n, o$e the &i"th o, *% #to*ach, *a(ing #!e it &a# co$ee"'E$e% "a% *%
-o"% ,e+t "i,,eent' I1" ta"e" *% &on 5ean# ,o &i"e )ant#, a"5!#ting the -e+t' M% -ea#t# &ee
#&o++en an" #oe, *% ,ace ,!++e, an" I co!+" ,ee+ *% #to*ach e3)an"ing o!t, go&ing ha"e to concea+'
I ha"n1t &ante" to te++ the gi+#' I1" i*agine" ho& it &o!+" change thei )ece)tion o, *e, that I *ight
#ee* &ea(e, *oe $!+nea-+e i, the% (ne&' When &e &ee -ac( on the oa", "i$i"ing o! *eage
#!))+ie#, I "i"n1t &ant the* &o%ing that thee &a#n1t eno!gh' Beatice an" C+aa ha" a+ea"% in#i#te"
on #haing thei #*a++ )otion#, t%ing to (ee) !) *% eneg% on the &a% to the "!go!t'
Then thee &a# Ca+e-' It ha" -een #o +ong #ince I1" #)o(en hi# na*e o!t +o!"' Ho& co!+" I e3)+ain &hat
ha" ha))ene" -et&een !#0 Ho& co!+" the gi+# !n"e#tan" that I1" not on+% #)ent ti*e &ith hi* -!t
that I ha" +o$e" hi*0 Wa#n1t I 5!#t +i(e tho#e &o*en the Teache# ha" a+&a%# #)o(en a-o!t, !ine", in
#o*e &a%#, -% that +o$e0 It &a# a# tho!gh #o*e in$i#i-+e &a++ ha" -een eecte",#e)aating *e ,o*
e$e%one e+#e' No& that Ca+e- &a# "ea", &hat &a# I #!))o#e" to "o &ith the +o$e I #ti++ ,e+t0 Whee &a#
it a++ #!))o#e" to go0
Pi) an" R!-% &ee co*ing c+o#e, &ea$ing tho!gh the tee#' I co!+" ,ee+ C+aa &atching the*, &aiting
to #ee i, the% t!ne" to&a" !#, onto the -each' The%1" "eci"e" to eat #e)aate+%, ta(ing thei *ea+# to
thei oo* ,o the )a#t t&o "a%#' The% #)ent thea,tenoon# &ith Benn% an" Si+a#, the *oning#
#ca$enging the &oo"# -% the +a(e,ont, co*ing -ac( &ith the occa#iona+ ,in"7a )+a#tic c!), -ent ,o(,
o !n+a-e+e" can' I ha"n1t tie" to #)ea( to the* #ince o! ,i#t night' A #i+ence ha" #ett+e" -et&een !#' I
&o!+" thin( o, the &o"# to #a%, cae,!++% ,o*ing anothe a)o+og%, then &e1" )a## in the coi"o' Pi)
&o!+" -ae+% +oo( !), -ae+% ac(no&+e"ge *e, an" I1" -e e*in"e" again that it &a#n1t eno!gh' Nothing
I #ai" co!+" e$e -e eno!gh'
Pi) ha" a #ac( in one han"' She #te))e" -e%on" the tee#, R!-% ,o++o&ing -ehin"' I &atche" the*
a))oach a# Saah ,i++e" one )ot, then the ne3t' .I 5!#t &ant to -e thee a+ea"%,/ #he #ai"' .I ,ee+ +i(e
thi# &ho+e ti*e I1$e 5!#t -een &aiting' Yo! an" Beatice (ee) ta+(ing a-o!t a++ the#e thing# &e1++ ha$e at
Ca+i,ia, -!t it 5!#t e*in"# e$e%one o, &hat &e "on1t ha$e no&'/
.We1++ +ea$e #oon,/ I )o*i#e", "i))ing *% )ot into the &ate'
M% ga2e et!ne" to R!-% an" Pi)' Pi) g+ance" !), an" ,o a *o*ent he ,ace change", he e%e#
*eeting *ine, he +i)# t&i#ting to one #i"e in an a+*o#t #*i+e' She ca*e to&a" !#, ho+"ing *% ga2e ,o
the ,i#t ti*e #ince &e1" ai$e"' .We ,o!n" #o*e -+ac( &i++o& -a(,/ #he #ai"' She )!++e" the -o&n
,+a(e# ,o* the #ac(, then +oo(e" ,o* *e to He+ene' .I hea" %o! +eg &a# h!ting %o! +a#t night' Thi#
*ight he+)'/
Saah #et the )ot o, &ate onto the -each, he -o&# (nitte" togethe, a# i, not 4!ite cetain it &a# Pi)
&ho &a# #)ea(ing' She1" ignoe" *o#t o, the gi+# #ince o! ,ight' .Yo! eat it0/ Saah a#(e"'
R!-% )ointe" to the )ot o, &ate' .Yo! -oi+ it, then "in( the tea' Pi) ha# -een ea"ing a -oo( &e ,o!n"
in the "!go!t a-o!t nat!a+ e*e"ie#' B+ac( &i++o& -a( he+)# &ith )ain'/ R!-% o,,ee" He+ene he a*,
t%ing to ea#e he onto he ,eet' .Wh% "on1t %o! t&o co*e &ith *e' We can *a(e it no&, then %o!1++
ha$e )+ent% ,o tonight' We can e$en *a(e #o*e ,o %o! ti)'/ She too( one o, the )ot# ,o* Saah,
an" the% #tate" !) the -each' R!-% g+ance" -ac(, no""ing to *e -e,oe #he +e,t'
Pi) #ett+e" "o&n on the -each' She "!g he ,eet into the #an", he toe# 5!#t ga2ing the +a(e1# e"ge' .She
thin(# I #ho!+" ta+( to %o!'/ She #tae" #taight ahea" a# #he #ai" it, +oo(ing o!t o$e the +a(e'
So #he &a# #itting hee -eca!#e R!-% to+" he to0 No& that #he1" "one it, -eg!"ging+%, #he co!+"n1t
e$en +oo( at *e' Ho& +ong &a# I #!))o#e" to &ait hee in thi# "e#)eate, )+ea"ing )+ace o, a)o+og%,
ho)ing #he1" ,ogi$e *e0 .An" &hat "o %o! thin(0/ I a#(e"'
Pi) -!#he" a ,e& tang+e" c!+# a&a% ,o* he ,ace' In the "a%+ight I co!+" #ee he ,ec(+e# ha" ,a"e",
the ga% cic+e# !n"e he e%e# *a(ing he +oo( )e)et!a++% tie"' .I thin( #he1# ight,/ #he #ai"' .I thin(
thee ae #ti++ thing# +e,t to #a%'/
I "!g *% ,inge# into the #an", #ati#,ie" &hen I ha" a goo" han",!+7#o*ething, an%thing to ho+" on to'
.I &o!+" change e$e%thing i, I co!+",/ I #ai"' .Yo! ha$e to (no& that'/
.I (no&'/ Pi) )ic(e" !) a &on t&ig ,o* the #hoe, !--ing it -et&een he ,inge# -e,oe,ina++% t!ning
to *e' .B!t #o *!ch o, that ti*e in that -!i+"ing I #)ent thin(ing a-o!t %o!, &o%ing a-o!t &hee %o!
&ee' I tho!ght the% *ight1$e ta(en %o! #o*e&hee e+#e' B!t&hen I #a& %o! aco## the +a(e, in that
"e##, it &a# #o o-$io!# %o!1" -een +i$ing in the Cit% that &ho+e ti*e' I hate" %o! ,o not -eing thee
&ith *e' An" it1# too +ate no&' I1* +i$ing a +i,e I "on1t &ant' I ne$e cho#e thi#'/ She +oo(e" "o&n at he
#to*ach, the T9#hit that tightene" ao!n" he *i"#ection' Then #he +o&ee" he hea", )e##ing he
,inge# into he e%e#'
.Thee i# no choice an%*oe' I "i"n1t &ant to -e *% ,athe1# "a!ghte' I &a# in the Cit%&hen the #iege
ha))ene"7I #a& *% ,ien"# hange"' I #a& #o*eone I +o$e" #hot an" (i++e" -% #o+"ie#' I "i"n1t &ant
an% o, it' We1e a++ "oing the -e#t &e can &ith &hat &e1$e -een gi$en,/ I #ai", e)eating Cha+e#1# &o"#'
The Pa+ace, that #!ite7it ,e+t ,a a&a% no&, a *e*o% ,o* a ti*e -e,oe' .An" *a%-e #o*e )eo)+e1#
-e#t i#n1t eno!gh' Ma%-e I "i"n1t "o eno!gh'/
.So*eone %o! +o$e"0/ Pi) a#(e"' .I# that the one A"en to+" !# a-o!t0 Ca+e-0/
.He &a# (i++e",/ I #ai"' I &a#n1t #!e i, I #ho!+" go on, -!t it #o*eho& ,e+t &ong that C+aa an" Beatice
(ne& #o*ething Pi) "i"n1t' E$en no&, e$en a,te #o *!ch ti*e a)at' .I1* )egnant' Nea+% ,o!
*onth#' I ha$en1t to+" the othe gi+#'/
Pi) #t!"ie" *e' .Wh% &o!+" %o! "o that0/ #he a#(e"' .Wh% &o!+" %o! &ant thi#0/
.Thee1# no &a% to )e$ent it in#i"e the Cit%,/ I #ai"' .An" &ith e$e%thing the Teache# #ai", thee &a#
no &a% to (no& &hat &a# the t!th' I "i"n1t (no& a++ the con#e4!ence#, -!t I can1t eget &hat &e "i"' I
+o$e" hi*'/
Pi) #hoo( he hea"' .Both o, !#,/ #he #ai", he e%e# *i#ting o$e' .It 5!#t ,ee+# +i(e e$e%thing i# en"ing,
+i(e a )at o, *e ha# "ie"' Re*e*-e +a#t %ea at thi# ti*e0 Re*e*-e a++ the thing# &e ta+(e" a-o!t0 I
(e)t i*agining the a)at*ent &e1" ha$e in the Cit%' I tho!ght it &o!+" -e #o ince"i-+e to +ean a ta"e,
to +i$e -e%on" the co*)o!n" &a++#'/
.We ha$e ti*e #ti++'/ I +et the #an" ,a++ tho!gh *% ,inge#, then too( he han" in *% o&n' She "i"n1t
)!++ a&a%' .Yo! ha$e to co*e &ith !# to Ca+i,ia' It1++ -e #a,e ,o %o! thee, ,o -oth o, !#' Yo! co!+" #ta%
thee in"e,inite+%'/ She &a# a+ea"% #ha(ing he hea"' .What ae %o! going to "o hee, &ith 5!#t %o! an"
R!-%0 Yo! can1t #ta% hee ,oe$e7e$ent!a++% the #!))+ie# &i++ !n o!t'/
Pi) #4!ee2e" *% han" ha"' .I 5!#t can1t go ight no&,/ #he #ai"' .It "oe#n1t ,ee+ ight' I1* -ae+% a-+e to
*anage hee7ho& a* I going to -e on the oa" ,o a &ee(0/
.I, &e ta(e the ho#e# it1++ on+% -e a ,e& "a%#' Yo! &o!+"n1t ha$e to &a+(,/ I #ai"'
Pi) #+i))e" he han" ,o* !n"e *ine, in#tea" e#ting it on he #to*ach' .What i, #o*ething
ha))en# on the &a% to Ca+i,ia0 I1" 5!#t athe #ta% hee' I "on1t cae &hat the i#( i#' It1# too +ate to +ea$e
no&7it1# -een nea+% #i3 *onth#'/
I hea" the #o!n" o, #hi,ting oc(# -ehin" *e' Beatice #tate" "o&n the -each, h!gging a #ac( o,
c+othe#' She "o))e" the* on the go!n" -ehin" C+aa an" o++e" he )ant# !)' She &atche" !# a# #he
&a"e" in, cae,!++% #t!"%ing Pi), &ho &a# #ti++ &i)ing at he e%e#' .Ho& *an% ho#e# ae thee +e,t0/ I
a#(e"'
.Ma%-e #i3 o #e$en,/ Pi) #ai"' .The% too( at +ea#t ha+, o, the*' The othe# &ho ca*e tho!gh ha"
#!))+ie#, too' So*eone ha" #to+en one o, the go$en*ent <ee)#'/
.Fo! "a%#,/ I tie" again' .That1# a++' Can %o! t%0/
.I "on1t ha$e the eneg%, I "on1t'/ He chin #hoo( a +itt+e, the &a% it a+&a%# "i" &hen #he &a# t%ing not
to c%' .I, %o! ha$e to go, I1++ !n"e#tan"'/
I +oo(e" o!t on the +a(e, on it# #ti++, g+a##% #!,ace' We1" -e #a,e in Ca+i,ia' The gi+# co!+" -egin #ett+ing
in, )e*anent+%, *a(ing ho*e# ,o the*#e+$e# a*ong the e#t o, the e#ca)ee#' B!t ho& co!+" &e +ea$e
R!-% an" Pi) hee0 A# *!ch a# I "i"n1t &ant to acce)t it, I (ne& it &a# *oe "angeo!# ,o he to ta$e+
than it &a# ,o *e' It &a# +i(e+% #he &a# ca%ing *oe than one chi+", +i(e *o#t o, the gi+# ,o* the
co*)o!n"' Since &e1" ai$e" #he1" a+&a%# #ee*e" e3ha!#te", eteating to he oo* -e,oe "inne to
#+ee) ,o ho!#, #o*eti*e# not &a(ing !nti+ a,te the #!n ha" gone "o&n' .I &on1t +ea$e %o! again,/ I
#ai"'
.B!t I can1t, E$e'/
.I (no& %o! can1t go,/ I #ai"' .Then I &on1t eithe'/ I &a))e" *% a* ao!n" he #ho!+"e' She )e##e"
he ,ace into *% nec(, an" in an in#tant &e et!ne" to the co*,ota-+e #i+ence -et&een !#' At Schoo+
&e1" a+&a%# -een goo" at #haing #)ace &ith 4!iet !n"e#tan"ing, -eing a+one togethe &itho!t #a%ing a
&o"'
It &a# a +ong &hi+e -e,oe C+aa1# $oice ca++e" o!t ,o* the -each' .We1e a++ ,ini#he",/ #he
#ai", #etting the +a#t o, the #hit# "o&n on the oc(#' She ca*e to&a" !#, he e3)e##ion#o,tening' I
co!+" te++ #he &a# e+ie$e" to #ee !# ta+(ing' .I &a# )+anning on taining the gi+# thi# a,tenoon,
a##!*ing the ho#e# ae ea"%0/ She +oo(e" to Pi)'
.The% #ho!+" -e,/ #he #ai"' .R!-% ,ee"# the* e$e% *oning' She can ta(e %o! to the #ta-+e7it1# a-o!t a
4!ate *i+e ,o* hee'/
.:oo", then,/ C+aa #ai", "%ing he han"# on the ,ont o, he )ant#' .Once the gi+# ha$e the -a#ic#
"o&n &e can go' :i$e *e t&o "a%# &ith the*, *a%-e thee, "e)en"ing on the ho#e#'/
C+aa ha" +eane" to i"e in the Cit% #ta-+e#, #)en"ing the ,i#t ,e& %ea# taining thee' She1" ta(en *e
once, an" I1" +eane" 5!#t eno!gh to coa3 the ho#e ao!n" the giant "it ing'
.I1* going to #ta% hee,/ I e3)+aine", !na-+e to +oo( at he a# I #ai" it' .I1* going to #ta% &ith R!-% an"
Pi) !nti+ it1# #a,e eno!gh to +ea$e ,o Ca+i,ia'/
.<!#t the thee o, %o!0/ #he a#(e"' .What a-o!t the gi+#0/
.Yo! ha$e to go &itho!t *e' Yo! (no& ho& to i"e, an" I can #ho& %o! the o!te to ta(e' It *ight e$en
-e #a,e in Ca+i,ia &itho!t *e thee' The% "on1t (no& %o!1e e+ate" to *% ,athe'/
C+aa 5!#t #too" thee' She "i"n1t +oo( a&a%, a# i, #he &ee &aiting ,o *e to ethin( it, to ta(e it -ac(
-e,oe it &a# #et' .I1++ co*e a# #oon a# I can,/ I $ent!e"' I o&e" #o*ething to C+aa, too, ,o +ea$ing the
Cit% &ith *e' Eithe &a%, i, I #ta%e" o &ent, I &a# -eta%ing one o, *% ,ien"#' .I 5!#t can1t +ea$e the*
hee'/
.Right, I !n"e#tan",/ C+aa #ai", -!t #he +oo(e" )a#t *e, to &hee the -each *et the tee#' .I1++ -e a-+e
to ta(e the* the e#t o, the &a%'/
She #tae" at *e, the #i+ence #ett+ing -et&een !#' .It &on1t -e ,o +ong,/ I #ai", -!t #he &a# a+ea"%
t!ning a&a%, &a+(ing 4!ic(+% !) the -each'
TWENTY-FOUR
BENNY AND SILAS HIT THE WATER FIRST, DI>IN: UNDER, MO>IN: a# nat!a++%a# ,i#h' The
#econ"# tic(e" a&a% a# I #too" thee #canning the +a(e, &aiting ,o the* to e#!,ace' When
the% ,ina++% a))eae", the% &ee #e$ea+ %a"# o!t, )!#hing each othe a# the% )+a%e"'
.Ho&1" the% "o that0/ Bette a#(e"' She cae,!++% #te))e" o!t o, he #hoe#, +etting he ,eet #in( into the
#an"' .The% 5!#t "i#a))eae"'/
Saah #)+a#he" in ea#i+%, not #to))ing !nti+ the &ate ca*e !) to he (nee#' A# #he $ent!e" ,!the,
he *o$e*ent# &ee +e## cetain, he e%e# +oc(e" on the i))+ing #!,ace' .Thi# i# the ha" )at,/ #he
ca++e" to Beatice, &ho &a# #tan"ing -ehin" *e on #hoe, C+aa -e#i"e he' .I can1t #ee *% ,eet' Thi# i#
&hee I #tat to +o#e it'/
Thei $oice# &ee #o*e&hee o!t#i"e *e' I1" )o*i#e" the gi+# that -e,oe the% +e,t I &o!+" teach the*
ho& to #&i*' I #ti++ e*e*-ee" ho& Ca+e- ha" ta!ght *e, the ,i#t !#h o, the &ate a# I &ent !n"e,
ho& it he+" *e, *% ,eet -ae+% to!ching the #an"% -otto*' I1" ea" that &hen %o! *i##e" #o*eone %o!
