“At the surplus store I found I couldn’t burn anyone,” she said.

“We were lucky Sally doesn’t have your inhibitions,” Bum said.

Cindy nodded. “She is brave, and I admire her for that.” She added, “I just never tell her that.”

They found a way into the hardware store attic. From there they had no trouble getting down to the main level. The place was deserted, and they supposed that was a good thing. But Cindy found the silent aisles spooky. She kept thinking something was going to jump out at them. Bum steered them in the direction of the fans.

“Look, they’re on sale,” Bum said as they reached the right department. “That’s a big break. I haven’t cashed my paycheck,” he teased.

“How do you survive out on the streets without money?”

“I rely on my good looks and charm.”

“No, really. I often wonder how you eat. Where you sleep.”

Bum spoke seriously. “Cindy. Mankind has existed on this planet for centuries before the invention of money. Dollar bills and credit cards do not make the world go round, as most people think. I was rich at one time and now I’m poor. But I have to say I’m a lot happier owning nothing than owning tons of stuff I hadn’t paid for. Does that make sense?”

Cindy chuckled. “It makes perfect sense.”

They studied the fans, trying to figure out which one would be best. They ended up selecting two large round ones on stands. Choosing a generator was easy. There were only two types: a big one and a small one. The big one was for powering heavy equipment. They took the small one.

They were loading the equipment up into the attic when they were attacked.

The creature came from nowhere.

He grabbed Bum from behind and lifted him off his feet.

Bum was squeezed tight.

He dropped the flamethrower. It clanged at his feet.

“Cindy!” Bum shouted. “Help!”

Cindy froze in terror when she saw what was happening. This creature did not wear a blue jump suit. This was not one of the original Cryo creature. Like Watch, this man had started out the day as a normal human being. But now he was the enemy. As Cindy stood stunned, the thing began to drag Bum away. It was strong. Bum fought and kicked but couldn’t break loose.

“The flamethrower,” Bum gasped as he was yanked around the corner. “Cindy.”

By a sheer act of will, Cindy broke her paralysis. She grabbed the flamethrower and chased after Bum and the creature. For a man who had just been changed into a monster, he sure moved fast. She only caught up to them as the creature was about to drag Bum outside. She raised the flamethrower, pulling back slightly on the trigger. The flame moved out a foot.

“Let go of him or you burn!” she shouted.