REMI
Negotiate? What the hell does he mean by that?
It means he needs medical supplies, idiot!
My hands shake as I hold the receiver, wondering what I should say back.
If only the voice had belonged to a woman. It’s not that women can’t also be dangerous, but I’d be more likely to be a physical match to them if it came down to it.
Though the thought of me being in a fight is absurd.
What kind of name is Gage? Eastern European? Asian? The voice sounded thick and husky. Aggressively manly, which is terrifying.
Gage: Are you there, Remi?
God, can’t he give a girl time to think? But then again, what is there to think about? I’m out of food.
Sure, I can rummage through the building, but from the diagram posted in the closet, this is an office building, not an apartment complex. How much food can I expect to find?
Some is better than none, and will perhaps keep me going another week, but after it runs out, I need a plan.
Gage: I know you’re probably scared, Remi. Terrified. You should be. It’s a mess outside. You need allies.
I look over at the bare shelves and know what he’s saying is true.
I can’t live in this world alone, and even if I can’t trust whoever is speaking to me, maybe I can get valuable information from him.
Remi:Are you offering to be my ally?
Gage: No. I offered to negotiate.
Of course he has to play with words, jumbling them and confusing me.
Remi:Do you have food?
Gage: I have every needed necessity, in excess.
Remi:Then what do you want from me?
Gage: Something in high demand during times like these.
I rack my brain, trying to figure out what that could be, but draw a blank. He has every necessity but still needs something.
Remi:Cigarettes?
A rumbling laughter sounds through the receiver.
Gage: No, not cigarettes. They’ll wreck your lungs.
Remi:Then what?
Gage: I’d like to talk first. Is that okay with you?
Remi:Um, sure…
Gage: Where were you during the invasion?
Remi:Invasion?