MEG CABOT ABANDON Contents Cover Title Page Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four

Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twent Chapter Twent !One Chapter Twent !Two Chapter Twent !Three Chapter Twent !Four A"T#O$%S NOTE Teaser A&out the Author BOO'S B( MEG CABOT Cop right Through ever )it shall he hunt her *own+ "ntil he shall have *riven her &a), to #ell+ There fro- when)e env first *i* let her loose.

DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 An thing )an happen in the &lin, of an e e. An thing at all. One. Two. Three. Blin,. A girl is laughing with her frien*s. Su**enl + a )rater splits apart the earth. Through it &ursts a -an in an in, &la), )hariot forge* in the *eepest pits of hell+ *rawn & stallions with hooves of steel an* e es of fla-e. Before an one )an shout a warning+ &efore the girl )an turn an* run+ those thun*ering hooves are upon her. The girl isn%t laughing an -ore. 0nstea*+ she%s s)rea-ing. 0t%s too late. The -an has leane* out of his in, &la), )hariot to sei1e her & the waist an* pull her &a), *own into that )rater with hi-. /ife as she on)e ,new it will never &e the

sa-e. (ou *on%t have to worr a&out that girl+ though. She%s 2ust a )hara)ter fro- a &oo,. #er na-e was Persephone+ an* her &eing ,i*nappe* & #a*es+ the go* of the *ea*+ an* ta,en to live with hi- in the "n*erworl* was how the Gree,s explaine* the )hanging of the seasons. 0t%s what%s ,nown as an origin - th. 3hat happene* to -e4 That%s no - th. A few *a s ago+ if ou%* tol* -e so-e stor a&out a girl who ha* to go live with a gu in his un*ergroun* pala)e for six -onths out of the ear+ 0%* 2ust have laughe*. (ou thin, that girl has pro&le-s4 0%ll tell ou who has pro&le-s5 -e. 3a &igger ones than Persephone. Espe)iall now+ after what happene* the other night in the )e-eter . 3hat reall happene*+ 0 -ean. The poli)e thin, the ,now+ of )ourse. So *oes ever one at s)hool. Ever one on the whole islan*+ it see-s+ has a theor .

That%s the *ifferen)e &etween the- an* -e. The all have theories. 0 ,now. So who )ares what happene* to Persephone4 Co-pare* to what happene* to -e+ that%s nothing. Persephone was lu), + a)tuall . Be)ause her -o- showe* up to &ail her out. No one%s )o-ing to res)ue -e. So ta,e - a*vi)e5 whatever ou *o4 Don%t &lin,. As in the autu-n!ti-e the leaves fall off+ First one an* then another+ till the &ran)h "nto the earth surren*ers all its spoils. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 On)e+ 0 *ie*. No one is reall sure how long 0 was gone. 0 was flatline for over an hour. But 0 was also h pother-i). 3hi)h is wh 6 on)e the war-e* -e up 6 the *efi&rillators+ along with a -assive *ose of epinephrine+ &rought -e

&a),. That%s what the *o)tors sa + an wa . 0 have a *ifferent opinion a&out wh 0%still a-ong the living. But it%s one 0%ve learne* not to share with people. Di* ou see a light4 That%s the first thing ever one wants to ,now when the fin* out 0 *ie* an* )a-e &a),. 0t%s the first thing - seventeen! ear!ol* )ousin Alex as,e* -e tonight at Mo-%s part . 7Di* ou see a light48 No sooner were the wor*s out of Alex%s -outh than his *a*+ - un)le Chris+ slappe* hi- on the &a), of the hea*. 7Ow+8 Alex sai*+ rea)hing up to ru& his s)alp. 73hat%s wrong with as,ing if she saw a light48 70t%s ru*e+8 "n)le Chris sai* tersel . 7(ou *on%t as, people who *ie* that.8 0 too, a *rin, fro- the so*a 0 was hol*ing. Mo- ha*n%t as,e* if 0 wante* a huge 3el)o-e to 0sla #uesos+ Pier)e

part . But what was 0 going to sa 4 She was so ex)ite* a&out it. She%* apparentl invite* ever one she ,new &a), in the ol* *a s+ in)lu*ing her entire fa-il + none of who- ha* ever -ove* 6 ex)ept Mo- an* her ounger &rother+ Chris 6 fro- the two! -ile!& !four!-ile islan* off the )oast of South Flori*a on whi)h the %* &een &orn. Ex)ept that "n)le Chris ha*n%t exa)tl left 0sla #uesos to go to )ollege+ get -arrie*+ an* have a ,i*+ the wa Moha*. 7But the a))i*ent was al-ost two ears ago+8 Alex sai*. 7She )an%t still &e sensitive a&out it.8 #e loo,e* at -e. 7Pier)e+8 he sai*+ his voi)e sar)asti)+ 7are ou still sensitive a&out the fa)t that ou *ie* an* then )a-e &a), to life nearl two ears ago48 0 trie* to s-ile. 70%- fine with it+8 0 lie*. 7Tol* ou+8 Alex sai* to his *a*. To -e+ he sai*+ 7So *i* ou or *i* ou not see a light48

0 too, a *eep &reath an* 9uote* so-ething 0%* rea* on the 0nternet. 7:irtuall all NDEs will tell ou that when the *ie*+ the saw so-ething+ often so-e ,in* of light.8 73hat%s an NDE48 "n)le Chris as,e*+ s)rat)hing his hea* &eneath his 0sla #uesos Bait an* Ta),le &ase&all )ap. 7So-eone who%s ha* a near!*eath experien)e+8 0 explaine*. 0 wishe* 0 )oul* s)rat)h &eneath the white sun*ress Mo- ha* &ought -e to wear for the evening. 0t was too tight in the )hest. But 0 *i*n%t thin, that woul* &e polite+ even if "n)le Chris an* Alex were fa-il . 7Oh+8 "n)le Chris sai*. 7NDE. 0 get it.8 NDEs+ 0%* rea*+ )oul* suffer froprofoun* personalit )hanges an* *iffi)ulties rea*2usting to life after;well+ *eath. Pente)ostal prea)hers who%* )o-e &a), fro- the *ea* ha* en*e* up 2oining &i,er )lu&s. /eather!)la* &i,ers ha* gotten up an* gone straight to the nearest )hur)h to &e &orn again.

0 thought 0%* *one prett well for - self+ all things )onsi*ere*. Although when 0%* glan)e* through the files - ol* s)hool ha* sent over after it was suggeste* that - parents fin* an 7alternative e*u)ational solution8 for -e 6 whi)h was their polite wa of sa ing 0%* &een expelle* after 7the in)i*ent8 last spring 6 0 saw that the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls -a not ne)essaril have agree*5 Pier)e has a ten*en) to *isengage. So-eti-es she 2ust *rifts off. An* when she *oes )hoose to pa attention+ she ten*s to h perfo)us+ &ut not generall on the point of the lesson. 3e)hsler an* TO:A testing suggeste*. But that parti)ular report ha* &een written *uring the se-ester *ire)tl following the a))i*ent 6 -ore than a ear &efore 7the in)i*ent8 6 when 0%* ha* a few -ore i-portant things to worr a&out than ho-ewor,. Those 2er,s even ,i),e* -e out of the s)hool pla 6 Snow 3hite 6 in whi)h 0%*

&een )ast as the lea*. #ow ha* - *ra-a tea)her put it4 Oh+ eah5 0 see-e* to &e i*entif ing a little too -u)h with poor+ un*ea* Snow 3hite. 0 *on%t see how 0 )oul* have helpe* it at the ti-e+ reall . Be)ause in a**ition to having *ie*+ 0%* also &een &orn as ri)h as a prin)ess+ than,s to Da* 6 he%s CEO of one of the worl*%s largest provi*ers of pro*u)ts an* servi)es to the oil+ gas+ an* -ilitar in*ustries <ever one%s hear* of his )o-pan . 0t%s &een in the news a lot+ espe)iall latel = 6 an* 0 also happene* to have &een &orn loo,ing li,e one+ than,s to Mo-. 0 inherite* her *eli)ate &one stru)ture+ thi), *ar, hair+ an* wi*e *ar, e es.; 0 also+ unfortunatel + inherite* Mo-%s prin)ess!ten*er heart. 0t%s what en*e* up ,illing -e. 7So was it at the en* of a tunnel48 Alex wante* to ,now. 7The light4 That%s what ou alwa s hear people sa .8

7(our )ousin *i*n%t go into the light+8 his father sai*+ loo,ing worrie* &eneath his &ase&all )ap. 70f she ha*+ she woul*n%t &e here. >uit pestering her.8 70t%s o,a +8 0 sai*+ s-iling at "n)le Chris. 70 *on%t -in* answering his 9uestions.8 0 *i*+ a)tuall . But hanging aroun* in the &a), ar* with "n)le Chris an* Alex was &etter than &eing insi*e with a &un)h of people 0 *i*n%t ,now. Turning to Alex+ 0 sai*+ 7So-e people *o sa the saw a light at the en* of a tunnel. None of the- ,nows exa)tl what it was+ &ut the all have theories.8 7/i,e what48 Alex as,e*. Thun*er ru-&le* off in the *istan)e. 0t wasn%t lou*. The people insi*e the house pro&a&l )oul*n%t hear it+ what with all the laughter an* the splashing of the waterfall over in the pool an* the -usi) Mo- ha* pla ing on the in*oor?out*oor stereo spea,ers+ not so )leverl *esigne* to loo,

li,e ro),s. But 0 hear* it. 0t ha* followe* a &urst of lightning;not heat lightning+ either+ even though it was as hot at eight o%)lo), at night in earl Septe-&er in South Flori*a as it ever got &a), in Conne)ti)ut in @ul at high noon. There was a stor- out to sea+ an* it was hea*ing in our *ire)tion. 70 *on%t ,now+8 0 sai*. 0 thought of so-e -ore things 0%* rea*. 7So-e of thethin, the light is the pathwa to a *ifferent spiritual *i-ension+ one a))essi&le onl to the *ea*.8 Alex grinne*. 7Cool+8 he sai*. 7The Pearl Gates.8 7Coul* &e+8 0 sai*+ shrugging. 7But s)ientists sa the light is a)tuall a hallu)ination pro*u)e* & the &rain%s neurotrans-itters firing all at on)e as the *ie.8 "n)le Chris%s e es loo,e* sa*. 70 li,e Alex%s explanation &etter+8 he sai*. 7A&out the Pearl Gates.8

0 ha*n%t -eant to -a,e "n)le Chris feel &a*. 7No one reall ,nows for sure what happens to us when we *ie+8 0 sai* 9ui),l . 7Ex)ept ou+8 he pointe* out. 0 felt -ore un)o-forta&le than ever in - too!tight white *ress. Be)ause what 0 saw when 0 *ie* wasn%t a light. 0t wasn%t an thing )lose. 0 *i*n%t li,e l ing to "n)le Chris. 0 ,new 0 shoul*n%t have &een tal,ing a&out an of this. Espe)iall sin)e Mo- ha* wante* ever thing to &e so perfe)t tonight;not 2ust tonight+ &ut fro- now on. 0 reall *i*n%t want to *isappoint her. She%* gone all out+ &u ing the -illion!*ollar house an* fl ing in the fa-ous frien* fro- New (or, to *e)orate it. She enliste* the ai* of an environ-entall )ons)ious lan*s)aper who plante* the &a), ar* with native growth+ li,e lang! lang trees an* night!&loo-ing 2as-ine+ so the air alwa s s-elle* a little &it li,e a -aga1ine a* for

one of those )ele&rit perfu-es. She%* even &ought -e a 7&ea)h )ruiser8 &i) )le )o-plete with a &as,et an* &ell 6 &e)ause 0 still *i*n%t have - *river%s li)ense 6 painte* &e*roo- a soothing laven*er+ an* enrolle* -e in the sa-e high s)hool she%* gone to+ twent ears earlier. 7(ou%re going to love it here+ Pier)e+8 she ,ept sa ing. 7(ou%ll see. 3e%re going to -a,e a new start. Ever thing%s going to &e great. 0 2ust ,now it.8 0 ha* goo* reason to &elieve ever thing wasn%t going to &e great. But 0 ,ept it to - self. Mo- was 2ust so happ . For the part + she even hire* professional )aterers to )oo, an* serve the shri-p )o),tail+ )on)h fritters+ an* )hi),en s,ewers. She%* release* a flotilla of )itronella )an*les in the pool to ,eep awa the -os9uitoes+ then turne* on the waterfall an* thrown open ever Fren)h *oor in the house.

7There%s su)h a ni)e &ree1e+8 she ,ept sa ing+ )hoosing to ignore the giant &la), stor- )lou*s filling the night s, .; 'in* of li,e the wa she was )hoosing to ignore the fa)t that she%* -ove* &a), to 0sla #uesos to further her resear)h on her &elove* roseate spoon&ills 6 whi)h loo, li,e pin, fla-ingos+ ex)ept that their &ea,s are pan)a,e* li,e spoons 6 right after the worst environ-ental *isaster in A-eri)an histor ha* ,ille* off -ost of the-. Oh+ an* that her &right+ ani-al!loving *aughter ha* *ie* an* )o-e &a), not 9uite;nor-al. An* &e)ause of that+ her -arriage to Da* ha* gone *own the tu&es. Their *ivor)e pro)ee*ings starte* while 0 was still in the hospital+ in fa)t+ when Mo- ,i),e* Da* out of the house for 7letting -e8 *rown. Da* went to go live in the penthouse apart-ent he ,eeps near his )o-pan %s offi)e &uil*ing in Manhattan+ never i-agining that+ a ear an*

a half later+ he%* still &e )alling it ho-e. 70t%s -u)h &etter to forgive an* forget+ Pier)e+8 Da* sa s ever ti-e we spea,. 7Then ou )an -ove on. (our -other nee*s to learn that.8 But reall + the ter- 7forgive an* forget8 *oesn%t -a,e sense to -e. Forgiving *oes allow us to stop *welling on an issue+ whi)h isn%t alwa s health <2ust loo, at - parents=. But if we forget+ we *on%t learn fro- our -ista,es. An* that )an &e *ea*l . 3ho ,nows this &etter than -e4 So forgive4 Sure+ Da*. But forget4 Even if 0 wante* to+ 0 )an%t. Be)ause there%s so-eone who won%t let -e. 0 *on%t &la-e Mo- for wanting to )o-e &a), to the islan* where she was &orn an* raise*+ even if it is ungo*l hot+ often &attere* & hurri)anes+ an* -a or -a not have )lou*s of

- ster )he-i)als &illowing aroun* it+ in the sa-e wa 0 pi)ture the evil that tu-&le* fro- the &ox poor Pan*ora opene* an* then let loose on hu-anit . But if an one ha* -entione* to -e &efore 0 -ove* here that the na-e of the pla)e -eant 0slan* of Bones in English 6 an* wh the Spanish explorers who%* foun* it ha* na-e* it that 6 0 pro&a&l woul* never have agree* to go along with Mo-%s 7we%re going to -a,e a new start in 0sla #uesos8 plan. Espe)iall sin)e it%s har* to -a,e a new start in a pla)e where ou -et the ver person who ,eeps popping up to ruin our life over an* over again. Onl 0 )oul* har*l -ention that to -other+ either. The fa)t that 0%* ever even &een to 0sla #uesos on)e &efore was suppose* to &e this &ig se)ret <not a &a* se)ret. @ust a se)ret &etween us girls+ Mo- alwa s sai*=.

That%s &e)ause Da* )an%t stan* Mo-%s fa-il + whi)h he feels <not without so-e 2ustifi)ation= is fille* with )onvi)ts an* ,oo,s+ not exa)tl proper role -o*els for his onl )hil*. Mo- ha* -a*e -e pro-ise never to tell hia&out the *a trip we too, to her father%s funeral when 0 was seven. So 0%* pro-ise*. 3hat *i* 0 ,now4 0%* never tol*; ;espe)iall the part a&out what happene* after the funeral+ in the )e-eter . The truth was+ 0 never reall thought 0 ha* to tell an one+ sin)e Gran*-a ,new all a&out it. An* gran*-as never let an thing &a* happen. Not to their onl gran**aughters. So 0 *i*n%t even ,now an one at Mo-%s part ex)ept Mo- an* Alex an* Gran*-a+ all of who- ha* sat in the sa-e row with -e at Gran*pa%s funeral. That ha* &een a *e)a*e earlier+ &a), when Mo-%s &rother was still in 2ail. "n)le Chris wasn%t a*2usting ver well to

life on the 7outsi*e.8 #e *i*n%t see- to ,now 9uite what to *o+ for instan)e+ whenever one of the )aterers wal,e* over to refill his )ha-pagne flute. 0nstea* of 2ust sa ing+ 7No+ than, ou+8 "n)le Chris woul* )r + 7Mountain DewA8 an* 2er, his glass out of the wa + so the )ha-pagne woul* pour all over the pool patio instea*. 70 *on%t *rin,+8 "n)le Chris woul* sa sheepishl . 70%- sti),ing to Mountain Dew.8 70%- so sorr + sir+8 the )aterer woul* repl + loo,ing with *is-a at the growing pu**le of :euve Cli)9uot at our feet. 0 *e)i*e* 0 li,e* "n)le Chris+ even if Da* ha* warne* -e that he woul* e-&ar, on a *ar, reign of terror an* revenge i--e*iatel upon his release fro- prison. But all 0%* ever seen hi- *o sin)e 0%* gotten to 0sla #uesos 6 where he now live* with Gran*-a+ who%* &een raising Alex in his a&sen)e &e)ause Alex%s -o- ha* run off when he was 2ust

a &a& + after "n)le Chris was sent awa to prison 6 was sit on the )ou)h an* o&sessivel wat)h the 3eather Channel+ sipping Mountain Dew. But Alex%s *a* *i* ,in* of s)are -e in one wa 5 #e ha* the sa**est e es of an one 0 ha* ever seen. Ex)ept -a &e one other person. But 0 was tr ing har* not to thin, a&out hi-. @ust li,e 0 trie* never to thin, a&out when 0 *ie*. So-e people+ however+ were -a,ing &oth those things extre-el *iffi)ult. 7Not ever one who *ies an* )o-es &a),+8 0 sai* )arefull to "n)le Chris+ 7has the exa)t sa-e experien)e 68 0t was right as 0 was sa ing this that Gran*-a )a-e teetering *own the steps of the &a), por)h on her little high heels. "nli,e "n)le Chris an* Alex+ she%* -a*e an effort to *ress up+ an* ha* on a fil- &eige *ress an* one of her own han*!,nitte* sil, s)arves.

7There ou are+ Pier)e+8 she sai*+ in a voi)e that -a*e it soun* li,e she was anno e*. 73hat are ou *oing out here4 All these people are waiting insi*e to -eet ou. Co-e on+ 0 want ou to sa hello to Father Mi)haels 68 7Oh+ he +8 Alex sai*+ &rightening. 70 won*er if he ,nows.8 7'nows what48 Gran*-a as,e*+ loo,ing &ewil*ere*. 73hat the light was that Pier)e saw when she *ie*+8 Alex sai*. 70 thin, it was the Pearl Gates. But Pier)e sa s s)ientists sa it%s;what *o the sa it is again+ Pier)e48 0 swallowe*. 7A hallu)ination+8 0 sai*. 7S)ientists sa the %ve gotten the sa-e results in test su&2e)ts who weren%t * ing+ & using *rugs an* ele)tro*es to their &rains. So-e of thesaw a light+ too.8 7That%s what ou%re stan*ing out here *oing48 Gran*-a as,e*+ loo,ing sho),e*. 7Co--itting &lasphe- 48

After 0 *ie* an* )a-e &a),+ - gra*es too, a *ownwar* plunge. That%s when - gui*an)e )ounselor at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls+ Mrs. 'eeler+ re)o--en*e* that - parents fin* so-ething outsi*e of a)a*e-i)s in whi)h to get -e intereste*. Chil*ren who fail to *o well in s)hool )an often still &e su))essful in life+ Mrs. 'eeler assure* - parents+ if the *is)over so-ething else in whi)h to 7engage.8 Eventuall + 0 *i* fin* an interest outsi*e of a)a*e-i)s in whi)h to 7engage.8 One that en*e* up getting -e ,i),e* out of the 3estport A)a*efor Girls an* lan*e* -e here on 0sla #uesos+ whi)h so-e people )all para*ise. 0%- prett sure the people who )all 0sla #uesos para*ise never -et - gran*-a. 7No+8 Alex sai* with a laugh. 7Blasphewoul* &e sa ing the light is )o-ing fro&etween the legs of their new -o- as the %re &eing &orn into their next life. Of )ourse+ if ou were

#in*u+ that woul*n%t &e &lasphe- at all.8 Gran*-a loo,e* li,e she%* 2ust &itten into a le-on. 73ell+ Alexan*er Ca&rero+8 she sai* sharpl . 7(ou are not #in*u. An* ou -a also want to re-e-&er that 0%- the one -a,ing the pa -ents on that 2un, heap ou )all a )ar. 0f ou%* li,e -e to ,eep on *oing so+ ou -ight want to thin, a&out &eing a little -ore respe)tful.8 7Sorr + -a%a-+8 Alex -ur-ure*+ loo,ing *own at the )ha-pagne pu**le on the groun* while+ &esi*e hi-+ his father *i* the sa-e+ after 9ui),l re-oving his &ase&all )ap. Gran*-a glan)e* over at -e+ see-ing to for)e her expression into so-ething a little softer. 7Now+ Pier)e+8 she sai*. 73h *on%t ou )o-e insi*e an* sa hello to Father Mi)haels4 (ou won%t re-e-&er hi-+ of )ourse+ fro- Gran*pa%s funeral+ &e)ause ou were too oung+

&ut he re-e-&ers ou an* is so happ ou%ll &e 2oining our little parish.8 7(ou ,now what48 0 sai*. 70%- not feeling so goo*.8 0 wasn%t -a,ing it up either. The heat was starting to feel oppressive. 0 wishe* 0 )oul* un*o a few of the &uttons in the front of - too! tight *ress. 70 thin, 0 nee* so-e air.8 7Then )o-e insi*e+8 Gran*-a sai*+ loo,ing &ewil*ere* again. 73here it%s air! )on*itione*. Or it woul* &e if our -other ha*n%t opene* all the *oors 68 73hat *i* 0 *o now+ Mother48 Moappeare* on the &a), por)h an* snagge* a )o),tail shri-p fro- the tra of a passing )aterer. 7Oh+ Pier)e+ there ou are. 0 was won*ering where ou%* *isappeare* to.8 Then she saw fa)e an* sai*+ 7#one + are ou all right48 7She sa s she nee*s so-e fresh air+8 Gran*-a sai*+ still loo,ing &ewil*ere*. 7But she%s stan*ing outsi*e. 3hat%s wrong with her4 Di* she ta,e her -e*i)ation to*a 4 Are ou sure

Pier)e is rea* to go &a), to s)hool+ De&4 (ou ,now how she is. Ma &e she 68 7She%s fine+ Mother+8 Mo- interrupte*. To -e+ she sai*+ 7Pier)e 68 0 lifte* - hea*. Mo-%s e es see-e* *ar,er than usual in the por)h light. She loo,e* prett an* fresh in her white 2eans an* loose+ sil, top. She loo,e* perfe)t. Ever thing was perfe)t. Ever thing was going to &e great. 70%ve got to go+8 0 sai*+ tr ing to ,eep *own the pani), so& 0 felt rising in throat. 7Go+ then+ hone +8 Mo- sai*+ leaning *own fro- the por)h to press on forehea* with her han* as if she were feeling for a fever. She s-elle* li,e she alwa s *i*+ of her perfu-e an* so-ething Mo-!li,e. #er long *ar, hair swept - &are shoul*er as she ,isse* -e. 70t%s fine. @ust *on%t forget to turn on our &i) )le lights so people )an see ou.8 73hat48 Gran*-a soun*e* in)re*ulous. 7(ou%re 2ust letting her go on a &i,e ri*e4

But it%s the -i**le of the part . #er part .8 Mo- ignore* her. 7Don%t -a,e an stops+8 she sai* to -e. 7Sta on our &i,e.8 0 turne* aroun* without sa ing another wor* to Alex an* "n)le Chris+ who were &oth staring at -e in astonish-ent+ an* hea*e* straight for the si*e ar* where - new &i,e was par,e*. 0 *i*n%t loo, &a),. 7An*+ Pier)e48 Mo- )alle* after -e. M shoul*ers tense*. 3hat if what Gran*-a ha* sai* -a*e her )hange her -in*4 But all she a**e* was 7Don%t &e too long. A stor- is )o-ing.8 3hen 0 &ehel* hi- in the *esert vast+ 7#ave pit on -e+8 unto hi- 0 )rie*+ 73hi)he%er ou are+ or sha*e or real -anA8 DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 Ever one wants to &elieve that there%s

so-ething else 6 so-ething great 6 waiting for the- on the other si*e. Para*ise. :alhalla. #eaven. Their next 6 hopefull less horri&le 6 life. 0t%s 2ust that 0%ve &een to the other si*e. So 0 ,now what%s there. An* it%s not para*ise. At least+ not right awa . 0t%s a truth 0%ve ha* to &ear alone+ &e)ause nothing goo* has happene* to the few people with who- 0%ve share* it. So so-eti-es 0 2ust have to get out &efore 0 sa 6 or *o 6 so-ething 0%ll regret. Otherwise+ so-ething &a* will happen. #e will happen. Mo- un*erstoo*. Not a&out hi-+ of )ourse 6 she *i*n%t ,now a&out hi- 6 &ut a&out - nee*ing to get out. That%s wh she let -e go. Tearing *own the hill fro- our new house+ the &ree1e in - hair instantl )ooling -e off+ all 0 )oul* thin, a&out was Gran*-a.

7Man4 3hat -an48 That%s what Gran*-a sai* the other *a at her house when 0 got up off the )ou)h+ where 0%* &een sitting wat)hing the 3eather Channel with "n)le Chris+ an* followe* her into the ,it)hen to as, her a&out Gran*pa%s funeral; -ore spe)ifi)all + what ha* happene* in the )e-eter afterwar*s. 7(ou ,now+8 0 sai*. 7The -an 0 tol* ou a&out. The one with the &ir*.8 3e%* never ha* a )han)e to spea, a&out it again. Not sin)e the *a it happene*. Not onl was that *a suppose* to &e a se)ret 6 2ust &etween us girls+ Mo- an* -e 6 Gran*-a an* 0 ha* never &een in the sa-e rootogether again+ than,s to Da*. As the ears went & + what a)tuall happene* that afternoon in the )e-eter &egan to see- -ore an* -ore li,e a *rea-. Ma &e it reall ha* &een 2ust a *rea-. #ow )oul* an of it have a)tuall happene*4 0t was i-possi&le.

Then 0 *ie*. An* 0 reali1e* that what 0%* seen that *a in the )e-eter not onl ha*n%t &een a *rea-+ it ha* &een the singularl -ost i-portant thing that ha* ever happene* to -e in - life. 3ell+ up until - heart stoppe*. 7Go outsi*e an* pla for a little while+8 Gran*-a ha* sai*. 7(our -o-%s &us right now. 0%ll )o-e get ou when we%re *one.8 She an* Mo- ha* &een in the )e-eter sexton%s offi)e after the funeral+ signing the last of the paperwor, for Gran*pa%s to-&. Ma &e 0 ha* &een a little fi*get . 0 thin, 0%* ,no),e* so-ething over on the sexton%s *es,. 0 woul*n%t &e surprise*. /i,e - )ousin Alex+ who%* also &een there+ 0%* alwa s ha* a pro&lepa ing attention. "nli,e Alex+ - pro&le- resulte* in &eing less+ not -ore+ heavil supervise*. Be)ause 0 was a girl+ an* what ,in* of trou&le )oul* a girl get into4

0 re-e-&er Mo- loo,ing up frowhatever for-s she was helping Gran*-a to fill out. She%* s-ile* at -e through her tears. 70t%s o,a + sweetie+8 she%* sai*. 7Go on outsi*e. @ust sta )lose. 0t%ll &e all right.8 0 ha* sta e* )lose. Ba), then+ 0 alwa s listene* to - -other. 0 foun* the *ove 2ust a *o1en ar*s or so fro- the )e-eter sexton%s offi)e. 0t was li-ping along the path &etween the to-&s+ one wing *ragging along &ehin* it+ o&viousl &ro,en. 0 i--e*iatel ra)e* after it+ tr ing to s)oop it up+ sin)e 0 ,new if 0 &rought it &a), to - -o-+ she%* &e a&le to help. She love* &ir*s. But 0 2ust en*e* up -a,ing things worse. The &ir* pani),e* an* half flew+ half leape* into the si*e of a near& )r pt+ )rashing against the &ri),s. Then it 2ust la there. As 0 hurrie* to its si*e+ 0 reali1e* with horror that it was *ea*. Naturall + 0 &egan to weep. 0%* alrea*

felt prett sa*+ )onsi*ering the fa)t that 0%* 2ust &een at the funeral of a gran*parent 0%* never -et+ then &een ,i),e* out of the )e-eter sexton%s offi)e for - -is&ehavior. Now this4 That%s when the -an ha* )o-e along the path. To -e+ a first gra*er+ he%* see-e* i-possi&l tall+ al-ost a giant+ even after he ,nelt *own &esi*e -e an* as,e* wh 0 was )r ing. /oo,ing &a),+ 0 reali1e he was onl in his teens+ har*l a -an at all. But as tall as he was+ an* given that he was *resse* all in &la),+ he%* see-e* -u)h ol*er to -e than his a)tual ears. 70 was t!tr ing to help+8 0%* sai*+ nearl in)oherent with so&s+ as 0 pointe* to the &ir*. 7She was hurt. But then 0 s)are* her an* -a*e it worse. Now she%s *ea*. 0t was an a)!a)!a))i*ent.8 7Of )ourse it was+8 he sai*+ rea)hing *own to s)oop up the li-p+ fragile &o* in one han*.

70 *on%t want to go to hell+8 0 waile*. 73ho sai* ou were going to hell48 he as,e*+ loo,ing &e-use*. 7That%s where -ur*erers go+8 0 infor-e* hi- tearfull . 7M gran*-a tol* -e.8 73ell+ ou aren%t a -ur*erer+8 he assure* -e. 7An* 0 thin, ou%ve a &it of ti-e &efore ou have to start worr ing a&out where ou%re going after ou *ie.8 0 wasn%t suppose* to spea, to strangers. M parents ha* *rille* this into - hea*. But this stranger see-e* ni)e enough. An* - -other was onl 2ust *own the path+ insi*e the offi)e. 0 was sure 0 was safe. 7Shoul* we fin* a )offin for her48 0 as,e*+ pointing at the &ir*. 0 was &ursting with ,nowle*ge 0%* 2ust learne* at the funeral that afternoon. 73hen we *ie+ we%re suppose* to get put insi*e a )offin+ an* then no one sees us ever again.8 7So-e of us+8 the stranger ha* replie* a

&it *ril . 7Not all of us. An* es+ 0 suppose we )oul* put her in a )offin. Or 0 )oul* -a,e her )o-e alive again. 3hi)h woul* ou prefer48 7(ou )an%t -a,e her )o-e alive again+8 0%* sai*+ so startle* & the 9uestion+ tears were forgotten. #e%* &een petting the &ir*+ whi)h was ver *efinitel *ea*. 0ts hea* *roope* over the top of his fingers+ its ne), &ro,en. 7No one )an *o that.8 70 )an+8 he sai*. 70f ou%* li,e.8 7(es+ please+8 0%* whispere*+ an* he passe* his han* over the &ir*. A se)on* later+ its hea* poppe* up+ an* with a &right!e e* flutter+ it too, off fro- his han*s+ its wings &eating strongl as it flew off into the &right &lue s, . 0 was so thrille*+ 0%* )rie*+ 7Do it againA8 70 )an%t+8 he sai*+ )li-&ing to his feet. 7She%s gone.8 0 thought a&out this+ then rea)he* out to ta,e his han* an* &egan tugging. 7Can ou *o it to - gran*pa4 The 2ust put

hi- over there 68 0 pointe* towar*s a )r pt on the far si*e of the )e-eter . #e%* sai*+ not un,in*l + 7No. 0%- sorr .8 7But it woul* -a,e - -o- so happ . Gran*-a+ too. Please4 0t%ll onl ta,e a se)on* 68 7No+8 he sai* again+ &eginning to loo, alar-e*. #e ,nelt *own &esi*e -e on)e -ore. 73hat%s our na-e48 7Pier)e+8 0 sai*. 7But 68 73ell+ Pier)e+8 he sai*. #is e es+ 0%* noti)e*+ were the sa-e )olor as the &la*es on - i)e s,ates &a), in Conne)ti)ut. 7(our gran*father woul* &e prou* of ou. But it%s &est 2ust to leave hi- where he is. 0t -ight frighten our -other an* gran*-other a &it to see hi- up an* wal,ing aroun* after he%s alrea* &een &urie*+ *on%t ou thin,48 0 ha*n%t )onsi*ere* this+ &ut he was pro&a&l right. That%s when Gran*-a )a-e loo,ing for

-e. The -an saw her. #e ha* to have seen her+ an* she hi-+ sin)e the ex)hange* polite 7goo* afternoons8 &efore the -an turne* an*+ after sa ing goo*& e to -e+ wal,e* awa . 7Pier)e+8 Gran*-a sai* when she rea)he* -e. 7Do ou ,now who that was48 7No+8 0 sai*. But 0 pro)ee*e* to tell her ever thing else a&out hi-+ an* the -ira)ulous thing he%* *one. 7An* *i* ou li,e hi-48 Gran*-a as,e*+ when 0%* )o-e to the en* of &reathless narration. 70 *on%t ,now+8 0 replie*+ &ewil*ere* & the 9uestion. #e%* -a*e a *ea* &ir* )o-e &a), to lifeA But he%* refuse* to *o the sa-e for Gran*pa. So it was a pro&le-. Gran*-a ha* s-ile* for the first ti-e all *a . 7(ou will+8 she sai*. Then she%* ta,en hol* of - han* an*

wal,e* -e &a), to the )ar+ where Moan* Alex were waiting. 0 re-e-&ere* loo,ing &a),. There was no sign of the -an+ 2ust s)arlet &losso-s fro- the twisting &la), &ran)hes of a poin)iana tree that hung li,e a )anop a&ove our hea*s+ &ursting re* as fire)ra),ers against the &right &lue s, .; But now+ li,e ever one 0%* tol* a&out what 0%* seen when 0 *ie* 6 not a light &ut a -an 6 Gran*-a insiste* 0%* i-agine* the entire thing. 7Of )ourse there wasn%t a -an in the )e-eter + &ringing &ir*s &a), fro- the *ea*+8 she%* sai* the other *a in her ,it)hen+ sha,ing her hea*. 73hoever hear* of su)h a thing4 (ou ,now+ Pier)e+ 0 worr a&out ou. Alwa s *a *rea-ing;an* ever sin)e our a))i*ent+ 0 hear ou%ve gotten worse. An* *on%t thin, ou%re going to get & on 2ust our loo,s+ either. (our -other has loo,s an* &rains+ an* see what happene* to her4 Prett is

all well an* goo* until Mr. Mone &ags *e)i*es he%s going to let our )hil* *rown 68 7Gran*-a+8 0 sai*+ tr ing to ,eep voi)e even. 7#ow )an ou sa the -an wasn%t there when ou ourself as,e* -e if 0 68 70 reall hope this new s)hool wor,s out for ou+ Pier)e+8 Gran*-a interrupte*. 7Be)ause ou )ertainl -anage* to &urn so-e &ri*ges at our last one+ *i*n%t ou48 She thrust a tra of san*wi)hes into - ar-s. 7Now ta,e that in to our un)le &efore he starves to *eath. #e hasn%t ha* a spe), to eat sin)e &rea,fast.8 0 ha* left her house then an* there 6 after *elivering the san*wi)hes+ of )ourse 6 an* set off on - &i,e for ho-e. 0 felt li,e 0 ha* to &efore so-ething awful happene*. Awful things alwa s see-e* to happen when 0 got -a*. Things that weren%t - fault. 0t was &etter for -e to leave &efore the got worse.

Before he showe* up. Now+ here 0 was on - &i,e again+ onl this ti-e 0 was pe*aling with no parti)ular *estination in -in*. 0 2ust nee*e* to get awa ;fro- Gran*-a. Fro- 9uestions. Fro- the soun* of all that part )hatter. Fro- the splashing of the waterfall into that pool;espe)iall fro- that pool; "nli,e 7the in)i*ent8 last spring at ol* s)hool+ the a))i*ent was - fault. 0 trippe* 6 on - own s)arf 6 an* hit hea*+ then fell into the *eep en* of our pool &a), in Conne)ti)ut. 0%* &een tr ing to res)ue an in2ure* &ir*; es+ another one. That &ir* survive*+ an* without the help of the stranger fro- the 0sla #uesos Ce-eter . 0 was not so lu), . The te-perature of the water when 0 hit it was as paral 1ing as the &low 0%* re)eive* to the &a), of - hea*. 0t 9ui),l soa,e* through - winter

)oat an* &oots+ -a,ing - ar-s an* legs too heav to lift even to *og!pa**le+ let alone swi-. The heav )anvas pool )over that Da* ha* forgotten to get fixe* )ollapse* instantl &eneath - weight an* tangle* aroun* -e+ as )onstri)ting as the e-&ra)e of a p thon. 0 was too far fro- the safet la**er or the steps to swi- to the-+ weighte* as 0 was with - )lothing an* all that )anvas pulling -e *ownwar*. 0f 0 ha* -anage* to rea)h the steps+ 0 *ou&t 0%* have ha* the strength to pull - self up. 0 trie* - &est+ though. 0t%s a-a1ing what a fifteen! ear!ol*+ even one with a su&*ural he-ato-a+ )an *o when she%s *esperate to sta alive. Da* ha* &een on a )onferen)e )all in his stu* at the ti-e+ wa at the far en* of the house. #e%* forgotten that Mo- was at the li&rar + wor,ing on finishing her *issertation on the -ating ha&its of roseate spoon&ills+ an* that 0 wasn%t over at - &est frien* #annah%s or the ani-al shelter+ where 0

volunteere*+ an* that it was the house,eeper%s *a off. @ust li,e he%* forgotten to -ention to an one that a )ouple of the -etal rivets that were suppose* to hol* the pool )over in pla)e ha* ruste* through over the )ourse of the winter. Not that it woul* have -a*e -u)h of a *ifferen)e 6 at least to -e 6 if Da* ha* re-e-&ere* an of these things+ or even if he%* &een off the phone. 0 never got a )han)e to s)reafor help. Drowning *oesn%t happen in real life the wa it *oes in the -ovies. B the ti-e it entere* )ontuse* s,ull that 0 was in an ,in* of trou&le+ the weight fro- all the water 0%* reflexivel swallowe* fro- the sho), of the )ol* 6 it was Fe&ruar in New Englan* 6 ha* alrea* )ause* &o* to sin, to the &otto- of the pool li,e a stone. After the initial pani) an* pain+ it was a)tuall 9uite pea)eful *own there. All 0 )oul* hear was - own heart&eat an*

the soun* of the &u&&les )o-ing fro- - throat;an* &oth of these were growing fainter+ an* further apart. 0 *i*n%t ,now at the ti-e that this was &e)ause 0 was * ing. The afternoon sunlight 6 strea-ing through the leaves that ha* &lown a)ross the top of the water 6 -a*e &eautiful patterns on the floor of the pool aroun* -e. 0t re-in*e* -e of the wa the sun ha* strea-e* through the staine*!glass win*ows in the )hur)h where the %* hel* gran*father%s funeral. Even though 0 wasn%t suppose* to tal, a&out it+ 0%* never forgotten that *a + or how har* - -o- an* gran*-other ha* so&&e* throughout the servi)e.; Nor ha* 0 forgotten how tightl Gran*-a ha* hel* - han* as she le* -e awa fro- the )e-eter afterwar*s+ an* how re* those &losso-s frothe &ran)hes of the poin)iana trees ha* loo,e* against the s, a&ove our hea*s;

;re* as the tassels on the en*s of s)arf floating up an* aroun* - fa)e as 0 la * ing at the &otto- of our pool. Ma &e that%s wh when 0 saw the- again after 0 ro*e awa fro- the part 6 not the tassels+ of )ourse+ &ut the poin)iana &losso-s 6 0 2a--e* on - &i) )le%s &ra,es. 0 ha*n%t reali1e* 0%* ri**en as far as the )e-eter . M feet ha* ta,en -e there un)ons)iousl . 0 ,new wh + of )ourse. 0t wasn%t the first ti-e it ha* happene*. 0%* ri**en through the )e-eter -ore than on)e sin)e arriving on 0sla #uesos 6 Mo- ha* even in)lu*e* it on the little 7orientation8 tour she gave -e on - arrival. Be)ause all the )offins were in a&ovegroun* )r pts an* vaults+ the grave ar* ha* &e)o-e one of the islan*%s top sightseeing *estinations. 0t turns out if ou &ur &o*ies in a pla)e regularl floo*e* & hurri)anes+ all the s,eletons will pop up out of the groun*. Then ou%ll fin*

our love* ones% re-ains *angling frotrees an* fen)es+ or even *own at the &ea)h+ li,e so-ething out of a horror -ovie. 7That%s wh +8 Mo- ha* infor-e* -e+ 7Spanish explorers who *is)overe* this islan* five hun*re* ears ago )hristene* it 0sla #uesos 6 0slan* of Bones. 3hen the got here+ it was )overe* with hu-an &ones+ pro&a&l fro- a stor- that ha* washe* up an 0n*ian &urial groun*.8 But though 0%* ri**en through the )e-eter several ti-es sin)e - arrival on 0sla #uesos+ 0%* never &een a&le to fin* the tree 0%* seen that *a when 0 was seven. Not until the night of the part . 3hi)h was what -a*e -e *o it. 7Don%t -a,e an stops+8 Mo- ha* sai*. 7Sta on our &i,e+8 she%* sai*. 7A storis )o-ing.8 An* now that 0 was stan*ing in front of the poin)iana tree+ 0 )oul* see that the stor- )o-ing our wa wasn%t 2ust the

one Mo- ha* referre* to. 0t was so-ething -u)h+ -u)h worse. Most of the flowers fro- the tree ha* fallen to the groun*. Drie* an* withere*+ the la aroun* - feet li,e a re* )arpet+ whispering to one another as the win* pi),e* the- up an* s)attere* the- farther *own the pave* path. The )r pt &eneath the tree *i*n%t loo, -u)h *ifferent fro- the wa it ha* the *a of - gran*father%s funeral. The plaster was still falling off in pla)es+ revealing &ri),s that were as re* as the &losso-s &eneath - feet. The -ain *ifferen)e was that now 0 )oul* see a na-e )arve* in &lo), lettering a&ove the entran)e to the vault+ a s)rolle* wrought!iron gate. No *ate. @ust a na-e. #A(DEN. 0 ha*n%t noti)e* the na-e when 0 was seven. 0%* ha* too -an other things on - -in*. The sa-e wa 0%* ri**en through this )e-eter so -an

ti-es *uring the past wee, an* never re)ogni1e* the tree until tonight. 7#e wasn%t real+ Pier)e.8 0t ha*n%t 2ust &een Gran*-a the other *a in her ,it)hen who%* sai* it+ either+ &ut all those ps )hiatrists - poor parents *ragge* -e to after a))i*ent+ una&le to &elieve the reports the ,ept re)eiving fro- - tea)hers that their pre)ious *aughter wasn%t perfor-ing at an a&ove!average or even average level. 0t%s ver )o--on for patients who%ve lost ele)tri)al a)tivit in their heart or &rain for an interval of ti-e to report having seen so-e sort of hallu)ination *uring the perio* the were flatline. But it was vital for - -ental health+ all those *o)tors tol* -e+ to re-e-&er that it ha* &een onl a *rea-. (es+ it ha* &een ver realisti). But )oul*n%t 0 see how there%* &een so-e things 0%* rea* a&out in &oo,s at s)hool+ or seen on T:+ or -a &e seen

ears earlier 6 though 0 never tol* an of the- a&out what ha* happene* at Gran*pa%s funeral 6 in the vision 0 ha* *uring - near!*eath experien)e4 This was i-portant to ,eep in -in*+ too+ as was the fa)t that while it was happening+ 0%* &een a&le to )ontrol own a)tions. This was what was ,nown as lu)i* *rea-ing. #a* what happene* to -e &een real+ 0 woul* not have &een a&le to es)ape - )aptor. So 0 ha* a&solutel nothing to worr a&outA #e wasn%t )o-ing &a), for -e. Be)ause he was a fig-ent of i-agination. 0%* sat a)ross fro- those ps )hiatrists+ an* 0%* no**e*. The were right. Of )ourse the were. But insi*e+ 0%* felt so; ;sorr for the-. Be)ause the walls &ehin* those *o)tors% *es,s were fille* with so -an fra-e* *iplo-as an* *egrees 6 so-e of thefro- the ver sa-e 0v

/eague s)hools - parents now *espaire* of - ever &eing a&le to get into. An* that was what -a*e -e sa**est of all. Be)ause - parents )oul*n%t see that it *i*n%t -atter. All those *iplo-as+ all those *egrees. An* those *o)tors still *i*n%t have the slightest i*ea what the were tal,ing a&out. Be)ause 0 ha* proof. 0 alwa s ha*. As 0 stoo* in front of the )r pt &eneath the poin)iana tree+ 0 un*i* the first )ouple &uttons of the too!tight *ress Mo- ha* suggeste* 0 wear to the part + an* presse* - fingers against it. 0 )oul* have pulle* it out at an ti-e in an one of those offi)es an* shown it to the- an* sai*+ 7/u)i* *rea-ing4 $eall 4 3hat a&out this+ then+ Do)tor48 But 0 never *i*. 0 2ust ,ept it where 0 alwa s *i*+ tu),e* insi*e - top. Be)ause 6 *espite the fa)t that the *i*n%t &elieve -e 6 all those *o)tors

ha* trie* so har* to help -e. The see-e* so ni)e. 0 *i*n%t want an thing &a* to happen to the-. An* 0 ha* foun* out the har* wa that &a* things happene* to people who too, too -u)h interest in - ne),la)e. So after that+ 0 never showe* it to an one. Not even Gran*-a when she%* sai* that thing in her ,it)hen. Not that it woul* have -a*e a &it of *ifferen)e to her. 0t wasn%t until 0 was stan*ing there in front of the )r pt where we%* -et that 0 su**enl reali1e* -a &e 0 was the one who was -a,ing the &a* things happen. Be)ause 0%* )o-e &a),. Not onl )o-e &a), fro- the *ea*+ &ut )o-e &a), to the pla)e where it ha* all starte*. 3hat was 0 even *oing there4 3as 0 as )ra1 as ever one &a), in Conne)ti)ut ,ept sa ing 0 was4 0 was in a )e-eter & - self after *ar,. 0

nee*e* to get out of there. 0 nee*e* to run. Ever hair on - &o* was stan*ing up+ telling -e to run. But of )ourse & then it was too late. Be)ause so-eone was )o-ing+ )rushing the *rie*!up flower petals on the path &eneath his feet as he got )loser. Bones. That%s what it soun*e* li,e as those flowers got tra-ple*. The &rea,ing of tin &ones. Oh+ Go*. 3h ha* Mo- tol* -e that stor 4 3h )oul*n%t 0 have a nor-al -other who tol* nor-al stories a&out fair go*-others an* glass slippers+ instea* of stories a&out hu-an s,eletal re-ains s)attere* a)ross &ea)hes4 0 *i*n%t even have to turn aroun* to see who it was. 0 ,new. Of )ourse 0 ,new. The s)rea- 0 let out when 0 a)tuall spun aroun* an* saw his fa)e was still lou* enough to wa,e the *ea*. #e see-e* as if against -e he were )o-ing

3ith hea* uplifte*+ an* with ravenous hunger+ So that it see-e* the air was afrai* of hi-B DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 #e loo,e* as sho),e* as 0 felt. 73hat are ou *oing here48 #is voi)e soun*e* li,e the thun*er 0 )oul* hear growing )loser ever ti-e lightning flashe* a&ove the tops of the pal- trees+ where the towering gra stor- )lou*s were )rashing into ea)h other. 0 trie* to sa so-ething+ &ut all that )a-e out was air. 3ell+ that shoul*n%t have &een too surprising+ even if a part of -e ha* ,nown fro- the -o-ent 0%* hear* Mosa the wor*s 0sla #uesos that this -o-ent was )o-ing. 0 guess 0%* even &een hoping to get it over with+ in a weir* wa . 3h else ha* - hea* ,ept telling - feet to pe*al towar*s the )e-eter 4

Not - hea*. M heart. That four!in)h )ar*ia) nee*le the plunge* into )hest4 0t -a have gotten - heart starte* again. But that *oesn%t -ean it%s not still &ro,en. 0 trie* again+ after )learing - throat. 0 hope* he )oul*n%t see how &a*l ,nees were tre-&ling &eneath the s,irt of - *ress. 70;0%- sorr +8 0 sai*. 7A&out the s)rea-ing. (ou startle* -e. 0 wasn%t;0 *i*n%t;M -o- an* 0 2ust -ove* here.8 This last part )a-e out in an in)oherent rush. 7To 0sla #uesos. She wants to -a,e a new start here+ &e)ause of;well+ ou ,now.8 M voi)e traile* off. 0 *i*n%t li,e tal,ing a&out what ha* happene* &a), in - ol* s)hool in 3estport. An* what was the point in telling hi-4 #e%* &een there. #e 2ust stare* at -e. 0 was prett sure fro- his expression that he wasn%t happ to see -e. Of )ourse+ 0%* 2ust s)rea-e* in

his fa)e. That ,in* of thing *oesn%t ten* to en*ear ou to people. Espe)iall gu s+ 0%* i-agine. 70t%s not - fault+8 0 a**e*. M heart was poun*ing so har* in - )hest+ 0 )oul* &arel hear the win* an -ore+ stirring the pal- fron*s overhea*+ or the )ri),ets an* )i)a*as &etween the )r pts that rose fro- the sha*ows aroun* us. 7She wants to save the &ir*s. 3hat was 0 suppose* to sa 48 M voi)e soun*e* )o-pletel unli,e own. 3ell+ no won*er. 3hat girl woul* &e a&le to spea, nor-all with so-eone who loo,e* li,e higlaring *own at her4 #e was so tall 6 six foot four or five+ nearl a foot taller than -e 6 an* his &i)eps an* shoul*ers so wi*e+ he%* easil have -a*e tight en* on an )ollege foot&all tea- in the )ountr .;0%* suffere* through enough ga-es *uring 79ualit ti-e8 with - *a* to &e a&le to pi), out the &o* t pe. Ex)ept there wasn%t a )oa)h alive who%*

a)tuall ta,e hi-+ *ue to his fairl o&vious attitu*e pro&le-. The &la), 2eans+ s,intight &la), T!shirt+ &la), ta)ti)al &oots+ an* ,nu),les )riss)rosse* with s)ars 6 not 2ust his ,nu),les+ either 6 were *ea* giveawa s he wasn%t going to pla ni)el with an one. Even his hair+ falling )arelessl in thi),+ long &rown waves aroun* his fa)e an* his ne),+ see-e* to s)rea- *ar,. Ex)ept his e es. As gra as the )lou*s overhea*+ the %* alwa s &urne* with a &right intensit 0%* foun* *iffi)ult to forget;an* &elieve -e+ 0%* trie*. Not an -ore+ though. Now the loo,e* *ull+ &lan, as twin &ullet holes. (ou )oul* al-ost sa the were;well+ *ea* e es. 0 won*ere* what ha* happene* to hito )ause the )hange. 0 )ertainl wasn%t to &la-e. 0 wasn%t that ,in* of girl. #is voi)e wasn%t *ea*. 0t was fille* with sar)as-. 70 -eant+8 he sai*+ 7what are ou *oing here+ now+ tonight4 0n the )e-eter .

After hours.8 0 swallowe* har*. Of )ourse. Of )ourse he ,new what 0 was *oing on 0sla #uesos. #e alwa s see-e* to ,now where 0 was an* exa)tl what 0 was *oing. #e%* pro&a&l seen - plane tou)h *own. #e%* pro&a&l wat)he* as 0 *ragge* &ags off the luggage )arousel+ an* Mohelpe* -e wheel the- to the )ar. 0 won*ere* if he%* &een wat)hing when we%* ha* to struggle so har* to lift the- into the &a), of her h &ri* S": &e)ause the were so heav . Ni)e of hi- to )o-e over an* offer us so-e help. 0 )oul* pra)ti)all feel the anger )o-ing off his &o* in waves. 0 ,new 0%* hurt hi- on)e <in - *efense+ he%* hurt -e first. False i-prison-ent is a felon . 0%* loo,e* it up=. But given that he%* shown up twi)e sin)e then to save - life 6 or at least 0 suppose that%s what he thought he was *oing 6 0%* assu-e* he%*

forgiven -e. (et his e es weren%t showing the slightest fli),er of war-th+ let alone re-orse+ for what he%* trie* to *o to -e. So 0 guess 0%* &een wrong. 7/oo,+8 0 sai*+ - voi)e a little gruff with so-e anger of - own. #e ha* no right to &e so ru*e. Sure+ he%* surprise* -e+ so 0%* s)rea-e*. But he%* ,nown this whole ti-e 0%* &een on the islan* an* he%* never on)e stoppe* & to sa hello4 Not that 0 wante* hi- to+ sin)e ever ti-e he showe* up+ so-eone see-e* to get hurt. But still. 70 was 2ust in the neigh&orhoo*+ so 0 thought 0%* )o-e & to -a,e sure ever thing &etween us was+ ou ,now.8 0 reali1e* 0%* reall *ug - self into a hole with this one. 3h ha*n%t 0 listene* to Mo- an* 2ust sta e* on - &i,e4 7That there were no har* feelings.8 #e )ontinue* to stare at -e. 7No har* feelings+8 he e)hoe*. 7$ight+8 0 sai*. This was going even -ore

horri&l than 0 )oul* have i-agine*. An* )learl + 0 ha* a reputation for &eing a&le to i-agine 9uite a &it. 70%- over what ou *i* to -e. An* 0 2ust wante* to -a,e sure that ou un*erstoo* that what 0 *i* to ou;what happene* when 0; ou ,now. /eft. That it wasn%t personal.8 7Oh+ 0 un*erstan*+8 he sai*. #is tone was as )ool as his ga1e. 7(ou were extre-el i-personal a&out it. (ou -a*e our *e)ision. Then ou a)te* on it.8 #e shrugge* an* fol*e* his ar-s. 73ithout an regar* to the )onse9uen)es.8 Stung at his pointe* re-in*er of &ehavior that *a 6 (ou were extre-el i-personal a&out it. (ou -a*e our *e)ision. Then ou a)te* on it 6 0 felt tears well up. Oh+ Go*. Now 0 was going to )r in front of hi-4 Mo- wante* ever thing to &e perfe)t4 3ell+ this was perfe)t. 70 was fifteen+8 0 sai*+ tr ing not ver effe)tivel to get a grip on - self. 0 ha*

rehearse* this )onversation so -an ti-es in - hea*+ 0 shoul* have ha* it *own )ol* & now. The pro&le-+ of )ourse+ was that )onversations with hi- in real life never went the wa the *i* in - hea*. 73ho%s rea* for that ,in* of )o--it-ent at fifteen48 7Seventeen%s &etter for ou48 he as,e* pointe*l . #orrifie*+ 0 )rie*+ 73hat4 NoA8 73ell+8 he sai*+ 7for so-eone who ,eeps )lai-ing she%s not rea* to *ie+ ou have an interesting wa of showing it.8 0 stare* straight into those *ea* e es. 73hat *oes that -ean48 7Onl that -ost people who pla)e an ,in* of value on their lives *on%t go wan*ering aroun* in )e-eteries after *ar,. But then again+ it is ou we%re tal,ing a&out.8 0sla #uesos Ce-eter %s nineteen a)res were )o-pletel without se)urit )a-eras or guar*s. The )e-eter sexton went ho-e pro-ptl at six

o%)lo),+ as he%* testil infor-e* -e one night after ,i),ing -e out <an* s)ol*ing -e for using 7a pla)e of pu&li) veneration as a thoroughfare8= while lo),ing the )e-eter gate. So if he *i* *e)i*e to ta,e -e &a), with hi- to his worl* 6 whi)h 0 was fairl )ertain he ha* the power to *o 6 unless there was so-e *run, who was sleeping it off &ehin* a to-& so-ewhere who%* hear* -e s)rea- an* gone to )all CDD+ no one was going to )o-e to - res)ue. Goo* evening. Tonight -ar,s the ten! ear anniversar of the - sterious *isappearan)e of seventeen! ear!ol* Pier)e Oliviera+ who vanishe* without a tra)e fro- the tin Flori*ian islan* of 0sla #uesos while ta,ing a see-ingl inno)ent &i,e ri*e one hot Septe-&er night.; 7Are ou threatening -e48 0 *e-an*e*+ putting - han*s on - hips+ tr ing to appear &raver than 0 a)tuall felt. Be)ause what 0 felt was utter

terror. 0 *i*n%t reali1e he%* &een -oving )loser as he spo,e 6 0%* forgotten he possesse* the a&ilit to step as lightl as a )at when he )hose to. This ti-e+ the *rie*!out poin)iana &losso-s ha*n%t -a*e a soun* &eneath those steel!toe* &oots 6 until he was stan*ing six in)hes awa fro- -e. The )loser he )a-e+ the har*er - heart &egan to ha--er. Not 2ust &e)ause of what 0 was afrai* he -ight &e planning on *oing to -e+ &ut &e)ause 0 was noti)ing all those little things a&out hi- that were so aggravatingl attra)tive. "p )lose+ his e es were as light as -ine were *ar,; onl -ine+ 0 ,new+ were a war- &rown+ with spots of a-&er an* hone in the6 as he hi-self ha* on)e infor-e* -e+ in a ten*erer -o-ent &etween us. 3hi)h isn%t exa)tl a )o-pli-ent if ou thin, a&out it+ sin)e &oth a-&er an* hone are sti), + gooe su&stan)es that

&ugs get trappe* in. #is e es were fille* with the exa)t opposite 6 fle),s of steel+ one of the har*est -etals on earth. A fa)t that was har* not to noti)e+ with his fa)e 2ust in)hes fro- -ine. 7Threatening ou48 he e)hoe*+ loo,ing *own. 73ith what4 3hat )oul* 0 possi&l *o to ou4 (ou%re not *ea*. At least+ not an -ore.8 0 su),e* in - &reath+ willing - pulse not to poun* too lou*l + sin)e su**enl it was o&vious what was a&out to happen5 #e was going to ,iss -e; ;or -a &e+ 0 reali1e*+ - heart giving a *isappointe* little flop+ not. 0%* -ista,en the fo)us of his attention. 0t wasn%t - lips he%* &een staring at+ &ut so-ething farther south;the pla)e where - *ress ha* gappe* open+ than,s to - having un*one the &uttons in the front. 0%* have li,e* to thin, he was attra)te* to - fe-inine for- 6 an* 0 ha* reason to &elieve

that he was. But tonight it was what la insi*e that gap+ *angling fro- that gol* )hain 0 ha*n%t re-ove* sin)e the *a 0 *ie*+ that ha* hi- so intereste*. 0t was suppose* to offer its wearer prote)tion fro- evil. Or at least that%s what he%* sai* when he gave it to -e. But it )ertainl ha*n%t *one -e an goo* tonight 6 or an other ti-e+ as far as 0 )oul* tell. 0t wasn%t until 0 was stan*ing there in front of hi- in the )e-eter + feeling his soft &reath on - )hee,+ that 0 reali1e* 0%* never even as,e* if it was all right for -e to ta,e it &a), with -e into this worl*. 0t ha*n%t &een stealing+ exa)tl + sin)e he%* given it to -e. But 0%- prett sure it ha* &een a gift that )a-e with )on*itions+ an* one of the )on*itions ha* &een that 0 sta in his worl*+ an*; 3ell+ that ha*n%t happene*. 3ithout an regar* to the )onse9uen)es+ he%* sai*.

M sto-a)h )len)he* as 0 9ui),l fol*e* - ar-s to hi*e &oth the stone an* ever thing else going on &eneath the front of - *ress. 7(ou still have it+8 he &reathe*. #is voi)e *i*n%t soun* li,e thun*er an -ore. 0t soun*e* exa)tl the wa it ha* the *a we first -et+ when he%* &een so ,in* an* reassuring. 7Of )ourse 0 still have it+8 0 sai*+ )onfuse* & his surprise. 3hat *i* he thin,+ that the -inute 0%* gotten awa fro- hi-+ 0%* thrown it un*er a stea-roller or so-ething4 Then 0 &it - lip. 0 suppose he was 2ustifie* in thin,ing 0 -ight not have wante* to hang on to an re-in*ers of the *a 0 *ie*;or of hi-. 0 pro&a&l was a &it of a fool not to have *roppe* it in the o)ean+ ol*!la* !fro-!Titani) st le. An other girl woul* have. A)tuall + -ost girls pro&a&l woul* have sol* it+ )onsi*ering how -u)h 0%* &een tol* it was worth. 3hat *i* it -ean that 0%* *one neither4

Nothing. Certainl not that 0 ha* an spe)ial feelings for hi-. 0 reall woul* have to &e )ra1 for that to &e true+ )onsi*ering what he%* *one to -e. Oh+ please *on%t let hi- thin, that%s wh 0 ,ept it. But then+ wh *i* the thought of giving it &a), -a,e -e feel;well+ a little 9ueas 4 All 0 shoul* have &een feeling was relief. $elu)tantl + 0 rea)he* up to pull on the )hain. The roun*+ -ultifa)ete* *ia-on* 6 now as gra as the )lou*s overhea*+ an* a&out the si1e of a large grape 6 fell out fro- its safe )o)oon+ -anaging to fin* a wa to gleaeven on a night as stor- as this one. The )lou*s ha* et to overta,e the -oon. 3hen he saw what 0 was *oing+ it was li,e seeing so-eone throw &a), the stor- shutters on a house that ha* &een )lose* up for hurri)ane season. All the )areful guar*e*ness *raine* fro- his expression. Even the life returne* to those for-erl *ea* e es.

#e was right to &e surprise* that 0 still ha* it5 3ho goes aroun* wearing a re-in*er of the *a she *ie*4 0 pro&a&l nee*e* to go &a), to all of those ps )hiatrists an* tell the- the whole truth this ti-e. But what goo* woul* it *o4 0t -ight help -e. But it )ertainl woul*n%t help the-. 7"-+8 0 sai* hesitantl . Do it+ -other%s voi)e warne* -e insi*e hea*. Ex)ept even - -o- *i*n%t ,now where the ne),la)e ha* )o-e fro-. Telling her woul* onl -a,e her thin, 0 was as )ra1 as ever one else *i*. 7Do ou;want it &a),48 0t nearl ,ille* -e to as, it. But the ti-e ha* )o-e+ 0 tol* - self. New start. All this ti-e 0%* &een hi*ing it &eneath - shirts+ 0%* &een tr ing to prote)t others. But if 0 were truthful with - self+ 0%* &een tr ing to prote)t it+ too. Be)ause 0 love* it to a ri*i)ulous *egree+ an* ha* fro- the -o-ent 0%* first lai* e es on it+ when he%* given it to -e.

But 0 also *i*n%t want an )onse9uen)es. Not for -e. Not for hi-. Not for an one. 0 pulle* the )hain over - hea*+ not )aring when it tangle* in - long hair. 0 was tr ing to *o this as a*roitl an* sensitivel as possi&le. Be)ause at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls 6 whi)h+ true+ 0%* &een ,i),e* out of+ &ut so what4 6 the tea)h nothing if not a*roitness an* sensitivit when *ealing with others or with *iffi)ult issues. That%s wh - *a* ha* insiste* on - going there fro- ,in*ergarten on up. #e%* hear* a&out the s)hool fro- so-e of his )lients an* hope* it woul* ,eep -e fro- en*ing up li,e hi-. So far+ things weren%t loo,ing pro-ising. Do it. 0 thrust the ne),la)e towar*s hi-+ ,not of hair an* all. 70t%s all right+8 0 sai*+ silentl )ursing - self for still having a sha,e in voi)e. An* - fingers. Coul* he see this+ as well as the tears in - e es+

in the -oonlight4 7(ou )an have it &a),. 0 ,now 0 shoul* never have ta,en it. 0%sorr for an ;)onse9uen)es this -ight have )ause*. But it all happene* so fast. 3ell+ ou ,now that. An wa +8 0 a**e*+ with an atte-pt at so-e hu-or to lighten the situation+ 7at least now ou won%t have to follow -e aroun* an -ore.8 0f 0%* &een loo,ing for pre)isel the wrong thing to *o an* sa + 0%* foun* it. 0n an instant+ the shutters that ha* swung open when he saw 0 still ha* the ne),la)e )a-e sla--ing &a), *own over his fa)e an* his e es. Snat)hing the pen*ant out of - han*+ he *e-an*e*+ 8Following ou4 0s that what ou )all it48 0 &lin,e* &a), at hi-+ stunne* & his rea)tion. So -u)h for a*roitness an* sensitivit . Also hu-or. 70 gave ou this8 6 he shoo, the ne),la)e in - fa)e+ his *eep voi)e lashing out at -e li,e the rain 0 )oul* s-ell alrea* &eating the -angroves

offshore 6 7&e)ause+ as 0 thought 0 -a*e )lear+ it affor*s its wearer prote)tion fro- evil;so-ething whi)h+ 0 -ight a**+ ou see- to nee* -ore than -ost+ sin)e ever ti-e 0 see ou+ ou%re in so-e ,in* of -ortal peril or another. But sin)e ou o&viousl *on%t want -e 6 or it 6 in our life+ here%s a thought. Stop )o-ing here. An* *on%t wear it.7 On the wor*s *on%t wear it+ he turne* an* threw it 6 - &eautiful ne),la)e 6 as har* as he )oul*. 0t went sailing through the night s, to lan* so-ewhere in the vast *ar,ness of 0sla #uesos Ce-eter %s nineteen a)res. 0t shoul*n%t have &een li,e wat)hing hithrow - heart awa . But it was. #e governs ever where+ an* there he reignsB There is his )it an* his loft throneB O happ he who- thereto he ele)tsA DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0

The next ti-e 0 saw hi- after that *a in the )e-eter with Gran*-a+ 0 was *ea*. Of )ourse 0 sai* the first thing ever one sa s when the open their e es after hitting their hea*+ su),ing in a gallon of pool water+ an* then going flatline. 73here a- 048 Be)ause 0 wasn%t at the &otto- of our pool an -ore;though 0 was still wearing the )lothes 0%* ha* on when 0 fell into it. The were *a-p now+ an* )lung to -e li,e a )hill se)on* s,in. 0 wasn%t on a hospital gurne or in an a-&ulan)e+ either. 0nstea*+ 0 was in a vast+ su&terranean )avern that see-e* to go on forever+ along the shore of a win* la,e. 0 wasn%t alone+ though. 7Na-e48 A towering -an in &la),+ having hear* - 3here a- 04+ turne* towar*s -e+ raising the glowing ta&let he hel* in his pal-.

