Associate Bradbury looks at Casey with a look I read as incredulous, “I can’t quite believe what you’re saying – not least because she’s your friend,” she says this with an angry, disparaging tone in her voice. She paces round the basement, then shoots more words at Casey, “You know, Dr Shaheed rates her as the most intelligent, insightful and loyal Responsive The Association has ever had, ‘an absolute asset’ to us all was how she described her to me.” Her pacing quickens; it is like she is using her steps to contain her anger, to stop her from lashing out, “And you’re saying THIS about her – how dare you have such little respect for Responsive Jess!”
Casey is sad, I read big burden on her face. When she speaks, her words are soft and unsure, “Then why did she phone me during assembly to tell me Dr Shaheed had been murdered; that info was even put out on The Association app, it freaked Toby out? And it nearly got us into big trouble with The officer,” says Casey, with questions crossing her face.
“HUMAN ERROR! Grade one Responsives aren’t infallible, they feel things without necessarily having all the facts,” shouts Associate Bradbury.
I read pain on Casey’s face, “I feel like such a bitch.”
“Yes, feel it Casey,” spits Associate Bradbury.
“Hey, don’t be so nasty, I only had a thought, an opinion, don’t shoot me for it.”
Associate Bradbury softens, “Lets draw a line under your theory Casey. I do agree that we need Toby down here. I suggest you and Kirk seek him out upstairs – I’ll look for Jenna. How does that sound?”
Casey shakes her head, “Yes, I want Toby back with us.”
“OK, let’s discuss the logistics, you mustn’t mess this up” says Associate Bradbury, with an iron like authority.
……
“Kirk, wait – I’m kinda, well, not kind of – I’m real scared,” says Casey as we near the top of the stairs. I turn; she’s just a shape in the darkness; for the first time since my reanimation I try hard to choose my words carefully, “Casey, I can lessen your fear. I will do everything I can to protect you up there. Remember, reanimates can disable other reanimates. I know Associate Bradbury says I mustn’t attempt to do this. But, if I have to, if he comes any where near you, then – I’ll eat him, bones and all.”
I hear a soft chuckle, “Kirk, that’s the most romantic thing anyone’s ever said to me – let’s go,” she says.
I feel good; my words helped Casey, more progress.
……
We stand in the alcove that adjoins the storeroom. I peek into the space and scan the room from my limited viewpoint.
I see nothing, nobody. I take Casey’s hand and lead her into the empty room.
We walk with tentative steps toward the door that will lead us back into the corridors of Arlington High.
“SHOOT! Eurgh – Kirk, look,” says Casey, pointing to the floor. It’s a considerable blood splat. I swipe my finger through the jammy pool, and lick it, “Mmmm, it is the blood of a man in his thirties, he smokes far too much,” I say.
“You can taste that in the blood,” asks Casey, surprised.
“Yes I can,” I say, moving forward and swiping more from another splat. I lick and swallow – same guy.
I follow the trail until it reaches the door, where I take a considerable swipe, “Mmm, I’m loving smokers blood – it tastes like something from my life – barbecue sauce. This is an Officer,” I say to Casey, to reassure her it's not Toby or one of our peers.
