“So you have no idea what’s going on in Kazakhstan? You know, that place where I was until just a few days ago? That place where people are going nuts and killing each other?”

“Well, no. Based on what you’re saying I’m glad I haven’t heard anything. It’s a good thing you’re not there any longer if that’s what’s happening.”

He grabbed her hands. “Abby, something terrible is entering our world. Something that will drive us all crazy. Millions are going to die unless the Committee and others can stop it. If they fail there isn’t going to be a Broadway opening for your play. Everything…” He gestured at the cozy restaurant. “Is going to change. The world as we know it is ending. I’ll try to protect you. I want to, but … well, this might be our last chance.” He tightened his hold on her hands. “Sometimes you just have to seize life. You know carpe diem and all that.”

Thank God she didn’t go what and misunderstand his meaning forcing him to spell it out in even more blunt terms. Unfortunately the conversation didn’t go where he’d hoped. She pulled one hand free and folded his hand in both of hers.

“Oh, Franny, that’s so sweet, and I can’t tell you how flattering it is, but I just don’t feel that way about you. You’re such a dear friend, and I always know I can count on you to help me, which means so much to me. And really I’m not the right person for you. You’re so serious and dedicated. You need a girl who will always be there for you and support you. I’m much too focused on my own career, but I’ll always be your friend.”

He felt his jaw aching as he clenched his teeth as the terrible, deadly words spooled out. Unfortunately she didn’t just leave it there.

“As for this terrible thing. I’m sure the aces will take care of it. It seems like these horrible things never actually come to pass. Someone alway steps in to fix things.”

The events of the past week crashed over him. Exhaustion and pain coupled with a gnawing guilt broke his fragile control. He leapt to his feet. So violent was the move that his chair crashed over backward. People looked up and Mary and her waitstaff who were carrying six plates froze.

“Like things got fixed on September 15, 1946? Thousands of people died when the virus got released. Nobody stopped that. Or like all the people who died in the People’s Paradise just a couple of years ago? It doesn’t matter if this other actress is stealing your scenes. In just a few weeks you’re going to be ripping off your own face and eating it! And there won’t be anything the police or the army or anyone else can do to protect you because they will have gone mad, too! Hell, they won’t even be human any longer. People’s bodies, not just their minds, are being warped, twisted.”