0 was too *a1e* to *o an thing &ut repl + 7Pier)e Oliviera.8 7(ou%re over there+8 he sai*+ after inputting - na-e. 0 loo,e* in the *ire)tion he was pointing. 3e were stan*ing+ 0 reali1e*+ in a )row* of what loo,e* li,e thousan*s of other people 6 -ostl senior )iti1ens+ &ut so-e - own age+ or even ounger 6 all of who- see-e* as -isera&le as 0 was. The 2ust weren%t ne)essaril soa,e* to the s,in or *a1e* fro- a violent &low to the hea*. But the were+ li,e -e+ &eing or*ere* into two lines & huge -en *resse* all in &la),. The -en loo,e* the wa the ol*er girls fro- s)hool who too, the train into New (or, Cit to snea, into night)lu&s *es)ri&e* the &oun)ers who )ar*e* the- 6 -us)ular+ &al*+ &la),!leather!)la*+ an* tattooe* all over. 0n other wor*s+ super s)ar . "nli,e - &est frien*+ #annah+ 0%* never

ha* the )ourage to tr to snea,+ un*erage+ into a )lu& in the )it . 0 *i*n%t have a fa,e 0D. 0 )oul* &arel re-e-&er where 0 put - real one. So 0 *i*n%t *are *iso&e the or*ers of the -an in front of -e. The lines sna,e* towar*s the la,e+ into whi)h two *o),s 2utte*. One line was extre-el long. The other was a &it shorter. #e was pointing towar*s the shorter one. 7Sta in our own line+8 he growle*. 0t was an or*er. 0 hurrie* wor*lessl to the en* of the shorter line+ too frightene* to utter another soun*. 0t was onl when 0 foun* - self stan*ing &ehin* a tin + sweet!loo,ing ol* la* that 0 tappe* her on the shoul*er an* as,e*+ 7Ex)use -e+ -a%a-48 She turne* aroun*. She ha* the wrin,liest fa)e 0%* ever seen. She ha* to have &een a hun*re* if she were a *a . 7(es+ *ear4 Oh+ loo, at ou. (ou%re all wetA8

70%- all right+8 0 lie*. 0 was shivering so &a*l + - teeth were )hattering a little. 70 was won*ering. Do ou ,now where we are48 7Oh+ es+ *ear+8 she sai* with a huge s-ile. 73e%re getting on the &oat.8 0 *i*n%t even ,now how to respon* to that. 3as this a *rea-4 But if it was+ how was 0 a&le to wring the water fro- s)arf an* a)tuall feel the *rops as the s9uee1e* through fingers4 73here is the &oat going48 0 as,e*. 7Oh+ 0 *on%t ,now+8 the ol* la* sai*+ with another sweet s-ile. 7No one will tell us an thing. But 0 *o thin, it -ust &e so-ewhere won*erful. Be)ause loo, how &a*l ever one over there see-s to want to get into this line over here.8 She pointe* at the longer line+ a few *o1en ar*s fro- ours. 0t was true. The people in that line+ apparentl having hear* the sa-e thing the ol* la* ha*+ were al-ost rioting in

an atte-pt to es)ape their line an* get into ours. So-e of the &al*+ tattooe* -en in the &la), leather )oats were having to hol* the- &a),+ li,e &o* guar*s at a ro), )on)ert tr ing to )ontain unrul fans. 7#e +8 the gu in line &ehin* -e sai*. #e was ol*er than -e+ &ut ounger than the ol* la* . Ma &e in his twenties. 7Can ou get an servi)e48 #e was hol*ing up his )ell phone. 70 )an%t get an servi)e.8 0 patte* - )oat po),ets. The were e-pt . Of )ourse 0 *i*n%t have - phone. This was usuall how - night-ares went. 70%- sorr +8 0 sai*. 70 *on%t 68 That%s when 0 saw hi-. The tall -an *resse* all in &la), 6 &la), &oots+ &la), leather gloves+ &la), leather )oat 6 )antering towar*s the riot on a huge &la), horse. 0 re)ogni1e* hi- at on)e+ even though it ha* &een so -an ears. A rush of relief

surge* through -e. Finall + a fa-iliar fa)e. Ma &e that%s wh 0 *i*n%t hesitate 6 not even when 0 saw that ever one else ha* s)attere*+ giving hi- a wi*e &erth 6 to *u), out of the line an* hea* towar*s hi-. 7Oh+ *ear+ 0 woul*n%t if 0 were ou+8 the ol* la* )alle* after -e. 70t%s all right+8 0 sai* over - shoul*er. 70 ,now hi-A8 7Cra1 +8 0 hear* the gu &ehin* -e -utter <0 ha* no i*ea at the ti-e how often 0%* &e hearing this later=. 7She -ust &e tr ing to get herself ,ille*.8 The ha*n%t put it together. Neither ha* 0. Not then. Not ever one is )o-forta&le aroun* horses+ 0 tol* - self as 0 ran towar*s hia)ross the san*. That%s wh the + unli,e -e+ were so afrai*. An* this wasn%t a horse li,e - &est frien* #annah%s+ Dou&le Dare+ whose

)o-forta&le pla)i*it 6 he was starting to &al, at even the s-allest 2u-ps 6 -ight have &een one reason #annah now preferre* spen*ing ti-e on the s)hool &as,et&all tea-+ hanging out at the -all in hopes of )at)hing sight of so-e of her ol*er &rother%s frien*s+ or even going to night)lu&s instea* of the sta&les. Dou&le Dare%s na-e was starting to &e)o-e a &it of a 2o,e. There was nothing *aring a&out hi- an -ore+ reall . This horse+ on the other han*+ see-e* to &e *aring ou 2ust to loo, at hi-+ let alone to )o-e )lose. 3hi)h was pro&a&l wh - *oing so spoo,e* hi-. All 0 sai* was 7#e 8 in an atte-pt to get his ri*er%s attention;2ust as he was shouting at ever one in the other line to sta where the were 6 an or*er the see-e* )owe* & the harshness of his tone into o&e ing. 0 ha* no i*ea su)h a &rutal tone )oul*

)o-e fro- the sweet -an 0 re-e-&ere* 6 the one who%* -a*e a &ir* )o-e &a), alive 6 fro- gran*father%s funeral. 0 stoo* there paral 1e* with fright; ;until the next thing 0 ,new+ )har)oal &la), hooves were slashing the air 2ust in)hes fro- - hea* as the horse reare*+ snorting in outrage. Then 0 *u),e*+ afrai* for - life+ throwing - han*s over - fa)e to prote)t - e es. A se)on* later+ those enor-ous hooves )a-e explo*ing *own again+ spra ing &its of san* ever where+ an* 0 was *iving for safet . That%s when a noise li,e the lou*est thun*er)lap 0%* ever hear* fille* the )avern. 0 wasn%t sure if it was a real thun*er)lap or the soun* of the horse%s &o* as it )rashe* onto the &ea)h+ one of its &a), legs having slippe* in the san* &eneath it. A -ale voi)e shoute* so-ething. 3hen 0 loo,e* up fro- where 0%* )rou)he* in an effort not to &e ,ille*+ 0 reali1e* the

shout ha* )o-e fro- the ri*er. #e%* )rie* out the horse%s na-e 6 Alastor+ as near as 0 )oul* tell 6 an* was ,i),ing his &oots fro- the stirrups as the horse s)ra-&le* &a), to its feet. 0t was onl then that 0 reali1e* 6 with a ph si)al sho), that 2olte* -e nearl as -u)h as the horse%s violent rea)tion ha* 6 that this was no night-are. 0f it ha* &een+ 0%* have wo,en & now. 0 woul*n%t &e tasting san* in -outh. An* the -an 0%* -et the *a of gran*father%s funeral woul*n%t have su**enl &een stan*ing over -e+ staring *own at -e with silver e es that hel* not the slightest hint of re)ognition;or hu-anit . 0t was then that 0 noti)e* there was so-ething 6 other than that awful voi)e 6 *ifferent a&out hi-. No+ it wasn%t that he was *ifferent.; 0 was.

0 wasn%t seven an -ore. But he was exa)tl the sa-e as he%* &een that *a in the )e-eter . The *ar, hair. The flashing e es. The towering height 6 onl he *i*n%t see9uite as -u)h of a giant as he ha* then. #ow was an of it even possi&le+ when so -an ears ha* gone & sin)e the last ti-e 0%* seen hi-4 7Are ou all right48 he *e-an*e* in a voi)e that was so-ehow worse 6 lou*er an* -ore authoritative 6 than the thun*er that ha* torn through the )avern se)on*s earlier. 70 6 0 guess+8 0 sai*+ resisting the urge to 2u-p up an* run. M heart in - throat+ 0 rea)he* up to ta,e his han*+ allowing hi- to pull -e to - feet. #is s,in felt tantali1ingl war- an* *r + )onsi*ering - own was the exa)t opposite. 7Are ou all right48 #e threw -e an in)re*ulous loo,+ the glowing!e e* ga1e see-ing to ra,e -e. 7A- 0 all right48 he as,e*. 7(ou )oul*

have &een tra-ple*. An* ou%re as,ing if 0%- all right48 7Di* he roll onto ou48 0 as,e*+ nervousl e eing his horse+ pawing the groun* a few ar*s awa + his &ri*le &eing hel* 6 &arel 6 & one of the guar*s. The horse ha* to &e at least part Cl *es*ale. An* the rest *evil. #is owner *i* not appear to &e the least &it intereste* in *is)ussing an in2uries he -ight have sustaine* *uring the a))i*ent 0%* )ause*. 70%- fine+8 he snappe*. 7But ou nee* to learn to follow instru)tions. Do the wor*s Esta in our own line% -ean nothing to ou48 #e release* han* to wrap his own aroun* - upper ar- instea*. An* the next thing 0 ,new+ he was *ragging -e &a), towar*s the line. Not the one 0%* )o-e fro-. The other one. 0 trie* to sa so-ething. 0 *i*. But 0 thin, the sho), of it all was finall &eginning to ta,e its toll. All 0 )oul* *o was stare. #is

e es were the exa)t sa-e )olor as the throwing stars a -ilitar )lient fro- @apan ha* given father. 3hen Da* first opene* the &ox in front of -e+ the )olor of the &la*es ha* stirre* a faint -e-or . 0t wasn%t until now 0 reali1e* what that -e-or was. #i-. 7Don%t ever tou)h these+8 Da* ha* warne*. /i,e 0%* even wante* to;until he sai* that. Then 0%* ha* the strangest )o-pulsion to pull one out fro- the spe)ial *rawer in whi)h Da* ,ept the-+ an* throw it at the trun, of an ol* tree in our &a), ar*. Da* ha* to use a pair of pliers to get it out+ it was e-&e**e* so *eepl . After that+ he ,ept the &la*es lo),e* in his offi)e safe 6 ex)ept when he too, the- out to tr throwing the- at the tree hi-self+ to see if he )oul* -a,e the- sti), the wa 0 ha*. 3hi)h+ to his )onsternation+ he

)oul* not. Now+ for the first ti-e+ 0 felt as if 0 ,new where that )o-pulsion to tou)h Da*%s throwing stars+ *espite his warning -e not to+ ha* )o-e fro-. 7Don%t &other loo,ing up at -e li,e that+8 - )aptor warne* -e. 70t won%t wor,. 0%ve &een *oing this for a long ti-e. 0 ,now all the tri),s. An* &atting those &ig &rown e es at -e won%t *o a thing+ 0 guarantee.8 0 &lin,e*. 3as he spea,ing to -e4 O&viousl . 0 was the onl person he was *ragging aroun*. Tri),s4 3hat was he tal,ing a&out4 0%- still not sure how 0 -anage* to for-ulate wor*s+ let alone a )o-plete senten)e+ un*er that -ena)ing ga1e. But 0 suppose when ou%re )o-pletel soa,e*+ *esperate+ terrifie*+ an* alone+ ou reali1e ou%ve got a&solutel nothing else to lose. 70 *!*on%t ,now what ou%re tal,ing a&out+8 0 sta--ere*. 0 )oul*n%t ,eep voi)e an stea*ier than 0 )oul* -

sha,ing fingers. 70 *!*on%t ,now an tri),s. 0 *i*n%t -ean to upset our horse. An* 0%- sorr if ou got hurt. But 0 nee*e* to spea, to ou 68 70t%s too late+8 he sai* woo*enl + loo,ing straight ahea*. 7An* 0%ve hear* all the ex)uses 0 )an ta,e to*a . On)e *e)ision is -a*e+ it%s final. 0 *on%t -a,e ex)eptions;not even for girls who loo, li,e ou.8 70 un*erstan*+8 0 sai*+ even though 0 ha* no i*ea what he was tal,ing a&out. 3hat *e)ision4 An* girls who loo,e* li,e -e4 0 i-agine* 0 loo,e* totall patheti)+ in - soa,ing!wet )lothes. M hair was pro&a&l hanging in rat%s tails. 3as that what he -eant4 7But that%s not what 0 wante* to 68 The other line 6 the row* one 6 was growing )loser. 0 *i*n%t li,e the loo, of it one &it. There weren%t an sweet ol* la*ies in that line. No one there was tr ing to get their )ell phone to wor,. 0nstea*+ people were throwing pun)hes

an* pulling hair+ tr ing to &rea, past the guar*s to get into the other line. Things got even worse when+ a se)on* later+ a horn soun*e*. A ferr 6 as &ig as the one - parents an* 0 ha* ta,en to Martha%s :ine ar* one su--er+ huge enough to fit hun*re*s of people an* their )ars 6 was )hugging through the water towar*s the *o), )losest to the line in whi)h 0 use* to &e stan*ing. A ripple of anti)ipation sprea* a)ross the )avern. The *in grew al-ost un&eara&le. So-eone fro- the row* line -anage* to &rea, free+ then *arte* *ire)tl a)ross our path+ )ausing -e to lose - alrea* unstea* &alan)e. M )aptor ha* to throw a prote)tive araroun* -e to ,eep -e fro- falling. 70%ll ta,e her pla)e+8 the -an fro- the line was elling+ 7if she%s )o-ing over hereA8 One of the guar*s )aught hi- &efore he got ver far an* *ragge* hi-+ s)rea-ing+

&a),. 7But it%s not fair+8 he shoute*. 73h )an%t 0 ta,e her spot48 The stranger fro- the )e-eter + having wat)he* all this+ loo,e* *own at -e. 73here *i* ou )o-e fro-48 he as,e* suspi)iousl . 7That%s what 0%ve &een tr ing to tell ou+8 0 sai*+ - e es filling with tears. 7Don%t ou re-e-&er -e48 #e shoo, his hea*. But his grip on -e ha* &egun to loosen. 70t%s -e+8 0 sai*. 0 hate* the fa)t that ever ti-e we -et+ 0 was )r ing. Still+ -a &e it woul* help 2og his -e-or . 7Fro- the )e-eter on 0sla #uesos+ the *a of - gran*father%s funeral. (ou -a*e a *ea* &ir* )o-e &a), to life 68 #is entire *e-eanor )hange*. The har*ene* glint *isappeare* fro- those gra e es. Su**enl + the were as gentle as the %* see-e* the first ti-e 0 -et hi-. 7That was ou48 Even his voi)e ha*

)hange*. 0t soun*e* al-ost hu-an. 7(es+8 0 sai*+ s-iling *espite - tears. 0 )oul* see 0%* gotten through to hi- at last. Ma &e 6 2ust -a &e 6 ever thing was going to &e all right after all. 7That was -e.8 7Pier)e+8 he sai*. 0 )oul* pra)ti)all see the -e-or floo*ing &a),. 7(our na-e was;Pier)e.8 0 no**e*+ the tears )o-ing so fast 0 ha* to rea)h up an* wipe the- awa . 7Pier)e Oliviera.8 M na-e on his lips soun*e* so ni)e in that horri&le pla)e. The fa)t an thing at all see-e* fa-iliar when aroun* -e+ ever thing was so awful+ was -ore won*erful than 0 )oul* *es)ri&e. 0 ha* to restrain - self frothrowing - ar-s aroun* hi-. After all+ 0 wasn%t seven an -ore. An* he was no longer the ,in*l un)le he%* on)e see-e*+ *oing -agi) tri),s with *oves. 3hi)h was wh 0 was ,eeping *istan)e.

70 thin, there%s &een a -ista,e+8 0 sai* when he let go of -e to rea)h into his )oat po),et an* pull out one of the palta&lets all the guar*s ha*. #e was loo,ing up - na-e+ 0 )oul* tell. 7That%s wh 0%- so gla* 0 foun* ou. 0 reall *on%t thin, 0%- suppose* to &e here. No offense+ &ut this pla)e;8 6 the wor*s tu-&le* out &efore 0 )oul* stop the- 6 7whatever it is+ it%s horri&le. Do ou run it or so-ething48 0 ha* the feeling he *i*+ &ut that *i*n%t stop -e fro- insulting his -anage-ent s,ills to his fa)e+ a &a* ha&it 0%* pi),e* up fro- - *a*+ who%* never ha* an )o-pun)tion a&out sen*ing &a), a stea, or a &ottle of wine he *i*n%t li,e. 7Be)ause it )oul* reall use so-e up*ating+8 0 went on while he was still rea*ing whatever it sai* on his ta&let. 7There aren%t an signs or an thing sa ing where we are or when the next &oat is leaving+ an* 0 *on%t thin, all of us are going to fit on that one over there+

an* it%s reall )ol* in here+ an* no one )an get an )ell re)eption+ an*8 6 0 too, a step nearer to hi- so the guar*s woul*n%t overhear what 0 sai* next+ even though 0 was prett sure+ what with all the lou* protesting going on &ehin* us an* the )langing of the an)hor )hain as the &oat *o),e* on the other si*e+ 0 was safe 6 7those gu s organi1ing the lines4 The %re ver ru*e.8 70%- sorr +8 he sai*. #e slippe* the ta&let &a), into his po),et+ then shrugge* off his )oat an* wrappe* it aroun* -e+ pulling it 6 an* -e 6 )lose & the )ollar. 70s this &etter48 A little &it sho),e* that he%* so -isse* the point of what 0 was tr ing to tell hi6 &ut un*enia&l -u)h war-er. #is )oat weighe* a ton an* was pra)ti)all stea-ing fro- his &o* heat 6 0 no**e*. #e ha*n%t let go of the )ollar. 0t felt o** to &e so near hi-. #e *efinitel was no ,in*l un)le. #e was+

instea*+ ver -u)h a oung -an )lose to - own age. An* )ra),ling with -ale sexualit . 0 won*ere* if 0 shoul* have 2ust sta e* in - line. Ever one in it was filing for the &oat+ whi)h loo,e*+ now that 0 )oul* see it up )lose+ fairl )o-forta&le. 70 *i*n%t -ean 2ust -e+8 0 went on -ore slowl . 7Ever one here is frea,ing out. The %re wet an* )ol*+ too.8 0 pointe* towar*s the line of people who weren%t &eing let onto the ferr that ha* 2ust *o),e*. 73hat%s going on with the-48 #e loo,e* in the *ire)tion 0%* pointe*+ then &a), *own at -e. #e was still hol*ing on to the )ollar of his )oat+ ,eeping it snug aroun* shoul*ers. 7(ou *on%t nee* to worr +8 he sai*. #is expression ha* har*ene* again+ however+ an* his e es gone a storgra + as if this was a su&2e)t he

*i*n%t li,e *is)ussing. 7A &oat%s )o-ing for the-+ too.8 73ell+ the still *eserve to &e treate* &etter+8 0 sai*+ win)ing as another -an trie* to -a,e a &rea, for the ferr line &efore a guar* use* for)e to su&*ue hi-. 70t%s not their fault 68 #e steppe* even )loser towar*s -e+ effe)tivel &lo),ing - view of what was going on in front of the ferr . 7Do ou want to go so-epla)e else48 he as,e*. 7So-epla)e awa fro- here4 So-epla)e war-48 7Oh+8 0 sai*+ feeling a rush of relief. #e%* reali1e* there%* &een a -ista,e. #e was going to fix it. 0 was going ho-e. 7(es+ please. 8 An* then 0 &lin,e*. Be)ause that%s what hu-an &eings *o+ espe)iall when the %ve &een )r ing. But when 0 opene* - e es again+ 0 wasn%t ho-e. 0 wasn%t stan*ing on the shore of the la,e an -ore+ either. An* what 0%* &een hoping was the en* of the night-are 0%* &een going through

turne* out to &e 2ust the &eginning. 7Thee it &ehoves to ta,e another roa*+8 $espon*e* he+ when he &ehel* -e weeping+ 70f fro- this savage pla)e thou woul*st es)ape.8 DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 0nstea* of ho-e+ or stan*ing & the la,e+ 0 was in a long+ elegantl appointe* roo-. The horse was gone. The guar*s were gone. The &ea)h along the la,e was gone. All of the people 6 the people who%* &een waiting in the lines 6 were gone+ too. The win* was still there+ though. 0t )ause* the long+ gau1 white )urtains+ hanging fro- the elegant ar)hes along one si*e of the roo-+ to &illow softl . But the win* was the onl thing 0 re)ogni1e*. Ever thing else aroun* -e 6 the white!sheete* &e* toppe* with a *ar,+ heav )anop on one en*

of the roo-B the pair of throneli,e )hairs at the long &an9uet ta&le sitting &efore an enor-ous hearth at the otherB the ornate anti9ue tapestries+ all *epi)ting -e*ieval!loo,ing s)enes+ whi)h hung here an* there on the s-ooth+ white -ar&le wallsB even the white *ivan on whi)h 0 was sitting 6 0 ha* never seen &efore in - life. 0 was *rea-ing. 0 ha* to &e. Ex)ept that ever thing 6 the soun* of water &u&&ling in the fountain in the )ourt ar* outsi*e the ar)hesB the softness of the fur rug &eneath su**enl &are feetB the s-ell of the &urning firewoo* in the hearth 6 felt so real. As real as ever thing ha* felt a split se)on* &efore. Most real of all was hi-+ sitting &esi*e -e on the *ivan. 7Better now48 he as,e*. #is voi)e *i*n%t soun* li,e thun*er an -ore. 0nstea*+ it soun*e* lush+ li,e the rug into whi)h - feet san, the -inute 0 sprang to the-.

3hi)h 0 *i* the -inute he spo,e. 3hat was going on4 0 lifte* a tre-&ling han* to shove so-e of - long 6 now *r 6 hair fro- - fa)e+ an* )aught a gli-pse of so-ething white. 0 loo,e* *own. 0 was no longer wearing his )oat+ or wet+ )hill )lothes. 0 was in so-e ,in* of gown. 0t wasn%t a hospital gown+ either. 0t was )losel fitte* on top+ with a s,irt that al-ost swept the floor. 0t &ore a vague rese-&lan)e to what the -ai*ens in the tapestries on the walls were wearing. 0t woul* not have loo,e* out of pla)e at the annual )otillion hel* for the upper)lasswo-en at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls. This part 0 ha* to &e *rea-ing. But then+ wh )oul* 0 feel - heart poun*ing so har* in - )hest4 #e%* risen fro- the )ou)h when 0 ha*. Now he stoo* loo,ing *own at -e with an expression on his fa)e that 0 )oul* onl *es)ri&e as )on)erne*.

70sn%t this what ou wante*48 he as,e*. 7(ou%re war- now+ an* *r . (ou *i* sa ou wante* to go awa fro- there.8 0 stare* up at hi-+ open-outhe*+ )o-pletel una&le to spea,. 0 was a tenth gra*er fro- Conne)ti)ut who ha* 2ust &lin,e* an* en*e* up in so-e eighteen! or nineteen! ear!ol* gu %s &e*roo-. Di* he not see how this -ight &e *istur&ing4 7(ou%ll &e 9uite safe here+ ou ,now+8 he assure* -e. 0 use* to thin, 0 was safe in - own &a), ar*. An* loo, how that ha* turne* out. 70 *on%t un*erstan*+8 0 sai*+ when 0 finall -anage* to fin* - voi)e. Even then+ it )a-e out soun*ing -ore patheti) than ever. 0 nee*e* to sit &a), *own. 0 was prett sure 0 was having so-e ,in* of stro,e or so-ething. 73hat%s going on4 3here are we4 3ho are ou48 0 guess the fa)t that 0 was a&le to spea,

at all -ust have -a*e hi- thin, 0 was fine+ &e)ause he%* 2ette* off towar*s the ta&le. 7@ohn+8 he sai*+ tossing the na-e )asuall over one of those i-possi&l wi*e shoul*ers. 70%- @ohn. Di*n%t 0 tell ou that last ti-e4 0 thought 0 *i*.8 @ohn4 #is na-e was @ohn4 Ma &e 0%* hit - hea* har*er than 0 thought+ an* 0 ha* a-nesia or so-ething. Ma &e 0%* &een at a )ostu-e part 6 that woul* explain the gown 6 an* this gu was one of #annah%s &rother%s frien*s+ an* 0%* 2ust forgotten. Onl none of that explaine* what ha* happene* in the )e-eter with Gran*-a. @ohn. 0%- @ohn. 7#ow;how *i* ou *o that48 0 as,e* hi- in a sha,ing voi)e. 7One -inute we were there+ & the la,e+ an* the next 68 7Oh.8 #e shrugge*. 7A per, of the 2o&+ 0 suppose.8 #e pulle* out one of the throneli,e )hairs. 7(ou -ust &e tire*. 3on%t ou sit *own4 An* 0%- sure

ou -ust &e hungr .8 0t wasn%t until he sai* it that 0 reali1e* 0 was. @ust loo,ing at the -oun*s of ripe pea)hes+ )risp apples+ an* glistening grapes in those glea-ing silver &owls 6 not to -ention the )ool )lear water in those )r stal go&lets+ so )ol* 0 )oul* see the )on*ensation *ripping fro- the si*es 6 well+ it wasn%t eas to sta where 0 was+ espe)iall feeling as wo&&l on - feet as 0 *i*. But - *a* ha* warne* -e a&out situations li,e this. Ma &e not this exa)tl . But not to a))ept foo* 6 or *rin,s 6 fro- strangers. Espe)iall oung -ale strangers. Even ones 0 ,new fro- &efore. 7@o&48 0 as,e*+ sta ing where 0 was. M -in* see-e* &arel a&le to grasp what was happening. Be)ause far too -u)h was happening+ too 9ui),l . 73hat 2o&4 0 *on%t un*erstan*. (ou still haven%t tol* -e where+ exa)tl + 0 a-. An* who were all those people48

7Oh+ out there48 Now those gra e es+ when he turne* the- towar*s -e+ weren%t stor- loo,ing or fille* with steel fle),s or an thing other than; well+ regret. That was the onl wor* 0 )oul* thin, of to *es)ri&e it. 70%- sorr a&out all of that. 3hat 0 a))use* ou of &efore 6 that was unforgiva&le of -e. 0%ve 2ust never -et a girl li,e ou. At least+ not in a long ti-e.8 7A girl li,e -e48 0 e)hoe*. 0 re-e-&ere* what he%* sai* as he *ragge* -e towar*s the other line;the rough! loo,ing one. 73hat *oes that -ean48 7Nothing+8 he sai* 9ui),l . 70 2ust -eant 0 *on%t often -eet girls of our;nature.8 73hat *o ou ,now a&out - nature48 0 as,e*. M voi)e was still sha,ing. 0 was prett sure 0 was &e)o-ing h steri)al+ even though 0 was no longer wet an* it was -u)h war-er in the roo- than it ha* &een *own & the la,e. 7(ou &arel ,now -e. 0 was seven when we last -et. (ou *i*n%t

even re)ogni1e -e *own there until 0 tol* who 0 was+ an* even then ou ha* to loo, -e up on our little -a)hine. 3hat *i* it sa a&out -e on that 68 70 -eant it as a )o-pli-ent+8 he insiste*+ letting go of the )hair in whi)h he%* wante* -e to sit. #e -ove* towar*s -e+ &oth pal-s fa)ing out+ as if 0 were a pon he wante* to )al-. 7An* ou haven%t a)tuall )hange* as -u)h as ou -ight thin,. (ou still have the &iggest e es 0%ve ever seen. The %re war-+ ou ,now. /i,e hone .8 #is own e es+ 0 )oul*n%t help noti)ing+ were the exa)t sa-e )olor as the &owls hol*ing all the fruit. 7(ou%ve )hange*+8 0 sai*. 0 *i*n%t -ean it as a )o-pli-ent+ an* he see-e* to ,now it. #e ha* to ,now it+ if onl &e)ause for ever step he too, towar*s -e+ 0 too, a *efensive one &a),;at least until 0 foun* - self hitting the *ivan. Now 0 ha* nowhere else to go+ an* stoo* loo,ing up at hi-+

- heart fluttering in - throat. 3hat ha* 0 gotten - self into4 0 shoul* never have agree* to let hi- ta,e -e fro- the &ea)h. 7A)tuall +8 he sai*+ stan*ing so )lose+ 0 )oul* feel the heat fro- his &o* . 70 haven%t )hange* at all. Neither have ou. (ou%re still as,ing for favors for others. The last ti-e 0 -et ou+ ou wante* -e to &ring a &ir* &a), to life. Then our gran*father. An* out there 2ust now+ ou ,ept tal,ing a&out ever &o* else. The %re wet an* the %re )ol*. The *eserve to &e treate* &etter. That%s what ou sai*. 3as 0 all right4 That%s what ou wante* to ,now when - horse nearl tra-ple* ou. 3as 0 all right. Do ou ,now how -an ti-es so-eone%s as,e* -e that 9uestion sin)e 0 )a-e here48 0 swallowe*. #is fa)e was 2ust in)hes fro- -ine. The s-ell of woo* s-o,e was ver strong. 0 *i*n%t ,now if it was )o-ing fro- hi- or the fire in the hearth. Ma &e &oth.

70 *on%t ,now+8 0 sai*. 7Never+8 he sai*. 7An* 0%ve &een *oing this for 9uite so-e ti-e. Ever one else alwa s sa s+ E0%- wet. 0%- )ol*.% No one%s ever in9uire* after health. Not ou+ though. (ou )are. Not 2ust a&out &ir*s an* horses &ut a&out people. An* &e)ause of that+8 he sai*+ leaning even -ore *angerousl )lose+ 70%- guessing a lot of people -ust )are a&out ou.8 For a -o-ent+ 0 thought he was going to ,iss -e. 0 was al-ost sure he was going to. #is -outh was that )lose to -ine+ an* he%* rea)he* one long+ -us)ular ar- out as if he were going to wrap it aroun* -e. 0%* hear* a&out people falling in love at first sight. 3hat he%* sai* a&out per)eption of hi- having )hange* was true5 #e was ver stri,ing loo,ing+ with that *ar, hair falling into his fa)e+ an* the )ontrast with those ver light e es. #e wasn%t han*so-e+ ne)essaril + &ut he was so-eone

who+ if ou saw hi- at the -all or so-epla)e+ ou woul*n%t &e a&le to loo, awa . At least+ 0 woul*n%t &e a&le to. Ex)ept he *i*n%t ,iss -e. 0nstea*+ he turne* out to &e rea)hing for so-ething on a shelf 2ust a&ove - hea*. 0t was a s-all woo*en &ox. After he%* pulle* it *own+ he lifte* one of han*s an* sai*+ 7Co-e sit with -e. @ust for a -o-ent.8 M heart was still ha--ering frothin,ing he%* &een a&out to ,iss -e. Not that 0%* wante* hi- to ,iss -e. 0 *i*n%t even want to sit *own with hi-. 0 2ust *i*n%t want to see- ru*e. Espe)iall sin)e he%* starte* pulling -e &a), towar*s the ta&le. 3hat )oul* 0 *o4 0t woul* &e i-polite to refuse to 2oin hi-. #e ha*n%t trie* to *o an thing to hurt -e ex)ept ell at -e for )ausing his horse to slip an* possi&l in2ure itself+ an* then get out of the line 0 was suppose* to &e in. An* he *i* run this pla)e+ whatever it

was. 0 was a guest in it. 0 ha* to *o what he sai*. Still+ 0 sai* as ni)el as 0 )oul* as 0 too, the )hair he%* offere*+ 7/isten+ this has &een ver ni)e+ an* 0 hope ever thing wor,s out with the 2o&+ or+ u-+ whatever it is that ou *o. Than, ou ver -u)h for the invitation to8 6 3hat ti-e was it+ an wa 4 0 ha* no i*ea. There were no )lo),s an where+ an* the light outsi*e the gau1 white )urtains was pin,ish+ 2ust as it ha* &een *own & the la,e. The entire )avern see-e* to &e )ast in a pin, glow. 3as it lun)hti-e4 Or *innerti-e4 0 ha* no i*ea 6 7eat with ou. 0%* love to sta + &ut 68 3hile 0%* &een spea,ing+ he%* pla)e* the &ox he plu),e* fro- the shelf *own in front of -e+ then opene* the li*. An* there it was. M voi)e traile* off as 0 stare* at it. 0%not reall a 2ewelr sort of person. But this was *ifferent.

7Do ou li,e it48 he as,e*. #e see-e* al-ost;nervous+ in a wa . 3hi)h+ )onsi*ering what a self!assure* 6 one -ight even sa authoritative 6 person he was+ was unusual. 7(ou *on%t have to ,eep it if ou feel un)o-forta&le a&out it or *on%t li,e it.8 The stone lan*e* with a soft thu-p against - sternu-. Be)ause of )ourse 0%* no**e* in response to his 9uestion as to whether or not 0 li,e* it. 0%* &een stru), spee)hless with *esire. An* then 6 naturall 6 he%* )o-e up to the &a), of - )hair to put the ne),la)e aroun* - ne),. 0 ha* never in - life seen an thing as &eautiful. The stone was the )olor of a thun*er)lou*;s-o, gra at the e*ges+ then turning so *ar, &lue in the -i**le+ it was al-ost &la),. 0t was the )o-plete opposite of the shin white *ia-on* solitaires an* &right &lue sapphires all the other girls in s)hool got fro- Tiffan on their

&irth*a s. Gra + 0 )oul* 2ust hear the- all sa ing. Gra is so Pier)e. 70t suits ou+8 he sai* shortl + his voi)e as rough as thun*er again. #e )leare* it. 70 thought of it the -inute 0 saw ou 2ust now+ *own there. Onl 0 never thought;well+ 0 never thought ou%* turn out to &e ou+ or want to )o-e here with -e.8 0 ha* no i*ea what he was tal,ing a&out. Against the white &o*i)e of - gown+ the stone was the exa)t )olor of the /ong 0slan* Soun* on a stor- *a . 0t re-in*e* -e of the view 0 saw out - &e*roo- win*ow &a), ho-e. 7Do ou ,now an thing a&out )olore* *ia-on*s48 he as,e*. 0 shoo, - hea*+ still spee)hless with the &eaut of his gift. #e no**e* an* went on+ 7The )o-e in 2ust a&out ever )olor ou )an i-agine. Pin,+ ellow+ re*+ green+ &la),+ gra ;&ut the %re ver rare. An tone of &lue+ li,e this one+ is

the -ost *esira&le of all. Men have ,ille* for &lue *ia-on*s. Stones li,e this are &urie* so *eepl in the earth%s )rust+ ou see+ the %re al-ost i-possi&le to fin*. There%ve &een onl two or three *is)overe* that were an where near as large as this one.8 #e rea)he* fro- aroun* the &a), of the )hair to lift the heav stone fro- where it *angle*. 0 still wasn%t 9uite sure what ha* happene* to -e. But out of ever thing 6 hitting - hea*B struggling in the poolB wa,ing to fin* - self in a strange worl* )overe* & a pin, s, -a*e of stoneB running into so-e gu 0%* -et when 0 was seven who turne* out not onl to possess the power to -a,e *ea* &ir*s )o-e &a), to life &ut also to -agi)all transport girls fro- one pla)e to another 6 this was what finall sent -e over the e*ge5 that he%* 2ust )asuall rea)he* over to inva*e - personal &o* spa)e as if he ha* so-e ,in* of right to.

0%- prett sure he *i*n%t noti)e su**enl &la1ing )hee,s. #e went right on tal,ing as if nothing were wrong. 0t was entirel possi&le+ )onsi*ering that the onl )o-pan he was apparentl use* to ,eeping was horses+ huge tattooe* line &oun)ers+ an* seven! ear!ol*s+ he *i*n%t ,now an thing was wrong. But that *i*n%t -a,e it all right with -e. 70%ve rea* that this *ia-on* has spe)ial properties+8 he sai*. 70t%s suppose* to prote)t its wearer fro- evil+ possi&l even help her *ete)t it. 3hi)h is goo* &e)ause true evil often wears the -ost inno)ent of guises. So-eti-es our )losest frien*s )an turn out not to have our &est interests at heart. An* we never have the re-otest suspi)ion;not until it%s too late.8 #e was spea,ing with a &itterness that suggeste* he%* ha* personal experien)e in this area. 70 )an%t thin,+8 he went on+ in a *ifferent tone entirel 6 now he soun*e* slightl

a-use* 6 7of an one who nee*s so-ething li,e this -ore than ou.8 0 still ha* no i*ea what he was tal,ing a&out. All 0 ,new was that the stone+ whi)h 0%* &een wat)hing hi- hol* in those )alluse* fingers as he spo,e+ ha* &een *oing so-ething strange; turning fro- al-ost &la), in the -i**le to the palest of gra s+ the )olor of the *own fluff on a ta&& ,itten%s )hest. This was going wa too fast for -e. 0 ha* never even &een to a -ovie with a gu . For all of #annah%s efforts to get her &rother%s frien*s to noti)e her 6 an* *ragging -e along with her *uring -ost of her atte-pts 6 none of the- ever ha*. An* now 0 was in this in)re*i&l sex gu %s roo-+ an* he%* given -e this ne),la)e+ an* 0 *i*n%t even ,now where - )lothes were. 0 *u),e* out fro- &eneath his ar- an* sai*+ leaping fro- the )hair+ 73ell+ than,

ou ver -u)h+ @ohn. But 0 shoul* pro&a&l &e going+ &e)ause 0%sure - -other -ust &e loo,ing for -e. She%s pro&a&l ver worrie*. (ou ,now how -others are. So+ if ou%ll 2ust tell -e how to get ho-e frohere+ 0%ll go.8 A part of -e ,new it was futile. But 0 ha* to tr . Ma &e there was )ar servi)e. M *a* alwa s sai* wherever 0 was+ if 0 )alle* for )ar servi)e+ he woul* pa + even if it was fro- New @erse . 7Then+8 0 finishe*+ 7 ou )an get &a), to whatever it is that; ou;*o.;8 M voi)e traile* off as 0 wat)he* the expression on his fa)e go fro- -il*l a-use* to gri-l serious. 73hat48 0 sai*. 0 *i* not li,e the loo, on his fa)e. 73hat%s wrong48 70%- sorr +8 he sai*. #e was frowning now. 7Pier)e+ 0 thought ou ,new.8 An* then 0 hear* his voi)e re-in*ing -e of how 0 ha* trippe* an* hit - hea*+

ha* fallen in the pool an* *rowne*+ an* that%s wh - )lothes ha* &een wet+ an*; Dea*. That was the -ain wor* 0 hear*. 0 was *ea*. That%s where 0 stoppe* listening. 0 suppose a part of -e ha* ,nown all along. But a)tuall hearing hi- sa the wor* 6 Dea*. 0 was *ea* 6 was the &iggest sho), of all. 3orse than the &low to - hea*. 3orse than )ho,ing on the water. 3orse than l ing at the &otto- of that pool+ ,nowing *a* was never going to )o-e in ti-e to save -e+ an* that 0%* *ie* &e)ause of a &ir*. A &ir*A A &ir* that ha*n%t &een hurt at all &ut 2ust stunne* & the )ol* or so-ething+ &e)ause it ha* flown awa as soon as 0 hit the pool )over. 0%* seen it as 0 *rowne*. Dea*. 0 was *ea*. So -an things -a*e sense now. That%s wh no one%s )ell phone ha* wor,e*.

Their )ell phones were *ea*. @ust li,e we were. 0 felt fro1en. All of -e. /i,e 0 was still at the &otto- of that pool+ in that i) + i) water. 0 was onl fifteen. @ust a few hours ago+ 0 ha* &een tal,ing to #annah on the phone. 3e%* &een planning on going to the -all to see a -ovie later. 0%* -anage* to )onvin)e her to have her -o- *rop us & the sta&les to visit Dou&le Dare first 6 Mo-A M -o- *i*n%t even ,now where 0 was. 0 ha* to let - -other ,now where 0 was. 70;8 M tongue an* lips see-e* to &e the onl parts of -e that weren%t fro1en. 7Than, ou+8 0 sai* to hi-+ interrupting whatever he%* &een explaining. Be)ause @ohn was still tal,ing. 3ho ,new what he was sa ing4 #e loo,e* nervous again. 7Than, ou so -u)h for ever thing. But 0 have to go now. Goo*!& e.8

0 turne* awa fro- hi- an* starte* to wal, off in the *ire)tion of those gau1 )urtains+ towar*s the )ourt ar*. #e too, a 9ui), step forwar*+ &lo),ing - path. 70 ,now it%s upsetting+8 he sai*. 7But it *oesn%t exa)tl wor, that wa . (ou see+ on)e ou%ve arrive* here+ ou )an%t leave.8 0 shoo, - hea*. 7But 0 have to+8 0 sai*. 70 have to let - -o- ,now 0%- all right. Ex)ept for the &eing *ea* part+8 0 a**e*. 0 wasn%t 9uite sure how she was going to ta,e that news. 7(our -o- is fine+8 he assure* -e+ la ing his han*s on - &are shoul*ers an* ph si)all steering -e &a), into the roo-. 70 tol* ou+ ou )an%t leave. An* 0 thin, ou shoul* sit *own again. (ou%ve ha* a sho),.8 73hat *o ou -ean+ 0 )an%t leave48 0 spun &a), aroun* to fa)e hi-. Su**enl + 0 *i*n%t feel vague an -ore. 73hat a&out all those people *own & the la,e4 The %re leaving+ aren%t the 48

#e shrugge*. 70n a wa . To their final *estination.8 73hat%s that48 0 as,e*. 7Their 2ust rewar*s+8 he sai*+ a little &itterl . 7That%s where the &oat is ta,ing the-48 0 as,e*. 7Aren%t 0 suppose* to &e getting on the &oat4 The one that%s leaving48 M voi)e traile* off as 0 rea* his expression. 0t was -ore serious than 0%* ever seen it. 7The one that 2ust left+ ou -ean+8 he sai*. The wor*s see-e* to e)ho aroun* the roo-. Although the *i*n%t reall . 73ait+8 0 sai*. 73hat48 7The &oat is gone+8 he sai*. 70 as,e* if ou wante* to go so-epla)e else+ an* ou sai* es+ please. An* now the &oat is gone. (ou )hose -e over the &oat+ an* now this is where ou%re going to have to sta . /oo,+ ou reall *on%t see- well. 0 thin, ou shoul* sit *own. 3on%t ou eat

so-ething4 3hat a&out a *rin,4 So-e hot tea48 Thun*er ru-&le*. But it was insi*e hea*+ not outsi*e. Su**enl + 0 was free1ing again+ in spite of the &la1ing fire in the enor-ous hearth. 7Are ou telling -e that 0 have to sta here with ou forever &e)ause ou -a*e -e -iss the &oat48 0 *e-an*e*. #e was so tall+ 0 ha* to )rane - ne), to loo, into his fa)e. 3hat 0 saw there 6 the -us)le leaping in his lean )hee,+ the stu&&orn set of his 2aw 6 -a*e -e as frightene* as 0%* felt &a), *own & the la,e. Even when+ *espite the *eter-ination 0 )oul* see in his fa)e+ 0 noti)e* the sa*ness in those silver e es; None of that helpe* the tears 0 )oul* feel )o-ing+ or - ra)ing pulse. 73hat a&out the other &oat48 0 *e-an*e*. M voi)e soun*e* shrill even to - own ears. 7The one for the people in the other line48 7(ou *on%t want to go where that &oat is

hea*e*+8 @ohn sai* shortl . 73h *o ou thin, the all wante* to get on ours48 0 )oul*n%t &elieve this was happening. 70t%s o,a +8 0 sai*+ fighting for )al-+ even though 0 )oul* feel - heart ha--ering in - throat. 7Be)ause 0 *i*n%t get on the &oat+ that -eans 0 haven%t passe* on to - final *estination+ right4 An* ou )an -a,e *ea* people )o-e &a), alive. (ou *i* it with the &ir*. So ou%re going to *o it with -e. (ou%re 2ust going to -a,e -e alive again. (ou have to+ &e)ause ou -esse* up+ -a,ing -e -iss - &oat. So *o it. Now+ @ohn.8 #is expression re-aine* o&stinate+ even as his e es re-aine* sa*. 70 )an%t+8 he sai*. 7Can%t48 M voi)e )aught on a so&. 7Or won%t48 #e loo,e* awa . 73on%t+8 he sai*. Now - heart felt as if it were &eing )onstri)te* &a), in that pool )over all over again. 73h not48

7Be)ause+8 he sai*. But he see-e* to have to thin, a&out it a while. 70t%s against the rules.8 7Don%t ou -a,e the rules48 0 as,e*. This was horri&le. This was the worst thing that ha* ever happene* to -e. 0n)lu*ing having *ie*. 7No+8 he sai*. 0 )oul* tell he was tr ing to ,eep his te-per in )he),. But he wasn%t having an -ore su))ess with that than 0 was with - tears. 3a off in the *istan)e+ thun*er was ru-&ling. This ti-e+ it wasn%t in - hea*. 70 *on%t.8 7Then who *oes48 #is figure ha* starte* to *issolve in front of -e. Not &e)ause he%* gone an where &ut &e)ause of the tears that threatene* to spill over fro- - e es. 0 wipe* at thefuriousl . 70 *on%t ,now+8 he sai*. Now he 2ust soun*e* tire*. 7All right4 Do ou thin, 0 li,e this an -ore than ou *o4 Don%t ou thin, 0%* li,e to leave here to go see - -other4 But 0 )an%t either.8

#earing he longe* to see his own -other wasn%t exa)tl helping the situation with - tears. 0%* never even )onsi*ere* so-eone li,e hi- -ight have a -other. But of )ourse he *i*. Di*n%t ever one4 73h not48 7Be)ause of the Furies+8 he sai* flatl + as if that explaine* ever thing. 7Trust -e+ the -a,e sure that the )onse9uen)es for &rea,ing the rules aroun* here are -u)h worse than an thing ou )oul* i-agine. An* not 2ust for &rea,ing the rules. For an thing the feel li,e 68 #e &ro,e off an* loo,e* at -e+ then glan)e* *own an* shoo, his hea*. 73ell+ 2ust trust -e. That%s wh 0 gave ou the ne),la)e. 0t will warn ou if an Furies are aroun*. That wa ou%ll ,now if ou%re *oing an thing that -ight put ourself in *anger fro- the-+ even ina*vertentl .8 3hen he glan)e* &a), up again+ his own e es were &right. Brighter even than Da*%s throwing stars. But his voi)e was gentle. 70 pro-ise ou+

Pier)e+ in a little while+ ou%ll see+ it%s not so &a* here. (ou have ever thing ou )oul* possi&l want. All the )o-forts of ho-e;8 0t was the worst thing he )oul* possi&l have sai*. All the )o-forts of ho-e; ex)ept ever thing 6 ever thing 6 0 love*. Now 0 wasn%t fro1en an -ore. 0 was -elting. The tears starte* pouring out so thi), an* fast+ ever thing+ in)lu*ing hi-+ *isappeare* &efore e es. 70%- sorr .8 0 hi* - fa)e in - han*s. This was terri&le. 0 was *ea*+ an* now 0 was &eing torture* as well4 70 )an%t sta here. 0 )an%t.8 7Don%t+8 he sai*. Now the thun*er soun*e* as if it was right over our hea*s. 7Don%t )r .8 #e%* rea)he* out as he sai* it to la a han* on - shoul*er 6 to )o-fort -e+ 0 suppose 6 &ut 0 sprang awa at his tou)h+ re)oiling as if he%* s)al*e* -e+ an* retreate* to the hearth+

where 0 )ollapse*. Forever4 0 was going to &e trappe* here with hi- forever4 An* wh 4 Be)ause of so-e ar&itrar rule4 So-ething )alle* a Fur 4 #e ha* to &e 2o,ing. 0 )oul* onl i-agine what *a* woul* sa if he were here. Don%t ou ,now who 0 a-4 he%* &ellow. Though 0 felt )o-pletel nu-& insi*e+ 0 )oul* still sense the heat fro- the fla-es against - &a),. #ow )oul* 0 &e *ea* if 0 )oul* still feel4 #ow4 A se)on* later+ @ohn was &esi*e -e+ sa ing+ 7#ere. Drin, this. 0t will help.8 #e put a )up of so-ething hot in han*s. But 0 )oul*n%t *rin,. Then he sat *own &esi*e -e on the hearth. After a while+ 0 noti)e* he was spea,ing again. 70 ,now it see-s &a* now+ &ut it gets &etter+ 0 pro-ise. Soon 6 not right awa + &ut eventuall 6 ou won%t even -in*.

Or at least+ ou won%t -in* as -u)h. 0t%s not the sa-e as not -in*ing at all+ 0 ,now. But at least ou won%t &e alone. That%s the i-portant thing. That was the worst part. Being alone for so long.8 3hat was he even tal,ing a&out4 0 lifte* - &ruise* ga1e an* let it wan*er aroun* the roo-+ until it finall )a-e to rest on the &e*. 0t was onl then that 0 noti)e* how huge it was. Built for two+ reall . Oh+ Go*. Sta awa fro- the pool in the winterti-e+ Pier)e. Even with the )over+ it isn%t safe. This was the pri)e 0 was pa ing for not listening to - -other. 0 never thought it woul* &e this high. 0t )oul*n%t have &een a )oin)i*en)e that at that ver -o-ent+ 0 noti)e* an open *oorwa through an ar)h a)ross the roo-+ 2ust &e on* the &e*. Through it 0 )oul* see a long hallwa lit

& elegant wall s)on)es. Two stone stair)ases )urle* fro- it. One le* up. The other le* *own. 0 ha*n%t noti)e* it &efore+ 0 was )ertain+ &e)ause 0 ha*n%t &een wearing the ne),la)e. #e%* sai* hi-self that the *ia-on* prote)te* its wearer fro- evil. 0t was alrea* wor,ing. There was reall onl one 9uestion in -in*5 3hi)h stair)ase woul* lea* -e as far awa as possi&le fro- here4 0 was 2ust going to have to -a,e that *e)ision when the ti-e )a-e. 73ell+8 0 sai*+ reali1ing that if 0 *i*n%t *istra)t hi- so-ehow+ 0 was never going to get a )han)e to -a,e - es)ape at all. 70 guess ou%re right. 0%-;0%- 2ust &eing sill .8 #e stare* *own at -e+ see-ing a little sho),e* at - a&rupt )hange in attitu*e. 7$eall 48 he as,e*. 7Do ou;*o ou -ean that48 7Of )ourse+8 0 sai*. So-ehow+ 0 even

-anage* a water grin. Then 0 lifte* the )up he%* given -e as if 0 was a)tuall going to *rin, fro- it. That%s when he *i* so-ething he%* never *one in - )o-pan &efore that -o-ent. So-ething terri&le. So-ething that showe* that+ *espite what he%* sai* earlier a&out ,nowing nature so well+ he *i*n%t reall ,now -e at all. #e s-ile*. An* then 0 *i* so-ething that still )auses - heart to twist in - )hest whenever 0 re-e-&er it. So-ething that still haunts - *rea-s. So-ething 0 )an%t &elieve 0 *i* an*+ to this *a + reall wish 0 ha*n%t. Ex)ept that 0 ha* to. The wa that &e* was sitting there+ an* the wa he was sitting there+ an*;well+ what other )hoi)e *i* 0 have4 0t%s 2ust that whenever 0 re-e-&er that s-ile+ - heart still &rea,s a little. But 0 was so oung+ an* so s)are*. 0

*i*n%t ,now what else to *o. So 0 *i* the first thing 0 thought of. The thing 0%- sure - *a* 6 an* even -o- an* the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls 6 woul* have wante* -e to *o. 0 threw that )up of hot tea in his fa)e. An* then 0 ran. So *i* - soul+ that still was fleeing onwar*+ Turn itself &a), to re!&ehol* the pass 3hi)h never et a living person left. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 0 too, the stair)ase that twiste* *own+ thin,ing it woul* lea* -e &a), to the la,e. 0 re-e-&er 6 as )learl as if it were ester*a 6 that with ever step+ 0%* felt as if - heart was going to explo*e. That+ the ps )hiatrists assure* -e later+ was the epinephrine. The next thing 0 ,new+ 0 was loo,ing up at - -o-%s fa)e. 0 wat)he* as her

expression went fro- agoni1e*+ tor-ente* grief to wil*+ 2o ous hope as 0 respon*e* li,e a ro&ot to the E$ *o)tor%s 9uestions. (es+ 0 ,new who 0 was. (es+ 0 ,new who - -other was+ an* what ear it was+ an* how -an fingers the *o)tor was hol*ing up. 0 was alive. 0 ha* gotten awa fro- there+ wherever it was. Awa fro- hi-. Ever thing after that see-e* to happen in a &lur. The surger for the he-ato-a. M re)over . The *o)tors. The ps )hiatrists. The *ivor)e. Be)ause of )ourse Da* wasn%t the one who save* -e+ in the en*. That was Mo-. 3hen she got ho-e fro- the li&rar an* )alle* for -e+ then loo,e* aroun* an* finall foun* where 0%* *isappeare* to+ she was the one who *ove to the &otto- of the pool an* pulle* -e out. #er lips were the

ones that turne* &lue fro- tr ing to &low life &a), into - fro1en )orpse for the twelve -inutes it too, the EMTs to get there. 0t was her wet hair that fro1e+ li,e i)i)les+ to - fa)e. Da* *i*n%t even reali1e what was going on until he hear* the sirens fro- the a-&ulan)e she ha* )alle* on her )ell. #e was still on his )onferen)e )all. 7But it%s a goo* thing+8 Da* alwa s sa s+ 7that the water in that pool was so )ol*A Otherwise+ ou woul*n%t &e alive to*a . That%s the onl wa the were a&le to restart our heart+ on)e the got ou war-e* up.8 #e%s a)tuall right a&out that+ though. Than,s to the near!free1ing te-perature of the water+ - ph si)al re)over was )o-plete. 0t was - ps )hologi)al 7issues8 that nee*e* wor,. Espe)iall when+ as she was signing -e out of the hospital after - re)over fro- the surger + Mo- sai*+ 7Oh+ hone + 0%ve &een

-eaning to as, ou. 3here *i* this )o-e fro-48 An* she *roppe* a ne),la)e into - lap. The ne),la)e. The one he%* given -e. 73here *i* ou get this48 0 as,e*+ )lut)hing it+ hoping the horror 0 felt *i*n%t show on - fa)e. 7The &rought it out with our other things while ou were &eing preppe* for surger +8 she sai*. 7After the revive* ou. Apparentl + ou were wearing it un*er our )oat. 0 al-ost tol* the- the %* -a*e a -ista,e an* it wasn%t ours+ &e)ause 0%ve never seen it &efore. 0s it ours4 Di* ou &orrow it fro- #annah or so-ething48 7"h+ no. 0t;was a gift+8 0 sai*. #ow was this possi&le4 #ow )oul* it have )rosse* over with -e4 Espe)iall when ever single *o)tor 0%* tol* a&out what 0%* seen while 0 was *ea* 6 - neurologist+ the trau-a surgeon+ even the *o)tors who ha* strolle* in to )he), on -e over the wee,en*

6 ha* assure* -e that it ha* all &een 2ust a horri&le+ terri&le *rea- 6 But this -eant it ha*n%t &een a *rea-. This -eant that; 7Gift48 Mo- was *istra)te* & all the for-s. Da* usuall fille* out the for-s. But Mo- ha* &anishe* Da* fro- the hospital. The sight of hi- upset her so -u)h that+ though 0 *i*n%t ,now it then+ she%* alrea* ,i),e* hi- out of the house. 7Gift fro- who-48 Mo- ha* as,e*+ a&sentl flipping the for-s in front of her. 0%- not sure if it was &e)ause 0 was hol*ing the ne),la)e that 0 ha* the wis*o- to answer the wa 0 *i* or if 0 2ust ,new &etter than to tell her the truth. 7@ust a frien*8 was all 0 sai* at the ti-e as 0 stare* *own into the &lue!gra *epths of that stone. 0 was too upset to sa -ore than that. This -eant it was real. 0t was all real. #e was real. Than, Go* 0 *i*n%t tell Mo- the truth.

Than, Go* she was so *istra)te* & the *ivor)e+ she never -entione* the ne),la)e again. Than, Go* 0 alwa s wore the *ia-on* tu),e* insi*e - shirt after that+ too )onfuse* & what its existen)e in this worl* i-plie* a&out - so!)alle* 7lu)i* *rea-8 to share it with an one.; 3ell+ ex)ept for what 0 -entione* to #annah a&out it when 0 got &a), to s)hool. An* even that ha* 9ui),l shown itself to &e enough of a -ista,e that 0 learne* to ,eep - -outh shut. But not as &a* as the -ista,e 0 -a*e a wee, or two later+ when Mo- was 7unavoi*a&l *etaine*8 & Da*%s law ers fro- pi),ing -e up after an outpatient appoint-ent+ an* 0 foun* - self wan*ering into a 2ewelr store 0%* spie* on the sa-e &lo), as - *o)tor%s offi)e while 0 waite* for her. Ga1ing a&sentl at all the 7gra 9uart18 the happene* to have for sale+ 0 -ust have un)ons)iousl pulle* out the *ia-on* an* starte* pla ing with it+

sin)e the -an &ehin* the )ounter noti)e* it an* )o--ente* on its &eaut . Blushing furiousl + 0%* trie* to tu), it awa + &ut it was too late. #e as,e* to loo, at it -ore )losel + sa ing that he%* never seen su)h an unusual stone. 3hat )oul* 0 *o4 0 let hi- loo, &ut ,ept the )hain aroun* - ne),+ as alwa s. 0%* never re-ove* it sin)e Mo- ha* given it &a), to -e. 0 *on%t ,now wh . The stone fas)inate* -e. 0t never see-e* to &e an one )olor or another &ut was )onstantl )hanging. Even as the -an &ehin* the )ounter hel* it+ it was turning fro- a pale silver to a *eep+ rain!)lou* purple. The next thing 0 ,new+ the gu &ehin* the )ounter sai* he 2ust ha* to show it to his &oss+ who was in the &a),+ having his lun)h. #e was going to love it. 0 *on%t ,now what 0 thought was going to happen;or wh 0 ha* su)h a strong urge to run awa .

0 shoul* have listene* to - instin)ts. 0 shoul* have seen what the stone was tr ing to tell -e. But 0 *i*n%t. After the assistant *isappeare*+ the hea* 2eweler )a-e out+ wiping his -outh on a nap,in. B that ti-e+ 0 )oul* see that -o- ha* pulle* up in her )ar a)ross the street. 7A)tuall +8 0 sai*+ a surge of relief rushing through -e. Now 0 ha* an ex)use to leave. 7M ri*e is here. 0 nee* to go. Sorr 68 The ol*er 2eweler ha* alrea* sei1e* the en* of - pen*ant & then+ though+ so 0 was trappe*;hel* suspen*e* a)ross the glass )ounter & the gol* )hain. That%s when several things see-e* to happen all at on)e. So-ething went )ol* in the 2eweler%s ga1e when it fastene* on the stone. The )loser he &ent to loo, at it+ the -ore nervous 0 got;an* the *ar,er

the *ia-on* see-e* to turn at its heart. M own heart &egan to &eat ver har*. An* though 0 )oul*n%t turn - hea* all the wa to loo, &e)ause the 2eweler ha* -e al-ost literall & the ne),+ 0 )oul* have sworn 0 saw+ out of the )orner of - e e+ hi- stan*ing outsi*e the store+ loo,ing at us through the win*ow. 7Do ou have an i*ea what this is that ou%re wearing+ oung la* 48 the 2eweler *e-an*e*. An* then he laun)he* into so-e ,in* of &i1arre *ia-on* spea,. 7This is a fan) *eep gra &lue. 0f 0%- not wrong+ it%s pro&a&l worth an where fro- fift to sevent ! five -illion *ollars. Ma &e -ore if its provenan)e )an &e proven+ &e)ause it loo,s un)annil li,e one 0%ve seen so-ewhere &efore.8 3hat )oul* 0 sa 4 The stone ha* turne* e&on . 0 tugge* gentl on the )hain+ hoping he%* let go. Ex)ept of )ourse he onl hel* on -ore tightl + ,eeping -e a prisoner in his

store. 70%- sorr +8 0 sai*. 70 reall *o have to 68 7(ou shoul*n%t &e wal,ing aroun* the streets wearing this+8 the 2eweler interrupte*. 70t &elongs in a safe!*eposit &ox. B rights 0 shoul* )onfis)ate it+ if onl for our own safet . 3here *i* ou even get it4 Do our parents ,now ou have this48 0t ha* &een onl a -onth sin)e the a))i*ent. Ever one at s)hool was alrea* &eginning to treat -e *ifferentl &e)ause 0%* &een a)ting so weir* sin)e )o-ing &a), fro- the *ea*. 0%* lost all interest in going to the -all an* wor,ing with the ani-al res)ue groups 0 use* to love. 0%* sai* that o** thing to #annah a&out how 0%* alwa s prote)t her fro- 7the evil8 <0%* &een referring to - ne),la)e+ of )ourse+ &ut she ha*n%t ,nown that=. Soon 0 woul* lose the part of Snow 3hite in the s)hool pla . 0 was alrea* slipping into a glass )offin of - ver own.

But so-ehow 0 still foun* a wa to assure the 2eweler+ in a sta--ering voi)e+ that the ne),la)e was a fa-il heirloo-+ than, ou ver -u)h. An* that - -other was+ in fa)t+ waiting for -e in the )ar outsi*e an* that 0 nee*e* to go -eet her right now. Though 0 was a)tuall -ore frightene* at the i*ea of wal,ing outsi*e that store an* possi&l running into hi- than 0 was at sta ing insi*e with the extre-el irrita&le 2eweler. That%s when 0 hear* the &ells on the shop *oor tin,le &ehin* -e+ in*i)ating that so-eone was )o-ing in. M heart san,. No. Please+ no. 70 *on%t &elieve ou+8 the 2eweler sai* flatl . 70n fa)t+ 2ust so ou ,now+ assistant is on the phone in the &a), with the poli)e right now. The %re on the wa . So our -other 6 if she is waiting outsi*e+ whi)h 0 sin)erel *ou&t+ sin)e ou%ve )learl stolen this 6 )an )o-e insi*e an* 2oin us+ if she )ares to+ an* wat)h ou &eing arreste*

for gran* theft.8 Ex)ept that - -other was never given the opportunit to *o so. Be)ause @ohn steppe* forwar*. An* the walls of the shop see-e* to turn the )olor of &loo* &efore - e es. 7Ex)use -e+8 @ohn sai* in his *eep voi)e+ whi)h soun*e* )o-pletel out of pla)e in su)h a s-all+ ups)ale &outi9ue. #e loo,e* )o-pletel out of pla)e in it+ alrea* so -ena)ing &e)ause of his si1e &ut even -ore so now &e)ause of the &la), leather 2a),et an* 2eans he was wearing. 0 thought 0 was going to pass out. 3hat was he *oing there4 #a* he )o-e to ta,e -e &a), &e)ause 0%* &ro,en the rules4 3as that wh the stone in - ne),la)e ha* turne* &la),+ to warn -e4 The 2eweler glan)e* over at hi-+ anno e*. 7M assistant will &e with ou in a -o-ent+ sir+8 he sai*. 7No+ than, ou+8 @ohn sai*+ as if he were refusing an offer of peanuts on a plane.

