Page 101 (1/2)

Albert wiped sweat from his forehead “Quinn, why do you think people work hard? Just to get by? You think your folks worked just to get by? Did they buy just enough food? Or did they get just barely enough house? Or a car that barely runs?” Albert’s voice was urgent “No,with that?”

Quinn laughed “Dude, okay, you’ve thought about all this and you’re probably right Istraight to Sam and tell him e did? No As far as I know, I don’t have to do that”

“That’s all I’, Quinn,” Albert said “I wouldn’t ever ask you to lie”

“Uh-huh,” Quinn said cynically “What about the Healer? She…” He looked around, suddenly aware that he hadn’t heard her or Cookie in quite a while

“Lana!” he yelled

Then, “Healer!”

The night was silent

Quinn aiht into the truck cab Maybe she was in there Asleep, maybe But the cab was empty

He swiveled the light around the area, picking out the poles that had once held Hermit Jim’s water tower

“Lana? Lana? We’re ready to go,” Quinn yelled

“Where is she?” Albert wondered “I don’t see her or Cookie Or her dog”

“Lana! Healer!” Quinn shouted No answer came

He and Albert exchanged looks of horror

Quinn leaned into the truck, intending to sound the horn She’d have to hear that He froze when he saw the Post-it note He tore it froht

“‘Don’t try to follow us,’” Quinn read “‘I knohat I’ Lana’”