Page 68 (1/2)

That h he couldn’t i hi that he was scared to ask But he did anyway

"Not that I can believe a word you’ve said," he said, "but are you trying to tell ent parents--are still alive? And that Jackson Porter is still alive? That soured out how to download a huain looked to the left, then the right, then back at Michael

"Things will get worse before they get better," she said "But I do believe that they can and will get better Goodbye, Michael"

He didn’t bother yelling for her to wait this tih heels tapped their staccato rhythm as she disappeared down the hall

They’d taken away most of his access but allowed him an EarCuff, with very liaot that in a world where reality just wasn’t enough

He lay on the cot and stared at the NetScreen absently, the glowing green plane s he’d heard froe inforht still be out there? Just as he’d dared hope

His mind could barely handle it all Heto happen Worried About everything

But ht that second, he ht his attention on the NetScreen

He looked, but it had disappeared

A few seconds later, it flashed again, white against green Then gone

He watched and waited

Another blip--this tier

And then tords appeared, as crisp and bright as if they’d been there forever

I’m here S

Michael’s chest swelled His mind relaxed His heart softened

Sarah

Only she had the guts and coly simple, but he kne much effort it had taken, and doubted he could do it back They were being watched like hawks But he’d sure try

Sarah She was there, and for now, that would have to do

He started working on a response It took hih the heavy fortifications of the prison syste detected But he wouldn’t let himself sleep until he’d done the deed Finally he sent the et some desperately needed sleep What he’d sent seeae floated in his thoughts and dreaht