Lou continued to apply pressure to Bacon’s throat and now the big man had begun to gag and squirm.

“Vicki. This can’t be right. You’re Bacon’s scientist?”

“I don’t belong to Bacon, I belong to the Neighbors. Our cause has given my life true meaning for the first time. I have paid them back for their confidence by discovering and developing the Janus strain. And I intend to keep paying them back. Now, move your foot, and do what you can to save this guy so he can help us if we need him. If you don’t, I won’t hesitate to kill you. Remember, I grew up on the streets. I’ve been connected to guns since I was a teen. Look at me, Lou, and you’ll know I mean it. I will kill you and then go out for ice cream.”

It only took Lou a second to comply and turn to Kazimi. Behind him, Doug Bacon was out cold. Off to his right, the screens continued flickering—the show of shows.

“I might seem like Scupman’s lab jockey to you,” Vicki said as Lou checked Kazimi’s airway and pulses, and then tore open his shirt to expose a nasty wound just above his left nipple, “but I’m far more capable than I’ve revealed to anyone but my people. You’re really very sweet, Lou. I was deeply touched by how hard you fought for your friend. I’m just sorry you’re playing for the wrong side.”

Kazimi was salvageable, but would not be for long. And worst of all, there was nothing Lou could do. Clearly, the bullet had missed the heart, but there was damage to any number of structures surrounding it that sooner or later would prove lethal. He tore off a strip of fabric, and for a few seconds, applied pressure. But he knew the exercise was fruitless. There was nothing to compress.

The heavy sadness in his own chest was quickly replaced by anger. He looked up at the screens.

“Do you see?” he shouted. “Do you see what kind of people you’ve all gotten involved with? I don’t care how bright and talented you all are, or how much money you have. Everyone of you is misguided and stupid! That’s right, stupid!”

“Enough!” Vicki snapped. “I have heard all I fucking care to!”

She turned her head minutely as a machinery whine came up behind her—a whirring motor. Humphrey let go an animal-like cry as he drove his wheelchair into the back of Vicki’s legs. The impact was not hard, but it was startling, and firm enough to disrupt her balance.

Instantly, Lou was in motion. Bacon’s cane was next to his hand. He seized it by the lower end and swung a looping backhand that would have made the Slugger proud.