Dale and Jenna have left the building.
But their smells haven’t, they still linger, reminding me of the evil that hides behind their all American Beauty.
……
I grasp the edge of the cubicle and yank myself forward. I am wedged in tight – problem.
Where is my hunger strength when I need it? I am not due a feed for at least 48 hours. I cannot remain here for all that time; I want to enjoy my freedom while it lasts.
I try again, and manage to scrape forward about an inch. I probably can do it, but not without inflicting visible damage to my carcass.
I exert myself, and force forward. Rip and tug: the skin on the right side of my face has torn. I continue on regardless, until my head hangs free.
With my head free, I manage to shuffle forward and drop head first to the floor.
I cushion my fall with a perfect forward roll.
Checking myself, I am happy that my carcass is un-broken. But, the leather on the right side of my face has peeled away from my skull; it hangs from my jaw line like a precisely peeled banana skin.
I try to stick it back up, but it keeps flapping down. Mom will freak big time, I can already hear her tears and tantrums. But, I am sure Dr Shaheed will be able to fix me up good and proper.
Right now, I do not care how I look, because I like how I feel – almost re-born.
Freedom feels good, even when you are a walking carcass with half your face hanging off.
……
The Association
We are aware of Kirk’s current location. His chip had a very weak signal due to damage; this has unfortunately delayed our response and action.
Kirk’s friend, Associate Toby and his Father Clark are on their way to The Arlington High Reanimate Basement to deal with the situation.
Worryingly, Kirk’s actions have derailed The Associations strategy of staking out The Arlington Basement to gather intelligence to help with our battle with The Dark Side’s H-Offensive, and specifically, to identify the Reanimater.
As a consequence, Dr Shaheed has instructed that we remove all of Kirk’s freedom’s and have him shackled and supervised at all times in his own reanimate basement until we have ascertained who is responsible for the recent murders and reanimations.
We must stress that this is only a short-term measure, and removing Kirk’s freedom is for his, yours, and our own good.
We hand you back to Kirk.
……
Even though I am in a reanimate basement, I am enjoying walking around the space, exploring, gathering information and understanding for myself. I will share my findings with Casey, I know for sure she will listen and act upon what I have to say.
I am searching for clues as to who the Reanimater is – I do not want it to be Jess.
…..
My exploration is interrupted by a smell.
When smells enter my system, it is like a physical sensation: a tap on my shoulder, a slap on my face. My system then translates these blows into sound like waves within my head; the smells almost speak to me.
This smell is familiar: sweet, fresh and kind.
It is Toby.
Another smell hits me hard, one that I do not find as palatable as Toby’s. The smell is: mature, strong, and stinging, like old cheese.