7/et go of her.8 The 2eweler%s e es wi*ene* slightl . But he *i*n%t let go of -e. 7Ex)use -e+8 the 2eweler sai*+ loo,ing in*ignant. 7But are ou a)9uainte* with this oung la* 4 Be)ause she 68 That%s when @ohn 6 not loo,ing angr + or anno e*+ or an thing at all+ reall 6 rea)he* a)ross the )ounter an* too, hol* of the han* the 2eweler was using to hol* -e )aptive in his shop+ as if @ohn were feeling for his pulse. But @ohn wasn%t feeling for the 2eweler%s pulse. That wasn%t what he was *oing at all. The 2eweler gave a little gasp. #is -outh fell open. So-e of the )ol*ness went out of his e es. 0nstea*+ the fille* with fear. 0 *i*n%t ,now 6 then 6 what @ohn was *oing. M -in* was still reeling over the fa)t that he was there at all. But 0 re)ogni1e*+ in a wa the 2eweler )learl ha*n%t+ the *angerous set of his 2aw an* the *eter-ine* loo, in his e es.

An* the anxiet that washe* over -e ha* nothing to *o an -ore with - own safet . 7@ohn+8 0 sai*. 0%* prie* the pen*ant frothe ol*er -an%s )len)he* fingers an* was alrea* &a),ing awa fro- the )ounter. 0 )oul*n%t ta,e ga1e fro- the 2eweler%s fa)e. 0t ha* *raine* of all )olor. 7Please. 3hatever ou%re *oing. Don%t. 0t%s all right. $eall .8 0t wasn%t all right. 0t was o&vious that it wasn%t all right. But this turne* out to &e the )orre)t thing to sa + sin)e @ohn 6 after throwing an agitate* glan)e in - *ire)tion as if to gauge the truth of state-ent 6 let go of the 2eweler%s wrist. As soon as he *i* this+ the ol* -an too, another gasping &reath an* then staggere* &a),+ )lut)hing at his heart. #e wasn%t the onl one. 0 was )lut)hing at - own heart after the loo, of stinging reproa)h @ohn flung -e a se)on* later; 2ust &efore the 2eweler%s assistant appeare* in the &a), *oorwa

an* sai*+ 7O,a + Mr. Curr + the poli)e are on their wa 6 oh+ - Go*A 8 Then 6 )owar* that 0 a- 6 0 pivote* an* ran &lin*l fro- the store+ the &ells on the *oor tin,ling &ehin* -e. But what else was 0 going to *o4 Sti), aroun* until the )ops showe* up4 0 sprinte* straight to - -o-%s waiting )ar. 7Pier)e+8 Mo- sai*+ lowering her )ell phone an* loo,ing surprise* as 0 )ollapse*+ sha,ing all over+ into the passenger seat. 7There ou are. 0 was 2ust tr ing to )all ou. Di* ou forget our phone again4 (ou weren%t pi),ing up. 3here were 68 7Drive+8 0 pante*. 7@ust *rive.8 73hat%s wrong4 Di*n%t ou li,e that new *o)tor4 @ennifer M)Na-ara%s -other sai* he 68 70t%s not that. /et%s 2ust go.8 The next few hours were agon as 0 waite* for the poli)e 6 or hi- 6 to show up at our *oor. Surel + so-eone

ha* seen the )ar 0%* 2u-pe* into an* ha* written *own Mo-%s li)ense nu-&er. 3hat if there%* &een se)urit )a-eras in Mr. Curr %s shop4 But the poli)e never )a-e. Neither *i* @ohn. An* though 0 s)anne* the paper ever *a + even the o&ituaries+ 0 never saw a single stor pertaining to the 2eweler. 0 foun* out wh the next ti-e we were in the area. There was a For $ent sign in the 2ewelr store win*ow. 3hen 0 as,e* a sales)ler, in the *ress shop next *oor a&out it+ she tol* -e that she%* hear* Mr. Curr was re)overing fro- a heart atta), an* ha* -ove*; possi&l to Flori*a. She thought he sai* he ha* gran*)hil*ren there. An* than, Go*+ &e)ause ever one on the &lo), ha* hate* that )ran, ol* -an+ an* now -a &e finall the %* get a *e)ent shoe store on the &lo),+ an* that *ress woul* loo, so )ute

on -e+ *i* 0 want to tr it on4 Fro- what 0 was a&le to put together+ & the ti-e the poli)e arrive*+ the 2eweler%s assistant was too &us giving Mr. Curr CP$ to re-e-&er the fa)t that he%* a)tuall )alle* the- a&out so-e girl who -ight have &een in possession of a stolen ne),la)e.;Never -in* so-e gu in a leather 2a),et who%* *isappeare* as - steriousl as she ha*. Ma &e that%s wh 0%* never shown ne),la)e to another person again. 0t ha* &een har* not to feel ever sin)e as if;well+ as if @ohn were wat)hing -e. Ma &e even prote)ting -e. A little over! 1ealousl . Espe)iall after what happene* at s)hool+ with #annah an* Mr. Mueller. 3hat 0%* never &een a&le to un*erstan* is wh . 3h woul* he &other4 0%* run awa fro- hi-. An* now that he%* 2ust hurle* the ne),la)e off into the -a1e of a&ovegroun* )r pts that -a*e up the

0sla #uesos Ce-eter + 0 ,new that wasn%t &e)ause he%* wante* it &a),. 0 shoul* have gone to loo, for it. 0 shoul* have+ &ut 0 *i*n%t. Be)ause when he lifte* his ar- to fling the ne),la)e+ 0 saw 6 as -ight &e expe)te* of so-eone who%* &een ,i),e* out of the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls 6 that 0%* gotten it all wrong. 0t wasn%t an of - &usiness+ of )ourse. Not an -ore. #e%* 2ust seen to that+ & hurling - ne),la)e the e9uivalent of a foot&all fiel* awa . Ex)ept that 0 ha* *e)i*e* re)entl to &egin -a,ing ever one%s &usiness - &usiness. 0t was part of the 7new start8 Mowante* us to have on this islan*. An* his &usiness ha* alwa s &een &usiness. #e was the one who%* starte* all of this. #e%* )o-e up to -e. The first ti-e+ an wa . So 0 )oul*n%t go loo, for - ne),la)e. 0 ha* to sta . 0 ha* no )hoi)e+ reall .

3hi)h was wh that night in the )e-eter 0 stoo* - groun* an* as,e*+ 73hat happene* to our ar-48 Ah -eA #ow har* a thing it is to sa 3hat was this forest savage+ rough+ an* stern+ 3hi)h in the ver thought renews the fear. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 #e stare* *own at -e as if he suspe)te* 0 was insane. 3ell+ wh woul* he &e an *ifferent fro- an &o* else4 73hat48 #e still see-e* prett -a*. A goo* sign of this was when his )hest starte* to rise an* fall as if he%* &een running+ whi)h it was *oing now. So 0 shoul* have ,nown &etter than to *o what 0 *i* next+ whi)h was rea)h out an* run a finger *own the s)ar 0%* 2ust spie*+ sna,ing up the un*ersi*e of his ar-+ then *isappearing into his &la), sleeve. 0 shoul* never have sai*+ 7That one%s

new.8 But 0 *i* an wa . #e 2er,e* his ar- awa as if - finger were a live wire an* 0%* 2ust trie* to ele)tro)ute hi-. 7Stop that+8 he sai*+ glaring. 70t%s nothing.8 70t *oesn%t loo, li,e nothing to -e+8 0 sai* worrie*l . 0%* starte* to a** a few things together in - hea* an* *i*n%t li,e what 0 was )o-ing up with. 70s that a )onse9uen)e48 #is e es narrowe*. 0 )oul* feel the heat fro- his &o* + an* s-ell the s)ent 0 re-e-&ere* so well 6 a -ix of woo* s-o,e an* so-ething that re-in*e* -e of autu-n. 70 a- not a &ir*+8 he sai* in a *angerous voi)e. 70 *on%t re9uire ai*+ fro- ou or an one else. Does our -other ,now where ou are right now48 0t was funn that he -entione* -other. Be)ause it was her voi)e 0 was hearing in - hea* 2ust then+ urging -e

to tell hi- that thing 0 ha*n%t sai* the last ti-e 0%* seen hi-+ that awful *a at s)hool;that thing he ha*n%t given -e a )han)e to sa . #e%* left &efore 0 )oul*. 3ell+ he%* ha* to. The poli)e were )o-ing. Again. Not that - -other ,new an thing a&out hi-+ ex)ept what the ps )hiatrists <an* now+ 0 ,new+ Gran*-a= all &elieve*5 that he wasn%t real. But if Mo- ha* ,nown what 0 ,new a&out hi-+ she%* have wante* -e to sa it. 0 o&viousl nee*e* to sa it+ now -ore than ever+ &e)ause it was )lear that - initial assess-ent of hiha*n%t &een that far off5 #e was a wil* thing+ li,e that *ove 0%* foun*+ &a*l in nee* of so-eone%s ai*+ even if he *i*n%t agree. An* though & helping hi-+ 0 -ight onl &e hurting hi- -ore+ 0 ha* to at least tr . So 0 sai* what 0 pro&a&l shoul* have sai* to hi- a long ti-e ago5 70%- sorr .8

#is e es narrowe* even -ore. 7Par*on -e48 he sai*. 70%- sorr +8 0 repeate*+ -ore lou*l this ti-e. 7For what 0 *i* to ou the *a 0 *ie*. 0f there were;)onse9uen)es. Espe)iall for ou.8 #e *i*n%t respon*+ ex)ept to )ontinue to stare *own at -e as if 0 were the one with the antiso)ial personalit *isor*er. 3ho gives a girl a ne),la)e 6 espe)iall one with a stone that )hange* )olors li,e the s, + so-eti-es gra as a Fe&ruar -orning+ other ti-es+ &la), as -i*night 6 an* then hurls it a)ross a )e-eter when she ver politel tries to give it &a), &e)ause she suspe)ts he -ight &e en*uring )onse9uen)es on her &ehalf4 But wh was 0 the onl one apologi1ing4 0t woul* have &een ni)e to hear a 7sorr 8 or two out of hi-. Be)ause he ha* &een horri&le to -e the *a we%* -et. An*+ es+ he%* sort of -a*e up for so-e

of it & what he%* *one for -e at the 2ewelr store+ an* later+ at s)hool with Mr. Mueller. But still. 0%* lost so -u)h. True+ 0%* gotten - life &a),. But what a&out all the things 0 ha*n%t gotten &a),4 /i,e parents% -arriage+ an* #annah+ for instan)e. 0 ha*n%t &een &a), at s)hool for even a full *a after 0 got out of the hospital &efore - then &est frien*+ #annah Chang+ *u-pe* -e for telling her that 6 a-ong other things+ li,e hanging out at the -all hoping to )at)h gli-pses of her ol*er &rother%s frien*s+ an* negle)ting Dou&le Dare 6 the 7#ol* our &reath when ou go & the grave ar*+ or evil spirits will possess our soul8 thing we use* to li,e to pla was stupi*+ an* that 0 wasn%t *oing it an -ore. True+ at fifteen+ we were too ol* for things li,e that+ an wa . But 0 ha*n%t helpe* -atters & )heerfull infor-ing her+ 7Don%t worr a&out the evil+ #annah. 0 )an see it now. An* 0%ll

prote)t ou fro- it.8 No won*er she )alle* -e )ra1 . 0t%s what ever one at s)hool starte* )alling -e afterwar*s. 0 guess 0 )an%t &la-e the-. 3h woul*n%t ou )all so-eone who sa s she )an see evil 6 an* has the a&ilit to prote)t people fro- it 6 )ra1 4 Espe)iall when she later faile* so spe)ta)ularl to *o so. 0 ,now #annah onl )alle* -e )ra1 &e)ause she was worrie* a&out -e. She -ust have thought 0%* )o-e &a), frothe hospital after a))i*ent a)ting;well+ a little -entall unsta&le. #annah tol* -e she was sorr later+ an* 0 )oul* tell she reall -eant it. Frien*s so-eti-es *rift apart+ she sai*. /i,e she ha* with Dou&le Dare. She 2ust *i*n%t have ti-e for horses an -ore+ she explaine*. She%* -ove* on to other things. /i,e &as,et&all. An* &o s. 0 tol* her it was fine. B then 0 was wa

too *eepl *ug into - real!life glass )offin to )are an -ore 6 a&out her+ a&out the evil 0%* pro-ise* to prote)t her fro-+ or even the fa)t that ever one thought 0 was )ra1 . 0t wasn%t until the following ear that 0 reali1e* what a -ess 0%* -a*e of ever thing. B then it was too late for #annah+ of )ourse. 0 ,new 0 )oul*n%t &la-e an of that on @ohn. 0t%s onl in fair tales that prin)esses )an affor* to wait for the han*so-e prin)e to save the-. 0n real life+ the have to &ust out of their own )offins an* *o the saving the-selves. An* in what fair tale woul* @ohn ever &e an sane person%s i*ea of Prin)e Char-ing an wa 4 #e was the opposite of )har-ing. More li,e Prin)e Terrif ing. But then;-a &e he )oul*n%t help &eing terrif ing. An -ore than 0 )oul* help &eing the

wa 0 a-+ or rea)ting to hi- the wa 0 ha* when 0 was fifteen. 70%- not 2ust apologi1ing+8 0 sai*+ won*ering wh it was that+ now that 0 was ol*er+ 0 still )oul*n%t see- to fin* the right thing to sa to hi-+ 7&e)ause of what ou *i* for -e in the 2ewelr store+ or last spring at - ol* s)hool+ either.8 This ti-e+ instea* of tilting his hea*+ he 2ust tilte* a single *ar, e e&row. This *i*n%t exa)tl -a,e things easier. #is expression was still i-possi&le to rea*. 7This has nothing to *o with that+8 0 sai* when he re-aine* silent. 7Not that 0%not grateful. Be)ause 0 a-. 0%- sorr 0 *i*n%t than, ou then. Things 2ust got a little;he)ti) after ou left.8 #e)ti) was har*l the wor* to *es)ri&e the firestor- @ohn ha* left in his wa,e the *a he showe* up at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls. 73hi)h+8 he sai*+ 7is wh ou an* our -other are here now. Ma,ing a new

start.8 7Exa)tl +8 0 sai*. 7So 0%- not going to &e nee*ing ou at - new s)hool. An* 2ust so ou ,now+ 0 ha* that situation &a), in 3estport )o-pletel un*er )ontrol &efore ou showe* up.8 Now &oth e e&rows rose. 70 *i*+8 0 insiste*. 70 *i*n%t nee* our help. That%s what the )a-era was for 68 #is han* shot out+ so 9ui),l the gesture was a &lur+ on the wor* )a-era. Before 0 ,new it+ he%* gra&&e* - upper ar- in a grip that *i*n%t hurt+ exa)tl + &ut wasn%t gentle+ either+ an* 0 was &eing *ragge* towar*s hi-. The sha*es that ha* &een pulle* *own over those e es finall )a-e fl ing up again 6 2ust for a -o-ent. 73hat )a-era48 he *e-an*e*. 7The )a-era+8 0 -ur-ure*+ &eginning to thin, 0 pro&a&l shoul*n%t have opene* - -outh a&out this+ 7that 0 set up insi*e - &a),pa), 68 To sa he loo,e* sho),e* woul* have

&een an un*erstate-ent of the grossest proportions. 7Are ou telling -e that ou planne* it48 he as,e*. 73hat happene* that *a with our tea)her. That was on purpose4 (ou -eant for hi- to *o that to ou48 Ma &e he reall wasn%t following -e aroun*. Be)ause if he ha* &een+ surel he%* have ,nown a&out this. 73ell+8 0 sai*+ - -outh *r . 7(es.8 Then+ &efore he ha* a )han)e to explo*e+ sin)e 0 )oul* see he was a&out to+ 0 a**e* 9ui),l + 70t was the onl wa 0 )oul* get proof of what Mr. Mueller was reall li,e+ &e)ause no one &elieve* that he an* #annah ha*;8 M voi)e traile* off+ &e)ause when 0 glan)e* up into his fa)e+ 0 saw that his -outh was presse* into a flat line;li,e the one - heart ha* gone into the *a 0%* fallen into his worl*. 0 ,new this wasn%t goo*. This was all ver + ver &a*.

7But 0 never inten*e* to let it get that far+8 0 sai* 9ui),l . 70 too, total responsi&ilit for ever thing that happene* that 68 #is grip on - ar- tightene*. 7#ow )oul* ou have put ourself in su)h a *angerous situation in the first pla)e48 he *e-an*e*. 7An* for so-ething so stupi*4 Do ou have an i*ea what )oul* have happene* to ou48 3ell+ es. 0 *i*;now. Ba), then+ 0 ha*n%t ha* the slightest i*ea+ or 0 woul*n%t have trie* it. But 0 sai*+ tr ing to shrug it off+ 7$eall + it wasn%t that &ig a 68 7(ou shoul*n%t have &een there+8 he sai* through gritte* teeth. 7An -ore than ou shoul* &e here now.8 An* the next thing 0 ,new+ he was ph si)all *ragging -e awa fro- the )r pt. 7The )e-eter gates are lo),e* at night+8 he -uttere*. Poin)iana &losso-s explo*e* &eneath those heav &la), &oots.

0 &arel hear* hi-. 0t was true that on)e+ 0 ha* so-ehow -anage* to es)ape frohi- 6 an* fro- *eath. But that ha* &een &e)ause of those *efi&rillation pa**les an* that shot of epinephrine &a), in the real worl*;or so the *o)tors insiste*. M es)ape ha* ha* nothing to *o with an thing 0%* *one &a), in his worl*+ the sai*. Be)ause his worl* wasn%t real. Ex)ept 6 as 0 ,new &etter than an one 6 it was. 7#ow *i* ou even get in here4 That fen)e is seven feet high. 3ith spi,es at the top+8 he was sa ing un*er this &reath. 0 *i*n%t want to sa an thing to -a,e hi- angrier;li,e that the fen)e ha*n%t reall &een all that har* to s)ale on)e 0%* wheele* one of those giant green!li**e* 0sla #uesos trash )ans+ whi)h were 2ust sitting aroun* ever where+ up against it. An* that it wasn%t - fault the fa-il of Dolores San)he1+ Belove* 3ife of

$o*rigo+ ha* )hosen to pla)e her )r pt so )lose to the fen)e on the insi*e of the )e-eter + provi*ing -e with su)h an ex)ellent lan*ing pa*. Shoul* 0 ris, setting hi- off again & pointing out that+ even if the poli)e ha* un*erstoo* what the %* seen on the tape 6 whi)h the ha*n%t 6 there was o&viousl no wa the )oul* fin* hi- to 9uestion hi-4 The 3estport Poli)e Depart-ent *i*n%t ,now where he live*. 0 won*ere* if an one *i*+ &esi*es -e. 0 ha* a few 9uestions for hi-+ though. #ow ha* he ,nown to show up that *a with Mr. Mueller+ right when 0 nee*e* hi- -ost4 3as it reall &e)ause of the ne),la)e+ li,e he%* sai*+ when he%* sha,en it in - fa)e4 3as that how he%* ,nown the ti-e &efore+ with the 2eweler4 But wh ha* he even &othere*+ sin)e he evi*entl still hate* - guts for what 0%* *one to hi-4 Now *i*n%t see- li,e the &est ti-e to

&ring that+ or an of the rest of it+ up. 7None of this is - fault+ ou ,now+8 0 sai*+ as he pulle* -e along so fast 0 was afrai* 0 was going to lose a flip!flop. Although this was har*l fore-ost a-ong - fears. 7Oh+ reall 48 he sai*+ turning his hea* to glare at -e. 7#ow is none of this our fault48 7All 0 *i* was *ie+8 0 sai*. 7An* then+ when presente* with an opportunit not to &e *ea* an -ore+ 0 too, it. 0t wasn%t personal. 0t ha* nothing to *o with ou.8 #e turne* to glare straight ahea*. 7$ight+8 he sai*. 73hat%s that suppose* to -ean48 0 *e-an*e*+ stung & his tone. 70 tol* ou+ 0 was s)are*. 0 *i*n%t -ean to hurt ou. That%s wh 0 )a-e here tonight+ to apologi1e. 0 want to &e frien*s+ to help ou. 0 gave ou the ne),la)e &a),. 0 *on%t ,now what -ore 0 )an *o.8

70%ll tell ou what ou )an *o+8 he sai*+ stopping a&ruptl . Now he *i* rea)h out to grip &oth - shoul*ers. But still not to ,iss -e. Onl so he )oul* wheel -e aroun* to glare at -e so-e -ore. 7(ou )an leave -e alone.8 Tears sprang on)e -ore into - e es. That%s what he wante* fro- -e4 For -e to sta awa fro- hi-4 This ha* turne* into a greater *isaster than when 0%* *ie*. An* 0 was still &reathing+ so that was sa ing so-ething. 70%* li,e to+8 0 sai*. All 0 )oul* hear &esi*es the *eep+ *isapproving ti-&re of his voi)e was the *ru- of - heart&eat in - ears. Stupi* girl. Stupi* girl. Stupi* girl+ - heart see-e* to &e sa ing. 7Ex)ept ever ti-e 0 tr + ou show &a), up+ an* a)t li,e su)h a;su)h a;8 7Su)h a what48 he *e-an*e*. #e see-e* to &e pra)ti)all *aring -e to sa it. Don%t+ the voi)e of - -other warne* insi*e - hea*. Don%t sa it.

7@er,.8 0 ,new+ when the wor* was )o-ing out of - -outh+ it woul* &e neither an a*roit nor a sensitive thing to sa . Espe)iall sin)e 0%* &een tr ing to *o the right thing. Be)ause we were going to have to &e living on the sa-e islan* together. An* he ha* save* - life+ after all+ at least that *a with Mr. Mueller. 3ell+ -a &e not - life. But he%* save* so-ething+ an wa . But so-ehow+ in apologi1ing+ 0%* 2ust en*e* up -a,ing ever thing worse. As if that weren%t awful enough+ after hurling out the wor*+ 0 lifte* a han* to that fresh new s)ar 0%* seen on the insi*e of his right ar-. 0 )oul*n%t help it. 0%* never &een a&le to sta awa fro- hurt things. So there it was5 - final -ista,e of the evening. #is -outh twiste* into a ver unprett gri-a)e+ proving 0%* &een right a&out one

thing5 #e%* never &e an one%s han*so-e prin)e. 73ell+ ou *on%t have to worr a&out that an -ore+8 he shot out+ 2er,ing his ar- awa as if - tou)h were poisonous. 7Be)ause ou won%t &e seeing -e again after tonight.8 0 reali1e* several things then. The first was that his e es weren%t *ea* an -ore. The were as alive as ele)tri) wires+ an* 2ust as *angerous. The se)on* reali1ation )a-e to -e -ore slowl + as 0 loo,e* *own at the fingers he%* wrappe* aroun* - ar-+ fingers against whi)h *ar, *rifts of - hair+ loosene* fro- - )lip+ ha* tu-&le*. An* that was that his weren%t the soft+ s-ooth han*s of other people our age+ -ost of who- ha* ,nown no other la&or than texting or -oving a vi*eo ga-e sti),. @ohn%s were han*s that ha* seen wor, 6

real+ ar*uous wor,. The han*s of a fighter. But not 2ust a fighter+ 0 reali1e*+ as the grippe* -e. #is were han*s that ha* ,ille*. A part of -e -ust have ,nown this all along. But it ha*n%t reall sun, in until tonight. An* & then+ of )ourse+ it was far+ far too late. Mi*wa upon the 2ourne of our life 0 foun* - self within a forest *ar,+ For the straightforwar* pathwa ha* &een lost. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 3hen 0 got ho-e+ Mo- sai*+ 7Oh+ hi+ hone . 0%- gla* ou -a*e it &a), &efore the stor-. 0t loo,s li,e it%s a&out to pour an -inute. Di* ou have a ni)e ri*e48 7(eah+8 0 sai*. 0 turne* aroun* an* lo),e* the *oor. 0 use* the *ea* &olt an* the lo), insi*e the *oor,no&. Then 0 hit the STA( &utton on the alar-

an* entere* our )o*e. Our )o*e is our initials+ plus the ears Mo-%s al-a -ater won the NCAA )ha-pionship. Mo-%s han*ling the *isappoint-ent that 0 pro&a&l won%t &e getting into an four! ear )olleges+ let alone the one where she an* Da* -et+ prett well. 7"h+ hone +8 Mo- sai*+ a funn loo, on her fa)e. 73hat are ou *oing48 7Safet +8 0 sai*. M heart was still ri)o)heting off the walls of - )hest. As soon as 0%* gotten &a), onto - &i,e+ 0%* ri**en flat out for ho-e. 0 ha*n%t even stoppe* outsi*e to lo), up - &i,e or turn off its lights+ 0 reali1e* now as 0 lifte* the )urtain in one of the fo er win*ows to pee, outsi*e to see if he%* followe* -e. 7Safet first.8 73ell+ hone +8 Mo- sai*+ pressing the off &utton on the alar-+ then putting the )o*e &a), in. 7So-e of our guests are still here. So how a&out we wait to put the alar- on until after the leave4 O,a 48

0 no**e*+ still peering out the fo er win*ow. 0 was not going &a), out there to turn off - &i,e lights. The )oul* &lin, on an* off all night+ for all 0 )are*. 0%* 2ust &u new lights if the &urne* out. 0t woul* &e worth it. 0f the &i,e got stolen+ so what4 0%* 2ust -a,e Da* &u -e a new one. This whole thing was his fault+ an wa . That%s what Mo- thin,s. 0 was never going &a), outsi*e again. Not so long as he was out there. 7#one 48 Mo- as,e*. 7Are ou all right48 7Sure+ Mo-+8 0 sai*+ letting the )urtain *rop. 70%- great. #aving a ni)e ti-e at our part 48 70t%s our part + hone +8 she sai*+ s-iling. 7An* 0%- having a great ti-e. 0t%s so goo* to see ever one again. 0 thin, even our un)le Chris en2o e* hi-self68 7Great+ Mo-+8 0 interrupte*. 7/oo,+ 0%reall tire*. 0%- going to go to &e*.8 0 was

going to pull the )overs up over - hea* an* never )o-e out. 7Oh+8 Mo- sai*+ loo,ing *isappointe*. 7Don%t ou want to sa goo* night to ever one4 (our un)le Chris waite* espe)iall to see ou &efore he an* Gran*-a an* Alex hea* for ho-e. An* 0 thin, Alex wants to -a,e sure ou *on%t have an -ore 9uestions a&out starting s)hool to-orrow. 0 thought that was awfull sweet of hi-.8 @ust the re-in*er that s)hool was starting to-orrow -a*e -e want to &ite off all - fingernails. But Mo- ha* ta,en -e for a spe)ial &a),!tos)hool -ani!pe*i ester*a + so 0 ,new 0 ha* to ,eep the- out of - -outh. 7(ou ,now what+8 0 sai*. 70%- reall &eat. Must &e all the last-inute ex)ite-ent with the part . @ust tell Alex than,s+ &ut 0%ll see hi- to-orrow -orning when he )o-es to pi), -e up for s)hool. Goo* night+ Mo-.8 0 rushe* up the stairs &efore she )oul* sa an thing -ore.

#e%* *estro e* the gates to the )e-eter . #e%* )rushe* the lo), with a single vi)ious ,i), fro- one of those heav &la), &oots. Then+ when the gates )rashe* violentl open+ he%* pushe* -e through the-. 7Get out+8 he%* warne* in his *evil!*eep voi)e. 7Do ou hear -e+ Pier)e4 Get out an* *on%t ever )o-e &a),. 0t%s not safe for ou here. Not unless ou reall *o want to en* up *ea*. Forever this ti-e.8 A huge &olt of lightning ha* lit up the )lou*s right after he sai* it+ an* then a )ra), of thun*er+ so lou* that 0 thought the s, was splitting in two+ ha* -uffle* the soun* of the gates swinging &a), into pla)e &ehin* -e. 3ithout loo,ing &a),+ 0 ran to where 0%* left - &i,e )haine*+ 0 was so grateful to have es)ape*. Now stan*ing in the shower+ letting the water pour over -e+ so hot it was al-ost s)al*ing+ 0 ha* to won*er5

#a* an of it reall even happene*4 #ow )oul* it4 No one )oul* ,i), apart a lo),e* -etal gate 6 an* the &la), wrought!iron gates to the 0sla #uesos Ce-eter were huge+ large enough for a hearse to fit through+ an* thi), an* strong as 2ail &ars. No one who live* in this worl*+ an wa . 0 *i*n%t want to thin, a&out it. 0 )oul*n%t thin, a&out an thing else. #a* 0 reall seen hi-;spo,en to hi-; tou)he* hi-;&een tou)he* & hi-4 0 loo,e* *own at the s,in on - &are ar-s where those ,iller fingers ha* &een. 0n)re*i&l + the %* left no -ar,+ though earlier 0 )oul* have sworn the %* singe* -e to the &one. 0 *i*n%t even have the ne),la)e an -ore to prove to - self that an of it ha* happene*. Now it was lost 6 forever this ti-e+ 2ust li,e he%* sai* 6 &e)ause 0 was )ertainl never setting foot in that )e-eter again. Ma &e so-e tourist woul* fin* it. 0t woul* pro&a&l en* up for sale online or in a

pawnshop so-ewhere. Stepping fro- the shower an* wrapping - self in one of the thi),+ white towels Mo-%s interior *e)orator ha* pi),e* out+ 0 shoo, - hea*. 0t *i*n%t -atter an -ore. 0 ,new what 0%* seen+ what 0%* felt. 0 *i*n%t nee* a pie)e of 2ewelr to prove it. Not to - self or to an one. Seeing hi- tonight ha* onl -a*e things worse. M apolog for what 0%* *one to hi- ha* o&viousl gone over li,e a &ig fat e-pt piFata at a five ear! ol*%s &irth*a part . On the other han*+ 0 ha*n%t hear* an apologies out of hi-. So wh *i* 0 even )are4 Gu s reall )oul* &e 2er,s. At least fro- what 0%* o&serve*. Mo- )ertainl thought so. 3hi)h was wh she pa),e* the two of us up an* -ove* us to 0sla #uesos. Be)ause 0 wasn%t the onl thing she love* that she felt Da* ha* allowe* to *ie through negle)t. 70sla #uesos+ De&4 $eall 48 0%* overhear*

Da* sa to her after *ropping -e off fro- one of our last <)ourt!-an*ate*+ of )ourse+ though 0 *i*n%t -in*= lun)hes. Neither of the- ,new 0 was outsi*e the *oor+ listening. 0 ,new eaves*ropping was wrong. But how else was 0 suppose* to figure out what was going on4 7(ou thin, that%s what the )ounselor -eant when she sai* a pla)e &etter suite* to her nee*s48 70t )an%t+8 Mo- sai*+ 7&e an worse for her than Conne)ti)ut has turne* out to &e.8 7(ou )an%t peg the tea)her on -e+ De&+8 Da* sai* *efensivel . 7That one was all ou. 0 hear* ou pushing her to ta,e hiup on his tutoring offer 68 7@ust *rop it+8 Mo- sai*. Now she soun*e* *efensive. 70%- ta,ing her ho-e. En* of stor .8 7Of )ourse ou are. Going to save the &ir*s.8 7So-eone has to+8 she sai* tightl .

70t%s not going to -a,e an *ifferen)e+ De&+8 Da* assure* her. 70t%s going to &e a *rop in the &u),et. 0 thin, a -ore li,el reason for our going is that he%s availa&le again.8 Now Mo- 2ust soun*e* -a*. 70 woul* thin, ou%* have &etter things to *o right now than loo, up the -arital status of - ex!&o frien*s on the 0nternet.8 70 li,e to ,eep tra), of their -ating ha&its+8 Da* sai*+ 7the wa ou *o the roseate spoon&ills.8 7The spoon&ills+8 Mo- snappe*+ 7aren%t -ating an -ore. Most of the- are * ing. Than,s to ou.8 7Oh+ for Go*%s sa,e+ De&orah. (ou thin, 0 *i* that on purpose+ too48 7/i,e )ertain other things 0 )oul* -ention+8 Mo- sai*+ 7that oil lea, woul*n%t have happene* if ou%* &een pa ing attention.8 Ou)h. But Da* )oul*n%t *en it+ -u)h as 0%-

sure he woul* have li,e* to. 0t was one of the reasons he was alwa s going on T:. Da*%s )o-pan was at least partl to &la-e for the *e)i-ation of the lo)al e)ono-ies of hun*re*s of )o--unities on or aroun* the Gulf+ in)lu*ing 0sla #uesos%s. Tourists *i*n%t want to va)ation in a pla)e where their rente* @et S,is -ight hit pat)hes of oil. Bri*es *i*n%t want tar &alls in their &ea)hsi*e we**ing photos. Sports-en woul* no longer )harter &oats to fish in areas where so -u)h sea life ha* &een *ee-e* ine*i&le owing to the *ispersant Da*%s )o-pan ha* use* with so -u)h )areless a&an*on. 70t%s perfe)tl safe+8 Da* was alwa s going on news shows to *e)lare. 70t%s &een teste*A8 But when one 2ournalist serve* Da* a plate of shri-p )o),tail he )lai-e* ha* &een )aught in waters where his )o-pan %s *ispersant ha* &een use*+ an* *are* hi- on air to eat it

hi-self if it was so safe+ Da* turne* ver re* an* sai* his *o)tor tol* hi- he wasn%t allowe* to have shri-p on a))ount of his )holesterol. Da* *i*n%t have high )holesterol. 0 2ust won*ere* who the he was that Da* ha* -entione* to Mo-. 0 *i*n%t li,e to &ug her a&out unne)essar stuff sin)e she see-e* to have enough on her -in*+ what with the spoon&ills an* the -ove an* "n)le Chris an*+ of )ourse+ -e. 3hi)h was wh + when 0 lifte* one of the )urtains in - &e*roo- &efore 0 got into &e*+ an* thought 0 saw a -an stan*ing & the pool+ 0 *i*n%t sa an thing to her a&out it. B then all the part guests ha* gone ho-e+ an* Mo- ha* long sin)e gone to sleep. The stor-+ -eanwhile+ ha* arrive* in full for)e. The power+ as it often see-e* to in 0sla #uesos+ so far fro- the -ainlan*+ ha* gone out. So -u)h for our )ra), se)urit s ste-.

$ain was strea-ing *own in sheets. Our little ,i*ne !shape* pool in the &a), ar* was threatening to overflow+ an* the win* was tossing the palfron*s li,e pie)es of newspaper. But when a flash of lightning turne* the ar* fro- &la),ness to star, *a light 6 2ust for a se)on* 6 0 )oul* have sworn 0 saw @ohn stan*ing there loo,ing up at -e. That was the onl person it )oul* &e. 3ho else )oul* get in4 Da* ha* agree* to let -e live out of state with the provision that Mo- sen* -e to a s)hool with a progra- suite* to - 7spe)ial nee*s8 an* &ought a house in a gate* )o--unit 6 he%* ,nown how -u)h this woul* offen* her li&eral leanings. Dolphin 'e was the onl su)h )o--unit on 0sla #uesos. There was a se)urit guar* poste* twent !four hours at the entran)e+ the onl wa in an* out of our street.

The Spanish walls that surroun*e* our new ho-e were twelve feet high. There was no wa an one )oul* )li-& thewithout a la**er. 3alls an* se)urit guar*s )oul*n%t stop so-eone li,e @ohn+ though. But wh woul* he &other stan*ing in the rain outsi*e - &e*roo- win*ow when he%* tol* -e to leave hi- alone4 Not to -ention the fa)t that 0%* )alle* hi- a 2er, to his fa)e. 3h ha* 0 even &othere* apologi1ing to hi- for what 0%* *one4 #e%* *one far worse to -e. 3h )oul*n%t 0 hate hi-+ the wa 0 ought to4 Ma &e &e)ause @ohn was li,e one of Mo-%s &ir*s5 a wil* thing. #e )oul*n%t help how he was. 0 was never going to get through to hi-. /i,e Da* ha* sai*+ what was the point of even tr ing4 Espe)iall sin)e 0%* o&viousl &ro,en 7the rules8 @ohn ha* spo,en of so - steriousl + & running awa . Surel + 0 was going to have to &e punishe*

for this+ -ost li,el & hi-;or -a &e those Furies he%* spo,en of. (ou )an%t es)ape *eath. 0%* rea* all a&out this after - a))i*ent. Death will )o-e for ou+ eventuall . 3hen lightning flashe* again a few se)on*s later+ though+ 0 saw that the figure was gone. Ma &e it ha* never even &een there at all. Ma &e it ha* 2ust &een that overa)tive i-agination ever one ,ept a))using -e of having+ pla ing tri),s on -e. 0 let the )urtain *rop an* turne* &a), to &e*. This was so stupi*. 0 shoul* have &een feeling goo*. 0%* given &a), the ne),la)e 0%* ta,en un*er false pretenses+ an* sai* all the things 0 felt li,e 0 was suppose* to sa . 0%* literall gotten ever thing 0 nee*e* to off )hest. 0 was -a,ing a new start here+ 2ust li,e Mo-. @ohn ha* even a))epte* - apolog A Ma &e a little grou)hil + &ut he ha*. #e was -oving on+ too+ as illustrate* & his spi,ing the ne),la)e a

goo* hun*re* ar*s a)ross the )e-eter an* telling -e to sta awa fro- hi-. An* later+ when 0 went to )he), on &i,e out the &athroo- win*ow+ an* saw that so-eone ha* )haine* it up an* swit)he* off the lights+ 0 tol* - self fir-l that it -ust have &een un)le Chris+ or -a &e Alex+ as the %* left the part . No wa ha* it &een @ohn. 3h woul* he *o so-ething ni)e li,e that for -e+ when he%* -a*e it onl too )lear he hate* - guts an* wante* -e to sta awa fro- hi-4 So wh + as 0 )li-&e* into &e*+ *i* 0 feel worse instea* of &etter4 0 *i*n%t feel an sense of )losure or an less a sense of 6 *rea* was the onl wor* for it. Ever sin)e 0%* set foot on this islan*+ that%s all 0%* felt+ this pressure on the &a), of - ne),+ li,e so-ething was going to happen+ so-ething &a*. So-ething &a* ha* alrea* happene*A 0%* seen hi-. 0t was overA So wh was 0 up half the night+ una&le to

sleep4 Not &e)ause of the thun*er+ either. 0t al-ost see-e* as if 6 &ut it )oul*n%t possi&l &e+ &e)ause it was so stupi* 6 &ut it was li,e 0 -isse* the fa-iliar weight of that ne),la)e aroun* - ne),. 3hat was wrong with -e4 3h )oul*n%t 0 get with Mo-%s 7-a,e a new start8 progra-4 3hen 0 than,e* Alex the next -orning as 0 )li-&e* into his )ar+ he as,e* what for. 7M &i,e+8 0 sai*. 7Di*n%t ou lo), it up last night when ou left - house4 An* swit)h off the lights48 7"h+8 he sai*. 7No. 3hen 0 left 6 whi)h 0 guess was right after ou got ho-e+ &e)ause our -o- sai* ou%* gone upstairs. Than,s for sa ing goo* night+ & the wa . Oh+ an* for ta,ing off li,e that an* leaving -e alone with Gran*-a. That was super sweet 6 our &i,e was alrea* )haine* up an* the lights swit)he* off. 0 thought ou%* *one it.8 7No+8 0 sai*+ feeling )ol* all of a su**en.

Ex)ept that the AC in the )ar Gran*-a referre* to as Alex%s 2un, heap was &ro,en+ so we ha* to *rive with the win*ows *own+ an* it was alrea* over eight *egrees outsi*e. 70 *i*n%t.8 7#uh+8 he sai*. 73ell+ that%s weir*. But not the weir*est part.8 #e hon,e* at so-e tourists who%* wan*ere* out into the -i**le of the street to ta,e photos of a large &an an tree. 7#ello+ what *o these people thin,+ it%s Main Street at Disne 4 So-e of us a)tuall live here+ ou ,now.8 #e hon,e* so-e -ore. 73hat%s the weir*est part48 0 as,e*+ after the tourists ha* hurrie* out of the wa an* Alex ha* floore* it. 0 wasn%t sure 0 wante* to hear this. 0 wasn%t sure 0 *i*n%t want to hear it+ either+ though. 7Oh. Onl that there were all these *ea* poin)iana petals up an* *own our front wal,. @ust l ing there. An* this was &efore that stor-. So the

)oul*n%t have &een &lown there & the win*. 0 thought that was ,in* of strange+ &e)ause there are no poin)ianas on our street. So how *i* the get there4;Oh+ well.8 #e turne* up the ra*io. 7$ea* for s)hool48 0 swallowe*. 7No.8 0 )annot well repeat how there 0 entere*+ So full was 0 of slu-&er at the -o-ent 0n whi)h 0 ha* a&an*one* the true wa . DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0 Mo- signe* -e up for a nationall re)ogni1e* <whi)h was the onl reason Da* approve*. Otherwise+ he sai*+ it was &oar*ing s)hool in Swit1erlan* for -e= progra- at 0sla #uesos #igh )alle* New Pathwa s. New Pathwa s was for 7trou&le*8 stu*ents5 &o s li,e Alex+ whose *a* ha* 2ust &een parole* fro- 2ail an* whose -o- ha* &een prett -u)h M0A sin)e he was &orn+ an* so he%* &een for)e* to live all his life with Gran*-a+ who ran the islan*%s onl ,nitting store+

'nuts for 'nitting. An* es+ it was as &a* as it soun*e*. New Pathwa s was also for girls li,e -e+ who%* *ie* an* then )o-e &a), with a &it of an attitu*e. $eall . New Pathwa s5 3hatever ou have+ it%ll )ure ou <not its offi)ial slogan=. 70t )o-es highl re)o--en*e*+8 Mo,ept telling -e all su--er. 7(ou%ll still go to regular -ainstrea- )lasses+ li,e ever one else. (ou%ll 2ust get extra supervision *uring the ear & so)ial wor,ers with )ognitive &ehavioral an* )ounseling experien)e. The reall ,now what the %re *oing+ Pier)e. 0 woul*n%t have enrolle* ou if 0 *i*n%t thin, the )oul* help.8 "h+ 0 thought+ &ut *i*n%t a**+ also 0sla #uesos #igh S)hool woul*n%t have ta,en -e if 0 ha*n%t &een enrolle* in New Pathwa s+ &e)ause of what happene* to Mr. Mueller. But whatever. 3ith &oar*ing s)hool for

ri)h ,i*s with so)ial pro&le-s in Swit1erlan* &eing - onl other )hoi)e+ what was 0 going to sa 4 (es to New Pathwa sA At least the New Pathwa s )ounselors 6 espe)iall @a*e+ the one 0%* &een assigne* 6 ha* &een reall ni)e a&out -a,ing -e feel wel)o-e+ *espite ,nowing what 0%* *one <or allege*l *one+ an wa = to a tea)her at - last s)hool. @a*e ha* never see-e* s)are* when she tal,e* to -e *uring our orientation -eetings+ alwa s -a,ing full e e )onta)t an* s-iling a lot an* even offering -e strips of re* li)ori)e fro- the 2ar she ,ept on her *es,. M ne),la)e+ 0%* noti)e*+ ha* never turne* an )olor when 0%* &een in @a*e%s offi)e. 0t 2ust sta e* a stea* + soothing gra ;the sa-e )olor as the )oat of a retire* gre houn*. But when 0 arrive* on - first *a at what was the onl high s)hool on 0sla #uesos+ to whi)h hun*re*s of stu*ents were &use* fro- neigh&oring

islan*s 6 there are over D+GHH off the )oast of Flori*a+ Mo- not so helpfull infor-e* -e one *a while listing the various wa s in whi)h Da*%s )o-pan was slowl *estro ing their e)os ste- 6 0 *i* not feel soothe*. 0 *i* not nee* to glan)e *own at the )olor of - ne),la)e <whi)h 0 no longer ha* an wa = to tell -e so+ either. 0 felt overwhel-e*+ *espite @a*e%s )areful instru)tions a&out what to expe)t. 0%* never seen so -an ,i*s+ parti)ularl so -an gu s+ )row*e* into so -an &uil*ings;four enor-ous wings in all+ all )onne)te* & a )entral+ pave* )ourt ar* 6 the >ua*+ @a*e sai* it was )alle* 6 at the )enter of whi)h were all these sha*e* pi)ni) ta&les. This+ @a*e ha* explaine*+ was where we were suppose* to have lun)h ever *a . The )afeteria was outsi*e. This -a*e a&solutel no sense to -e+ no -atter how -an ti-es @a*e sai* it. Onl seniors were allowe* to leave

)a-pus for lun)h. 0 was a senior+ &ut how was 0 going to leave )a-pus4 0 ha* no *river%s li)ense. The State of Conne)ti)ut ha* apparentl agree* with - neurologist that it was not a goo* i*ea for -e to *rive. 0%* loo,e* at the written test for the State of Flori*a online &e)ause @a*e ha* en)ourage* -e to+ an* there were even -ore 9uestions on it than on the one for the State of Conne)ti)ut. 0t was hopeless. Alex ha* sai* on the wa to s)hool+ 70%ll -eet ou in the >ua* for lun)h. 3e%ll go gra& a &urger.8 But when lun)hti-e )a-e+ of )ourse 0 )oul*n%t fin* hi-. #e ha*n%t tol* -e where to -eet hi-. This was t pi)al Alex. Also+ t pi)al -e+ unfortunatel + to forget to as,. 0 sele)te* two )affeinate* so*as+ a &ag of nuts+ a &ag of )hips+ an* a &ag of )oo,ies fro- the ven*ing -a)hines. Then 0 hi* out in the li&rar to eat the-. This see-e* li,e the safest

thing to *o. The li&rar was where @a*e foun* -e. 7Pier)e+8 she sai*+ pulling out the )hair fro- the stu* )arrel next to -e an* lowering herself into it. 70%ve &een loo,ing for ou.8 70%- here+8 0 sai* stupi*l . O&viousl 0 was there. 0 too, out - ear&u*s. 7#ow%s it going48 7Goo*+8 @a*e sai*. 7#ow%s it going with ou4 Di*n%t -a,e it to the )afeteria for lun)h+ 0 see.8 7Not to*a +8 0 sai*. 7Ma &e to-orrow.8 3hat was 0 suppose* to sa 4 0 *i*n%t have - ne),la)e to prote)t -e an -ore4 Not that 0 &elieve* 0 nee*e* its prote)tive powers+ ne)essaril . 0 2ust wasn%t sure 0 *i*n%t nee* the-. 7#e + listen+ 0 get it. 0t%s )ool+8 @a*e sai*. @a*e ha* ver *ar, hair an* -an &la), leather )or*s that she wore aroun* her ne), an* wrists. A tattoo on her wrist sai* Che), (ourself Before (ou 3re), (ourself in fan) s)ript. 7But if

ou want to tal,+ -a &e a&out that thing that happene* with that tea)her at our ol* s)hool+ or a&out that frien* of ours who *ie*;an thing. (ou ,now where to fin* -e.8 0 *i* ,now where to fin* her. The New Pathwa s offi)es were lo)ate* in D!3ing+ whi)h was also where all of - )lasses happene* to &e lo)ate*. Convenient. An* reall ;an thing+ @a*e4 3hat a&out the gu 0 ran into last night in the )e-eter 4 Can we tal, a&out hi-4 Be)ause 0%ve run into hi- &efore+ a)tuall *uring 7that thing that happene* with that tea)her8 at - ol* s)hool. 3hen 7that frien*8 of -ine *ie*. Or at least when 0 trie* to -a,e her *eath right. An* he put a tea)her in the hospital. 7Than,s+8 0 sai*+ not -entioning an of that. 73ill *o.8 @a*e gave -e a funn loo,+ halfwa &etween a s-ile an* a frown.

7#e +8 she sai*+ rea)hing out to tou)h han*. 70 -ean it. None of what happene* at our ol* s)hool was our fault+ ou ,now.8 0 fro1e when she tou)he* -e. An* not 2ust &e)ause the li&rarian was shooting us a *isapproving loo, fro- a)ross the roo-+ either;though 0%prett sure she *i*n%t appre)iate our having a )onversation in the 9uiet 1one of her li&rar + let alone - using it as a lun)hroo-. 7$ight+8 0 sai*. 70 ,now.8 3as she ,i**ing4 @a*e no**e*. 7Goo*+8 she sai*. 7@ust re-e-&er that. 0n the -eanti-e+ tr to en2o ourself+ o,a 4 0 ,now ou%ve &een through a lot+ &ut give ourself a &rea,. 0t%s 2ust high s)hool.8 0 paste* a s-ile onto - fa)e. 7Sure+8 0 sai*. Ma &e @a*e was the one who was )ra1 + not -e. Although she an* her fellow New Pathwa s staff -e-&ers ha* ta,en great pains to re-in* us all that there%s no su)h thing

as 7)ra1 8 or 7nor-al.8 These wor*s aren%t therapeuti)all &enefi)ial. 70%ll tr .8 7O,a + well+ great tal,.8 @a*e got up. 7Five -inutes till the &ell rings. Be sure to stop & to )he), in with -e after s)hool. 0 got so-e -ore of that li)ori)e ou li,e. The re* ,in*. Oh+ an* there%s an asse-&l in the au*itoriu- at two. Don%t -iss it. 0t%s gonna &e epi).8 She win,e* an* left. Epi)+ unli,e )ra1 or nor-al+ is a wor* the New Pathwa s staff -e-&ers love. Espe)iall @a*e. Che), ourself &efore ou wre), ourself. 0t was )lear that - experien)e at 0##S was going to &e sin, or swi-. 0 alrea* ,new what it was li,e to sin,. 0 *e)i*e* 0 -ight as well swi-. 3hen 0 arrive* at the au*itoriu- for the asse-&l + the *in was *eafening. The two!thousan*!seat roo- was fille* with people greeting ea)h other after a long su--er apart5 girls with

long+ white!tippe* nails 6 this loo, was )onsi*ere* totall over up north;at least a))or*ing to gossip 0%* overhear* &a), at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls+ &efore 0 was thrown out 6 s)rea-ing an* hugging+ an* tattooe* gu s in hea* s)arves fist&u-ping an* high!fiving one another+ an* so-e a)tuall greeting one another a &it -ore aggressivel than that. So -an stu*ents tal,ing at a volu-e so lou* in a roo- so large+ 0 was te-pte* to slip - ear&u*s &a), in 2ust to ,eep - self fro- going )ra1 . Or whatever the therapeuti)all &enefi)ial wor* for )ra1 is. But 0 ,new 0 )oul*n%t. 0 ha* pro-ise* - self that 0 woul* sta engage* this ear. 0f 0 *i*n%t sta engage*+ how woul* 0 ,eep the next girl fro- * ing on - wat)h4 An* o,a + 0 ha* faile* -isera&l to help the last one. But ou never ,new. 0 ha* a lot of

a*vantages here on 0sla #uesos that 0 ha*n%t ha* &a), in Conne)ti)ut. At least here 0 wasn%t invisi&le+ the wa 0%* unfortunatel -a*e - self for too long &a), at - ol* s)hool. 0 )oul* alrea* tell+ &e)ause so-e gu in a white shirt ha* noti)e* -e an* hel* the au*itoriu- *oor open for -e. 0 ha*n%t 9uite &een a&le to &elieve it - self+ a)tuall . 7After ou+8 he%* sai* politel . 0 wasn%t sure whi)h ha* startle* -e -ore5 the fa)t that he was the first person to have spo,en to -e all *a 6 &esi*es @a*e 6 or the fa)t that he was so nonthreateningl gorgeous in a &o !&an* ,in* of wa 5 tall+ &lue e e*+ frien*l s-ile at the rea* + revealing a set of perfe)tl straight white teeth+ a tan ou )oul* tell ha* )o-e frohealth out*oor living an* not fro- a salon+ as ha* the &lon* highlights in his san* !&rown hair. All of this was )appe* off with a pair of ,ha,i shorts an* a white polo that

showe* off his &i)eps. "n&elieva&le. 'ite sailing+ if 0 ha* to guess. (ou *i*n%t get &i)eps 6 &ut also a tan 6 froregular sailing. 7Than,s+8 0 sai*+ not s-iling. 0t was right then that the o)ean &ree1e swept - pin, )lass s)he*ule out frothe top of - &ag. 7Oh+ here+8 he sai*+ letting go of the *oor. 7/et -e get that.8 70t%s o,a +8 0 sai*. 0 2ust wante* hi- to go awa . #e was li,e the )on)ept of an out*oor )afeteria5 0 *i* not un*erstan*. 0t was too late+ though. #e%* alrea* peele* - s)he*ule fro- where it ha* plastere* itself against a trash )an with a sti),er on it that sai* T#0S 0S FO$ CANS AND BOTT/ES ON/(. 7So+ Pier)e Oliviera+8 he sai*+ loo,ing *own at - s)he*ule as he han*e* it &a), to -e. #e let out a laugh. 7D!3ing+ huh48 0 ha* no i*ea what he was tal,ing a&out.

0 guess he )oul* tell fro- - expression+ sin)e he was onl too happ to explain. 70t%s )ool+ *on%t worr a&out it+8 he sai*. This see-e* strange+ )o-ing right on the heels of @a*e telling -e to give - self a &rea,. At least he ha*n%t tol* -e to relax. 0 hate it when people tell -e to relax. 7New Pathwa s+ right48 0 stare* at hi-. #ow ha* he ,nown4 3as 0 wearing a sign or so-ething4 0%* *resse* so )arefull that -orning. 0t was - first *a in pu&li) s)hool+ whi)h -eant - first *a with no unifor-;- first *a of s)hool wearing whatever 0 wante*. 3hat ha* 0 *one wrong4 7Ever one in D!3ing is in New Pathwa s+8 he explaine*. 7Not that that%s a &a* thing. New Pathwa s is great. 0%ve ha* a lot of frien*s go through New Pathwa s. 0t%s a great progra-. $eall grea 68 0 leane* over an* too, the s)he*ule frohi-+ then stuffe* it &a), into - &ag. #e

was -a,ing -e nervous. The -ore attra)tive people were+ the -ore nervous 0 ten*e* to get aroun* the-. Ma &e that was &e)ause attra)tive people also ten*e* to &e so engage*+ an* engage* people frea,e* -e out. #ow *i* the ,eep their )lothes so neat4 This gu %s shirt was so white. #ow ha* he not spille* an thing on it & now4 That )oul*n%t &e right. The onl goo* thing a&out not having to wear a unifor- an -ore 6 that 0 )oul* tell 6 was that at least 0 )oul* wear &la), shirts+ so the stains woul*n%t show. @ohn never wore white. To -e+ this was a goo* thing. Oh+ right+ 0 was never thin,ing a&out hiagain. 70 have rage issues+8 0 infor-e* the gu . Ever one was going to figure it out so-eti-e. Might as well get it out in the open. 7#e + it%s not the worst thing+8 he sai*+ showing -e all those *a11ling teeth. 70

-ean+ ou%re still Pier)e Oliviera. That%s goo*+ right48 7(eah+8 0 sai*+ s-iling &e)ause he ha*. @a*e ha* tol* -e when 0 wasn%t sure a&out how to rea)t to so-ething+ 0 shoul* 2ust -i-i) the &ehaviors of the people 0 saw aroun* -e. 70 guess.8 (ou%re still Pier)e Oliviera4 3hat *i* that even -ean4 #a* that &een a s-ir, 7(ou%re relate* to Ia), Oliviera8 s-ile4 Or a 7(our -o-%s &rother is the gu who went to 2ail for so long8 s-ile4 Or a 7Aren%t ou the girl who *i* that thing to that tea)her48 s-ile4 0 )oul*n%t tell. Ma &e all three. Ma &e none of the a&ove. 0 wish @ohn ha*n%t thrown - ne),la)e into the night. No+ 0 *i*n%t. #e was a 2er,. 0 was *one with hi-. 0 was on a New Pathwa . 0 pointe* at the *oors to the au*itoriu-. 7Are ou 68 7Oh+ sure+ eah.8 The gu leane* over an* opene* the *oor again. A *eafening &last of soun* hit us.

7Than,s+8 0 sai*+ an* wal,e* awa frohi-. Sha,e it off+ 0 tol* - self. That was what @a*e woul* )all a positive intera)tion. 0t ha* &een epi). Ex)ept -a &e it ha*n%t &een. Be)ause when 0 saw the gu in the polo shirt for a se)on* ti-e insi*e+ he loo,e* over at -e again an* s-ile*. #e%* 2oine* up with a few of his &u**ies. The all s-ile* at -e+ too. Two girls with flat!irone* hair <a -ira)le to a)hieve in southern Flori*a= starte* giving -e the evil e e. The were tapping on the ,e pa*s of their )ell phones with their white nail tips. 0 was a-a1e* that the )oul* t pe an* glare at so-eone at the sa-e ti-e. That was ta,ing -ultitas,ing to a whole new level. 7D!3ing+8 one of the- sneere* at -e. /i,e this was so-e huge insult. 3hat was ever one%s o&session with D! 3ing aroun* here4 #oping 0 wasn%t a&out to have a full! &lown pani) atta), 6 the thro&&ing at

the &a), of - ne), was stronger than ever 6 0 loo,e* aroun* the au*itoriu-+ una&le to fin* Alex an where. 0 *i*+ however+ see a girl 0 re)ogni1e* fro- - e)on )lass. She%* &een in the New Pathwa s offi)e last wee,+ having her own orientation sessions with a *ifferent )ounselor. 0 re-e-&ere* her &e)ause;well+ she was a little *iffi)ult to forget. Also+ 0%* noti)e* whenever she%* &een aroun*+ - ne),la)e turne* purple. 0 *i*n%t ,now what it -eant+ &ut she was sitting on the en* of an aisle+ an* there were tons of e-pt seats aroun* her. 70s this seat ta,en48 0 went over to her an* as,e*. She ignore* -e. 0t too, -e a se)on* or two to reali1e that she wasn%t snu&&ing -e. She was wearing ear&u*s. 0 ha*n%t &een a&le to tell &e)ause her giant aurora of *ar, )url hair+ shot here an* there with strea,s of &right purple+ hi* the-. She loo,e* up fro- the s)reen of her )ell

phone when 0 tappe* her on the shoul*er+ then sai*+ 7Oh+ sorr +8 an* -ove* her legs for -e to get & . 7Than,s+8 0 sai*+ an* )ollapse* into the seat next to hers. 0 shoul* have ,nown+ of )ourse+ that it was going to go li,e this. Not 2ust after last night 6 0 still wasn%t a hun*re* per)ent sure an of that ha* happene*+ even after Alex%s stor a&out the poin)iana &losso-s. The stor- ha* swept -ost of the- awa & the ti-e 0 got up 6 &ut after getting to s)hool an* seeing that 0 was one of the onl girls wearing a s,irt that wasn%t a -ini. Mine+ in a))or*an)e with the 0##S stu*ent han*&oo,+ whi)h Mo- an* 0 ha* pore* over+ espe)iall the se)tion -ar,e* Stu*ent Dress Co*e+ was exa)tl no -ore than four in)hes a&ove - ,nee+ 2ust li,e the han*&oo, spe)ifie*. #ow was 0 suppose* to ,now that the *ress )o*e was in no wa enfor)e* 6 parti)ularl the &an on 7&are -i*riffs an*

low!ri*ing or sagging pants or sla),s8 6 when 0 ha*n%t -et an people - own age fro- 0sla #uesos until to*a 4 3hat ti-e 0 ha*n%t spent &i,ing aroun* the )e-eter in the past wee, &efore s)hool starte*+ hoping to )at)h a gli-pse of @ohn+ 0%* spent hanging out on the )ou)h with Alex an* his *a* in front of the T: at Gran*-a%s. An* Alex+ a t pi)al gu + ha* answere*+ 70 *on%t ,now. Clothes+8 when Mo- an* 0 as,e* hi- what girls at 0##S wore to s)hool. The girl next to -e 6 lip an* e e&row pier)ings 6 turne* &a), to the s)reen of her phone as soon as 0%* sat *own. So-e people -ight have thought it i-polite to eaves*rop on what she was *oing. Not -e. True+ to an outsi*er it -ight have loo,e* li,e 0 was snooping;-a &e &e)ause 0 - self ha* no )ell phone. But a)tuall + Ti-+ the hea* of the New Pathwa s progra-+ ha* ta,en -ine awa

&efore s)hool. #e sai* 0 )oul* have it &a), at the en* of the *a . #e thought that 0%* fo)us &etter an* 7intera)t -ore8 if 0 )oul*n%t go online. 0 *i*n%t &other arguing. 0 ,new fro- what ha* happene* at - s)hool last ear that ever thing he was sa ing was true. 0%* tol* - &est frien*+ #annah+ the *a 0%* )o-e &a), after - a))i*ent that 0%* prote)t her fro- the evil. But 0 ha*n%t. 0nstea*+ hurt & the fa)t that she ha* )alle* -e )ra1 + still nu-&e* & what 0%* seen @ohn *o in the 2eweler%s shop+ an* worrie* he%* )o-e &a), so-e*a an* *o it to -e next ti-e+ 0%* 2ust lain &a), insi*e - glass )offin an* waite* for - han*so-e prin)e to )o-e res)ue -e. That%s how 0 ha*n%t noti)e* the evil. Not the ,in* people li,e to preten* is real+ the ,in* the tell ghost stories an* -a,e horror -ovies a&out. But the real evil that ha* &een roa-ing the halls of the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls+ loo,ing for the sweetest+ -ost

inno)ent vi)ti- it )oul* fin*. B the ti-e 0 finall reali1e* there are no han*so-e prin)es 6 that it was all up to -e;that it ha* alwa s &een up to -e 6 it was too late. #annah was *ea*. An* unli,e -e+ she was never )o-ing &a),. Bro,e the *eep letharg within - hea* A heav thun*er+ so that 0 upstarte*+ /i,e to a person who & for)e is wa,ene*. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 0: 0n a wa + 0%- grateful to Mr. Mueller+ who starte* tea)hing at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls last ear+ when 0 was a 2unior. #e gave -e the one thing 0 was &eginning to thin, 0%* never have5 that interest outsi*e of a)a*e-i)s in whi)h to 7engage8 that Mrs. 'eeler re)o--en*e* - parents fin* for -e after the a))i*ent. Mr. Mueller s, ro),ete* to instant popularit with &oth the stu*ent &o*

an* their parents at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls after &eing hire* as the new &as,et&all )oa)h an* ta,ing the tea- to the state finals. As if that were not enough+ he also &egan offering free private tutoring sessions after s)hool for his 7spe)ial8 stu*ents;even those of us who+ li,e -e+ ha* &een -ove* to all 7alternative8 )lasses+ than,s to what ha* finall &een *iagnose* as attention *efi)it h pera)tivit *isor*er+ pre*o-inantl inattentiveness. Of )ourse+ &eing the onl oung+ goo*! loo,ing -ale instru)tor at a 'JDK girls% s)hool 6 not to -ention an athleti) )oa)h 6 Mr. Mueller pro&a&l woul* have &een popular an wa . But the free tutoring helpe*. 0 see-e* to &e the onl person in the entire s)hool who was suspi)ious of Mr. Mueller an* his -otives right fro- the start. Ma &e it was &e)ause one of - *a*%s favorite expressions was

7There%s no su)h thing as a free lun)h.8 No one is that self!sa)rifi)ing+ espe)iall when all he%s getting out of it is ho-e-a*e )oo,ies fro- his stu*ents% grateful -o-s. 0t was onl when a )ru-& fro- one of those )oo,ies fell onto - &are ,nee as Mr. Mueller was &ent over - *es,+ helping -e with a parti)ularl *iffi)ult alge&ra pro&le- *uring )lass one *a + that 0 first noti)e* an thing strange a&out hi-+ asi*e fro- his stunningl goo* loo,s an* apparent overa&un*an)e of free ti-e. 7Oops+8 Mr. Mueller sai*+ pressing the )ru-& into - ,nee with his finger. #e then lifte* his finger to his -outh an* su),e* the pie)e of )oo,ie off it. Then he s-ile* *own at -e. 7Sorr a&out thatA8 Ma &e a girl who ha*n%t *ie* an* then en*e* up getting followe* aroun* & a *istur&ingl large+ silver!e e* gu who%* on)e trie* to for)e her to live with hi- -ight have sai* to herself

onl #uh. That gu -ust reall li,e )oo,ies. 0+ however+ felt as if 0%* &een given an ele)tri) sho),. An* not in a ro-anti) Oh+ he tou)he* -eA ,in* of wa . Other girls in - )lass -ight have &een sighing over hi-+ &ut 0 *efinitel *i* not li,e Mr. Mueller+ nor *i* 0 want hi- tou)hing -e. 0 *i* not even want hi- tou)hing )oo,ie )ru-&s that -ight have fallen upon -e. 0t wasn%t until 0 got ho-e that afternoon that 0 saw it. Mr. Mueller 2ust tou)he* Pier)e Oliviera%s &are ,nee+ then li),e* his finger. #OTAAAAAA This was followe* & tons of )o--ents on the various so)ial networ,ing sites to whi)h this re-ar, was poste*+ su)h as She%s so lu), an* 3hat *i* she *o to *eserve T#AT4 an* 3ho the hell is Pier)e Oliviera4 These re-ar,s a)tuall -anage* to sin, through the thi), glass of - )offin. The -a*e -e feel un)o-forta&le+ not onl

&e)ause the raise* ol* *e-ons <0 ha* &een -anaging su))essfull to avoi* an trips to the gui*an)e offi)e latel =+ &ut &e)ause then Mr. Mueller as,e* 6 in front of ever one 6 a *a or two later+ if 0%* li,e to start )o-ing in for so-e private tutoring sessions. Things onl went *ownhill fro- there. Mr. Mueller 2ust as,e* Pier)e Oliviera if she wants private tutoringA She%s so lu), A #e%s SO hotAAAA 70 *on%t un*erstan*+8 Mo- sai*. 7Mr. Mueller tol* -e at his parent!tea)her )onferen)e with -e that he offere* to tutor ou &e)ause ou%re &ehin* in so -an of our )lasses+ an* ou sai* no. 3h woul* ou *o that48 70 alrea* have tutors+8 0 sai*. 0 *i*+ too. Da* -a*e sure 0 ha* tutors for nearl ever su&2e)t. Not that it helpe*. (ou ha* to )are for tutors to -a,e a *ifferen)e. 7But Mr. Mueller see-s so ni)e+8 Mo-

woul* sa . 0 shoul* have sai* so-ething then. Mo-+ 0 shoul* have sai*. Mr. Mueller isn%t ni)e. The pro&le- was+ she woul*n%t have &elieve* -e. That the gu gave -e the )reeps wasn%t proof of an thing. Espe)iall sin)e Mo- wasn%t the onl one who thought Mr. Mueller was Go*%s gift to the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls. All the -o-s were giving their *aughters )ar*s an* tins of ho-e-a*e )oo,ies to present to Mr. Mueller to show how -u)h the appre)iate* hi-+ an* &as,et&all season was long over. Mr. Mueller woul* alwa s &ea- with pleasure when he%* fin* these on his *es,+ an* sa )hi*ingl <&ut reall + ou )oul* tell he was *elighte*=+ 7GirlsA (ou *i*n%t have to *o thisA8 "ntil - exJ&est frien*+ #annah Chang 6 who%* reall fille* out over the su--er that we ha*n%t &een spea,ing an* who%* &e)o-e the 3estport

A)a*e- for Girls &as,et&all tea-%s star pla er an* one of the -ost enthusiasti) atten*ees of Mr. Mueller%s private tutoring sessions 6 left a note on his *es, that a)tuall -a*e hifrown. 0 ,now &e)ause #annah was in the stu* hall 0 ha* with Mr. Mueller an* sat at the *es, in front of -ine. 0%* wat)he* her write the note+ then leave it for hi-. 0%* even wat)he* as Mr. Mueller opene* it. #e ha*n%t &ea-e* with pleasure &e)ause of it+ though. Not that 0%* thought an thing of this. #annah left notes on Mr. Mueller%s *es, all the ti-e. The were alwa s ela&oratel fol*e* an* *e)orate* with tin heart sti),ers. On - &irth*a + #annah ha* even left -e a note+ on spe)ial stationer that ha* horses all over it. 0%* foun* it when 0 sat *own at - *es,. #app Birth*a + Pier)eA #annah ha* written in her &ig loop )ursive. She%*

*rawn a pi)ture of a *an)ing )up)a,e with a )an*le on top. #ave a great oneA /ove+ #annah. Even as )ut off as 0%* -a*e - self frothe rest of the worl* &a), then 6 3hat%s the point4 was - attitu*e. 3e%re all 2ust going to *ie an* then not &e let on the &oat 6 0 )oul*n%t help &ut &e a little tou)he*. #annah -ight not have treate* her horse+ Dou&le Dare+ as well as 0 thought she shoul* have. But #annah )are* a&out people. An* &e)ause she )are*+ she -a*e people )are a&out her. #a*n%t 0 hear* that so-ewhere &efore4 An wa + in spite of her having )alle* -e )ra1 &a), in the tenth gra*e+ 0 still li,e* #annah Chang. 3hi)h is wh 0 will alwa s &la-e - self for what happene* to her. 0 was having &rea,fast with - -o- the -orning after 0 saw #annah leave the note for Mr. Mueller. Mo-+ who was

rea*ing the lo)al paper+ su**enl gave a little )r + then )overe* her -outh with her han*. 7Mo-48 0 loo,e* at her )uriousl over - her&al tea. M neurologist ha* warne* -e not to self!-e*i)ate with )affeine+ &e)ause of - &a* *rea-s an* inso-nia. Mo- 2o,e* that if - *a* ever stoppe* self!-e*i)ating with )affeine+ the worl* woul* &e)o-e a -u)h less *angerous pla)e. 73hat%s the -atter48 7Nothing+8 she sai*+ lowering the paper. Onl it wasn%t nothing. Be)ause her fa)e was pale. 7Mo-+8 0 sai*. 73hat is it4 Tell -e.8 70t%s 2ust;8 0t was o&vious that the last thing in the worl* she wante* to *o was tell -e. 0t was also o&vious that she ,new she ha* to. 70t%s 2ust that it sa s a girl na-e* #annah Chang *ie* of a *rug over*ose last night+8 Mo- sai*+ hol*ing up the paper.

