Trembling, he went over to the venetian blinds to peek out to see who could be there. He’d been so focused on Connie, he’d forgotten about Curt until he saw the man’s familiar features illuminated by the exterior light. Steve was standing behind in the semi-darkness with his hands thrust into his pockets.

At first Yuri was relieved. But as he unlocked the door, he cursed under his breath. This was the wrong time for them to be showing up.

“We got a present for you, partner,” Curt said. He motioned over his shoulder.

Yuri glanced into the alleyway. Behind Curt’s truck was a dark vehicle with “Wouton’s Pest Control” written in block letters on the driver’s side door.

“Does it have a sprayer?” Yuri asked.

“Let’s get the goddamn thing in the garage before we get into that,” Curt said.

“Okay,” Yuri said. “I’ll be right out.” He closed the door. Running into the kitchen, he picked up the water and dashed back into Connie’s room. He extended the glass toward her. When she tried to take it, her arm flailed aimlessly, missing entirely.

“I’m too weak,” she admitted. Her arm flopped helplessly back onto the bed. “It’s even hard for me to breathe.”

“Never mind,” Yuri said. “I’ll hold the glass for you.” He lowered the tumbler and pressed it to her lips as she tried vainly to raise her head. She sputtered and the water dribbled down the side of her face. She coughed and her face turned red.

“I’ll be right back to give you some more,” Yuri said. He tried to put the glass on the bedside table. Since there was no room he put it on the floor in the midst of the broken shards. Connie tried to speak in the midst of her coughing but Yuri ignored her.

Dashing out of the room Yuri went to the kitchen to get his keys before returning to the front door. When he opened it, it was apparent Curt was none too happy.

“Thanks for leaving us out here in the goddamn dark,” Curt snapped.

“Sorry,” Yuri said. He pulled the door shut behind him. “Things are just coming to a head with Connie.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Curt demanded.

“She didn’t get the toxin until late,” Yuri explained. He started toward the garage. “She’s just starting to have symptoms.”

“But you’re sure she’s going to check out,” Curt said. He followed Yuri while Steve went around to get into the Wouton truck.

“That’s my guess,” Yuri said. He opened the side door to the garage.

“Wait a second!” Curt said. He grabbed Yuri’s arm and pulled him to a stop. “At this point there’s no room for guessing. Any screwup could undermine this whole operation. I’m only interested in sureties.”