Wendy and Jack

           Wendyriskedanotherglanceoverhershoulder.Jackwasonthesixthriser,clingingtothebanistermuchasshewasdoingherself.Hewasstillgrinning,anddarkbloodoozedslowlythroughthegrinandslippeddownthelineofhisjaw.Hebaredhisteethather.

           "I’mgoingtobashyourbrainsin.Bashthemrighttofuckin."Hestruggledupanotherriser.

           Panicspurredher,andtheacheinhersidediminishedalittle.Shepulledherselfupasfastasshecouldregardlessofthepain,yankingconvulsivelyatthebanister.Shereachedthetopandthrewaglancebehindher.

           Heseemedtobegainingstrengthratherthanlosingit.Hewasonlyfourrisersfromthetop,measuringthedistancewiththeroguemalletinhislefthandashepulledhimselfupwithhisright.

           "Rightbehindyou,"hepantedthroughhisbloodygrin,asifreadinghermind."Rightbehindyounow,bitch.Withyourmedicine."

           Shefledstumblinglydownthemaincorridor,handspressedtoherside.

           Thedoortooneoftheroomsjerkedopenandamanwithagreenghoulmaskonpoppedout."Greatparty,isn’tit?"Hescreamedintoherface,andpulledthewaxedstringofaparty-favor.Therewasanechoingbangandsuddenlycrepestreamersweredriftingallaroundher.Themanintheghoulmaskcackledandslammedbackintohisroom.Shefellforwardontothecarpet,full-length.