7But 0%- sure it%s not the sa-e #annah Chang 68 0 )ho,e* on the sip of tea 0%* ta,en. 3hen 0 was through )oughing+ 0 sai*+ 7/et -e see that.8 /o)al Girl Dies in Apparent Sui)i*e+ the arti)le on the front page of our town paper s)rea-e*. #annah%s fa)e+ s-iling in her s)hool unifor-+ stare* up at -e. Mo- ha*n%t seen #annah in nearl two ears+ &e)ause of - retreating into glass )offin sin)e the a))i*ent. #annah ha* )hange* a lot *uring that ti-e. 70t%s her+8 0 sai*+ - )hest )onstri)ting. 70t%s #annah.8 7She )an%t have *one it on purpose+8 Mo- -ur-ure*+ stro,ing - hair as 0 stare* *own at the photo. 70t sa s it was sleeping pills. Ma &e she too, one an* then was so sleep she forgot+ an* a))i*entall too, so-e -ore. 0%- sure she *i*n%t -ean to ,ill herself.8

0 was 2ust as sure that she ha*. Girls li,e #annah Chang *i*n%t a))i*entall ta,e too -an sleeping pills. 7Than,s+ Mo-+8 0 sai*+ giving her a 9ui), hug as 0 stoo* up. 7But 0 gotta go or 0%ll &e late.8 7Pier)e+8 Mo- sai*+ loo,ing at -e nervousl . 7Are ou all right4 0t%s o,a if ou want to sta ho-e to*a . 0 ,now ou an* #annah haven%t &een )lose sin)e;well+ the a))i*ent. But ou two were &est frien*s on)e;8 70t%s all right+8 0 sai* auto-ati)all . 70%fine.8 0 went to the garage to get on - &i,e to ri*e to s)hool. Da* ha* &ought -e a BM3 )onverti&le for - sixteenth &irth*a + thin,ing it woul* &e in)entive for -e to get - a)t together an* pass the *riving test to get li)ense. But of )ourse it ha*n%t wor,e*. 0%* ta,en the written exa- fort !two ti-es alrea* online. 0%* never passe*. Be)ause 0 wasn%t all right. 0n so -an

wa s. #annah%s horse stationer an* heart sti),ers an* &eing star of the &as,et&all tea- an* never forgetting a &irth*a an* preten*ing evil spirits woul* possess our soul if ou *i*n%t hol* our &reath when ou went & the grave ar* 6 all those things ha* 2ust &een win*ow *ressing to *isguise the fa)t that un*erneath+ she wasn%t all right+ either. But it ha* &een enough to tri), -e. So -u)h that 0%* -isse* the fa)t that the whole ti-e she%* &een sitting there in front of -e+ so-ething ha* &een going on in #annah%s life that was so awful+ it ha* -a*e her swallow a han*ful of pills an* turn herself into a sleeping prin)ess. Per-anentl . #ow )oul* 0 have &een that *isengage*4 B the ti-e 0 got to s)hool+ ever one ,new what ha* happene* to #annah. The were all tal,ing a&out her as if the %* &een her &est frien* on)e+ an* the %* sat &ehin* her in stu* hall.

Ever one was spe)ulating a&out wh she%* *one it. Their whispers soun*e* li,e s)rea-s to -e+ &e)ause nor-all 0 wore ear&u*s in the hallwa to &lo), out all the noise+ whi)h onl see-e* to in)rease the &u11ing 0 usuall felt in - hea*. But that *a + 0 too, the- out. 0 ha* to listen+ 0 tol* - self. 0 owe* at least that -u)h to #annah. 0 ha* to fin* out what ha* happene* to her. All 0 hear*+ however+ was people as,ing exa)tl the sa-e 9uestion 0 was as,ing - self5 #ow )oul* a girl who see-e* as sweet an* as happ as #annah Chang have gone ho-e fros)hool the *a &efore an* over*ose*4 3here was she now4 0 won*ere*. 3as she all right4 3as she one of the lu), ones who%* &een a&le to get on the right &oat+ the one that too, people to a &etter pla)e4 Or was she still stan*ing+ )ol* an* *a-p+ in that other line+ waiting for that other &oat+ on that awful &ea)h4

0 *i*n%t ,now. 0 reali1e* 0 -ight never ,now. But there was so-ething 0 )oul* fin* out5 3h . That *a + for the first ti-e in -ore than a ear+ instea* of spen*ing - ti-e &etween )lasses in the safet of )offin+ ignoring ever one+ with ear&u*s tu),e* in+ 0 too, the- out an* 2oine* all the gossip girls who hung at the ven*ing -a)hines outsi*e the g -. 0 put - -one in an* &ought the -ost )affeinate* *rin, 0 )oul* fin*+ in spite of - neurologist%s warning. 0 ha* *e)i*e* it was ti-e to stop &eing s)are* an* start &eing *angerous+ li,e - *a*. 0 )ra),e* the so*a open an* *owne* it while 0 stoo* there listening to thespe)ulate a&out wh #annah ha* *one it. 0 *ran, a se)on* so*a -ore slowl on wa to )lass 6 ear&u*s out 6 as 0 trie* to re-e-&er ever thing fro- the last hour 0%* seen #annah

alive. #a* she see-e* upset4 #a* she see-e* sa*4 An* -ost i-portant5 3hat ha* she written on that note to Mr. Mueller+ the one she%* left on his *es,+ the one that ha* -a*e hi- frown4 #earts. 0 re-e-&ere* that. The paper she%* use* to write the note to Mr. Mueller ha* &een )overe* with hearts. An* love. 0 thought 0%* seen her write the wor* love. 3h . 3as that one of the wor*s4 3h )oul*n%t 0 have pai* -ore attention to things that a)tuall -attere*4 Don%t. #a* that &een one of the wor*s4 As in+ *on%t even &other+ Pier)e. (ou%re as )ra1 as the all sa ou are. 3hen 0 got to stu* hall+ 0 )oul* har*l stan* to loo, at her *es,+ let alone Mr. Mueller%s pale+ sa* fa)e. Tr ing to engage ha* left -e feeling raw. 0 ha*n%t *one it in over a ear. Now 0 )oul* see wh 5 Engaging was in)re*i&l taxing. #ow *i* people *o it all *a + ever *a 4 0 sli* into - seat+ )areful not to loo,

an where &ut *own+ in )ase the sight of #annah%s e-pt *es, unhinge* -e. That%s how 0 happene* to see a pair of shoes. Mr. Mueller%s &la), loafers+ the ones with the tassels on the-. 7Pier)e+8 Mr. Mueller sai* in a low voi)e. 7Can 0 tal, to ou4 0 nee* to as, ou a spe)ial favor.8 Tr ing not to thin, a&out his shoes 6 &e)ause of )ourse that was a )o-pletel ri*i)ulous thing to fo)us on at a ti-e li,e this 6 0 lifte* - ga1e to -eet his. 7(es+ Mr. Mueller48 0 as,e*. 70%- sure ou%ve hear* the sa* news a&out #annah Chang+8 he sai*. 7(es+8 0 sai*. 70 *i*.8 73ell+ the a*-inistration is reall worrie* a&out )op )at atte-pts+8 he sai* to -e in this )onversational tone. /i,e we were the sa-e age. /i,e we were e9uals. This was wh so -an girls a*ore* Mr. Mueller. Be)ause he never 7tal,e* *own8 to us. 7Often when

one stu*ent ,ills herself+ other stu*ents get the i*ea to tr it.;(ou%ve seen how people are putting flowers at her lo),er.8 0%* passe* #annah%s lo),er on - wa to )lass. 0t was alrea* pile* high with &ou9uets of flowers an* )ar*s an* stuffe* ani-als. Espe)iall stuffe* horses. 7(es+8 0 sai*+ swallowing har*. 7The s)hool%s not planning on *oing a -e-orial servi)e or an thing+8 Mr. Mueller went on. 7The %ve alrea* *e)i*e* the *on%t want to gla-ori1e her *eath. The 2ust want us to pro)ee* li,e nothing happene*.8 /i,e nothing happene*. 0 no**e*. 0 )oul* see that Mr. Mueller ha* *e)i*e* not to shave that -orning. #e was sporting a little goatee. 0t -a*e hiloo, a &it li,e that han*so-e a)tor who pla e* a *o)tor on that popular television show. The *o)tor on that show+ 0 su**enl re-e-&ere*+ also

often wore shoes with tassels on the-. 3h )oul*n%t 0 stop thin,ing a&out tassels4 7So )oul* ou *o -e a favor+8 he sai* in his 73e%re su)h goo* frien*s8 voi)e+ 7an* -ove up a seat4 0 )an%t reall leave #annah%s ol* *es, e-pt li,e this. 0t -a,es it loo, li,e we%re -e-oriali1ing her an* supporting what she *i*. An* we )an%t reall have that+ now+ )an we48 0 stare* at hi- an* the faux goatee he was growing. The next ti-e 0 went to the )it for one of - )ourt!-an*ate* lun)hes with Da*+ 0 *e)i*e*+ 0 was going to go through his )loset an* ta,e ever pair of shoes he ha* with tassels on the- an* then *onate the- to the lo)al -en%s shelter. Even the Pra*as. 0 never wante* to see another pair of -en%s shoes with tassels on the- again. 7Sure+ Mr. Mueller+8 0 sai*+ for)ing - self to s-ile. 70%ll sit in #annah%s ol* *es,.8 Even though she hasn%t &een *ea* for

twent !four hours+ an* it will &e li,e sa ing she never existe* at all. 0 got up fro- - seat an* sli* into #annah%s. 0t felt the wa 0 i-agine* &eing in so-eone else%s )offin woul*. 7Than,s+8 Mr. Mueller sai*+ grinning *own at -e in a relieve* wa . 7Than,s for &eing so un*erstan*ing+ Pier)e.8 0t was funn that he sai* that. Be)ause the -o-ent 0 sli* into #annah%s *es,+ 0 *i* un*erstan*. 0 loo,e* *own at the *ia-on* nestle* insi*e &louse an* saw that it ha* turne* as &la), as that ti-e in the 2ewelr shop. An* su**enl + 0 re-e-&ere* the wor*s 0%* seen #annah writing on her note to Mr. Mueller. @ust li,e that. Ma &e it was &e)ause 0 was sitting in her *es,. Ma &e it was &e)ause of all the )affeine. Ma &e it was &e)ause of the ne),la)e. 0 *on%t ,now. But su**enl + 0 un*erstoo*;ever thing. O,a + well+ -a &e not ever thing. But wh Mr. Mueller ha* alwa s repulse* -e so -u)h+ an wa .

7Of )ourse;8 0 swallowe* har* again. 8(ou -ust ,now wh she *i* it+ *on%t ou+ Mr. Mueller48 Mr. Mueller+ who%* &een on his wa &a), up to his *es,+ fro1e. The &ell ha* rung & this ti-e+ &ut ever one was still tal,ing an* -illing aroun*. No one else hear* -e+ or was even pa ing attention. That%s the thing+ 0 was starting to noti)e+ now that 0%* finall lifte* the li* to )offin an* was &eginning to loo, aroun* outsi*e it. People *on%t reall pa attention+ *o the 4 Of )ourse+ 0 was 2ust as guilt of this as ever one else. 73h she *i* it48 Mr. Mueller turne* aroun* to loo, at -e+ his ha1el e es wi*e. #e was s-iling+ still in a frien*l wa . 7No+ 0 *on%t. Of )ourse+ she was a &it of a;trou&le* girl.8 Trou&le*. $ight. 0f he thought #annah was trou&le*+ he &etter start running. Now.

Be)ause 0 was going to -a,e trou&le li,e he%* never i-agine* in his wil*est *rea-s. 7But she left ou a note ester*a +8 0 sai*+ wi*ening - e es inno)entl . 70 saw it. 0 saw ou rea* it.7 0 wat)he* hi- )arefull . Ever thing *epen*e* on how Mr. Mueller woul* rea)t. 7Oh+ that+8 Mr. Mueller sai*. #e *i*n%t s,ip a &eat. 7That was nothing i-portant.8 #e shrugge*. 7(ou ,now #annah. Alwa s leaving funn notes. 0 wish 0%* ,nown that one was going to &e her last. 0 -ight have save* it. 0nstea*+ 0 threw it into the re) )ling &in.8 #e pointe* to the &lue &in next to his *es,. Paper onl + the sti),er on its si*e rea*. 0 )oul* see fro- where 0 sat that the &in was e-pt . 70t%s pro&a&l on its wa to so-e paper re) )ling plant in New @erse & now. Oh+ well.8 Then he went up to the front of the rooto ta,e atten*an)e. 3hen he got to the pla)e where #annah%s na-e woul* have

&een+ he s,ippe* right over it+ li,e it ha* never &een there at all. An* no one sai* a wor*. Not even -e. Not then+ an wa . An* 0+ who ha* - hea* with horror &oun*+ Sai*5 7Master+ what is this whi)h now 0 hear4 3hat fol, is this+ whi)h see-s & pain so van9uishe*48 DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 The girl sitting next to -e in the 0##S au*itoriu- was )he),ing the )o--ents on her Fa)e&oo, page. 0 saw her flin)h+ then finall swit)h off her phone an* lean &a),+ -uttering so-ething in Spanish. M written Spanish is offi)iall &elow average+ &ut 0 ,now all the swearwor*s. 7At - ol* s)hool+8 0 volunteere*+ even though 0 ,new she ha*n%t &een tal,ing to -e+ 7the wrote that 0 have a &ig sti), up - &utt.8 The girl loo,e* at -e sharpl + as if finall

seeing -e for the first ti-e. She%* ri--e* her expressive *ar, e es ver expertl with &la), liner an* -as)ara+ an* stu), a s-all silver star at the )orner of ea)h li*. 0 re-e-&ere* that 0##S ha* )os-etolog )lasses. Ma &e she was enrolle* in the-. 73hat48 she sai*+ loo,ing )onfuse*. 7Online.8 0 pointe* at her phone. 7At ol* s)hool. The also )alle* -e a s,an,.8 0 *i*n%t -ention the other+ worse things the %* )alle* -e+ after what happene* with Mr. Mueller. She frowne*. 0 )oul*n%t tell if this was a &a* or goo* sign. 7Oh+ eah48 she sai*. 73ell+ the )all -e a s,an,+ too. Be)ause of these.8 She pointe* to her &reasts. 0t was har* to *en the were prett enor-ous. The &la), )otton shirt she wore ha* ruffles all *own the front. This -ight not have &een helping the situation.

7So-e people are 2ust stupi*+8 0 sai*+ ga1e going involuntaril to the two girls with the straight!irone* hair+ who were still stan*ing over & the steps to the stage. The were staring in - *ire)tion;onl now the *i*n%t loo, )onte-ptuous. The loo,e* stunne*. One+ noti)ing that 0%* glan)e* her wa + lifte* a white!nail!tippe* han*+ s-ile*+ an* wave*. At -e. For a se)on* 0 )oul*n%t figure out wh . Then 0 saw the gu in the white polo shirt wal,ing awa fro- the-+ an* all &e)a-e )lear. 7There%s no shortage in stupi* aroun* here+8 the girl next to -e was sa ing sar)asti)all . 7#e + aren%t ou in - e)on )lass48 7(es. 0%- Pier)e.8 0 )arefull avoi*e* sa ing - last na-e. 0 ha* a feeling that%s what the two girls over & the stage ha* 2ust foun* out. That%s pro&a&l what a))ounte* for their su**en attitu*e a*2ust-ent where 0 was )on)erne*.

0t%s a s-all islan*+ Mo- ha* warne* -e. An* not ever one is going to &e as sophisti)ate* as the were &a), in 3estport. People in 0sla #uesos -ight *e)i*e the li,e ou for who Da* is. Or not+ )onsi*ering. 0t all *epen*s. @ust &e )areful. 7'a la $ivera+8 the girl next to -e sai*+ in*i)ating herself. 7(ou%re Alex Ca&rero%s )ousin.8 0t was a state-ent of fa)t. So either Alex ha* &een tal,ing a&out -e+ or 'a la re-e-&ere* - na-e fro- so-ewhere else. #a* Ti- or @a*e &een urging all the other New Pathwa s ,i*s to &e ni)e to -e4 That was the -ost )harita&le spin 0 )oul* put on it. #ow patheti)+ if it were true. 3ell+ at least she *i*n%t see- to ,now who - father was. 0 reall hope* when 0 got - phone &a),+ 0 woul*n%t fin* all sorts of stuff a&out -e online. 0 *i*n%t have a Fa)e&oo, or Twitter page or &log or an thing li,e that. 0 ha* enough people following -e in real life. Although 0 guess not

an -ore. 7(eah+8 0 sai*. 7/isten. Can 0 as, ou so-ething48 7Oh+ the %re real+8 'a la sai*+ in*i)ating her &reasts. 7M -o-%s insuran)e )overs &reast re*u)tion surger + an* 0%- getting it+ as soon as 0 turn eighteen. Not for )os-eti) reasons+ either. 0 *on%t )are what ,in* of na-es the )all -e. 0t%s 2ust that 0%- si), of ,nees hitting - nipples whenever 0 tr to pe*al a &i,e. Plus+ &a), hurts. 0%* get it *one now+ &ut the *o)tor sa s 0 )oul* still &e growing. Can ou &elieve that4 These things )oul* still &e growing.7 73ow+8 0 sai*. An* 0 thought 0 ha* pro&le-s. 7But not a&out that+ a)tuall . 3hat *oes it -ean when people )all ou D!3ing48 Before she )oul* repl + there was a thu-p on the &a), of our seats+ li,e so-eone was ,i),ing the-. 0 spun aroun* fast+ sure it was hi-. But of )ourse it wasn%t. 0t was onl -

)ousin Alex+ )la-&ering into the row &ehin* ours. 7#e +8 he sai* to -e. 7There ou are. 0 was loo,ing all over for ou at lun)h. 3h aren%t ou answering our phone48 7Ti- too, it+8 0 sai*. 7#e sai* 0 woul* engage &etter without it.8 'a la laughe*. 7Oh+ -an+8 she sai*. 7(ou reall are new. 0 )an%t &elieve ou fell for that one. (ou never surren*er the phone+ )hi),ie+ no -atter what Ti- sa s. Never.8 0 shrugge*. 7No one ever )alls -e+ an wa .8 This was sa* &ut true. Di* @ohn even have a )ell phone4 Dou&tful. #ow woul* he pa his &ill4 0n gra *ia-on*s4 That woul* pro&a&l go over well with the phone )o-pan . Alex )li-&e* into the seat &esi*e -e+ then san, into it. 7Than,s+8 he sai*. 70 guess 0 *on%t )ount as an one.8 7(ou ,now what 0 -ean+8 0 sai*.

#e shove* -e )o-paniona&l in the shoul*er in response. 7Si--er *own+ people.8 That%s what the -an 6 the s)hool prin)ipal 6 sai* in a tire* voi)e when he )li-&e* up onto the stage an* stoo* there &ehin* the po*iu-+ waiting for ever one to ta,e their seats. As he flippe* through a &un)h of note )ar*s he%* &rought with hi-+ )he),ing to -a,e sure the were in or*er+ 0 hear* Alex heave a sigh. 0 *i*n%t &la-e hi-. 0 loo,e* aroun*+ alrea* &ore*. 0 nee*e* another so*a. 0%* onl ha* six sin)e &rea,fast. This gu ha* &etter -a,e his spee)h snapp . 7So+8 Alex sai* to -e+ 7how%s our first *a &een so far48 7So far48 0 shrugge*. The girls who%* sneere* 7D!3ing8 to -e+ 0 saw+ ha* foun* seats;on either si*e of the gu in the white polo shirt+ who%* hel* the *oor open for -e. 0nteresting. 7Fine.8

73ow+8 Alex sai*. 7(ou lie al-ost as )onvin)ingl as - *a*. $eall . 0%inspire*.8 7This pla)e su),s+8 'a la sai*+ s9uir-ing. 70 ,now the Flori*a State Depart-ent of E*u)ation is+ li,e+ out of -one . But 0 thin, there are &e*&ugs in - seat.8 7People.8 Prin)ipal Alvare1%s voi)e &oo-e* into the -i)rophone. 7As long as this 2uvenile &ehavior )ontinues 68 So-eone elle* so-ething unflattering a&out Prin)ipal Alvare1%s parentage an* then suggeste* he go *o so-ething in)estuous with his -other. That%s when the *oors to the au*itoriuwere thrown open+ an* poli)e offi)ers in short!sleeve unifor-s 6 out of *eferen)e to the heat 6 appeare* at ever exit. The wal,e* into the au*itoriu- an* leane* against the walls. 0 e e* the- nervousl . 0%* &een hoping for so-ething a little -ore interesting than our t pi)al run!of!the!-ill ,eep!

off!*rugs )onvo)ation. But having spent a )onsi*era&le a-ount of ti-e in the )o-pan of the poli)e onl a few short -onths ago 6 even though 0 ha*n%t &een the one who%* a)tuall *one an thing+ 2ust the one who%* ta,en all the &la-e for it 6 this was a little -u)h. The )ops see-e* to -a,e ever one+ not 2ust -e+ nervous. The au*itoriusu**enl got ver 9uiet. 7Mr. Flores+8 the prin)ipal sai* into the -i)rophone+ 7 ou -a &e surprise* to ,now that 0 )an see ou perfe)tl )learl fro- up here. An* ou 2ust earne* ourself an OSS for the re-ar, a&out - -other. That%s an Out!of! S)hool Suspension+ for those of ou unfa-iliar with the ter-. Please re-ove ourself fro- the s)hool groun*s+ Mr. Flores+ an* *on%t &other returning until Mon*a .8 Ever one in the au*ien)e hoote* appre)iativel at this as a oung -an in a &la), hea* s)arf rose an* sauntere* 6

not appearing too )on)erne* a&out his suspension 6 fro- the &a), row of the au*itoriu-. The poli)e offi)ers o&serve* his exit )asuall frowhere the stoo*. This was a far )r fro- the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls+ where the first asse-&l was alwa s *evote* to a loving tri&ute in song to the s)hool%s foun*er+ Miss E-il Gor*on Ports-ith. 7#e .8 To - surprise+ the gu in the white polo shirt ha* gotten up fro- his seat. Now he turne* to fa)e the entire au*itoriu-. 3ithout so -u)h as wiping the nervous sweat off his han*s onto his ,ha,i shorts <pro&a&l &e)ause he ha* no nervous sweat=+ he sai* in his eas going voi)e+ 73el)o-e &a),+ 3re),ers.8 To - astonish-ent+ ever one shut up to listen to hi-. 0 suppose this -ight have &een &e)ause of the )ops. But there was so-ething -ore going on

than that. There was an ease+ a )onfi*en)e with whi)h this gu spo,e 6 an* 0 suppose the &o !&an* goo* loo,s *i*n%t hurt+ either 6 that -a*e people see- to 2ust want to shut up an* listen. 70 ,now it%s &een a long su--er+8 he sai*+ loo,ing serious an* et frien*l an* approa)ha&le. 7An* 0%- sto,e* to &e &a), an* to see all of ou+ too. 3ell+ so-e of ou. $ight+ An*re48 #is ga1e fell on a gu in the )row*+ whohe gave a -o), frown. An*re preten*e* to )ower in his seat. Ever one laughe*. 7But Mr. Alvare1%s got the floor right now+8 the gu in the white shirt went on. 7So let%s hear what the -an has to sa . All right4 Pea)e.8 #e turne* an* sat &a), *own to thun*erous applause. 0 )lappe*+ too+ not even sure wh . Ex)ept that ever one else was;ex)ept+ 0 noti)e*+ )ousin Alex. 73h aren%t ou )lapping48 0 leane* over

to whisper. #e shrugge*. /i,e his father+ Alex wasn%t alwa s super )o--uni)ative. 7Than, ou+8 Prin)ipal Alvare1 sai* as the )lapping *ie* *own. #e )learl wante* to sei1e )ontrol of the situation &efore an one else )oul* &egin elling a&out his -other. 7Than, ou+ Mr. $e)tor+ for that. An* for all of ou fresh-en or transfer stu*ents who -ight &e new to 0##S an* *on%t ,now+ that was senior )lass presi*ent Seth $e)tor+ who also happens to &e this ear%s varsit 9uarter&a), an* treasurer of the 0sla #uesos #igh S)hool Spanish Clu& 68 $e)tor4 0 ha* *efinitel hear* 6 or at least seen 6 that na-e aroun* the islan*. Onl where4 Oh+ right. Sin)e the lo)al e)ono- wasn%t *oing so well 6 than,s+ in no s-all part+ to Da*%s )o-pan 6 ever other &usiness in 0sla #uesos see-e* to have a FO$ SA/E sign in the win*ow. $e)tor $ealt see-e* to &e

ever where. Coul* that &e an relation to Seth $e)tor4 70 2ust wante* to sa wel)o-e to all of ou+ new an* returning stu*ents+ &efore 0 han* the -i)rophone over to so-eone 0 thin, ou ,now well. But first+ 0%* li,e to *is)uss an i-portant safet issue with all of ou. An* that issue is;&onfires.8 Prin)ipal Alvare1 loo,e* *own at his note )ar*s. Note )ar*s4 $eall 4 Snore. 73h *on%t we allow &onfires *uring 0##S foot&all ga-es an -ore4 3ell+ let -e tell ou. #ere on 0sla #uesos+ the average te-perature in Septe-&er is eight !seven *egrees. At te-peratures li,e that+ a &onfire )an 9ui),l es)alate out of )ontrol.;8 But it wasn%t 2ust on realt signs 0%* seen the wor* $e)tor. 0t ha* &een written so-ewhere else.; Now 0 re-e-&ere*. 0t ha* &een )arve* into the high!gloss -ar&le of one of the -ausoleu-s Mo- an* 0 ha* gone past in the )e-eter *uring the

&i,e tour of the islan* she%* given -e. "nli,e all the rest of the )r pts in the vi)init + the $e)tor -ausoleu- was on its own plot+ )or*one* off & a little )hain fen)e+ an* was two stories+ with shin &rass na-eplates. This fa-il ha* reall gone all out for their *earl *eparte*. 7So-eone%s got -one to &urn+8 0%* re-ar,e*+ i*l won*ering wh ne),la)e+ tu),e* insi*e the front of the :!ne), tee 0 was wearing at the ti-e+ ha* turne* su)h a *eep+ storgra . 7(es+8 Mo- ha* replie* in a funn voi)e. 7The *o.8 73hat%s the -atter+ Mo-48 3hen 0%* loo,e* up fro- - ne),la)e an* over at her+ 0 saw she%* gone as white as the sun*ress she was wearing. 7Do ou ,now these people or so-ething48 70 use* to+8 she%* sai* in a *istant voi)e. 7A long ti-e ago.8

Then she%* see-e* to sha,e herself+ put her foot &a), on the pe*al+ an* s-ile* at -e. 7/oo, at us+ spen*ing all this ti-e in a )e-eter on su)h a &eautiful *a . /et%s go get so-e le-ona*e.8 7An* that%s wh this ear+8 Prin)ipal Alvare1 *rone* on+ 7we%ll &e ta,ing proa)tive -easures to )ur& su)h a)tivit . (ou shoul* &e aware that the 0sla #uesos poli)e offi)ers+ along with -e-&ers of 0sla #uesos #igh%s nationall re)ogni1e*+ awar*!winning innovative so)ial servi)es progra-+ New Pathwa s+ will &e out in for)e the )o-ing *a s 6 an* nights 6 an* the plan to &e espe)iall vigilant this ear 68 That%s when the &ooing erupte*. 0 was so startle* & it+ still thin,ing &a), to that *a with Mo- in the )e-eter + 0 nearl 2u-pe* out of - seat. 0 ha* no i*ea what was going on+ reall . #ow ha* we gone fro- &onfires to the poli)e 6 an*+ for so-e reason+ - New Pathwa s )ounselors 6

&eing out in for)e to )ur& su)h a)tivit 4 But 0 ha* never seen su)h hostilit fro- a )row*. Nothing li,e this ha* ever happene* at - ol* s)hool;unless ou )ount the s)an*al that erupte* the ti-e 0 trie* to prove - exJ &est frien* ,ille* herself over an affair with her &as,et&all )oa)h. 73e 2ust *on%t want to see people get hurtA8 Prin)ipal Alvare1 was shouting into the -i)rophone. 7(ou shoul* ,now that all of this is for our prote)tionA Delin9uent &ehavior+ van*alis-+ an* arson will not &e tolerate* this ear an* will &e prose)ute* to the fullest extent of the law. An* an one )aught will &e hel* a))ounta&le &oth )ri-inall an* & the s)hool s ste-. The )harges will range fro- )ri-inal -is)hief to &atter + not to -ention expulsion 68 The &oos turne* to 2eers. People also &egan to hurl insults+ an* not 2ust a&out Prin)ipal Alvare1%s -other. Slurs a&out

his wife &egan to fl 6 though not all in English+ so 0 )oul*n%t 9uite )at)h the *etails. Alex an* 'a la+ on the other han*+ 2ust loo,e* &ore*. 3ell+ o,a 5 'a la loo,e* &ore*. She was )he),ing her Fa)e&oo, page again. Alex loo,e* *isguste*. But then+ Alex loo,e* *isguste* a lot of the ti-e. 3ho )oul* &la-e hi-4 /ife ha*n%t *ealt - )ousin Alex the fairest of han*s. Not onl *i* he have to live with Gran*-a+ &ut his *a* ha* &een in 2ail for -ost of his life+ an* Alex woul* not even spea, a&out his -o-%s o))asional visits frothe -ainlan*+ ex)ept to sa there%* &e no -ore of the- now that his father was ho-e &e)ause "n)le Chris woul* not tolerate her <she wor,e* so-ewhere ou )an loo, up online+ &ut onl if ou are over eighteen=. Che), ourself &efore ou wre), ourself.

7Further-ore+8 Prin)ipal Alvare1 went on+ raising his voi)e as if & in)reasing the volu-e+ people were going to &e)o-e -ore re)eptive. 0 )oul* see that his forehea* was &e)o-ing shin . 0t was getting a &it hot in the au*itoriu-. Not 2ust te-perature!wise. 7(ou shoul* ,now we have )onta)te* all the lo)al har*ware stores+ as,ing thenot to sell large 9uantities of woo* to 2uveniles or their parents for the next wee,.8 Be*la-. 0%* never hear* su)h an explosion. People were stan*ing in their seats. (ou woul* have thought he%* ta,en awa their off!)a-pus lun)h privileges or so-ething. The )ops who%* &een leaning against the walls too, steps forwar*+ loo,ing alert. The people who%* stoo* in their seats sat &a), *own. But the still loo,e* upset. 73hat+8 0 turne* to as, Alex+ un)o-prehen*ing+ 7is going on4 3hat are the so -a* a&out4 @ust &e)ause

the )an%t -a,e so-e stupi* &onfire48 7No+8 Alex sai*+ sha,ing his hea*. #is s-ile was &itter. 70t%s not a&out &onfires at all. That%s not what the %re -a,ing out of the woo*.8 0 shoo, - hea*. 73hat4 0 *on%t get it.8 7Don%t worr . Neither *oes he+8 Alex sai*+ tipping his hea* in the prin)ipal%s *ire)tion. 70t%s li,e New Pathwa s. The %re alwa s *oing )rap li,e this. But it never )hanges an thing. Most of the ti-e+ it 2ust -a,es ever thing worse. /i,e sti),ing us all in D!3ing.8 73ait+8 0 sai*+ )o-pletel )onfuse* now. 73hat *oes D!3ing have to *o with it48 Alex loo,e* past -e. 7She wants to ,now what D!3ing has to *o with it+8 he sai* to 'a la with a s-ir,. 7Ai+8 'a la sai*. She )lu),e* an* shoo, her hea*. 7Chi),ie.8 73hat48 0 as,e*+ thoroughl )onfuse*. 73hat is it4 0t%s 2ust a &uil*ing.8 7She%s so )ute+8 'a la sai* to hi-. 73here *i* ou get her48

7Mainlan*+8 Alex sai*+ in a 7Don%t ou feel sorr for her48 voi)e. Prin)ipal Alvare1 hel* up &oth his han*s. 7PeopleA People+ listen.;#ere;here%s Chief of Poli)e Santos to explainA Chief; the %re all ours.8 An* with that+ the prin)ipal ran off the stage+ o&viousl eager to let so-eone else ta,e the &la-e. The )hief of poli)e+ however+ too, his ti-e getting up to the po*iu-. #e+ unli,e the prin)ipal+ *i* not have note )ar*s. #e *i*+ however+ have his right han* resting on the &utt of the pistol he wore at his hip. 3hether or not he *i* this intentionall + 0 noti)e* the &ooing *ie* *own i--e*iatel . An* no one elle* a wor* a&out his wife. 0n fa)t+ a respe)tful 6 or -a &e frightene* 6 hush see-e* to fall over the au*itoriu- on)e again. Chief Santos *i* loo, a little s)ar . A &ig -an+ he ha* a gra -usta)he+ thi), gra e e&rows to -at)h+ an* a ver *eep+ slightl sonorous voi)e.

#e too, his ti-e not onl in getting up to the -i,e &ut in )hoosing his wor*s. 7Than, ou+ Prin)ipal Alvare1+8 the poli)e )hief sai*+ not even &othering to glan)e at the s-aller -an. #is haw,li,e ga1e was on all of us instea*. 0n fa)t+ it see-e* to &e targete* *ire)tl on -e. 0 felt - self sin,ing a little lower in seat. 0 wante* a so*a -ore than ever. 7/et%s not pla ga-es+8 the poli)e )hief sai*+ su),ing a little on his teeth. 7(ou%re not )hil*ren. An* ou all ,now wh 0%here.8 (ou )oul* have hear* a *olphin &rea, the water%s surfa)e outsi*e. 0 ha*n%t *one an thing wrong 6 not at 0sla #uesos #igh S)hool+ an wa . But 0 felt as if 0 ha*. 3ait;was that it4 #a* he rea* - file4 Di* he ,now what 0%* *one &a), at ol* s)hool4 That ha* to &e it. #e ,new. Ex)ept that 0 ha*n%t *one an thing. Sure+

0%* planne* on *oing so-ething. But 0 ha*n%t. 0t ha* all &een @ohn. Nothing ha* &een proven 6 not in a )ourt of law+ an wa . Cri-inal )harges ha* never even &een file* against -e+ for la), of evi*en)e. Civil )harges4 3ell+ that%s another -atter. 73e%ve alrea* &egun to see van*alisin a )ertain area of town+ an* it%s onl the first *a of s)hool+8 Chief Santos went on in his *eli&erate voi)e. 3ait. :an*alis-4 0 wante* to laugh. 3hat was wrong with -e4 Asi*e fro- the o&vious+ of )ourse. 3h on earth ha* 0 thought+ even for a se)on*+ that this ha* an thing to *o with -e4 @a*e was right5 0 nee*e* to give - self a &rea,. 0t was 2ust high s)hool+ after all. 7An* 0 thin, ou ,now what area of town 0%- tal,ing a&out+8 the )hief of poli)e went on.

A su&tle shift+ 0 saw+ ha* o))urre* in the attitu*e of the poli)e offi)ers stan*ing at the exits. The + li,e their )hief+ ha* their han*s resting on the &utts of their pistols. The -eant &usiness. 73hen our prin)ipal )a-e to -e+8 Chief of Poli)e Santos sai* in a tone that was even -ore )arefull )ontrolle* than an he%* use* so far+ 70 tol* hi- there was nothing in the worl* that woul* give -e greater pleasure than to )o-e here an* spea, to all of ou. 0n fa)t 68 #ere+ the )hief of poli)e leane* forwar* against the po*iu- an* stu), his in*ex finger towar*s all of us+ &e),oning us to )o-e )loser+ as if he wante* to tell us a se)ret. #e+ unli,e Prin)ipal Alvare1+ was su)h a )o-pelling spea,er+ 0 a)tuall foun* - self *oing so &efore 0 reali1e* how stupi* this was. 3hat )oul* the poli)e )hief of 0sla #uesos have to sa to -e4 #e *i*n%t even ,now -e.

An* if things went the wa 0 hope*+ he never woul*. 70%* li,e ea)h an* ever one of ou to go ho-e after this an* tell our parents 6 -an of who- also atten*e* this fine institution 6 that Poli)e Chief Santos )a-e an* spo,e to ou to*a a&out an age!ol* 0sla #uesos tra*ition 0%- sure -an of the- en2o e* when the went to s)hool here. #ere%s what 0 want ou to sa to the-5 EMo-. Da*.% 8 #is voi)e rose in &oth pit)h an* ti-&re. Now he wasn%t whispering an -ore. Now his wor*s ru-&le* through the au*itoriu-+ -a,ing the walls sha,e li,e thun*er. 7 ECoffin Night is )an)ele* this ear.% 8 There was an i--e*iate 6 an* un*enia&l angr 6 groan+ followe* & in*ignant -ur-urs. People a)tuall see-e* upset that the weren%t going to &e a&le to )ele&rate so-ething )alle* Coffin Night.

3hat ,in* of )ra1 pla)e was this an wa 4 7People+8 the poli)e )hief went on+ hol*ing up his han*s for silen)e. An* he got it. 7Ma &e ou shoul* have thought a&out this &efore so-e of ou &ro,e into the 0sla #uesos Ce-eter last night an* van*ali1e* it. Not onl one of the )r pts+ &ut the entran)e as well.8 0 stare* at hi-+ har*l *aring to &reathe. The )e-eter . Oh+ Go*. An* the gate. That -angle*+ twiste* gate. 7The )e-eter is not our private pla groun*A8 The poli)e )hief%s voi)e+ whi)h ha* &een a pleasantl pit)he* *rawl+ now rose to a thun*erous roar+ startling even 'a la+ who lowere* her )ell phone an* stare* at hi- with wi*ene* e es. 70t is a resting pla)e for the *ea*. Those to-&s *eserve respe)t. (ou will not *ese)rate the- for our own )hil*ish a-use-ent on wat)h.;None of the-A A- 0 -a,ing - self )lear4 8

0 felt the pain in the &a), of - ne), &egin to thro& har*er than ever. 7Now that 0 have our full attention+8 the )hief of poli)e sai* in a 9uieter voi)e+ 70 want ou to ,now that until further noti)e+ the )e-eter gates are going to &e ,ept lo),e* twent !four hours a *a 6 after the %ve &een repaire*+ of )ourse 6 2ust in )ase an of ou aren%t ta,ing -e seriousl a&out this. An* &e)ause there -ight &e one or two of ou stupi* enough to tr to s)ale that fen)e8 6 uh!oh 6 7several of offi)ers will &e patrolling it at night. Sin)e 0%- sure this is going to upset those of ou who wish to pa our respe)ts to our love* ones who are &urie* there+ feel free to -a,e an appoint-ent with Ce-eter Sexton $i)har* S-ith.8 Chief of Poli)e Santos in*i)ate* an el*erl -an+ elegantl attire* in a linen 2a),et+ &right green &ow tie+ an* straw por,pie hat+ who was sitting in a fol*ing )hair at the &otto- of the stairs

to the au*itoriu- stage+ a &rief)ase per)he* on his ,nees. At the -ention of his na-e+ he stoo* up+ tippe* his hat at us+ then sat *own again. 0 re)ogni1e* hi- at on)e as the sa-e -an who%* elle* at -e so -an ti-es for using his )e-eter as a pu&li) thoroughfare. 7Ce-eter Sexton S-ith will &e happ to unlo), the gate an* es)ort an of ou who wish to pa respe)ts to love* ones *ire)tl to their graves+ an* wait with ou there until ou%re finishe*+8 the )hief of poli)e explaine*. Ce-eter Sexton $i)har* S-ith stoo* up again an* )alle*+ in a *eep voi)e for su)h an ol* -an+ 7During appropriate visiting hours+8 &efore sitting *own again. 7During appropriate visiting hours+ of )ourse+8 Chief of Poli)e Santos repeate* into the -i,e. More unhapp -uttering fro- the )row* 6 with the ex)eption of Alex+ who raise* a single e e&row as if he foun* the

whole thing 9uite interesting. #e &egan tapping a nervous *ru-&eat along the &a), of the seat in front of hi- with a pen+ -u)h to the anno an)e of the girl sitting there. 73oul* ou please 9uit it48 the girl su**enl whippe* aroun* to as,. 7Sorr +8 Alex sai*+ an* 9uit *ru--ing. 73ho%s up for Gut Busters after this48 'a la loo,e* up fro- her phone to as,. 70%ve onl got five &u),s+8 Alex sai*. 7Chi),ie here )an pa +8 'a la sai*. 70sn%t her *a* suppose* to &e all ,in*s of ri)h4 (ou in+ )hi),ie48 7Sure+8 0 sai*. 73hatever.8 0 ha* no i*ea what 0%* 2ust agree* to. All 0 )oul* thin, as 0 sat there 6 feeling al-ost as stunne* as if 0%* 2ust trippe* over - s)arf an* given - self another su&*ural he-ato-a 6 was that so-ehow+ @ohn ha* *one it again5 /eft &ehin* su&stantive proof that he was real+ an* )o--itte* a )ri-inal a)t

while *oing so. A )ri-inal a)t that the 0sla #uesos poli)e 6 2ust li,e the poli)e &a), in Conne)ti)ut+ who%* felt the %* ha* no other )hoi)e &e)ause how )oul* the &la-e a six!foot four!in)h sha*ow+ who+ though he%* shown up on vi*eo+ ha* left no footprints or fingerprints4 6 were going to &la-e on -e. Coul* - *a possi&l get an worse4 But it turne* out - *a )oul* get worse. /ots worse. Be)ause when 0 wal,e* into the New Pathwa s offi)es after the asse-&l to get - phone 6 Alex an* 'a la trailing &ehin* -e+ &i),ering over wh we even ha* to stop to pi), up phone sin)e 0%* sai* no one ever )alle* -e+ an wa 6 who shoul* 0 fin* in there )hatting up Ti- an* @a*e an* the other )ounselors &ut - -o-4 But that wasn%t the worst part. Not & a long shot. Be)ause sitting 9uietl in one of the purple vin l )hairs in the waiting area+ peering *own at an

out*ate* )op of Ti-e -aga1ine through a pair of gol*!ri--e* spe)ta)les+ was Ce-eter Sexton $i)har* S-ith. #is straw hat an* the &rief)ase were &oth sitting on the )hair next to hi-. On top of the &rief)ase was a ne),la)e. M ne),la)e. 7This wa there never passeth a goo* soulB An* hen)e if Charon *oes )o-plain of thee+ 3ell -a st thou ,now now what his spee)h i-ports.8 DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 M heart *i* a *ou&le flip insi*e )hest as soon as 0 lai* e es on it. 0 ha*n%t reali1e* how -u)h 0%* &een longing for it until 0 saw it in so-eone else%s possession. But it wasn%t in 2ust an one else%s possession. M ne),la)e was in the han*s of the )e-eter sexton. 3hat *i* that even -ean4

0 was guessing nothing goo*. 7Oh+ hi+ hone A8 Mo- )rie*. She -anage* to restrain herself fro- flinging her ar-s aroun* -e an* giving -e a &ig hug in front of ever one. But ou )oul* tell that%s what she wante* to *o. 70 hope ou *on%t -in* - stopping & +8 she sai*. 70 ,now ou were suppose* to give her a lift ho-e+ Alex+ &ut 0 2ust )oul*n%t wait. 0 wante* to see for - self how ever thing went. 0 swear+ 0 ha* worse first!*a 2itters than ou ,i*sA8 No. 0 *on%t thin, ou *i*+ Mo-. See+ ou *on%t ,now what happene* to -e last night in the )e-eter . (ou slept right through the stor-. An* ou *on%t have an i*ea what that ol* -an sitting in that vin l )hair over there is a&out to *o. Neither *o 0+ a)tuall . But he )an%t prove an thing. An one )oul* have a ne),la)e li,e that. 3ell+ -a &e not an one. An* -a &e not 9uite

li,e that; But it *oesn%t -atter. So long as he *oesn%t *o an thing to -a,e -e -a*. 7Don%t worr + Mo-+8 0 sai* to her+ going over an* giving her a little half hug. 0 hope* she woul*n%t &e a&le to feel how har* 0 was tre-&ling. 7Things went great to*a .8 /ie. An* the were )learl a&out to get -u)h+ -u)h worse. 7Oh+8 Mo- sai*+ s9uee1ing -e &a),+ 70%- so gla*. Not that 0 expe)te* things to go an other wa +8 she a**e* in a low voi)e+ 7&ut 0 )oul*n%t help feeling a little worrie* when 0 *rove up an* saw all those poli)e )ars outsi*e.;8 7Oh+ that was nothing+8 0 sai*+ )areful to ,eep - ga1e averte* fro- the )e-eter sexton. 7Oh+ right+8 'a la sai* with a sar)asti) laugh. 7Nothing. @ust tr ing to ,eep the stu*ent &o* fro- rising up an* ,illing Prin)ipal Alvare1 &e)ause he )an)ele* Coffin Night. Again. The

usual.8 7Coffin Night48 Mo- let out a happ &u&&le of laughter. 0f so-eone ha* wal,e* in who *i*n%t ,now &etter+ the -ight have -ista,en her for a -e-&er of the New Pathwa s staff+ not a -o-. She *i*n%t loo, all that -u)h *ifferent fro- the-+ ex)ept for not having an tattoos. The -ain *ifferen)e was that Mo- was wearing a nav &lue polo with the white 0sla #uesos Marine 0nstitute insignia on it. The 0#M0 is where she%* gotten a 2o& *own here. B getting a 2o&+ 0 -ean it%s where she%* *onate* a &ig )hun, of the -one she got fro- Da* in the *ivor)e settle-ent. Given her )re*entials+ 0%- sure the 0#M0 woul* have hire* Mo- an wa . But the woul*n%t have &een a&le to pa her a salar + sin)e the were so low on fun*ing. Now 6 than,s to Mo6 the ha* tons. An* the spoon&ills 6 whose population reall ha* &een *e)i-ate*+ owing in large part to

Da*%s )o-pan 6 ha* a fighting )han)e;not 2ust the spoon&ills+ either+ &ut a lot of other lo)al -arine life. So-eti-es it was ,in* of a relief to ,now that not all of - parents% -arital pro&le-s ste--e* fro- - a))i*ent alone. 7Don%t tell -e 0sla #uesos #igh still has a Coffin Night+8 Mo- was sa ing+ ex)ite* as a ,i*+ sha,ing han*s with 'a la+ who%* intro*u)e* herself. 'a la apparentl love* intro*u)ing herself to people. 0 wasn%t sure wh she was in New Pathwa s+ &ut sh ness was not one of her issues. 73ell+ let%s 2ust sa the a*-inistration is *oing ever thing in its power to see to it that it *oesn%t+8 Ti- sai*. 7But ol* ha&its *ie har*.8 0 was having a *iffi)ult ti-e following the )onversation while also ,eeping an e e on Ce-eter Sexton S-ith. Di* he re)ogni1e -e fro- all those ti-es he%* as,e* -e to get off - &i,e an* show so-e respe)t for the *e)ease*4 Surel not.

An* even if he *i*+ so what4 #e *i*n%t ,now that was - ne),la)e or that 0%* &een in the grave ar* last night or that 0 ha* an thing to *o with what ha* happene* to the gate. Ex)ept+ of )ourse+ there was that )lu-p of hair 6 the stran*s 0%* pulle* fro- hea* while *ra-ati)all re-oving the ne),la)e to give it &a), to @ohn 6 still atta)he* to the gol* )hain. 0 )oul* see the *ar, &rown tangle now against the lighter &rown leather of his &rief)ase. Coul* he *e-an* a DNA sa-ple fro-e4 Not without a warrant. But even if he )oul*+ so what4 0%* &een in the )e-eter lots of ti-es 6 starting as far &a), as a *e)a*e ago. #e )oul*n%t prove 0%* &een in there last night. An* 0 )ertainl ha*n%t *one an thing to the gateA #ow )oul* 04 0%2ust a *e&utante fro- the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls. Or at least 0 woul* have &een if 0 ha*n%t &een ,i),e* out for assault.

7Spea,ing of ol* ha&its * ing har*+8 Tisai*. 7Congratulations+ Pier)e. One *a *own+ no 0SSes or OSSes. 'eep up the goo* wor,.8 #e opene* a *rawer an* pulle* out - )ell phone+ presenting it to -e with a flourish. 7Than,s+8 0 sai*+ ta,ing it fro- his outstret)he* han*. Dire)tor of the New Pathwa s progra-+ Ti- was )loser to -o-%s age than to @a*e%s+ whi)h -eant he *i*n%t ten* to use wor*s li,e epi) or have an noti)ea&le tattoos. 0nstea*+ he sai* things li,e 0SS 6 0n! S)hool Suspension 6 an* OSS 6 Out!of!S)hool Suspension 6 an* wore a tie. 7So )an we go now48 Alex as,e* so i-patientl that @a*e+ who%* &een leaning against her offi)e *oor with her 2ar of re* li)ori)e whips )ra*le* in her ar-s+ &urst out laughing. 73hat%s the rush+ *u*e48 she as,e*+ tilting the li)ori)e 2ar in his *ire)tion. 7Can%t wait to get starte* on all that

ho-ewor,48 73e%re going to the >ueen+8 'a la explaine*+ *igging her han* into the 2ar after @a*e passe* it to her+ Alex having sha,en his hea*. 7An* we want to get there &efore the tee-ing hor*es.8 7Oh+8 Mo- sai*+ with a loo, 0 re)ogni1e*. 0t was the sa-e loo, she%* worn when @a*e ha* -entione* Coffin Night+ whatever that was;Mo-%s loo, of *ew !e e* nostalgia for happier *a s gone & . 7Do ,i*s still go to that pla)e a)ross fro- #iggins Bea)h after s)hool to get i)e )rea-48 7(es+8 Alex sai* shortl . 73hi)h is wh we have to hurr . 0 nee* -ore than 2ust fat!free li)ori)e to satisf - three! fifteen sugar fix.8 Ever one laughe*;ex)ept Ce-eter Sexton S-ith+ who lai* *own his -aga1ine+ then )li-&e* to his feet. 70 woul*n%t 2o,e a&out fixes if 0 were ou+ oung -an+8 he sai* to Alex gravel . 7Espe)iall )onsi*ering how -u)h ti-e

our father serve* in 2ail+ an* for what.8 The laughter stoppe* as a&ruptl as if it ha* 2ust &een swept awa & one of last night%s fort !-ile!an!hour win*s. 70 &eg our par*on+8 Mo- sai* tensel + turning towar*s Ce-eter Sexton S-ith. 70 *on%t &elieve we%ve -et. 0%- De&orah Ca&rero+ an* this is *aughter+ Pier)e. Alex is - nephew. Christopher Ca&rero 6 his father 6 is - &rother.8 70 ,now+8 Ce-eter Sexton S-ith sai*. #e *i*n%t loo, un)o-forta&le at all. #e loo,e* li,e stan*ing aroun* in the New Pathwa s offi)es in his linen 2a),et an* &ow tie+ -a,ing trou&le+ was all he ha* on his agen*a for the *a . 3hi)h+ )onsi*ering he wor,e* in a )e-eter that now ,ept its <&ro,en= gate lo),e* KL?G+ pro&a&l was all he ha* on his agen*a for the *a . 70t%s a sha-e what happene* to our &rother. "nne)essar + too. 0%* hate to see this one go *own the sa-e path.8

Mr. S-ith%s *ar,!e e* ga1e settle* on Alex+ who flushe* angril all the wa to his 2et!&la), hairline. But &efore Alex ha* ti-e to respon*+ Mr. S-ith turne* to loo, at - -o- over the tops of his gol*!ri--e* spe)ta)les an* sai*+ 7Things turne* out ver *ifferentl for ou than the *i* for our &rother+ *i*n%t the + De&orah4 0 use* to pla &o))e with our father &efore he passe*. #e was ver prou* of ou. 3hat a sha-e ou )oul*n%t see- to visit -ore often while he was still alive.8 0 *i*n%t -iss the reproa)h in his tone an* *i*n%t see how Mo- )oul*+ either;&ut ou never ,new with her. A lot of ti-es+ her hea* was off with the spoon&ills. 7But ou%re &a), in 0sla #uesos for the ti-e &eing+ 0 see. 0 hope ou%ll &e a&le to show a little -ore support for Christopher now than ou *i* &a), then.8 Mo-%s e es were as wi*e as 9uarters. 0 was prett sure this ti-e+ her hea* wasn%t off with the spoon&ills. She%*

registere* the re&u,e a&out failing to visit Gran*pa &efore he *ie*. An* the one a&out failing to support "n)le Chris;whatever it ha* -eant. Even &efore 0 loo,e* *own+ the &a), of - ne), ha* alrea* &egun to thro&. But on)e 0 glan)e* at the )e-eter sexton%s shoes+ 0 ,new it was all over. Tassels. 70%- not sure 0 reall un*erstan* what ou%re referring to+ Mr. S-ith+8 Mowas sa ing in a tightl restraine* voi)e. 7But than, ou for the )on)ern. M &rother has &een *oing ver well sin)e his release 68 7#as he48 Ce-eter Sexton S-ith as,e*+ soun*ing genuinel please* to hear it. 73ell+ that%s goo*. #e was 9uite a popular &o + if 0 re-e-&er+ &a), in high s)hool. #e -ust have nonstop visitors 68 3hat4 That )oul*n%t &e right. No one at all ha* stoppe* & to see "n)le Chris+ at least the ti-es 0%* &een over at

Gran*-a%s for *inner or to hang out with Alex or 2ust to sit on the )ou)h an* wat)h the 3eather Channel in silen)e with his *a*. That )hannel wasn%t &a*+ a)tuall . 0t ha* a lot of shows a&out people al-ost getting su),e* up into torna*oes. 7(ou two+8 Gran*-a woul* alwa s *e)lare when she%* )o-e in after a long *a fro- 'nuts for 'nitting. 7/i,e peas in a po*A #ow )an ou *rin, that stuff4 0t rots our &rain+ ou ,now. Pier)e+ *oes our *o)tor ,now how -an so*as ou *rin, a *a 4 0 *on%t )are if it%s *iet. 0 thought ou weren%t suppose* to &e having )affeine. That%s what our -o- sa s. (ou get -ore li,e our father ever *a . Christopher+ woul* ou ,in*l stop en)ouraging her48 Che), ourself &efore ou wre), ourself. But what the )e-eter sexton was sa ing was un*ou&te*l true. "n)le Chris+ li,e - -o-+ ha* apparentl &een 9uite

popular in high s)hool. 3hen we%* wal,e* into the -ain &uil*ing of 0##S 6 what was now )alle* A!3ing 6 to *eliver - trans)ripts fro3estport A)a*e- an* sign -e up for - )lasses this ear+ Alex ha* pointe* out the troph )ase. "n)le Chris%s na-e ha* &een all over it. Mo-%s+ too+ for stuff li,e tennis an* swi--ing. Gran*pa ha* &een there for tra),+ an* Gran*-a for &eing ho-e)o-ing 9ueen. The Ca&rero fa-il ha* &een all over A! 3ing. All ex)ept Alex. An* -e+ of )ourse. M -o- was stan*ing in the New Pathwa s offi)e in D!3ing+ &iting her lower lip while staring at the floor; though not in the *ire)tion of the tassels on Mr. S-ith%s shoes. 3hi)h 0 )oul*n%t un*erstan*. #ow )oul* she not see the-4 #ow )oul* an one loo, at an thing else4 The were so ugl .

0 glan)e* at the ne),la)e. 0 wasn%t even wearing it+ an* it was starting to turn the )olor of a &ruise. 0 nee*e* to get out of there+ 0 reali1e*+ &efore so-ething terri&le happene*. 73ell+8 Ti- was sa ing in an aggressivel )heerful voi)e+ &rea,ing the su**en silen)e. 7Alexan*er is enrolle* in our New Pathwa s progra-+ an* he%s *oing great. #e%s a super ,i*.8 70%- so ver please* to hear that.8 $i)har* S-ith e e* Alex over the lenses of his gol*!ri--e* glasses. But while his -outh -ight have &een sa ing the wor* please*+ his ga1e *i*n%t see- it. 70 stoppe* & &e)ause 0 ha* so-ething of a great *eal of i-portan)e 0 wante* to *is)uss.8 #e turne* awa to lean *own towar*s his &rief)ase+ on whi)h - ne),la)e was )arefull &alan)e*. Oh+ no. #e ,new. 0 *on%t ,now how+ &ut he ,new. #e ,new it ha* &een -e in the )e-eter last night+ with the gate. Even though it ha*n%t. 3ell+ not

)o-pletel . #e lifte* the now purple!gra stone. 0 hear* - -o- )at)h her &reath. She%* re)ogni1e* it. Of )ourse she ha*. She%* seen -e wearing it a thousan* ti-es+ throughout the -ess following - a))i*ent an* the *ivor)e+ an* ever *a afterwar*s+ though she never as,e* again where it )a-e fro-. She see-e* to thin, it was 2ust a pie)e of )ostu-e 2ewelr to whi)h 0%* for-e* so-e ,in* of e))entri) atta)h-ent. Now+ seeing it in so-eone else%s han*s+ her ga1e flew to -eet -ine+ )learl pu11le*. M &loo* pu-ping in - ears+ 0 silentl wille* her not to sa an thing. The walls of the New Pathwa s offi)e ha* su**enl turne* so re*+ it was as if poin)iana &losso-s were sprouting fro- the-. Don%t sa it+ 0 thought. 0 wasn%t sure if 0 was sa ing it to - self or to Mo- or to $i)har* S-ith. Please *on%t sa it.