-eca*e the*, that %o! "i" thing# to ,i++ the #)ace the%1" +e,t #o %o! &o!+"n1t ,ee+ #o a+one' Stan"ing
hee at the +a(e, *onth# a,te he "ie", I (ne& it "i"n1t &o(' Doing the#e thing#7the #a*e thing# he
!#e" to7on+% *a"e *e *i## hi* *oe'
I &a+(e" into the &ate, o""+% co*,ote" -% ho& co+" it &a#' M% ,eet #t!ng ,o a *o*ent, the ,ee+ing
&a(ing *e' A# the e#t o, the gi+# #tate" in, I t!ne", ge#t!ing ,o Pi) an" R!-% to 5oin !#' The% #at on
a tee t!n( 5!#t !) the #hoe, a -a#(et -et&een the*, )ic(ing the #te*# o!t o, &i+" -eie#'
.Hea"*i#te## B!n# &o!+" not a))o$e,/ R!-% #ai", the ,ainte#t hint o, a #*i+e a))eaing on he +i)#'
She co*-e" a ,e& #tan"# o, hai a&a% ,o* he ,ace' .It1# too "angeo!# to #&i*' Ha$en1t %o! hea" o,
tho#e &ho "o&ne" -e,oe the )+ag!e0/ She i*itate" Hea"*i#te## B!n#1# ga$e++% $oice'
It &a# the c+o#e#t thing to a 5o(e I1" hea" in "a%#' I &o!+"1$e +a!ghe", -!t Pi) &a# -e#i"e he, he #te)#
!n#tea"%' She &a+(e" #+o&+%, the e3ha!#tion ta(ing ho+"' When I1" to+" Beatice I &a# #ta%ing, #he
ha"n1t ag!e" a# I ha" -e+ie$e" #he &o!+"' She #ee*e" to agee that Pi) nee"e" e#t, that it &a# -e#t ,o
he to -e hee !nti+ #he ga$e -ith7#o*ething &e1" na$igate togethe, a# -e#t &e co!+", &ith the #*a++
a*o!nt o, in,o*ation Beatice ha" gi$en *e' With Ca+i,ia #ti++ nea+% thee h!n"e" *i+e# o,,, it &a#
)o##i-+e &e1" get #tan"e" #o*e&hee a+ong the &a%' I, #he &ante" to #ta%, &ho &a# I to ,oce he to
go0
The% ca*e "o&n to the &ate1# e"ge, &atching the gi+# a# the% #too" in thei #hot# an" T9#hit#, #o*e
a+ea"% #hi$eing ,o* the co+"' .The ,i#t #te) i# to go !n"e,/ I #ai",*o$ing in, c+o#e to Bette an" Kit'
.Li(e thi#'/ I )inche" *% no#e an" +et *% +eg# gi$e o!t, )+!nging -eneath the #!,ace, the !#h o, &ate
#o!n"ing in *% ea#' I o)ene" *% e%e#, &atching the -!--+e# i#e to the #!,ace a# I e3ha+e"' When the
-eath tho--e" in *% +!ng#, *% heat-eat in *% ea#, I ,ina++% ca*e !) ,o ai' On+% Saah ha" gone
!n"e, he &et hai c+inging to he chee(#'
Bette &a# &atching Benn% an" Si+a#, &ho #&a* ,athe o!t, ,+oating on thei -ac(#, thei )!,,e" -e++ie#
i#ing a-o$e the #!,ace o, the &ate' .Not too ,a,/ I %e++e", #igna+ing to the -ich tee that ha" ,a++en
into the +a(e7the *a(e the -o%# ha" once !#e" to (ee) the* c+o#e to the -each' Benn% +i,te" hi# hea",
a# i, he hea" *e, then "i#a))eae" again, ,+i))ing -ac( -e+o& the &ate'
.I1++ &atch the*' Don1t &o%,/ Beatice #ai", "o))ing thee tattee" #hit# in the #ha++o&#' She
)o!n"e" the ,a-ic again#t the oc(#, c+eaning the* a# a ,e& *oe gi+# &ent !n"e' Bette #to))e" at
he nec(, &incing a# #he #+o&+% #+i))e" into the +a(e'
I )!++e" the &et #&eate a&a% ,o* *% -o"%, -!t it #ti++ c+!ng to *e' In#tea" I #!n( "o&n, #!-*eging
*%#e+, !) to *% che#t, +etting the +a(e hi"e *e' I +oo(e" o!t again at Benn% an" Si+a#, &ho &ee #)itting
*o!th,!+# o, &ate at each othe' Beatice (e)t he e%e# on the*, a# #he #ai" #he &o!+", *a(ing #!e
the% "i"n1t go too ,a' .Yo!1e "e#igne" to ,+oat' <!#t ,+i) onto %o! -ac(,/ I #ai", *o$ing to Saah' She
+ai" "o&n an" I a"5!#te" he #ho!+"e#, he+)e" he +eg# #o #he &a# in a )e,ect T' .No& ,i++ %o! +!ng#'
Kee) %o! a*# o!t, an" (ee) +oo(ing !)'/ I e*o$e" *% han" ,o* !n"e he -ac( an" #he "i))e"
"o&n an inch o #o -!t e*aine" on the #!,ace' He ,ace -o(e into a #*i+e'
C+aa &ea$e" tho!gh the gi+#, he+)ing the* ,+oat' .See0/ #he #ai"' .Peo)+e "o&n &hen the% )anic'
<!#t t% to e+a37%o! can a+&a%# ,+oat'/ She *o$e" to Bette, )e##ing he han" on he -ac(' I &atche"
he, &on"eing ho& +ong it &o!+" -e !nti+ &e #a& each othe again, i, #he1" co*e -ac( once #he
&a# #ett+e" in Ca+i,ia' She1" #)ent the )a#t t&o "a%#acc+i*ating the gi+# to the ho#e#, teaching the*
the -a#ic# o, i"ing' We !#e" the o)e &e ha" to ceate *a(e#hi,t #ti!)#, t%ing one en" ao!n" the
ho#e1# #ho!+"e an" +etting the othe hang o$e it# -ac(, the +oo) 5!#t -ig eno!gh ,o one ,oot to #+i)
tho!gh' A++ the #!))+ie# ha" -een 5ae", the "!,,e+# )ac(e" an" &aiting ,o the *oning1# ti)' B% thi#
ti*e to*oo&, R!-%, Pi), an" I &o!+" -e a+one'
I tie" not to thin( a-o!t it, in#tea" ,oc!#ing on &hat &a# ight in ,ont o, *e7the a,tenoon, thi#
+e##on' That &a# the on+% &a% it ,e+t *anagea-+e'
.Ho& "i" %o! "o that0/ Saah #too", *o$ing he a*# o!t in ,ont o, he' .Sho& *e ho& %o! &ee
#&i**ing in the t!nne+'/
.Yo! ha$e to go !n"e,/ I #ai", g+ancing ao!n"' Mo#t o, the othe gi+# &ee #ti++ ea#ing the*#e+$e# into
the &ate, -ae+% a-+e to #ta% a,+oat' .Yo!1++ &ant to )!#h o,, the -otto*,*o$ing o!t an" ,o&a"' Then
%o! !#e %o! a*# an" +eg# at the #a*e ti*e, a+*o#t +i(e a ,og'/
I too( a "ee) -eath an" #+i))e" !n"e' The &o+" ,e+t ,a a&a%, the gi+#1 $oice# -+en"ing into one' I
ca!ght #ight o, C+aa1# +eg# a# #he #te))e" ao!n" Kit, t%ing to he+) he #ta% a,+oat' Saah1# #(in +oo(e"
&hite -eneath the #!,ace' She c!))e" the +a(e in he han"#'
When the #cea*ing #tate", it &a# ha" to ecogni2e at ,i#t' The )anic(e" %e++# ca*e ,o* #o*e&hee
-e%on" *e' A# I -o(e the #!,ace, Beatice1# $oice ,i++e" the ai, #4!ee2ing a++ the -eath ,o* *% -o"%'
.Let *e tho!gh,/ #he ca++e", )!#hing )a#t #o*e o, the gi+#'
I #canne" the &ate1# e"ge ,o Benn% an" Si+a#' The% &een1t &hee I1" +a#t #een the*' So*eti*e# the%
)eche" on a oc( #e$ea+ %a"# o!t, -!t the% &een1t thee' It too( *e a&hi+e -e,oe I notice" the*, -%
the o))o#ite #hoe, c+inging to the e*nant# o, the -o(en "oc(' The% #tae" -ac( at *e, a# con,!#e" a#
I &a# -!t )e,ect+% #a,e'
It &a# then that I #a& &hat Beatice ha" #een' She )!#he" )a#t a ,e& o, the gi+# !nti+ #he got to Pi),
&ho &a# #!-*ege" in the &ate' She1" ,a++en -ac( in the #ha++o&#, he hai ,+oating !) ao!n" he
hea"' He e%e# &ee !n,oc!#e"' Beatice eache" "o&n, t!c(ing he han"# -eneath Pi)1# a*#, t%ing to
)!++ he to&a" the #hoe' A# #he t!ne", ca++ing to *e, I notice" he c+othe# &ee #taine"' A c+o!"
o, -+oo" ha" #)ea" o!t in the &ate' It #!o!n"e" the*, co+oing e$e%thing e"'
I #&a* a# ,a#t a# I co!+", not #to))ing !nti+ I &a# thee, Pi)1# han" e#ting in *% o&n' The #(in -eneath
he nai+# &a# a "!++ ga%' .Sta% a&a(e,/ I #ai", #4!ee2ing the -+oo" -ac( into he ,inge#, a# i, that co!+"
e$i$e he' .Yo! ha$e to #ta% a&a(e'/
R!-% !#he" ,o&a", ga--ing he #i"e, t%ing to hoi#t he !)' .What1# &ong0 What1# ha))ene"0/ I
+oo(e" into the "a( &ate, !na-+e to #ee o! ,eet' Pi) &a# -+ee"ing #o *!ch' It &a# e$e%&hee,
!nning "o&n he +eg#, c+o!"ing the &ate ao!n" !#' B% the ti*e &e got he to the -each #he1" +o#t
con#cio!#ne##, he -o"% hea$% an" +i*)'
The gi+# an ,o* the +a(e, h!""+ing ao!n" !#, #o c+o#e I co!+" hea each one o, thei cho(e" -eath#'
.Ta(e the* in#i"e,/ I ca++e" to C+aa, a# a ,e& o, the* -egan to c%'
.I# #he "%ing0/ Saah a#(e"' C+aa )!++e" he !) the #hoe, h!%ing the e#t o, the gi+# a+ong' He
4!e#tion -eca*e *% o&n' I (ne+t -e#i"e Pi), )e##ing *% ,inge# again#t he chee(, ,ee+ing the coo+ne##
o, he #(in' He ,ace ha" no co+o in it' He a*# &ee -ea"e" &ith )a+e )in( &ate'
The -+oo" (e)t co*ing, )oo+ing -+ac( -eneath he' It #ee)e" into the #an"' A# Beatice +eane" o$e,
-eathing -eath into he -o"%, I #*oothe" -ac( he hai' I (e)t "oing that, gent+% to!ching the #o,t
c!+# ao!n" he ,oehea", a# i, that #i*)+e ge#t!e co!+" (ee) he a+i$e'
THE NE@T MORNIN: I PICKED THE PEBBLES OUT OF THE DIRT, co++ecting the* *etho"ica++%,
cae,!+ not to *i## an%' A,te I "o))e" the +a#t one in the -o&+, I 5!#t #at thee, #taing at the ,e#h+%
t!ne" eath' The tee# *o$e" a-o$e, #hi,ting, gi$ing in to the &in"' I ,o!n" *%#e+, *a(ing +i#t#
o, thing# to "o an" then ca%ing the* o!t' Ha" I c+eae" the go!n" o, an% e*nant# o, the ,!nea+0
Di" I ha$e the +a#t o, the ,+o&e# the gi+# ha" )+ace" "o&n0 Wa# the "it +e$e+, the ga$e hi""en eno!gh
#o no one &o!+" notice it0 The#e #*a++ "etai+# &ee the on+% thing# that ca+*e" *e'
The ga$e ha" -een "!g )a#t thee ,eet' Beatice (ne& the *ea#!e*ent ,o* the -!ia+# "!ing the
)+ag!e7too "ee) ,o an%one to notice o "i#t!- the e*ain#' We1" )ic(e" the &hite -ich -% the e"ge
o, the ,oe#t, -!%ing he thee, 5!#t -e%on" the oot#, #o I1" a+&a%# (no& the )+ace' I1" -een the one
to )e)ae he -o"%, &a#hing the "it an" -+oo",o* he #(in, !ntang+ing he hai' I1" &a))e" he in
one o, the -+an(et# ,o* the "!go!t, a #o,t ga% 4!i+t, the )in( e*-oi"eing intact' R!-% #ai"
#o*ething to hono he' It ha" ,e+t &ong not to, e$en tho!gh &e a++ (e)t +a)#ing into #i+ence' The
ho!# ha" !#he" )a#t *e, the #*a++, 4!iet ,!nea+' He "eath' I co!+"n1t (ee) )ace' I )ic(e" a #ta%
,+o&e )eta+ o,, the go!n" an" c!#he" it -et&een *% ,inge#, #ati#,ie" &hen it -o(e a)at'
Beatice -e+ie$e" #he1" -een #ic( ,o #o*e ti*e, that #he &a# -+ee"ing intena++%' The-+oo" ha" co*e
on ,a#t' It ha" #!n( into the #an", #taining the -each' I co!+" #ti++ #ee it no&, tho!gh C+aa ha" tie" to
&a#h it a&a%' A "a( #)ot #)ea" o!t -% the e"ge o, the &ate, the oc(# a e""i#h -+ac('
I ,e+t "i,,eent than I ha" &hen Ca+e- "ie"' The )ain "i"n1t i) tho!gh *e' I "i"n1t c% once "!ing the
cee*on%' I 5!#t #at thee, +i#tening to R!-%1# &o"# #o*e&hee o!t#i"e *e, ,ee+ing co*)+ete+%
e*o$e", a# i, I &ee ,+oating #o*e&hee a-o$e the go!)' I (e)t tacing thing# -ac( a# ,a a# I co!+"' I
&ent to the "a% I1" $i#ite" he at Schoo+, &on"eing i, it &o!+" ha$e *a"e a "i,,eence i, #he1" e#ca)e"
then' When &a# it that #he ge& #o #ic(0 Ho& ha" I *i##e" &hat &a# ha))ening0 She1" co*)+aine" o,
e3ha!#tion, -!t nothing *oe'
So*e&hee -ehin" *e a t&ig #na))e"' I t!ne" to #ee C+aa #te))ing tho!gh the tee#' .It1# ti*e, E$e,/
#he #ai"' .The ho#e# ae ea"%' I, &e +ea$e no&, &e co!+" #et !) ca*) -e,oe the #!n goe# "o&n'/
The go!n" in ,ont o, *e &a# )atte" "o&n, the )e--+e# that +ine" the ga$e no& co++ecte" in a neat
)i+e' I *o$e" #o*e o, the !n"ego&th o$e the #oi+' C+aa #too)e" "o&n to he+)' We -oth #)ea" o!t
the "% +ea$e# an" t&ig#, #hi,ting the* ao!n" !nti+ a++ the ,e#h eath &a# co$ee"' A# &e #tate" -ac(
!) the hi++, I t!ne" -ac( one +a#t ti*e, +oo(ing at that #)ot -e+o& the -ich tee' A++ #ign# o, the ,!nea+,
an" Pi), &ee gone'
TWENTY-FIVE
IT TOOK US THREE DAYS TO REACH MARIN' WE1D DECIDED TO a))oach it ,o* the noth,
a$oi"ing the cit%, in ca#e an% #o+"ie# &ee )a##ing tho!gh' When &e &ee 5!#t a 4!ate *i+e o!t,
C+aa too( o,, aco## the *o##9co$ee" oa", he hea" "o&n, the ein# c+a#)e" in he han"#' The #)otte"
*ae #he1" i""en in on &a# ca+* a# #he !ge" it ao!n" the a-an"one" ca#, the ,a++en tee#, an" ta#h
-ag#, "e,+ate" an" -o(en on the c!-' The% &ee *o$ing #o ,a#t, nea+% at a ,!++ ga++o), he hai -+o&n
-ac( -% the &in"'
.She1# going to "o it,/ Benn% &hi#)ee" -ehin" *e' He (e)t hi# han"# on the #i"e# o, the ho#e to (ee)
hi# -a+ance' .She1# going to 5!*)'/
I &atche" the oa" ahea", &hee the )a$e*ent &a# o-#c!e" -% a *ang+e" hea) o, ga-age7)+a#tic
-ag# #)i++ing o!t c+othing, othe# ,i++e" &ith &on to%# o )a)e#' Wa)e" &oo"en )+an(# &ee #cattee"
aco## the oa"' C+aa &a# acing #taight at it, he #ho!+"e# "o&n, e%e# +oc(e" ahea"'
The ho#e +i,te" o,,, 5!*)ing the *a##i$e hea), it# coat e,+ecting the *i""a% +ight' He+ene #tate"
c+a))ing, an" a ,e& o, the othe gi+# 5oine" in' .Di" %o! #ee that0/ Benn% a#(e"' He (e)t n!"ging *e in
the -ac(, )ointing at C+aa, &ho &a# a+ea"% cic+ing -ac( to !#' She )a!#e" at the #i"e o, the oa",
&hee R!-% &a# #tan"ing, an" he+)e" he -ac( onto the ho#e' She #*i+e" at *e a# #he the& the )ac(#
o$e the ho#e1# -ae !*)' I (ne& #he &a# t%ing to +i,t the *oo", to ce+e-ate o! ai$a+ in the +itt+e
&a%# #he co!+"'
The "a%# ha" )a##e" in #i+ence' At night, &hen &e ca*)e", the con$e#ation a+&a%# ,o!n" it# &a% -ac(
to Pi)' Benn% an" Si+a# #ee*e" to acce)t he "eath in a &a% the e#t o, !# co!+"n1t' Benn%1# -othe Pa!+
ha" -een (i++e" in a nea-% a$ine t&o %ea# -e,oe, an" it #ee*e" to the* #o*e !na$oi"a-+e )at o, +i,e
in the &i+"' B!t the gi+# &ante" to (no& the "etai+# o, ho& Pi) ha" "ie", ho& +ong #he1" -een in the
-!i+"ing at Schoo+, i, #he &a# #ic( o i, thi# &ee #o*ething that no one co!+" )e$ent' I &a# #ti++
)!22+ing tho!gh the an#&e# on *% o&n, an" it ,e+t #tange to ta+( a-o!t he "eath o!t +o!"' To "i#c!##
Pi), thi# ,ien" I1" (no&n #ince I &a# #i3, &ith e+ati$e #tange#' To #a% #he &a#, #he "i", #he !#e" to7
a++ in the )a#t ten#e'
C+aa ca++e" o!t to the gi+# a# #he #tate" ahea", #ee*ing #ati#,ie" that the% &ee #*i+ing no&' She ha"
+e" !# *o#t o, the &a%' A# &e (e)t on "o&n the oa"#, *i+e !)on *i+e, it &a# ha" to "o an%thing e3ce)t
,o++o& -ehin"' I +i#tene" to the "!++, h%)notic #o!n"# o, the hoo$e# on )a$e*ent' I tho!ght o, A"en
an" the +a#t "a% I1" #een he, &hen I1" gi$en he the (e%' It &a# )o##i-+e #he1" -een in#i"e the Cit%
"!ing the #iege' I tie" to )!#h "o&n the )o##i-i+it% that (e)t e#!,acing, the +ingeing ,ee+ing that #he
too &a# "ea"' She co!+"1$e -een one o, the e-e+# &ho1" -een ,o!n" an" e3ec!te"' Thee &a# no &a% ,o
*e to (no& no&, &ith #o +itt+e &o" ,o* the Tai+' Thee &a# a chance I &o!+" ne$e (no&'
Thee "a%# ha" gone -% an" &e ha"n1t enco!ntee" an% #o+"ie# a+ong the &a%' I &on"ee" i, *o#t o,
the King1# ,oce# &ee concentate" in#i"e the Cit% no&, ao!n" it# &a++#, &ith +e## #!))ot in the &i+"'
When &e &ee at the "!go!t, R!-% ha" *entione" the ai"#' The -o%# ha" $i#ite" the #toeho!#e# thee
ti*e# in the )io *onth an" ne$e gotten ca!ght' When the%1" et!ne", the oo*# &ee 5!#t a# the%1"
+e,t the*, the #he+$e# nea+% -ae, the +oc( #ti++ -o(en'
B!t e$en i, #!$ei++ance in the &i+" ha" "&in"+e", it &a# on+% a *atte o, ti*e -e,oe the too)# &ee
"i#)atche" again' Ho& +ong co!+" I )o##i-+% #ta% in Ca+i,ia0 We1" +e,t the#ett+e*ent a,te "i#co$eing
Mae$e &a# )e)ae" to !#e *e a# a -ateing chi)7a &a% to negotiate Ca+i,ia1# in"e)en"ence i, it &a#
e$e "i#co$ee" -% the King' Wo!+" I -e #a,e thee0 Ho& +ong &o!+" it -e -e,oe I &a# #ent -ac( to the
Cit% to -e e3ec!te"0 M% -o"% ha" change" e$en in the )a#t ,e& "a%#' I co!+" ,ee+ the #+ight
"i,,eence' M% )egnanc%&a# getting ha"e to concea+' I, the !*o# &ee t!e7i, the King ha" a+&a%#
#!#)ecte" thee &a# a #ett+e*ent -e%on" the -i"ge7I1" ha$e on+% a ,e& *onth# -e,oe he ca*e to ,in"
*e, to ta(e *% chi+" a&a%'
.It1# 5!#t o$e thi# hi++,/ I #ai", !ging the ho#e )a#t the o&# o, a-an"one" ca#' I (ne& thi# oa", ha"
!**age" tho!gh the $ehic+e# *%#e+,, +oo(ing ,o an% !#a-+e c+othe# o too+#' Once, I1" ,o!n" t&o
#ac(# o, ice in a !#te" ca' Bo&n -!g# ha" gotten into the* an" -e", tho!#an"# ca&+ing o$e the
t!n(1# in#i"e#' .Thee1# on+% t&o g!a"# &ho &atch the noth e"ge o, the #ett+e*ent, an" I (no& the*
-oth'/
A# &e ce#te" the hi++, I *a"e o!t I#i# !) ahea", )eche" on the high +oo(o!t )+at,o* the%1" -!i+t into
one o, the tee#' He hai &a# )!++e" -ac( in a -an"ana' I &a$e", #taing "iect+% at he, -!t #he #ti++
"i"n1t #et "o&n he &ea)on' In#tea" #he +o&ee" the o)e +a""e an" c+i*-e" "o&n, ho+"ing !) he
han" ,o !# to #to)' She #t!"ie" *% ,ace, *% hai, the tattee" #&eate I h!gge" to *% -o"%'
.E$e0 What ae %o! "oing hee0/ #he ,ina++% a#(e"'
