“Fuck,” he said. “Do you ever think the world is a big, nasty, fucking accident? The Gods have Cancer. Waylon Jennings Johnny Cash Willie Nelson Kris Kristofferson. I think that’s a guy. Maybe he knows. I learned about prophecy. And prophecy only ever predicts events. It doesn’t predict outcomes. That means I have a choice. I don’t know what the choice is, or what the events will be, but I am different from everyone else, and it has to do with the Gods, with this world, everything. And I’m the one who gets to make the choice. I’m sure of it. Me. Tell me, you mutilated, passive little pointless thing, how does that make you feel? It’s me! Out of everyone! Tell me, and don’t lie!”

•••

Danielle Circe saw a man walking up her gravel driveway from her kitchen window as she washed dishes. He was wearing a clean black suit with a starched white collared shirt underneath it. He wore a plain black tie. His hair was short and parted at the side.

Danielle Circe did not know that this was The Company Man. He was carrying a briefcase.

The name chili comes from the chili powder that is required to make the chili. Heard you got an interesting goat? Is this Circe farm? Heard you have an interesting goat.

Danielle rinsed her hands off and put on a light coat. She walked out her front door to greet the man walking up her driveway.

“Car break down?” Danielle asked as she stepped outside.

The Company Man smiled the smile he had practiced. He was hoping that she would smile back, but she did not.

I’m going to have to ask the company to give me a brand new smile.

“Yes, my car has broke down. Is this Circe farms?”

“Yes, yes, it is. Heard of us?”

The Company Man stopped walking and looked around the fields for a few seconds. He did not see any goats. This was disappointing. He then turned to regard the woman in front of him.

“Yes. I have heard of you. I was looking for you, but then my car broke down,” said The Company Man.

“Well, at least you found us. Reception is really bad out here, so you aren’t the first to wander up to my doorstep,” Danielle said.

“Yes. My reception is bad, I’m sorry. I’m sure you are busy. But I am happy that I found you, at least,” The Company Man said.

“I’m Danielle. And your name is?”

“I’m Mr. Mann,” The Company Man said, “and I have been led to believe that you have a unique and/or interesting goat here at your farm? I was hoping I could meet with him,” The Company Man said.

“Are you from a news station or some TV studio or something?” Danielle asked.

“Yes,” The Company Man said.