I ATE BREAKFAST at my desk the next morning, listening to the all-news station on the radio. An FBI agent was busted for molesting kids. The DEA seized another twenty million dollars' worth of coke at JFK. A group of inmates at Sing Sing were demanding a nonsmoking wing. There was a city-wide hunt for a bank bandit. Thirteen hits- total take under twenty grand. He was probably scared to hit the bodegas- they had more cash on hand, but you couldn't push notes across the counter.
Rye toast, cream cheese, pineapple juice. I made it last. I like to eat alone. By myself That's the worst thing about prison- even worse than the fear-mist that makes it hard to breathe- no privacy. Nothing to yourself Even in solitary, the smells come in.
I thought about what Morehouse said. I have to live here too. I'd had this office a long time, but I wouldn't miss it if I had to go.
Flood drifted around in my thoughts. I pushed her back. I thought when I settled up with Belle's father, it would quiet my mind. I could go to Japan, like Max said. Find Flood. Here in the city, a monster was charging toward a machine. I didn't figure out how to get out of the way, I'd find Belle quicker.