.I1* -inging #o*e o, the e#ca)ee# ,o* the Schoo+# to #ta%7)e*anent+%' The% &ant acce## to
the #ett+e*ent'/
I#i# #canne" the co&" o, !#, the ho#e# +ine" !), a&aiting entance' She !#hee" !# o,, to he ight,
ha$ing C+aa +ea" the ho#e# "o&n the hi""en )ath to Sa!#a+ito' She the& !) he han" &hen #he
notice" Benn%, -ae+% $i#i-+e -ehin" *e' .Who ae the t&o -o%#0/ #he a#(e", )ointing to Si+a# a# &e++,
&ho o"e &ith Beatice' Hi# hai &a# +ong an" tang+e"' I1" #ecet+% ho)e" i, &e *o$e" 4!ic(+% eno!gh
&e co!+" get the* into the #ett+e*ent an" ag!e &ith the Fo!n"ing Mothe# +ate'
.The% ha$e no&hee e+#e to go,/ I #ai"'
He han" e#te" on the i,+e at he #i"e, an" #he #*i+e", e$ea+ing the ga) -et&een he ,ont teeth' I
tho!ght o, that night, ho& #he1" co*e to Mae$e1# ho!#e to "i#c!## *% )+ace in Ca+i,ia' She &a# one o,
the &o*en &ho -e+ie$e" I ha" co*)o*i#e" the #ett+e*ent1# #a,et%' She1" ag!e" #o ,iece+% ,o A"en
an" *e to -e ,oce" o!t, ne$e ac(no&+e"ging he "o!-t# in *% )e#ence, a+&a%# (ee)ing that #a*e
#*i+e a# I #at &ith he, "in(ing at he (itchen ta-+e'
She #t!"ie" the*, t%ing to )+ace thei age#' I "i"n1t &ait ,o he to "eci"e' .I &on1t +ea$e the*,/ I #ai",
*ane!$eing *% ho#e ao!n" he' I #igna+e" ,o Beatice to *o$e o!t ,ont, ,o++o&ing C+aa "o&n the
)ath' .The% ha$e no one e+#e' I, %o!1" athe #hoot *e than +et *e in, #o -e it'/
She +oo(e" !) at *e a# &e )a##e"' Benn% he+" on to *% #i"e#, hi# ,i#t# c+o#ing tight ao!n" *% #&eate'
I#i# "i"n1t ai#e he g!n' In#tea" #he 5!#t &atche" !# a# I ea#e" the ho#e "o&n the #i"e o, the hi++' I
#teee" !# )a#t #o*e o, the ho!#e# that &ee o$ego&n &ith *o##' The eco$ee" -oo(#toe &hee I
!#e" to &o( &a# "a(, a -+ac( -an"ana tie" ao!n" the ,ont "oo(no-, #igna+ing it &a# c+o#e"' We
)a##e" a ,e& *oe ho*e#, the ,ie )it# "i#g!i#e" &ith i$% net#' The ho#e *o$e" "o&n the !ne$en c+i,,
+e"ge, an" I #t!gg+e" to (ee) -a+ance, )e##ing *% +eg# into it# #i"e#'
The -a% &a# 5!#t $i#i-+e -e%on" the tee#' The &ate &a# ca+*, the +a#t o, the "a%1# +ight e,+ecte" on it#
#!,ace' The ,a*i+ia #ight co*,ote" *e' A# &e t!ne" onto Ca+i,ia1# *ain #teet, the oa" h!gging the
#hoe, I #)otte" F!inn on the "ec( o, he ho!#e-oat' She &a# hanging T9#hit# o$e the #i"e, ,i3ing
the* on a ,e& o+" nai+#' He c!+% -+ac( hai ha" go&n "o&n he -ac(, an" #he +oo(e" )+!*)e,
+e##*!#c!+a, than #he ha" -e,oe'
.Pat% tonight at Sa))ho1#0/ I %e++e" to he, ho)ing #he hea" the #*i+e in *% $oice' I ge#t!e" to the
gi+# -ehin" *e, the #i3 ho#e# contin!ing "o&n the )ath'
F!inn +oo(e" !), he hea" ti+te" to one #i"e, #*i(ing' She &ent "o&n the -ac( o, the -oat an"
a))eae" on the "oc(, he #te)# h!ie" a# #he ca*e to&a" !#' I "i#*o!nte", +etting he #4!ee2e *e to
he in one o, he -eath+e##, a++9con#!*ing h!g#' He hai #*e++e" o, #a+t&ate, a ,e& coa#e c!+#
tic(+ing *% nec('
She )!++e" -ac(, he e%e# #canning the gi+# -ehin" *e' .Whee1# A"en0/ #he a#(e"' .We tho!ght #he
&a# &ith %o!'/
.I ha$en1t #een he in *oe than thee *onth#'/ I +o&ee" *% $oice a# I #)o(e' .She1# gone -ac( on the
Tai+' She &ent to the #iege &ith #o*e o, the -o%# ,o* the "!go!t'/
F!inn1# -o&# (nitte" togethe' .She ha#n1t -een hee'/
.An" %o! "i"n1t hea an%thing a-o!t he0 No *e##age#0 I tho!ght #he *ight #ti++ -e in#i"e the Cit%'/
.I1++ ,i++ %o! in +ate on &hat1# ha))ening in the Cit%,/ #he &hi#)ee", +oo(ing o$e *% #ho!+"e at #o*e
o, the %o!nge gi+#' .We1$e hea" #o*e thing# that &oie" !#'/
Be,oe I co!+" #a% an%thing e+#e I hea" the #o,t )a""ing o, ,eet on )a$e*ent, an" Li+ac o!n"e" the
cone, he hai tie" -ac( in -ai"#' She &a# ho+"ing a "o++ -% it# a*, it# )ainte" ,eat!e# &on o,,'
.Mo*, it1# E$e,/ #he %e++e" o$e he #ho!+"e' .She ha# ho#e#?/
The *ae #tate" -ac(&a" -!t I ga--e" the ein#, &aiting !nti+ #he ca+*e"' The gi+# ha" a+ea"%
"i#*o!nte" -ehin" *e, #o*e hitching the ho#e# to tee#, othe# !n+oa"ingthe #ac(# an" gi$ing the
ani*a+# the +a#t o, the ,oo" an" &ate' Beatice ha" Benn% an" Si+a# -e#i"e he, one han" e#ting on
each o, the* a# Mae$e ca*e to&a" !#'
.Yo!1e -ac(,/ #he ca++e" o!t' Thee &a# no ,ee+ing in he $oice7no #!)i#e, no hint o, ange o
con,!#ion' She h!gge" he &on 5ean 5ac(et to he -o"%, #tee+ing he#e+, again#t the &in" that &hi))e"
o,, the -a%' .An" I #ee %o!1e not a+one'/ He e%e# #ett+e" on Benn% an" Si+a#'
A++ the ne$o!#ne## I ha" ,e+t a-o!t #eeing he again &a# gone' So *!ch ha" change" in the )a#t
*onth#' We &ee -oth taito# no&, acco"ing to *% ,athe' She ha" ha-oe" e#ca)ee# ,o* the
Schoo+#' We co!+" -oth -e hange"' I tie" to e*in" *%#e+, o, that a# #he (e)t #taing at the t&o -o%#'
.The% ha$e no&hee e+#e to go,/ I #ai"' .I &on1t +ea$e the*'/
.Yo! (no& &e ha$e !+e#'/
.Fo *en7thee &ee ne$e #!))o#e" to -e *en hee,/ I in#i#te"' .The%1e -ae+% eight %ea# o+"'
What1# going to ha))en to the* in the &i+"0/
Beatice he+" the* tighte' .I can -e e#)on#i-+e ,o the*' An" &hen the%1e o, age &e can e$i#it the
con$e#ation'/
.I "on1t (no& %o!,/ Mae$e #ai", #canning Beatice1# ,ace' .Wh% &o!+" that *ean an%thing to *e0/
Behin" he, a ,e& &o*en ca*e o!t o, thei ho!#e#, #o*e )eeing tho!gh the ,ont&in"o&#
o, a-an"one" #toe#' .Yo! #ho!+"n1t ha$e +e,t &itho!t te++ing !#,/ Mae$e &ent on, no& "iecting the
co**ent at *e' .We &een1t cetain at ,i#t i, %o!1" -een ta(en o i, %o!1" gone on %o! o&n' So*e o,
the &o*en &ee &oie"'/
.I &a#n1t in a )o#ition to te++ %o! I &a# +ea$ing,/ I #ai"'
Mae$e nao&e" he e%e#, #en#ing thee &a# *oe to the #tate*ent' He e%e# &ent ,o* Benn% -ac( to
Si+a#, !nti+ ,ina++% #he #)o(e' .The% can #ta% ,o no&, -!t %o!1e e#)on#i-+e ,o the*'/ Then #he
ge#t!e" o$e he #ho!+"e, to the )ath that +e" to he ho!#e' .We1++ #et %o! !) in the ho!#e -e#i"e
*ine' I1++ -e a-+e to ta(e cae o, %o! thee'/
Ta(e cae o, %o!' I nea+% +a!ghe" at the &o"#' Bette an" Kit )ic(e" !) a ,e& o, the -ag# an" #tate"
,o&a", -!t I "iecte" the* to #to)' .We1++ #ta% &ith F!inn ,o no&, !nti+ &e can get #o*ething *oe
)e*anent #et !)' Than( %o!, tho!gh, ,o %o! geneo#it%'/ I #*i+e"7a tight, !n,+inching #*i+e7an"
t!ne" -ac( to the "oc('
F!inn ga$e *e a )!22+e" +oo(' I ignoe" it, (no&ing I1" ha$e to e3)+ain +ate' In#tea" I he+)e" the e#t
o, the gi+# "o&n to&a" the -oat, *a(ing #!e the% tie" thei ho#e# ,a eno!gh into the &oo"# that
the% co!+"n1t -e #een ,o* the -each' A# &e )ac(e" the e#t o, the #!))+ie#, I notice" Mae$e hi(ing !)
tho!ghthe &oo"#, a))eaing an" "i#a))eaing -e%on" the tee#' E$e% no& an" then #he t!ne" -ac(,
&atching *e'
TWENTY-SIX
FUINN HAD CHOSEN THE BI::EST HOUSEBOAT ON THE BAY, A gagant!an thing no& geen
&ith a+gae' It #ti++ he+" the )o##e##ion# o, the )a#t o&ne#7go+" #tat!e# o, "!c(#, a +ong +eathe co!ch,
an" a i))e" )ainting that +oo(e" $ag!e+% +i(e one I1" #een in *% o+" at -oo(, -% a *an na*e" Roth(o'
In t&o "a%# the gi+# ha" #ett+e" in' Thei ,e& -e+onging# &ee #te&n e$e%&hee, ,in"ing thei &a%
onto co!nteto)#, hanging o$e the to)# o, "oo# an" t!c(e" -eneath the co!ch c!#hion#'
I (ne& it &a# -e#t ,o the*7to -e hee, to -e #ett+e"' T!++%, an o+"e &o*an &ho1" )actice" a# a "octo
-e,oe the )+ag!e, e3a*ine" He+ene1# ,oot' She e#et it, -e+ie$ing thee &a# a chance ,o it to hea+
coect+%, e$en no&' Si+a# an" Benn% ha" -e,ien"e" Li+ac, tho!gh Mae$e ha" &ane" he again#t it'
The% ,it in ea#i+%, an" "e#)ite the !+e, *o#t o, the &o*en ha" agee" the% &ee %o!ng eno!gh to #ta%'
With Benn%, Si+a#, an" the %o!nge gi+# a#+ee) !)#tai#, F!inn *o$e" ea#i+% ao!n" the h!++, )+!c(ing
a ,e& )+ate# ,o* a high ca-inet' O!t#i"e, the &ate o#e o$e the )otho+e#' Banac+e# c+!ng to the
g+a##'
.An" hee %o! ae,/ #he #ai", #etting the )+ate# "o&n in ,ont o, !#' She )ointe" to the #tea*ing )ot o,
a-a+one in the *i""+e o, the ta-+e, 5!#t $i#i-+e in the can"+e+ight' .Ho)e %o!1e not #ic( o, it %et'/
.We1$e -een eating "ie" chi)*!n(,/ C+aa #ai" &ith a +a!gh, e,eing to the 5ae", #a+te" *eat# &e1"
,o!n" in the "!go!t' In o! "a%# on the oa" I1" "ete*ine" it &a# #4!ie+, not chi)*!n(, -!t it
#ee*e" )oint+e## to *ention that no&' .Be#i"e#, thee1# no #ea,oo" in the Cit%' I con#i"e thi# a
"e+icac%'/ She )+!c(e" one o, the #he++# ,o* the )ot an" )!t it on he )+ate, Beatice an" R!-%
,o++o&ing he +ea"'
I &atche" F!inn a# #he *o$e" ao!n" the (itchen, )!++ing o!t a ,e& #i+$e ,o(# an" e3ta )+ate# ,o*
the !#te" #to$e, the !#e+e## co" "!ct ta)e" to the #i"e o, it' .Do I ha$e to -eg0/ I a#(e"' .It1# -een t&o
"a%#, an" %o! ha$en1t #ai" a &o" a-o!t that *e##age' What "o %o! (no& that &e "on1t0/
F!inn #et the ,o(# "o&n on the ta-+e' She e#te" he han"# on the -ac( o, the chai, #4!ee2ing it #o
ha" he (n!c(+e# &ent &hite' .What1# the !#e in #haing it no&0/ #he #ai"' .The #iege i# o$e' We can1t
change an%thing'/ She )a!#e" -e,oe #he #at, g+ancing 4!ic(+% at *% #to*ach'
.Since &hen "o %o! nee" to )otect *e, F!inn0/ I a#(e"' .No #)ecia+ teat*ent' Yo! "on1t thin( I can
han"+e &hat %o!1e going to #a%0 <!#t -eca!#e I1* )egnant0/
.It1# !)#etting,/ F!inn #ai", +o&eing he $oice' .That1# a++'/ She #+i" an a-a+one o,, it# ii"e#cent #he++,
)o))ing the #o,t *eat into he *o!th'
C+aa &a# #i+ent ,o a *o*ent' She #et "o&n he ,o(' .We #ti++ ha$e ,ien"# an" ,a*i+% in#i"e the Cit%
&a++#,/ #he #ai"' .M% *othe1# thee ' ' ' an" Cha+e#' We tho!ght the ,ighting &a# o$e'/
.The ,ighting i# o$e,/ F!inn #ai"' .B!t a# I !n"e#tan" it, thing# thee ae e$en &o#e no&' Thee ha$e
-een ai"# in the *i""+e o, the night' Fa*i+ie# in the O!t+an"# ha$e -een -o(en !)7)eo)+e ha$e -een
acc!#e" o, ,ighting again#t the King "!ing the #iege' The%1$e +e,t the -o"ie# o, the e3ec!te" thee, in
,ont o, the Pa+ace, otting ,o "a%#' Thee &a# a *e##age that the a*% ,o* the co+onie# &i++ co*e,
that the%1$e -een a++ie" -% a e-e+ +ea"e ,o* the &e#t' B!t it1# #ti++ !ncetain ' ' '/
She g+ance" at *e again, then +oo(e" "o&n, n!"ging the g+o##% #he++# on he )+ate'
.:o on, F!inn,/ I )o""e"' .We nee" to (no&'/
She )e##e" he +i)# togethe, then +et o!t a "ee) #igh' .Thee &a# thi# *e##age the othe night ,o* the
Cit%' It &a# a &o*an1# $oice' She "i"n1t e$en !#e a co"e' She i"enti,ie" he#e+, a# a Pa+ace &o(e' A
*an &a# %e++ing in the -ac(go!n"' She #ai" the Pince## -eta%e" he ,athe an" &a# &o(ing ,o the
e-e+ ca!#e' The% &ee ta(ing Pa+ace &o(e# into c!#to"% to 4!e#tion the*, to #ee &ho &a# in$o+$e"'
Mo#t ha"n1t et!ne" a,te&a"' She -e+ie$e" one o, the &o(e# &a# e3ec!te" -eca!#e he "i"n1t
coo)eate'/
.What &a# he na*e0 Who &a# #he0/ I co!+" -ae+% get the &o"# o!t'
.She "i"n1t #a%,/ F!inn an#&ee"' .A))aent+% he1# -een 4!e#tioning e$e%one, t%ing to get
in,o*ation on %o! &heea-o!t#' An" *o#t o, tho#e inteogate" ha$en1t -een #een a,te' When I
tho!ght a-o!t it I (ne& I #ho!+"n1t te++ %o!' I "i"n1t &ant %o! to ,ee+ +i(e it &a# %o! ,a!+t'/
.It i# *% ,a!+t,/ I #ai"' .Don1t %o! #ee that0 I e#ca)e"' I ha" (no&+e"ge o, the t!nne+#, an" I +e,t the Cit%'
It i# *% ,a!+t'/
I #too"' Beatice tie" to ga- *% a*, -!t I )!++e" a&a%'
.Yo! co!+"n1t ha$e (no&n,/ #he #ai"' .Yo! "i" the -e#t %o! co!+"' Thee ae nine gi+# &ho ae hee,
#a,e, -eca!#e %o! he+)e" the*' The%1e not in the Schoo+# an%*oe' Yo! -o!ght *e, "i"n1t %o!0 Whee
&o!+" I -e no&0/
R!-% &atche" *e, he e%e# e"' .Yo! "i"n1t (no& thi# &o!+" ha))en,/ #he #ai"' E$en tho#e &o"#, that
e)ie$e ,o* he, co!+"n1t ca+* *e' Unti+ I &a# -ac( thee, in *% ,athe1# c!#to"%, othe# &o!+" -e
ca)t!e", tot!e", "etaine" in"e,inite+%' Unti+ I &a# e3ec!te", othe# &o!+" -e e3ec!te" in *% )+ace'
.Thee1# nothing %o! can "o,/ C+aa #ai"' She )!#he" -ac(, a&a% ,o* the ta-+e' .Don1t -+a*e %o!#e+,,
E$e' Yo! &ee &o(ing &ith Mo##7%o! tie"'/
B!t the *ention o, Mo## 5!#t -o!ght *e -ac( to the "a% I1" +e,t' Hi# -o"% in the e+e$ato' Ho& the
-!++et ha" i))e" tho!gh hi# -ac(' .I 5!#t nee" thi# "a% to en",/ I #ai", #tating to&a" the #tai#' .I
can1t thin( an%*oe'/
F!inn #too", t%ing to get in ,ont o, *e, -!t I #i"e#te))e" he' .E$e7I1* #o%' Yo! #ee no& &h% I
"i"n1t &ant to te++ %o!0/
.No7I1* g+a" %o! "i",/ I #ai", &atching the* a# I #tate" !) the #tai#' .I nee"e" to (no&'/ When I got
to the to) +an"ing I *ane!$ee" tho!gh the ha++&a%# in #i+ence' Light ca*e in tho!gh the &in"o&#,
"i**e" -% the )+ant# that ge& o$e the ho!#e-oat1# oo,' I co!nte" the "oo# a# I &ent, ,ina++% t!ning
in to the oo* R!-%, C+aa, an" I #hae"'
I c!+e" !) on the *atte##' The ca-in &a# #o "a( I co!+" ha"+% #ee t&o inche# in ,ont o, *e' I e#te"
*% han" on *% che#t, t%ing to #+o& *% heat' I tho!ght o, A"en no&, o, &hat #he *!#t1$e ,e+t &hen
#he &a# in hi"ing &ith R!-% an" Pi), +i#tening to &o" o, the #iege' O, co!#e #he ha" &ante" to go'
Ho& co!+" I #ta% hee, &aiting ,o &o" that the ,ighting ha" en"e"0 Wa# I #!))o#e" to 5!#t ho)e that
#o*eho& *% ,athe &o!+" -e #to))e"0
It &a# a +ong &hi+e -e,oe R!-% an" C+aa ca*e to -e"' I #h!t *% e%e#, )eten"ing to -e a#+ee)'
.She nee"e" the e#t,/ C+aa &hi#)ee"' I hea" the gi$e o, the *atte## a# #he +a% "o&n in the -e"
a-o$e *e' R!-% #ett+e" in, too, t!ning onto he #i"e, ea"5!#ting #e$ea+ ti*e# !nti+ #he &a#
co*,ota-+e' An ho! )a##e", *a%-e t&o' When I &a# cetain the% &o!+"n1t &a(e, I #too", t!ning o!t
into the ha++'
I &a+(e" "o&n the coi"o, )a#t the &i"e +i$ing aea, &hee a ,e& o, the gi+# #+e)t on the co!che#' A #et
o, #+i"ing "oo# +et o!t onto the ho!#e-oat1# &on "ec(' O!t#i"e, the *oon ha" "i#a))eae" -ehin" a
thic( +a%e o, ,og' The co+" ai ,e+t goo" on *% #(in' I c+i*-e" "o&n the #i"e +a""e an" too( o,, "o&n
the "oc(, cae,!++% #te))ing ao!n" the -o(en -oa"#'
I 5!#t nee"e" to -e o!t, to -e *o$ing7to ,ee+ I &a# going #o*e&hee' I #tate" tho!gh the tee#,
*o$ing 4!ic(+% o$e gna+e" oot# an" oc(#' Mo#t o, the ho!#e# &ee "a(' U) ahea", -e%on" a ,e&
high -!#he#, I co!+" 5!#t *a(e o!t a ,ig!e' I &a# a-o!t to t!n, &in"ing -ac( "o&n the )ath, &hen #he
#)otte" *e'
.E$e7&hat ae %o! "oing o!t hee0/ Mae$e a#(e"' .What1# &ong0/
I g+ance" "o&n the tai+, ea+i2ing I1" nea+% *a"e it to he ho!#e' She &a# #tan"ing at the -a#e o, a
*a##i$e oa( tee' It too( *e a *o*ent, *% e%e# a"5!#ting to the +ight, to ea+i2e #he &a# ho+"ing Li+ac1#
"o++'
.I 5!#t nee"e" ai,/ I #ai"' .I co!+"n1t #+ee)'/
.I #!))o#e F!inn1# ho!#e ha# ta(en #o*e getting !#e" to,/ #he #ai"' Thee &a# the hint o, a #!gge#tion
in it7&h% ha"n1t I et!ne" to that oo* -e#i"e he#0 Wh% ha" I -een #o co+" to he &hen I ,i#t
ai$e"0 I co!+" #ee, e$en no&, #he &ante" to (no&'
.F!inn1# ho!#e ha# -een geat,/ I #ai"' .The gi+# ae ha))% thee' I 5!#t co!+"n1t #+ee), that1# a++' An"
%o!0/
She he+" !) the "o++'
.Li+ac +e,t he o!t hee' I )o*i#e" I1" ogani2e a #each )at%7one )e#on, -!t #ti++'/ She g+ance" o$e
he #ho!+"e' .Want to co*e in#i"e ,o a *in!te0 I #ti++ ha$e the +anten# +it'/
Ho& *an% ti*e# ha" I i*agine" thi# *o*ent, &hat I &o!+" #a% i, &e &ee a+one0 I #tate" !) the tai+
-ehin" he, "!c(ing a ,e& +o& -anche#' .That night that I +e,t,/ I #ai", (ee)ing *% e%e# on the thic(
tee oot# that &o*e" tho!gh the "it' .We &ee t%ing to ,in" Ca+e-'/
.I a##!*e" that *!ch,/ Mae$e #ai"' .B!t &e ne$e hea" &o" one &a% o the othe' Li(e I #ai"7%o!