So-ething terri&le is going to happen if ou sa an thing.; Then the )e-eter sexton lai* ne),la)e asi*e+ opene* his &rief)ase+ an* lifte* a sta), of papers fro- insi*e it. 70 was hoping ou all -ight help -e *istri&ute these fl ers.8 #e turne* aroun*+ wal,e* over to us+ an* han*e* ea)h of us a pile. 7The explain the )e-eter %s new visitation poli) + an* 0%9uite eager to get the- han*e* out as soon as possi&le.8 Ti-+ stan*ing next to -e+ loo,e* *own at the pages the )e-eter sexton ha* thrust into his han*s. #e see-e* )onfuse*. #e wasn%t the onl one. 7(ou )oul* have 2ust given these to the -ain offi)e+8 he sai*. 7The usuall han*le these ,in*s of things+ ou ,now+ $i)har*.8 7Oh+ es+8 Ce-eter Sexton S-ith sai* as he &ustle* aroun*+ offi)iousl passing out his piles. 70 ,now. But 0%ve foun* the staff in D!3ing so -u)h

-ore a))o--o*ating.8 0 stoo* there staring *own at the sheets of paper in - han*s. The re* that ha* &een oo1ing *own the walls of the New Pathwa s offi)e was &eginning to *isappear+ - heart&eat 6 an* &reathing 6 to return to nor-al. But then 0 noti)e* that - fl ers were *ifferent fro- ever one else%s. On the top page of -ine+ a note ha* &een s)rawle* in what appeare* to &e fountain pen+ in flowing )ursive. Ma,e an appoint-ent to see -e+ the )e-eter sexton ha* written. (ou will *o this if ou *on%t want trou&le. "n*erneath the -essage+ there was a phone nu-&er. Trou&le was the last thing 0 wante*. The pro&le- was+ as @ohn ha* pointe* out last night+ trou&le see-e* to follow -e no -atter where 0 went. 0 stare* *own at the -essage+ tr ing to -a,e sense of it 6 #ow ha* he ,nown4 #ow ha* $i)har* S-ith ,nown it was

-e4 6 until 0 hear* a )li),. 3hen 0 loo,e* up+ the )e-eter sexton was 2ust )losing his &rief)ase. 3ith - ne),la)e lo),e* up insi*e it. 73ell+ goo*!& e+ all+8 Mr. S-ith sai*+ lifting the &rief)ase an* giving us a )heerful wave. 7#ave a pleasant afternoon.8 Then he left the offi)e+ whistling a little tune as he wal,e* out 6 loo,ing -e right in the e e as 0 stare* after hithrough the offi)e%s wi*e glass win*ows. 0t wasn%t until later that 0 reali1e* the song he%* &een whistling was 7$ing Aroun* the $osie.8 3hi)h *oesn%t -ean an thing+ reall . "nless ou%re so-eone who *ie* on)e an* then )a-e &a), fro- the *ea*. So ou%ve spent a lot of ti-e on the 0nternet+ loo,ing up weir* fa)ts a&out *eath. /i,e that so-e people &elieve the nurser rh -e 7$ing Aroun* the $osie8 is reall a&out the Bla),

Plague+ whi)h ,ille* a hun*re* -illion people or so *uring the Mi**le Ages. 7#uh+8 @a*e sai* after he was gone. 7That is one weir* *u*e.8 She tilte* her )an* 2ar at -e. 7/i)ori)e48 0 loo,e* *own at the re* whips. 7"h+8 0 sai*. 7That%s o,a + &ut than,s an wa .8 0%* lost - appetite. 0 thin, Mo- -ust have &een feeling the sa-e wa . She s-ile* at -e 6 too &rightl 6 as if to show that ever thing was fine. But 0 )oul* see that she was hol*ing on to the strap of her purse so tightl + her ,nu),les ha* gone white. She ,new ever thing was far fro- fine 2ust as well as 0 *i*. 7SoA8 She loo,e* fro- Alex to 'a la to -e an* then &a), again. 70slan* >ueenA 3on%t that &e fun48 7Oh+ eah+8 0 sai*. 70t%ll &e epi).8 The lan* of tears gave forth a &last of win*+

An* ful-inate* a ver-ilion light+ 3hi)h over-astere* in -e ever sense. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 0 )oul* thin, of a lot of things 0%* rather have &een *oing than stan*ing in a twent !person line outsi*e 0slan* >ueen 6 0sla #uesos%s *own!-ar,et version of Dair >ueen 6 in the &urning! hot late afternoon sun. Sleeping+ for one thing. 0 ha*n%t gotten a lot of it the night &efore. An* o,a + that ha* &een -ostl - own fault. But still. Getting - -eeting with $i)har* S-ith over with+ for another. But he ha*n%t pi),e* up when 0%* )alle* hi- fro- the girls% roo- &efore -eeting Alex an* 'a la *own at the stu*ent par,ing lot 6 pro&a&l &e)ause he ha*n%t gotten ho-e et. The nu-&er he%* left -e -ight not have &een a )ell. #e *i*n%t loo, li,e the t pe who owne* a )ell phone. Ma &e he *i*n%t ,now what one was. 7"-+ hi+ uh+ Mister S-ith+8 0%*

sta--ere*. 7This is Pier)e Oliviera. 3e 2ust -et in the New Pathwa s offi)e. (ou gave -e a note as,ing -e to )all ou48 M pal-s were still sweating fro- en)ounter with hi-+ even though the s)hool ,ept the air!)on*itioning set at what felt li,e su&1ero te-peratures. 7So 0%- )alling to s)he*ule that appoint-ent ou re9ueste*+8 0 sai*. This was pro&a&l the la-est -essage an one ha* ever left in the histor of the worl*. But what was 0 going to sa + 0 want the ne),la)e &a), that 0 left in the )e-eter last night when a )ri-e was )o--itte* there4 0 wasn%t going to leave an thing on a re)or*ing that -ight in)ri-inate -e. 0%* learne* that -u)h fro- what happene* &a), in 3estport. 70f ou )oul* 2ust )all -e &a),+8 0 sai*+ 7at our earliest )onvenien)e+ 0%* reall appre)iate it. The sooner the &etter+ &e)ause 0%* li,e to get this resolve* to*a if possi&le.8 0 left the nu-&er+ in )ase he *i*n%t have )aller 0D+

an* hung up. Now there was nothing 0 )oul* *o &ut ,ill ti-e until he )alle* &a),. 0%* 2ust have preferre* not to have *one it stan*ing in a thousan*!person line in the &roiling!hot sun+ waiting to or*er so-ething )alle* a Gut Burner. 7Buster+8 'a la )orre)te* -e+ when 0 as,e* wh we )oul*n%t 2ust go so-epla)e else to get the-. 7Gut Busters. An* the onl -a,e the- here. The %re li,e Bli11ar*s+ the ones ou )an get at Dair >ueen+ onl &etter+ &e)ause the put -ore stuff in the-.8 73hat ,in* of stuff48 0 as,e*. 0 felt test + an* it *i*n%t reall have an thing to *o with the line. 3hat if Mr. S-ith as,e* -e straight out where 0%* gotten the ne),la)e4 3hat if4 #e was going to as, -e. 7(ou ,now+8 'a la was sa ing. 7Stuff. 0 li,e )ho)olate )ho)olate!)hip )oo,ie *ough. Alex li,es Butterfinger &its with MMMs. 3hat%s our stuff of

)hoi)e+ )hi),ie48 But there was so-ething even worse the )e-eter sexton )oul* as, -e. An* 0 *rea*e* having to answer that even -ore. The -e-or of how that gate ha* gotten *estro e* 6 an* wh 6 was still too fresh. 0 wasn%t sure 0 )oul* lie a&out it et without giving - self awa . 70%ll tell ou what ou )an *o+8 @ohn ha* sai* when 0 as,e* what -ore 0 )oul* *o to help hi-. 7(ou )an leave -e alone.8 #e%* gone on to sa + 70 )an assure ou that ou won%t have to worr a&out -e showing up an* a)ting li,e su)h a 2er, an -ore+8 2ust &efore sen*ing his foot )rashing into the 0sla #uesos Ce-eter gate. The noise ha* soun*e* li,e a soni) &oo-. 7Chi),ie. Chi),ie. Pier)e.8 0 glan)e* at her. 70%- sorr +8 0 sai*+ &lin,ing. 73hat48 'a la rolle* her e es. 73hat is wrong with our )ousin+ Alex48

7She%s on -e*i)ation+8 Alex -uttere*. 7But she supple-ents it with high *oses of )affeine+ even though she%s not suppose* to.8 0 glare* at hi-. 73ow+8 0 sai*. 70 )an see so-eone%s &een listening to Gran*-a.8 #e *i*n%t even &other answering. #e was loo,ing aroun* at ever one in the line ahea* of an* &ehin* us+ al-ost as if he were tr ing to fin* so-eone or *rea*ing seeing the-.; Onl + who4 This wasn%t exa)tl what 0%* &een expe)ting when 0 agree* to )o-e with the- to get i)e )rea- after s)hool. 0%* 2ust wante* to loo, li,e 0 was nor-al 6 li,e 0 ha* frien*s+ li,e 0 was one of the )row* 6 in front of -other+ sin)e that see-e* to &e the onl part of her visit to the New Pathwa s offi)e that ha* -a*e her happ + after that whole ex)hange with the )e-eter sexton a&out "n)le Chris. 3hat ha* that &een a&out+ an wa 4 0%* never &een too )lear a&out what "n)le

Chris ha* gone to prison for. So-ething a&out *rugs; possession with intent to *istri&ute. Nothing violent+ an wa . 0 ,new that. 0 was the onl one in the fa-il with that ,in* of thing on - re)or*. Or at least 0 woul* &e if Da*%s law ers *i*n%t *o what he was pa ing the- to *o. 7#ave fun+8 Mo- ha* ,ept on sa ing+ as she wave* goo*!& e to -e &a), in the New Pathwa s offi)e. Please+ her e es see-e* to &e plea*ing. Please+ *on%t -ess this up for us+ li,e ou *i* &a), in 3estport. So 0 was tr ing not to -ess this up+ li,e 0 ha* &a), in 3estport. But so far the onl fun thing a&out going to 0slan* >ueen was wat)hing - )ousin an* 'a la fight. 73ell+8 'a la was sa ing to Alex+ 7it%s not li,e she%s /ittle Miss 0nno)ent.8 7'a la+8 Alex sai*+ an e*ge to his voi)e. 73hat48 she *e-an*e*. 70t%s true+ isn%t it4 Ever one%s tal,ing a&out it. 0t%s on

Google if ou put her na-e in there.8 7'a la+8 Alex sai*. 7Drop it.8 She shot hi- another in*ignant loo,. 70t%s all going to )o-e out in group this wee, an wa + Alex+ so she -ight as well 2ust a*-it it now.8 7"h+8 0 sai*. 73hat are we tal,ing a&out48 7(ou+8 'a la sai*. 7Di* ou+ or *i* ou not+ ,ill a tea)her at our last s)hool48 Alex &urie* his fa)e in his han*s. 73ow+8 0 sai*. 7$eall 4 Not.8 'a la loo,e* *isappointe*. 7Oh. Ever one sa s ou ,ille* hi-.8 73ell+8 0 sai*+ 70 *i*n%t.8 7But ou hurt hi- real &a*+8 'a la sai*. 7$ight48 Before 0 )oul* repl + one of the girls who%* &een giving -e *irt loo,s in the au*itoriu- 6 0 re)ogni1e* her & her in)re*i&l straight hair 6 wal,e* & . 7Oh+ - Go*+8 she sai*+ stopping an* )o-ing over to -e. 73ait. (ou%re Pier)e

Oliviera+ right48 0 ha* never seen this girl &efore in - life ex)ept when she%* snu&&e* -e+ then ha* an apparent )hange of heart+ &a), in the au*itoriu-. But she )a-e over with a s-ile as &ig as if we were long!lost BFFs. 7"h+8 0 sai*. 7(es48 7Oh+ - Go*+8 she )rie* again. She a)tuall gave a little 2u-p into the air. 70%ve &een wanting to -eet ouA 0%Farah. Farah En*i)ott4 Seth $e)tor%s girlfrien*. Seth tol* -e he -et ou to*a an* that ou were so )ool.8 At first 0 ha* no i*ea what she was tal,ing a&out. Then 0 re-e-&ere* the gu who%* helpe* res)ue - runawa )lass s)he*ule an* who%* later )al-e* ever one *own at the asse-&l . Seth $e)tor+ of $e)tor $ealt . An* pro&a&l the $e)tor -ausoleu- in the )e-eter . 3ell+ one *a . #e o&viousl wasn%t of it now.

7Oh+8 0 sai*+ not reall sure how else to respon*. 7#i.8 73hat are ou *oing+ stan*ing wa &a), here48 Farah as,e*+ loo,ing appalle*. #er voi)e was so lou*+ ever one in line ha* stoppe* loo,ing at -e 6 the girl who%* allege*l ,ille* a tea)her at her last s)hool+ at least a))or*ing to 'a la 6 an* was staring at her instea*. 7This is+ li,e+ insane.8 7"h+8 0 sai*+ glan)ing at Alex an* 'a la+ who- 0 )oul*n%t help noti)ing Farah ha* )o-pletel ignore*. But that see-e* to &e o,a + &e)ause the were ignoring her &a),. Alex was staring stonil out at the water. The &ea)h was onl a&out a hun*re* ar*s awa + a)ross the par,ing lot an* &e on* the three!foot seawall. An* 'a la ha* gotten her )ell phone out an* was )he),ing her text -essages. 70 guess we 2ust got here a little late+8 0 sai*. 73e ha* to -a,e a stop after s)hool+ on our wa here.8

0 *i*n%t -ention that the stop ha* &een to the New Pathwa s offi)e to pi), up )ell phone+ whi)h 0 was not allowe* to )arr in s)hool+ *ue in part to - neuro&ehavioral *evelop-ental *isor*er. 73ell+ )o-e sit with us+8 Farah sai* with a great &ig s-ile+ rea)hing out an* gra&&ing not - ar- &ut 'a la%s;a gesture that see-e* to surprise not onl -e &ut 'a la as well. 0 saw her tense up an* then ex)hange a 9ui),+ astonishe* glan)e with - )ousin Alex. 73e%ve got ta&les over on the &ea)h 6 with u-&rellas+ so the %re in the sha*e. An* Seth is al-ost to the front of the line. @ust tell -e what ou want+ an* 0%ll go a** it to our or*er. Then we )an all go sit out & the water. 0t%s sooooo -u)h ni)er over there+ ou )an%t even &elieve it.8 7No+8 'a la sai* 9ui),l . 7That%s o,a + Farah. But than,s.8 7(eah+8 Alex sai*. 7Than,s+ &ut we%re goo*.8

0 loo,e* fro- Alex to 'a la an* then &a), again. So-ething weir* was going on. True+ the onl thing in the worl* 0 wante* to *o at that -o-ent was get - stupi* Sto-a)h Buster or whatever it was+ eat it+ then go ho-e an* wait for Mr. S-ith to )all so 0 )oul* fin* out what he wante*. 0 wasn%t exa)tl loo,ing forwar* to &eing a))use* of et another )ri-e 0 *i* not+ in fa)t+ )o--it. But sin)e it was going to happen an wa + 0 wante* to get as -u)h of - waiting over with in air!)on*itioning+ or at least sha*e. Even if 'a la an* Alex *i*n%t have the exa)t sa-e pro&le-s as -ine+ it still see-e* a &it strange that the preferre* stan*ing there sweating for another hour to a))epting Farah%s invitation. 7But we have a great ta&le+8 Farah sai*+ loo,ing *own)ast. #er lips 6 glosse* to a )herr re* sheen 6 pu),ere*. She pointe* at an assort-ent

of &right &lue -etal pi)ni) ta&les out & the &ea)h+ all sha*e* & huge ellow u-&rellas. There were onl a few seats left at an of the-+ an* apparentl these were reserve* for us. 7(ou )an%t feel it here+ &ut there%s a totall ni)e &ree1e over there. An* 0 swear+ if ou tell -e what ou want+ 0%ll -a,e sure Seth or*ers it for ou. 3hat have ou got to lose48 0 glan)e* at 'a la an* - )ousin. 3hat *i* the have to lose4 Fear. 0 )oul* see it in 'a la%s exoti)all -a*e!up e es. For so-e reason+ she was afrai* of Farah. Or at least of so-eone who -ight &e at Farah%s ta&le. An* Alex4 3ell+ fro- Alex%s *ar, e es+ 0 )oul* tell nothing. 0 ,new Alex ha* an issue with Seth $e)tor. 0 ,new the *ia-on* fro- ne),la)e ha* turne* a stor- gra when 0%* stoo* in front of the $e)tor -ausoleu- that *a with Mo- in the )e-eter + 2ust li,e 0 ,new it ha* turne*

purple when 0 first saw 'a la in the New Pathwa s offi)es. 0 *i*n%t ,now wh these things were happening. An* the truth was+ 0 was ,eeping a few se)rets of - own. So who was 0 to 2u*ge Alex or 'a la4 But 0 also ,new+ stan*ing in the par,ing lot of 0slan* >ueen after the night 0%* ha* 6 after the *a 0%* ha* 6 0 2ust )oul*n%t *o it an -ore. The whole point was that 0 was -a,ing a new start5 0 wasn%t going to &e the girl who 2ust wat)he* while the people aroun* -e got hurt. So whatever issues Alex an* 'a la ha* with Seth an* Farah 6 or whoever was sitting at her ta&le out there on the &ea)h 6 0 was going to get to the &otto- of the-. This ti-e+ 0 was going to prote)t - frien*s fro- the evil. An* the onl wa 0 ,new how to *o that was to fin* out what that evil was. 70%ll have a Co,e float+8 0 turne* an* sai* to Farah. 7That%s a large Co,e with a

s)oop of vanilla i)e )rea- in it. An* use this8 6 0 thrust a twent *ollar &ill into her white!nail!tippe* han*+ then 2er,e* - hea* &a), towar*s Alex an* 'a la 6 7to get the- one )ho)olate )ho)olate!)hip )oo,ie *ough Gut Buster an* one vanilla Butterfinger &its an* MMMs Gut Buster.8 Farah%s gloss + pu),ere* -outh &ro,e out into a wi*e s-ile+ revealing a set of perfe)tl straight white teeth. The were a-a1ing+ 2ust li,e her &o frien*%s. 7Fantasti)+8 she sai*. 70%ll -eet ou gu s over at the ta&le.8 0 noti)e* that -ost of the gu s aroun* us in line see-e* to en2o the wa Farah sasha e* 6 not wal,e* 6 awa + the pleats of her *ar, green plai* -ini swa ing &ehin* her <the were *efinitel -ore than four in)hes a&ove her ,nees=. Most of the gu s ex)ept - )ousin Alex+ that is.

7(ou shoul*n%t have *one that+8 he spun aroun* to sa to -e. 70t%s o,a +8 0 sai*+ shoul*ering - &ag. 0t was heav &e)ause 0%* fille* it with all the &oo,s 0%* nee* if 0 were going to *o ho-ewor,. 0 *on%t ,now wh 0 ha*n%t left it in the )ar. 0 never thin, things through. O&viousl . There was no wa 0 was going to &e *oing an ho-ewor,. 7(ou )an pa -e &a), la 68 7(ou thin, & &u ing -e a Gut Buster+8 Alex sai*+ his anger hurtling *own on -e li,e one of @ohn%s thun*er)laps+ 70%going to go over an* sit with those A!3ingers+ an* we%re all going to learn+ *espite our apparent outwar* *ifferen)es li,e that the all wear *esigner la&els an* *rive &ran*!new )ars their *a**ies &ought the- for their &irth*a s+ an* 0 wear )lothes fro- the Salvation Ar- an* *rive a ruste* ol* 2un, heap+ that we have so-ething in )o--on4 /i,e -a &e we )an all sing an* *an)e+ an* then we%re

ea)h going to get parts starring in 0sla #uesos #igh S)hool%s -usi)al+ li,e this is so-e ,in* of *a-ne* Disne -ovie4 3ell+ 0%ve got news for ou+ Pier)e. That%s not going to happen. An* no -atter what Gran*-a sa s+ ou%re nothing li,e our *a*. (ou )an%t 2ust throw -one at the pro&le- to -a,e it go awa . 0n fa)t+ ou ,now what ou )an *o with our -one + Pier)e4 (ou )an sti), it up our 68 73hoa+8 'a la interrupte*+ tr ing to ,eep the pea)e. 73hat is this4 0 thought we were 2ust here to get i)e )rea-.8 7Than, ou+8 0 sai* to her gratefull . 0%* never seen Alex so -a*. 7Don%t than, -e et+8 'a la sai*. 73ho or*ers a Co,e float instea* of a Gut Buster4 That is 2ust )ra1 .8 7Oh.8 Mo- ha* tol* -e to &e )areful a&out ina*vertentl insulting the lo)als. 0 trie* to thin, what @a*e woul* *o in situation. 7At least 0 *i*n%t as, for a Diet Co,e+8 0 pointe* out.

'a la loo,e* at -e an* shoo, her hea* slowl . 7Are ou sure she *i*n%t ,ill that tea)her48 This was *ire)te* towar*s Alex. 70t%s not a 2o,e+8 he sai*. But he wasn%t loo,ing at 'a la. #e was loo,ing at -e. An* he wasn%t tal,ing a&out what 0%* or*ere*+ either. 7So-e of us a)tuall live here+ ou ,now.8 0t was what he%* sai* a&out the tourists on the wa to s)hool that -orning. An* it hurt 6 exa)tl as he%* inten*e* it to 6 &e)ause 0 ,new it -eant that%s how he thought of -e;an* Mo-+ too+ pro&a&l . /i,e we were 2ust passing through an* *i*n%t )are a&out the lo)als an* their pro&le-s. An* it wasn%t even li,e we *i*n%t *eserve it. 3here ha* we &een the whole ti-e he%* &een growing up without a -o- or a *a*+ 2ust )ra1 Gran*-a4 Of )ourse we see-e* li,e tourists to hi-. Even $i)har* S-ith+ the )e-eter sexton+ ha* pointe* it out. Mo- ha*

never )o-e &a), to 0sla #uesos after 0%* &een &orn an* "n)le Chris got arreste*. 0%* never -et gran*father. Not until his funeral. 3here 0%* -et @ohn. 3ho+ li,e Alex+ 2ust wante* -e to leave hi- alone. 70%- sorr +8 0 sai* to Alex+ -eaning it. 70 ,now the onl invite* us &e)ause the want to pla Che), Out the New Girl. But who )ares4 The %ve got seats in the sha*e+ an* we won%t have to wait in this line an -ore 68 7Ma &e ou want to go sit in the sha*e with the-+8 Alex sai*+ pra)ti)all seething with rage. 7But the whole worl* *oesn%t revolve aroun* ou+ Pier)e. So-e of us -ight have issues with the-. $eal issues. Di* ou ever thin, of that48 73hat issues48 0 as,e*. Now we were finall -a,ing progress. 0%* &een won*ering this all afternoon. 73hat *i* Seth $e)tor ever *o to ou+ Alex48 7@ust sta out of it+ Pier)e+8 he sai*+

s)owling. 7(ou *on%t ,now what ou%re getting ourself into+ &elieve -e.8 7#e + ou gu sA8 Farah+ hol*ing a tra loa*e* *own with tall )ups+ wave* to us fro- up near the front of the line. 7(ou )o-ing48 7"h+8 0 sai*+ waving &a),. 7(eahA #ol* on.8 0 turne* &a), towar*s Alex. 70 *on%t ,now what 0%- getting - self into48 0 as,e* hi-. 7Are ou ,i**ing -e4 Do 0 have to re-in* ou that 0 *ie*4 So whatever%s going on with ou an* Seth $e)tor+ 0 highl *ou&t it%s worse than that.8 'a la%s e es got ver large. 7She *ie*4 Alex+ ou never tol* -e that.8 Alex )ontinue* to glare *own at -e for a heart&eat or two. For a se)on*+ 0 thought he -ight a)tuall tell -e the truth. 0 )oul* see his A*a-%s apple -oving up an* *own. Sweat was glistening all over his forehea* an* te-ples. #e see-e* to want to tell -e; whi)h woul* &e )onvenient+ sin)e

on)e 0 ,new+ 0 )oul* &egin to wor, on solving the pro&le-. So-e people -ight not want - help; But *isappointingl all he en*e* up sa ing was+ 7S)rew it. (ou want to hang out with our new A!3ing frien*s+ Pier)e4 #ave fun. #ave a &last. 0%out of here.8 Then he turne* aroun* without another wor* an* hea*e* a)ross the par,ing lot towar*s his )ar. 7Crap+8 'a la sai*+ wat)hing hi- go. She turne* to loo, at -e. 7All - stuff is still in his )ar. M &oo,s an* ever thing.8 70t%s o,a +8 0 sai* to her. 7Go after hi-.8 'a la hesitate* as she loo,e* past -e+ towar*s the ta&le of stunningl attra)tive A!3ingers+ all gra&&ing at the Gut Busters Farah an* Seth ha* &rought to the- on tra s. 70 *on%t get it+8 she sai*. 0 raise* - e e&rows. 7Get what48 73h ou%* *it)h our own )ousin to sit with the-. The %re ,in* of -ean to

people who aren%t;li,e the-.8 70%- tr ing to -a,e a new start+8 0 explaine*. 7An* part of it in)lu*es not letting &a* things happen to people 0 love.8 7Oh+8 'a la sai*. She *i*n%t loo, as if she un*erstoo*. But that was o,a . No one *i*+ reall . 73ell+ goo* lu), with that.8 Then she )alle*+ 7Alex+ wait up+8 an* too, off after hi-. 0 sighe*. Then 0 pi),e* up - heav &ag an* starte* the long hot wal, a)ross the &ea)h+ towar*s the pi)ni) ta&les. An* after he ha* lai* his han* on -ine 3ith 2o ful -ien+ when)e 0 was )o-forte*+ #e le* -e in a-ong the se)ret things. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 3h *on%t ou love -e an -ore4 That%s what 0 finall re-e-&ere* #annah ha* written in the note she%* left Mr. Mueller on the *a she *ie* 6 the note that no longer existe*+ than,s to Mr. Mueller having *estro e*

it. 3h *on%t ou love -e an -ore4 #annah -a have swallowe* the pills that ,ille* her. An* 0 ha* faile* to &e there for her+ still too )onfuse* an* trau-ati1e* froever thing that ha* happene* to -e to re-e-&er - pro-ise to prote)t her fro- it. But Mr. Mueller4 #e was the one who was trul responsi&le for #annah%s *eath. 0%* ,nown it in - &ones+ with the sa-e )ertaint that 0%* ,nown #annah%s -owas ,eeping her *aughter%s roopreserve* as a sort of shrine to her+ exa)tl as it ha* &een the *a she *ie*+ *own to the *irt )lothes that ha* &een in #annah%s laun*r &as,et+ so her parents )oul* lift the li* of the &as,et an* s-ell their *aughter%s s)ent froti-e to ti-e+ an* preten* she was still alive. For wee,s after #annah%s *eath+ 0

thought of nothing else. #ow )oul* 0 have let it happen4 0%- the one who%* tol* #annah evil isn%t 2ust in our grave ar*s. Evil )an &e an where. 0n our )hur)hes. 0n our own ho-es. 0n our s)hools. An* though 0%* pro-ise* her otherwise+ 0%* *one nothing to prote)t her fro- it. 3hen 0 overhear* - *a* sa the Changs ha* no )han)e of winning their lawsuit against the s)hool an* getting Mr. Mueller re-ove* fro- his position &e)ause it was 2ust their wor* against his 6 all the ha* & wa of evi*en)e were a few of #annah%s *iar entries 6 0 ,new what 0 ha* to *o. An* this ti-e+ it wasn%t to run li,e a s)are* little girl the wa 0 ha* fro- @ohn 6 twi)e. Of )ourse things went wrong fro- the start+ though. 0 *i*n%t expe)t Mr. Mueller to turn out the overhea* lights *uring

the private tutoring session 0%* finall agree* to. Be)ause he ha* a hea*a)he+ he sai*+ fro- all the anxiet . Not+ of )ourse+ that an one at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls &elieve* he%* &een ro-anti)all involve* with a stu*ent who%* ,ille* herself over hi-. An one &ut -e. The Changs% lawsuit ha* a)tuall -a*e Mr. Mueller -ore popular. Franti) a&out his health as the stress fro- the trial )ause* hi- to grow pale &eneath his goatee+ -an of the -o-s an* *aughters starte* leaving hi- even -ore &a,e* goo*s. So-e of the girls -a*e up a new )heer to show their support of hi-. The Mueller Shout!Out+ the )alle* it. The perfor-e* it at ever ga-e an* s)hool event. This was not as &a* as the na-es a lot of the- starte* )alling #annah online5 Slut. /iar. S,an,. So it wasn%t &a* enough #annah ha* to *ie. The ha* to ,ill her -e-or + too. The s)hool *i*n%t even put Mr. Mueller

on an ,in* of a*-inistrative leave+ either. 0 guess the )oul*n%t or it woul* &e li,e the were ta,ing si*es or so-ething. 0t -a*e -e see re*. /iterall . Ever *a + 0 wal,e* *own the halls of the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls+ an* -ost of the ti-e all 0 saw+ ever where 0 loo,e*5 re*. $e* as those poin)iana &losso-s. $e* as those tassels on s)arf. 3hi)h -ight &e how 0 reali1e* 0 was in wa over - hea* even &efore the lights in Mr. Mueller%s )lassroo- went out that afternoon. M heart was poun*ing so har* in - )hest+ 0 )oul* &arel spea,+ an* he ha*n%t lai* a finger on -e et. #ow was the )a-era 0%* hi**en in - &a),pa), 6 the one with the lens pointing out through a hole 0%* )ut in the front po),et+ the wa 0%* rea* online to *o 6 suppose* to pi), up an thing in what was &asi)all se-i*ar,ness+ than,s to the spring thun*erstor- that was rolling in

outsi*e4 0 ha*n%t even reall thought through what was suppose* to happen after 0 fil-e* hi- &ehaving inappropriatel with -e. 0 guess 0 was going to have to sa + Oh+ sorr + 0 2ust re-e-&ere* 0 have another appoint-ent+ Mr. Mueller. 0 have to go now. See aA #ow else was 0 going to get out of there without a)tuall having to *o 6 well+ that 6 with hi-4 0 )oul*n%t let that happen. 0 ha* to sta in )ontrol. Mr. Mueller ,ept sa ing we shoul* give ea)h other ne), -assages. #e ,new how tense 0 ha* to &e fro- all - pro&le-s at ho-e+ he sai*+ with - -o- an* *a*%s *ivor)e <whi)h ha* &een all over the tristate news &e)ause of the a-ount of -one involve* an* who - *a* was=. Mr. Mueller sai* he i-agine* 0 ha* to feel as stresse* as he was. But that was all right. 3e were &oth a*ults. 3e -ight as well a*-it we were attra)te* to ea)h

other. 0 ,new then that 0 wasn%t going to &e a&le to go through with it. Not onl was the )a-era pro&a&l not even re)or*ing an thing *ue to the la), of a*e9uate lighting+ so the whole thing was for nothing 6 &e)ause of )ourse 0 ha* to have what the Changs *i*n%t have5 evi*en)e 6 &ut now that 0 was alone with hi-+ the i*ea of Mr. Mueller tou)hing an part of -e+ even 2ust - ne),+ -a*e -e want to vo-it. The worst part of it all was that no one was going to &elieve -e. 3h woul* the 4 0 guess that%s what got -e so -a*. So -a* that a re* tinge &egan to appear at the peripher of - vision. Oh+ no. 3hen ou pla &a), the re)or*ing of what happene* that *a in Mr. Mueller%s )lassroo-+ ou )an%t see an thing -u)h at all &e)ause of the lighting issue+ ex)ept for - white s)hool unifor- &louse+ an* the *ar, &lo& of Mr.

Mueller%s ar- )o-ing towar*s -e. On the tape+ ou )an hear his voi)e assuring -e that ever thing%s going to &e all right. 0 2ust nee* to relax+ he sa s. 0 hate it when people tell -e 0 2ust nee* to relax. #a* he tol* #annah she 2ust nee*e* to relax4 0 &et he ha*. That%s when - vision turne* -agenta. 7There%s no a))ounta&ilit an -ore+ Pier)e+8 Da* alwa s li,e* to )o-plain *uring our fan) lun)hes. 7No one hol*s an one a))ounta&le for what the *o. 0t%s alwa s so-eone else%s fault. "suall people 2ust &la-e the vi)ti-.8 Slut. /iar. S,an,. 3ell+ 0 was hol*ing Mr. Mueller a))ounta&le for what ha* happene* to #annah. 0t was as Mr. Mueller was telling -e to relax+ an* rea)hing his han* towar*s -e 6 0 thought to -assage - ne),+ &ut 0 soon foun* out it was for a *ifferent reason 6 that it happene*. (ou

)an wat)h it happen on the tape. There%s -e+ leaning up against the e*ge of his *es,+ telling - self 0 )oul* han*le the situation if it got out of han* <on)e+ when we were waiting for Da* to )o-e out of a &oar* -eeting+ his *river+ an ex!)op+ taught -e how to hit so-eone in self!*efense+ shoul* the nee* ever arise=+ an* there Mr. Mueller is+ stan*ing in front of -e+ lifting his ar-. #is han* is )o-ing towar*s - fa)e. The next se)on*+ Mr. Mueller is gone. 0 *on%t -ean literall gone. 0 2ust -ean+ on the tape+ a &la), sha*ow appears+ &lo),ing the entire lens for a se)on* or two. 0t%s as if a thir* person ha* entere* the roo-. Although no one 6 no -atter how -u)h of an expert in *igital fil- anal sis+ or how -u)h Da* pro-ise* to pa the- for their testi-on 6 )an sa for )ertain+ to -e this sha*ow *efinitel loo,s li,e the figure of a -an;a ver tall -an with longish *ar, hair+ -a &e eighteen

or nineteen ears ol*. For a few se)on*s+ ou )an%t see an thing on the tape. The s)reen is &la),. (ou )an 2ust hear soun*s. There%s a &rief s)uffle+ then a si),ening )run)hing soun*+ so-e -uffle* )onversation. A se)on* later+ the sha*ow is gone. On the fil-+ 0%- exa)tl where 0 alwa s was+ leaning against the *es,. Onl now+ instea* of stan*ing in front of -e with his han* out+ Mr. Mueller is )owering against the )hal,&oar*+ )ra*ling his ar- against his )hest. An* he%s s)rea-ing. That%s &e)ause ever &one in his han* has 2ust &een &ro,en. But espe)iall the &ones in the finger that he use* to press the )oo,ie )ru-& into the &are s,in of - ,nee. Those+ in parti)ular+ were pulveri1e*. The 3estport poli)e sa 7it%s unli,el ; though not i-possi&le8 a girl as s-all as 0 a- )oul* have infli)te* that -u)h

*a-age to a full!grown -an. "nfortunatel + Mr. Mar12a,+ the )usto*ian+ swears he saw no one else )o-e in or out of the roo- until the EMTs arrive* a few -inutes after he hi-self )alle* the-+ upon wal,ing in an* fin*ing Mr. Mueller writhing aroun* in so -u)h pain. Mr. Mar12a, hear* all the s)rea-ing. #e%* &een out in the hallwa -opping up. 0n fa)t+ it was Mr. Mueller%s awareness of this fa)t that )ause* hi- to tr to )over - -outh with his han* in the first pla)e+ fearful that 0 -ight start s)rea-ing an* *raw the attention of the )usto*ian. The poli)e *i*n%t &elieve Mr. Mueller%s stor a&out - assaulting hi- 6 whi)h he apparentl *elivere* to the- in what the *es)ri&e in their report as 7a highl agitate* -anner.8 The so *i*n%t &elieve it that the sear)he* the entire s)hool as well as its groun*s for 7a thir* part 8 even &efore the foun* the *igital )a-era still running insi*e - &a),pa), an* pla e*

&a), the vi*eo. No one else+ however+ was foun*. Be)ause of the rainstor- at the ti-e+ an one who -ight have 2u-pe* froMr. Mueller%s )lassroo- on the first floor woul* have to have left tra)e evi*en)e. But the -u* &eneath the )lassroo-%s win*ows was un*istur&e*. Of )ourse no su)h evi*en)e was foun*. 3h woul* @ohn &other using win*ows or *oors li,e a nor-al person4 3h woul* he &other to sa hello4 @ust poof. Crun)h. B e. Ex)ept he ha*n%t even &othere* to sa goo*!& e. Although he *i* stop to hurl another one of those wil*+ reproa)hful loo,s at -e with his silver e es 2ust &efore he *isappeare*. 73ait8 was what 0%* sai* to hi- after he appeare* fro- out of nowhere+ too, a single step forwar*+ sei1e* Mr. Mueller%s han* fro- in front of fa)e+ an* twiste* it with a for)e that sent the &as,et&all )oa)h falling to his ,nees

in front of -e. 0t was not so *ar, in the roo- that 0 )oul*n%t see all the )olor *raining froMr. Mueller%s fa)e. 0 woul* have thought he%* passe* out for a few se)on*s+ if it ha*n%t &een for the &loo*)ur*ling s)rea- he let out. 0t was onl @ohn%s grip on hi-+ hol*ing hi- half suspen*e* in -i*air+ that ,ept hifro- sagging to the floor. 73hat48 @ohn alrea* ha* his other fist )o),e*+ rea* to pu--el Mr. Mueller into o&livion. #e *i*n%t loo, happ to see -e. 0 )oul*n%t reall &la-e hi-+ un*er the )ir)u-stan)es. Ever ti-e we -et+ it see-e*+ it was &e)ause 0 was in so-e ,in* of trou&le. @ohn stoo* there glowering *own at -e+ his )hest heaving up an* *own exa)tl li,e that *ove 0%* foun* the *a we -et+ his e es gla1e* over with the sa-e ,in* of )onfusion an* pain. 0 guess throwing ourself aroun* through alternate *i-ensions isn%t eas .

7Don%t+8 0 sai*+ flinging - ga1e towar*s Mr. Mueller%s pale fa)e. 7Please+ @ohn. @ust *on%t.8 @ohn stare* *own at -e as if he *i*n%t un*erstan* a wor* 0 was sa ing. 0 wasn%t sure 0 un*erstoo*+ either. 0 2ust ,new 0 )oul*n%t wat)h an one else 6 not even so-eone 0 hate* as -u)h as Mr. Mueller 6 *ie. 0 rea)he* out an* lai* - han* on @ohn%s fist. There were so -an things 0 )oul* have sai* then. So -an things 0 shoul* have sai*. But onl a single wor* tu-&le* out;the na-e 0 ha*n%t &een a&le to get out of hea* for wee,s. The reason 0 was there+ the reason all three of us were there. 7#annah+8 0 sai*. There was a worl* of hurt in those two s lla&les. 0 )oul*n%t &ear the thought that she -ight still &e & the si*e of that la,e+ waiting in the )ol* for that &oat 6 that other &oat. Ever sin)e 0%* hear*

a&out her *eath+ it ha* &een all 0 )oul* thin, a&out 6 &esi*es proving Mr. Mueller ha* &een having an affair with her. 0 ha* to ,now if she was all right. An* 0 ,new @ohn woul* tell -e the truth. As soon as 0 tou)he* hi-+ 0 saw so-e of the wil*ness leave his expression. #is ga1e softene*+ an* he see-e* to )at)h his &reath. #e even shoo, his hea*+ as if in &e-use-ent+ li,e $eall 4 That%s what this was all a&out4 7She%s with people who love her+8 he sai*. M shoul*ers sagge* with relief. That%s all 0%* wante* to hear. @ohn glan)e* *own at Mr. Mueller+ who was still -oaning an* s)rea-ing+ then loo,e* &a), at -e. 7Are ou 68 #e &ro,e off+ &e)ause the *oor to the )lassroo- was opening. Mr. Mar12a, was )o-ing in+ having hear* Mr. Mueller%s s)rea-s.

That%s when @ohn *isappeare*. An* it all happene* so fast+ 0 -ight have thought 0%* i-agine* it;if his i-age ha*n%t &een )aught on tape. Mr. Mueller *enies there was an one else in the roo-+ of )ourse. #e sa s that 0 2ust went )o-pletel &erser, as we were going over SAT stu* gui*e 9uestions an* atta),e* hiwithout provo)ation. That%s the explanation ever &o* at the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls )hose to &elieve. So instea* of #annah Chang+ the all starte* )alling -e a slut+ a liar+ an* a s,an, online. This was fine with -e+ sin)e Mr. Mueller got put on per-anent suspension. 7The in)i*ent+8 as the all )alle* it+ is still un*er investigation. An* at least no one%s *oing the Mueller Shout!Out an -ore. But+ as Da*%s law ers point out+ Mr. Mueller has plent of in)entive to sti), to his stor . Even if he never tea)hes again 6 an* he -a not+ unless

he )an *o it one!han*e* 6 he shoul* &e a&le to get a *e)ent settle-ent out of the )ivil suit. After all+ he got atta),e* & Ia)har Oliviera%s half)ra1 *aughter <or so he )lai-s=. Ever one ,nows people who%ve *ie* an* )o-e &a), return;well+ a little off. Still. 3hile no one )an agree what exa)tl went on *uring 7the in)i*ent+8 than,s to the poor lighting an* Mr. Mueller%s -oaning+ the re)or*ing of ever thing Mr. Mueller sai* &efore he starte* s)rea-ing has the DA 6 not to -ention the Changs 6 intrigue*. An* then there%s - state-ent. 73h *i* Mr. Mueller tr to put his han* over - -outh48 0 as,e* the poli)e at the s)ene. 0 was sha,en 6 an one woul* have &een. But 0 ha* @ohn%s wor*s to )o-fort -e. #annah was with people who love* her. 70f he wasn%t *oing an thing wrong+ then wh was he so worrie* 0 -ight s)rea-48 7That%s a ver goo* 9uestion+8 the sai*.

After what happene*+ Mrs. 'eeler gentl 7suggeste*8 that - parents fin* an 7alternative e*u)ational solution8 for -e+ a s)hool &etter a&le to han*le a stu*ent with - 7issues.8 0 &urst out laughing when she sai* that+ right there in front of - parents. 0ssues. $ight. 70t%s one thing to prote)t ourself+8 Da* elle* at -e *uring our ver next lun)h. 7That+ 0 get. #ave 0 ever tol* ou not to *efen* ourself4 No. But *i* ou have to per-anentl -ai- hi-4 0 spent all that -one on that fan) s)hool for girls 6 not to -ention all that -one for shrin,s 6 an* what *i* it get -e48 0 shrugge*. 7A seven!figure )ivil suit48 70 even &ought ou that *a-ne* horse+8 he elle*+ ignoring -e+ 7fro- the Changs+ &e)ause ou sai* ou wante* it so -u)h. An* what *i* ou *o4 (ou turne* aroun* an* *onate* it to so-e ho-e for -ental )asesA8

70t%s a s)hool for autisti) )hil*ren+ Da*+8 0 sai* )al-l + pla ing with the straw in so*a. 7Dou&le Dare will &e part of their e9uine therap progra-. #e%ll -a,e a lot of ,i*s reall happ + an* he%ll get ri**en an* pette* an* fawne* over ever *a . 0t%s a tax write!off for ou+ an* the Changs won%t have the finan)ial &ur*en of supporting a horse no one ri*es an -ore.8 7Not to -ention+8 Da* roare*+ lou* enough to -a,e all the other &usiness-en in their three!pie)e suits turn aroun* an* stare+ 7what happene* to all - shoes4 All the ones with tassels on the- are goneA 3hat a- 0 going to have to lo), up next ti-e 0 see ou4 0f it%s not - @apanese throwing stars+ it%s - shoes. Please tell -e. 0 worr a&out ou so-eti-es+ Pier)e+ 0 reall *o. Do ou even full un*erstan* the )onse9uen)es of our a)tions48 70 *on%t ,now+ Da*+8 0 sai* to hi-. The

truth was+ for the first ti-e in a long ti-e+ 0 felt goo*. Even &eing elle* at & - *a* over Co&& sala*s in a fan) restaurant in -i*town Manhattan. Sure+ 0%* &een ,i),e* out of s)hool. 0 )oul*n%t see- to go -ore than an hour without )raving a )affeinate* &everage. An* a gu 0%* -et while 0 was *ea* ha* poppe* & unexpe)te*l an* )ause* -e to &e slappe* with a seven! figure )ivil suit. But 0 was feeling positive a&out the future. 7(ou )an%t sa nothing goo*%s )o-e out of this+8 0 tol* hi-. 7One thing+8 Da* )hallenge* -e+ hol*ing up a stu&& in*ex finger+ 7na-e one goo* thing that%s )o-e out of this.8 0 shrugge*. 7At least+8 0 sai*+ 70 finall foun* an interest outsi*e of a)a*e-i)s in whi)h to engage.8 Da* *i*n%t thin, that was so funn . 0 guess he was right a&out one thing5 So-eti-es 0 *on%t full un*erstan* the

)onse9uen)es of - a)tions. Ma*e up a tu-ult that goes whirling on Forever in that air forever &la),+ Even as the san* *oth+ when the whirlwin* &reathes. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 There was no atte-pt at su&tlet . 7#e + ever &o* + this is Pier)e Oliviera+8 Farah announ)e* -eaningfull . So-e gu with a &lon* )rew )ut+ a )o-plexion the sa-e )olor pin, as an 0sla #uesos sunset+ an* a ne), that was as thi), as a tra)tor tire sai*+ loo,ing i-presse*+ 7Oh+ he + 0 hear* a&out ou. 0sn%t our *a* that gu that runs that )o-pan that ,eeps the -ilitar ar-e* or so-ething4 The one who%s alwa s elling on T:48 7Br )e.8 Farah rolle* her e es+ then s-ile* at -e apologeti)all . 7Please ex)use hi-. #e *oesn%t get off the islan* -u)h.8 73hat *i* 0 *o48 Br )e loo,e* in*ignant. 70 2ust as,e* a 9uestion. 3hat%s wrong

with as,ing if her *a* is the gu fro- T:4 #e is+ isn%t he48 7(es+8 0 sai*+ ta,ing a seat &esi*e hi-. 7Ia), Oliviera is - *a*.8 That was it. 0 was in. But not 2ust &e)ause of who - father was. There were plent of other reasons+ it turne* out. 73here%* our frien*s ta,e off to48 Farah as,e* )uriousl + loo,ing aroun* for 'a la an* Alex. 7Oh+ the ha* to leave+8 0 sai* airil + hoping if 0 ,ept it short an* sweet+ there%* &e fewer 9uestions. 0 nee*n%t have &othere*. No one )are* enough to as, an -ore a&out either 'a la or Alex <although Br )e finishe* off &oth their Gut Busters+ then let out an enor-ous &el)h+ )ausing all the girls to s9ueal in protest an* throw their wa**e*!up straw wrappers at hi-=. 3hat the wante* to *is)uss was so-ething else entirel .

7So 0%ve got the four!& !eights+8 Seth sai*+ s-oothing out a sheet of paper he%* pulle* fro- the po),et of his shorts an* on whi)h the &ree1e ,ept tugging. 0 s9uinte* *own at what the *rawing on it *epi)te*+ &ut fro- where 0 was sitting+ it was i-possi&le to tell what it was. 3ell+ not i-possi&le+ exa)tl . 0 2ust )oul*n%t &elieve it. 73here%* ou get it48 Br )e *e-an*e*. 70 thought Alvare1 put the ha--er *own on all woo* sales 68 Seth sent hi- a ver sar)asti) loo,. 7Du*e. Please.8 7Oh+8 Br )e sai*+ &urping again. 7$ight.8 7Br )e+ reall +8 a girl whose na-e turne* out to &e Serena sai* irrita&l . 7Must ou48 70 thin, 0 have irrita&le &owel s n*ro-e+8 Br )e )o-plaine*. 73ell+ 0%- not surprise*+8 she sai*. 7Do ou ,now how -an )alories are in one of those things4 An* ou 2ust ha* three.8

Serena. 0 -a*e a -ental note of the na-e. 3hen 0%* &een in the girls% roo&a), at s)hool+ -a,ing - )all to the )e-eter sexton+ 0%* also )he),e* on 'a la%s Fa)e&oo, page. @ust out of )uriosit . The person who%* poste* the -eanest )o--ents on it ha* )alle* herself SerenaSweetie. 3as this who 'a la was so afrai* of+ an* wh she ha*n%t wante* to a))ept Farah%s invitation4 70 )an get a))ess to a )ir)ular saw+8 Seth went on. 70t%s the asse-&lage+ painting+ an* storage that%s going to &e rough. As ou pro&a&l re)all fro- last ear 68 7$ight+8 Farah sai*+ straightening up in her seat. 7That%s how we )aught the-. $e-e-&er4 0t was so o&vious. The were all )ongregating at Cale& Tarantino%s house.8 7Oh+ right.8 A girl na-e* Ni)ole+ sitting a)ross fro- -e+ &rightene*. 7All the hea*lights ,ept wa,ing -e up. That%s

when 0 )alle* ou+ re-e-&er+ Co* 4 Be)ause the were pulling in an* out of his parents% *rivewa at all hours+ an* 0 )oul*n%t sleep+ an* 0 was li,e+ E3hat%s with all the parties at Cal%s4 An* how )o-e we%re not invite*4% 8 70t was a thing of &eaut .8 Co* + another -e-&er of the foot&all tea- 6 though nowhere near as large as Br )e+ an* see-ingl a &it -ore )ere&ral 6 no**e* his hea* with relish. 7The never ,new what hit the-.8 73e were li,e nin2as+8 Br )e sai*. 7Nin2as in the night. The learne* not to -ess with the $e)tor 3re),ers.8 Co* an* Br )e stoo* up at the sa-e ti-e+ then &u-pe* )hests+ har*+ a)ross the ta&le. Farah an* Serena rolle* their e es. 7(eah+8 Ni)ole sai*+ her straw noisil hitting the &otto- of her Gut Buster. 73ell+ 0 woul* have appre)iate* it if ou gu s ha* wre),e* a little less stuff. Be)ause - house s-elle* li,e

s-o,e for -onths. An* )onstru)tion on the Tarantinos% new garage starts at eight on the *ot ever -orning+ an* it%s still going on+ an* ou ,now how 0 get if 0 *on%t have - full ten hours of &eaut sleep.8 7So that%s what happene* to our fa)e+8 Co* sai*. 70 was won*ering.8 Ever one sni),ere* as Ni)ole )rie* out in feigne* outrage+ then turne* to -o), slap hi-. 0 )ontinue* to su), on - Co,e float. Ever one else -ight have un*erstoo* what was going on. But 0 )ertainl *i*n%t. 7O,a +8 Seth sai*. 7So even though we%ve alrea* esta&lishe* without a -o*i)u- of *ou&t that we%re s-arter than last ear%s seniors+ an* that this ear%s )rop of 2uniors is nothing &ut a &un)h of sa*!ass wusses+ we%re still going to nee* to fin* a se)ure lo)ation.8 73ell+ guess the )e-eter %s out+8 Co* sai* with a s-ir,. Ever one laughe*. Ever one &ut -e.

7O&viousl +8 Seth sai*. 7Although *on%t thin, 0 wasn%t thin,ing of that &efore Santos -a*e his little announ)e-ent. 3ho -esse* with the gate4 An &o* ,now48 0 fro1e+ the spoonful of what little of i)e )rea- ha*n%t -elte* onl halfwa to - -outh. 70 hear* it was gangs *own fro- Mia-i+8 Br )e sai*. Ever one s)offe*. 70%- serious+8 Br )e insiste*. 7M sister%s &o frien*%s got a )ousin with the Fe*s+ an* he sa s the 2ust -a*e so-e arrests up in M rtle Grove. The MGB;Mur*a Grove Bo s4 Ma &e the %re using )e-eteries as part of their initiation rites. 0 saw these gu s with so-e -a2or ri-s *riving aroun* over & the 3en* %s near Searstown Mall last wee, 68 7Getting &a), to realit +8 Seth sai*+ rolling his e es+ 7what we nee* is a pla)e that isn%t un*er twent !four!seven lo),*own+ &ut that no one fro-

s)hool )an 2ust *rive & .8 7/i,e a gate* )o--unit + ou -ean+8 Farah sai*+ sighing wistfull . 70f onl we ,new so-e&o* who live* in Dolphin 'e ;8 0 nearl )ho,e* on - so*a. 3as this reall happening4 3ere the a)tuall tr ing 6 not ver su&tl 6 to get -e to let the- use - house for so-ething that soun*e* highl illegal an* also *angerous4 0t see-e* li,el . Apparentl + the *i*n%t thin, 0 was ver s-art. This+ 0%* as)ertaine*+ was &e)ause 0 was in D! 3ing. A!3ingers *i* not hol* D3ingers in high estee-. 0%* pi),e* this up through earlier snippets of )onversation *roppe* here an* there. 7(eah+ well+ what else woul* ou expe)t4 She%s so D!3ing+8 Serena ha* re-ar,e* a&out another girl+ who+ it was reveale*+ ha* given &irth over the su--er. 73ell+ he o&viousl shoul* have &een put in D!3ing fro- the start+8 0 hear* Co*

sa a&out a fellow foot&all pla er who%* &een se)rete* to 7wil*erness )a-p8 & his parents *ue to his out!of!)ontrol &ehavior. 0 noti)e* the warning loo,s Seth sent a)ross the pi)ni) ta&le an* the 9ui),l )lose* -ouths that followe*+ &ut it was too late. 0 got it5 Ever one enrolle* in New Pathwa s was in D!3ing+ &ut not ever one in D!3ing was enrolle* in New Pathwa s. There were onl fift ,i*s in New Pathwa s. But there were five hun*re* ,i*s in D!3ing. D!3ing+ it turne* out+ was where the a*-inistration sent all their 7pro&le-8 stu*ents 6 all the gang&angers an* &urnouts+ an one with a *rug or *is)iplinar pro&le- 6 to ,eep their &a* attitu*es fro- infe)ting the 7nor-al8 ,i*s in the rest of the s)hool. That was the onl reason 0 )oul* thin, of+ an wa + for wh we were all house* in a separate wing fro- the other stu*ents. Even if it see-e* al-ost

too weir* to &e true. /i,e the fa)t that these fresh!fa)e*+ athleti) ,i*s who &arel ,new -e apparentl see-e* to &e as,ing -e to sa)rifi)e ho-e for their &i1arre ritual. 73hat+8 0 sai*+ lowering - )up+ 7are ou gu s tal,ing a&out+ exa)tl 48 Farah laughe* li,e 0 was the -ost a*ora&le thing she%* ever seen. 7Coffin Night+ sill A8 7But *i*n%t the )hief of poli)e sa that Coffin Night was )an)ele* this ear48 0 as,e*. Now ever one at the ta&le starte* laughing at - ri*i)ulous naNvetO. 7The a*-inistration )an)els it ever ear+8 Seth explaine* patientl + when the laughter *ie* *own. 7But ever ear+ it happens an wa . 0t has to. 0t%s Coffin Night. 0t%s tra*ition.8 7Oh+8 0 sai*+ re-e-&ering the expression on - -o-%s fa)e as she%* as,e* a&out Coffin Night. 0t was o&viousl a &ig *eal aroun* 0sla #uesos.

7But what is the tra*ition+ exa)tl 48 Co* )ough!snee1e* the wor* D!3ing+ &ut Seth+ after giving hi- a frown that )learl sai* #e + give the new girl a &rea,+ explaine*+ 7Ever ear+ the senior )lass at 0sla #uesos #igh )onstru)ts their own )offin. Then we hi*e it so-ewhere on the islan*. An* it%s up to the 2unior )lass to tr to fin* it.8 0 waite*+ expe)ting to hear -ore. But -ore *i* not follow. Ever one 2ust loo,e* at -e expe)tantl + as in the &a),groun*+ seagulls swoope* aroun*+ loo,ing for stra Fren)h fries an one -ight have *roppe*. Over on the &ea)h+ so-e shirtless gu tosse* a Fris&ee to his *og+ who -isse* an* then *ashe* happil out into the water to retrieve it. 7"h+8 0 sai* finall . 7O,a . But;wh 48 Seth glan)e* at ever one else for help. 73h what48 he as,e* finall . 73h *o the want to fin* it48 0 wasn%t

tr ing to &e a pain. 0 honestl *i*n%t get it. 73hat%s insi*e it48 Seth s-ile* as if 0%* as,e* so-ething )ute. 73hat *o ou -ean+ what%s insi*e it4 Nothing%s insi*e it.8 73ell+ then wh *oes it -atter48 0 as,e*+ genuinel &ewil*ere*. 73ho )ares a&out fin*ing so-e e-pt ol* )offin48 Seth%s s-ile vanishe*+ an* there was so-e -uttering fro- *own at the other en* of the pi)ni) ta&le. 0 *istin)tl hear* the wor*s $eall 4 an* Go*+ she reall is D!3ing. 7#e +8 Seth sai* sharpl . But to ever one else+ not to -e. 7Cool it.8 To -e+ he sai*+ his tone gentle an* his perfe)t s-ile &a), in pla)e+ 7First of all+ it%s not an ol* )offin. 0t%s a &ran*!new )offin+ li,e 0 sai*+ one that we%ll &e )onstru)ting an* han* painting+ with our )lass ear an* all our na-es on it. (ours+ too. An* if the 2uniors fin* it+ the %re going to ta,e it out to the -i**le of the foot&all fiel* *uring the first ga-e of the season an* set it on

fire in front of ever one. An* filthe-selves *oing it+ an* then post it online ever where. Then we%ll &e totall hu-iliate*. So we *on%t want that.8 0 ha* alrea* put the fire part together+ after the in)re*i&l &oring spee)h Prin)ipal Alvare1 ha* given+ with what Ni)ole ha* -entione* a&out her house s-elling of s-o,e for -onths after the $e)tor 3re),ers 6 whi)h 0 assu-e* were Seth an* his frien*s 6 ha* *is)overe* last ear%s senior )lass )offin in her neigh&or%s garage an* apparentl ha* )hosen to set it on fire on site. 3hat 0 still *i*n%t get was wh an of the- )are*. 7That%s wh +8 Farah sai*+ la ing a han* on - shoul*er+ 7we were thin,ing it woul* &e so great if we )oul* hi*e the )offin at our pla)e this ear. @ust for a little while. Be)ause ou live in Dolphin 'e . To *rive in an* out of our neigh&orhoo*+ people have to have per-ission fro- the guar* at

the front gate+ right4 (ou%re the onl stu*ent fro- 0##S who lives there this ear. 0 ,now+ &e)ause - -o-%s on the &ooster )o--ittee an* 0 )he),e* the *ata&ase. Dolphin 'e %s -ostl a retire-ent an* snow&ir* )o--unit . 0t%s reall ex)lusive. Most people here on 0sla #uesos )an%t affor* to live there. 3hat that -eans is that no one fro- 0##S shoul* &e a&le to get in &ut us+ an* onl when ou &u11 us in at the gate. (ou 6 an* the )offin 6 will &e totall safe. 3hat happene* at Cal%s last ear woul* never happen at our pla)e.8 0 2ust stare* at her. This was su)h a 2o,e. None of these people even ,new what the were tal,ing a&out. Safe4 0 was the least safe person in the worl*. Espe)iall right now+ with - ne),la)e gone. Oh+ eah. An* the gu who%* given it to -e+ who- 0%* -et while 0 was *ea*+ *i*n%t li,e -e an -ore &e)ause we were

having a huge fight. Or so-ething. 3hi)h was fine+ &e)ause 0 was -a,ing a new start. New Pathwa s. 0 nee*e* another so*a. 70t%s 2ust until we get it painte* an wa +8 Seth a**e* hastil . 7Then we%ll -ove it so-ewhere else. 3e )an%t ,eep it too long in an one pla)e+ in or*er to avoi* *ete)tion. After our house+ we%ll pro&a&l -ove it to an airplane hangar over at the 0sla #uesos airport 6 - *a*%s got a plane+ an* those wipes will never -a,e it past FAA se)urit 6 an* then -a &e over to the Nav &ase 68 7M *a*%s a )olonel+8 Ni)ole sai*+ &atting her e elashes at -e. 76 then -a &e up islan* for a &it+8 Seth sai*. 0 )oul* see the- going on li,e this all night. 73hat happens if the *on%t fin* it48 0 interrupte*. 7The 2uniors+ 0 -ean.8 70f the *on%t fin* it+8 Serena sai*+

loo,ing at -e as if 0 ha* as,e* so-ething extre-el stupi*+ 7we &ring out the )offin as part of the halfti-e show *uring the ga-e an* para*e it aroun* in front of ever one+ while the &an* an* *an)e tea-+ of whi)h 0 a- )aptain+ perfor- MC #a--er%s DCCH signature hit song+ E" Can%t Tou)h This.% 8 73hi)h ou )an%t. Be)ause the 3re),ers ruleA8 Br )e an* Co* *i* another )hest &u-p. 0 stare* at the-+ una&le to &elieve -o- ha* loo,e* &a), on Coffin Night with so -u)h senti-entalit . But 0 trie* not to let - true feelings show. 0 still nee*e* to fin* out wh Alex hate* Seth so -u)h. Besi*es the fa)t that the all )onsi*ere* ever one in D!3ing su)h frea,s. Although the ter- frea, was su&2e)tive. 'in* of li,e nor-al an* )ra1 . 0+ for instan)e+ -ight )onsi*er a frea, so-eone who ran aroun* an islan* tr ing to hi*e a ho-e-a*e )offin+ then para*e* it aroun* to a twent ! ear!ol*

MC #a--er song *uring halfti-e at a sports event. But that was 2ust -e. An* it was well ,nown that 0 was )ra1 . An* 0 suspe)te* that when Alex foun* out Seth $e)tor wante* to ,eep the senior )lass )offin at - house 6 an* he was &oun* to if 0 agree* to *o it an* he noti)e* so -an A!3ingers hanging aroun* - garage 6 he was pro&a&l going to tell -e the reason prett fast. 70 *on%t ,now+8 0 sai*. 70%* have to as, -o- first. (ou ,now how it is.;8 7Of )ourse+8 Seth sai*+ his &lue!e e* ga1e stea* . 7Totall . 3e woul*n%t want to *o an thing to upset our -o-.8 70%- sure she%ll sa it%s o,a +8 Farah sai*. 7Di*n%t our -o- go to 0##S4 0 thought 0 saw her na-e in the troph 68 70 have another 9uestion+8 0 interrupte*. 73h a )offin48 Farah an* Ni)ole loo,e* at -e as if 0%* 2ust as,e* wh the s, is &lue. 73hat48

73h a )offin48 0 as,e*. 73h &uil* an* hi*e a )offin48 Now ever one was staring. But 0 *i*n%t see what was so o** a&out the 9uestion. 73h not a &oat48 0 persiste*. 7Aren%t we the 0sla #uesos #igh S)hool 3re),ers4 3re),ers are people who use* to pillage ships that san, offshore &etween here an* the reef+ right4 An* then the resol* whatever the -anage* to plun*er &a), to the ship%s owners+ for a profit4 So woul*n%t it -a,e -ore sense for us to &uil* an* hi*e a &oat4 Sin)e the s)hool -as)ot is a pirate!loo,ing gu + not a s,eleton48 0n the silen)e that followe*+ 0 )oul* hear the waves as the lappe* at the &ea)h &ehin* us. 0sla #uesos *i*n%t usuall get the ,in* of &ig+ rolling waves ou woul* t pi)all expe)t in Flori*a &e)ause the islan* sat insi*e a )oral reef 6 the thir* largest in the worl*. But for so-e reason+ 0 noti)e* that

to*a + the waves were larger than usual. Ma &e the + li,e -e+ sense* the unease in the air. 7#e +8 Br )e sai*+ raising his e e&rows. 7She%s right. 0t woul* -a,e -ore sense if it was a &oat. 3h is it a )offin48 7(ou ,now what48 Seth lifte* his &a),pa),. 70 *on%t ,now. An* 0 *on%t )are. All 0 ,now is that it%s alwa s &een a )offin.8 70t%s pro&a&l for the &est+8 Br )e sai* thoughtfull . 7Be)ause Boat Night *oesn%t have the sa-e ring to it as Coffin Night+ ou ,now48 The all laughe*. 0 *i*n%t ,now then that 0 was a&out to fin* out wh it was a )offin. An* if an of the- ha* ,nown what Coffin Night was reall a&out+ the *efinitel woul*n%t have &een laughing. The infernal hurri)ane that never rests #urtles the spirits onwar* in its rapineB 3hirling the- roun*+ an* s-iting+ it -olests the-.

DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto : As 0 lowere* - self out of Seth%s &la), F! DPH 6 a &irth*a gift fro- his father+ he%* explaine* )asuall as he *rove -e ho-e 6 0 spie* "n)le Chris in the *rivewa + one of our woo*en lawn )hairs in his ar-s. 73ho%s that48 Farah as,e* )uriousl + as she )rawle* into the front seat 0%* 2ust va)ate*. 7M -o-%s &rother+8 0 sai*. "n)le Chris ha* stoppe* what he was *oing an* was 2ust stan*ing there staring at us+ his -outh slightl a2ar+ the &ig woo*en )hair in his ar-s+ &right &lue an* green stripe* )ushions an* all. 0t%s true Seth%s tru), was 9uite a sight. No one in - neigh&orhoo* &a), in Conne)ti)ut 6 let alone the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls 6 ha* *riven one 9uite li,e it. Seth ha* 2a),e* up the &o* so it sat a soli* foot or so fro- the wheels+ the ri-s of whi)h glea-e* &right silver. The win*ows ha*

all &een tinte* the sa-e )olor &la), as the paint 2o&+ so ou )oul*n%t see who was sitting insi*e unless the *oors were open. Seth ha* -usi) on 6 a &an* that soun*e* -ostl li,e elling to -e 6 an* the volu-e was turne* up so high+ the whole tru), see-e* to &e pulsating. But 0 *i*n%t get the feeling that%s wh "n)le Chris was staring. 70s that Alex%s *a*48 Farah as,e*. 7(es+8 0 sai*. Of )ourse she was )urious. 3ho woul*n%t &e )urious a&out a gu who%* &een in 2ail for nearl the sa-e a-ount of ti-e she%* &een alive4 7Than,s for the ri*e.8 7So ou have - nu-&er+8 Seth sai*. 7Call -e after ou fin* out what our -o- sa s.8 0 guess 0 -ust have loo,e* at hi- a little &lan,l + sin)e he a**e*+ 7(ou ,now. A&out the thing+8 throwing -e a -eaningful loo,. 7Oh+ right+8 0 sai*+ sha,ing - self. 7The thing. Sure.8

0 sla--e* the *oor. 0ntelle)tuall + 0 ,new the %* still &e a&le to see -e through the tinte* win*ows. But ps )hologi)all + sin)e 0 )oul*n%t see the- an -ore+ 0 felt li,e the )oul*n%t see -e. An* so-ehow+ that felt goo*. 7#i+ "n)le Chris+8 0 sai*+ wal,ing towar*s hi- with - heav &oo, &ag. Behin* -e+ 0 hear* the tru),%s enor-ous wheels )run)hing on so-e loose &its of gravel in the *rivewa . The pulse of the -usi) was alrea* getting softer. 73hat are ou *oing48 Alex%s *a* ha*n%t -ove*. #e was still wat)hing the tru),. 73ho was that48 he as,e*. 7@ust so-e people fro- s)hool+8 0 sai*. 7The gave -e a ri*e ho-e.8 70 thought Alex was going to *rive ou to an* fro- s)hool+8 he sai*. 7Oh+ he ha* so-e other things to *o after s)hool to*a +8 0 sai*. 0t wasn%t ne)essaril a lie. 7So 0 got a ri*e with so-e other people. 3hat are ou

*oing with that )hair48 7Moving it into the garage+8 he sai*. 7The 2ust announ)e* on the 3eather Channel that there%s a hurri)ane wat)h. 3e%re in the )one.8 7The what48 0 ha*n%t hear* an thing a&out a hurri)ane. 3ell+ 0 guess 0 ha*+ &ut 0 ha*n%t pai* an attention &e)ause the ha*n%t sai* it was )o-ing our wa . The sun was going *own+ &ut there wasn%t a )lou* in the s, . 7The )one is what the )all the possi&le tra), of the hurri)ane+ sin)e stor-s )an &e ver unpre*i)ta&le+8 "n)le Chris sai*. The weather was the interest with whi)h "n)le Chris ha* )hosen to &e)o-e engage* upon his release fro- prison. 73e%ll pro&a&l get hit with nothing &ut fee*er &an*s 6 those are the thun*erstor-s that surroun* the outer e e of a stor-. But the reall *on%t ,now et with this one. 3e%re in the three!*a )one of un)ertaint .8 0 stare* at hi-+ sho),e* that 0%* &een so

wrappe* up in - own )on)erns+ 0 ha*n%t figure* this out for - self+ espe)iall )onsi*ering the waves 0%* 2ust seen on the &ea)h+ not to -ention the violen)e of last night%s stor-. #urri)ane season laste* fro- @ul until Nove-&er+ an* it was onl Septe-&er. 3e were s-a), in the -i**le of it. But in - )ase+ stor- season *i*n%t appear to &e 2ust literall &ut figurativel here+ too+ as 0%* reali1e* when 0 was following Farah an* Seth to his tru), after we%* finishe* at 0slan* >ueen+ an* - )ell phone ha* &egun to )hirp. The nu-&er $i)har* S-ith ha* s)rawle* on the fl ers he%* given -e showe* up on - s)reen. 7#ello48 0%* sai*+ answering it with a thu-ping heart. 7Miss Oliviera48 The gravell voi)e soun*e* fa-iliar. 7Oh+ Mr. S-ith+8 0%* sai*. 7Than, ou so -u)h for returning - )all.8

No response. 7"-;8 Seth an* Farah+ &efore )li-&ing into Seth%s tru),+ ha* *e)i*e* to have a private -o-ent. Onl it wasn%t so private+ reall + sin)e ever one at the 0slan* >ueen )oul* see the-. The were )o-pletel -a,ing out against the tru),. 0f this was what 0 was going to have to loo, forwar* to for the next wee, or so if these people were at - house )onstantl + &uil*ing a )offin in - garage+ 0 wasn%t sure it was going to &e worth it+ even for Alex. 0+ li,e "n)le Chris+ shoul* have )hosen the weather as - ho&& . 7So+ woul* now &e a goo* ti-e to s)he*ule that appoint-ent ou -entione* in our note48 0%* as,e*. 7Now woul* &e an ex)ellent ti-e+8 the )e-eter sexton ha* sai*. 73hen woul* ou &e availa&le+ Miss Oliviera48 7"-+8 0%* sai*. 0%* glan)e* &a), at Seth an* Farah. Still ,issing. 0 loo,e* awa again. 7Now. Now woul* &e ver goo* for -e. 3oul* now &e

)onvenient for ou48 7Now woul* not &e )onvenient for -e+8 he%* sai* in his gru-p voi)e. 7But at six o%)lo),+ when - offi)e )loses+ 0 shoul* &e availa&le. 0 trust ou ,now where - offi)e is.8 70 *o+8 0%* sai*+ ignoring what was o&viousl a *ig at -e+ sin)e he ,new how -u)h ti-e 0 spent at the )e-eter . 70%ll &e there at six.8 7Don%t &e tar* +8 he sai*. 70 will leave at six o%)lo), if ou aren%t there.8 Then he%* hung up on -e. 0%* stare* *own at - phone+ - e es narrowe*. 0 -ight loo, li,e a hone !e e* s)hoolgirl on the outsi*e+ in - s,irt with its regulation fourin)h! a&ove!the!,nee he-. But 0%ll rip those tassels off our shoes+ ol* -an. @ust tr Googling -e. O,a + well+ in - fantasies+ that )oul* happen. 7Can%t &e too )areful with these stor-s+8 "n)le Chris was going on in - *rivewa .

7Depen*ing on what tra), the ta,e+ the )an s,irt us or hit us *ea*!on. "suall nothing to worr a&out+ &ut we woul*n%t want this ni)e patio furniture to en* up in our pool+ as -u)h -one as our -o- spent on it. Seth One.8 7Ex)use -e48 0 nee*e* to hustle if 0 was going to -a,e it to - appoint-ent with Mr. S-ith on ti-e. After 0slan* >ueen+ Seth an* Farah ha* ta,en -e out to $eef 'e to give -e a tour of their fathers% spe) *evelop-ent. 0%* ha* to preten* to fin* it thrilling+ sha,ing &oth Mr. $e)tor%s an* Mr. En*i)ott%s han*s an* a)ting li,e 0 )are* a&out the extre-el *ull things the were sa ing+ whi)h 2ust soun*e* to -e li,e &lah+ &lah+ &lah+ luxur resort at-osphereA Blah+ &lah+ &lah. Free*o- of a private islan*. Blah+ &lah+ &lah. Tennis )ourtsA Blah+ &lah+ &lah. Private seawater swi--ing lagoons. Along with the eight little wor*s 0%ve gotten use* to hearing wherever 0

go5 Ma &e our father woul* &e intereste* in investing. 0%* &een relieve* to es)ape with - usual 7Sure+ wh *on%t ou give hi- a )all4 #ere%s his )ar*.8 0 alwa s ,eep one han* now for e-ergen)ies. 0 thin, Da* li,es getting )alls fro- people 0 give his )ar*s to. #e en2o s elling on the phone as -u)h as he *oes on T:. Now "n)le Chris ha* &egun -oving towar*s the open garage *oor. 7Seth One. That%s what it sai* on our frien*%s li)ense plate.8 7Oh+8 0 sai*. 7(es. #is na-e is Seth. (ou ,now+ ou *on%t have to *o this+ "n)le Chris. 0 thin, Mo- pa s for a servi)e to )o-e aroun* an* &oar* up whenever there%s suppose* to &e a hurri)ane 68 7Too earl to &oar* up et. But if ou%re not using the furniture+ it never hurts to -ove it insi*e. (ou pro&a&l want a tru), li,e that+8 "n)le Chris sai*. #e sta),e* the )hair on top of several others he%* alrea* pla)e* insi*e

the garage. #e *i*n%t appear to &e listening to -e. 7/i,e Seth One. Don%t ou48 7"h+8 0 sai*. 7No+ not reall . For one thing+ 0 )an%t *rive. An* for another+ that ,in* of thing isn%t reall - st le.8 That was putting it -il*l . "n)le Chris see-e* to loo, at -e 6 reall loo, at -e 6 for the first ti-e. 7(ou )an%t *rive48 #is expression was perplexe*. 73h )an%t ou *rive48 73ell+8 0 sai*+ wal,ing into the garage an* setting - &oo, &ag *own. 3h ha* Alex%s *a* )hosen now+ of all ti-es+ to su**enl get tal,ative4 7Be)ause 0 *on%t reall *o well on tests+ re-e-&er48 0 saw his fa)e fill with so-ething 0%* never seen in it &efore5 e-otion. 70%ll help ou pass the test+ Pier)e +8 he sai*. 7Oh+8 0 sai*+ with a laugh. 7That%s o,a + "n)le Chris.8 #e followe* as 0 went &a), aroun* to the front of the house to

un)hain - &i,e. 70%- fine. See4 0%ve got a ri*e.8 70%ll 9ui1 ou+8 he sai*. 7#ow *oes that soun*4 (ou )o-e over to Gran*-a%s 6 or if ou want+ 0%ll )o-e over here 6 an* 0%ll 9ui1 ou. 0%ll ta,e ou out *riving+ too+ over in the par,ing lot at Searstown+ & the 3en* %s. That%s where 0 learne* 6 it wasn%t Searstown then+ of )ourse+ &e)ause we *i*n%t have a Sears. But that%s all right. 0 *i*n%t have a )han)e to tea)h Alex+ &ut+ well+ 0%ll -a,e sure ou pass the test+ Pier)e . (ou 2ust leave it to -e.8 7That is so sweet of ou to offer+ "n)le Chris+8 0 sai*+ s-iling up at hi- as 0 -ove* - &i,e awa fro- the por)h railing. 0 wasn%t going to have ti-e to )hange out of - s,irt+ 0 reali1e*+ whi)h -eant 0 was going to have to ri*e with one han* hol*ing it to ,eep it frofl ing up. But 0 *i*n%t want to &e 7tar* .8 70t%s not li,e other people haven%t trie*. But 0%- prett horri&le at

it.8 0 *i*n%t reall want to get into the ti-e 0%* run into the &a), of a "PS tru), while tr ing not to hit a s9uirrel+ an* how lou* - *a* ha* elle* a&out *estro ing the BM3 he%* given -e. 70t%s pro&a&l &etter+ all things )onsi*ere*+ that 0 *on%t operate an -otor vehi)les.8 7Don%t *o that+8 "n)le Chris sai*. 7Don%t ever *o that.8 0 wi*ene* - e es at hi-. 7Ex)use -e48 0 sai*. 7Don%t put ourself *own+8 he sai*. 70 ,now what happene* to ou. 0 hear* a&out it+ even though 0 was awa . (our -o- ,ept in tou)h with -e an* sent -e pi)tures of ou+ too. Bet ou *i*n%t ,now that+ *i* ou4 3ell+ it%s true.8 0 stare* at hi-. #e was right. 0 ha*n%t hear* this. 7An* when 0 hear* a&out what happene* to ou 6 how ou weren%t *oing too goo* 6 0 tol* our -o- not to worr .8 #e s-ile* at -e+ the sa-e

sweet s-ile he alwa s gave -e.8 EThat one%s going to &e o,a +% 0 tol* our -o-. E(ou )an see it in her e es.% Now+ Alex4 Alex 0%- not so sure a&out. Sa* to sa a&out our own son+ &ut;8 #e shrugge*. 70 worr a&out hi-.8 0 ,new exa)tl what he -eant. 0 worrie* a&out Alex+ too. 7An* it%s not 2ust &e)ause ou%re a girl+ either+ or De&%s *aughter.8 #e shoo, his hea*. 7De& was never an thing li,e ou.8 70 ,now+8 0 sai*. 0 trie* to ,eep the &itterness out of - voi)e. Che), ourself &efore ou wre), ourself. 7The still have all the trophies she won for the s)hool. The trophies &oth of ou won. The %re on *ispla in A!3ing.8 #e loo,e* &ewil*ere*. 73hat%s A!3ing48 70t%s 6 never -in*.8 0 guess he an* Alex reall *i*n%t tal, -u)h. 7The re*i* the high s)hool sin)e ou;went awa .8 7The re*i* a lot of things sin)e 0 went awa +8 he sai*. 7But that%s not what 0 -eant. De&%s 2ust;ever thing%s eas for her. /i,e winning those

trophies. Ever one ,new De& was going to -a,e it off this ro), so-e*a . No one thought 0 woul*. Ex)ept the wa 0 *i*.8 #e laughe* shortl . 7Guess it 2ust goes to show+ the trophies ou win in high s)hool *on%t ne)essaril -ean -u)h. So;8 #e loo,e* awa + off towar*s the pin,ening )lou*s of sunset. 7Don%t ever let the- tell ou that ou%re too stupi* to *o so-ething. 0%not sa ing it%s going to &e eas for ou+ the wa it was for our -o-. Ma &e ou%re going to have to wor, for it a little har*er than other people+ whi)h 0 ,now isn%t fair. But that *oesn%t -ean ou shoul* 2ust give up. Be)ause if ou *o that+ then where will ou &e48 #e loo,e* at -e an* shrugge*. 7"-+8 0 sai*. 7On a &i,e48 7(eah+8 he sai*. 7On a &i,e.8 Ex)ept 0 was prett sure the )orre)t answer was /iving with the la* who owns 'nuts for 'nitting after having 2ust serve* a sixteen! ear prison ter-.

Now 0 was starting to get what Da* -eant a&out "n)le Chris going on a reign of terror an* revenge now that he%* gotten out of 2ail. 0t was the whole 7still waters run *eep8 thing. There was a lot -ore going on insi*e "n)le Chris%s hea* than 0%* thought. 7So our -o- sai* for -e to tell ou she%s running lateB she ha* to go &a), to the offi)e for a -eeting+8 he sai*. 7Oh+8 0 sai*. 7A)tuall + 0 have a -eeting+ too 68 7O,a +8 "n)le Chris sai*. 73ell+ 0%- going to put the furniture in the &a), awa . "nless ou nee* a ri*e to our -eeting or so-ething;8 7Oh+ no+ 0%- goo*+ than,s.8 0 steere* &i,e towar*s the front gate. Noti)ing his *own)ast expression+ 0 a**e*+ 7But -a &e to-orrow ou )oul* ta,e -e for a *riving lesson.8 0 saw how his fa)e &rightene*+ an* 0 ,new 0%* sai* exa)tl the right thing. 7Great+8 he sai*. 70t%s alwa s so goo* to see ou+ Pier)e .8

0f 0%* ,nown then how that evening was going to turn out+ 0 -ight not have 2ust s-ile* an* wave* &a), at hi-+ then opene* the gate an* ri**en off. 0 -ight have )an)ele* - -eeting with the )e-eter sexton an* sta e* glue* & "n)le Chris%s si*e for the rest of the night. To -a,e sure the evil *i*n%t get hi-. This was suppose* to &e - new ho&& . But 0 *i*n%t ,now then how -u)h the )one of un)ertaint ha* narrowe*+ or that it was pointing *ire)tl at 0sla #uesos. 7M son+8 the )ourteous Master sai* to -e+ 7All those who perish in the wrath of Go* #ere -eet together out of ever lan*.8 DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 The offi)e of the )e-eter sexton+ as he%* re-in*e* -e+ )lose* pro-ptl at six. 0t was wa past that when 0 tappe* on the *oor. 7(ou%re late+8 $i)har* S-ith gru-&le*

when he threw it open. 7But 0 woul*n%t have expe)te* an thing less. Co-e in.8 #e steppe* asi*e+ allowing -e to enter his i--a)ulatel neat offi)e. Be)ause the sun ha* alrea* starte* sin,ing past the tree!tops+ he%* turne* on a s-all &rass *es, la-p+ the onl thing that see-e* in ,eeping with the histori)al aspe)t of the 0sla #uesos Ce-eter + whi)h a &rass pla9ue & the *oor outsi*e explaine* ha* &een esta&lishe* over DPH ears earlier+ in DQLG. 3hi)h 0 suppose -ight have surprise* -ost people+ )onsi*ering the fa)t that the offi)e was house* in a 9uaint+ whitewashe* )ottage )o-plete with a pi),et fen)e+ tin roof+ front por)h+ win*ows with tur9uoise shutters+ an* original pine floors. But insi*e+ it was exa)tl the wa 0 re-e-&ere* fro- ten ears earlier+ though $i)har* S-ith ha*n%t &een )e-eter sexton then5 all -etal file )a&inets an* shelves )ontaining &a*l

photo)opie* appli)ations for intern-ent an* )onstru)tion per-its for the sealing an* setting of to-&s. That%s what )e-eter sextons *o+ though. Supervise the &ur ing of *ea* people. The %re not exa)tl suppose* to &e into *e)orating. 73ell+ *on%t 2ust stan* there+8 $i)har* S-ith sai* gru-pil + )losing 6 an* lo),ing 6 the *oor &ehin* -e. 7Sit *own.8 #e in*i)ate* one of several faux!leather )hairs that sat in front of a large woo*en *es,. The were a little *ifferent frothe ones 0 re-e-&ere* fro- - last visit+ &ut not & -u)h. 0 ha*n%t gotten to sit in an of the- then. Gran*-a ha* sent -e out &efore 0 got a )han)e. The were )o-forta&le. But 0 still foun* - self wanting to fi*get. @ohn ha* tol* -e not to )o-e &a), to the )e-eter . 0t%s not safe for ou here ha* &een his exa)t wor*s. Not unless ou reall *o want to en* up *ea*. Forever this ti-e.

3ell+ 0 was &a), in the )e-eter . Or at least the offi)e of the )e-eter sexton. 3as 0 going to en* up *ea* &e)ause of this visit4 0 reall *i*n%t thin, that woul* &e fair. Mr. S-ith -ust have sense* agitation+ sin)e he lowere* hi-self into a )rea,ing offi)e )hair &ehin* the *es, an* got *own to &usiness with surprising 9ui),ness. $e-oving ne),la)e fro- a top *rawer+ he lai* it upon the *ar, green *es, pa* in front of hi-. 7$e)ogni1e this48 he as,e*+ peering at -e over the ri-s of his glasses. 0%* trie* to figure out on the ri*e over how 0 was going to han*le this. An* 0%* *e)i*e* that+ as when *ealing with the poli)e a&out Mr. Mueller+ *enial was pro&a&l the safest wa to go. But it was *iffi)ult 6 with the wa the *ar, green leather pa* see-e* to show off all the ne),la)e%s &est features+ the glea-ing gol* )hain+ the stor- gra stone. Di* it loo, paler in the

-i**le than usual+ or was this a tri), of the light4 6 not to 2ust gra& it an* go. 3hat )oul* he *o if 0 *i*4 #e )oul*n%t )hase -e. #e was ol*. Ol*er than the 2eweler ha* &een+ even. #e%* pro&a&l have a heart atta), on his own+ without @ohn%s help. But 0 )oul*n%t *o it. Not to hi-. 0 wasn%t sure wh + exa)tl . #e ha*n%t &een ver ni)e+ not to -e or to - -o-. Denial. That was the wa to go. 7No+8 0 sai*+ tearing - ga1e fro- the ne),la)e an* loo,ing hi- in the e es. 0t wasn%t the lighting. The stone *i* loo, white in the -i**le. So-ething weir* was going on. 70%ve never seen that &efore in - life.8 70 thought ou%* sa that+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ s-iling. 73hat%s interesting is that 0+ on the other han*+ have seen it &efore.8 M heart san,. Oh+ great. Not another one. This was exa)tl what the 2eweler ha* sai*. #ow *i* 0 get - self into these situations4 An* with own two feet4 0 2ust see-e* to wal, 6

or pe*al 6 into the- )onstantl . 7Never in real life+ of )ourse+8 he went on. 7Onl in artist ren*erings. (ou see+ in - spare ti-e+ when 0%- not in here pro)essing grave site reservation appli)ations or out there tr ing to ,eep i*ioti) teenagers li,e ou fro- *ese)rating hun*re*! ear!ol* to-&s+ 0 rea*. Mostl a&out *eath *eities;those who es)ort the newl *e)ease* to the afterlife+8 he a**e*+ 0 suppose &e)ause he thought+ as one of those 7i*ioti) teenagers+8 0 woul*n%t un*erstan* the ter-. #e *i*n%t ,now+ of )ourse+ 0 was an NDE an*+ as su)h+ highl fa-iliar with all things relating to the *ea*. 7M partner thin,s 0%- )ra1 + too+8 he sai* with a shrug. 7An* 0 guess 0 *o ta,e - wor, ho-e with -e a &it. But 0 fin* our )ulture%s fear of *eath a &it ri*i)ulous+ when *eath is reall onl a natural part of the life ) )le. 0%- not sa ing life shoul*n%t &e en2o e* to its fullest+ &e)ause 0 )ertainl en2o

-ine. But ou shoul* see people%s rea)tions at parties when the as,+ E3hat *o ou *o4% an* 0 tell the-. The )an%t get awa fro- -e fast enough.8 7Oh48 0 sai*+ 2ust to &e polite. 0 ,new how the people at the parties -ust have felt. Also+ not to &e -ean+ &ut 0 thought his partner -ight &e onto so-ething with the )ra1 thing. Although 0 was har*l one to &e )asting stones. 7So ou see+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ 7that%s wh + when 0 stu-&le* a)ross this8 6 he patte* the ne),la)e 6 7in - )e-eter this -orning+ 0 not onl ,new exa)tl what it was+ &ut 0 also ,new it ha*n%t &een *roppe* & so-e tourist who 2ust happene* to &e passing through our little grave ar* to ta,e a few pi)tures on her wa &a), to one of the )ruise ships. An* when 0 foun* these atta)he* to it8 6 he s-oothe* a)ross the *es, pa* so-e stran*s of - long+ *ar, hair+ whi)h ha* )learl &een gentl extra)te* fro- the ,notte* tangle that ha* &een )aught in the )hain 6 70 thought+ who

have 0 seen in the )e-eter latel with hair li,e this+ who -ight possi&l have gotten her han*s on su)h a singular ite-4 0t )ertainl )oul*n%t &e that oung la* 0 see in here al-ost *ail + who not onl refuses to a&i*e & si-ple re9uest not to use the paths as a pu&li) thoroughfare &ut who also ha&ituall wears a long gol* )hain aroun* her ne),. Coul* it48 0 reali1e* 0 ha* un*eresti-ate* hi- &a), in the New Pathwa s offi)e. The &ow tie an* tassels were 2ust win*ow *ressing. This gu was goo*. $eall goo*. 70%ve never seen that ne),la)e &efore in - life+8 0 sai*. That was - stor 6 for now 6 an* 0 was sti),ing to it. #e s-ile* so-e -ore an* went on as if 0 ha*n%t spo,en. 70 thought a oung la* who whips through this pla)e with no regar* for pe*estrians+ al-ost as if she were in training for the Tour *e Fran)e+ -ight sa that the night after a terri&le a)t of van*alis- was )o--itte* here. So+

naturall + 0 went to the area where the van*alis- o))urre*. An* loo, what 0 happene* to fin* l ing & the gate.8 #e hel* up another long+ *ar, hair. First he lai* it *own alongsi*e the ones he%* extra)te* fro- the ne),la)e. 7Sa-e )olor. Sa-e length.8 Then he hel* it up in the air an* )lose* one e e+ as if -easuring it against the hair tu-&ling fro- the top of - hea* *own past - shoul*ers. 7A goo* -at)h+ 0 woul* sa .8 There was no wa to ,now+ of )ourse+ if he%* reall foun* it & the gate. There was no wa to tell if an of it was true or if he was 2ust putting all of this on for show+ to get -e to )ra), an* tri), -e into a*-itting 0%* &een in the )e-eter last night. But su**enl + 0 felt wea,. /i,e 0 was going to faint or so-ething. Please+ *on%t -ess this up for us+ Moha* as,e* -e. Not in wor*s &ut with her e es. 0 was -essing this up. 0 was -essing this up &ig!ti-e.

3h 4 0 as,e* - self. 3h wasn%t 0 seeing re*+ when 0 -ost nee*e* to4 3hat was wrong with -e4 This gu wasn%t that goo*. #e was 2ust what Da* woul* have )alle* a ,oo,. Ma &e that was wh . #e was 2ust a ,oo,. 0 *i*n%t get the sense that he wante* to hurt -e. So what *i* he want4 7That;*oesn%t prove an thing+8 0 -anage* to -ur-ur. 7No+8 he agree*+ sweeping all the hair &a), into his *es, *rawer an* lo),ing it awa . Evi*en)e for later+ 0 thought &lea,l . 70t *oesn%t. 0 onl -ention it &e)ause 0 was so surprise* to see ou+ of all people 6 Carlos Ca&rero%s gran**aughter 6 involve* with so-ething so;-ess . 0 woul* thin, ou%* want to sta out of trou&le+ at least for our un)le%s sa,e.8 Oh+ Go*. Not "n)le Chris. #e reall was goo*. 70 *o+8 0 sai*+ - e es filling with tears. 70

*o want to sta out of trou&le.8 That%s what @ohn ha* given -e the ne),la)e for. An* now loo, at what ha* happene*. 3h ha* he thrown it awa 4 0t%s not safe for ou here. 73ell+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ loo,ing a little ta,en a&a),+ perhaps &e)ause of tears. 7(ou%ve )ertainl got an interesting wa of showing it. Now+ tell -e. 3ho gave ou this ne),la)e48 0 loo,e* *own at the stone. 0t wasn%t the lighting. 0t wasn%t - i-agination. The *ia-on* wasn%t gra an -ore. 0t was white. 3hite. The opposite of what it ha* &e)o-e outsi*e his offi)e win*ows+ where it was now al-ost as *ar, as night. Thun*er ru-&le*. 0t was *istant+ &ut it was there. Ma &e it was the fee*er &an*s "n)le Chris ha* -entione* we were suppose* to get. The see-e* to have )o-e on awfull 9ui),l + though+ )onsi*ering we were suppose* to have &een onl un*er a wat)h.

0 shoo, - hea*. 70 )an%t tell ou+8 0 sai*. 0t was har* to tal, with the tears pri),ling - nose. 70%- sorr . 0%* li,e to. But ou see- li,e a ni)e -an. An*;8 0 )oul*n%t help thin,ing a&out what ha* happene* to the 2eweler. 0 *i*n%t thin, @ohn woul* &e )o-ing &a), 6 ever. But 0 *i*n%t ,now for sure. 70 2ust )an%t.8 Mr. S-ith frowne*+ o&viousl frustrate* with -e. 7Miss Oliviera+8 he sai*. 7Are ou aware that this *ia-on* is stolen4 Not 2ust stolen &ut )urse*48 0 su),e* in - &reath+ &ut 0 shoul*n%t have &een surprise*. 0t was so li,e @ohn to have given -e a )urse*+ stolen *ia-on*. 70t%s 9uite fa-ous+ a)tuall + in )ertain )ir)les+8 he went on. 73ell+ -ine+ an wa . Allege*l + it was -ine* & #a*es+ the Gree, *eath *eit + to give to Persephone+ his )onsort+ in or*er to prote)t her fro- the Furies.;8 0 felt goose &u-ps &rea, out all over -

entire &o* . Ce-eter Sexton S-ith+ of )ourse+ was seate* too far awa to noti)e. The Furies. @ohn ha* -entione* the-. 7As a *eath *eit + #a*es was+ of )ourse+ *isli,e* & the spirits of a goo* -an souls who weren%t satisfie* with where the en*e* up after the passe* through the "n*erworl*+8 Mr. S-ith went on+ o&livious to *is)o-fort. 7The Furies 6 this is what the spirits who *isli,e* hi- so -u)h were )alle*. There%s so-e s)holarl *ispute over it+ of )ourse+ &ut 0 &elieve this version. The Furies )oul* &e 9uite tri), in their efforts at retaliation. So #a*es nee*e* to -a,e sure his )onsort ha* a wa to prote)t herself+ or suppose*l 6 Are ou all right+ Miss Oliviera48 0 thought 0 was going to throw up Co,e float. 0 )oul*n%t stop thin,ing a&out all those people 0%* seen in line for the other &oat;the one @ohn ha* tol* -e 0 *i*n%t want to &e on. #a* the

all turne* into Furies4 So-ething tol* -e the ha*. 7No+8 0 sai*. Outsi*e+ lightning flashe* so a&ruptl + it -a*e -e 2u-p. 70 nee* to go. 0%- on - &i,e+ a)tuall . 0 nee* to go &efore it starts raining. So 68 7Don%t worr . 0%ll give ou a lift.8 Mr. S-ith rea)he* for a large &oo, that was sitting on a shelf &ehin* hi-. 7Personall + 0%ve never &een a fan of the #a*es?Persephone - th. So -u)h *ra-a+ with hi- ,i*napping the poor girl in that *istasteful -anner an* for)ing her to live with hi- *own in the "n*erworl* against her will+ an* then Persephone%s -other having to intervene.;0 never en2o stories where the -other gets too involve*. /et the ,i*s wor, it out for the-selves+ 0 alwa s sa . But 0 *igress. That%s what the )all this *ia-on*+ ou ,now. The Persephone Dia-on*. Ah+ here it is.8 #e hel* up the illustration to show -e. 7Marie Antoinette+ in all her glor +

wearing our *ia-on*. #er hus&an*+ 'ing /ouis the Sixteenth+ gave it to her. 0 have no i*ea how he got his han*s on it. Furies allege*l have the power to possess an hu-an the wish to 6 that is+ an hu-an who has a wea, enough )hara)ter for the Furies to &en* to their will 6 so perhaps a Fur possesse* the ,ing+ or the 9ueen+ or who-ever gave the ne),la)e to the-+ hoping to )ause -is)hief. Ba* lu), for the- &oth+ however it happene*. This portrait was the onl ti-e Marie Antoinette ha* a )han)e to wear the stone &efore the peasants rose up against &oth her an* her hus&an* an* ha* the- exe)ute* for treason an* )ri-es against the state. The have -entione* the Fren)h $evolution to ou in s)hool+ haven%t the + Miss Oliviera48 0 stare* at the pi)ture+ a repro*u)tion of a portrait of Marie Antoinette+ the *oo-e* 9ueen of Fran)e. A-a1ingl + she was wearing a gown that

rese-&le* the sort of toga in whi)h Persephone+ the relu)tant &ri*e of #a*es+ was alwa s *epi)te* on the si*es of an)ient vases. There were even grape leaves woven through the 9ueen%s enor-ous pow*ere* wig. 3ell+ grape leaves -a*e of gol*+ &ut whatever. An* at her ne), 6 that slen*er ne), that woul* soon &e sli)e* in two & Ma*a-e Guillotine 6 hung - *ia-on*+ &ut on a *ar, green velvet )ho,er instea* of a gol* )hain. @ohn ha* tol* -e -en ha* *ie* for the *ia-on* he%* given -e. Not 2ust -en+ it turne* out. #a* he ,nown4 #a* he ,nown its &loo* 7provenan)e+8 as the 2eweler ha* )alle* it4 Of )ourse he ha*. #e ha* to have ,nown. An* he%* given it to -e an wa . #e%* sai* it was suppose* to prote)t -e.; A lot of goo* it ha* *one Marie Antoinette. 0 was shivering un)ontrolla&l & now. 0%*

left - )ar*igan &a), at the house. 0 wishe* 0%* thrown it in - &i,e &as,et. But how was 0 to ,now4 #ow was 0 to ,now 0%* &e hearing a&out;well+ this4 The )e-eter sexton still *i*n%t appear to noti)e - *is)o-fort+ though. #e was 9uite )heerfull telling his -or&i* stor . 7The *ia-on* *isappeare*+8 he sai*+ )losing the &oo,+ 7along with -ost of the rest of the 9ueen%s 2ewelr + after her arrest. "ntil+ 9uite ran*o-l + it showe* up again+ a little -ore than fift ears later+ on the )argo list of a -er)hant ship that was *o),e* here in 0sla #uesos+ of all pla)es+ on O)to&er eleventh of DQLR. An* that%s the last ti-e it 6 or an one on that ship 6 was seen again. 0t+ li,e ever ship that was in port that *a + was sun, & what was li,el a Categor Five hurri)ane that appeare* fro- nowhere+ *rowning over a thousan* people+ *estro ing ever &oat an* &uil*ing on the islan* 6 in)lu*ing the hospital+ so there was nowhere to treat

the woun*e*+ an* the lighthouse+ so there was no wa to signal for help. 0t also+8 he a**e*+ 7washe* ever )offin that was &urie* here in this )e-eter out to sea. So there was nowhere to &ur the newl *ea*+ either.8 #e shoo, his hea*. 7Must have &een 9uite a -ess+ what with the -os9uitoes an* the )holera.8 0 thin, 0 -a*e so-e ,in* of )ho,ing noise that $i)har* S-ith -istoo, for *is&elief+ sin)e he hastene* to assure -e+ 7Oh+ es. That%s wh we ,eep the )offins in )r pts now+ ou ,now. Of )ourse+ the ought to have ,nown &etter+ even then+ )onsi*ering what the Spaniar*s foun* three hun*re* ears earlier when the got here+ &ut;8 #e gave an ela&orate shrug. 7So-e people )hoose to turn a &lin* e e to histor .8 0 *i*n%t feel li,e fainting an -ore. Or )ol*. Now 0 2ust felt;nothing. 70nteresting fa)t a&out that hurri)ane+8 the )e-eter sexton went on. 70t was the

*ea*liest in re)or*e* 0sla #uesos histor . A -ore superstitious -an than 0 -ight sa it was al-ost as if so-eone *i*n%t want this *ia-on* 6 with its &a* 2u2u+ as - partner woul* )all it 6 -a,ing it off that ship. Be)ause it never *i*+ ou ,now. 0t san, *own to the &otto- with the rest of the ship%s )argo+ never to &e seen again; though the )o-pan that owne* the ship hire* wre),ers to salvage for it+ an* the loo,e* for -onths+ even ears+ in water that was onl ten feet *eep. Never foun* a tra)e of it. 0s that where ou got it48 #is ga1e+ over the ri-s of his glasses+ sharpene*. 7Fro- a wre),er4 Be)ause it%s not )alle* wre),ing to*a + Miss Oliviera+ or treasure hunting+ or whatever the person who gave this to ou -ight have tol* ou. 0t%s )alle* violation of su&-erge* ar)haeologi)al sites an* *estru)tion of un*erwater )ultural heritage+ an* it+ li,e *ese)rating so-eone%s to-&+ is illegal.8

0 shoo, - hea*+ sho),e*. 3hat was he even tal,ing a&out4 7No+8 0 sai*+ - heart &eginning to thu-p -ore lou*l than the thun*er outsi*e. 7No+ of )ourse not. 0t was nothing li,e that 68 0 thought of it the -inute 0 saw ou+ @ohn ha* sai* when he%* given the ne),la)e to -e. Onl 0 never thought;well+ 0 never thought ou%* turn out to &e ou+ or want to )o-e here with -e. 0s that how he%* gotten it4 B )ausing that horri&le hurri)ane that ha* ,ille* so -an people an* sun, so -an ships+ then )olle)ting their &ount fro- the &otto- of the sea4 But that was i-possi&le. Then again;none of what 0%* seen hi*o was possi&le. 73hoever gave it to ou+8 Mr. S-ith gru-&le*+ pi),ing up the ne),la)e an* exa-ining it -ore )losel in the light+ 7ha* it reset sin)e Marie

Antoinette%s ti-e. An* in a fashion 0 )an onl )all 6 an* that%s if 0 wante* to &e )harita&le 6 whi-si)al.8 70 tol* ou+8 0 sai*. 70 *on%t 68 7Oh+ right+8 he sai*+ loo,ing towar*s the )eiling. 7(ou *on%t ,now an thing a&out it. 3ell+ this setting is highl uni9ue. Do ou see how ea)h prong for-s a little )urli)ue *esign a)ross the top of the *ia-on*4 >uite &eautiful. An* unusual. Do ou ,now what these five prongs represent48 #e *i*n%t even wait for - repl . 7$ivers+8 he sai*. 7Five in all. Now+ )an ou thin, of a pla)e that has five rivers4 Go on. Guess.8 70 *on%t ,now. 0%- terri&le at geograph .8 An* ever su&2e)t+ reall + that *i*n%t have to *o with avenging the *eath of #annah Chang. 7/oo,+ 0 reall have to 68 70t%s 9uite si-ple.8 #e pi),e* up a pen)il an* pointe* with it to the first prong. 7Sorrow.8 #e pointe* to the se)on*. 7/a-entation.8 #e pointe* to

the thir*. 7Fire.8 The fourth. 7O&livion.8 The fifth. 7An* hate.8 Thun*er )ra),e*. Now the stor- was so )lose+ it see-e* to &e right a&ove our hea*s. 7The five rivers of the "n*erworl*+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ soun*ing thrille* with hi-self. #e ti),e* the- off on his fingers. 7A)heron+ Co) tus+ Phlegethon+ /ethe+ the river St x. Goo* /or*+ girl.8 #e leane* &a), in his )hair an* stare* at -e. 7Do the tea)h )hil*ren nothing useful in s)hool these *a s4 The "n*erworl*. 8 0 felt as if so-eone ha* run over -e. 0 shoul*n%t have+ of )ourse. 0 shoul* have ,nown. 0t ha* &een right there in front of -e all along. /iterall . 0t ha* &een aroun* - ne),. 0 *on%t ,now wh 0 ha*n%t seen it. The ps )hiatrists ha* trie* to tell -e. M allege* *rea- ha* &een full of things 0%* seen on T:. #a*n%t 0 stu*ie* the Gree, - ths in s)hool4

Of )ourse 0 ha*. But 0 ha* never pai* attention to things that *i*n%t interest -e+ even &efore the a))i*ent. 0 ha* inherite* that+ too+ fro&oth - parents+ though if 0 ever -entione* this+ the woul* &la-e ea)h other for it. Spoon&ills+ our fault. No+ throwing stars+ ours. But who *i* pa attention to the - ths+ reall 4 All those strange na-es an* people &eing hit with arrows in the A)hilles heel an* girls &eing swept *own into the "n*erworl*. 0t was )o-pli)ate* an* weir* an* ha* nothing to *o with realit . An* et at the sa-e ti-e;so-ething *i*n%t -a,e sense. 7But.8 0 &lin,e* at hi-. 7There weren%t an rivers when 0 was there. @ust a la,e.8 Now he was the one staring at -e. An* no won*er+ reall . 73hen ou were there48 Mr. S-ith too, his glasses off. 73hat *o ou -ean+ when ou were there48

So-eti-es 0 2ust got so tire* of all the preten*ing. 0t was exhausting+ reall + tr ing to fit in+ tr ing to &e 7nor-al.8 Even if that wor* wasn%t therapeuti)all &enefi)ial. 7This ne),la)e+8 0 sai*+ putting - han* over it. The stone felt war- an* )o-forting un*er - pal-+ the wa it alwa s ha*. But now that 0 ,new a thousan* people ha* &een ,ille* &e)ause of it 6 that a 9ueen ha*+ in*ire)tl + lost her hea* &e)ause of it 6 0 *i*n%t feel 9uite as frien*l towar*s it as 0 on)e ha*. 70t%s suppose* to prote)t its wearer froevil+8 0 sai*. 73ell+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ &lin,ing rapi*l . For the first ti-e+ he *i*n%t appear to &e 9uite so sure of hi-self. 7(es. That%s how the legen* goes. That%s suppose*l wh #a*es ha* it -a*e. An* if an one not a )hosen )onsort of the *eath *eit atte-pts to possess it 68 #e shrugge*+ then ru&&e* his e es+ then put his glasses

&a), on. 73ell+ nothing goo* will happen to her+ o&viousl . But all of that is 2ust a stor . 3hat *i* ou -ean when ou sai* 68 7#e *i*n%t tell -e that part+8 0 -ur-ure*+ loo,ing over - shoul*er+ &a), at the win*ow. 7#e *i*n%t tell -e there woul* &e evil spirits )o-ing after -e. #e *i*n%t tell -e that%s who he was. Or -a &e he *i*. 0 was )r ing so -u)h. ;8 0 got up out of - )hair+ feeling *a1e*+ an* -ove* towar*s the win*ow. The view fro- the )e-eter sexton%s offi)e was of the street &ut also of the )orner of the )e-eter where the poin)iana tree stoo*+ its *ar, an* twiste* &ran)hes sprea*ing out a)ross the #a *en )r pt. 0 *on%t ,now what 0 was hoping to see out there. #i-4 As if there was a )han)e he -ight &e there+ & the )r pt where he%* thrown awa the ne),la)e he%* given -e <&e)ause 0%* given it &a), to hi-=4 Or & the gate he%*

,i),e* apart after telling -e to go <&e)ause 0%* )alle* hi- a 2er,=4 0 wasn%t sure if 0 wante* to see hi-+ or feare* seeing hi-. 0 nee*n%t have worrie*. The )e-eter + li,e the street+ was *eserte*. Ever one was tr ing to avoi* the )o-ing stor-. @ust li,e he was tr ing to avoi* -e. Or *i*n%t )are. 7Miss Oliviera+8 the )e-eter sexton sai* fro- &ehin* -e. 70 *on%t un*erstan* an of this. 3ho is he4 3hat *i* ou -ean when ou sai* ou were there48 70t *oesn%t -atter.8 0 laughe*. 0 )oul*n%t &elieve an of this. 70 threw a )up of tea in his fa)e.8 0 hear* the )e-eter sexton%s )hair )rea,+ li,e he was getting up. 73ait+8 he sai*. 7Are ou telling -e that ou 68 73hat *o ou want48 0 swung aroun* fro- the win*ow. 0 *on%t ,now wh 0 was ta,ing it out on hi-. 0t wasn%t his fault+

poor -an. 0 thin, it was going to the win*ow an* loo,ing out an* reali1ing he wasn%t there an* that he%* never &e there again+ an* that even after ever thing 0%* &een through+ ever thing 0%* 2ust hear*+ when 0 shoul* have &een relieve* to see he wasn%t there+ what 0 felt was *isappoint-ent. 0 *i*n%t &elong in New Pathwa s. 0 &elonge* &a), in ,in*ergarten. 73hat *o ou want fro- -e+ giving -e - sterious notes an* tr ing to inti-i*ate -e li,e this48 0 *e-an*e*. 70s it -one to repair the stupi* gate4 Fine. 0%ll get - *a* to pa for it. @ust *on%t tell an one a&out it. M -o- is tr ing to -a,e a new start here.8 0 wal,e* over to the *es, an* snat)he* up the ne),la)e. As soon as 0 *i*+ 0 felt &etter. Co-forte*. This -ight have &een the -ost *istur&ing thing of all. 7An* 0 lie* to ou+8 0 sai*. 7This is -ine. 0%- ta,ing it &a),. 0 *on%t )are a&out an stupi* )urse. So.8 0 loo,e* hi- in the e e.

7#ow -u)h48 #e loo,e* surprise*. More than 2ust surprise*. #e loo,e* horrifie*. 7Mone 48 he e)hoe*. 70 never wante* -one fro- ou+ Miss Oliviera. Mone never ha* an thing to *o with this.8 0 loo,e* at hi- in )onfusion. 7But if ou *on%t want -one +8 0 sai*+ 7what *o ou want fro- -e48 73ell+ to &egin with+ the truth.8 #e loo,e* past -e+ towar*s the win*ow 0%* 2ust &een staring through. 7#ow long have ou ,nown @ohn48 7Dost thou not hear the pit of his plaint4 Dost thou not see the *eath that )o-&ats hiBesi*e that floo*+ where o)ean has no vaunt48 DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 00 Me48 0 stare* at hi-. 7(ou -ean ou ,now @ohn48

Then 0 reali1e* what 0%* *one. 0%* 2ust a*-itte* @ohn%s existen)e to hi-. Ex)ept;ha*n%t he 2ust a*-itte* @ohn%s existen)e to -e4 73ell+ of )ourse 0 *o+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ loo,ing at -e as if 0 were a little slow!witte*. 7Not as well as ou *o+ evi*entl . But then+ when 0 passe*+ 0 *i*n%t go to the "n*erworl*.8 Su**enl + - ,nees felt wea,. 0 fu-&le* for the )hair+ then san, *own into it+ )lut)hing - ne),la)e to - )hest. 7(ou -ean ou 68 7(es+ es+8 he sai*+ patting his )hest i-patientl . 7#eart atta),. B pass surger . But 0 2ust saw a light.8 #e sat &a), *own in his )hair an* ga1e* at -e with a )o-pletel *ifferent expression than he%* worn &efore. Now he loo,e*;well+ a little i-presse*. As if 0 weren%t the 7i*ioti) teenager8 he%* originall thought -e. 3hi)h+ 0 ha* to a*-it+ 0%* &een a)ting li,e+ sort of. But there%* &een -itigating

)ir)u-stan)es. 73hat a&out ou+ Miss Oliviera4 #ow *i* ou pass48 #is ga1e was gentle. 70 trippe* an* hit - hea*+8 0 sai*. 7An* *rowne*. But 0 ha* h pother-ia+8 0 a**e*+ &e)ause 0 hate* the wa 0 *ie*. 0t soun*e* so stupi*. Espe)iall when ou fa)tore* in the &ir*. #e no**e*. 7Ah. Of )ourse. That%ll &e wh the were a&le to revive ou.8 #e fu-&le* with his glasses again+ polishing the lenses with a )loth that ha* &een l ing on his *es,+ then putting the- &a), on+ an* then e eing -e so-e -ore. 7(ou sai* so-ething a&out throwing;tea in his fa)e48 0 loo,e* *own at the floor. 7(es. That%s how;well+ that%s how 0 es)ape*.8 70 see+8 he sai* in a )o-pletel non2u*g-ental tone. 7An* this woul* have &een a&out;a ear an* a half ago48 0 glan)e* up again+ surprise*. 7#ow *i* ou 648 7Oh+ 2ust a guess+8 he sai*+ his ga1e

su**enl far off. 70t woul* explain a lot+ that%s all.8 7A&out what48 0 *i*n%t un*erstan*. 7Never -in*+8 he sai*+ loo,ing &a), at -e. 7So.8 #e leane* forwar* in his )hair+ )ausing it to )rea,. 7Tell -e what happene* with the ne),la)e. 0f ou *on%t -in*+ that is. 0%* as, hi- self+ &ut;well+ he hasn%t &een terri&l )o--uni)ative latel .8 #e grinne* su**enl + his e es twin,ling fro&ehin* the lenses of his e eglasses. 7Now of )ourse 0 ,now wh . Though 0%sure ou%ll agree+ @ohn *oes have his -o-ents.8 0 shoo, - hea*+ una&le to &elieve what 0 was hearing. All this ti-e+ 0%* &een insisting to people that @ohn was real+ an* no one ha* &elieve* -e. An* now+ sitting a)ross fro- -e was so-eone who not onl &elieve* -e &ut ha* seen hi- 6 spo,en to hi- 6 hi-self. An* apparentl *i*n%t thin, he was a -onster. #e )alle* hi- @ohn. @ust li,e

that. @ust;@ohn. @ohn *oes have his -o-ents. 0 wasn%t )ra1 . 0 ha* never &een )ra1 . 70 *on%t un*erstan*+8 0 sai*. 7(ou tal, to hi-4 (ou tal, to hi-. (ou two have; tal,s.8 0 nee*e* a so*a+ an espresso+ pills+ a ver + ver fast ri*e *own a hill on - &i,e+ so-ething. 0 )oul* not pro)ess this infor-ation. The i*ea of @ohn sitting in this offi)e+ in this )hair+ tal,ing to this -an+ *i* not )o-pute. 73ell+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ leaning &a), in his )hair an* loo,ing thoughtful. 7Not often+ of )ourse. But o))asionall + es+ 0 run into hi- out there+ an* we )hat. 0t hasn%t alwa s &een eas . #e )an &e a &it;what *oes our generation )all it4 Oh+ es. Moo* .8 Moo* 4 Popping in an* out of nowhere+ atte-pting to -ur*er ever one who tou)he* -e4 That was putting it -il*l . 7But 0 have the a*vantage of having experien)e* *eath &efore+ whi)h pre*e)essors in this position 6 who left

nu-erous warnings a&out @ohn%s;-oo*iness 6 *i* not+8 the )e-eter sexton explaine*. 7So 0 afearful of neither *eath nor the things that )o-e with it+ su)h as @ohn.8 M e es wi*ene*. The fa)t that $i)har* S-ith wasn%t afrai* of @ohn+ or the pla)e he )a-e fro-+ stru), -e as foolhar* to the extre-e. 7An* so-e of the warnings+ 0 will a*-it+ have turne* out to &e warrante*+8 he went on. 7As he is+ of )ourse+ 9uite a tor-ente* oung -an. 3ho woul*n%t &e+ in his position4 But the stories a&out hi- 6 the things for whi)h people ten* to want to &la-e hiaroun* here 6 have grown )o-pletel out of proportion. The van*alis-+ for instan)e 68 7Are ou ,i**ing -e48 0 stare* at hi- in sho),. 7Are ou tal,ing a&out the gate4 Be)ause that was hi-. 0 was there. An* that was totall hi-.8 $i)har* S-ith%s e e&rows rose. 73ell+ he )ertainl isn%t responsi&le for

all the - sterious *eaths for whi)h pre*e)essors 68 0 shoo, - hea*. 7/et -e as, ou so-ething. 3ere the people who *ie* ,in* of s)u-- *irt&ags who *eserve* to *ie an wa 4 Be)ause if the were+ he *i* it.8 The )e-eter sexton was sha,ing his hea*. 7But 68 73hat is wrong with ou48 0 &urst out. 7Can ou not hear that thun*er out there4 That%s all totall hi-A8 #e &ro,e off an* stare* at -e. 7#e )ertainl )annot )ontrol the weather.8 7All right+8 0 sai*. This gu live* in a fantas worl*. 7Fine. #e )an%t. #ow long has he &een here4 3as he aroun* *uring that &ig hurri)ane ou -entione*+ the one where this ne),la)e *isappeare*48 The )e-eter sexton%s e es wi*ene*. 7#e%s a *eath *eit + Miss Oliviera+ not a -ur*erer or a weather-an. (ou of all people shoul* ,now that.8

0 *i*n%t thin, this gu reall ,new @ohn ver well at all+ &ut 0 *i*n%t sa an thing to )orre)t hi-. 7But fro- what 0 un*erstan*+8 he went on+ 7 es+ the Great #urri)ane of DQLR is when @ohn originall appeare* on this islan*;or at least when sightings of hi- first starte* &eing re)or*e*.8 0 -ust have loo,e* surprise*+ for he sai*+ 7Oh+ es. Other people have seen hi-+ too+ not 2ust us )e-eter sextons;although -ost sightings have o))urre* aroun* here. 3h *o ou thin, we%ve never ha* to &other investing in se)urit )a-eras4 Be)ause ever one on 0sla #uesos ,nows to sta awa fro- here after *ar,+ as no one wants to run the ris, of en)ountering hi-.8 #is expression *ar,ene*. 73ell+ with the ex)eption+ of )ourse+ of teenagers who haven%t learne* their lesson et+ espe)iall *uring the *a s lea*ing up to Coffin Night 68 0 shoo, - hea*. 73hat is that4 Does

that have so-ething to *o with @ohn+ too48 7Of )ourse it *oes+8 he sai*. B now the roo- ha* gotten so *ar, that 0 )oul* &arel see the sexton%s fa)e in the sha*ows. Outsi*e+ the win* ha* )al-e*. 0t see-e* *ea*l still+ the ,in* of still it onl gets 2ust &efore it starts to pour. 7Ex)ept it all happene* so long ago+ no one re-e-&ers the stor or+ at least+ re-e-&ers it )orre)tl . The 2ust re-e-&er that it%s i-portant to &uil* a )offin+ an* then hi*e it.;Of )ourse the hi*ing is s -&oli). The hi*ing represents &ur ing.8 7But wh 48 0 as,e*. 70t -a,es no sense.8 70t *oes+ a)tuall +8 he sai*. 7Be)ause no life 6 if it was le* & a *e)ent person 6 shoul* go unre-e-&ere*. So if+ for instan)e+ a sol*ier was &etra e* & people he thought were frien*s+ his &o* tosse* fro- a ship an* a&an*one* to the waves+ his fa-il left to won*er forever what ha* happene* to hi-+ never ,nowing if he

was alive+ if he was well;That is a )ertain ,in* of hell all its own.8 0 &lin,e* at hi-+ - -in* going &a),+ for so-e reason+ to those -o-ents at the &otto- of the pool in our &a), ar* in Conne)ti)ut+ when 0 ha* lain there loo,ing up at the tassels on s)arf. A&an*one*. That%s sort of how 0%* felt. Even though+ of )ourse+ no one ha* &etra e* or -ur*ere* -e+ reall . M *eath ha* &een no one%s fault &ut - own. 70s that what happene* to hi-48 0 as,e*+ a su**en thro& in - voi)e. Even though of )ourse 0 *i*n%t )are a&out @ohn+ 0 *i*n%t li,e to thin, of that having happene* to hi-. 0t -ust have &een s)ar + &eing tosse* aroun* on all those o)ean waves. 0t ha* &een ni)e un*er the water of - pool. At least - -o- ha* ,nown where to fin* -e. Do ou thin, 0 li,e this an -ore than ou *o4 @ohn ha* as,e* -e that *a in his roo-+ his voi)e raw. Don%t ou thin,

0%* li,e to see -other4 0 thin, - heart &ro,e a little &it -ore right there+ in the )e-eter sexton%s offi)e. 0 ha*n%t ,nown. 0 ha*n%t ha* an i*ea what @ohn was tal,ing a&out. 0 *i* now. The )e-eter sexton leane* &a), in his )hair su**enl + )ausing it to )rea, noisil . The -o-ent 6 whatever it ha* &een 6 was &ro,en. #e wasn%t going to tell -e -ore a&out @ohn%s *eath+ if that%s even what he%* &een tal,ing a&out. 7/i,e an thing+8 he sai*+ all &usiness again+ 7the tale%s gotten twiste*. An* perhaps+ in this )ase+ that%s a goo* thing. Be)ause so-eti-es when people ,now the real stor + the )an%t ta,e it. 0t%s too frightening. An* so it turns into so-ething li,e Coffin Night an* has -ore to *o with foot&all an* setting things on fire than it *oes with

honoring the *ea*. But 0%- still )urious+8 he sai*+ 7a&out what happene* to ou+ Miss Oliviera+ after ou *ie*. 0s that when @ohn gave ou the ne),la)e48 0 felt - self &lushing for so-e reason. 73hen 0 *ie*;what happene*;it was;8 0 shoo, - hea*. 0t was a-a1ing. Now that 0%* finall foun* so-eone who%* a)tuall &elieve -e+ the wor*s woul*n%t )o-e. 0 )oul* never tell this ni)e ol* -an what it was reall li,e in the "n*erworl*+ or what 0%* &een through there. 70t wasn%t li,e in &oo,s+8 0 sai* finall . 70 ha* to run. 0 ha* to.8 Mr. S-ith raise* his e e&rows. 70 see+8 he sai*. 7But first+ he gave ou that48 #e pointe* to the ne),la)e in - han*s. 7An* so-ehow it )a-e &a), with ou48 0 was still too asha-e* a&out what 0 ha* *one &a), then to loo, hi- in the e e. 0 stare* *own at the stone. 0t see-e* to win, &a),+ white as Mr.

S-ith%s shirt. 7(es+8 0 sai*. 70%* -et hi- &efore+ here+ on the *a of - gran*father%s funeral+ when 0 was seven. #e was;ni)e+ that *a . Then 0 *ie* when 0 was fifteen+ an* 0 saw hi- again. That *a + he wasn%t so ni)e. At least at first. 0%ve onl seen hi- a )ouple of ti-es sin)e then. On)e was last night.8 Su**enl + 0 reali1e* 0%* ruine* - &a),! to!s)hool -ani)ure & peeling off -ost of the polish as 0%* tal,e* to hi-. 0t was l ing in fla,es all over the woo* floor &eneath - )hair. Great. 7@ohn;he s)ares -e+8 0 hear* - self a*-it. 7#e )an a)t a little &it;wil*. 0 *i*n%t ,now wh &efore+ &ut now+ than,s to ou+ 0 thin, 0 have a &etter i*ea. 0 want to help hi-+ &ut he won%t let -e 68 Mr. S-ith -a*e a slight hooting noise. 7Oh+ no. 0 woul* i-agine our help is the last thing he wants.8 0 lifte* - han*s in a helpless gesture. 7Then 0 *on%t ,now what to *o. Doesn%t

he s)are ou48 73ell;-a &e a little+ at the &eginning. One ha1ar* of wor,ing in a )e-eter + 0 guess+ is that ou see s)ar things all the ti-e. But 68 $i)har* S-ith shrugge*. 7(ou ,now wh the )all this pla)e 0slan* of Bones+ *on%t ou4 (ou )an%t have a pla)e that%s routinel littere* with the *ea* an* not have it &e an entran)e to the "n*erworl* 68 0 loo,e* up at hi-+ - heart see-ing to shrivel insi*e - )hest. 70s that what 0sla #uesos is48 73ell+ of )ourse+ Miss Oliviera+8 he sai*+ grinning a little. 73hat *i* ou thin,4 An* with that+ of )ourse+ ou have to have a ,eeper of the *ea*. An* so-eone with a 2o& li,e that is &oun* to &e a &it s)ar .8 7An* is that who he is48 0 as,e*+ thin,ing of the na-e written a&ove the *oor of the )r pt &esi*e whi)h 0%* -et hi- twi)e now. 0 *i*n%t want to as, it. But now that 0 ,new a&out the

ne),la)e+ 0 ha* to. 70s he;#a*es48 Outsi*e+ the first few *rops of rain &egan to fall+ pelting the tin roof. Slow at first. But har*. The soun*e* li,e &ullets. 7Of )ourse not.8 The ol* -an loo,e* surprise*. 7#a*es was a go*+ an* @ohn #a *en%s not that. #e was &orn a -an+ an* live* li,e a -an+ an* *ie* li,e one+ an* onl then )a-e to &e what ou an* 0 ,now hi- as now;ruler of the "n*erworl*.8 7So+ he too, #a*es% pla)e when he; retire*48 0 as,e*+ still not un*erstan*ing. Mr. S-ith shoo, his hea*. 7No+ no+8 he sai*. 7As )lose as 0%ve &een a&le to figure out 6 an* please un*erstan*+ ou%re the onl person 0%ve ever -et &esi*es @ohn who%s a)tuall &een there 6 @ohn%s isn%t the "n*erworl*. 0 personall *on%t &elieve there )an &e a single "n*erworl*. That woul* &e 9uite an honor for our little islan*+ &ut there%s &een a &it of a population explosion sin)e the *a s of #o-er+ *on%t ou thin,48

0 stare* at hi-. 70 *i*n%t un*erstan* a single thing ou 2ust sai*.8 Ex)ept that @ohn wasn%t #a*es. 3hi)h was a relief+ 0 suppose*. But 0 still *i*n%t get what he was+ exa)tl . 73ho%s #o-er48 #e sighe* as if won*ering how he%* &een )urse* with su)h an inept pupil+ then turne* &a), to his &oo, a&out *eath *eities+ showing -e a se)tion of &rightl )olore* illustrations+ ea)h *epi)ting a *ifferent representation of what loo,e*+ to -e+ li,e hell. But 0 suppose* to so-eone li,e hi-+ the loo,e* li,e super!fun pla groun*s. 7/oo,+8 $i)har* S-ith sai*+ o&viousl tr ing to &e patient with -e. 70t%s 9uite si-ple+ reall . Ever )ulture+ ever religion in the worl*+ has ha* their own - tholog relating to an "n*erworl* through whi)h the souls of the newl *ea* pass &efore hea*ing to the afterlife+ fro- the A1te)s to the Gree,s to the Musli-s to the Christians.

There -a &e *o1ens+ even hun*re*s of "n*erworl*s+ for all we ,now. The a)t as;as sort of pro)essing plants for the souls of the *eparte*+ sorting out the worth fro- the unworth + &efore the %re sent off to their final *estinations. An* this little )e-eter here 2ust happens to &e )entere* over one of the-. (our gran*father 6 who share* - interest in this su&2e)t 6 an* 0 stu*ie* the -atter extensivel 68 Sho),e*+ 0 interrupte*+ 7M gran*father ,new @ohn4 0 thought ou sai* ou onl pla e* &o))e with hi-.8 #e loo,e* slightl asha-e* of hi-self. 7Oh+ ou -ean what 0 sai* &a), at the high s)hool to*a 4 3ell+ es+ that was a s-all fa&ri)ation. An* no+ our gran*father never -et @ohn+ though he ,new of hi-+ of )ourse. The person who hel* this position &efore 0 *i* 68 #e )leare* his throat. 7/et%s 2ust sa his views on the existen)e of an

afterlife were so-ewhat narrow. (ou )an%t i-agine how unre)eptive so-e people )an &e to the i*ea of a oung -an who is a&le to wal, &oth the earthl as well as the astral plane+ an* has &een *oing so 9uite )o-forta&l for the past )entur an* a half 68 A)tuall + 0 )oul* ver easil i-agine how unre)eptive 7so-e people8 -ight &e to this i*ea. /i,e - *a*+ for instan)e. 3hi)h was wh 0%* never -entione* it to hi-. 7M gran*father+8 0 sai*+ tr ing to steer hi- &a), to the su&2e)t. 7Oh+8 he sai*. 73ell+ es+ as 0 was sa ing+ we *i*n%t see -u)h of @ohn in those *a s. 0t wasn%t until - own tenure here as sexton that 0 got a )han)e to ,now hi-+ an* & that ti-e our gran*father ha* unfortunatel passe*. As for the &o))e+ our gran*father never wante* our gran*-other to ,now that he was a -e-&er of our

little+ er+ so)iet . As 0 -entione*+ so-e people )onsi*er the stu* of *eath *eities an* the "n*erworl* slightl ;well+ 2ust -or&i*. An* our gran*-other is one of those people. 0%not sa ing she%s not a lovel wo-an+8 he a**e* hastil . 7An* an asset to the )o--unit . M partner ,nits+ an* &u s all his arn at her shop. She%s 2ust a ver )onservative la* + an* 0 thin, she -ight have foun* the fa)t that our gran*father was involve* in so-ething so;esoteri) a &it har*er to un*erstan* than his &eing on a &o))e tea-.8 0 shoo, - hea*. 7That%s weir*.8 The )e-eter sexton e e* -e over the ri-s of his glasses. 73h is it weir*48 0%* &een a&out to sa + Be)ause she%s the one who intro*u)e* -e to @ohn. But she ha*n%t+ 0 re-e-&ere*. 0n her ,it)hen+ she%* a)tuall insiste* 0%* -a*e the whole thing up. 0t%s not safe for ou here.

