Safe inside Sheridon’s hideout, the men sat around Sheridon’s computer and studied the information on Mr. Wellbay’s disk. Treen paced the hideout and spoke to her mother on the phone; Elizabeth wasn’t happy about her daughter’s unannounced excursion — especially to Grevelton. After Treen had explained what happened at the factory, her mother grew even more concerned and told her to hurry back to Mallyview.
“I’ll be home in an hour and I’ll tell you the rest when I get there. I love you, Mom.” Treen quietly exhaled then put her cell back in her pocket.
“Mom sweatin’ you?” Sheridon asked, as Treen walked over.
“After the attack at our house — not to mention the hospital, I should’ve expected it. I probably should’ve waited until I got home to mention what happened at the factory because now she’s even more concerned.”
“Hate to tell you this homegirl, but we got a lot more to worry about.”
“What do you mean?”
Ariel walked up to her. “Sheridon thinks the Leufarem drug that the Awakers are sellin’ might be made of Merafuel.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Ariel told me what the Newberrys looked like after they drank that stuff. I see white foam comin’ out of people’s eyes all the time and it’s always some Leuf junkie layin’ on a Grevelton sidewalk.”
“But Tsara told me Leuf was a pill,” said Russell.
“Isn’t Merafuel a liquid?”
“Yes, but they could easily convert it to a tablet,” said Treen.
“We have to get those pills off the street somehow.”
“It’ll be hard. That stuff is real addictive and it’s everywhere.
It’s the biggest reason this city’s so messed up,” said Sheridon.
“Hold on, hold on”, said Russell, casually waving his hands in front of him. “Let me get this straight; my dad’s been bitchin’ at me about cigarettes, and he’s out here selling drugs made of android juice?”
“We know that you’re father is designing androids and that’s all,” she said, taking the disk out of the computer. “Lance is the one I’m worried about. He’s wormed his way into Regina’s life and into a job at Bookvilla. It’s obvious he’s out to sabotage my father’s plans to rebuild Grevelton, which is why Ariel and I are off to speak to my parents. Will you be safe down here until we return?”
“Yeah,” said Sheridon, “Nobody knows about this place.”
“Good. I’ll leave my ATM card in case you have to leave here,” she said, handing the card to Sheridon.
“You really trust us don’t you?” asked Russell.
“Completely,” she murmured, jotting the PIN number, “But if you’re asking because of the card, money is low on the list of things that make me happy.” She handed Russell the PIN number. “Just take care of yourselves.”
“Can we get out that way?” asked Ariel, pointing towards a steel door at the back of the room.
“Normally, but I can’t find the key.”
“We’ll take the ladder, but find that key in case you have to get out of here,” said Treen.
Sheridon followed them up the ladder and lowered the trap door after they’d climbed out. Treen and Ariel could hear the lock snap shut before they headed out the front door. They hurried down the steps towards the Humvee.
Ariel cranked the engine then sped back down the hill. Treen switched on the laptop and clicked the Tail Tracker icon, which quickly displayed the map. Treen covered her mouth when she saw that the flashing red dot had moved from Grevelton back to Mallyview. “Ariel, drive faster. Lance’s car is parked on St. Barron Road...”
When the doorbell sounded, Elizabeth lowered the heat beneath a pan of scrambled eggs, then dashed from the kitchen to the front door. She yanked it open and found Lance standing there, arms crossed as he leaned against the house grinning.
“Hello, Elizabeth.”
“What brings you about this early in the morning?” she asked, a slight quiver in her voice.
“I’d like a word with your husband.”
She narrowed the door. “As I said, it’s quite early. He’s working in his office.”
“Well it’s never too early if man’s working in his office,” he said, shoving the door back and strutting into the house.
“I haven’t a clue what you’re on about,” she shouted, storming up to him, “But this my house. You can’t simply walk in as you please. Do you understand?”
He glared at her. “Shall I go back outside and we start over?”
“What’s going on down there?” shouted Edwin from his office at the other end of the hall. The moment he saw Lance he hurried towards him.
