“I think she may be worse than you realize,” Fergus replied, wiggling the red cup.
Ray splashed in another ounce while scanning a mental inventory of the remaining bottles. Two cases were included on the final shipment to the warehouse; of that, thirteen bottles remained.
“Is that what you absorbed from touching her hand?”
“Yes. I realize it sounds silly, but you must believe me. The world would be a safer place without Lizzy in it.”
“She’s not going anywhere, Fergus. After I discovered what she was capable of, I turned that room into a Supermax.”
“I assume you secured the ductwork.”
“That was the first thing I did. You noticed the front wall of her cell? It’s galvanized steel mesh. Unless she has an oxy-fuel torch hidden in there, she’s not cutting through it. I also bolted sections of the same material against the vents, and I used a power drill to screw them in place. There’s no way Lizzy could loosen those bolts. I only give her plastic utensils with her meals.”
“She could loosen those thumb screws.”
“If she could somehow get her fingers through the mesh fence, and I don’t see how, then what? The hatch is only twelve inches by twelve inches. I made it that size for a reason. No adult could squeeze through an opening that small.”
“On some level, would you miss her? Is that part of your reasoning to keep her alive? Having company? We could find you a dog. Or a raccoon. Maybe a hedgehog.”
“Believe me, I’d take any of those over Lizzy. I’d prefer a rabid bear over Lizzy.”
“It’s rare for bears to contract rabies,” Fergus replied with a friendly smile. “But I understand. And I admire you for letting her live, even though I’m not sure I agree with your decision.”
Maybe it was the alcohol, or perhaps it was the pleasure of having a conversation with an intelligent and sane person, but Ray decided at that moment to step outside his comfort zone.
“You could stay, if you like. There’s plenty of food for the three of us.”
The blue eyes were back to twinkling.
“That is a generous offer, Ray, and I appreciate it. However, I’m a rolling stone. I like to remain on the move, see the world, engage in fellowship with those fellows and fellow-ettes who still remain. They’re a fascinating bunch, you know.”
“It’s dangerous out there, Fergus. It must be.”
“Oh, it’s certainly dangerous. But it’s also exhilarating.”
Ray sighed. “I don’t need exhilaration. I’d rather know where my next meal is coming from and that I won’t freeze to death in the winter.”
“I understand. We’re not all cut from the same cloth, friend.”
The word caught Ray by surprise. He liked the newcomer, but it was a bit too soon to consider him a friend.
“I’ll have to secure you in one of the storage rooms that lock from the outside. That is, if you decide to spend the night.” He glanced at his watch. “The sun has set. It wouldn’t be wise to leave until morning. I hope you understand.”
“I do. I’ve enjoyed my time here, Ray, but I’ll be leaving at first light. People will be wondering where I’ve gotten off to.”
“Will you tell me about your people? And the children?”
The bristly eyebrows pulled down in a frown. “As I said before, I’m not at liberty to say. I think you’re aces, but that doesn’t give me the right to tell their secrets. They don’t need anyone to know where they are and how they’re getting by. It’s their business.”
“I suppose I understand, although I’m certainly in a position to help. If they need it.” His gaze sought out the plastic-wrapped pallets reaching to dizzying heights.
“It’s a two-way street, Ray. I also won’t be telling them about you and what you have here. Not everyone in their group is Mother Theresa.”
“I appreciate that. But is it okay for me to send shipments to the children?”
“Occasionally. I’ll have a conversation with them upon my return.”
“Very well. How about a nightcap? I don’t know about you, but I could use it.”
“I have never in my life turned down free bourbon. I’m not about to start now.”
***
The alcohol worked as a sleep aid. When Ray awoke at his usual time, he felt refreshed and something else...something foreign.
Content? Happy, even?
He swung his legs out of bed and threw on some clothes. He would release Fergus from the improvised guest room, share some coffee and breakfast with his new friend, and then load him up with candy for the children. He’d located it in the warehouse after locking Fergus in for the night. Even though the drone hadn’t gotten a close-up of the children’s faces, he imagined their squeals of delight when Fergus bestowed the tooth-decaying bounty.
He was actually humming a cheerful tune when he unlocked the storage room. Fergus was already awake and waiting for him. The melody stuck in his throat when he saw the expression the man wore.
“Have you checked on Lizzy?” the deep voice demanded.
“No. I haven’t even had coffee yet.”
“Let’s go. Right now.”
Fergus pushed him aside and darted down the corridor.
“What’s going on?” Ray hollered, chasing after. “Did you hear something? You couldn’t have. Lizzy’s cell is on the other side of the building.”
“I can’t explain it. Just call it a gut instinct.”
Ray’s heart pounded in his chest. Not from the exertion of running, but from the thought of a freed Lizzy. A Lizzy on the loose.
