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“Wow, this co from the Grim Reaper?”

“You know I hate that nickname”

“Which is why I use it as often as I can Quick, want to hear it in a sentence?”

“Want to die sooner?”

“Erin for the first ti as I think about Izzy Shit

“I tolerate youdifference Besides, your sacrifice could save a lot of lives…” His voice trails off

I look down at ot so out of it, didn’t we?”

He’s quiet; the phone crackles as if it’s ht be a good idea not to trigger anything…”

I alh “You mean take your medicine, try to stay away fro violent TV?”

“Your point is ht noe’re pulling you from the roster”

“And when you need ain? When Chase or Nixon don’t want to put the heirs in danger? When soo, and we draw straws?” I say it as if I’m not the heir, but I a

“Nobody knows the real reason They just think you’ve matured into a nice little killer, Maksim I intend to keep it that way, so for now, try to stay… sane”

I snort “Yeah, not feeling very sane right now, Nik”

“Tryyy…” He draws out the word “Oh, and break up with your girlfriend Junior and Serena sent over the text vote—she’s the worst”

“Man, I’ vote?”

“Sex” He sighs “Wasn’t an option, though, for the vote”

“Just how bored are you to be participating in the group text with all the young ones?”

“I’ Valerian added et out of it”

“Bro, hate to break it to you, but that just proves you’re old and technology confuses you”

“Show that to all my awards”

“Fair” I laugh “Okay, I’m off to the clinic”

“Be nice”