The police chief handed over operations to the ex-government agent reluctantly. This was always happening, damnit. He didn’t know why he couldn’t be allowed to take control of these situations himself. The ex-government agent told him not to be a whining piece of shit. The police chief’s jaw bunched up in anger and humiliation.

“How do I speak to Penny Lock?” asked the ex-government agent.

He was shown into an adjoining studio and talked through the talk-back system.

“Okay then,” he said. “I’ll take it from here.”

The ex-government agent hoped that cocksucking pharmaceutical CEO was still tuned in.

143

Lily Frankburg was glad her “Lily Forever” tattoo was still visible, though a bit red and scuffed. She regretted having “100% Cody” tattooed on her belly but figured her father might pay for laser surgery.

Lily sat in her stolen car outside Dr. Frankburg’s house and smoked a cigarette. She rang my telephone to tell me that I was on my own now and that she’d had enough of being Cody Jameson. She was going to give Lily Frankburg another shot. If there was to be a More Tales of a Stewardess, I had to write it myself.

My phone didn’t pick up her incoming signal. It was undergoing far too many atmospheric disturbances. Much like its owner.

142

A voice came through Penny’s headphones.

“Miss Lock, this is the negotiator, I’m here to help you out of this little crisis.”

Penny jumped a little at hearing the voice.

“Don’t acknowledge me as it would be better if our friend believed you were speaking for yourself. You’ll find you can say yes and no to me without opening your mouth and arousing suspicion. For yes you can make an ‘Hmmm’ sound.”

Penny Hmmmed.

“For no you can make an ‘Mm-mm’ sound.”

Penny Mm-mmed.

“Good. This will be our system. It seems that the station as well as the hostage taker is eager to keep broadcasting and for the time being I’m happy with that if you are.”

“Hmmm.”

“What are you doing?” said Edward.

“I’m just humming,” said Penny.

“Why?”

“It’s good for keeping the spirits up.”

“Is it?”

“Sure.”

“I’ve never found that.”

“You should try it.”

“My spirits are already up.”

“Well, good. Good for you.”

141

Samuel Thorn’s call was connected to KKRC. He was put on hold. The negotiator was told that there was a guy ringing from England claiming to know the real identity of Dr. Frankburg. The negotiator told KKRC to keep him on the line.

Samuel told Dr. Frankburg that he was in and was on hold. Frankburg gave him the thumbs-up.

140

John Heron asked if this would be a good time to make a quick announcement to his wife.

The negotiator told Penny to ask Edward.

“What do you think?” asked Penny.

“What do you think?” Edward asked Ali.

“What do you think?” Ali asked Edward.