#ho!+"n1t ha$e gone &itho!t #a%ing goo"9-%e'/
We )!#he" into the ho!#e' Mo#t o, the &oo" ca-inet# &ee ha+, o)en, thei content# e*)tie" onto the
co!nte' The (itchen ta-+e &a# co$ee" &ith !n*a(e" can#, #tac(# o,eco$ee" "i#h to&e+#, an" )i+e#
o, !ten#i+#' Thee &ee "o2en# o, &ine -ott+e# ,i++e" &ith-oi+e" ain&ate' Die" ,!it #at in ,ogg% )+a#tic
containe#, &a)e" an" -!c(+ing, thei to)# he+" on -% o+" !--e -an"#' .I c+ean #o*eti*e# &hen Li+ac
goe# to #+ee),/ #he #ai"' .It )a##e# the ti*e'/
.I "i"n1t te++ %o!, -eca!#e I "i"n1t &ant %o! to t% to (ee) *e hee,/ I #ai"'
.An" &h% &o!+" I "o that0/ #he a#(e"' She +eane" -ac( again#t the co!nte, he ,ace #o,te in the
+anten +ight'
.We hea" %o!, Mae$e' Yo!, I#i#, an" F!inn' We hea" %o! "e-ating &hethe o not A"en an" I #ho!+"
-e a++o&e" to #ta%' I (no& %o! &ee )+anning on !#ing *e to negotiate'/
She !--e" he han"# o$e he ,ace, +etting o!t a +o& -eath'
.F!inn &a# the on+% one &ho "e,en"e" !#' Te++ *e %o! "i"n1t #a% that7te++ *e it1# not t!e'/
.No, I #ai" it,/ #he a"*itte"' .I "i"'/
.I, %o! e)ot an% o, the gi+# hee, I &i++ *a(e7/
.I #ai" i,,/ Mae$e inte!)te"' .It &a# a+&a%# an i,' I ne$e &ante" to !#e %o! again#t the King' I 5!#t
#ai" that i, I ha" to, i, he )!t )e##!e on !# to t!n %o! o$e to the a*%, I &o!+" !#e it to o!
a"$antage'/
.I tho!ght %o! &ee #!))o#e" to )otect the #ett+e*ent,/ I #ai", .not gi$e it# e#i"ent# o$e &hene$e
thee1# a theat'/
She t!ne" a&a% ,o* *e, ga--ing a ,e& -ott+e# ,o* the ta-+e an" #ho$ing the* -ac( into a ca-inet'
.At that )oint, &hat choice &o!+" I ha$e0/
I hea" the ho++o& #o!n" o, ,oot#te)# on the #tai#' When I t!ne", Li+ac &a# #tan"ing again#t the
"oo,a*e, he hai tie" -ac( &ith a )!)+e #ca,' She &i)e" the #+ee) ,o* he e%e#' .Di" %o! ,in"
he0/ #he a#(e"'
Mae$e )+!c(e" the "o++ ,o* the (itchen ta-+e, g+ancing #i"e&a%# at *e -e,oe )e##ing it into Li+ac1#
a*#' .Hee #he i#' Li(e I )o*i#e",/ #he #ai", he han" e#ting on Li+ac1# -ac(' .Yo! *!#t1$e "o))e"
he &hi+e %o! &ee )+a%ing on the )ath'/ E$en in the "i* +anten +ight I co!+" *a(e o!t the cea#e#
aco## Li+ac1# chee(#, i*)int# ,o* the c!*)+e" #heet#' He +i)# )!ttee" a# #he +et o!t one +ong
-eath, he ,ace gi$ing in to e3ha!#tion'
.Co*e on,/ Mae$e #ai" #o,t+%, hoo(ing he a* -eneath the gi+1# (nee#' She #coo)e" he !) in one #&i,t
*otion an" c+i*-e" the #tai#'
Li+ac1# hea" e#te" ea#i+% in the coo( o, Mae$e1# nec(, he chee( )e##ing again#t Mae$e1# #hit' Thee
&a# #o*ething a-o!t the gi+1# tie" ,ace, the &a% he "a( +a#he# c!+e" !) at the en"#, ho& he ,i#t
#&i)e" at he no#e, t%ing to (ee) a&a% an itch' It ha" -een #o +ong #ince I1" #een the* togethe, I1"
,ogotten ho& Mae$e #o,tene" in Li+ac1# )e#ence' She #ee*e" ca+*e, *oe he#e+,, ea#i+% *o$ing
tho!gh the 4!iet o, the o+" ho!#e'
I +i#tene" to the* #o*e&hee a-o$e, the -e"#)ing# cea(ing a# Li+ac c+i*-e" -ac( into the -!n(' I
&on"ee" i, I &o!+" e$e ha$e that #en#e o, ca+*, that co*,ot &ith *% chi+", (no&ing that *% ,athe
&a# #ti++ o!t thee h!nting *e' He &o!+"n1t gi$e !) on ,in"ing !#, I (ne& that, e$en no&'
Thee &ee a ,e& g+a## 5a# ,i++e" &ith n!t# on the (itchen ta-+e' Thee co!+"n1t ha$e -een *oe than
,i$e han",!+# in each' I ,o!n" *%#e+, co!nting the*, i*agining ho& +ong I co!+" *a(e the* +a#t i, I &a#
-ac( o!t in the &i+" At&ent% "a%#B' I #tate" tacing the ti*e it &o!+" ta(e to get -ac( to the Cit%,
ca+c!+ating ho& +ong it &o!+" -e -% ,oot, -% ho#e, &ith the he+) o, a #to+en $ehic+e' I co!+" -e thee in
thee "a%#1 ti*e, at -e#t'
No *atte ho& *an% too)# &ee -o!ght ,o* the co+onie#, no *atte &ho &a# +ea"ing the*, the%
&o!+"n1t #!ccee" i, *% ,athe &a# #ti++ a+i$e' He &a# at the cente o, e$e%thing in#i"e the Cit%' Fo*
&hat F!inn ha" #ai", hi# )o&e ha" on+% go&n #ince the #iege' Thee #ee*e"no &a% ao!n" it7I co!+"
#it hee an" &ait, ho)ing that thing# &o!+" -e "i,,eent, o I co!+" act' I, the co+onie# ca*e to the Cit%, I
co!+" -e an a++% to the*, one o, the ,e& e-e+# &ho (ne& the &o(ing# o, the Pa+ace'
B% the ti*e Mae$e *a"e he &a% -ac( "o&n#tai# I1" "eci"e"' Thee &a#n1t an%thing ,o *e to "o in
Ca+i,ia e3ce)t &ait6 Wait ,o the #o+"ie# to tac( *e hee, &ait to #ee i, Mae$e &o!+" gi$e *e !)' Wait
,o ne&# o, anothe #iege an" anothe ,ai+!e' Wait ,o *% ,athe to co*e ,o *% chi+"'
.I1* going -ac(,/ I #ai"'
Mae$e )a!#e" in the "oo&a%, he hea" ti+te" to one #i"e' .I, %o!1e t%ing to )!ni#h *e ,o7/
.It "oe#n1t ha$e to "o &ith %o!,/ I #ai"' .It ha# to "o &ith hi*'/
Mae$e co++ecte" a ,e& *oe 5a# ,o* the ta-+e, &o(ing 4!ic(+% a# #he #et the* in anothe ca-inet' She
#)!n ao!n", &atching *e a# #he &i)e" he han"# on the ,ont o, he tattee" )ant#' .Yo! #ho!+" #ta% a
,e& *oe "a%#,/ #he #ai"' .Re#t' Reco$e'/ He e%e# ,e++ to *% *i"#ection' I )!++e"
*% #&eate tighte, co$eing it'
.I ha$e to +ea$e #oon,/ I #ai"' .Be,oe I can1t an%*oe'/
.Who e+#e (no&#0/
.I ha$en1t to+" the gi+# %et,/ I #ai"' .B!t F!inn, R!-%, an" C+aa (no&' Beatice, too'/
She #tae" "o&n at the ta-+e, )ic(ing !) a ,e& can# an" one o, the +anten#' Then #he #tate" o!t the
-ac( "oo, no""ing ,o *e to ,o++o&' It too( a *o*ent ,o *% e%e# to a"5!#t to the "a(' The ga% #(%
#he" a "!++, !ne$en +ight tho!gh the &oo"#, *a(ing it ha" to #ee Mae$e 5!#t a ,e& #te)# ahea"' She
*o$e" ea#i+% o$e the -o(en )ath, !#ing the +o& tee +i*-# to he+) he a+ong' She "ate" ao!n" to the
#*a++ #t!ct!e that #too" a ,e& %a"# into the ,oe#t' .O$e hee,/ #he #ai"' A ,+a#h+ight &ent on !)
ahea", the -ea* *a(ing *% &a% o$e the 5agge" #tone#'
I ecogni2e" the #he" ,o* the *onth# I1" #)ent +i$ing in he ho!#e' It &a# &e++ hi""en -ehin" an
o$ego&n he"ge' Mae$e )!++e" the "oo ,o* it# !#t% hinge#, then he+" the +anten !), ge#t!ing *e
in#i"e'
The #*a++ oo* #*e++e" o, ga#o+ine' I notice" the *eta+ containe# that +ine" the &a++#7the #a*e one#
I1" #een in the #toeho!#e &ith the -o%#' T&o *oto-i(e# #at in the cente, )o))e" !) on one +eg, the
#i"e# #ho&ing +itt+e #ign o, !#t' .We (ee) the#e in ca#e o, e*egencie#,/ Mae$e #ai"' .It #ho!+" -e a-+e
to get %o! a ,e& h!n"e" *i+e#, *a%-e *oe'/
She o++e" the -i(e ,o&a", )a##ing *e the han"+e-a#' The &eight o, the thing #tat+e" *e' .Wh% ae
%o! going -ac(0/ #he a#(e"'
.The co+onie# "on1t ha$e a chance !n+e## the% taget the King "iect+%,/ I #ai", )!#hing the -i(e
a+ong#i"e *e, !nti+ I &a# -ac( o!t#i"e' Mae$e ,o++o&e", -inging t&o o, the #*a++e containe# o,
ga#o+ine' The ,+a#h+ight -ea* ,e++ on the "it )ath' I co!+" ha"+% #ee he in the "a(' I co!+" hea on+%
the #tea"%, 4!iet #o!n" o, he -eathing' .Be#i"e#, he1# going to co*e ,o *e e$ent!a++%' I#i# &a# ight7
he &on1t #to) !nti+ he ,in"# *e' E#)ecia++% not no&'/
.What ae %o! going to "o0/ #he a#(e"'
I he+" tight to the -i(e, *% han"# #+i))e% on the gi)#' I "i"n1t (no& i, I co!+", o ho&, -!t the i"ea
(e)t in#i#ting it#e+,' .I ha$e to (i++ *% ,athe'/
He ,ace #o,tene" a# #he ga$e *e a e#o+!te no"' .:oo" +!c('/
I *et he e%e# ,o a -ie, *o*ent' .Than( %o!'/ With that I t!ne", (ee)ing the -i(e in ,ont o, *e a# I
#tate" -ac( to&a" the *ain oa"'
TWENTY-SEVEN
.WHAT1S THE POINT IN :OIN: NOW0/ CLARA ASKED, SETTIN: he han"# on to) o, *ine' He
)a+*# &ee co+" an" "a*), the ,ee+ o, the* #tat+ing *e' .Thei e,,ot# ae #ti++ ,oc!#e" in#i"e the Cit%'
Yo! #ti++ ha$e a ,e& *onth#'/
.What then0/ I a#(e"' .A* I #!))o#e" to &ait !nti+ I ha$e a chi+", then go into hi"ing0 He can ha$e *e
(i++e", -!t the tho!ght o, hi* ta(ing he ' ' '/
Beatice #at on one a* o, the co!ch' Whene$e the gi+# ca*e to the "oo #he h!ie" the* a&a%, then
e#!*e"
C+aa !--e" he ,ace &ith -oth han"#' .We &on1t +et hi* ta(e he,/ #he #ai"' .Yo!1e -ette o,, hee'
What ae %o! going to "o0 :o -ac( to the Pa+ace an" theaten hi*0 E$en i, %o! "o *a(e it thee, e$e%
#o+"ie (no&# &ho %o! ae7the% (no& &hat %o!1$e "one'/
I t!ne", #t!"%ing the #i"e o, Beatice1# ,ace' She &a# #i+ent' Behin" he, F!inn an" R!-% #at at the
(itchen ta-+e' R!-%1# e%e# &ee e" an" &ate%, he ,inge# cae,!++% )!++ingthea"# ,o* a tattee"
na)(in' .Yo! (no& hi*, Beatice, %o!1$e #een it,/ I #ai"' .A# #oon a# he can, he1++ -ing *e -ac( to the
Cit%'/
.Then &e1++ co*e &ith %o!,/ F!inn #ai"' .I, %o! ha$e to "o thi#, +et !# he+)'/
I #tae" at the )ac( -e#i"e *% ,eet' Mae$e ha" gi$en *e the -!+( o, the #!))+ie#, #ho&ing *e ho& to
#tee the -i(e, ho& to +oa" it #o the &eight &a# e$en on -oth #i"e#' O!t o, a++ the &o*en in the
#ett+e*ent, #he1" -een the +ea#t e#i#tant to *% +ea$ing, an" that ,e+t +i(e a #!-t+e con,i*ation I &a#
ight' Ho&e$e "angeo!# it &a#, i, I "i"n1t et!n to theCit% no&' He &o!+" co*e ,o *e +ate7&hen I
ha" a chi+" &ho "e)en"e" on *e' When I &a# no +onge a+one'
I #at -ac(, +etting *% han" ,a++ to *% #to*ach, i*agining 5!#t &hat *% *othe ha" ,e+t ,o *e' Ho&
*an% ti*e# ha" #he to+" *e #he +o$e" *e in tho#e +ette#, in the &a% #he co*-e" *% hai, cae,!++%
)inning each tin% c!+ -ac( -ehin" *% ea#0 She ha" +et *e go, )e##ing *e into the a*# o, a #tange,
#en"ing *e a&a% #o I ha" a chance' B!t I &a# on+% -eginning to (no& it no&, in the *i"#t o, *% o&n
)egnanc%, to !n"e#tan" &hat #he1" ,e+t' Ho& a++9con#!*ing it &a# to +o$e #o*eone +i(e thi#' Soon
thee &o!+" -e thi# othe )e#on to )otect' Ho& co!+" I -ing he into thi# &o+", (no&ing #he co!+" -e
#o ea#i+% ta(en ,o* it0 What (in" o, +i,e &o!+" that -e0
I #hoo( *% hea", #tee+ing *%#e+, again#t F!inn1# &o"#' .Thi# i# &h% I &a# going to +ea$e +a#t night7
thi# i# #o*ething I ha$e to ,ini#h a+one' I "on1t &ant an%one e+#e to -e in "ange -eca!#e o, *e' Yo!
hea" it %o!#e+,, %o! (no& &hat1# ha))ening in the Pa+ace'/
.He1++ ha$e %o! e3ec!te",/ C+aa #ai"' .Yo! ha$e to (no& that'/
I #too", )!++ing the )ac( o$e *% #ho!+"e' .That1# &h% I ha$e to ,in" hi* ,i#t' Thee i# no #econ"9in9
co**an"' The Lie!tenant "oe#n1t ho+" the #a*e )o&e *% ,athe "oe#' I, he1# gone, it1++ -e ea#ie once
the co+onie# ai$e' The%1++ ha$e a ea+ chance at ta(ing the Cit%'/
C+aa1# han" ca*e "o&n on *% a*, -!t I )!++e" he into a h!g, -!%ing *% ,ace in the #o,t *e## o, he
hai' .I1++ -e -ac( in +e## than t&o &ee(#,/ I #ai"' .I )o*i#e'/ I +et the &o"# hang thee -et&een !#, a# i,
#a%ing the* co!+" *a(e the* t!e'
R!-% ca*e to *% #i"e, he ,ace a# I1" ne$e #een it at Schoo+' She )e##e" he ,inge# to he e%e#, -!t
the% &ee #ti++ #&o++en an" )in(' Soon I &a# #!o!n"e", F!inn, R!-%, an" Beatice, &hi#)eing to -e
#a,e, to #en" &o" tho!gh the a"io i, #o*ething ha))ene" a+ong the &a%' .Yo! ha$e to co*e -ac(,/
R!-% (e)t e)eating' .Yo! ha$e to'/
O!t#i"e, the g!++# cie" a# the% cic+e" the -a%' So*e o, the gi+# &ee co*ing !) the "oc(, +a!ghing a#
the% an' The )ac( ,e+t hea$ie than it "i" &hen I ha" )!t it on 5!#t ho!# -e,oe' M% han" &ent to *%
#to*ach, #*oothing "o&n *% #&eate to co$e it'
.I &i++,/ I #ai", &hen I ,ina++% )!++e" a&a%' .I &i++'/
IT TOOK ME THREE DAYS TO REACH THE TUNNEL' ONCE I a"5!#te" to the -i(e, the *i+e# &ent
4!ic(+%, an" I got -ette at &ea$ing tho!gh a-an"one" ca#, (ee)ing on #i"e oa"# to a$oi" -eing #een'
I #ti++ ha" #o*e o, the #!))+ie# Mae$e ha" )ac(e", the "ie" *eat# an" n!t# #+o&+% "&in"+ing &ith each
"a%' I (ne& &hat I &a# "oing &a# ight, that I ha" to go -ac( in#i"e the &a++# again' B!t a# I )!++e" !)
