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“They did That’s why they had the machetes and axes”

Sam eyed Leonid “Couple of AK-47s would have been a better idea”

“Believe me, my friend, if there were any on

the island, I would have had them”

“Where’s your crew?” Remi asked

“Back at the bay They’re packing up and returning by sea with the boats and gear Nobody wanted to ride withthey blame me for their friend’s misfortune for some reason” He paused “Did you see the size of that creature? It was longer than the truck”

“And it may have family in the area,” Sam said

Ree Take your butchering of their friend personally”

Leonid looked alar”

Saave Remi a sad smile “You don’t need to explain it to us Save it for the crocs”

They trooped into the building, which was as prie was a squalid rectangle with poor ventilation and a dozen sick or injured waiting on a row of shabby benches Ricky had clai off into space They moved to the bench and sat beside him as the overhead fans orbited in a futile atte interior After a few ain “I’ll wait outside”

Sam rose and Leonid followed suit “We’ll keep you company”

Reet us when you hear so?”

“Yes” Ricky looked unfazed by the heat “Dr Vanya’s the best we have, so he’s in good hands”

“That’s a little bit of luck, at any rate,” Re her brow