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Gunn was lead by armed guard into the security office of the Juvenile Detention Hall. Not surprisingly, Ty was sitting in a small folding chair, waiting for him. What did catch the boy off guard was the large screen TV waiting in the far corner.

Both of the security men assigned to Gunn stepped back, watching the door tightly. "I didn't think I took that long to get here." Gunn cracked.

Ty turned with a vicious smile on his face. "Sit. Have something to drink." He tossed Gunn a can of soda.

Catching it in midair, Gunn pulled it down to eye level and glared at the aluminum can. "I think I'll pass." With distaste, he set it back on the table. "Whatcha want now? Thought you were gonna let me "brood" for a bit."

"Things came together faster than I thought they would, so we have come upon a change of plans." Ty turned up the volume on the TV. The local morning newscast was coming on.

"News Channel 44... Live at 5am... reports have come in overnight...."

Gunn yawned. What was this? Ty's version of last rights before a person was executed?

"... regarding the fire in the old MacDonnough Shipping Warehouse on 44th street. Workers have gone round the clock to stop the blaze...."

He froze in place. What...?

".. a group of homeless children in the area, rumored to live in this structure are unaccounted for at this hour..."

No. No! This can't be happenin'. Gunn felt a greater hatred than he ever had before. Still, he would not betray his inward feelings with outward expression. Hell. It ain't been more than 12 hours. Everyone was fine when I left!

Gunn turned, hands balled into fists. "Damn you."

Ty stared back. "Your friends are gone. Burnt up, most likely."

The steady "bum-bump" of a heart beat filled Gunn's ears. His own.

"Remember what I always told you.... you'll die alone. No one comin' ta save ya." Ty's face twisted and contorted. Fangs elongated and yellow eyes blazing, he closed in for the kill. "Checkmate."