“Good morning, Edwin,” he said loudly. May I have a word with you in private?”
“That’s a good idea,” said Edwin trotting up, ignoring Lance’s handshake offer.
“Why, may I ask, is it a good idea?”
“Because I’ve decided not to hire you.”
Lance rubbed his goatee. He glared at Elizabeth then back at Edwin. “Tell me why,” he said, calmly.
“Because of some questionable activities on your part.”
Lance stared at the floor. “Don’t you find it reasonable — maybe even polite, to discuss the problem with me before you pass judgment?”
“I have reliable information. There’s no need to discuss the situation any further.”
Lance moved closer to him. “What gives you the right to discard me in this way?” Edwin accepted the challenge and stepped closer, their noses nearly touching.
“Because it’s my store. You know, Lance, the truth can take you a long way in this life.”
“So can lying.”
“Maybe so — but you’ll eventually get caught.”
“Now I see where your stupid daughter gets her stupid philosophies — directly from her stupid father.”
“Get out of my house!” he shouted, shoving him.
“No problem,” he said, removing a pistol from his blazer and gradually aiming towards him. “As long as you come with me.”
Edwin grabbed Elizabeth’s arm and yanked her behind him. “What’s going on here Lance?” he asked, voice trembling, eyes growing wider.
Lance giggled. “Well, let’s see. You’re standing in front of me — in your own home I might add, about to wet your pants because a gun is aimed at your head. Elizabeth, you look like you’re about to scream but please don’t. A person looks ridiculous when they scream and besides, I’d have to shoot you. Now then, where is your Ariel pager?”
“What Ariel pager?” Edwin asked.
“Don’t play with me!” he shouted, pressing the barrel against Edwin’s cheek.
“It’s in the desk in my office,” he slurred.
“Show me. For your sake you had better be telling the truth.”
Hands in the air, the Alees moved down the hall. Lance smiled as he followed them and even twirled the gun on his finger when he began to whistle Happy Birthday.
The moment they walked inside Edwin’s office, Lance ordered Elizabeth to sit in front of the desk, while Edwin hurried around to get the pager out of the drawer. Lance snatched it from him, tossed it on the floor, then crushed it with his foot. Suddenly, the doorbell sounded.
Lance gestured with the pistol for Edwin to sit next to his wife, then walked up behind them; “Make one sound and I’ll send you up to the clouds — if that’s the direction you’re headed.” He walked over to the door and peered down the hall, where he could see someone coming into the house.
“Elizabeth? Edwin? It’s Regina! Front door’s open!”
“Hello Regina,” Lance hollered, waving. “Come on down to Edwin’s office. We’re all having a great time in here!”
“Be right there!” She hung her blazer and purse on the coat rack, then glanced towards the kitchen. “Smells like something’s burning...”
Lance stood at the end of the hall while Regina looked inside kitchen. When she saw smoke floating from a pan on the oven she leaned out the doorway and shouted, “Tell Elizabeth I’m turning off the oven because her eggs are on fire!”
Lance laughed. “Sure thing, honey,” he shouted, closing the door. He walked up behind the Alees again. “This is extremely interesting don’t you think?”
“I think you’re extremely nuts,” said Edwin.
“Ah, an insult. How bold of you.” He leaned down, close to Edwin’s ear; “Let’s see how bold you are when I shove a book up your nose, he whispered.”
Regina opened the office door and strolled in happier than a birthday girl on Christmas. Lance sprang away from Edwin and grinned as she walked towards him.
“Hello everyone! Lance what are you hiding behind your back? Flowers for me? Elizabeth, Edwin, why are you sitting there like that? At least turn around and say hello...”
“That’s why I never liked you,” said Lance, snapping the pistol from behind him, “You ask to many questions — now get over there!” he shouted, shoving her. Regina’s high heels caused her to stumble and fall. Furious, Edwin sprang from the chair. He thought twice about throwing a punch when Lance pointed the pistol at Elizabeth.
“Sit down, Edwin,” he said. “Now.”
Gritting his teeth, Edwin lowered himself