to the a-an"one" -!i+"ing# o!t#i"e the Cit%, a &hite )i++a o, #*o(e o#e !) o$e the #tone &a++' The ai
#*e++e" o, -!ne" )+a#tic, the #ic(, #tinging #cent eno!gh to *a(e *% +!ng# #ei2e'
The -!i+"ing &a# !) ahea", a "i+a)i"ate" #choo+ &ith a -ent ,+ag)o+e an" ,a"e" geen &a++#' Mae$e ha"
gotten the +ocation ,o* one o, the ea+ie *e##age# ,o* the Tai+' Peo)+e &ee in#t!cte" not to &ite
the a""e## "o&n, #o I1" *e*oi2e" it' GHE= Noth Ca*)-e++ Roa", I e)eate" to *%#e+,, a# I ha" a
h!n"e" ti*e# in the +a#t ,e& "a%#' I #canne" the &on *a) I ha", chec(ing #teet #ign# to -e cetain'
I )a##e" an a-an"one" )+a%go!n", the *eta+ #&ing# c+an(ing togethe &hene$e the &in" ca*e
tho!gh' I (e)t *% hea"+ight o,, an" #ta%e" c+o#e to the e"ge o, the -!i+"ing, t%ing to (ee) the
&atchto&e o!t o, #ight' One o, the #i"e "oo# &a# #*a#he" in' I &a+(e" the -i(e tho!gh the
-o(en ,a*e, the #tench hitting *e ,i#t' I1" e*e*-ee" it ,o* the )+ag!e, the &et ot o, "ea" -o"ie#'
A# I #tate" "o&n the ha++ to&a" the oo* *a(e" =IJ, I #a& the #ha"o& o, a *an, +%ing ,ace"o&n,
#e$ea+ %a"# ahea"'
I he+" *% -eath, co$eing *% ,ace &ith *% #&eate a# I "!c(e" into the oo*' B+oo" &a# #*eae"
aco## the ,+oo' Shot &oo"en "e#(# &ee o$et!ne", )i+e" on to) o, one anothe' Si*)+e #entence#
&ee #ti++ )inte" on the ,a &a++6 The )at% &a# ,!n' M% *othe #*i+e"' The #(% i# -+!e' I *o$e" to the
-ac( c+o#et, the thi" one in ,o* the &in"o&#, a# Mae$e ha" "e#ci-e"' Thee &a# a thee9,oot9&i"e
ho+e in the ,+oo' I +i#tene", t%ing to "eci)he ,oot#te)#' E$e%thing &a# 4!iet an" #ti++'
I +o&ee" *%#e+, "o&n, into the -+ac(ne##, c+!tching the #i"e# &ith -oth han"#' When I hit the go!n" I
,!*-+e" &ith the ,+a#h+ight Mae$e ha" gi$en *e, ,ina++% t!ning it on' The -ea* ,+e& ahea",
i++!*inating the t!nne+' M!" ca*e o$e the #o+e# o, *% -oot#' Thee &a# *oe -+oo", #o*e o, it "ie"
on the &a++' A 5ac(et, the e" -an" #ti++ tie" ao!n" the #+ee$e, &a# c!*)+e" on the ,+oo'
I t!ne" the cone, #eeing ,o the ,i#t ti*e ho& the &a++# change", the *!" gi$ing &a% to the e*nant#
o, the o+" concete ,+oo" t!nne+#' The coi"o &i"ene" in )+ace#, !nti+ it &a# #e$ea+ ,eet aco##' A e"
c+oth ha" -een tie" to a )i)e #na(ing o!t o, the cei+ing, *a(ing the the#ho+" &hen I co##e" in#i"e the
Cit%' When I neae" the en", I #a& a ,ig!e h!""+e" on the go!n", ten"ing to a &o!n" on hi# +eg' It
+oo(e" a# tho!gh he1" -een hi"ing thee ,o &ee(#, a -!nch o, can# #cattee" -% hi# ,eet' He ai#e" hi#
g!n, ai*ing at *e, an" I ,o2e, the ,+a#h+ight !n#tea"% in *% han"'
.I1* 5!#t t%ing to )a## tho!gh,/ I #ai"' .I1* &ith the e-e+#'/
He #4!inte" again#t the +ight, then +o&ee" hi# &ea)on' .A# #oon a# %o! get o!t, go ea#t,/ he #ai"' He
#et the g!n "o&n an" e#!*e" changing a ,a-ic -an"age on hi# +eg' .Thee1# ago$en*ent -aica"e to
the &e#t, 5!#t thee -+oc(# a&a%'/
He &ent -ac( to hi# &o(, &incing a# he (notte" the #ti)' He "i"n1t #a% an%thing e+#e, in#tea" "igging
tho!gh hi# #!))+ie#, )!++ing o!t co(e" -ott+e# o, &ate' .Than(#,/ I #ai" a# I #tate" -ac( "o&n the
t!nne+, &hee the cei+ing -o(e o)en, e$ea+ing a "an( oo*' I c+i*-e" into the #*a++ &a+(9in c+o#et,
#etting the thin ca)et -ac( o$e the o)ening, a+ong &ith an e*)t% ca"-oa" -o3 that ha" -een )!#he"
into the cone'
In#i"e, the ,i#t9#to% a)at*ent &a# "a(' I co!+" *a(e o!t the i))e" co!ch on it# #i"e an" a *o+"%,
ha+,9eaten #an"&ich on the (itchen ta-+e, ca#!a++% #itting thee, a# i, #o*eone ha" +e,t a-!)t+% an"
ne$e ca*e -ac(' The ,ont &in"o& &a# #hattee" in the cone, *a(ing it ha" to #ee tho!gh'
I )!++e" the tattee" c!tain# a&a% 5!#t an inch, e3)o#ing an intact )iece o, g+a##' A #o+"ie ca*e "o&n
the oa"' He +oo(e" o$e the en" o, hi# i,+e a# he #canne" the -!i+"ing#' He )a!#e" a *o*ent in *%
"iection an" I ,o2e, not *o$ing *% han" a&a% ,o* the thin c!tain' He &a# %o!nge than I &a#, hi#
,ace ga!nt, hi# chee(# ho++o&e" o!t' He #4!inte" ,o a *o*ent -e,oe he ,ina++% +oo(e" a&a%'
Fo a +ong &hi+e I #ta%e" thee, *% ,inge )inning the c!tain a&a% ,o* the g+a##, &aiting !nti+ I &a#
cetain he &o!+"n1t et!n' I co!+" ,ee+ the eight9ho! 5o!ne% in *% *o$e*ent#, in the "ea" ache in *%
+eg#, the tho--ing in *% +o&e -ac(' I nee"e" one night to e#t, to )e)ae ,o &hat +a% ahea" in the
*oning, -!t it &a# too "angeo!# to #ta% at the *o!th o, the t!nne+' I #te))e" o!t o, the a)at*ent,
#canning the oa" ,o an% #ign# o, the King1# *en' When it &a# c+ea, I #tate" ea#t, a# the e-e+ ha"
#ai", +oo(ing ,o the ,i#t #ec!e )+ace I co!+" ,in"'
Thee &a# an o+" a)at*ent co*)+e3 a ,e& %a"# ahea"' So*e o, the oo*# ha" -een #et on ,ie' The
#ign ha" ,a++en an" #*a#he" on the )a$e*ent, +ea$ing a thin +a%e o, co+oe" g+a## in it# &a(e' B!t it
&a# #et -ac( ,o* the oa", the inne co!t%a" e*)t%' A )a(ing +ot #at -e#i"e it, a ,e& ca# +a%ing
thee, -e++% !), +i(e "ea" -!g#'
I #tate" !) the in#i"e #tai#, #)!e" on -% an e3)+o#ion that #o!n"e" ha+, a *i+e ea#t' Mo$ing a+ong
the o!t"oo ha++, I ,ina++% ,o!n" an a)at*ent that &a# !n+oc(e", the in#i"e ai"e" ,o #!))+ie#' I *o$e"
the e*aining ,!nit!e again#t the entance, not #to))ing !nti+ it #at in a )i+e, a "e#( chai &e"ge"
-eneath the "oo(no-'
Thee &a# on+% a han",!+ o, "ie" ,!it +e,t in *% )ac(' I ,oce" *%#e+, to eat it, "e#)ite the ten#e
#ic(ne## I he+" in *% g!t' I +i#tene" to the #o!n"# o, the O!t+an"#, the occa#iona+ g!n#hot #)+itting the
night' So*e&hee #o*eone #cea*e"' I +a% *% hea" onto the "ing%*atte## on the ,+oo, c!+ing in on
*%#e+,, t%ing to get &a*'
Soon the #o!n"# o!t#i"e ge& +o!"e' A <ee) -ae+e" )a#t' A# the night )e#i#te", I tho!ght o, *%
,athe, o, the #ti++ne## o, hi# #!ite, the +oo( he1" #hae" &ith the Lie!tenant &hen Mo## an" I &ee
4!e#tione"' It &a# nea+% i*)o##i-+e to #+ee), *% -o"% a&a(e, a+i$e, *% tho!ght# #)inting ahea" o, *e'
The *oning &a# co*ing ,o !# -oth'
TWENTY-EIGHT
THE SOLDIER HAD BEEN DEAD FOR A FEW HOURS' MY HANDS #hoo( a# I &o(e" the 5ac(et ,o*
he -o"%' He a*# &ee hea$%, the +i*-# +oc(e" in )+ace, a# I inche" the* o!t o, the #+ee$e#' I tie" not
to +oo( at he ,ace, -!t it &a# i*)o##i-+e' M% ga2e (e)t et!ning to he &hite chee(#, the +i)# that &ee
)ate" #+ight+%, "% an" cac(e" in )+ace#' He e%e# &ee co$ee" &ith a thin ga% ,i+*'
I1" ,o!n" he #e$ea+ -+oc(# a&a% ,o* the *ote+, #+!*)e" again#t a -!ne"9o!t #ho)' He hea" &a#
-+ee"ing in the -ac(, the -+oo" congea+ing in he )on%tai+' It +oo(e" +i(e #o*eone ha" #!)i#e" he
&hi+e #he )ato++e" the O!t+an"#7)o-a-+% a e-e+ -ent on eta+iation' I )a!#e", ho+"ing he co+" han"
in *ine, a# I too( o,, the othe #+ee$e' The na*e <ac(#on &a# e*-oi"ee" on he +a)e+'
I t!c(e" the g!n &e1" ta(en ,o* the *an at the *ote+ into *% )ant#, the (ni,e in the #i"e o, *% -e+t' It
&o!+" en" #oon' I &a))e" the 5ac(et ao!n" *% #ho!+"e#, ta(ing the ca) that &a# c!+e" in he han",
a thic( -+oo" #)ot on the -ac(' I +oo(e" at he one *oe ti*e -e,oe going, noticing the tin% tattoo on
the in#i"e o, he &i#t, o, a -i" in ,+ight' She co!+"n1t ha$e -een *!ch o+"e than *e'
I #tate" to&a" the Pa+ace *a++, (no&ing thi# &o!+" -e the ea#ie )at o, #ec!it% to get tho!gh'
So+"ie# #to"e in an" o!t o, the -ac( entance, ac(no&+e"ging one anothe &ith a no" a# the% &ent' It
&o!+" -e ha"e to get acce## to the to&e #tai#, &hich in the ,i#t "a%# o, the #iege ha" -een g!a"e" at
e$e% )oint' The #o+"ie# ha" -een #tatione" thee tho!gh the night, changing e$e% #i3 ho!#, at #i3
an" t&e+$e'
A ,e& <ee)# &ee +ine" !) nea the -ac( entance, ceating a +o& -aie again#t the-!i+"ing' T&o
#o+"ie# &ee ta+(ing, thei #ho!+"e# +eaning again#t the &a++' I ha" a ,+a#h o, A"en that night in
Schoo+, ho& #he1" #to"e )a#t the g!a"# con,i"ent+%, #igna+ing &ith one han" a# i, #he1" #)ent he
&ho+e +i,e o!t#i"e the &a++' I he+" *% #ho!+"e# -ac(, *eeting thei e%e# 4!ic(+% a# I #a+!te" the*' I
)eten"e" to a"5!#t *% ca), co$eing the -+oo"#tain on the -ac( a# I )!#he" tho!gh the hea$% "oo'
In#i"e, the Pa+ace *a++ &a# 4!iet' The #o!n" o, -oot# on *a-+e echoe" tho!gh the +ong ha++#' A ,e&
#o+"ie# &a+(e" to&a" the o+" ga*ing oo*#, -!t the% ha"+% t!ne" a# I entee"' I1" "eci"e" on one o,
the #taica#e# on the noth #i"e o, the to&e' It &a# "o&n a nao& ha++&a%, *oe #ec+!"e" than the
othe#'
I (e)t )a#t the c+o#e" #ho)#, thei gate# )!++e" "o&n, the *anne4!in# #i+ho!ette" in thei ,ont
&in"o&#' Fa a-o$e *e, the giant c+oc( #tae" o!t, the #econ" han" #+o&+% inching to&a" the t&e+$e' I
"!c(e" "o&n the nao& ha++&a% an" #a& the #o+"ie -ent ,o&a", &o(ing at a #c!,, on hi# -oot' I
"i"n1t #)ea( !nti+ I &a# &ithin #ti(ing "i#tance, *% han" on *% g!n'
.I1* hee to e+ie$e %o!,/ I #ai"' .Litt+e ea+%, -!t I1* #!e %o! "on1t *in"'/
He +et o!t a +o& +a!gh' .Nah, not at a++'/ He )!++e" hi# i,+e ,o* it# #)ot -e#i"e the "oo' I g+ance" "o&n
the ha++&a%, (no&ing the othe #o+"ie &o!+" co*e in a ,e& *in!te#' A# the *an #a!ntee" o,,, t!ning
+e,t into the Pa+ace *a++, I "!c(e" in#i"e the #tai&e++, -eginning the +ong c+i*-, ,ee+ing the #+o&,
)ain,!+ -!n in *% +eg#'
The +o&e ,+oo# &ee !n+oc(e", o)ening !) to o&# o, #*a++ #ing+e oo*#, &hee *an% o, the Pa+ace
&o(e# #+e)t' I *o$e" tho!gh the ha++#, t!ning in to the t&entieth ,+oo, then the t&ent%9,i,th,
#&itching #taica#e# to a$oi" -eing #een'
When I eache" the +a#t ,+ight, *% +eg# -!ne", the #hot, #ha) )ain# #hooting tho!gh *% +o&e -ac('
I too( #+o&, e$en -eath#, t%ing to ca+* the #ha(ing in *% han"#, t%ing not to thin( a-o!t *% #&o++en
#to*ach, no& hi""en -eneath the 5ac(et' I (e)t going -ac( to that *o*ent in the #!ite &hen *% ,athe
ha" t!ne" a&a% a# the #o+"ie# ga--e" *e, +oo(ing "o&n to the e3ec!tion# -e+o&' Whoe$e he &a# to
*e, &hate$e &e #hae", he1" go&n n!*- to it' He "i"n1t ,ee+ an%*oe, not the &a% a )e#on #ho!+"' I
ha" to ho+" that in *% *in", that *e*o%, to ha$e an% chance'
I )eee" in#i"e the "oo1# #*a++ &in"o&' The coi"o o!t#i"e the #!ite &a# 4!iet' A +one ,ig!e &a#
co*ing to&a" *e, hi# #ho!+"e# h!nche" ,o&a" a# he &a+(e", #t!"%ing a )iece o, )a)e' He &oe the
#a*e e" tie he1" ha" on the "a% I +e,t' Be,oe I co!+" t!n a&a%, Cha+e# +oo(e" !), hi# e%e# *eeting
*ine' I co!che" -ac( into the #tai&e++, &aiting thee, &on"eing i, he1" ecogni2e" *e'
Within #econ"# the "oo #&!ng o)en an" Cha+e# "!c(e" o!t#i"e' .What ae %o! "oing hee0/ he a#(e"'
He g+ance" o$e the ai+ing, into the cente o, the ai#ha,t, +oo(ing ,o #o+"ie#' .Whee "i" %o! get that
!ni,o*0/
He #canne" the 5ac(et an" ca) I1" #to+en ,o* the #o+"ie, the )ant# I1" ,o!n" in the *ote+ oo*, the
-oot# +ace" !) *% an(+e#' Hi# ,ace #ce&e" !) in concen a# he +oo(e" at the i,+e #+!ng o$e *% -ac('
.I "i"n1t (no& %o!1" -e hee,/ I #ai"' .Yo!1e a++ ight' I &a# &oie" %o!1" -e )!ni#he" ,o &hat %o!
"i"'/
.I ta+(e" *% &a% o!t o, it,/ he #ai"' .I #ai" %o! &ee *% &i,e, that I &a# a,ai", I "i"n1t (no& &hat %o!1"
"one' It &a# the t!th, &a#n1t it0/
.I nee" to ,in" *% ,athe,/ I #ai"'
Cha+e# chec(e" the #*a++ &in"o& in the "oo, )!#hing !# -ac(, o!t o, $ie&' .Yo! can1t "o thi#,/ he #ai"'
.The%1$e -een +oo(ing ,o %o!' The%1$e ha" )ato+# can$a##ing Death >a++e% ,o the )a#t &ee(' Yo!