"n*erworl*s4 Death *eities4 Furies4 @ohn ha*n%t &een ,i**ing5 0t wasn%t safe for an one in this )e-eter . No wa Gran*-a woul* have let -e out of this offi)e if she%* ha* a )lue. 70t%s weir*+8 0 sai* instea*+ 7that Gran*-a *i*n%t ,now. Be)ause ou sai* ever one ,nows. Ever one ,nows a&out @ohn+ an* that 0sla #uesos is 2ust sitting over the top of this "n*erworl*.8 7There%s ,nowing+8 Mr. S-ith sai*+ 7an* then there%s &elieving. (our gran*-other ,nows the stories a&out @ohn. Ever one aroun* here *oes. But whether or not she &elieves the %re a)tuall true;that%s *ifferent. (our gran*-other is well ,nown for having her feet plante* rather fir-l on the groun*.8 #e was right. Gran*-a *i*n%t &elieve in an thing she )oul*n%t see with her own two e es+ ex)ept for what it sai* in the Bi&le. That%s what she%* tol* Mo- a&out the *ispersant Da*%s

)o-pan ha* use*. 70 haven%t seen an sign of it+8 she%* sai*. 7Or of an of that oil people were )o-plaining a&out so -u)h.8 7That%s the point+ Mother+8 Mo- ha* sai*. 7@ust &e)ause ou )an%t see it *oesn%t -ean it isn%t there. No one ,nows what *a-age it )oul* *o to the e)os ste- ears fro- now.8 7Oh+ for Go*%s sa,e+ De&orah+8 Gran*-a ha* sai*. 70 put in - )lai- for lost tourist in)o-e+ an* that )o-pan pai* up pronto+ ever last )ent. So 0%- sorr + &ut wh shoul* 0 )are a&out a &un)h of *u-& &ir*s48 70n an )ase+8 $i)har* S-ith was sa ing+ 7 our gran*father an* 0 alwa s espouse* a theor that there -ust &e as -an @ohn #a *ens in the universe 6 souls who+ for whatever reason+ are *estine* to spen* eternit sorting out the spirits of the *ea* an* setting the- on the path to their final *estinations 6 as there are "n*erworl*s.8

7But then how *i* 0 get sent to this "n*erworl*+ in 0sla #uesos+ when 0 *ie* in Conne)ti)ut48 0 as,e*. 73oul*n%t it have -a*e -ore sense for -e to go to one in+ sa + Bri*geport48 0%* &een to Bri*geport. 0f there was an "n*erworl* in the tristate area+ it *efinitel see-e* to -e it woul* &e lo)ate* un*er Bri*geport. #e loo,e* thoughtful. 7(ou sai* ou -et hi- &efore+ when ou were seven. Ma &e that%s wh .8 0 shoo, - hea*. 0t wasn%t that ever thing Mr. S-ith was sa ing *i*n%t -a,e sense.;0t was 2ust that 0 )oul*n%t &elieve 0%* &een so &lin* for so long. An* 0 still ha* so -an 9uestions. 7An* there%s nothing an one )an *o48 0 as,e* the )e-eter sexton. 7A&out the Furies4 To help @ohn48 #e s-ile* at -e a little sa*l . 73hat *o ou propose we *o a&out the-+ Miss Oliviera4 (ou%re tal,ing a&out a region where people%s souls go

after the %re *eparte*. Are we to storit with lighte* tor)hes an* pit)hfor,s4 #ow are we even to get there without * ing first48 0 wante* to )r . Furies see-e* li,e an even worse *isaster than the one Da*%s )o-pan ha* helpe* )ause. 7#ow *i* @ohn get )hosen for su)h a )ru-- 2o& an wa 48 0 as,e*. 70t *oesn%t see- fair. 3hat *i* he *o to *eserve it48 7That+8 Mr. S-ith sai* fir-l + )losing the &oo,+ 7is so-ething ou%re 2ust going to have to as, hi- ourself.8 0 flushe*. 70 )an%t tal, to hi-+8 0 sai* flatl . 7#e hates -e.8 7Oh.8 Mr. S-ith stoo* up. #e was )learl preparing to leave. 70%- )ertain that%s not true.8 7No+8 0 sai*. 7(ou *on%t un*erstan*. 0%ve trie* tal,ing to hi-. 0t%s all 0 )an *o 2ust to get hi- to listen. 0 trie* apologi1ing to hi- for what happene* 6 well+ when we -et. A&out the tea. An*

*o ou ,now what he *i*4 #e threw this ne),la)e a)ross the )e-eter .8 7Finall +8 Mr. S-ith sai*+ loo,ing vaguel a-use*+ 7an explanation for wh 0 foun* it next to the 3ol,ows, fa-il plot this -orning.8 7#e%s a night-are+8 0 sai*. 0t felt goo* finall to have so-eone to vent to a&out this stuff. So-eone who woul* a)tuall listen+ who ,new what 0 was tal,ing a&out. 0t was 2ust too &a* it was an ol* -an who )learl *i*n%t ,now a&out an thing ex)ept *eath *eities. 70 *on%t ,now what 0%- suppose* to *o. 0f 0%* ,nown a&out an of this 6 that 0sla #uesos was sitting on top of so-e ,in* of "n*erworl* 6 *o ou thin, 0%* have agree* to -ove here4 An* all 0 ever *i* was *ie. Then+ 2ust &e)ause 0 re)ogni1e* @ohn fro- -eeting hi- in this )e-eter when 0 was seven+ 0 thought he -ight &e a&le to help -e+ an* 0 )asuall -a*e a few suggestions as to how he )oul* run the pla)e a little &etter 68

The )e-eter sexton+ who%* starte* shuffling papers into his &rief)ase+ win)e*. 7Oh+ *ear. 0%- sure he *i*n%t li,e that.8 7(eah+8 0 sai*. 70 ,now+ right4 An* then the next thing 0 ,new+ he ha* -e in this roo- with a &e*+ sa ing we were going to &e spen*ing forever there or so-ething &e)ause 0 -isse* the &oat+ whi)h 0 happen to thin, he -a*e -e *o on purpose+ & the wa + an* what was 0 suppose* to *o4 0 was frea,ing out. (ou woul* have &een+ too.8 73ell+8 Mr. S-ith sai*. 7(es. 0%- sure 0 woul* have &een+ er+ frea,ing out.8 Su**enl + 0 was up an* pa)ing the little offi)e again+ )len)hing the ne),la)e. Outsi*e+ the rain strea-e* *own as har* as if all of the angels in heaven were weeping for -e at the sa-e ti-e. Ex)ept+ of )ourse+ the weren%t+ &e)ause 0 was prett sure all of the angels in heaven ha* turne* their &a),s on -e+ or none of this woul*

&e happening. 7Do ou reali1e that ever sin)e 0%ve gotten &a), fro- that pla)e+ ever ti-e 0 turn aroun*+8 0 infor-e* hi-+ 7he%s either giving so-eone a heart atta),+ or pulveri1ing their han*+ or s-ashing a gate right in front of -e+ an* 0%- the one who gets &la-e* for it4 Ever ti-eA8 #e loo,e* trou&le*. 70 har*l thin, ou )an hol* @ohn responsi&le for all of those 68 70 saw hi- *o itA8 0 ex)lai-e*. 70 ha* to ,eep hi- fro- *oing an thing worseA An* now ou%re sa ing 0%ve got to tal, to hi-4 #ow )an 0 tal, to hi-4 Ever ti-e 0 tal, to hi-+ so-ething horri&le happens. 0 )a-e here with -o- to tr to -a,e a new start+ to &e nor-al. Even though the wor* nor-al isn%t therapeuti)all &enefi)ial. But how )an 0 &e nor-al when ou tell -e 0 have to tal, to so-eone who%s in )harge of so-e "n*erworl*+ an* who+ & the wa + gave -e a ne),la)e

that #a*es gave Persephone+ an* P.S.+ ,ille* a thousan* people48 0 shoo, the *ia-on* at hi-. 7This whole thing is )ra1 .8 7No+8 Mr. S-ith sai*+ )losing his &rief)ase with a *eter-ine* snap an* turning towar*s -e with a fa)e that ha* su**enl gone as gri-l gra as the stone 0 hel* in - han*s. 70t isn%t. 0t all -a,es perfe)t sense to -e now. 3hen 0 first starte* wor,ing here+ @ohn was a )hallenge+ it is true. But 0 was a&le to get through to hi-+ pro&a&l &e)ause li,e ou+ 0%ve seen *eath.; There%s ver little that s)ares -e an -ore. But exa)tl a ear an* a half ago+ so-ething happene* that turne* @ohn into the+ er+ night-are ou *es)ri&e. 0 never ,new what it was until tonight &e)ause he woul*n%t tal, a&out it. But now 0 *o. 0t was ou.8 0 lowere* - ar- in surprise. The rain ha* starte* to sla),en off. But the tension in the sexton%s voi)e *i*n%t.

7Miss Oliviera+ 0 2ust &ur the *ea*. @ohn sorts out where their souls go after the %re *eparte*. 0 *on%t ,now what role ou pla in all this;&ut 0 *o ,now that ou nee* to figure it out+ an* ou nee* to *o it 9ui),l . Be)ause it too, -e -onths after ou )a-e along the first ti-e to get @ohn settle* *own. An* ever thing was fine until last night+ when ou got hi- all rile* up again. Next thing 0 ,now+ - gate is s-ashe*+ there%s a *ea* 9ueen%s ne),la)e l ing in - )e-eter + an* now a hurri)ane has sprung out of nowhere an* is apparentl hea*e* *ire)tl our wa . So if 0 -ight -a,e a suggestion for all our sa,es+ wh *on%t ou tr 8 6 his &rown e es were plea*ing 6 72ust &eing a little sweeter to that &o 48 0 opene* - -outh. There were a lot of things 0 wante* to sa to $i)har* S-ith. One was that no -atter how sweet 0 was to @ohn+ it wasn%t going to -a,e a *ifferen)e. @ohn was a wil* thing an*+ li,e an wil* thing+ was going

to *o whatever he wante*+ an* no one )oul* stop hi-. An* two+ it *i*n%t -atter how sweet 0 was to @ohn #a *en. #e )oul* go an where an* *o an thing he wante* to with 2ust a &lin, of his e e. But then 0 reali1e* sa ing all those things woul* &e the wrong thing to *o. 0t woul* &e li,e *ashing $i)har* S-ith%s ro-anti) notions of the "n*erworl*+ with its five rivers of sorrow an* la-ent an* whatnot. Pointing out the hi*eous truth 6 a&out the tattooe* guar*s an* the &oats an* the lines an* the free1ing &ea)h 6 to this ol* -an wasn%t going to -a,e an thing &etter. 3hat goo* woul* it *o4 0t woul* 2ust )rush hi-+ learning those things he love* *i*n%t reall exist. The sa-e wa it woul* )rush Mr. S-ith to ,now that @ohn ha* not+ whatever he -ight thin,+ fallen in love with -e+ for all he%* sai* he ,new nature &e)ause of what he%* seen in e es an* the fa)t that 0%* )are* -ore for

the poor people *own there than 0 ha* for - self. 0f he was so in love with -e+ as Mr. S-ith see-e* to &e i-pl ing+ wh ha*n%t he &een a little sweeter4 All those -onths when 0%* &een suffering in - own )offin+ instea* of popping up an* tr ing to ,ill people in front of -e+ wh ha*n%t he 2ust tol* -e he love* -e+ if that was true4 Of )ourse+ there was alwa s the possi&ilit he%* grown so wil* 6 &eing torture* night an* *a & Furies for letting -e get awa 6 he%* forgotten how i-portant it is to people to hear the wor*s 0 love ou. Ma &e he *i*n%t ,now how to sa the wor*s 0 love ou. #e )ertainl see-e* to have a pro&le- with the wor*s 0%- sorr . Oh+ Go*+ what was 0 *oing4 0 )oul*n%t &elieve 0 was even entertaining the i*ea of ta,ing Mr. S-ith%s suggestion seriousl . #e was an 0sla #uesos ,oo, 6 no *ifferent+ reall + in his own wa + than - gran*-other. 3ho owns a

,nitting store in a pla)e where the -e*ian te-perature is eight seven *egrees4 An* no won*er the %* appointe* $i)har* S-ith )e-eter sexton5 #e was o&sesse* with *eath *eitiesA Co-ing to his offi)e+ 0 reali1e*+ ha* &een a &a* i*ea. 3hat ha* 0 reall a))o-plishe*+ an wa 4 Nothing goo*. Ex)ept that 0 ha* gotten ne),la)e &a),. M ne),la)e that+ 0 ha* learne*+ ,ille* whoever tou)he* it. Great. 7/oo,+8 0 sai* to the )e-eter sexton+ *ropping the )hain &a), *own over hea*. 3hen 0 felt the pen*ant%s heav weight thu-p against heart+ 0 felt a little )al-er. 3hi)h in an* of itself was *epressing. 7Never -in*. 0t%s fine. 0 un*erstan*.8 #e loo,e* at -e in the la-plight. 7Do ou+ Miss Oliviera4 Be)ause 0 get the feeling 0 haven%t &een an -ore su))essful at getting through to ou than 0%ve ever &een at getting through to

@ohn.8 73ell+8 0 sai*+ 7now ou ,now wh 0 wasn%t so thrille* at the i*ea of spen*ing all of eternit with hi-. Be)ause he%s i-possi&le.8 The )e-eter sexton loo,e* thoughtful. 70-possi&le+ es+8 he a*-itte*+ after a few se)on*s. 7But interesting. /i,e ou. An* eternit is a long ti-e. So if ou have to spen* it with so-eone+ 0 )oul* see wanting to spen* it with so-eone i-possi&le;&ut interesting.8 As turtle!*oves+ )alle* onwar* & *esire+ 3ith open an* stea* wings to the sweet nest Fl through the air & their volition &orne. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto : #one + so-e &o s stoppe* & to see ou. The ha* woo*.8 That%s the first thing Mo- sai* to -e when 0 got ho-e. 0t too, -e a -inute to figure out what she was tal,ing a&out.

Then 0 reali1e* what -ust have happene*. 7Sorr + Mo-+8 0 sai*+ when - anger at Seth $e)tor ha* a&ate* enough to allow -e to spea,. 70 *i*n%t tell the- the )oul* *o that. 0 sai* 0 ha* to as, ou if it was o,a first.8 7That%s what the sai*.8 Mo- was in our new ,it)hen 6 whi)h 0 guess wasn%t so new an -ore 6 -a,ing pasta. 7But the sai* the )oul*n%t get through to ou. Sin)e our phone was in our &oo, &ag in the garage 6 as 0 foun* out when 0 trie* to )all ou+ too+ an* that%s where 0 finall hear* it ringing 6 0%- guessing that%s pro&a&l wh .8 0 win)e*. 0 )oul*n%t &elieve 0%* spa)e* this. A)tuall + 0 )oul*. No won*er there was so -u)h spe)ulation over at Gran*-a%s a&out -e. 7Mo-+8 0 sai*. 70%- so sorr . But the shoul*n%t have 2ust 68 7#one + it%s all right+8 she sai*+ sli*ing a

&owl in front of -e as 0 sat *own at the )ounter. 7The explaine* that it was for Coffin Night+ so 0 tol* theit was fine an* let the- )o-e in. The see-e* ver ni)e. Even if the -a%a-e* -e.8 Mo- -o), s)owle* as she too, a seat next to -e in front of her own &owl of pasta. She hate* &eing )alle* -a%a-. She sai* it -a*e her feel ol*+ an* won*ere* when she%* gone fro- &eing a -iss to a -a%a-. She *i*n%t see- to hol* it against Seth an* his frien*s+ though+ nor *i* she give -e her usual le)ture a&out forgetting )ell phone. 0 foun* out wh after her ga1e fell on the )hain aroun* - ne),. 7Oh+8 she sai*. 7(ou%re wearing it. That%s funn . To*a in the New Pathwa s offi)e+ 0 )oul* have sworn that horri&le ol* -an fro- the )e-eter 68 She -a*e a fa)e+ then too, a sip frothe glass of wine she%* poure* herself. 7(ou ,now what4 Never -in*. Ma &e 0

nee* &ifo)als. An wa + 0 assu-e* it was all right to let the- in. 0t was+ wasn%t it48 3hat )oul* 0 sa 4 0%* &een inten*ing to tell Seth an* his frien*s that+ unfortunatel + - -o- ha* sai* no. Too &a*+ so sa*. #ow ha* the ,nown this was what 0%* &een planning on *oing4 No won*er Alex hate* the- so -u)h. The *irt snea,s. 0 put a fa,e s-ile on - fa)e an* sai*+ 7No+ Mo-. 0t%s great. Super+ in fa)t. Exa)tl what 0 wante*.8 Oh+ well+ 0 tol* - self. At least this wa 0 )oul* ena)t Phase One of - plan5 Steal Serena%s )ell phone+ fin* in)ri-inating photos on it <she see-e* li,e the t pe who%* have the-=+ then &la),-ail her into leaving 'a la alone. 7An wa + ou%ll never guess what happene*+8 Mo- sai*. 7(ou ,now that gu Ti- fro- our New Pathwa s progra-4 3ell+ he as,e* -e out.8 She win,e*. 7That%s wh 0 *on%t reall -in*

so -u)h that those frien*s of ours -a%a-e* -e. 0 guess our ol* -o-%s still got it.8 7Mo-+8 0 sai*+ lowering - spoon. 70%a)tuall eating right now.8 7Don%t worr +8 she sai* with a grin. 70 ,new ou%* feel that wa a&out it. That%s wh 0 tol* hi- 0 was too &us at the -o-ent to *ate. But it was still ver ni)e. #e as,e* -e to the &oat show next wee,en*. (ou have to a*-it+ Ti- is ver )ute.8 7Still eating+8 0 sai*. 7An* 0 *on%t have to a*-it an thing+ ex)ept that &etween ou an* Da*+ 0 *on%t ,now whi)h one of ou is going to ,ill -e sooner. Per-anentl . 0 -ean it.8 0 wante* to infor- her that 0 ha* 2ust foun* out her &irthpla)e was par,e* over an "n*erworl* 6 whi)h shoul*n%t reall have )o-e as -u)h of a surprise to her+ all things )onsi*ere*. But 0 *i*n%t want to *estro her goo* -oo*+ espe)iall sin)e she%* -a*e *inner an* &een so ni)e a&out the woo*+

even if that wasn%t exa)tl what 0 wante*. Mo- laughe* an* *ran, so-e of her wine. 7So 0 ta,e it we%re the lu), ho-e that%s &een sele)te* for the &uil*ing of the senior )lass )offin+8 she sai*+ ta)tfull )hanging the su&2e)t. 7#ow *i* ou -anage that on our first *a 4 (ou%re not even on a sports tea-.8 73e live in a gate* )o--unit +8 0 sai*+ sullenl sta&&ing a pie)e of &ro))oli 0 )oul* see she%* hi**en in the pasta so 0%* get so-e vegeta&les. 7No one )an *rive & an* see what we%re *oing unless the live here.8 7Oh+8 Mo- sai* ,nowingl . 7The %ve wise* up. The use* to 2ust &uil* the- in so-eone%s -ausoleu- in the )e-eter for that reason.8 7(eah+8 0 sai*+ giving a little shiver. 73ell+ the )an%t use the )e-eter an -ore &e)ause the poli)e are onto the- a&out that.8 3hi)h woul* explain wh + when 0%* a))epte* Mr. S-ith%s offer of a ri*e

ho-e 6 the rain ha* let up & then+ &ut not enough to -a,e ri*ing through it -ore te-pting than a seat in his war-+ *r -inivan 6 we%* run into @a*e+ )ounselor fro- New Pathwa s+ )ruising aroun* the )e-eter in &i) )le shorts an* a plasti) rain pon)ho with 0#PD written on it. 73hat in heaven%s na-e are ou *oing out here48 Mr. S-ith ha* put *own his win*ow to as, as she%* ri**en up. 7Don%t tell -e the *i*n%t )an)el patrol on a night li,e this. #aven%t the hear* there%s a hurri)ane )o-ing48 @a*e put *own her hoo* an* grinne* at us. 70t%s 2ust a wat)h+ not a warning+8 she sai*+ referring to the hurri)ane. Then she pointe* the &ea- froher &i,e light into the )ar. 70s that ou+ Pier)e4 3hat are ou *oing in there with Mr. S-ith48 7"-+8 0 sai*+ a little e-&arrasse* that 0%* )hosen the -inivan over - &i,e when @a*e evi*entl *i*n%t -in* the rain at all. 0 was the one wearing a

ne),la)e that apparentl war*e* off *e-ons+ an* 0 was s)are* of so-e *ri11le. Also+ 0 ha* no i*ea how to answer her 9uestion a&out what 0 was *oing in $i)har* S-ith%s -inivan. #e answere* for -e. 70 saw her out ri*ing in that last *ownpour+8 he sai*. 7An* ha* -er) on her. 0%- ta,ing her ho-e. Are ou sure 0 )an%t *o the sa-e for ou4 #er &i) )le is still lo),e* up over & the gate+ so there%s plent of roo- to put ours in the &a), here+ if ou )hoose to. 3hi)h 0 highl re)o--en*.8 7Naw+8 @a*e sai*+ putting her hoo* &a), up as another )ar *rove & + splashing water ever where+ its high &ea-s flashing against the si*es of the near& )r pts as the loo-e* &ehin* the high+ spi,e* &la), -etal fen)e. 7Are ou ,i**ing -e4 0%- having the ti-e of life out here patrolling with the 0#PD. The gave -e a wal,ie!tal,ie an* ever thing.8 She pulle* up the rain pon)ho to reveal the two!wa ra*io on

her hip. 73e%re gonna -a,e sure no -ore &a**ies -ess with our gate+ Mr. S. An* if the *o+ 0%- going to pepper!spra the-+ *on%t ou worr .8 0 leane* forwar* in - seat. This was ri*i)ulous. @a*e was ri*ing her &i,e aroun* the grave ar*+ at night+ in a rainstor-+ &e)ause of so-ething @ohn ha* *one4 She was going to get all wet for nothing. Not to -ention+ @ohn%s wor*s fro- the night &efore were still ringing in - ears5 0t%s not safe for ou here. 70 reall *on%t thin, 68 0 starte* to sa + &ut Mr. S-ith interrupte*. 7That%s fine+ @a*e+8 he sai*. 70t%s ou an* Offi)ers $o*rigue1 an* Poling tonight48 7Till one in the -orning+8 she sai* )heerfull . 7The %re going aroun* in the s9ua* )ar.8 She -a*e a fa)e at -e. 7/i,e little &a&ies+ all snug an* war-.8 0 *i*n%t laugh. 7$eall +8 0 sai* again. 70 thin, ou shoul* 68

70 *on%t thin, ou%re going to see an a)tion tonight &e)ause of the rain+8 the )e-eter sexton interrupte* -e again. 7But the offi)ers have the ,e s to get into - offi)e if ou nee* an thing+ an* of )ourse the )hief of poli)e has - ho-e nu-&er. #ave fun. An* &e safe.8 She grinne* an* salute*+ then ro*e off. 0 loo,e* &ehin* us as Mr. S-ith hit the power win*ow to )lose it. 73h *i*n%t ou -a,e her get in the )ar48 0 *e-an*e*. 7That%s )o-pletel nuts+ ri*ing aroun* on a &i,e in this weather 68 7Pro&a&l the safest night shift she )oul* pull+8 he sai*+ 7with this sill prograour s)hool has. Pairing tea)hers up with the poli)e. Ma,es no sense to -e. Nothing the tea)h ou ,i*s in s)hool to*a -a,es sense to -e.8 7She%s not a tea)her+8 0 sai*+ still loo,ing &a), at her &i,e lights as she pe*ale* awa . 7She%s a )ounselor. An* she%s reall ni)e. This is so

stupi*.8 70t *oesn%t -atter. No one%s going to &e out on a night li,e this+ an wa . An* what *i* ou -ean+ -a,e her get in the )ar4 (ou%re a strange girl. #ow+ pre)isel + *o ou -a,e a wo-an li,e that *o an thing4 (ou saw herB she%s having fun. She%ll &e perfe)tl safe+ 2ust li,e ou were+ the -an ti-es ou ro*e our &i,e through )e-eter . Nothing &a* will happen to her. @ohn will see to that.8 7@ohn tol* -e the )e-eter wasn%t safe+8 0 explaine* to hi-. 7#e tol* -e that last night. #e tol* -e never to )o-e &a),. #e sai* if 0 *i*+ 0%* en* up *ea*+ forever this ti-e. That%s when he ,i),e* the gate.8 Mr. S-ith )hu),le*. 7That soun*s li,e @ohn. 3as that &efore or after he threw the ne),la)e48 70t%s not funn +8 0 sai* with a s)owl. 73h woul* he sa it wasn%t safe if he *i*n%t -ean it48 7#e -eant it wasn%t safe for ou+8 the

)e-eter sexton sai*. 7Be)ause ou were )learl aggravating hi- so -u)h+ he felt li,e ,illing ou. But he *i*n%t -ean it literall . #e was exaggerating to -a,e a point. @ohn%s never ,ille* a wo-an et 6 that 0 ,now of 6 an* if he were to start now+ 0 assu-e he%* ,ill ou+ not our gui*an)e )ounselor. Goo* /or*+ *o the tea)h ou nothing in s)hool these *a s4 #ave ou ever hear* of h per&ole4 0 highl suggest ou loo, up the wor*+ Miss Oliviera+ if ou inten* to pursue a relationship with a *eath *eit .8 0%* given up after that. Espe)iall later+ after having )leare* the *ishes an* -a*e a halfhearte* atte-pt at - ho-ewor, 6 0 ha* to at least loo, as if 0 were tr ing 6 0 turne* on the eleven o%)lo), fore)ast an* saw that 0sla #uesos was now *ea* )enter insi*e the three!*a )one of un)ertaint . Fore)asters were still )alling it a wat)h+ so no eva)uations were &eing announ)e*+ &ut offi)ials were en)ouraging those living in 7low!l ing or

floo*prone areas8 to ta,e ne)essar pre)autions. An* sin)e the &ri*ges that atta)he* 0sla #uesos to the -ainlan* woul* )lose on)e win*s rea)he* sevent -iles per hour+ those who wishe* to relo)ate nee*e* to *o it soon+ espe)iall &e)ause the were opening up onl one shelter+ wa up in 'e /argo. 7Mo-+8 0 sai* nervousl . 7Are ou seeing this4 Shoul* we eva)uate or so-ething48 Mo- was on her laptop. 7Oh+ hone +8 she sai* *istra)te*l . 70t%s onl a wat)h. An* it%s going to hit Cu&a first. These stor-s alwa s *ie *own over Cu&a. An* the haven%t even )an)ele* s)hool to-orrow. 0f the haven%t )an)ele* s)hool+ it%s nothing. Trust -e on this. So 0 hope ou reall *i* *o our ho-ewor,8 6 she grinne* at -e 6 7&e)ause there%s no )han)e ou%re getting out of it.8 0 turne* off the T:+ feeling *e2e)te*. Not

that 0%* &een hoping for a hurri)ane to )o-e an* hit - s)hool. Onl a little ,i* woul* want so-ething li,e that. But when 0%* fli),e* on the lights in the garage while getting - &oo, &ag earlier an* seen the four!& !eights Seth ha* left there+ leaning up against all the out*oor furniture "n)le Chris ha* left sta),e* so neatl + 0 won*ere* how was 0 going to &rea, the news to Alex that 0 was on the Coffin Night )o--ittee with these people he hate* so -u)h. An* it ha* all ,in* of hit -e. 0t was too -u)h. All of it. 0 was going to have these people in - house+ &uil*ing a )offin that ha* so-ething to *o with a gu who was the ruler of this "n*erworl* that none of the- ,new existe*+ right un*erneath the islan* on whi)h the %* live* their whole lives.; 0f a hurri)ane *i* )o-e an* wipe all of us out+ at least 0 woul*n%t have to *eal. But that was no wa + 0 ,new+ to )ope

with - pro&le-s. Nor was )alling *a* an* telling hi- 0%* *e)i*e* to ta,e hi- up on his offer of &oar*ing s)hool. Be)ause 0 )oul*n%t help thin,ing Swit1erlan* was soun*ing prett te-pting all of a su**en. 0t woul* &rea, - -o-%s heart+ &ut she%* get over it if 0 )onvin)e* her it was so 0%* have a &etter )han)e of getting into a *e)ent )ollege. Surel + this woul* &e &etter than telling her the truth;that 0 nee*e* to get awa fro- this )ra1 pla)e she%* &rought -e to+ whi)h also happene* to &e on top of the exa)t pla)e 0%* spent ever *a sin)e 0%* *ie* tr ing to forget. 0 even went so far as to *ial Da*%s nu-&er as 0 was sitting there in the garage 6 after )arefull )losing the *oor so Mo- woul*n%t overhear. 73hat48 Da* elle*+ pi),ing up on the first ring+ as he alwa s *i* when 0 )alle*. 0 )oul* tell he was at a &usiness *inner. 0 )oul* hear the &u11 of )onversation an* )lin, of )utler in the &a),groun*. Da*

never ate at ho-e. 3h shoul* he+ when there was alwa s so-e )lient willing to ta,e hi- out to eat at one of Manhattan%s finest restaurants4 7Da*+8 0 sai*. 70s this a &a* ti-e48 7Never+8 he sai*. 70%- at that pla)e we went+ re-e-&er+ with that glass wall of wine &ottles that ou sai* shoul* spin aroun* so ou )oul* 2ust point to -a,e our sele)tion48 Su**enl + *a* was in a rage. 7But the *i* not i-ple-ent our suggestionA The ra),s still *on%t spinA8 7The %re stupi*+8 0 sai*. 7Da*+ 0 nee* our help. 0 have to get out of here.8 #e soun*e* *elighte*+ as 0%* ,nown he woul* &e. 0 hear* a snapping soun*. 7Plane+8 he sai* to so-eone. 70sla #uesos. To-orrow.8 70t%s 2ust+8 0 sai*+ 7there are so-e things going on. Mo-%s great+ ou ,now 68 70s she going out with an one48 Da* as,e*+ too )asuall . 7"h+8 0 sai*. 73hat4 No. Of )ourse not.

But 68 73hat48 Da* was su**enl elling. 7No. 0 sai* the KHHP Chateau /a Mission #aut Brion. Not the KHHQ. 0f 0 wante* the KHHQ+ 0%* have as,e* for the KHHQ. Are ou people tr ing to ,ill -e48 0 loo,e* *own at the *ia-on* on the en* of - gol* )hain. 0t was &a), to its usual )olor+ pale gra on the e*ges an* -i*night &lue insi*e. 3hat was 0 *oing4 0 )oul*n%t leave+ 0 reali1e*. Not now. /eaving now woul* &e no &etter than )rawling &a), insi*e - glass )offin. 7Da*+8 0 sai*+ ru&&ing - forehea*. 7Never -in*. 0 68 Da* got &a), on the phone with -e. 7Now the %re telling -e there%s so-e ,in* of hurri)ane )o-ing our wa . Di* ou ,now this4 0 tol* our -other not to go &a), to that go*forsa,en hellhole.8 #ellhole. Da*+ ou have no i*ea. 70t%s o,a + Da*+8 0 sai*. 70 )hange* -

-in*. 0 want to sta .8 7Pier)e+8 Da* sai*. 70t%s fine. 0 )an get the plane there. @ust the )o--er)ial airport is )lose*. All the pilot has to *o is lan* at the naval &ase+ an* then 0 )an get this frien* of -ine to pi), ou an* our -o- up.8 7/oo,+ Da*+8 0 sai*. 70t%s fine. 0 2ust ha* a wea, -o-ent. 0 have to go. Mo-%s )alling -e. Forget we ha* this )onversation. 0%ll tal, to ou at our usual ti-e on Sun*a .8 0 hung up. Mo- went to &e* right after the news+ whi)h she alwa s *oes. 0 too, a shower an* washe* - hair+ then threw on an an)ient )a-i an* pair of sleep shorts. B then the fee*er &an*+ or whatever it was+ ha* *ie*. The rain ha* stoppe*. Pee,ing out through the )urtains of - &e*roowin*ow+ 0 )oul* see that the s, was )o-pletel )lear an* the stars were out. The lights Mo-%s environ-entall )ons)ious lan*s)aper ha* strategi)all plante* at the &ase of a few

of the ro al pal-s in our &a), ar* ha* )o-e on an* shine* up against the trun,s+ even though - -oha* frette* a&out 7light pollution8 an* worrie* the lights woul* )ause )onfusion to -igrator &ir*s. The lan*s)aper ha* loo,e* at her an* sai*+ 7Ma%a-+ 0 thin, the &ir*s will &e fine. An* these low!watt &ul&s will -a,e it so ou )an see if there are an prowlers in the &a), ar* without having to use high!energ se)urit lights.8 0%* fixate* on the wor* prowlers. 73e%ll ta,e the-+8 0%* sai* fir-l . Peering out into the ar*+ 0 saw that Mo- ha* left the pool lights on. Now stea- )a-e off the tur9uoise!&lue surfa)e in the hu-i*it left after the stor-. There was so-ething s-all an* &la), floating in the -i**le of the pool. A &o* . Not 2ust floating. Struggling. 3hatever it was 6 an* it was tin 6

it ha* legs. An* it was pu-ping the- in a franti) effort to get to the stairs an* save itself &efore it *rowne*. But it )oul*n%t save itself. Be)ause even if it rea)he* the stairs+ it woul*n%t &e a&le to pull itself up onto the first step. 0t was too s-all. An one )oul* see that. 0 let the )urtain fall &a),. 3h -e4 That was all 0 ha* to sa . @ust; 3h . Me. Sighing+ 0 left - roo-+ -oving through the *ar,ness of the se)on*!floor hallwa . 0 )oul* hear Mo-%s gentle &reathing through the open *oor to her roo-. She )oul* fall asleep faster+ an* sta sleeping har*er+ than an hu-an &eing 0%* ever ,nown. 3hen 0 rea)he* the Fren)h *oors to the &a), ar*+ 0 entere* the )o*e into the alar-+ then opene* the-. Stepping outsi*e was li,e stepping into soup. That%s how hu-i* it was.

Frogs were )roa,ing ever where. A )i)a*a s)rea-e*. So-ewhere &ehin* the twelve!foot Spanish wall )rawling with &ougainvillea+ a )at 6 or possi&l a tree rat 6 -a*e rustling noises. 0 ignore* the- all+ wal,ing &arefoot *own the stone path towar*s the pool+ intent on - -ission. The &ri), path was still wet fro- the stor-+ an* )overe* in snails. There was enough glow fro- the lights at the &ase of the ro al pal-s for -e to &e a&le to see the snails an* avoi* stepping on the-. Mo- ha* not onl left the pool lights on+ she%* left the waterfall running+ too. The water )as)a*e* fro- a &lue an* green tile wall at the far en* of the pool. 0 wal,e* over to the little )ottage where we ,ept all the rafts an* )leaning e9uip-ent an* opene* the *oor. 0%* alrea* seen that the )reature struggling in the water was a &right green ge),o. Now he was in *anger of &eing su),e* into the filter.

7#ol* on+8 0 sai* to hi-+ pulling out one of the long!han*le* poles with a net on the en* the pool gu use* for s)ooping out *e&ris. 70%ve got ou.8 Se)on*s later+ 0%* s)oope* the ge),o up an* *roppe* hi- fro- the net onto the leaf of a hi&is)us &ush. Stunne* at first+ he 2ust sat there. Then+ see-ing to reali1e he wasn%t going to *ie+ he leape* awa . The applause see-e* to )o-e out of nowhere. 0 was so startle*+ 0 *roppe* the long silver pole into the pool. 0t splashe* &efore sin,ing to the &otto-. 7(ou *i*n%t+8 @ohn sai*+ stepping frothe sha*ows as he )lappe* for -e+ 7even hit our hea* this ti-e.8 An* rea* are the to pass o%er the river+ Be)ause )elestial @usti)e spurs the- on+ So that their fear is turne* into *esire. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 Seriousl .8 0 presse* a han* over heart. 0t was poun*ing so har*+ 0 thought

0 was going into )ar*ia) arrest. 7(ou have to stop *oing that.8 70%- sorr +8 he sai*+ lowering his han*s to his si*es. #e stoo* a)ross the &right &lue water+ as tall an* inti-i*ating as ever+ an* still *resse* all in &la), as usual+ whi)h was pro&a&l how 0 ha*n%t noti)e* hi- in the sha*ows. But so-ething a&out hi- was *ifferent. At first 0 thought it was his e es. Ma &e the were refle)ting the &lue light frothe pool+ &e)ause the see-e* to &e shining as &rightl as it was. But then 0 reali1e* it was so-ething else. An* when 0 *i*+ 0 gaspe*. 73ait+8 0 sai*+ ta,ing a few hesitant steps aroun* the e*ge of the pool towar*s hiso 0 )oul* get a &etter loo, at his expression. 7Di* ou 2ust sa what 0 thin, ou sai*48 #e sta e* where he was. #e loo,e* war + li,e the ge),o ha* when it fell onto

the hi&is)us leaf;li,e 3hat 2ust happene*4 0s this so-e ,in* of trap4 73hat48 he sai* *efensivel . 7(ou *i*+8 0 sai* in *is&elief. 3hen 0 rea)he* hi- 6 he never -ove* a -us)le the whole ti-e 0 pa**e*+ &arefoot+ aroun* the e*ge of the pool towar*s hi-+ until 0 was stan*ing 2ust a foot awa fro- hi- 6 0 )oul* see it et)he* in his fa)e+ in the glow fro- the lan*s)ape lights+ an* the wav refle)tion the water was )asting up frothe pool. 7(ou 2ust sai* ou were sorr .8 #is weight shifte* un)o-forta&l . So *i* his ga1e. #e loo,e* at the pool instea* of - fa)e. 70 was onl apologi1ing+8 he sai* stiffl + 7for startling ou. The applause was to )o-pli-ent ou on the i-prove-ent in our life!saving te)hni9ues sin)e the last ti-e ou 68 7No+8 0 sai*+ hol*ing up one han*+ palout. 7Stop. @ust stop. 3e nee* to tal,.

$eall tal,. 0 pro-ise 0 won%t )all ou na-es if ou pro-ise not to tr to ,ill an one.8 #is ga1e shifte* &a), to -ine. 0 rea* a - ria* of e-otions in his e es in that -o-ent 6 anger+ sha-e+ )onfusion+ pain a-ong the- 6 &efore it fell to - ne),la)e. 7(ou%re wearing it+8 he sai* in a voi)e 0%* never hear* hi- use &efore. 7(es+8 0 sai*. M heart still ha*n%t stoppe* its lou* thu-ping. The wa he was loo,ing at -e wasn%t helping. 70 saw $i)har* fin* it this -orning+8 he sai*. 70 saw ou go into his offi)e tonight.8 So he ha* &een there. 0 shoul* have ,nown. No won*er the weather ha* &een so awful. That%s when 0 reali1e* what it was that ha* &een in his voi)e;the thing 0%* never hear* &efore. Fear. #e was afrai*. Afrai* of what $i)har* S-ith -ight have tol* -e.

7(es+8 0 sai* again. 7/oo, 68 0 glan)e* aroun*. Though "n)le Chris ha* put all the out*oor furniture in the garage+ there was a single spot where the un)o-pro-ising heat ha* alrea* *rie* out a se)tion of flagstone & the si*e of the pool. 7Co-e here+8 0 sai*+ rea)hing for one of his han*s. #e too, a step &a),war*s 6 not exa)tl an,ing his fingers awa &ut not willing to let -e tou)h hi-. (et. 70t%s all right+8 0 sai* in what 0 hope* soun*e* li,e a soothing voi)e. #e reall was li,e that ge),o 6 unsure what we hu-ans -ight *o to hi-. 70 2ust want to sit *own so-ewhere that%s *r . 0t%s what 0 li,e+ re-e-&er4 Being *r .8 0 *on%t thin, he got the 2o,e. #e )ontinue* to e e -e suspi)iousl as 0 sei1e* his han* an* pulle* hi- towar*s the spot where 0 wante* to sit *own;an* even after 0 let go of his han* an* sat *own at the e*ge of the pool+ putting &oth - feet in the )ool water+

he 2ust stoo* there for a -o-ent+ loo,ing at -e as if he )oul*n%t figure out what+ exa)tl + was going on. 0 *e)i*e* to ignore hi-. This is what ou *i* with wil* things+ 0%* learne* fro- volunteering with ani-al res)ue groups. 0t wor,e*. /et thefigure out on their own that ou aren%t a threat+ that ou aren%t even intereste* in the- at all+ reall . Then+ eventuall + if ou were ver lu), + the )o-e to ou. 3hi)h+ after a while+ @ohn *i*+ sitting )ross!legge* &esi*e -e;&ut loo,ing prepare* to ta,e off at the slightest sign of *anger. 3hi)h was ironi)+ )onsi*ering he was a *eath *eit . 0 *i*n%t even thin, a&out suggesting he ta,e the &oots off. There%* pro&a&l &e an apo)al pse or so-ething. So-ewhere in the ar*+ the )i)a*a+ whi)h ha* ta,en a &rea,+ starte* up again. Fortunatel + the soun* of the falling water was strong enough to

*rown out it an* the frogs. 73hat *i* $i)har* sa 48 he as,e* finall + after we%* sat there for a -inute in total silen)e. #e see-e* stunne*+ whi)h 0 guess was un*erstan*a&le. 0%* neither s)rea-e*+ )alle* hi- na-es+ nor thrown an thing at hi-+ a first in our relationship. #e ha* to &e won*ering what the )e-eter sexton )oul* possi&l have sai* to pro*u)e this )hange in - attitu*e towar*s hi-. 73ell+8 0 sai* slowl . 0 )oul*n%t 9uite &elieve - self that an of this was happening. 0 wasn%t 9uite sure how it was happening. 0f an one ha* tol* -e+ even an hour earlier+ that it was going to+ 0 never woul* have &elieve* the-. But now+ so-ehow+ it see-e* natural. Be sweet. That%s what $i)har* ha* sai*. 3ell+ that was one -an%s opinion. 7#e sai* this ne),la)e ha* ,ille* a thousan* people+8 0 sai*. @ohn i--e*iatel tense* up+ as if he

were going to get up an* leave 6 or possi&l throw -e in the pool. 7#e +8 0 sai* in what 0 hope* was still a soothing voi)e+ rea)hing out an* la ing a han* on his ,nee. 7(ou as,e* what he sai*. 0%- 2ust telling ou.8 The han* see-e* to wor,. #e sta e* where he was+ the tension leaving his &o* . 7That wasn%t the ne),la)e+8 he sai*+ s)owling. 7Do ou thin, 0%* give ou so-ething that ,ills people4 3h woul* 0 *o that4 The Furies *i* that &e)ause the were angr that the stone wasn%t &eing use* & the person for who- it was inten*e*.8 7An* who is that48 0 as,e*. @ohn s)owle* so-e -ore. 7(ou ,now perfe)tl well who. $i)har* sai* he tol* ou. Are ou flirting with -e48 7Of )ourse not+8 0 sai*+ hoping he )oul*n%t tell in the pool lights that 0 was &lushing. 70%- 2ust tr ing to ,eep the fa)ts straight. Mr. S-ith tal,e* an awful lot a&out the Furies.8

#e frowne*. 7$i)har*%s o&sesse* with the Furies.8 73ell+8 0 sai*+ 7the see- prett awful. #e sai* the %re the spirits of the *ea* who are unhapp with where the en*e* up.8 #e s)owle* so-e -ore+ &ut at the pool+ not -e. 7That%s -ore or less a))urate.8 7An* ou tol* -e+8 0 sai*+ 7the %re the ones who *o the punishing if people &rea, the rules in our worl*. That%s how ou got these48 0 tra)e* a s)ar on one of his han*s+ whi)h was resting near -ine. For on)e+ he *i*n%t 2er, his han* awa . Though his ga1e *i* leave the water an* fo)use* on - fingers instea*. 7(es+8 he sai* 9uietl . 7An* now there are Furies after -e+8 0 sai*. Now that &right silver ga1e finall turne* full on - fa)e. 7There aren%t an Furies after ou+8 he sai*. #e loo,e* genuinel pu11le*. 73h

shoul* there &e48 73ell+8 0 sai*. Be)ause ou )hose -e+ 0 wante* to sa . /i,e #a*es )hose Persephone. 0 opte* to pla it safe+ however+ in )ase he a))use* -e of flirting again+ an* settle* instea* for sa ing+ 7Be)ause ou gave -e the ne),la)e.8 7An* ou threw a )up of tea in - fa)e+8 he re-in*e* -e *ril . 7Then ou left. 0%fairl )ertain even the Furies got that -essage lou* an* )lear. The %re har*l li,el to )o-e after so-eone who hates -e 2ust as -u)h as the *o. 0n fa)t+ the Furies pro&a&l )onsi*er ou one of their )losest allies.8 0 -ove* - han* awa fro- his+ stung; even if -ost of what he%* sai* was true. 3ell+ the tea part+ an wa . 70 tol* ou+ 0 onl *i* that &e)ause 0 was s)are*+8 0 sai*. 7An* 0%- not a Fur . Although 0 *on%t thin, it woul* hurt if ou )he),e* ourself a little -ore often+ &efore ou went aroun* wre),ing

ourself.8 3hen he 2ust stare* at -e+ un)o-prehen*ing+ 0 explaine*+ 7(ou )oul* &e slightl -ore hospita&le to guests when the arrive in our worl*+ an* ou )oul* also not go aroun* tr ing to -ur*er inno)ent people all the ti-e+ li,e that 2eweler ou al-ost ,ille*.8 #e loo,e* in*ignant. 7#e wasn%t inno)ent. #e was an ass. #e shoul* never have tou)he* ou. #e *eserve* ever thing he got.8 0 lifte* - ga1e to the stars+ whi)h &urne* )ol* an* )lear a&ove us+ now that the )lou*s ha* parte*. Be)ause 0sla #uesos was so s-all an* so far fro- the -ainlan* an* an -a2or )it + 0 )oul* see wa -ore stars in - &a), ar* here than 0%* ever &een a&le to see in &a), ar* in 3estport. So-eti-es 0 even )aught gli-pses of the Mil, 3a . 7@ohn+8 0 sai*+ fighting for patien)e. 7Mr. S-ith tol* -e Furies )an possess an hu-an the want to+ if the have a wea,

enough )hara)ter.8 7The )an+8 @ohn sai*+ soun*ing s,epti)al. 7But the har*l ever *o unless it%s to punish -e so-ehow. So 0 still *on%t un*erstan* wh ou thin, the woul* )o-e after ou+ when ou%ve -a*e it so )lear ou want nothing to *o with -e.8 0 lowere* - ga1e fro- the stars to loo, at hi-. #e was so frustrating. 73h else *o ou thin, that ol* -an was so intereste* in the ne),la)e48 0 *e-an*e*. 70f he wasn%t a Fur 48 7Ma &e &e)ause he was a 2eweler+8 he pointe* out. 0 &urie* - fa)e in - han*s. #ow was 0 ever going to get through to hi-4 73hat a&out - tea)her+ Mr. Mueller48 0 as,e* fro- &etween - fingers. 7Are ou tr ing to tell -e he%s not a Fur 48 7(ou 2ust a*-itte* to -e last night that ou put ourself in that *anger+8 @ohn sai*. 0 saw+ when 0 lowere* - han*s+ his expression *ar,en. 7(ou

willingl wal,e* into it in or*er to trap hi-. #e *i*n%t )o-e after ou.8 0 wante* to )orre)t hi-. Mr. Mueller ha* ver -u)h )o-e after -e+ & going after - &est frien*. But he ha*n%t ,ille* #annah. She%* ,ille* herself. Still; 73hat he *i* to #annah was wrong+8 0 sai*. 7So-eone nee*e* to stop hi-.8 7But ou *i*n%t reall want hi- *ea*+8 he sai*. 0n the *an)ing &lue light )ast & the pool+ his expression was half grave+ half a-use*. 7(ou ,now how ou are+ Pier)e. (ou )a-e out of the house at -i*night to s)oop a li1ar* out of the swi--ing pool to save it fro* ing.8 7#ow *o ou ,now that48 0 as,e* won*eringl . 7"nless;8 0 &ro,e off+ staring at hi-+ reali1ation *awning at last. 73ait. (ou threw that li1ar* into the pool. (ou ,new 0%* see it an* )o-e out here to save it+ an* then ou )oul* tal, to -e. Di*n%t ou48 #e *i*n%t even &other *en ing it.

0nstea*+ he leane* forwar* until his fa)e was 2ust in)hes fro- -ine to )ounter+ 70f $i)har* S-ith tol* ou so -an terri&le things a&out that ne),la)e+ li,e that it ,ille* a thousan* people+ an* that Furies woul* )o-e after an girl 0 gave it to in or*er to hurt -e through her 6 whi)h ou o&viousl &elieve or ou woul*n%t &e as,ing -e all these 9uestions 6 wh are ou still wearing it4 0 thought ou hate* -e &e)ause 0%- su)h a 2er,.8 M pulse gave a violent leap. 3as it &e)ause of the 9uestion 6 he%* seen right through -e 6 or his su**en proxi-it 4 70 *o+8 0 sai*+ )li-&ing to - feet in what 0 hope* loo,e* li,e an in*ignant -anner+ though inwar*l + 0 was sha,ing. 70n fa)t+ 0%- going &a), insi*e. 0n the future+ @ohn+ 0 woul* appre)iate it if ou woul* sta on our si*e of the islan*+ an* 0 will sta on -ine. Also if ou *i*n%t tr to ,ill people 6 or li1ar*s 6 to get - attention. Goo*

night.8 But 0 ha*n%t gone -ore than a single step &efore - han* was sei1e*. The next thing 0 ,new+ he was pulling -e &a), 6 2ust as 0%* ta,en hi- & the han* an* pulle* hi- earlier. Onl he ha*n%t even &othere* to get up. #e -erel pulle* -e into his lap. 0 was so surprise* to fin* - self there+ at first 0 )oul* onl stare up at his fa)e in sho),+ tr ing to -a,e sense of what ha* 2ust happene*. 7@ohn+8 0 starte* to sa . 7(ou reall )an%t 2ust 68 Then his lips )a-e *own over -ine. An* all of it 6 the soun* of the waterfall+ an* the )roa,ing frogs+ an* the whine of the )i)a*a+ an* the lights at the &ase of the pal- trees+ an* the wav &lue refle)tion of the pool water over ever thing 6 went awa + an* it was onl a&out @ohn an* the har*ness of his ar-s as the tightene* aroun* -e+ an* the woo*! s-o,e s-ell of hi-+ an* the softness of his hair &eneath - fingers+

an* the wa 0 )oul* feel his heart *ru--ing against -ine+ an* the fa)t that 0 )oul*n%t &elieve an of this was happening+ )oul*n%t &elieve it ha* never happene* &efore+ )oul*n%t &elieve 0%* never allowe* it to happen &efore+ never wante* it to stop.; 73ait+8 0 sai* &reathlessl + pulling -outh awa fro- his. 7@ohn. 3ait.8 0 ha* to put a han* to his )hest an* ph si)all push hi- &a),. 73ait a -inute. 8 73hat48 #is ar-s ha*n%t loosene* their hol* on -e one iota. 73hat%s wrong48 3hat was wrong4 Ever thing. Nothing. 0 *i*n%t ,now. 0 )oul*n%t thin,. 0 felt as if the Mil, 3a + hovering a&ove our hea*s li,e a )elestial pit)her+ ha* su**enl overturne*+ pouring suns an* planets *own - throat. Stars see-e* to &e shooting out of - fingers an* toes+ the en*s of - hair. 73e )an%t *o this+8 0 sai*+ even as he was ,issing - throat. 7(es+8 he sai*+ a glow in his e es 0%*

never seen there &efore. 73e )an.8 7No+8 0 sai*. 70 -ean+ 0 )an%t.8 M pulse was ra)ing so fast+ 0 thought - heart was going to explo*e right out of )hest+ the wa it ha* see-e* to when 0%* run *own those steps awa fro- hi-. Onl now it was *efinitel not fro- epinephrine. 70 nee* to thin, a&out this.8 #e lifte* his hea* to loo, *own at -e. 70%ve given ou long enough to thin, a&out it+8 he sai*. 7Al-ost two ears. (ou wore the ne),la)e that whole ti-e. (ou even too, it &a), after 0 gave ou a )han)e to &e free+ & throwing it awa . Now ou ,now what it is+ an* ou%re still wearing it. (ou ,now what that -eans+ Pier)e.8 0 reali1e* now what the glow was in his e es. 0t was triu-ph. No won*er - heart was &eating so fast. #e was fire+ an* 0 was ,in*ling. 0 was *oo-e*. 7All that -eans+8 0 assure* hi-+

struggling to wiggle out of his ar-s+ 7is that it%s possi&le ou aren%t as &ig a 2er, as 0 -a on)e have a))use* ou of &eing.8 To - relief+ he let go of -e. #e *i*n%t loo, happ a&out it+ 2ust li,e the ti-e 0%* -a*e hi- let Mr. Mueller go. But he *i*. 70t -eans ou )are a&out -e+8 he sai*. 70 )are a&out ever one+8 0 retorte*. 7(ou sai* so on)e ourself. 0%- a ver )aring person.8 73hen )an 0 see ou again48 he *e-an*e*. Of )ourse he%* seen right through -e. M sar)as- was 2ust a *efense -e)hanis- to hi*e how trul unnerve* 0 was at - &o* %s rea)tion to his. 0%* ,nown fro- the fa)t that 0 ha*n%t &een a&le to ,eep awa fro- the )e-eter that 0 was *rawn to hi-. But 0%* &een telling - self it ha* 2ust &een &e)ause of the unfinishe* &usiness &etween us. An* the fa)t that he ,ept going aroun* tr ing to ,ill

people on - &ehalf. #ow )oul* 0 ever have anti)ipate* what 0%* hear* in $i)har* S-ith%s offi)e4 Or this;the i--e*iate )he-i)al rea)tion that see-e* to o))ur when our lips -et4 M -outh was still tingling. 3hat *i* an of it -ean4 3here )oul* it go4 #e was a *eath *eit . 0 was a senior in high s)hool. This was never going to wor,. #e *i*n%t share - pessi-isti) views. 7To-orrow+8 he sai*+ )li-&ing to his feet. #is ga1e see-e* to )onsu-e -e. 70 will see ou here to-orrow. At *awn.8 7@ohn+8 0 sai*+ sha,ing - hea*. This was happening wa too fast. 7No. Not *awn. That%s when nor-al people are still sleeping. Plus+ 0 have s)hool.8 7Dus,+ then.8 The silver e es flashe*. 7Meet -e here at *us,.8 7@ohn. 3e nee* to tal, a&out this rationall . (ou warne* -e last night+8 0 sai*+ 7not to go &a), to the )e-eter .

That it wasn%t safe for -e there. 3as that 2ust h per&ole48 0 ha* loo,e* up the wor*. 0t -eans an exaggerate* state-ent not inten*e* to &e ta,en literall . 7Or *i* ou reall -ean it48 #e steppe* forwar*+ wrappe* an araroun* - waist+ pulle* -e against hi-+ then ,isse* -e so-e -ore. 0t was i-possi&le to thin, a&out the )e-eter or Furies or Coffin Night when he was ,issing -e. 0t was i-possi&le to &elieve an thing &a* )oul* happen+ ever+ when he was ,issing -e. All 0 )oul* thin, a&out was hi-. #e let his -outh linger on -ine+ neither possessivel nor sweetl ;li,e his -outh 2ust &elonge* there on -ine. An* he was right. 0t *i*. 0t alwa s ha*. 0 )oul*n%t &elieve 0 ha*n%t ,nown this &efore. Ma &e 0 ha*. Ma &e that ha* &een the pro&le- all along. 3hen he finall let go of -e+ 0 felt as if

- s,in -ight a)tuall &e giving off the sa-e shi--er refle)tion as the pool water. 7(ou shoul* ver + ver *efinitel sta out of the )e-eter +8 he sai* in a slightl rasp voi)e. 7That is not h per&ole. 0%ll -eet ou here to-orrow night at seven o%)lo),. 0 won%t wait a -inute longer. 3herever ou are then+ 0%ll )o-e loo,ing for ou.8 #e loo,e* *own at pa2a-as an* frowne* a little. 73ear that *ress ou ha* on last night+ the one with the &uttons.8 An* then he was gone. An* as the wings of starlings &ear theon 0n the )ol* season in large &an* an* full+ So *oth that &last the spirits -ale*i)t; DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto : The next -orning+ 0 *i*n%t get up so -u)h as float up. 7(ou%re in a goo* -oo*+8 Mo- sai* as 0 poure* -il, on - )ereal. 73hat48 0 as,e* her *istra)te*l .

7(ou%re hu--ing+8 she sai* with a s-ile. 7(ou see- li,e ou%re in a goo* -oo*.8 7Mo-+8 0 sai*. 7(ou ,now that gu Ti-48 She raise* her e e&rows. 7(es48 7(ou shoul* totall go to the &oat show with hi-. 0 thin, it woul* &e goo* for ou.8 7$eall 48 she sai*+ loo,ing a-use*. 73hat )ause* this )hange of heart48 7Oh+8 0 sai*. 70 *on%t ,now. (ou shoul* &e happ .8 73ell+8 Mo- sai*. 7Than, ou+ Pier)e. That is so generous of ou to give -e our per-ission to &e happ .8 She loo,e* thoughtful. 7Ma &e 0 will give hi- a )all later+ though. 0 was thin,ing the New Pathwa s ,i*s -ight li,e a tour of the -arine la&. (ou ,now we%ve -a*e a lot of stri*es in 68 7(ou *o that+ Mo-+8 0 sai*+ an* patte* her on the shoul*er. 0 wasn%t so &lisse* out that 0 wante* to hear a&out the stri*es the -arine la& was -a,ing.

0n the )ar to s)hool+ Alex wasn%t so a-use* & - goo* -oo*. 70%- still -a* at ou for ester*a +8 he sai*+ hon,ing at a )hi),en that woul*n%t get out of the -i**le of the roa*. There were )hi),ens an* roosters all over 0sla #uesos. The ran wil* aroun* the islan*. 70t%s 2ust not )ool. Seth an* those gu s 6 the %re &a* news. (ou 2ust *on%t ,now.8 70 *o ,now+8 0 sai*. Alex ha* no i*ea what 0 ,new. But he%* re-in*e* -e of so-ething. #ow was 0 going to see @ohn if 0 ha* those stupi* A3ingers in - house+ &uil*ing that )offin4 An* what a&out "n)le Chris4 #e was suppose* to give -e *riving lessons after s)hool. Oh+ well. 0 *i*n%t )are. Ever thing woul* all sort itself out so-ehow. 0t alwa s *i*. 3hat *i* it -atter+ an wa 4 For the first ti-e in the longest ti-e 0 )oul* re-e-&er+ 0 was happ . Di*n%t 0 *eserve to &e happ 4 0 )ertainl thought so.

7Are ou even listening to -e48 Alex *e-an*e*. 3e were pulling into the par,ing lot at s)hool. 70%- sorr + what48 0 as,e* hi-. 7@esus+8 he sai*. 73hat is wrong with ou this -orning4 Di* ou not ta,e our pills48 70%- sorr + Alex+8 0 sai*. 70%- listening. 0t%s 2ust;well+ there%s so-ething 0 shoul* pro&a&l tell ou. But ou%re not going to li,e it.8 #e swung into a par,ing spa)e an* pulle* on the &ra,e. 70 swear to Go*+ Pier)e+8 he sai*. 70f ou tell -e ou%re going out with Seth $e)tor+ 0%going to throw ou out of this )ar.8 7No+8 0 sai*. 73hat4 Don%t &e stupi*. But those gu s ,in* of invite* the-selves over to - house to &uil* the senior )offin this ear.8 #e stare* at -e for what ha* to &e a full -inute. For a few se)on*s+ 0 a)tuall got s)are*+ thin,ing he -ight &e having a stro,e or so-ething. #is e es loo,e* as if the were starting to

)ross. 7/oo,+ Alex+8 0 sai* hurrie*l . 7Don%t &e -a*. 0 onl tol* the- the )oul* *o it if Mo- sai* es+ &e)ause ou saw how happ she loo,e* when ever &o* was tal,ing a&out Coffin Night in the New Pathwa s offi)e ester*a . An* then the 2ust showe* up with the woo* &efore 0 even got a )han)e to tal, to her. She let the- in. (ou ,now how -u)h she wants -e to fit in here. 0 )an totall tell the- to )o-e pi), up the woo* if it reall upsets ou 68 But & then he was alrea* sha,ing his hea*. 7Pier)e+8 he sai*. 7Pier)e+ Pier)e+ Pier)e.8 73hat48 0 as,e* anxiousl . 7Please *on%t tell -e an thing a&out how the &urne* *own the garage of the last gu whose house the &uilt the )offin in+ &e)ause 0 alrea* ,now that+ Alex. 0 ,now what 0%- getting - self into+ o,a 48 0 reflexivel tou)he* - ne),la)e. 70t%s going to &e o,a .8

0t was going to &e -ore than o,a . At least+ 0 hope* so. But 0 )oul*n%t tell hithat+ of )ourse. #e was still sha,ing his hea*. But he was grinning+ too. 7(ou ,now what48 he sai* finall . 7(ou%re right.8 0 stare* at hi-+ not sure 0%* hear* hi)orre)tl . 73hat *i* ou sa 48 7(ou%re right.8 #e shrugge*. 70t%s going to &e o,a . 0t%s going to &e great+ a)tuall . 0t%s ,in* of perfe)t.8 #e rea)he* out his right han*. 7Put it here+ )u1. (ou%re - girl.8 0 loo,e* at his han* waril . But 0 stu), -ine into it an* let hi- *o so-e )o-pli)ate* things to - li-p fingers. 73hat are ou tal,ing a&out48 0 as,e* hi- as we -a*e our wa into s)hool along with the rest of the hor*es. 7#ow is it ,in* of perfe)t4 0 thought ou%* &e -a* at -e.8 70t 2ust is+8 Alex sai*. There was a)tuall a &oun)e in his step. 7Don%t worr a&out it+

all right4 Forget ou even tol* -e. 0t%s all goo*. #e +8 he sai* to a gu who%* greete* hi- with a )r of 7(o+ Ca&rero.8 7But;8 M &u&&le of happiness wasn%t entirel shattere*. Though it was slightl tarnishe*. 70 *on%t get it. 0 thought ou hate* those gu s.8 7Oh+ 0 *o+8 he sai*. 7But here%s the thing.8 #e slung an ar- aroun* - ne),. 70f the %re at our house+ 0%ll alwa s ,now where the are. Be)ause ou%ll let -e ,now when the %re there. $ight48 7Of )ourse+8 0 sai*. 70f ou want -e to. But wh *o ou nee* to ,now where the are48 7Don%t ou worr a&out it. /i,e 0 sai*.8 #e grinne* *own at -e. #e reall *i* loo, happ . 73e%re goo*.8 7But ou%re not going to tell+ right48 0 still ha* a slightl &a* feeling a&out all of this. 73here the ou!,now!what is4 Be)ause that woul* refle)t &a*l on &oth of us+ 0 thin,.8

7Oh+ ou *o not have to worr a&out that+ )u1+8 he sai*+ an* gave -e a win,. 7See ou at lun)h4 Don%t s)rew it up this ti-e. At the flagpole in the -i**le of the >ua*. 0t reall )oul*n%t &e si-pler+ Pier)e. 0 *on%t ,now how even ou )oul* have -esse* it up ester*a .8 (eah. Neither *i* 0. Ex)ept that 0%* &een s)are* of the )afeteria. To*a + 0 *i*n%t thin, 0%* have that pro&le-. To*a + 0 )oul*n%t see - self feeling s)are* of an thing. M happiness restore*+ 0 floate* through first+ se)on*+ an* thir* perio*s. 0 was sitting in fourth perio* 6 whi)h happene* to &e e)on+ the )lass 0 share* with 'a la+ who%* greete* -e with a s-ile an* a 7#e A #ow ou *oing4 So ou an* Alex -a*e up+ huh4 0 2ust saw hi- in English. 3h is he in su)h a goo* -oo*48 6 when there was a ,no), on the )lassroo- *oor. That was what rouse* -e fro- the little *oo*le 0%* &een -a,ing of a girl in a )offin ro),et ship that shot flowers at

people. That an* the tea)her sa ing - na-e. 7Pass for ou.8 She han*e* -e a pin, slip of paper with - na-e written on it. 7(ou%re wante* in the offi)e.8 The New Pathwa s offi)e. Ever one in the )lass &egan to hoot+ ,nowing 0%* pro&a&l a))rue* an 0SS or OSS so-ehow. Though for the life of -e+ 0 )oul*n%t thin, what 0%* *one. "nless; 7Stop it+8 the tea)her 6 0 ha*n%t &een in there long enough to re-e-&er her na-e 6 )hastise* the-. 7Ta,e our things+ Pier)e. 0t%s )lose to the en* of the perio*. (ou pro&a&l won%t have ti-e to )o-e &a), for the- &efore lun)h.8 0 s)oope* up - &oo,s an* &ag. 'a la -a*e a 9uestioning fa)e at -e. 0 shrugge*. 0 ha* no i*ea what it was a&out. Ex)ept of )ourse 0 *i*. 0 onl hope* fear *i*n%t show in - fa)e. 3hat ha* @ohn *one now4 0%* thought

things were finall &etter. Better4 0 thought things were goo*. An* o,a + -a &e 0%* onl &een fooling - self. Ma &e a girl 6 not even an NDE 6 )an%t have a nor-al relationship with a *eath *eit . But wh *oes she have to &e punishe* for tr ing4 Be)ause as 0 approa)he* the offi)e+ 0 saw through the win*ows aroun* it that things were even worse than 0%* i-agine*. 3orse than those hoots &a), in the )lassroo- ha* in*i)ate*. Chief of Poli)e Santos was there+ along with so-e other poli)e offi)ers. Oh+ Go*. 0 &ro,e into a run. 73hat+8 0 sai* as 0 &urst into the offi)e. 73hat happene*48 73hoa there+8 the poli)e )hief sai*. #e lowere* the )up of )offee he%* &een sipping. 73ho%s this48 7Pier)e Oliviera+ Chief.8 Ti- was loo,ing paler than usual. #is &utton!*own shirt loo,e* ru-ple* an* ha* )o-e untu),e*

in the &a),. 7She%s the one fro- the )e-eter 68 7Oh+ right.8 The poli)e )hief in*i)ate* an offi)e. 7Follow -e+ oung la* .8 3hat was happening4 The )hief of poli)e wante* to see -e4 3as 0 &eing &la-e* for the )e-eter gate after all4 7Do 0 nee* to )all - -other48 0 *e-an*e*+ sta ing where 0 was. 70 *on%t ,now+8 Chief of Poli)e Santos sai*+ raising his gra + &ush e e&rows 9uestioningl . 7Do ou48 7No+ Pier)e+8 Ti- sai*. #e loo,e* exhauste*. 7(ou *on%t. 0t%s all right. The poli)e 2ust want to as, ou so-e 9uestions.8 0f it ha* &een an &o* else &ut the person to who- 0 ha* surren*ere* )ell phone the *a &efore 6 0 ha* forgotten to *o it that -orning. But then+ 0 ha* forgotten to &ring - )ell phone to s)hool+ 0%* *is)overe* a little while earlier+ 0%* &een so )aught up in happ little love )lou* 6 0

pro&a&l woul* have insiste*+ Ia), Oliviera!st le+ that 0 nee*e* a law er. But sin)e it was Ti-+ - -o-%s future -a &e!&o frien*+ 0 shrugge* an* followe* Poli)e Chief Santos into the offi)e+ whi)h happene* to &e fille* with )ar*&oar* &oxes an* pa-phlets that sai* New Pathwa s5 A New Pathwa to a New (ouA A fe-ale poli)e offi)er was sitting at a )onferen)e ta&le insi*e the offi)e+ writing so-ething *own in a note&oo,. She loo,e* up when we )a-e in. She *i*n%t s-ile. 73hat was our na-e again48 Poli)e Chief Santos sai* to -e as 0 followe* hi-. 7Pier)e what48 7Oliviera+8 Ti- answere* for -e. #e%* )o-e in after us. #e was hol*ing+ 0 saw+ - file. Over the past ear an* a half+ 0%* &e)o-e expert in rea*ing - na-e upsi*e *own. 7Oh.8 The poli)e )hief pulle* out a )hair at the )onferen)e ta&le. 7#ave a seat+ Ms. Oliviera.8 #e sai* it wrong. 7This

won%t ta,e long.8 Bewil*ere* 6 &ut ,nowing froexperien)e that nothing goo* was a&out to happen 6 0 too, the seat he offere*. 70f this is a&out the )e-eter gate+8 0 sai*+ 70 ha* nothing to *o with it.8 The )hief of poli)e regar*e* -e with so-e surprise over the top of his )offee -ug. 7The )e-eter gate+8 he sai*+ when he%* lowere* it again. 7An* what *o ou ,now a&out the )e-eter gate48 7Nothing+8 0 sai*. 7That%s what 0%- telling ou. 0 *on%t ,now an thing a&out it. 0 *on%t ,now who *i* that to it.8 7Di* what to it48 0 saw the )hief of poli)e ex)hange glan)es with the fe-ale offi)er+ who%* stoppe* s)ri&&ling in her note&oo, an* was loo,ing at -e as if 0 were a perp she was longing to tase. 7'i),e* it li,e that+8 0 sai*. 7An* &ro,e the lo),.8 Poli)e Chief Santos exhale* gustil

enough to sen* so-e of the *roplets of )offee left in his -usta)he hairs s)attering into the air. The fe-ale poli)e offi)er sighe* an* went &a), to her s)ri&&ling. Ti-+ who%* ta,en a seat at the en* of the )onferen)e ta&le+ opene* - file an* preten*e* to &e &us rea*ing it. 0 )oul*n%t &e sure+ &ut 0 thought 0 hear* the fe-ale offi)er sa D!3ing un*er her &reath. She shoo, her hea* in *is&elief. 7Ms.;whatever our na-e is+8 Poli)e Chief Santos sai*. 7The for)e that was applie* to that gate the other night in or*er to infli)t that ,in* of *a-age to it was e9ual to the a-ount of for)e it ta,es to laun)h a s-all grena*e. Therefore+ we have alrea* *eter-ine* that it was not )ause* & a -ere ,i),.8 0 sat there an* stare* *own at fingernails+ now shre**e* of all tra)es of polish. 7Oh+8 0 sai*. 3ho was 0 to tell the poli)e the were

wrong4 Again. 73e aren%t here to tal, a&out the gate+ an wa +8 he sai* gru-pil . 7Offi)er #ernan*e148 The fe-ale offi)er flippe* a page in her note&oo,+ then as,e* in a -onotone+ 7Do ou own a &lue Sun Cruiser &i) )le with a white flowere* &as,et+ large purple seat+ re* )o-&ination lo),+ an* the serial nu-&er $!*ash!one!hun*re*!*ash!seven!fift ! one!eleven!sevent 48 0 loo,e* at the- in a &lin* pani). M -in* ha* gone &lan,. 70 *on%t ,now+8 0 sai*. 7Pier)e+8 Ti- sai* gentl . 7(ou *o. (ou an* our -o- registere* a &i) )le un*er our na-e with the poli)e *epart-ent+ in )ase it was stolen.8 0 &lin,e*+ - heart &eginning to thu-p har*er than ever. 7Oh+8 0 sai*. 73ell+ 0 *o have a &lue &i,e with a purple seat an* a flowere* &as,et an* a re* lo), an* stuff. An* 0 *i* register a &i,e with the poli)e

*epart-ent+ in )ase it got stolen. But 0 *on%t re-e-&er the serial nu-&er off the top of - hea*. 3ho goes aroun* -e-ori1ing their &i,e%s serial nu-&er4 That%s 2ust 6 0 -ean+ that%s as,ing wa -ore than an one shoul* &e re9uire* to ,now 68 73hen is the last ti-e ou saw this &i) )le48 the poli)e )hief interrupte*+ ta,ing a sip of his )offee. 7/ast night+8 0 sai*. 73hen 0 ro*e it *own to see the 68 0 stoppe*. All the &loo* see-e* to have fro1en in - veins. M &i,e. 0%* left it )haine* to the fen)e *own & the )e-eter . 3hen 0%* gone to see $i)har* S-ith. 7Oh+ - Go*.8 0 stoo* up+ al-ost ,no),ing over - )hair. 73hat%s happene* to hi-48 #e was *ea*. 0 ,new it. #e was the last person to have tou)he* - ne),la)e. An* now he was *ea*. 0 shoul* have ,nown. 0 shoul* have

,nown 0 woul* never &e happ . 0 shoul* have ,nown 0 woul*n%t &e a&le to han*le hi-. 3h woul* 0 &e a&le to han*le a *eath *eit 4 The frea,ing ruler of an "n*erworl*4 3ho was 0 ,i**ing4 0 ha*n%t &een a&le to ,eep - &est frien* alive. 0 )oul*n%t *o long *ivision. 0 )oul*n%t even *rive. 7Cal- *own+ Pier)e+8 Ti- sai*+ getting up an* )o-ing aroun* the ta&le to - si*e. 0%* starte* to h perventilate. 70t%s all right. 0t%s going to &e all right. That%s what we%re tr ing to figure out.8 7But what happene*48 0 )rie*. 0 )oul* feel h steria &eginning to sweep over -e. 7#e was fine when 0 last saw hi-. #e was fine when he *roppe* -e off at ho-e.8 73ho was fine48 Ti- glan)e* at the poli)e )hief+ who see-e* as )onfuse* as Ti- *i*. 73ho are ou tal,ing a&out+ Pier)e48 7Mr. S-ith+8 0 sai*. So-e of the pani) &egan to e&& as 0 saw+ fro- their

expressions+ that the *i*n%t ,now what 0 was tal,ing a&out. 7The )e-eter sexton. 3h 4 3ait. 3ho are ou tal,ing a&out48 7@a*e+8 Ti- sai* gentl . 73e%re loo,ing for an witnesses who -ight have &een in or aroun* the )e-eter last night. She never -a*e it ho-e fro- her shift. This -orning she was foun* insi*e the )e-eter + *ea*.8 Through -e the wa is to the )it of woeB Through -e the wa is to eternal painB Through -e the wa a-ong the people lost. DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 The -a*e the announ)e-ent *uring lun)h. Not that @a*e was *ea*. 3h woul* the *o that4 0sla #uesos #igh S)hool *i*n%t want to 7gla-ori1e8 a *eath an -ore than the 3estport A)a*e- for Girls ha*. No+ the announ)e-ent was that the hurri)ane wat)h ha* &een upgra*e* to a

warning & the National #urri)ane Center. All after!s)hool events were )an)ele*+ as were )lasses the next *a . 3e were &eing *is-isse* at two o%)lo), instea* of three fifteen. 73h *on%t the 2ust let us go now48 'a la )o-plaine* over her )hef%s sala*. 70 -ean+ what goo* is one hour -ore of )lass going to *o+ with ever one frea,ing out &e)ause a giganti) hurri)ane is )o-ing4 0t%s not li,e we%re going to learn an thing after this.8 7(eah+8 0 sai*. 7An* it woul* give us less ti-e to -e-oriali1e her *eath. @ust )an)el s)hool now so we )an%t even tal, a&out her.8 73hat48 'a la as,e*. 7Nothing+8 0 sai*+ lowering - &urrito. 3ho )oul* eat at a ti-e li,e this+ an wa 4 7$e-e-&er the ti-e she *i*n%t ,ill her tea)her48 Alex explaine* to 'a la. 70t was over so-ething li,e this thing with @a*e.8 7No+ it wasn%t+8 0 sai*. 7@a*e *i*n%t hit

herself over the hea* with a &lunt instru-ent.8 Ti- ha* tol* -e that as near as the poli)e )oul* figure out+ sin)e @a*e%s &o* ha*n%t &een foun* for so long an* no witnesses ha* )o-e forwar* et+ she%* &een the vi)ti- of what loo,e* li,e a ran*o- -ugging. As soon as the EMTs got to her 6 she was *is)overe* &ehin* a )r pt & $i)har* S-ith when he%* gone to the )e-eter for wor, that -orning 6 the ha* her airlifte* to $ *er Trau-a Center in Mia-i. But even the ha*n%t &een a&le to save her. The *a-age to her s,ull 6 though she%* ha* her &i) )le hel-et on 6 was too extensive. 70%- sorr + Pier)e+8 Ti- ha* sai* to -e+ patting -e on the &a), as 0 &ro,e *own in the )onferen)e roo- an* )rie*. 70%so sorr .8 Not as sorr as 0 was. Nothing &a* will happen to her. @ohn will see to that.

