| that conveyed anything but remorse. “Why does it have to be considered work? Why can’t we talk as friends?” “Because we’re not friends yet, Jeri. We are acquaintances who met for the first time about a month ago. We may become friends one day, once the work that brought us together is finished, but we’re not there yet.” “I see.” “The word ‘friend’ gets tossed around loosely, don’t you think?” “I suppose.” “And whatever the reason for this call, it’s not about friendship. It’s probably on the business side.” “It is, Lacy. And I’m sorry to bother you.” “It’s Saturday morning, Jeri, and I was sleeping.” “Got it. Look, I’ll hang up now, but first let me say what I want. Okay?” “Sure.” “There is a good chance that Bannick knows about the complaint and knows that you’re digging through his past. I can’t prove this, but I have come to believe that he has some type of superpower, extrasensory, something. I don’t know. But he is extremely bright and diligent, and well, I guess I might be a bit paranoid. I’ve been living with him for so long I just assume that he’s everywhere. Be careful, Lacy. If he knows you’re on his trail he might do anything.” “I’ve thought about that, Jeri.” “Okay. Goodbye.” She was gone, and Lacy immediately felt lousy for being so abrupt. The poor woman was a wreck and had been for many years, and Lacy should have been more patient. But it was |
her hands and arms ached from being twisted like a pretzel. Her ankles too were stuck together. She was lying on a quilt. She could feel what seemed to be leather behind her, like a sofa. The air was warm, even smoky. She was alive, at least for now. As her head slowly cleared and she put together two thoughts, she became aware of the soft popping noises of a fire. A man coughed, not far away. She dared not move. But her shoulders were screaming and she couldn’t help but squirm. “It’s probably time for you to come around,” he said. The voice was familiar. She jerked and struggled and managed to sit up. “My arms are killing me,” she said. “Who are you?” “I think you know.” The sudden movement made her nauseous and she was afraid she would vomit. “I’m sick,” she mumbled as acid filled her mouth. “Lean forward and puke all you want.” She swallowed hard and quick and choked it back. The heavy breathing made her sweat. “I need some air, please. I’m suffocating.” “That’s one of my favorite words.” He stepped over, leaned down to her face, and yanked off the hood. Jeri gawked at the pale mask with the pockmarks and scars, and screamed. Then she gagged and retched and vomited on the floor. When she finished, he gently reached behind her and unlocked the handcuffs. She pulled her hands free and shook her arms as if to get the blood moving |