#ho!+" -e in hi"ing, not hee' E#)ecia++% not no&'/
.I &on1t #)en" *% +i,e &aiting ,o hi* to co*e ,o *e,/ I #ai"' .Yo! #a& it, Cha+e#7%o! #a& &hat he1#
ca)a-+e o,' Ho& *an% *oe %ea#, "eca"e#, &i++ thi# go on0/
He )ace" the +an"ing' In the ,+!oe#cent +ight hi# #(in +oo(e" thin an" ga%, an" he +oo(e" ince"i-+%
tie"'
.I "on1t ha$e ti*e,/ I )+ea"e"' .P+ea#e'/
He +et o!t a "ee) -eath an" )ointe" !)#tai#' .He1# in hi# o,,ice,/ he #ai"' .He1# #!))o#e" to -e *eeting
&ith the Lie!tenant in an ho!'/
.I nee" the co"e#,/ I #ai"'
Cha+e# +et o!t a +o&, att+ing -eath' .One, thit%9one,/ he #ai"' .He change" it to %o! -ith"a%'/
I )a!#e", &atching hi*, &on"eing i, he (ne& the #igni,icance o, &hat he1" 5!#t to+" *e' I1" ne$e
(no&n *% -ith"a% at Schoo+' Ca+e- an" I ha" "eci"e" it &a# A!g!#t t&ent%9eighth, an" that "ate #t!c(
in *% hea", the act!a+ "a% )a##ing &hi+e I &a# in Ca+i,ia' Heaing it no&, it &a# a #*a++ e*in"e o, the
(no&+e"ge *% ,athe caie"' He &a# the on+% )e#on &ho (ne& the#e thing# a-o!t *e'
.I &on1t i*)+icate %o!,/ I #ai", no""ing to Cha+e# -e,oe I t!ne" to go' I "i"n1t each the #econ" #te)
-e,oe he ca!ght *% han", -inging *e -ac( to hi*' He &a))e" hi# a*# ao!n" *%
#ho!+"e#, )!++ing *e to hi# che#t, #o *% chee( &a# )e##e" again#t hi*' He he+" *e thee, hi# han"
on the -ac( o, *% hea"'
.Be #a,e, &i++ %o!0/ He eache" ,o *% han", #4!ee2ing it one +a#t ti*e, an" I ha" the #tange !ge to
+a!gh'
.I &i++,/ I #ai"' .I )o*i#e' Don1t &o% a-o!t *e'/ It &a# a +ie, o, co!#e, -!t the &a% Cha+e#1# ,ace
change", the &a% hi# e3)e##ion #o,tene", *a"e *e ,ee+ the tinie#t -it o, e+ie,' Ma%-e I &o!+" -e o(a%'
Ma%-e it &o!+" a++ -e o$e &ithin the ho!, an" I &o!+" -e -ac( in the O!t+an"#, *o$ing tho!gh the
t!nne+# again'
I #tate" !) the ne3t t&o ,+ight#, t%ing to )!#h an% othe tho!ght# o!t o, *% hea"' I he+" the ai in *%
+!ng#, &aiting ,o *% heat to #+o&' I )!nche" the co"e into the (e%)a", +etting *%#e+, in#i"e' A# I
#tate" "o&n the coi"o to hi# o,,ice, anothe #o+"ie )a##e"' I (e)t *% e%e# "o&n, the -i* o, the hat
#hie+"ing *% ,ace' I ai#e" *% han" in a 4!ic( #a+!te an" he #to"e -%, #tating into a oo* at the ,a
en" o, the ha++'
E$e% *!#c+e in *% -o"% ten#e" a# I a))oache" *% ,athe1# "oo' I ae+% $i#ite" hi* in hi# o,,ice
e3ce)t ,o the ,e& occa#ion# I1" -een ca++e" thee to -e 4!e#tione"' Fo* o!t#i"e, I co!+"n1t hea
an%thing' I +oo(e" at the thic( c!tain# -e#i"e the "oo, then (noc(e", 4!ic(+% #te))ing -ehin" the*'
I tie" to #+o& *% -eathing -!t I co!+" hea *% heat-eat in *% ea#' M% han"# &ee co+" an" &et' I
ga--e" the g!n at *% &ai#t, t%ing to #to) the te*-+ing in *% ,inge# a# I &atche" the e"ge o, the
"oo, &aiting ,o it to o)en' Thee &a# the gent+e c+ic(ing o, the +oc(, then the (no- t!ne", *% ,athe
)eeing o!t -ehin" it'
I #+i))e" into the ha++, e#ting one han" on the "oo to ho+" it o)en' .:o in#i"e,/ I #ai", (ee)ing the g!n
ai*e" at hi*' .I, %o! ca++ ,o an%one, I1++ ha$e to #hoot %o!'/
Hi# ,ace &a# e+a3e", hi# e%e# *eeting *ine a# he #te))e" -ac(, ,athe into the o,,ice' I c+o#e" the
"oo -ehin" !# an" +oc(e" it'
.Yo!1e not going to (i++ *e,/ he #ai"' He c+a#)e" hi# han"# in ,ont o, hi*, hi# -o& ,!o&e"' He
+oo(e" ga!nt, hi# ,ace "a&n' It &a# a# i, the )a#t &ee(# ha"n1t ha))ene", a# i, he1" #ta%e" a# he &a#
that "a%, ne$e eco$eing ,o* the i++ne##'
.Don1t -e #o cetain,/ I #ai", (ee)ing the g!n on hi*' I -+in(e" a&a% the #!""en tea# that -+!e" *%
$i#ion'
.I, %o! &ee going to "o it, %o! &o!+" ha$e a+ea"%,/ he #ai"' He #tae" at *e, hi# e%e# ,i3e" on *ine'
.The ea+ 4!e#tion i# &h% %o! ca*e -ac( hee' A* I to ecei$e anothe +ect!e0 Do %o! &ant to te++ *e
that the#e choice# I1$e *a"e, the choice# that ha$e (e)t e$e%one #a,e, &ee &ong0/
.Thee &on1t -e an% *oe e3ec!tion# in the Cit%,/ I #ai" #+o&+%' .Yo! &i++ #te) "o&n to"a% an" &i++ gi$e
te*)oa% conto+ to *e &hi+e the Cit% tan#ition#'/
Hi# chee(# &ent e"' The $ein# in hi# ,ace -eca*e $i#i-+e, hi# han"# #4!ee2e" tight+% togethe'
.Tan#ition# to &hat, :ene$ie$e0 Te++ *e, #ince %o! #ee* to (no&, &hat e3act+% &i++ thi# Cit% tan#ition
to0 The +a&+e##ne## that ca*e a,te the )+ag!e0 The iot#0 Be,oe *e, )eo)+e co!+"n1t get &ate &itho!t
-eing #hot' Yo! &ant the Cit% to et!n to that0/
.Lo&e %o! $oice,/ I #ai"'
.I, %o! &ant to #ee &hat1# on the othe #i"e o, thi# e$o+t,/ he #ai", ho+"ing !) hi# han"#, .then go
ahea"' B!t thee i# a "a(ne## co*ing that %o! cannot )o##i-+% i*agine'/ Hi# e%e# &ee +oc(e" on *ine'
He #too" thee, -egging *e to ,ie at hi*'
He t!ne" a&a%, -ac( to&a" hi# "e#(, an" it too( *e a *o*ent to egi#te it6 the 4!ic(#+eight o, han",
ho& he1" t!c(e" hi# ,inge# into the in#i"e )oc(et o, hi# #!it 5ac(et' Hi# a* ca*e !), the g!n $i#i-+e,
hi# ,ace ,i3e" in concentation' I ,ie" 5!#t once, the #o!n" o, the #hot #tat+ing *e' He #te))e" -ac(,
,a++ing "o&n on hi# #i"e, the &ea)on +an"ing on the ,+oo'
I &ent to hi*, (ic(ing the &ea)on aco## the ,+oo' I #ta%e" -% hi# #i"e, *% che#t hea$ing, &atching a#
hi# e3)e##ion ge& ,oeign, hi# ,ace contote" &ith )ain' He he+" hi# che#t, )e##ing at the &o!n" to
the ight #i"e o, hi# heat' I he+)e" hi* to&a" the go!n", #etting hi* "o&n on the ,+oo' The -+oo"
&a# co*ing ,a#t, the #tain #)ea"ing on hi# #!it 5ac(et, the "a( ,a-ic ton &hee the -!++et ha" gone
tho!gh' I (ne+t -e#i"e hi*, ha+, e3)ecting hi* to )!#h *e a&a%' B!t &e #ta%e" +i(e that, hi# han"
ten#ing ao!n" *ine a# the co+o +e,t hi# ,ace' Then hi# e%e# #4!ee2e" #h!t' Hi# -eath #+o&e" to a #to),
!nti+ I &a# a+one again in #i+ence'
TWENTY-NINE
IT WAS O>ER' THIS WAS WHAT I HAD WANTED, WASN1T IT0 NEWS o, hi# "eath &o!+" #)ea"
tho!gh the Tai+' The a*% ,o* the co+onie# &o!+" e$ent!a++% ai$e' The Cit% &o!+" tan#ition to ne&
)o&e' It &a# #!))o#e" to -e -ette no&'
I (e)t ho+" o, hi# han", noticing the coo+ne## that #)ea" in hi# ,inge#' The &a% the -+oo" an, "i))ing
o,, hi# 5ac(et an" onto the ,+oo, &hee it #!n( into the thic( ca)et' He &a# #+o!che" again#t the ,ont
o, the "e#(, hi# #ho!+"e# c!+e" in&a", hi# chin )e##e" to hi# nec(' I "i"n1t ,ee+ an% e+ie, no& that he
&a# gone' In#tea" I tho!ght on+% o, that )hoto, the one he1" he+" in hi# han" the "a% &e1" *et, the
)a)e &in(+e" !n"e hi# to!ch' It ha" "i#a))eae" ,o* *% oo* the ,i#t &ee( I &a# in the Pa+ace'
Beatice ha" #)ent ho!# #eaching ,o it' He ha" #ee*e" #o a*!#e" in it, hi# e%e# +ingeing on *%
*othe, #t!"%ing the &a% he "a( -ang# ,e++ into he e%e#' He1" #ee*e" ha))%'
I o)ene" the ,ont -!tton o, hi# 5ac(et, ,o the ,i#t ti*e noticing the ho+#te +oo)e" ao!n" hi# a*, the
+eathe )o!ch &hee he1" (e)t the g!n hi""en' I "i"n1t &ant to +oo( -!t I ha" to' M% ,inge# ,e+t ,o the
in#i"e )oc(et' The thic( #4!ae )e##e" again#t the #i+(' It &a# #ti++ thee' He ha" caie" it &ith hi*,
the )hotoga)h #itting in the +e,t #i"e o, hi# 5ac(et, ight o$e hi# heat'
I #!c(e" in ai, the hea$%, cho(e" ,ee+ing co*ing on #o ,a#t I co!+"n1t antici)ate it' Thee the% &ee, *%
)aent#, the %ea -e,oe the )+ag!e' The% &ee togethe, he+" ,oe$e in ti*e' I t!c(e" it into *% #hit,
)e##ing it "o&n into *% tan( to) &hee it &o!+"n1t co*e +oo#e' He &a# te++ing the t!th, I tho!ght,
&i++ing *%#e+, not to c%' He +o$e" he' He ha"n1t +ie" a-o!t that'
The Cit% o!t#i"e &a# #i+ent an" #ti++' I (ne& I ha" to +ea$e, -!t I co!+"n1t *o$e' M% han" (e)t eaching
,o hi#, #4!ee2ing hi# ,inge# in *ine' It &a#n1t !nti+ the (noc( #o!n"e" that I #tat+e", e*e*-eing
&hee I &a# an" &hat I1" "one'
The "oo(no- t!ne", the +oc( c+ic(ing #h!t' Thee &a# a )a!#e, then a *an1# $oice ca++ing ,o* the
ha++'
.Si0/
I #ca*-+e" to *% ,eet, ta(ing in the *a##i$e &oo" "e#( -ehin" *e, the c!tain# that ,a*e" the +ong
&in"o&#, the c+o#et# on the ,a &a++, +oo(ing ,o #o*e&hee to hi"e' The #o+"ie )!nche" the (e%)a"
-e#i"e the "oo, then the (no- t!ne" again' I ha" 5!#t eno!gh ti*e to "at -ehin" the "e#(, c!+ing !)
-eneath it, -e,oe the "oo #&!ng o)en'
The #o+"ie "i"n1t *o$e' I co!+" hea each o, hi# -eath#' He #too" thee #o +ong I -egan co!nting the*,
t%ing to (ee) ca+*' .<one#?/ he ,ina++% %e++e" "o&n the ha++' .Co*e hee?/ Then I hea" the )a""ing o,
,eet on ca)et an" a +o& &hi#)e a# he +eane" "o&n, 5!#t inche# ,o* the othe #i"e o, the "e#(' .Si0
Can %o! hea *e0/
.What i# it0/ anothe $oice ca++e" ,o* "o&n the ha++'
.A+et the Lie!tenant,/ the *an #ai"' .The King1# -een #hot'/
I (e)t *% han" on the g!n at *% &ai#t' Thee &a# an inch -et&een the -otto* o, the &oo" "e#( an" the
ca)et' I co!+" #ee the #o+"ie1# #ha"o& a# he *o$e" ao!n" the #i"e o, the "e#(' Hi# +eg# )a##e" in
,ont o, *e, hi# ,eet 5!#t inche# ,o* *ine' Thee &a# a #c!,, on the ight toe o, hi# -oot, an" the c!,, o,
hi# )ant &a# ca!ght on the -+ac( +ace#' He ta))e" hi# ,oot ne$o!#+% a# he #h!,,+e" tho!gh #o*e )a)e#
a-o$e' I ,o2e in )+ace, the -eath tho--ing in *% +!ng# a# I he+" it thee, t%ing not to *a(e a #o!n"'
Then he cic+e" -ac( ao!n" to the &in"o&'
I ha" on+% a ,e& *in!te# -e,oe I &a# ta))e" hee' A# #oon a# the Lie!tenant ca*e, the oo* &o!+" -e
#ea+e" o,, an" #eache"' I ha" to go no&'
I )eee" ao!n" the e"ge o, the "e#(' The "oo &a# )o))e" o)en' The othe #o+"ie &a# at the en" o,
the ha++, #)ea(ing 4!ic(+% into the a"io in hi# han"'
He )ace" the #hot &i"th o, the coi"o #e$ea+ ti*e# -e,oe t!ning +e,t an" "i#a))eaing ,o* $ie&' I
ca&+e" o!t ,o* !n"e the "e#(, )e##ing *% -o"% again#t the #i"e, t%ing not to *a(e an% noi#e' The
othe #o+"ie &a# #ti++ ho$eing -% the &in"o&#' I co!+" hea the occa#iona+ cac(+e o, the a"io at hi#
-e+t'
The )o!n"ing in *% che#t #!-#i"e"' M% +i*-# ,e+t +ight a# I #)!ng !), "ating tho!gh theo)en "oo' It
too( a *o*ent ,o the #o+"ie to )oce## &hat ha" ha))ene"' I (e)t !nning, )!*)ing *% a*# a# ,a#t
a# I co!+", #)inting to&a" the en" o, the ha++' He eache" the "oo 5!#t a# I t!ne", #hooting t&o
-!++et# into the &a++ -ehin" *e'
I ace" to the neae#t #tai&e++, )!nching the n!*-e# into the (e%)a" a# ,a#t a# I co!+"' B% the ti*e he
eache" the en" o, the ha++, I1" #+i))e" in#i"e, "e#cen"ing the #te)# thee at a ti*e' I (e)t going,
#)ia+ing "o&n the o)en #ha,t, ga--ing the co+" ai+ing to he+) *e a+ong' I &a# ,o! ,+ight# "o&n &hen
I hea" the *eta++ic -ee)ing o, the +oc(, then a "oo o)ening #o*e&hee a-o$e *e' The ,i#t #hot
#o!n"e", ta(ing a ch!n( o, concete ,o* the e"ge o, the #tai#' I "i"n1t #to), 5!#t )e##e" *%#e+, tight+%
to the &a++, a&a% ,o* the o)en #ha,t, t%ing to #ta% o!t o, #ight'
I "i"n1t get *oe than t&o ,+ight# ,athe &hen a "oo -e+o& *e o)ene"' I co!+" 5!#t *a(e o!t g+i*)#e#
o, the !ni,o* a# the )e#on an !) the #tai#' I tie" to t!n -ac(, -!t the neae#t ,+oo &a# anothe
,+ight a-o$e, an" the othe #o+"ie &a# co*ing "o&n, -+oc(ing *% e3it' A# the a#cen"ing *an t!ne", he
ai#e" hi# g!n' We -oth #too" thee, ,o2en, -!t I #a& the ecognition in hi# ,ace, the #+o& #o,tening o,
hi# ,eat!e# a# he ea+i2e" &ho I &a#'The Lie!tenant ca*e !) #o 4!ic(+%, I -ae+% ha" ti*e to t!n'
Within #econ"# he &a# thee, hi# g!n at *% -ac('
I he+" *% a*# !) a# the othe #o+"ie ca*e "o&n the #tai#, ta))ing *e' The Lie!tenantga--e" one
&i#t an" t&i#te" it -ac(, t%ing it to the othe &ith a thic( )+a#tic e#taint'
.He1# "ea",/ the #o+"ie #ai"' He (e)t hi# g!n ai*e" at *e, -!t the Lie!tenant *otione" ,o hi* to
-ing it "o&n'
.:o -ac( to the o,,ice an" g!a" the -o"%,/ he #ai"' .I1++ -e !) &ithin the ho!' Yo!1e not to te++ an%one
e+#e a-o!t thi#' I, an%one a#(#, it &a# a ,a+#e a+a*' Yo! &ee *i#ta(en'/ A# he #)o(e, he %an(e" *%
a*, )!++ing *e -ehin" hi*' I #t!gg+e" to catch *% -a+ance a# &e #tate" "o&n the #tai#'
.Whee ae %o! ta(ing he0/ the #o+"ie a#(e"'
I #taine" again#t the )+a#tic tie, the -+oo" tho--ing in *% han"#' .To the ho+"ing ce++ o,, the ,i#t
,+oo,/ the Lie!tenant #ai"' .Let the othe# (no& thee1++ -e anothe e3ec!tion thi# e$ening, -e,oe
#!n#et' A++ citi2en# #ho!+" a##e*-+e o!t#i"e the Pa+ace'/
The #o+"ie1# e3)e##ion change"' Hi# e%e# ,e++ to *% *i"#ection' .B!t I tho!ght ' ' '/
.The Pince## ha# -eta%e" he ,athe,/ the Lie!tenant #ai"' Then he %an(e" *% &i#t#, )!++ing *e
-ac(&a" into the "i* ha++'
THIRTY
MY AUNT ROSE WALKED BESIDE THE SOLDIERS, TRYIN: TO STAY in ,ont o, !#, &hee #he ha" a
-ette $ie& o, *e' .Don1t "o thi#,/ #he #ai"' The% "i"n1t t!n to +oo( at he a# #he #)o(e' .Whee i# he
,athe0 Let *e #)ea( &ith hi*' He &o!+"n1t &ant thi#, no *atte &hat ha))ene" -et&een the*'/
The g!n &a# at the #*a++ o, *% -ac(, )o""ing *e a+ong tho!gh the *ain +o--%' I )oce##e" it in
4!ic(, )a##ing g+i*)#e#7the onate )atten in the ca)et, the #ho!"e" ga*ing *achine#, the t&o
#o+"ie# &ho #too" on eithe #i"e o, the go+" e+e$ato#' Pa+ace &o(e# &ee c%ing, #o*e h!""+e"
-ehin" the "e#(, &atching a# I )a##e" the geat ,o!ntain in the cente o, the entance&a%' M% ,ace &a#
#&o++en ,o* &hee the Lie!tenantha" #t!c( *e, *% chee(-one tho--ing' A,te eight ho!# o,
inteogation, the%1" gi$en !)' The% &o!+"n1t #to) a#(ing *e a-o!t the e-e+#, a-o!t &hee the t!nne+
&a# !n"e the &a++, a-o!t the +ocation o, the gi+# in the &i+"' I e,!#e" to #)ea(, +etting the
Lie!tenant hit *e !nti+ one o, the #o+"ie# #to))e" hi*'
.Yo!1e acting &itho!t the King1# )e*i##ion' Whee i# he0/ *% a!nt a#(e" again' She he+" on to the
en"# o, he #ha&+, tightening he gi) to #tea"% he han"#' In he ,ace I co!+" #ee the &a% C+aa ten#e"
&hen #he &a# ang%, ho& he #(in ge& #)+otch% an" e"'
.He ha# o"ee" thi#,/ the Lie!tenant %e++e"' He &a+(e" -ehin" the c+!#te o, #o+"ie#, *otioning ,o
*% a!nt to #te) a&a%' .:ene$ie$e i# e#)on#i-+e ,o an a##a##inationatte*)t on he ,athe'/
M% a!nt Ro#e ha" ne$e )ai" *!ch attention to *e &ithin the Pa+ace &a++#' She &a# a+&a%# #o
)eocc!)ie" &ith C+aa, &o%ing o$e &hat #he &oe, &hat #he ate, ,i3ing the #ta% c!+# that