That%s what $i)har* S-ith ha* sai* to -e in the )ar after @a*e ro*e awa into that rain. But so-ething &a* ha* happene* to her. The worst thing that )oul* possi&l happen to so-eone. Be)ause @ohn ha*n%t &een in the )e-eter to ta,e )are of her. #e%* &een with -e. That%s what 0%* sai* to hi- 6 Mr. S-ith 6 when 0 stu-&le* out of the New Pathwa s offi)e after the let -e go. 0%* )alle* hi- in his offi)e i--e*iatel fro- a pa phone. 70t%s all - fault+8 0 sai*+ so&&ing. 70 *on%t see how that%s possi&le+8 he replie*. 7"nless ou were the one who stru), her fro- &ehin* with the pipe or shovel or whatever it was that was use* to ,ill her+ an* then too, her wallet 6 an* her &i) )le. An* her poli)e ra*io. That%s -issing as well+ whi)h 0 fin* o**. (ou )an har*l pawn a poli)e ra*io 68

7(ou ,now what 0 -ean. @ohn was with -e when she *ie*+8 0 hisse* into the phone. The &ell ha* rung & then+ an* people were filing & + throwing o** loo,s at -e &e)ause not onl was 0 on what ha* to &e the last re-aining pa phone on 0sla #uesos+ &ut 0 was )r ing. 70t wasn%t @ohn%s fault+ either+ Miss Oliviera+8 he sai* with -a**ening )al-. 7Although he feels as &a*l as ou *o. 3ho *o ou thin, wo,e -e an* le* -e to her48 70t wasn%t safe+8 0 waile*. 7@ohn sai* the )e-eter wasn%t safeA8 3h ha*n%t 0 tol* hi- last night that she was in there4 0%* &een too *istra)te* & his ,isses.; 7For ou+8 $i)har* S-ith re-in*e* -e. 7#e sai* it wasn%t safe for ou. No one )oul* have pre*i)te* this+ Miss Oliviera+ not even a *eath *eit . 0t was 2ust her ti-e. 0t%s unfortunate+ of )ourse+ an* when the fin* the person responsi&le+ 0 hope he%s punishe* to the fullest extent of the law. But ou

)an har*l &la-e this on @ohn+ -u)h less ourself. @a*e )hose to &e out there. She ,new the ris,s of what she was *oing. An* ou saw how -u)h fun she was having. @ohn sai* she%s -ove* on to a &etter pla)e 68 0%* hung up on hi-+ 0 was so furious. This is what ha* )o-e fro- $i)har* S-ith%s suggestion that 0 7&e sweeter.8 So-eone 0%* li,e* 6 reall li,e* 6 was *ea*. Che), ourself &efore ou wre), ourself. (es+ 0 suppose rationall 0 ,new in the &a), of - -in* that @a*e%s *eath wasn%t - fault+ or @ohn%s either.;But when so-ething horri&le happens+ it%s hu-an nature to want to &la-e it on so-eone. 3e want so-eone to &e hel* a))ounta&le+ even though so-eti-es things 2ust happen. The pro&le-+ li,e - *a* sai*+ was that too often+ we hol* the wrong person a))ounta&le. So-eti-es even the vi)tiherself. 3e *o this so we

)an reassure ourselves the &a* thing will never happen to us. 7Oh+ this terri&le thing happene* to this person &e)ause she *i* su)h!an*!su)h. All 0 have to *o is never *o su)h!an*!su)h+ an* then the terri&le thing will never happen to -e.8 0 *ie* tr ing to res)ue a &ir*. M -ohol*s - *a* a))ounta&le for this+ sin)e he *i*n%t get the pool )over fixe*+ or noti)e 0 was *rowning. 3hen reall it was - own fault for &eing so )lu-s . 0n @a*e%s )ase+ as soon as the *etails of her *eath hit the )af 6 whi)h the see-e* to as soon as 0 wal,e* into the >ua* 6 ever one was sa ing+ 73ell+ what was she *oing ri*ing her &i,e so late at night+ an* in the )e-eter + of all pla)es4 She shoul* never have &een *oing that. No won*er she *ie*.8 /i,e it was @a*e%s own fault. There was 2ust one s-all pro&le- with this theor 5

@a*e ha* &een ,ille* & so-eone. The poli)e wante* to fin* that person or at least a witness who )oul* sa the %* seen hi-. B the ti-e the first of the *a %s &ig gra stor- )lou*s starte* to roll in+ the pie)es all &egan to )o-e together. /ater+ 0 )oul*n%t &elieve how long it too, -e to see the-. But it was all so horri&le. 3ho )oul* even &egin to i-agine so-ething so horri&le4 An* the thing is+ people *ie. So-eti-es the trip an* fall+ then the hit their hea*s an* roll into the pool an* *rown. Other ti-es the get se*u)e* & their &as,et&all )oa)h an* then *u-pe*+ an* the go ho-e an* swallow a &ottle of pres)ription pills. Other ti-es the get -ugge* while ri*ing their &i,es an* *on%t get foun* in ti-e an* then the *ie. 0t%s 2ust the wa things are. 0t *oesn%t have an thing to *o with ou+ ne)essaril . 7Aunt De&48 Alex sai*+ answering his

phone when it rang as we were *ropping off our e-pt lun)h tra s. 70 ,now. Pier)e forgot her phone again+ *i*n%t she48 But then again+ other ti-es+ it *oes have so-ething to *o with ou. Alex%s fa)e *raine* of its nor-al )olor as - -other spo,e. Evi*entl + she *i*n%t want to tal, to -e. Other people *i*+ though. 7#e + Pier)e+8 Farah sai*+ s-iling an* waving as she an* Seth wal,e* & + ar-s aroun* ea)h other%s waists. 7Oh+8 0 sai* to the-. 0 )oul*n%t 9uite su--on a s-ile &a),. But 0 wave*. 7#e .8 The stor- )lou*s overhea* ru-&le*. 0t was so weir* that the -a*e ever one at this s)hool eat lun)h outsi*e. 3hat were we suppose* to *o+ 0 won*ere*+ when it raine*4 /i,e it was a&out to *o right now+ for instan)e4 7Pier)e+8 Br )e elle* at -e+ as he wal,e* & on his wa to the trash )ans

with what loo,e* li,e a&out twelve &urrito wrappers. Co* was with hi-. 7Pier)e+ Pier)e+ Pier)e+ Pier)eA8 The elle* it li,e it was a )hant. /i,e it was the Mueller Shout!Out. 7Go*+8 'a la sai* to -e. 73hat *i* ou have with the- ester*a + i)e )rea- or sex48 0 -a*e a fa)e at her. 7Ew. Shut up.8 Alex hung up his phone. 7#e +8 0 sai* to hi-. 73hat *i* - -owant48 7She was )alling fro- the poli)e station. The 2ust too, - *a* there for 9uestioning+8 he sai*. #e loo,e* si),+ as if so-eone ha* pun)he* hi- in the gut. 7For @a*e%s -ur*er.8 0 felt the groun* shift &eneath - feet. At first 0 thought it was thun*er. But there ha*n%t &een an thun*er. Not then. 73hat48 0 sai*+ - -in* whirling. 7But how is that even 68 7A witness phone* in an anon -ous tip+8

Alex sai*. 7The sai* the saw Da* *riving aroun* near the )e-eter last night+ in Gran*-a%s )ar. The 2ust )a-e over an* i-poun*e* it. The %re testing it for tra)e evi*en)e.8 #e let out a laugh that soun*e* nothing li,e his nor-al one. 7Gran*-a%s )ar. The 2ust too, Gran*-a%s )ar. 0 won*er what the %ll fin* in it. A lot of arn+ that%s for sure.8 7Alex+8 0 sai* uneasil . This )oul*n%t &e happening. Not so -an terri&le things at on)e. #ow )oul* the 4 So-ething was wrong. Not 2ust wrong &ut planets!out!of!align-ent wrong. Che), ourself &efore ou wre), ourself. As soon as 0 thought it+ a gust of win* swept through the )ourt ar*+ so strong ever one still sitting at the -an lun)h ta&les ha* to gra& their foo* wrappers to ,eep the- fro- &lowing awa . Farah an* Ni)ole let out goo*! nature* shrie,s an* )lung to their s,irts. Ever gu in the >ua* &ut Alex

noti)e*. 7#e *i*n%t even go out last night+8 he was sa ing angril a&out "n)le Chris. 7(ou ,now hi-. #e never goes out+ ex)ept for his -eetings with his parole offi)er. #e 2ust sits in front of that T:+ wat)hing the 3eather Channel+ *rin,ing 68 7Mountain Dew+8 0 finishe* for hi-. 70 ,now.8 0 loo,e* aroun*. /ightning was &eginning to flash out at sea. No. This )oul* not &e happening. But at the sa-e ti-e+ the sin,ing feeling 0%* &een experien)ing sin)e 0%* seen the poli)e in the New Pathwa s offi)e tol* -e that it -ost *efinitel was happening. No. Not ever sin)e 0%* seen the poli)e in the New Pathwa s offi)e. Ever sin)e 0%* )o-e &a), fro- the *ea*. 0f 0 reall wante* to &e honest with - self+ though+ 0 ha* to a*-it it ha* all starte* long &efore that5

7Di* ou li,e hi-48 Gran*-a ha* as,e*. 70 *on%t ,now+8 0%* replie*. Gran*-a ha* s-ile*. 7(ou will+8 she%* sai*. An* tu),e* a s)arf aroun* - ne),. A s)arf she%* ,nitte* herself+ 2ust for -e. A re* one. 3ith tassels. 3ait. That wasn%t how it ha* happene*. 3hat was 0 thin,ing4 Gran*-a was right5 0 reall *i* have an overa)tive i-agination. 70s this 2ust a )ase of roun*ing up the usual suspe)ts48 'a la as,e*. 70 saw that in a -ovie on)e. Ma &e 2ust &e)ause our *a* went to 2ail on)e+ the %re 9uestioning ever one who 68 7No+8 Alex sai* &itterl + loo,ing as if he wante* to pun)h so-ething. But there was nothing near& soft enough to hit without in2uring hi-self+ ex)ept possi&l so-e A!3ingers who were s)attering &e)ause it was a&out to pour an* the warning &ell ha* 2ust rung for )lass. 70 tol* ou.

So-eone sa s the saw hi-. A witness. So-e witness+ if he -anage* to see *a* so-ewhere he wasn%t+ *riving a )ar he was never in.8 7Oh+ Alex+8 'a la sai*+ an* put her han* on his shoul*er. #er expression was softer than 0%* ever seen it. 70%- so+ so sorr .8 M -in* flashe* &a), to "n)le Chris fro- the *a &efore+ when he%* urge* -e never to let an one tell -e 0 )oul*n%t *o so-ething 0%* set - -in* to. That wasn%t going to &e a pro&lean -ore+ 0 *i*n%t thin,. 7Give -e our phone+ Alex+8 0 sai*+ hol*ing out - han*. 73h 48 he as,e*+ instantl suspi)ious even in his *espair. 7Be)ause+8 0 sai*+ 70%- going to )all *a*.8 Alex shoo, his hea* at -e. 7Pier)e. (our *a* hates - *a*. $e-e-&er48 7No+ he *oesn%t+8 0 lie*. 7@ust han* it

over.8 7Pier)e+8 Alex sai*. 70t%s ni)e of ou to offer. $eall + it is. But ou *o not want to get involve* in this. 0t%s not so-ething ou )an reall han*le.8 0 ha* to laugh. Although the truth was+ 0 *i*n%t feel li,e it. 7Oh+ Alex+8 0 sai* to hi-. 7Trust -e. 3hat 0 han*le on a *ail &asis -a,es this loo, li,e )a,e.8 This state-ent was followe* & a )ra), of thun*er so lou*+ it sent the rest of the few stu*ents who were still stan*ing &eneath the &ree1ewa with us s)ra-&ling for the safet of the various wings where the ha* )lasses. 7/oo,+8 Alex sai*+ raising his voi)e to &e hear* a&ove the win*. 70 appre)iate it+ Pier)e. But 0 thin, our *a*%s *one enough *a-age aroun* here. Don%t ou48 'a la inhale* sharpl . 0 felt - e es sting+ then reali1e* it was &e)ause the were tearing;although it wasn%t an thing 0 ha*n%t hear* &efore+ an*

fro- - own -other. 73e%re late to )lass+8 Alex sai*+ an* pushe* past us &oth. 70%ll -eet ou at the )ar at two o%)lo), if ou want a lift ho-e.8 #e hurrie* *own the &ree1ewa towar*s D!3ing+ his hea* *u),e*+ his shoul*ers hun)he* in on the-selves. #e loo,e* s-aller than 0%* ever seen hi-. An* Alex ha* grown two whole in)hes over the su--er. "n)le Chris ha* prou*l shown -e the -ar,s on the ,it)hen *oorwa . 7#e *i*n%t -ean it+8 'a la turne* to -e to sa . 7(eah+8 0 sai*+ sha,ing - hea*. 7#e *i*.8 73ell+8 'a la sai*. 7Ma &e he *i*. But ou ,now. #e%s upset. #e .8 She was staring at so-ething over - shoul*er. 70sn%t our gran*-a the la* fro- 'nuts for 'nitting48 7(eah+8 0 sai*. 73h 48 7Be)ause she%s here.8

0 spun aroun*. 'a la was right. M gran*-other was )o-ing *own the &ree1ewa towar*s us+ wearing one of her usual arts outfits of &eige gau)hos+ white peasant &louse+ an* la)eless white 'e*s. Aroun* her ne), was one of the -an )olorful s)arves she alwa s wore+ all ,nitte* & her own han*. At ea)h en* of the s)arf *angle* a set of tassels. Gran*-a was se-i!fa-ous aroun* the islan* for these. So-e people use* theas pulls for their )eiling fans. 7Pier)eA8 Gran*-a lifte* a han* to wave. Even as far off as she was 6 two whole lo),er &an,s awa 6 0 )oul* hear her lou* &reathing. Gran*-a wasn%t ver athleti). She *i*n%t li,e to wal, pla)es+ preferring to ta,e her )ar. 7Than, Go* 0 foun* ou. Di* ou hear the news a&out Christopher4 0t%s 2ust awful.8 7She -ust &e here to sign ou gu s out of s)hool+8 'a la whispere* to -e.

7Ex)ept for lun)h+ the won%t let ou go off!)a-pus unless it%s a fa-il e-ergen) an* so-eone over eighteen signs ou out.8 7Oh+8 0 sai*. 7Ex)ept *i*n%t Alex 2ust sa her )ar got i-poun*e*48 'a la shrugge*. 7She -ust have *riven our -o-%s )ar.8 7Then wh *i*n%t - -o- tell Alex she was on her wa over48 'a la loo,e* at -e. 7Chi),ie+8 she sai*. 73hat are ou sa ing4 (ou thin, our gran*-a%s here to ,i*nap ou or so-ething48 Di* ou li,e hi-4 0 *on%t ,now. (ou will. 0 put - &oo, &ag *own on the groun*+ still staring at Gran*-a+ who ha* al-ost -a*e it to the en* of the last &an, of lo),ers. The tassels at the en* of her s)arf swa e*. @ust li,e the ones at the en* of the s)arf 0%* worn the *a 0 *ie* ha* swa e* in the

water a&ove - hea*. 0t ha* &een there all along+ right in front of -e+ an* it ha* ta,en this long for -e to figure it out. 0%* &een su)h a fool. 7@ust how * sfun)tional is our fa-il + an wa 48 'a la was going on. 7'a la+8 0 sai*+ rolling up - sleeves. 7Do -e a favor+ o,a 4 Go to )lass.8 7"h+8 'a la sai* with a little laugh+ 7o,a . So 0 guess 0 won%t &e seeing ou at Alex%s )ar at two48 70f 0%- not there+8 0 sai*+ 7)all the )ops.8 'a la laughe* so-e -ore. She o&viousl thought this whole thing was a hilarious 2o,e. 7Don%t worr + )hi),ie+8 she sai*+ an* hea*e* off to D!3ing. 70 will. The )ops an* 0 go wa &a),.8 3hat 'a la *i*n%t ,now 6 an* 0 *i* 6 was that the *ia-on* tu),e* insi*e shirt+ whi)h ha* &een the )heerful purple it usuall turne* whenever 'a la was aroun*+ ha* gone

on x the -inute - gran*-other showe* up. 0t alwa s turne* this )olor when gran*-other was aroun*. 0%* figure* this was &e)ause her *isapproval of -e -a*e -e nervous. Now 0 ,new the real reason wh . 73h +8 Gran*-a pante*+ when she finall got up to -e+ 7*i*n%t ou )o-e over when ou saw -e4 0%- * ing here.8 70t -ight help+8 0 -uttere*+ 7if ou *it)he* the s)arf.8 73hat was that48 Gran*-a ha* &lue e es. She was the onl one in our fa-il who *i*. Be)ause she wasn%t an Oliviera. Or a Ca&rero. 3hat she was instea*+ 0 was onl 2ust &eginning to figure out. 73h are ou here+ Gran*-a48 0 as,e*. 7Oh+8 she sai*+ fanning herself with the en*s of her s)arf. 70%- here to get ou. (our -o- wants ou ho-e. So-ething terri&le has happene*. (our un)le Chris 68

70 alrea* ,now+8 0 sai* flatl . 7The too, hi- in for 9uestioning.8 7Oh+8 she sai* again+ loo,ing surprise*. 73ell+ if ou alrea* ,now+ wh are ou 2ust stan*ing there4 /et%s go.8 She too, - ar-+ an* then+ when 0 *i*n%t -ove+ tugge* on it. 7Pier)e+8 she sai*+ anno e*. 73hat%s wrong with ou4 3e *on%t have ti-e for ga-es. 0t%s a&out to pour+ )an%t ou tell4 There%s a stor- )o-ing. 0 *on%t want to get wet. /et%s go.8 73hat a&out Alex48 0 as,e*. 7#e left alrea* +8 Gran*-a sai* without s,ipping a &eat. 7$eall 48 0 sai*. 7#e *i*4 Di* ou )all hi-48 7(es+8 she sai*. 70 *i*. #e sai* he )oul*n%t fin* ou. Now )o-e on+ 0 *on%t have all *a . 0 have to get &a), to the shop. /et%s go.8 7No+8 0 sai*+ sha,ing - hea*. 7Not with ou.8 73hat are ou tal,ing a&out48 Gran*-a

was a little &it shorter than -e+ &ut she was wi*er an* therefore ha* a lower )enter of gravit . 3hen she pulle*+ she pulle* har*. But 0 )oul* &e stu&&orn+ too. 7Pier)eA 3hat is the -atter with ou48 she *e-an*e*. #er grip was so strong+ it felt as if it was )utting off - )ir)ulation. 70%ve tol* our -other again an* again to ,eep ou awa froall that )affeine 68 7Oh+ ou%* li,e that+ woul*n%t ou48 The )ourt ar*. The &ree1ewa . #er tassels. Ever thing was starting to turn re*. But 0 *i*n%t )are. 7An thing ou )an *o so 0 won%t re-e-&er. But guess what4 0 *o re-e-&er+ even -ore than ou%ve guesse*. (ou sent -e into the )e-eter the *a of Gran*pa%s funeral on purpose. (ou *i* it so 0%* -eet @ohn.8 Gran*-a &lin,e* at -e un)o-prehen*ingl . 73hat48 she sai*. 70 *on%t ,now what ou%re 68

7Gran*pa *i*n%t ,now an thing a&out our little plan+ *i* he48 0 went on+ ignoring her. 7$i)har* S-ith tol* -e ou tol* Gran*pa ou *i*n%t &elieve in *eath *eities. But ou *o &elieve in the-+ *on%t ou4 (ou not onl &elieve in *eath *eities+ ou li,e torturing the-+ *on%t ou4 Be)ause that%s what Furies *o.8 Now Gran*-a ha* gone the )olor of her gau)hos. Outsi*e the &ree1ewa + the win* ha* pi),e* up. 0t was stirring her short gra )urls. But she ,ept hol*ing on to - ar-. 70 *on%t ,now where ou%re getting this stuff+8 she sai*. 7But if ou%ve &een tal,ing to $i)har* S-ith+ 0 )an onl i-agine what ou%ve hear*. That -an%s a lunati)+ o&sesse* with the i*ea that *eath is a natural part of life+ or so-e su)h nonsense+ when ou shoul* ,now &etter than an one+ Pier)e+ what reall happens when we *ie. So ou 2ust ta,e ever thing he sa s with a grain of salt. 0 onl )a-e here to pi),

ou up an* ta,e ou to our -other 68 7"sing whose )ar48 0 *e-an*e*. 7Not Mo-%s+ &e)ause she 2ust )alle* Alex frowherever the %re 9uestioning "n)le Chris+ an* ours got i-poun*e*. So &ig -ista,e+ Gran*-a. (ou ,now what the other -ista,e ou -a*e was4 'illing -e.8 That%s when 0 saw a fli),er of so-ething in those &lue e es. Not fear. 0t was too reptilian to &e fear. 0t was -ore li,e; #atre*. 7Oh+ 0 ,now ou thought 0%* never figure it out+8 0 sai*+ still tr ing to rip - arfro- her grip. But she hung on+ her expression )hanging. Now she loo,e* li,e the wil* thing 0%* on)e &een so )onvin)e* @ohn was. Ex)ept his e es+ even at their -ost hopeless+ ha* never loo,e* at -e with su)h hatre*. Never on)e. #is e es -ight on)e have loo,e* *ea*+ &ut 0

ha* never *ou&te* that there was life in there so-ewhere. 3ith Gran*-a+ 0 su**enl wasn%t so sure. 7(ou sent -e into that )e-eter when 0 was seven so 0%* &e )ertain to -eet @ohn+ *i*n%t ou4 Then that wa when 0 *ie*+ 0%* &e sure to go to the "n*erworl* here in 0sla #uesos+ an* 0 woul*n%t &e afrai* of hi-+ an* then -a &e he%* noti)e -e an* )hoose -e to &e his )onsort+ the wa #a*es )hose Persephone. $ight48 0t ha* starte* to rain+ fat+ har* *rops that -a*e rattling noises against the -etal roof of the &ree1ewa . 0 ignore* the-. All - attention was fo)use* on the wo-an in front of -e. 0f that%s what she even was. 0 got the sense she ha*n%t &een - a)tual gran*-other for a long ti-e. 7That%s wh ou as,e* if 0 li,e* hi- that *a + an* wh when 0 tol* ou 0 *i*n%t ,now+ ou sai* 0 woul*. A*-it it.8 0 shoo, - hea*. 0 ha* put it all together at last. But 0 was still having

trou&le &elieving it. Be)ause it was 2ust so awful. 8(ou%re the one who ,nitte* -e that s)arf+ the one with the re* tassels. (ou sent it to -e for Christ-as. 0 re-e-&er it all now. 3hat *i* ou *o to it to -a,e sure it tangle* up aroun* legs an* trippe* -e4 #ow *i* ou ,now for sure 0%* wear it outsi*e & the pool+ an* fall in an* *rown4 Di* ou hurt the &ir*s+ too4 The one on the pool )over in 3estport+ an* the one on the path+ here in 0sla #uesos4 3hat ,in* of person are ou4 3ho woul* -ur*er her own gran**aughter48 That%s when she finall let -e go. An* stoo* in front of -e+ panting. But not &e)ause she was ol* an* wea,. She was far fro- that. Be)ause she was a Fur . An* she was finall showing her true fa)e. An* it was -ore hi*eous an* frightening than an thing 0 )oul* ever have i-agine*. 7(ou%re the one+8 she sai*+ her e es

&la1ing. 7(ou%re the one who ruine* it. (ou were suppose* to sta *ea*. But ou%re so stupi*+ ou )oul*n%t even *o that right+ )oul* ou48 0 &lin,e* at her+ horrifie*. 0t ha* ta,en -e forever to put it all together. Now 0 )oul*n%t &elieve 0%* &een right. 70 trie* to tell the-+8 Gran*-a went on+ &reathing har*. #er tongue *arte* out li,e a sna,e%s as she li),e* her *r pin, lips. 70 trie* to warn thea&out ou. 3hen De&orah was &orn+ an* she was so &eautiful+ an* s-art+ an* perfe)t+ it see-e* li,e fate. 0 was sure our fa-il woul* &e the ones to finall *estro hi-. 0 was positive he%* fall in love with her the -inute he saw her. But he *i*n%t. 0 trie* ever thing. 0 -ust have spent a thousan* hours in that )e-eter with her+ roa-ing up an* *own &etween those )r pts+ tr ing to get his attention. But *i* he ever give her so -u)h as a glan)e48 Gran*-a gave a snort+ her ga1e fli),ing &a), towar*s -e.

7But ou48 She sneere*. 70 leave ou alone in the )e-eter for five -inutes+ an* what happens4 0 )oul* har*l &elieve it.8 #er fa)e )rin,le* into so-ething that+ ha* she an &it of hu-anit left in her+ -ight have &een a s-ile. 70f 0%* ,nown he li,e* the- stupi* an* ugl + 0 woul*n%t have waste* so -u)h ti-e -a,ing sure our -other *i* all her ho-ewor, an* got those wee,l -ani)ures.8 Tears stung - e es. 0 ,new intelle)tuall of )ourse that she wasn%t reall gran*-other an -ore. But &eing )alle* stupi* an* ugl & her hurt -ore than it shoul* have. 7'illing ou was the eas part+8 she went on. 7The pro&le- is that ou won%t sta *ea*. (ou have far -ore of our father in ou than an of us ever anti)ipate*.8 7(ou ,now what48 0 sai*+ raising - )hin. 70%- going to ta,e that as a )o-pli-ent.8 Although 0 ,new she *i*n%t -ean it as one.

70 tol* the- &e)ause of that+ it was never going to wor,+8 she hisse*+ as if 0 ha*n%t even spo,en. 7But woul* the listen4 Of )ourse not. An* now loo, what%s happene*. 0f ou%re not *ea* an* at @ohn #a *en%s si*e+ he%ll never ,now true happiness. An* if @ohn #a *en isn%t happ + then we )an%t ta,e that happiness awa fro- hi-+ )an we4 But that%s a situation 0 )an easil re)tif 68 That%s when she lunge*;*ire)tl into the fist 0%* thrust in front of -e+ exa)tl the wa Da*%s *river ha* taught -e to+ in )ase 0 were ever in a situation where 0 ha* to *efen* - self. She staggere* an* fell &a),+ letting out a s)rea- li,e nothing 0%* ever hear* &efore in - life. 0t was so shrill+ it shattere* the re* ha1e that ha* fallen over - e es. That%s when @ohn showe* up. @ust appeare* out of nowhere+ in his &la), 2eans an* T!shirt+ li,e -ateriali1ing in the >ua* of 0sla #uesos #igh S)hool in

the -i**le of a *ownpour an* a fistfight &etween his girlfrien* an* her Fur gran*-a was so-ething he *i* on a *ail &asis. 7/et%s go+8 he sai* to -e in a )al- voi)e+ wrapping an ar- aroun* - waist an* lifting -e off the groun* to )art -e awa . No #ello. No #i+ Pier)e. Ni)e right hoo, ou have there. No 0t%s lovel to see ou. Sorr a&out our )ounselor &eing ,ille* last night. (es+ 0 see our gran*-other is a Fur even though 0 tol* ou none was after ou. 0 guess 0 was wrong a&out that. @ust /et%s go. 70%ll &e &a), for ou+8 0 tosse* over shoul*er at the thing that use* to &e gran*-a. 0 thin, 0 was slightl h steri)al. @ohn )arrie* -e aroun* the )orner towar*s the entran)e to B! 3ing.

7No+8 @ohn sai* to -e in the sa-e voi)e he%* use* that *a in the 2ewelr shop. /i,e he was refusing &everage )art servi)e. 7(ou will not &e &a), for her.8 73hat *o ou -ean48 0 lifte* the hair that ha* fallen into - fa)e so 0 )oul* see where we were going. 7@ohn+ *o ou ,now what she is4 She%s a Fur . (ou sai* there weren%t an Furies after -e+ &ut guess what. There areA M own gran*-other is one. An* she ,ille* -eA She ,nitte* -e the s)arf 0 trippe* over when 0 *ie*. @ohn+ she%s &een tr ing to hurt ou sin)e &efore 0 was even &orn 68 But he woul*n%t put -e *own+ even when 0 s9uir-e*+ until we rea)he* a portion of the &ree1ewa that he see-e* to feel was a safe enough *istan)e fro- - still!s)rea-ing gran*-other that 0%* &e out of *anger 6 or she woul*. Even then+ when he stoppe* an* set -e &a), *own on own feet+ he ,ept -e presse* up against

a lo),er with his han*s on - shoul*ers so 0 )oul*n%t get awa . 70 ,now8 was all he sai*+ his expression grave. 0 ga1e* up at hi-+ sho),e*. 7(ou ,now4 A&out - gran*-other4 #ow4 8 7Not a&out our gran*-other+8 he sai*+ sha,ing his hea*. 7Although it -a,es sense. 0 shoul* have guesse*. (ou were right a&out Furies &eing after ou.8 70 ,new itA8 0 &urst out. 7M ne),la)e turns &la), when the %re aroun*.8 0 lifte* the pen*ant to show hi-. The *ia-on* was still as *ar, as tar. 70t *i* this with the 2eweler an* Mr. Mueller. 0 *on%t )are what ou sa + @ohn+ 0 thin, the were &oth Furies+ too. This thing has not &een wrong on)e. 0 2ust *i*n%t ,now how to rea* it. 0t%s too &a* it *i*n%t )o-e with a user%s -anual or an thing. Be)ause ,nowing what all the *ifferent )olors -ean woul* &e reall &ene 68

7Pier)e+8 he sai*. #is expression was gri--er than 0%* ever seen it. 7The Furies ,ille* @a*e.8 M e es instantl fille* with tears. 0 *roppe* the ne),la)e. The heav *ia-on* stru), - )hest with a thu-p. 7Oh+ @ohn+ no. M gran*-other 68 0 was too upset to finish the senten)e. 7No+ not her. But if what ou%re sa ing is true+ the were pro&a&l frien*s of hers. 0t was three -en who ,ille* @a*e. She sai* she *i*n%t re)ogni1e the-. The were wearing -as,s.8 73h @a*e48 0 as,e*. 7@a*e never *i* an thing to an one.8 Ex)ept offer the- goo* a*vi)e an* re* li)ori)e. 7Don%t ou see48 #is gra e es loo,e* haunte*. 7@a*e *ie* &e)ause the -istoo, her for ou+ Pier)e. (ou%re alwa s tearing through that )e-eter on our &i) )le 68 0 lifte* - anguishe* ga1e towar*s his. 7@ohn. 0f Mr. Mueller was a Fur + then

this isn%t even the first ti-e the %ve hurt so-eone else &e)ause of -e. Be)ause;#annah. 3hat a&out #annah48 #e stare* &a), at -e+ spee)hless. The rain ha* pi),e* up. Now it was starting to pour. 70 shoul*+8 0 sai* in a s-all voi)e+ 7have let ou ,ill hi-.8 7No+8 he sai*+ tightening his grip on shoul*ers. 7(ou were right to stop -e. 3ith the 2eweler+ too. 0t%s not the*oing the ,illing+ Pier)e. 0t%s the Furies possessing the-. 0 forget so-eti-es.8 7There -ust &e so-e wa we )an stop the- &efore the hurt so-eone else+ @ohn+8 0 sai*. 7There -ust &e a wa .8 7The %re unstoppa&le+8 he sai*. 7(ou )an &rea, their &ones+ ou )an even ,ill the &o*ies the %re in. 0t *oesn%t *o an thing.8 7But when 0 hit - gran*-other 2ust now 68 70f hitting the- was an use+ *o ou

thin, there%* &e an of the- left48 he *e-an*e*. #e ,ept loo,ing aroun* the )orner+ as if he expe)te* gran*-other to show up there an -inute. 7Believe -e+ 0%ve hit enough of the- enough ti-es+ the ought to &e extin)t & now. But the alwa s )o-e &a),. The 2ust fin* so-e new &o* to inha&it+ so-e new wea,!-in*e* soul to )orrupt.8 7Then what are we going to *o48 0 as,e*+ rea)hing up to put - ar-s aroun* his ne),+ *esperate for so-e ,in* of )o-fort. #e &urie* his hea* in the pla)e where ne), -et - shoul*er+ )linging to -e as tightl as if he were out there in the waves again+ a&an*one* to the stor-+ an* 0 was the one soli* thing he%* foun* to hol* on to. 0nstea* of - fin*ing )o-fort in hi-+ he was loo,ing for it in -e+ 0 reali1e*. This frightene* -e al-ost -ore than an thing else that ha* o))urre* so far. 70 *on%t ,now wh 0 ever thought 2ust

&e)ause ou )hose not to &e with -e+8 he sai*+ his voi)e -uffle* in - hair+ 7 ou woul* &e safe fro- the-+ when all this ti-e+ ou weren%t even safe fro- our own fa-i 68 7Shhh+8 0 sai*+ una&le to &ear letting hifinish that senten)e. 3hat )oul* he possi&l have *one to -a,e gran*-other hate hi- so -u)h4 70t%ll &e o,a . 3e%ll fin* a wa 68 7No.8 Su**enl + he straightene*. But still he *i*n%t release -e. #e hel* on to shoul*ers. 70t won%t &e o,a + Pier)e. The %re Furies. The %re on earth. An* the %re after ou.8 7But the ne),la)e+8 0 sai*+ gesturing to it. 0 wante* to let hi- ,now that 0 )oul* prote)t - self. 0 ha* prote)te* - self. 0 2ust ha*n%t -anage* to prote)t an one else. 73ith a little -ore pra)ti)e+ now that 0 un*erstan* what%s going on+ 0%- sure 0 68 #e shoo, his hea*. 7Pier)e+8 he sai*. 70%ve &een thin,ing

a&out this ever sin)e 0 foun* @a*e. An* there is one thing 0 )an *o to prote)t ou fro- the Furies.8 0 loo,e* up at hi-+ har*l *aring to let - self hope. 7$eall 4 3hat48 70%- afrai* ou%re not going to li,e it+8 he sai*. 73h 4 3hat is it48 #e ,isse* -e gentl on - forehea*+ letting his lips linger there. 7Close our e es+8 he sai*. 73h 48 0 as,e* in )onfusion. 7@ust *o it. 0 pro-ise it won%t hurt+8 he sai*. 3hen reali1ation of what he was a&out to *o *awne*+ 0 lunge*. 3hen he )aught -e+ 0 ,i),e* hi-. 0 prie* at his ro),!har* grip an* plea*e* with hi-. 0 struggle* to es)ape. 7@ohn+8 0 )rie*. 7No. Don%t *o this. Not this wa . 0t%s what the want+ gran*-other tol* -e. Please+ 0%&egging ou 68 But it was too late. #e was too strong. 0

)oul*n%t get awa . An* of )ourse+ eventuall + 0 &lin,e*. One. Two. Three. 7Before -e there were no )reate* things+ Onl eternal+ an* 0 eternal last. All hope a&an*on+ e who enter inA8 DANTE A/0G#0E$0+ 0nferno+ Canto 000 None of it ha* )hange*. The gau1 white )urtains in the elegant ar)hwa s+ &lowing in the gentle &ree1e. The tapestries hanging fro- the s-ooth -ar&le walls. The fire in the hearth. The fruit in the glea-ing silver &owls on the long &an9uet ta&le. Even the s, was the sa-e. 0t was still pin,+ a perpetual twilit evening. An* the &e*. The &e* was still there+ of )ourse. 0t was still white!sheete*+ )anopie*+ an* &uilt for two. 0 &ro,e fro- his ar-s as soon as he

release* -e 6 whi)h happene* the se)on* we got there. 7NoA8 0 gaspe* as soon as 0 opene* e es. 0 )oul*n%t &elieve it. 0 )oul*n%t &elieve 0 was &a), there+ the pla)e fro- so -an of - night-ares. 7Pier)e+8 he sai* in that infuriatingl unruffle* voi)e. 7Don%t get upset. (ou ,now this is for the &est.8 Don%t get upset4 This is for the &est4 0 was even in the sa-e *ress. 3ell+ -a &e not 9uite the sa-e. But loo,ing *own at - self+ 0 saw that 0 was wearing so-ething re-ar,a&l si-ilar to the gown he%* put -e in 6 with his -in* 6 the last ti-e he%* flung -e to this pla)e. 0t was long an* white an* flow . 3hen 0 lifte* a han* *efensivel to - hair+ 0 felt so-ething pri),l in it. 7Flowers48 0 pulle* the- fro- - hea* an* hurle* the- to the floor in *isgust. 7Are ou )ra1 4 An* stop *ressing -eA 0

)an *ress - self.8 70 thought ou%* li,e it+8 he sai*+ see-ing hurt. 7(ou loo, ver prett .8 There was no response 0 )oul* -a,e to this ex)ept to &urst out+ 70%- going to ,ill ouA8 #e )onsi*ere* this. 7(ou%re too late+8 he infor-e* -e. Then he )rosse* the roo- to one of his shelves+ pulle* a &oo, *own fro- it+ went to the )ou)h+ sat *own+ opene* the &oo,+ an* &egan to rea*. @ust li,e that. Conversation over. 3on*er what we%ll have for *inner later4 3ell+ if he thought this was the en* of it+ he was ver + ver -ista,en. 0 stor-e* past hi- on sha,ing legs+ straight through the ar)hwa 0%* ta,en to the hall to free*o- the last ti-e 0 es)ape*. #e *i*n%t tr to stop -e. #e *i*n%t utter a soun*. 0 shoul* have suspe)te* so-ething then. But of )ourse+ 0 *i*n%t. 0 ha* hope. Then.

The were still there;the stair)ases+ exa)tl the wa 0 re-e-&ere* the-. /oo,ing &a), over - shoul*er+ 0 waite* for hi- to sa so-ething. Stop. 3ait. /et%s tal, a&out this. The Furies. 3hat *o ou plan on *oing a&out the- if ou get out4 But he *i*n%t sa a wor*. /ifting the he- of - i*ioti)all long s,irt+ 0 plunge* *own the stairs+ exa)tl as 0 ha* last ti-e. The *oor was lo),e*. Of )ourse. 0 shoul* have ,nown he%* have thought of this. #e woul*n%t &e tri),e* a se)on* ti-e. Still+ 0 threw - weight against the *oor. 0 ,i),e* an* shove* at it. 3hen it &e)a-e o&vious it wasn%t going to &u*ge+ 0 too, the se)on* stair)ase+ the one that )urle* upwar*. The *oor at the top of that one was lo),e* as well. Even then+ 0 *i*n%t give up. 0 was all over the rest of the hallwa li,e a sniffer *og

at )usto-s+ - han*s presse* to the walls for se)ret passagewa s. 0 foun* nothing &ut an ela&orate &athroo- 6 )o-plete with a sun,en tu& an* a view over a prett gar*en+ where the flowers he%* put in - hair grew. 0 s)ra-&le* out the &athroo- win*ow an* ra)e* a)ross the gar*en+ then atte-pte* to throw - self over the wall. 3hen 0 got to the top+ 0 saw; The la,e. The sa-e la,e &esi*e whi)h+ a ear an* a half ago+ 0%* stoo* an* shivere* with the rest of the *ea*. There were no &oats+ of )ourse. Ex)ept the &oats. An* those were pi),ing up passengers onl on the other si*e of the la,e+ not on the one where 0 was. 3hen 0 returne* 6 *efeate*+ - *ress torn an* *irt fro- )li-&ing the gar*en wall 6 to the roo- with the &e*+ he was sitting exa)tl where he%*

&een when 0 left+ rea*ing the exa)t sa-e &oo,. 70 hope ou%re not planning on ,i),ing -e+8 he sai*+ not even &othering to loo, up fro- his &oo,+ 7as har* as ou *i* those *oors.8 70 will+8 0 sai*+ 7if the next wor*s out of our -outh are Pier)e+ ou 2ust nee* to relax. #ow long have ou &een planning this48 7(ou ,now it%s the onl wa +8 he sai*+ turning the page. The fa)t that he%* ignore* - 9uestion *i* not slip past -e. 70f ou want+ we )an visit the sta&les later. 0%- sure Alastor has gotten over his ani-osit towar*s ou & now.8 0 sat *own on the )ou)h &esi*e hi-. 0 was starting to un*erstan* wh + ever ti-e 0%* seen hi- over the past ear an* a half+ he%* loo,e* so wil*. 0 felt the sa-e wa + as if the )astle walls were alrea* starting to )lose in on -e. 7@ohn+8 0 sai*+ rea)hing out an* la ing a han* on his ar-. 7A- 0 *ea*48 #e lowere* the &oo, an* loo,e* -e in

the e e. #is expression was guar*e*. 7No+ Pier)e+8 he sai*. 7Of )ourse ou%re not *ea*. The whole reason 0 &rought ou here was to prote)t ou fro- the Furies+ who are tr ing ,ill ou. 0 thought ou un*erstoo* that.8 0 was spee)hless. 7Then &a), on 0sla #uesos+ 0 2ust;*isappeare*48 70 suppose so+8 he sai*+ after giving it so-e thought. 70 *on%t reall ,now. 0%ve never res)ue* a girl 0 love fro- the Furies &efore.8 #e loo,e* alar-e* as he noti)e* - e es were filling with tears. 7Don%t )r .8 7#ow )an 0 not48 0 as,e* hi-. 7(ou 2ust sai* ou love -e.8 73ell+ wh else *i* ou thin, all of this was happening48 #e set the &oo, asi*e to wrap his ar-s aroun* -e. 7The Furies woul*n%t &e tr ing to ,ill ou if 0 *i*n%t love ou.8 70 *i*n%t ,now+8 0 sai*. Tears were tri),ling *own - )hee,s+ &ut 0 *i*

nothing to tr to stop the-. #is shirt was a&sor&ing -ost of the-. 7(ou never sai* an thing a&out it. Ever ti-e 0 saw ou+ ou 2ust a)te* so;wil*.8 7#ow was 0 suppose* to a)t48 he as,e*. 7(ou ,ept *oing things li,e throw tea in - fa)e.8 0 glare* up at hi- through - tears. 7This isn%t funn +8 0 sai*. 7Do ou ,now that if 0 *on%t show up at - )ousin Alex%s )ar at two o%)lo), to*a + - frien* 'a la is suppose* to )all the poli)e4 She%ll *o it+ too. 3ho ,nows what ,in* of lies - gran*-other is going to tell the- when the as,4 She%ll pro&a&l sa ou ,ille* -e an* *u-pe* - &o* in the o)ean so-ewhere. M -other will never get over it.8 0 &egan to so& against his )hest+ 2ust thin,ing a&out - -o-. 7She has no i*ea who ou are.8 7Shhh+8 he sai*+ s-oothing - hair with a rough han*. 70t *oesn%t have to &e li,e that. $i)har* ,nows who 0 a-. 0 )an tell $i)har*. 0 )an have hi-

tell our -other+ if ou want+ that he ,nows -e+ an* we ran awa together an* got -arrie*. 0 )an even give hiletters fro- ou+ if ou want+ to give to her 68 7@ohn+8 0 sai*+ lifting - hea* to loo, at hi-. 73hat )entur *o ou live in4 No&o* writes letters an -ore+ let alone runs off to get -arrie* at seventeen. An* if ou give letters fro-e to $i)har* S-ith to give to - -o-+ not onl will - *a* -a,e sure $i)har* gets arreste* for )ollu*ing in - *isappearan)e+ he%ll pro&a&l have hi- ta,en to so-e se)ret lo)ation to &e water!&oar*e*. Do ou even ,now who - father is48 Now @ohn was ,issing - hair. 70 *on%t )are who our father is.8 73ell+ ou shoul* )are+ @ohn+8 0 sai*+ 7&e)ause 0 have news for ou. 0%- not the ,in* of girl who )an 2ust vanish into thin air an* not have *isappearan)e get noti)e*. As ou ourself on)e pointe* out+ there are

people who )are a&out -e. Ma &e not as -an as 0 use* to thin,+ )onsi*ering - gran*-other is a Fur + &ut enough. 0 2ust )an%t &elieve ou woul* *o this. Espe)iall as so-eone who gets to have a whole night *e*i)ate* to hi- &e)ause his &o* never got a *e)ent &urial. A- 0 right4 Coffin Night is a&out ou+ isn%t it48 #e neither )onfir-e* nor *enie* it+ 2ust went on ,issing -e. 7(ou have to a*-it+ it%s not ver fair that ou%re not allowing -e the sa-e &asi) )ourtes .8 7Pier)e.8 #e finall lifte* his hea* an* loo,e* *own into - soft+ wet e es. #is own ga1e was far fro- soft. 0t was as steel!fle),e* an* *eter-ine* as 0%* ever seen it. #is voi)e was even har*er. 70 ,now what ou%re tr ing to *o. An* the answer is no. (ou )an &e upset with -e. That%s fine. (ou%ve &een upset with -e &efore+ an* 0 survive*. (ou%re usuall upset with -e+ so 0%- a)tuall use* to it. 0%- prepare* to sit here an* have ou &e upset

with -e for -onths+ if ne)essar . For ears+ if that%s what it ta,es. @ust so long as 0 ,now ou%re so-ewhere 0 )an prote)t ou.8 #is ar-s tightene* aroun* -e. The were as har* as his voi)e an* ga1e. 7(ou *on%t ,now what the %re )apa&le of. 3hat the *i* to @a*e 6 that was nothing. The -ust have reali1e* she wasn%t ou. 0f it ha* &een ou+ what the woul* have *one;0 )an%t even tell ou. Be)ause it woul* have &een unspea,a&l evil.8 0%* stoppe* )r ing. Not 2ust &e)ause 0%* reali1e* it wasn%t going to *o an goo* 6 he was onto -e 6 &ut &e)ause so-ething in his voi)e ha* -a*e -e forget - own sorrow for a -o-ent+ an* re)ogni1e so-eone else%s. #is. 73hen 0 first saw her l ing there this -orning+8 he went on+ 70 *i* thin, she was ou for a se)on* or two. 0f it ha* &een ou;well+ 0 *on%t ,now what 0 woul* have *one.8

0 thought 0 saw so-ething 6 a fli),er of pain 6 in his e es. 0t was there+ an* then it was gone+ li,e the fish that so-eti-es flashe* &eneath the surfa)e of the water when 0 ro*e - &i,e a)ross the &ri*ge a&ove the highwa . 3hatever @ohn ha* &een through 6 whatever the ha* put hi- through+ whatever 0 ha* put hi- through 6 ha* left a s)ar. On the insi*e this ti-e+ where 0 )oul*n%t tou)h it. This was so-ething else for whi)h 0 was a))ounta&le. 7So ou )an%t tr to leave here again+8 he sai* in a har* voi)e. 7Do ou un*erstan*4 No -atter what. (ou )an%t leave this ti-e. 0t won%t &e eas + &ut 0 at least have a )han)e of prote)ting ou here. Out there+ 0 have none.8 0 *on%t ,now what -a*e -e *o it. But 0 rea)he* up an* ran a han* along his fa)e. 0 shoul* have &een angr with hi-. An* 0 was. But 0 was also sure that *espite how

tightl he%* seale* those *oors+ there ha* to &e another wa out. 0 ,new 0 was going to fin* it. 0 ha* to. Not to get awa fro- @ohn+ &ut to get &a), to - worl* to let - -other ,now 0 was all right. An* to help prove "n)le Chris was inno)ent. An* to -a,e sure - gran*-other an* all the rest of the people &eing possesse* & Furies were &rought to 2usti)e+ or at least *i*n%t hurt an one else+ in)lu*ing @ohn+ ever again. Be)ause in spite of what @ohn an* $i)har* S-ith sai*+ 0 was sure there ha* to &e so-e wa to stop the Furies. There 2ust ha* to &e. 0n the -eanti-e+ 0 wante* to let hi,now how sorr 0 was;trul sorr for an pain 0%* )ause* hi- an* for the wa 0%* hurt hi- the last ti-e 0 was in this roo-. 0%* sai* 0 was sorr &efore+ &a), in the )e-eter . But this ti-e+ when 0 rea)he* up to stro,e the fa)e 0%* &urne* with tea a ear an* a half earlier+ an* whispere* 70%-

sorr 8 to hi-+ 0 reall -eant it. #e too, - han* an* presse* his lips to - pal-. 73h *on%t ou give it -ore of a )han)e this ti-e48 he sai* with another one of those s-iles that tugge* on heartstrings. 73ho ,nows4 (ou -ight even start to li,e it here.8 0 s-ile* &a), at hi-;then glan)e*+ involuntaril + at the &e* loo-ing &ehin* hi-. An* 0 reali1e*+ with a sin,ing feeling+ that he was right. There was a )han)e 0 -ight start to li,e it here. An* -a &e that 6 not hi- 6 was what 0%* alwa s feare* -ost of all. A"T#O$%S NOTE 3hat reall happens to us after we *ie4 That%s a 9uestion ever )ulture in the worl* has atte-pte* to answer+ fro- the an)ient A1te)s to the Christians an* Musli-s of to*a . Ea)h has *evelope* their own - tholog relating to an afterworl* through whi)h

the souls of the newl *ea* -ust pass. 0t was while stu* ing those afterworl*s <when 0 was in high s)hool= that 0 first &e)a-e intereste* in *eath *eities+ in parti)ular the - th of #a*es an* Persephone+ an* the roots of the stor that woul* &e)o-e A&an*on &egan to *ig in. Although A&an*on is fi)tion+ -an aspe)ts of the stor are &ase* in fa)t. 0n general+ of people who report a )lose en)ounter with *eath+ KH per)ent also report having ha* a near! *eath experien)e+ whi)h )an en)o-pass an of a nu-&er of sensations. Often -erel having )o-e so )lose to * ing is reporte* as &eing -u)h -ore *istressing for people than the near! *eath experien)e itself. O&viousl + this is not the )ase for the -ain )hara)ter of A&an*on+ Pier)e Oliviera. During the Fren)h $evolution+ /ouis S:0 an* Marie Antoinette were strippe* of possession of the )rown 2ewels+ whi)h then &e)a-e propert of

the nation+ an* were pro-ptl stolen fro- the ro al storehouse. Man of the 2ewels were re)overe*+ &ut not all. The setting of A&an*on is partiall &ase* on the islan* of 'e 3est+ the original Spanish na-e for whi)h was Ca o #ueso <)a o+ in Spanish+ -eans 7s-all islan*8 an* hueso is 7&one8=. 'e 3est is thought to &e an English -ispronun)iation of the wor*s Ca o #ueso. The islan* was given this na-e & Pon)e *e /eon+ who is ru-ore* to have &een sear)hing for the Fountain of (outh when he *is)overe* hu-an &ones littering 'e 3est%s &ea)hes while he an* his )rew were )harting the area aroun* DPDP. Most li,el + the &ones &elonge* to the islan*%s original inha&itants+ the Calusa 0n*ians. 0t was a poisone* arrow shot & Calusa 0n*ians that ,ille* Pon)e *e /eon in DPKD. 0n DQLR+ a Categor P hurri)ane ,nown as the Great #avana #urri)ane *estro e* nearl ever &uil*ing on the islan* of 'e 3est <whi)h ha* &

then grown to &e the largest town in Flori*a+ as it was i*eall lo)ate* for tra*e with the Baha-as+ Cu&a+ an* New Orleans=+ although reports of the exa)t nu-&er of *eaths are still in *ispute. That the hurri)ane *estro e* the 'e 3est lighthouse an* naval hospital+ then washe* -ost of the )offins fro- its )e-eter out to sea+ are ,nown fa)ts. 0t was &e)ause of this hurri)ane that the 'e 3est )e-eter was -ove* to its )urrent lo)ation on Passover /ane+ an* wh a&ovegroun* stone )r pts are now -an*ator there. 0t is ru-ore* that this is also how Coffin 3ee, 6 *uring whi)h the 'e 3est #igh S)hool%s senior )lass &uil*s an* hi*es a )offin so-ewhere on the islan* for the 2unior )lass to fin* 6 &e)a-e a earl <though -u)h frowne*! upon= ritual. Ea)h )hapter of A&an*on &egins with a 9uote fro- Dante Alighieri%s Divine Co-e* + or Dante%s 0nferno <in whi)h

Dante *es)ri&es his 2ourne into the "n*erworl*+ gui*e* & the $o-an poet :irgil=+ &e)ause -an of the )hara)ters in A&an*on have &een a&an*one* in so-e wa . So-e -a have even a&an*one* all hope. 0f ou are intereste* in rea*ing -ore a&out the Gree, "n*erworl*+ 0 re)o--en* E*ith #a-ilton%s M tholog 5 Ti-eless Tales of Go*s an* #eroes. 0s @ohn #a *en%s "n*erworl* an* the "n*erworl* of the Gree, go*s the sa-e pla)e4 That%s a 9uestion to &e answere* in further &oo,s. 0 a- ver ex)ite* a&out this series+ an* 0 hope ou are+ too. 0 )an%t wait to share the next install-ent+ "n*erworl*+ with ou. MEG CABOT T#E ABANDON T$0/OG( The M th of Persephone+ Dar,l $ei-agine* 6 BOO' T3O5 "NDE$3O$/D 6 Es)ape fro- the real- of the *ea* is

i-possi&le when so-eone there wants ou &a),. Seventeen! ear!ol* Pier)e Oliviera isn%t *ea*. Not this ti-e. But she is &eing hel* against her will in the *i-+ twilit worl* &etween heaven an* hell+ where the spirits of the *e)ease* wait &efore e-&ar,ing upon their final 2ourne . #er )aptor+ @ohn #a *en+ )lai-s it%s for her own safet . Be)ause not all the *eparte* are *ear. So-e are so unhapp with where the en*e* up after leaving the "n*erworl*+ the %ve )o-e &a), as Furies+ intent on vengean)e;on the one who sent thethere an* on the one who- he loves. But while Pier)e -ight &e safe fro- the Furies in the "n*erworl*+ far worse *angers )oul* &e lur,ing for her there; an* the -ight have -ore to *o with its ruler than with his ene-ies. An* unless Pier)e is )areful+ this ti-e

there%ll &e no es)ape. A&out the Author MEG CABOT%S -an series an* &oo,s for a*ults+ teens+ an* tweens have in)lu*e* -ultiple TD New (or, Ti-es &estsellers an* have sol* -ore then fifteen -illion )opies worl*wi*e. #er Prin)ess Diaries series has &een pu&lishe* in -ore than thirt !eight )ountries an* was -a*e into two hit fil-s & Disne . Meg also wrote the New (or, Ti-es &estselling Me*iator+ Airhea*+ an* Allie Fin,le%s $ules for Girls seriesB 0nsatia&leB as well as the awar*!winning novels All!A-eri)an Girl an* Avalon #igh. Meg lives in 'e 3est with her hus&an* an* two )ats. :isit Meg online at www.-eg)a&ot.)o-. BOO'S B( MEG CABOT A&an*on Airhea* Being Ni,,i $unawa

Allie Fin,le%s $ules for Girls series The Prin)ess Diaries series The Me*iator series :anishe* series Avalon #igh series All!A-eri)an Girl $ea* or Not Teen 0*ol #ow to Be Popular Pants on Fire @inx Ni)ola an* the :is)ount :i)toria an* the $ogue 0nsatia&le #eather 3ells series >ueen of Ba&&le series The Bo Boo, series Cop right Cop right U KHDD & Meg Ca&ot+ //C Cover Photograph U KHDD & Mi)hael

Frost Cover *esign & Eli1a&eth B. Parisi All rights reserve*. Pu&lishe* & Point+ an i-print of S)holasti) 0n).+ Pu&lishers sin)e DCKH. SC#O/AST0C+ PO0NT+ an* asso)iate* logos are tra*e-ar,s an*?or registere* tra*e-ar,s of S)holasti) 0n). No part of this pu&li)ation -a &e repro*u)e*+ store* in a retrieval s ste-+ or trans-itte* in an for- or & an -eans+ ele)troni)+ -e)hani)al+ photo)op ing+ re)or*ing+ or otherwise+ without written per-ission of the pu&lisher. For infor-ation regar*ing per-ission+ write to S)holasti) 0n).+ Attention5 Per-issions Depart-ent+ PPG Broa*wa + New (or,+ N( DHHDK. /i&rar of Congress Cataloging!in! Pu&li)ation Data Ca&ot+ Meg. A&an*on ? & Meg Ca&ot. 6 Dst e*. p. )-. Su--ar 5 A near!*eath experien)e+ a

horri&le in)i*ent at s)hool+ an* a -ove fro- Conne)ti)ut to Flori*a have turne* seventeen! ear!ol* Pier)e%s life upsi*e! *own+ &ut when she nee*s hi- -ost @ohn #a *en is alwa s there+ helping &ut re-in*ing her of her visit to the "n*erworl*. 0SBN CGQ!H!PLP!KQLDH!V <al,. paper= 6 0SBN CGQ!H!PLP!HLHRL!Q <al,. paper= WD. Supernatural 6 Fi)tion. K. #igh s)hools 6 Fi)tion. V. S)hools 6 Fi)tion. L. Fa-il life 6 Flori*a 6 Fi)tion. P. Persephone <Gree, *eit = 6 Fi)tion. R. #a*es <Gree, *eit = 6 Fi)tion. G. M tholog + Gree, 6 Fi)tion. Q. Near! *eath experien)es 6 Fi)tion. C. Flori*a 6 Fi)tion.X 0. Title. PIG.CDDDRPA& KHDD WFi)X 6 *)KK KHDHHLGLLG First e*ition+ Ma KHDD All rights reserve* un*er 0nternational an* Pan!A-eri)an Cop right

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