There have now been eleven reports of Deckers dying without Death-Cast calling.

Naya is back in the company suite, resting on the couch while Alano uses her lap as a pillow and Bucky is asleep at her feet. She can’t move without waking them, and she doesn’t know where she would go if she could. The company’s future is on fire, but she can’t be the one to put it out. She’s sitting there in fear, feeling much like her grandfather who told many stories of what it was like waiting for Naya’s grandmother to return home from the war. She wants the door to be flung open with Joaquin emerging, even if he couldn’t solve the problem, couldn’t win the war. She simply wants her husband to be a survivor.

But what if Joaquin is among the Deckers who died without warning?

Valentino

8:51 a.m.

The pawnshop’s awning has ITCHY PALM GEMS spelled out in colorful light bulbs.

It looks more like one of those Broadway gift stores that sell magnets with your name on it instead of a place where I can find a camera. But considering it’s tucked between a CVS and a Domino’s, the pawnshop is doing a great job at standing out; it’s like a brooch pinned to an otherwise plain outfit. Though unlike its neighbors, it also stands out because Itchy Palm Gems has shards of glass piled where their front door once stood.

“They’re definitely open,” I say.

“Whether they like it or not,” Orion adds. “Fucking looters.”

I glimpse a man inside, sweeping. This must be where he works because I can’t imagine someone cleaning up after themselves after breaking in.

Orion starts trying to push me back, but I stand strong. “You should get away. Just in case.”

“Just in case of what?”

“Who knows, but you shouldn’t be the first to find out.”

“Then let’s just go. The camera isn’t worth it.”

“Yeah, it is,” Orion says, staring into my eyes. I know he means it and that he cares. “Look, we know it’s not my End Day, so I should wield that like a superpower.”

“Except you’re not invincible.”

“Nope, but I’m stronger today. Just hang back at the corner for a sec.”

I accept defeat, though I draw the line at hiding around the corner. I wait right here.

Glass crunches under Orion’s boot as he knocks on the doorframe. “Hey, good morning.”

The man stops sweeping and comes to the doorway. “We’re closed today.”

“Everything okay?” I ask from the sidewalk.