#o*eti*e# ,e++ "o&n ao!n" he ,ace' I1" ne$e #een he +i(e thi#7#he &a#)actica++% %e++ing at the
#o+"ie#, each &o" +e$e+e" &ith a "ete*ine" ,!%' I #!""en+% &i#he" I1" (no&n he -ette, that &e1"
#)o(en *oe' .Yo! cannot "o thi#,/ #he e)eate", ai#ing he $oice'
.The King ha# a#(e" *e to #te) ,o&a" ,o hi* in the intei*,/ the Lie!tenant #ai"' .Whi+e he
eco$e#'/
M% a!nt ca++e" to #o*eone in ,ont o, the *ain "oo#, !nning o!t to *eet hi*' Cha+e# &a# ag!ing
&ith one o, the othe #o+"ie#7the #a*e one &ho1" g!a"e" the ho+"ing ce++ ,o the ea+ie )at o, the
"a%' He1" #)ent ho!# t%ing to con$ince the* to )!t o,, the e3ec!tion, "e*an"ing to #ee *% ,athe'
Fo* the concete ho+"ing oo* I co!+" hea hi*, *a$e+ing at ho& cae,!++% he cho#e hi# &o"#, not
&anting to e$ea+ &hat he (ne&' The% ne$e e#)on"e" to hi# 4!e#tion#, a+&a%# "e,eing in#tea" to the
Lie!tenant' M% a!nt#ai" #o*ething to Cha+e#, )ointing a# the% -o!ght *e o!t o, the -!i+"ing' The
#cene &ent on ao!n" *e, -!t I ,e+t #e)aate, a+one' The $oice# in the ,ont +o--% -+en"e" togethe, the
&o"# in"i#ting!i#ha-+e ,o* one anothe'
The%1" tie" the e#taint# #o tight I co!+" no +onge ,ee+ *% han"#' The (ni,e an" g!n ha" -een ta(en
,o* *e' The%1" #ti))e" *e o, the !ni,o*, +ea$ing *e in the #a*e c+othe#I1" ha" on #ince I +e,t
Ca+i,ia, the ,ont o, *% #hit no& "otte" &ith -+oo"' I &atche" Cha+e# a# I )a##e", o,,eing hi* a 4!ic(
no", #o*e tin% ac(no&+e"g*ent that he ha" tie"' I "i"n1t &ant hi* "oing an% *oe than he ha", a,ai"
he1" e$ea+ hi# ea+ a++iance#' I &a# the one &ho ca*e hee' I1" ,ini#he" &hat I *eant to "o' It &a#n1t hi#
,a!+t'
The "oo# #&!ng o)en, an" I &a# o!t#i"e, the #!n #tinging *% e%e#' The% )!#he" *e "o&n the c!$e"
"i$e&a%, )a#t the +ong o& o, nao& tee#' The )+at,o* &a# #ti++ thee, #et !) at the e"ge o, the oa"'
I #canne" the geat *a## o, )eo)+e a##e*-+e" in ,ont o, it, t%ing to #ee i, thee &a# an% &a% o!t' Thee
&a# a *eta+ -aica"e, nea+% ,o! ,eet high, that I1" ha$e to c+i*- -e,oe "i#a))eaing into the co&"'
The "i$e&a% c!$e" to&a" the #teet, a goo" t&ent% %a"# I1" ha$e to !n' E$en i, I &aite" !nti+ &e
&ee c+o#e, I1" +i(e+% -e #hot -e,oe I *a"e it o$e'
M% +eg# ,e+t +i(e the% *ight gi$e o!t -eneath *e' The #o+"ie# #)!e" *e on, one ho+"ing each o, *%
a*# #o I "i"n1t ,a++' It &a# ,oo+i#h, I (ne& #o*eho&, -!t I &a# #ti++ *a(ing +i#t#' A"en &o!+" ha$e to
-e to+" i, I "ie"' I1" &ant he to (no& ho& *!ch I o&e" he ,o &hat #he "i" ,o Pi) an" R!-%' Beatice
nee"e" to (no& that I1" ,ogi$en he -e,oe #he1" a#(e"' I ho)e" Mae$e, (no&ing &h% I1" co*e hee,
&o!+" a++o& Si+a# an" Benn% to #ta% in Ca+i,ia in"e,inite+%' I ho)e" i, thee &a# an% &a% to et!n to
Ca+e-, I co!+"'
Cha+e# ca*e "o&n the "i$e&a%, *% a!nt ight -ehin" hi*' He &a+(e" 4!ic(+%, ,o++o&ing !#, hi#
)e#ence *a(ing *e ,ee+ 5!#t a +itt+e +e## a+one' Thee &ee -+ac( #tain# on *%a!nt1# chee(#, a hea$%
&a#h o, *a(e!) an" tea#' I e*e*-ee" C+aa1# &o"# a# &e *a"e o! &a% noth, ho& concene"
Ro#e *!#t1$e -een, #ti++ not (no&ing &hee #he &a#' I t!ne" to the*, &aiting !nti+ *% a!nt +i,te" he
hea"'
.C+aa1# a+i$e/ &a# a++ I #ai"7t&o &o"#, +o!" eno!gh #o #he co!+" hea' I &ante" to te++ he *oe7
a-o!t Ca+i,ia, a-o!t ho& C+aa &o!+" et!n i, an" &hen #he co!+"' B!t the #o+"ie %an(e" *% a*,
t!ning *e -ac( to&a" the )+at,o*'
A# the% h!ie" *e to the )+at,o* #tai#, I g+ance" !), *% ga2e #ett+ing on the Cit%&atchto&e' The
+ight at the to) o, the nee"+e &a# -+in(ing e"7a #+o&, con#tant &aning' A ,e& )eo)+e in the co&" ha"
notice" it, too, #o*e caning thei nec(# to #ee i, thee &a# an%thing ha))ening a+ong the noth gate'
Thee &a# a +o&, #tea"% h!* o, $oice# in the "i#tance' U) a-o$e, a *an +eane" o!t the &in"o& o, hi#
a)at*ent, t%ing to "eci)he &hich "iection the noi#e &a# co*ing ,o*'
The #o+"ie# !#hee" *e !) the #tai#, #)!e" on -% the #hi,ting attention o, the co&"' So*ething &a#
ha))ening in the O!t+an"#, e$en i, it &a# i*)o##i-+e to (no& &hat' The% #)!n *e ao!n", an" I
i*agine" &hat C!ti# an" <o ha" ,e+t a# the% #too" hee, #taing o!t at the co&"' The )eo)+e ha" ,a++en
into a #tange #i+ence' I ecogni2e" a ,e& o, *% ,athe1# cic+e' A*e+"a Went&oth, &ho ha"
congat!+ate" *e on *% engage*ent 5!#t a ,e& *onth# -e,oe, &a# #tan"ing to&a" the ,ont, a thin
han"(echie, )e##e" to he ,ace' Do #o*ething, I tho!ght, &atching the* a++, igi", &aiting' Wh% &on1t
%o! "o #o*ething0
I )!#he" -ac( on the #o+"ie#, a&a% ,o* the coi+e" o)e, -!t the% "agge" *e ,o&a"' I #t!gg+e" to
#ta% #tan"ing, *% ,eet -ae+% to!ching the go!n"' I #a& the Lie!tenant o!t o, the cone o, *% e%e' He
&a# #taing o,, to the noth gate, at the -+ac( #*o(e that -i++o&e" into the oange #(%' An e3)+o#ion
&ent o,,, the +o!" )o))ing #o!n" +i(e a -ac(,iing ca'
.Let1# ,ini#h thi#,/ he #ai" to the othe t&o #o+"ie#' He "i"n1t +oo( at *e a# he #)o(e'
Thee &ee *oe e3)+o#ion#, an" #ho!ting ,i++e" the ai' I ea+i2e" then it co!+"n1t -e a iot in the
O!t+an"#7it &a# too +o!"' The co&" #tate" a&a% ,o* the #cene, #catteing "o&n the *ain oa", -ac(
to&a" thei a)at*ent#' A ,e& -egan !nning, -ea(ing tho!gh tothe #o!th en" o, the oa", #)inting
,a ahea"' The Lie!tenant )!#he" *e ,o&a", t%ing to get *e !) on the thee9,oot &oo"en -o3' I
e#i#te" hi*, +etting *% &eight ,a++, *% +eg# co++a)#ing, t%ing to *a(e *%#e+, a# hea$% a# )o##i-+e'
.He+) *e,/ he %e++e", +oo(ing to the othe #o+"ie#' The% ha" -ac(e" a&a%, thei e%e# on the #*o(e
co*ing !) ,o* the nothen e"ge o, the &a++' Anothe e3)+o#ion &a# hea", an" thee &a# a geat,
co++ecti$e %e++' Then the +ight on the to) o, the &atchto&e change" ,o* -+in(ing to #o+i" e", #igna+ing
that the )ei*ete o, the &a++ ha" -een co*)o*i#e"'
.The co+onie# ae hee,/ a %o!nge *an ca++e" o!t a# he an #o!th on the oa"' The co&" #hi,te"
#!""en+%, (noc(ing o$e the *eta+ -aica"e in ,ont o, the )+at,o*, #en"ing )eo)+e #t!*-+ing onto
the #i"e&a+(' A go!) o, &o*en an to&a" the Pa+ace *a++, ho)ing to get in#i"e' I )!#he" -ac( a# ha"
a# I co!+", the -a#e o, *% hea" *eeting the Lie!tenant1# no#e' I t!ne" an" (ic(e" hi*, ha", -et&een
hi# +eg#' He ,+inche" in )ain an" #t!*-+e" -ac(&a"' A# #oon a# he e+ea#e" *e, I #tate" "o&n the
)+at,o* an" into the "en#e co&"' I +o#t #ight o, hi* on+% a ,e& ,eet a&a%, hi# ,ace a))eaing then
"i#a))eaing a# *oe )eo)+e an )a#t'
I "ate" aco## the *ain oa", (ee)ing *% hea" "o&n, &ea$ing tho!gh )eo)+e a# the% #cattee" ,o*
the )+at,o*' M% han"# &ee n!*-, *% &i#t# #ti++ +a#he" togethe at the -a#e o, *% #)ine' A *an in a
tattee" -+ac( 5ac(et (noc(e" into *e, 4!ic(+% egi#teing &ho I &a#, then contin!e" on' E$e%one &a#
too concene" &ith getting in#i"e' The ,i#t#ign# o, the a*% co!+" -e #een ,o* the noth en" o, the
oa", a &a++ o, #o+"ie# in ,a"e", *!"9#oa(e" c+othe#' The e-e+# &oe )iece# o, ,a-ic tie" ao!n" thei
-ice)#, the #ca)# o, e" $i#i-+e in the "i#tance'
I "i#a))eae" tho!gh the >enetian ga"en#, &in"ing "o&n the a++e%&a%# I1" +eane" &hen Ca+e- an" I
ha" -een togethe' With *% han"# tie" it &a# ha"e to !n, *% &i#t# tho--ing ,o* &hee the
e#taint# "!g into *% #(in' I *o$e" 4!ic(+%, #tating a+ong the -ac( o, the -!i+"ing, )a#t the &i"e,
ce!+ean cana+#, the #(% "a(ening aco## thei g+a##% #!,ace' Peo)+e an )a#t the -o+te" #ho)#,
&ea$ing !n"e the ach&a%# an" tho!gh the o!t"oo coi"o# to #ta% hi""en' Othe# #)inte" into the
entance to the a)at*ent co*)+e3, +oc(ing the "oo# -ehin" the*' I t!ne" -ac(, #canning the ache"
-i"ge# an" o)en )atio, the &o!ght9ion chai# #cattee" aco## the -ic(#' I1" +o#t the
Lie!tenant#o*e&hee a+ong the &a%, -!t a #o+"ie &a# no& co*ing to&a" *e, hi# e%e# ,i3e" on *e a#
he "e& hi# (ni,e'
I "ate" "o&n one o, the o)en coi"o#, the #tone )i++a# ,+%ing )a#t a# I an' I ,ina++% eache" a #i"e
entance o, the >enetian, -!t it &a# +oc(e", a chain +oo)e" tho!gh the in#i"e han"+e#' A# I too( o,,
ao!n" the )ei*ete o, the -!i+"ing, I tie" the ne3t #et o, "oo#, then the ne3t' The #o+"ie -o(e into
a #)int, hi# )ace o$eta(ing *ine a# I #t!gg+e", t%ing to ,in" an entance' Within #econ"# he ha"
ca!ght !)'
.Pince##,/ he #ai", hi# (ni,e o!t' He ga--e" *% a* an" )!++e" *e ao!n", nic(ing the e#taint#
&ith the -+a"e' .Thee' I tho!ght %o! co!+" !#e he+)'/
The -+oo" &ent -ac( into *% han"#, the co+", ting+ing ,ee+ing #tat+ing *e a&a(e' I #4!ee2e" *% ,i#t#
#h!t, t%ing to get the &a*th -ac( into *% ,inge#' He &a# on+% a %ea o t&o o+"e than *e, &ith
-!22e" oange hai an" a #*atteing o, ,ec(+e# aco## hi# no#e' I $ag!e+% ecogni2e" hi* a# one o, the
#o+"ie# &ho1" -een #tatione" in the Pa+acecon#e$ato%' Hi# ga% e%e# #eache" *% ,ace, *% a*#, then
"i,te" "o&n to *% #to*ach' I ea+i2e" then7he1" (no&n I &a# )egnant'
He g+ance" o$e hi# #ho!+"e, &atching the e*nant# o, the co&" co*ing ,o* the *ain oa"' Anothe
#o+"ie a))eae" aco## the cana+#, at the e"ge o, the -i"ge, an" *% e#c!e #tate" o,, again, !nning
ea#t, a&a% ,o* *e' He no""e" -e,oe t!ning -ehin" the o+" hote+'
I #)inte" to&a" the O!t+an"#, *o$ing )a#t the *onoai+, &hich &a# ,o2en o$ehea"' In the "i#tance,
-e%on" the e*aining hote+#, the +an" o)ene" !) to "%, ga% )atche# o, #an"' I an )a#t a )a(ing +ot' A
,e& -o"ie# +a% thee, the -+oo" congea+e" on the )a$e*ent in hoi-+e, -+oo*ing )!""+e#' I t!ne"
a&a%, t%ing to (ee) *% e%e# on a thee9#to% &aeho!#e ahea" o, *e' A go!) o, eight o #o )eo)+e
,!nne+e" in#i"e' A &o*an in a i))e" coat &a# the +a#t one in, an" #he t!ne", )!++ing the "oo #h!t
-ehin" he'
.Wait?/ I %e++e", g+ancing -ac( to the *ain oa"' The #o!n" o, g!n,ie &a# co*ing c+o#e' .One *oe,/ I
#ai" 4!ic(+%, #tating in#i"e'
.Not he,/ a *an &ith "i#he$e+e" -+ac( hai ca++e" o!t ,o* 5!#t -e%on" the "oo&a%' .We1++ -e tie" ,o
#i"ing &ith the e-e+#'/
The &o*an1# ,ace &a# thin an" )a+e, the #(in on he nec( +oo#e &ith age' .On+% i, the e-e+# +o#e,/ #he
#ai", t!ning -ac( to hi*' .She1# )egnant' We can1t +et he #ta% o!t hee'/
Thee &a# ag!ing in#i"e' I g+ance" -ehin" *e, &atching a# the #o+"ie# ,o* the co+onie# #)ea" o!t,
#tating tho!gh the #teet#' T&o "ate" noth, t!ning -e,oe the% #a& !# ho$eing at the "oo'
.P+ea#e,/ I )+ea"e"'
The &o*an "i"n1t -othe a#(ing the othe# again' In#tea" #he )!++e" *e )a#t he, into the "a(
&aeho!#e, an" +oc(e" the "oo -ehin" !#'
THIRTY-ONE
THE SUN SLIPPED AWAY' THE SKY TURNED A DEEP PURPLE, THE #ta# "!#te" o$e the giant
"o*e, "i#a))eaing -ehin" the #*o(e that -i++o&e" !) ,o* the &a++' Thee &ee tho!#an"# o, #o+"ie#'
The t!c(# an" <ee)# &ee #cattee" to the &e#t, 5!#t o!t#i"e the Cit%' I co!+"n1t *a(e the* o!t in
"etai+, -!t e-e+# #ti++ c+i*-e" ,o* thei co$ee" -e"#, *o$ing to&a" the -o(en Cit% gate, thei
-o"ie# -ae+% $i#i-+e in the go&ing "a('
I gi))e" the oo, +e"ge, an" a ,e& &o*en co&"e" in -ehin" *e, +oo(ing o$e the O!t+an"#' The a*%
,o* the co+onie# &a# #ti++ co$eing teito%, -anching o,, onto the #i"e #teet#, -anging on "oo# o,
"i+a)i"ate" a)at*ent co*)+e3e#' The% &o(e" thei &a% tho!gh the ga*ent ,actoie# an" ao!n" the
co) ,ie+"# to the &e#t' Thee &ee tho!#an"# o, the*, #o*e )!++ing tho!gh in e#toe" $ehic+e# #i*i+a
to the go$en*ent <ee)#, othe# on ,oot' The% a++ ha" a )iece o, e" ,a-ic &a))e" ao!n" the a*,
#o*e ca%ing g!n#, othe# (ni$e#'
We1" -een on the oo,to) t&o ho!#, )o##i-+% *oe' Ti*e )a##e" 4!ic(+% a# the e-e+# ca*e #o!th,
a))eaing +e## than ha+, a *i+e a&a%' I #a& t&o Ne& A*eican #o+"ie# on one o, the oa"# -e+o&' The%
(ne+t "o&n, thei g!n# in the "it in ,ont o, the*, thei han"# ai#e" in #!en"e' When a e-e+
a))oache", he +a#he" thei &i#t# togethe, +ining the* !) again#t the &a++'
.We &ee #!))o#e" to o!tn!*-e the*,/ a &o*an -ehin" *e *!ttee"' She &a# a hea" ta++e than the
e#t o, !#, he ,inge# )e##e" to he chee(' .The% #ai" the co+onie# "i"n1t ha$e the e#o!ce# to each
!#'/
.It &a# a +ie'/ I -ae+% t!ne" a# I a""e##e" he' M% e%e# &ee ,i3e" on the go&ing n!*-e o, e-e+#
that a))eae" in the #teet#, *o$ing !n"e the *onoai+, c+o#e to&a" !#' Whene$e I1" hea" *%
,athe #)ea( o, the co+onie#, it &a# to te++ )eo)+e ho& +!c(% &e &ee, hee in#i"e the Cit%, &hat +!3!ie#
&e ha" co*)ae" to tho#e &ho1" a##e*-+e" in the ea#t' He1" "e#ci-e" the t&o +age#t co+onie# in Te3a#
an" Penn#%+$ania a# -eing )i*iti$e, &ith no e+ecticit% o!nning &ate' He1" #ai" thee &ee #ti++
*!"e# thee, ,ighting o$e the +i*ite" e#o!ce# the% ha"' He1" #)o(en o, con4!eing the*, o, &a++ing
o,, the co**!nitie# in the co*ing %ea#' I ha"n1t tho!ght that the#e othe#, #o ,a o,,, co!+" -e #tonge
in n!*-e# than !#, that the% &ee act!a++% *oe )o&e,!+, &ith *oe #!))+ie# a*a##e" -et&een the*'
A# the% neae", I #canne" thei ,ace#, +oo(ing ,o the -o%# ,o* the "!go!t, #ti++ -e+ie$ingthe% *ight
-e in#i"e the Cit%' Each ,ace &a# co*)+ete+% !n,a*i+ia to *e' Man% &ee ca(e" in *!" an" "it, thei
-oot# i))e" o)en' Othe# a))eae" thin an" hagga"' One &o*an ha" he &i#t &a))e" in o)e, the
-one )e##ing again#t a ,+at #ti) o, &oo"'
.It1# ,ina++% o$e,/ the o+"e &o*an -e#i"e *e #ai"' Fo* he &hite #hit an" -+ac( )ant# I co!+" te++
#he1" &o(e" at one o, the #ho)# in the Pa+ace *a++' .Thi# i# the en"'/ She #*i+e", nea+% +a!ghing a# the
#o+"ie# ca*e c+o#e, thei g!n# "a&n a# the% a))oache" the &aeho!#e'
T&o +oo(e" !) at !#, ai*ing at the to) +e"ge' .One o, %o! i# going to +et !# in,/ the *an %e++e"' .The e#t
(ee) %o! han"# ai#e"' Stan" a+ong the e"ge o, the oo,, &hee %o!1e in #ight'/
A thin *an &ith g+a##e# $o+!nteee", "i#a))eaing -ehin" !#, into the "e)th# o, the &aeho!#e' He
et!ne" *in!te# +ate, -inging t&o #o+"ie# &ith hi*' The &o*an ha" ha", chi#e+e" ,eat!e#' He
chee( &a# #*eae" &ith "ie" -+oo"' She (e)t he g!n ai*e" at !# a# #he #)o(e' .We1e going to a#(
thi# once,/ #he #ai"' .I# an%one hee a##ociate" &ith the egi*e0/
We #too" in a +ine, o! han"# in the ai, an" I tie" to #+o& *% -eathing to (ee) *% ,inge# ,o*
