Remi:You’re the one that said men would fuck an electrical outlet.
A rumbling laugh sounds through the receiver.
Gage: You’re funny.
Remi:I hadn’t met the right guy.
Gage: I can assure you that I am definitely not him.
I hate that he’s so straightforward, but I guess it’s better this way. As he said, you should know the monster you are getting into bed with.
Remi:So, if I say yes, how does this all go down? Will you come get me?
Gage: You’re going to have to make it to the edge of town. Near Baylor Square. There will be a bridge and an overturned school bus directly underneath it. On the bus, there is a big, black arrow painted where you’ll need to stand.
Remi:That doesn’t make any sense. First, you expect me to make it…fuck, twenty blocks? And then you expect me to stand at an arrow?
Gage: I’ll be at the bus to collect you.
Remi:And take me out of the city?
Gage: And take you somewhere safe so I can make sure you are who you say you are and you’ll make a good addition to the team. Then, I’ll spend a few days fucking you, so I know if I want to keep you.
At hearing the ‘fucking’ part, I nearly faint, so I decide to ignore it because it will be an inevitable part of the process.
And why worry about something that’s unavoidable?
Remi:So we’re going to go with this team of yours?
Gage: Like I said, everyone needs allies.
Remi:And the women are property.
Gage: And protected. Very well protected. If anyone so much as lays a hand on you, they’ll be exiled. Including myself.
Remi:What about a cock? What if you lay a cock on me?
Another burst of laughter. I almost laugh, myself.
Gage: The cock is a given. If you want a ticket, you have to pay to ride.
Remi:Wow, a true poet. Thank God there’s still a place for the softer arts in this new world.
More laughter.
Why does it make this harder? I should be happy he has a sense of humor. But...it would be better if he were just grumpy and easier to hate. Not that I like him—he’s a monster. But the laughing is fucking with my head.
Gage: Are we ready to get down to business?
Remi:I guess so.
Gage: To prepare, find clothes, wear layers. If they manage to bite your arm, that might save you from infection.
Remi:Layers, got it.
Gage: Stealth is your greatest advantage. Stick to shadows. Stay off the main road. Make sure your pack doesn’t jingle or make sounds. And if you have to, drop it. Everything is expendable, and you can always go back for it if you need to.
Remi:Got it.