Мгла
The First Night.
Youwouldn’tthinkitwouldbeso,butitis.Themindisamonkey.
Mrs.TurmanandIsathalfwayupthepatent-medicinesaisle.Peopleweresittinginlittlegroupsalloverthestore.NooneexceptMrs.Carmodywassittingalone;evenMyronandhisbuddyJimweretogether-theywerebothpassedoutbythebeercooler.
Sixnewmenwerewatchingtheloopholes.OneofthemwasOllie,gnawingalegofchickenanddrinkingabeer.Themop-handletorchesleanedbesideeachofthewatchposts,acanofcharcoallighterfluidnexttoeach...butIdon’tthinkanyonereallybelievedinthetorchesthewaytheyhadbefore.Notafterthatlowandterriblyvitalgruntingsound,notafterthechewedandblood-soakedclothesline.Ifwhateverwasouttheredecideditwantedus,itwasgoingtohaveus.It,orthey.
"Howbadwillitbetonight?"Mrs.Turmanasked.Hervoicewascalm,buthereyesweresickandscared.
"Hattie,Ijustdon’tknow."
"YouletmekeepBillyasmuchasyoucan.I’m...Davey,IthinkI’minmortalterror."Sheutteredadrylaugh."Yes,Ibelievethat’swhatitis.ButifIhaveBilly,I’llbeallright.I’llbeallrightforhim."
Hereyeswereglistening.Ileanedoverandpattedhershoulder.
"I’msoworriedaboutAlan,"shesaid."He’sdead,Davey.InmyheartI’msurehe’sdead."
"No,Hattie.Youdon’tknowanysuchthing."
"ButIfeelit’strue.Don’tyoufeelanythingaboutStephanie?Don’tyouatleasthavea...afeeling?"
"No,"Isaid,lyingthroughmyteeth.