#ha(ing' A ,e& #econ"# )a##e"' The &o*an ne3t to *e &a# &atching, &aiting to #ee i, I &o!+" #)ea(' I
c+o#e" *% e%e#' I &a# the King1# "a!ghte, that ,act ine#ca)a-+e'
No one #)o(e' The &in" &hi))e" o$e the oo,, -inging &ate to *% e%e#' I co!nte" the #econ"#,
gate,!+ &hen each one )a##e"' The othe #o+"ie, &ho &a# #hote, hi# )ant# ton at the (nee#, &a+(e"
in ,ont o, !#' He in#)ecte" o! ,ace#, o! c+othe#, )a!#ing ,o a *o*ent -% the &o*an in the Pa+ace
!ni,o*' .Di" %o! &o(7/
.Wait,/ #o*eone #ai" at the en" o, the +ine' A *an in a tattee" ga% 5ac(et &a# #taing at *e' Hi# ,inge
#hoo( a# he )ointe" in *% "iection' .She1# the King1# "a!ghte' The% o"ee" he e3ec!tion in the Cit%
to"a%'/
.Fo the atte*)te" *!"e o, he ,athe,/ the &o*an -e#i"e *e a""e"' She t!ne" ao!n", ,acing the
#o+"ie#' .Yo! can1t )!ni#h he' She1# acte" &ith the e-e+#, not again#t the*'/
The #o+"ie# "i"n1t #)ea(' The #hot, #toc(% #o+"ie &ith ga% hai )!++e" *e ,o* the +ine' He ga--e"
o)e ,o* hi# -e+t an" -egan t%ing *% han"#, &hi+e the othe #o+"ie +e$e+e" hi# g!n at *% che#t' Thei
,ace# &ee ca+*, -eta%ing nothing'
.An%one e+#e0/ the ,e*a+e #o+"ie a#(e"' She #)o(e #+o&+%, an" I notice" then that he +i) &a# c!t, the
,+e#h #&o++en at the cone o, he *o!th' .I# an%one e+#e ,o* the Pa+ace0/
.She #ho!+"n1t -e )!ni#he",/ the &o*an e)eate"' She +o&ee" he han"#, #te))ing o!t o, the +ine'
.P+ea#e7+et he -e' She1# )egnant'/
The *an &ith ga% hai )!++e" *e ,o&a", *% han"# tie"' .That1# not %o! "eci#ion'/ He +e" *e to&a"
the oo,1# e3it, the ,e*a+e #o+"ie ,o++o&ing !#' The e#t o, the citi2en# 5!#t #too" thee, &atching, thei
han"# #ti++ ai#e" a# the #o+"ie# )!++e" *e "o&n the #tai#'
A# #oon a# &e &ee a+one, the &o"# #)i++e" ,o* *% +i)#' I tie" not to #o!n" "e#)eate a# the% )!++e"
*e ,o&a", the *eta+ #te)# )a##ing 4!ic(+% -eneath *% ,eet' .I &a# &o(ing &ith Mo##'/ I co!+" -ae+%
*a(e o!t thei ,ace# in the "a(' .He &a# in a )o#ition in#i"e the Pa+ace, an" I &a# &o(ing &ith hi* in
an a##a##ination )+ot again#t the King'/
The #toc(% #o+"ie t&i#te" the o)e ao!n" hi# han" again, not +oo(ing at *e a# I #)o(e' We &ent
tho!gh the ce*ent &aeho!#e, it# "an(, #ha"o&% in#i"e# ,i++e" &ith ha+,9-!i+t ,!nit!e7"e##e#,
ta-+e#, an" chai#' The i,+e &a# )e##e" into the #*a++ o, *% -ac( a# &e #te))e" o!t onto the oa"' .I1$e
ne$e hea" o, a Mo##,/ the ,e*a+e #o+"ie #ai"'
.Regina+",/ I #ai"' .He &ent -% Regina+" in#i"e the Cit%' He &o(e" a# *% ,athe1# Hea" o, Pe##'/
A ,ie -!ne" !) ahea", ca#ting a #tange g+o& on the -!i+"ing#' The #toc(% #o+"ie )!++e" *e a+ong, the
o)e -!ning *% &i#t#' .Yo! a"*it he1# %o! ,athe,/ he #ai"'
The &o*an #hoo( he hea"' He hai &a# o++e" into thin "ea"+oc(#, the en"# o, the* ca(e" &ith "it'
.I &a# )at o, the Tai+,/ I a""e"' .A#( the &o*en in Ca+i,ia7contact Mae$e' She (no&#'/
We 5!#t (e)t *o$ing, thei ,ace# !n,ee+ing a# &e &a+(e" )a#t o&# o, citi2en#' So*e &ee h!""+e"
o!t#i"e a)at*ent co*)+e3e#, -eing 4!e#tione" -% the e-e+#' A &ho+e +ine o, Ne& A*eican #o+"ie#
#too" in the )a(ing +ot o, an a-an"one" #!)e*a(et, thei han"# o)e" -ehin" thei -ac(#, thei
&ea)on# in a )i+e' I tie" to )!#h a&a% the 4!iet, )e#i#tent ,ea that ha" ta(en ho+" o, *e' Ho& co!+" it
en" hee, +i(e thi#0
.I (i++e" hi*' It &a#n1t an atte*)t' Yo!1++ (no& #oon eno!gh' He1# "ea"'/
The% "i"n1t e#)on"' We &ee co*ing !) to the *ain oa"' A )ac( o, e-e+# #too" -% the Miage
a)at*ent#, it# g+a## ,ont "a(' The% +i#tene" to a &o*an #ho!ting o"e#' She )ointe" the* in
"i,,eent "iection#, ge#t!ing &ith he han"#'
.We nee" *oe in the #o!th en" o, the Cit%,/ #he #ai"' He -ac( &a# to *e, he #hot -+ac(hai tang+e"
at the na)e o, he nec('
I (ne& he -e,oe #he t!ne", e$ea+ing the #a*e )o,i+e I1" #een a h!n"e" ti*e# -e,oe' I #*i+e",
"e#)ite the o)e -in"ing *% han"#, "e#)ite the #o!n" o, g!n,ie o,, in the noth, nea the &a++'
.Yo!1e a+i$e,/ I ca++e" o!t' .Yo!1e the e-e+ +ea"e0/
A"en t!ne"' He -+ac( hai ha" go&n o!t, ,a*ing he ,ace in a #hot -o-' In he *!"9ca(e" c+othe#,
the e" -an" tie" tight+% ao!n" he -ice), #he +oo(e" +i(e e$e% othe #o+"ie' A i,+e &a# #+!ng aco##
he -ac(' She he+" !) one han", an" the #o+"ie# ao!n" he ,e++ into a #+o& #i+ence, )a!#ing, &aiting ,o
he to a""e## the* again' Then #he ca*e to *e, en$e+o)ing *e in a h!g'
The &eight o, it a++ +i,te", *% -o"% gi$ing in to he#' I -!ie" *% ,ace in he nec(, +etting *%#e+, c% ,o
the ,i#t ti*e in "a%#, the #&e++ o, it #o inten#e I ,e+t +i(e #o*eone &a# cho(ing *e' We #ta%e" +i(e that,
+oc(e" in a tight e*-ace, a# i, &e &ee the +a#t t&o )eo)+e on Eath'
THIRTY-TWO
.THEY SAW THE FIRST SI:NS OF THE TRUCKS,/ ARDEN SAID' .IT &on1t -e *oe than an ho!
!nti+ the gi+# ,o* the Schoo+# each the Cit%'/ She #te))e" o!t o, he #hoe#, c!+ing he ,eet
!n"eneath he at #he #at on the e"ge o, *% -e"' She &oe a -+ac( (nit #&eate an" -!g!n"% #(it7he
hai -!#he" a&a% ,o* he ,ace' A,te #o *an% *onth# togethe in the &i+", o, #eeing he in #ti,,, "it9
ca(e" c+othe#, #he #ee*e" ,oeign to *e' She +oo(e" #o at ea#e in#i"e the Cit%, con,i"ent e$en in the &a%
#he #at7+eg# ,o+"e" to one #i"e, he ,inge# (nea"ing a *!#c+e in he nec('
.I1++ go &ith %o! to geet the*,/ I #ai"' .The &o(e# in the a"o)tion cente# ha$e -een )!t on ca++ to
he+)' The%1$e -o!ght the #!))+ie# to the +o&e ,+oo# o, the Man"a+a% a)at*ent#' Ho)e,!++% in a ,e&
&ee(#, &hen thing# #ta-i+i2e, the gi+# can -egin $ent!ing into the Cit%'/
.Ho)e,!++%,/ A"en e)eate"' She *et *% ga2e ,o a *o*ent -e,oe +oo(ing a&a%' She "i"n1t nee" to
e3)+ain &hat #he *eant' It ha" -een thee &ee(# #ince the co+onie# too( o$e, an" the Cit% &a# #ti++ in
tan#ition' I &on"ee" ho& +ong it &o!+" +a#t, the #!""en #&e++# that o#e !) on the *ain #ti)' A
,action o, Ne& A*eican #o+"ie# e#ente" the e-e+# ,o ta(ing conto+ o, the a*% an" +oo#ening
#ec!it% at the &a++' The Lie!tenant ha" ,+e" in the ho!# ,o++o&ing the in$a#ion, a-an"oning the *en'
When I i*agine" +i,e inthe Cit% &itho!t *% ,athe, &ith the e-e+# #ec!ing the Pa+ace, I ha"n1t ea+i2e"
I1" #ti++ -e in "ange' E$en no&, tho!gh A"en an" I ha" -een hi""en in the Co#*o)o+itan to&e #e$ea+
-+oc(# a&a%, #o+"ie# e#cote" *e &hee$e I &ent' The% &ee #tatione" o!t#i"e o! "oo# at night, in
antici)ation o, an a##a##ination atte*)t'
.The e+ection# can1t co*e #oon eno!gh,/ I #ai"' .Once the go$en*ent ,o*a++% tan#ition#, once thee1#
one +ea"e7/
.Pe#i"ent,/ A"en #)eci,ie", nea+% #*i+ing a# #he #ai" it' .The ,i#t )e#i"ent in nea+% #e$enteen
%ea#'/
.Ma%-e %o!,/ I #ai"' A"en #too", -ae+% ac(no&+e"ging the co**ent' Se$ea+ +ea"e# ,o* the
ea#t ha" "eci"e" it &a# -e#t to co*-ine the e#o!ce# o, the citie# no&, e#ta-+i#hing the* a# thee
#e)aate #ett+e*ent# !n"e !ni,ie" !+e' A co!)+e &ho1" +e" the nothen*o#t co+on% &ee #ai" to -e !)
,o e+ection, -!t thee &ee *!*!# that A"en &o!+" -e con#i"ee" a# &e++' She &a# one o, thee
e-e+# ,o* the &e#t &ho1" in#)ie" the co+onie# to co*e ,o&a", in the &a(e o, the ,ai+e" #iege' When
I tho!ght o, A"en +ea$ing the -o%# an" in#tea" ta(ing a ho#e ea#t, I &a# cetain #he "e#e$e" a
)e*anent )+ace in the Pa+ace Atho!gh that te*7.Pa+ace/7&a# -eing !#e" +e## an" +e## the#e "a%#B'
.Thee &i++ -e a )+ace ,o %o! a# &e++,/ A"en #ai"' .An" Cha+e#' He1# -een in$a+!a-+e in acce##ing %o!
,athe1# ,i+e# in#i"e the Cit%' The e-e+# #ai" none o, the othe# &o!+" he+) &ith the tan#ition'/
In the "a%# a,te the e-e+# e#ta-+i#he" conto+, I1" -een "e)o#e", gi$ing a +ong acco!nt o, the e$ent#
+ea"ing !) to *% ,athe1# "eath, inc+!"ing the "a%# I1" #)ent in the &i+"' I1" gi$en a "etai+e" acco!nt o,
Mo##1# "eath, tho!gh hi# -o"% #ti++ ha" not -een eco$ee"' The% #!#)ecte" he1" -een -!ie" in one o,
the *a## ga$e# nea the #o!th en" o, the &a++' An e3act n!*-e ha" ne$e -een con,i*e", -!t the%
-e+ie$e" #e$ea+ tho!#an" "ie" in the initia+ #iege an" the $io+ence that ,o++o&e"'
A# A"en #tate" to&a" the "oo, I #too", the #!""en *o$e*ent ooting *e in )+ace' I e#te" *% han"
on *% #to*ach, &hich &a# #o #&o++en no& I co!+" no +onge hi"e it -eneath *% #hit'
.What i# it0/ A"en a#(e", ta(ing a ,e& #te)# to&a" *e, 4!ic(+% c+o#ing the ga) -et&een !#'
I )e##e" *% )a+* to the #)ot &hee I1" ,e+t it, &aiting ,o the #&i,t, #!""en *o$e*ent to co*e again'
I1" notice" a #tange, ,+!tteing ,ee+ing -e,oe, -!t it ha" )a##e" 4!ic(+%'
.I thin( I ,e+t he'/ It &a# a #!-t+e ten#ing, a+*o#t +i(e a *!#c+e #)a#*, #o 4!ic( I &on"ee" i, I
i*agine" it'
A"en #too" -e#i"e *e, ,o2en, he han"# o!t#tetche" -!t not ta(ing *% o&n' She #ee*e" !ncetain a#
#he #t!"ie" *e' I (e)t *% ,inge# ight -e+o& *% -e++% -!tton, an" the ten#ing ca*e again' I #tate"
+a!ghing, the #tangene## o, it #tat+ing *e'
.E$e,/ A"en #ai", thi# ti*e ,o+"ing *% han" in he#' I co!+" #ee it in he ,ace, ,ee+ it in the &a% he
,inge# #4!ee2e" *ine' Since I1" to+" he &hat ha))ene" to Pi) #he1" go&n *oe concene", &atching
*e c+o#e+% in the &ee(# ,o++o&ing he ai$a+' .Ae %o! a++ ight0/
I +oo(e" ao!n" the oo*, #eeing it a# i, ,o the ,i#t ti*e' The -e" that &a# on+% *ine, Ca+e-1# T9#hit
)e##e" -eneath the )i++o&' The "oo that ha" no (e%)a" -e#i"e it, no co"e o +oc( to (ee) *e in#i"e'
E$en the Cit% +oo(e" "i,,eent no&, the #(% o!t#i"e the )+ate9g+a## &in"o& a c+ea, !na"!+teate" -+!e'
.I1* ,ine,/ I #ai", +etting *% han" #+i) ,o* *% #to*ach, ,ee+ing a# i, that &a# gen!ine+% t!e' .We -oth
ae'/
MORE :IRLS FILED OFF THE TRUCKS, A LON: LINE OF THEM, c+!tching thei )ac(# to thei
che#t#, #o*e ho+"ing han"#' It &a# the #econ" &a$e o, e,!gee# ,o* the Schoo+#, co*ing nea+% t&e+$e
ho!# a,te the ,i#t'
.Sing+e ,i+e,/ one o, the $o+!ntee# ca++e" o!t' She #too" in the ,ont entance o, the Man"a+a%
a)at*ent#, "iecting the gi+# in#i"e' I &an"ee" tho!gh the e*)t% +o--%, ha+, in a "a2e' It &a# nea+%
one in the *oning, an" I ha"n1t #+e)t #ince the night -e,oe'
.Which one i# thi#0/ a $o+!ntee a#(e", #tating to&a" *e' I ecogni2e" he a# one o, the &o(e# ,o*
the a"o)tion cente#' He #hot -+!e 5!*)e ga$e he a&a%'
.A Schoo+ in nothen Ca+i,onia,/ I #ai"' .Thit%9thee'/ She &atche" *e, e3)ecting *e to go on, -!t *%
tho!ght# ha" a+ea"% "i,te" -ac( to C+aa an" Beatice' I1" -een &aiting ,o the*, ha+, ho)ing the%1" -e
a*ong thi# go!)' Ca+i,ia ha" #ent &o" that #e$ea+ &o*en &ee et!ning to the Cit% once the%
eache" one o, the +i-eate" Schoo+#' T!c(# ha" -een "i#)atche" to co++ect the*, a+ong &ith Benn% an"
Si+a#' The% ha" to -e a ,e& ho!# a&a%, no *oe'
I t!ne" to go, -!t the &o*an #ti++ #too" thee, #t!"%ing *e' .I1* #o%,/ I #ai"' .I1* a -it "i#tacte"'/
.Ween1t %o! #a%ing %o! &ee +oo(ing ,o -o%# ,o* the La(e Tahoe aea0/ #he a#(e", he ,ace
#o,tening' .I hea" that the% 5!#t -o!ght ne& #!$i$o# in' The%1$e a++ -een #et !) in the M:M'/
I #canne" the +o--%, t%ing to oient *%#e+, a*i" the chao#' It ha" -een a##!*e" the -o%# ,o* the
"!go!t ha"n1t *a"e it tho!gh the initia+ #iege' None o, the "octo# ha" e)ote" #!$i$o# ,o* that
aea, an" A"en ha" chec(e" a*ong the in5!e"' Sti++, I #tate" to&a" the e3it, &anting to at +ea#t
(no& ,o *%#e+,'
T&o #o+"ie# tai+e" -ehin" *e, &hi#)eing #o*ething I co!+"n1t hea' I #te))e" o!t into the night'
With the #*o(e gone, the #ta# &ee -ighte than the%1" -een in &ee(#' I ha" tho!ght o, the*7Ke$in,
Aaon, Michae+, an" Lei,7&on"ee" a-o!t the* e$e% ti*e the t!c(# *o$e" tho!gh, e*o$ing the
e*aining -o"ie# ,o* the #teet' Ho& +ong ha" the% -een in#i"e the Cit%0 Ho& +ong ha" the% ,o!ght0
A"en ha" +e,t the* *oe than a *onth -e,oe, ,i,t% *i+e# noth, &hen the%1" contin!e" on to the Cit%
gate#'
The #o+"ie# ca!ght !) to *e, -+oc(ing *e in on -oth #i"e#, thei han"# on thei g!n#' When I entee"
the ,ont oo*# o, the M:M, the ai &a# hea$% &ith the #cent o, -+oo"; it ha" -een #et !) a# a *a(e#hi,t
ho#)ita+' The +o--% &a# no& co$ee" &ith cot# an" *atte##e#7an%thing the% co!+" ,in" to +a% the
in5!e" on' I *o$e" tho!gh the o&#, #canning each cot, +oo(ing ,o ,a*i+ia ,ace#'
One *an1# chee( &a# -an"age" an" -+oo"%, )at o, hi# ea "etache" ,o* hi# hea"' Anothe1# a* &a#
-+o&n o,,, *o#t +i(e+% ,o* a gena"e that "etonate" in hi# han"' E$e%&hee I +oo(e" )eo)+e &ee
#!,,eing, #o*e a# %o!ng a# ,o!teen' I *o$e" ,!the "o&n, a# 4!ic(+% an" *etho"ica++% a# )o##i-+e,
-!t none o, the -o%# &ee hee'
.Yo! a++ ight, *i##0/ one o, the g!a"# a#(e"' .Yo! +oo( +o#t'/
.I1* +oo(ing ,o #!$i$o# ,o* the noth' Me*-e# o, a e-e+ go!) ,o* La(e Tahoe'/
The g!a" #canne" the cot#' .I1$e on+% hea" o, one,/ he #ai"'
Aco## the +o--%, a "octo ho$ee" a-o$e a *an &ith thic(, &hite -an"age# #ea+e" o$e hi# ight e%e'
The g!a" )ointe" to hi*, a# i, he &ee the one to a#(' The "octo &a# in hi# ,i,tie#, hi# hai a *i3 o,
ga% an" &hite' He &oe a )+ain &hite #hit an" -+ac( #+ac(#'
A# I a))oache" hi* he co++ecte" a ,e& )a)e# ,o* -eneath the cot, #ci--+ing #o*ething in the
*agin#' .The% #ai" %o! co!+" he+) *e7I1* +oo(ing ,o #!$i$o# ,o* the e-e+ go!) nea La(e
Tahoe'/
The "octo no""e", &ea$ing tho!gh the -e"#, not -otheing to te++ *e to ,o++o& hi*' .I1$e ha" thi#
%o!ng *an in *% cae ,o #o*e ti*e no&' I &a# o"ee" -% the King1# a"*ini#tation not to teat hi*'
To +ea$e hi* to "ie' B!t he1# #!$i$e", an" I1$e #een hi* tho!gh the +a#t *onth#' He ha#n1t egaine"
the !#e o, hi# +eg#, -!t he1# in one o, the oo*#'/
.What i# hi# na*e0/ I a#(e", ho)ing that i, &e co!+" i"enti,% Aaon, o Ke$in, &e *ight -e a-+e to ,in"
the othe#'
.Ca+e- Yo!ng'/
.Whee0/ I a#(e", ta(ing o,, to&a" the coi"o, not &aiting ,o hi* to ,o++o&'
.The oo* at the en" o, the ha++' He1# &ith thee othe#'/ He g+ance" #i"e&a%# at one o, the g!a"#'
.Who i# #he0/ he a#(e"'
I "i"n1t +oo( -ac(' I on+% +oo(e" ,o&a", ahea", one han" on the #o,t *o!n" o, *% #to*ach a# I ca++e"
o!t to the* -oth'
.I1* hi# &i,e'/
THE END