i like my body when it is with your
body. It is so quite new a thing...
and possibly i like the thrill
of under me you so quite new.
E.E. Cummings
Danni jogged ahead with Daryl to catch up with the others. She shifted her surplus backpack on her shoulder.
The exhausted, desperate band of survivors navigated the stretch of death covered land, hearing only the buzzing of flies and smelling the sickly sweet stomach turning perfume of rot. Rick and Shane led, Daryl and Danni brought up the rear moving quickly. Daryl kept her beside him, not in front or behind.
She held her bandana over her nose and tried to breathe through her mouth.
"Keep your gun up" Daryl scolded. He was right. She sucked in a last gulp of air and tried not to breathe too much.
A steel, roll-down security gate protected the deserted entrance to the intimidating glass and concrete structure looming above.
"This your big idea?" Shane asked Rick, frustration rising. "Nobody's here."
"There 's gotta be a way in." Rick studied the gate.
"Never should have listened to you man! We're as good as dead!"
"Hey!" Daryl rushed at Shane trying to shut him up. 'Rick made a call!"
Danni quickly grabbed the tail of Daryl's shirt yanking him back before he could tackle Shane.
"Keep him off me!" Shane spat.
"Walkers!" Glenn called out.
Daryl was the first to head back toward the threat, taking out the first invader with that now familiar sucking sound of arrow piercing brain.
When Shane fired his gun and began to pick off the next few geeks, the kids begin to cry at the loud, cracking shots.
'Somebody's in there!" Rick shouted. He noticed the security camera move and pan over them. Shane looked back but when Rick motioned to the camera he dismissed him.
"Thing's on a timer!"
"What are we doing?" Daryl called out to Rick. "Gotta move! There's too many of 'em!"
A large group of the dead were shuffling forward from the edge of grounds.
"We can't be out here after dark!" Lori reminded Rick practically in tears.
Before Rick could make his decision on whether to stay or head back to the vehicles, the metal gate suddenly retracted with an ear-piercing screech, while a flash of white light spilled out, blinding them. After a few seconds, they got their bearings and followed Rick cautiously into the main lobby of Center for Disease Control. Danni immediately relished the feeling of the fresh, odorless air in contrast to the suffocating, sticky, putrid atmosphere thick with death they'd left outside.
The enormous foyer's high ceiling and polished marble floors contributed to the echoing when a lone man approached, an automatic rifle pointed at them. "Why are you here, and what do you want?"
Nobody gets in to see the Wizard, not nobody, no how! Danni couldn't help herself. This place and that strange man made her feel as if she were living a twisted version of the scene from the Wizard of Oz when the gatekeeper bars Dorothy and her companions from entering the Emerald City.
Rick spoke for them. "A chance." He said simply.
"That's asking an awful lot these days."
"Please, we'll die out there." Rick put the situation into its starkest terms.
Something in Rick's tone must have gotten through to the man however for he added. "You'll have to submit to a blood test. I need to be sure no one's infected." By way of saying yes.
"Grab your things." He ordered, explaining, "Once this door closes, it stays closed."
Everyone scrambled forward as the shrieking metal gate rolled down outside.
Rick approached the stranger, who wore dark pants and a white t-shirt and not any sort of uniform to show his position here. Rick put out his hand, the stranger lowered his gun.
"I'm Rick Grimes." He introduced himself, conveying gratitude with his eyes.
"I'm Dr. Edwin Jenner. Follow me."
Danni was again reminded of the gatekeeper to Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz.
... ... ... ... ... ... .. .. .. .. ... .. .
After performing the blood tests, Jenner crowded them into an elevator and began to descend to the building's basement control center.
Daryl broke the nervous silence, unable to hold back a smart ass comment. "Do doctors always go around packing heat like that?" Danni kicked his ankle, he scowled at her. "Well?"
Jenner deadpanned, "There were plenty left lying around. I familiarized myself. But you look harmless enough." He looked down at Sophia and Carl. "Except for you two. I'm gonna have to keep my eye on you." He smiled, so they giggled a little. The doors opened and he lead the group into the control room.
"Vi, bring up the lights in the big room." He said and as if by magic, a cold bluish white glow illuminated the room. "Welcome to Zone 5."
Danni wondered if the wizard was behind a curtain controlling the lights.
The dim, cool room had wall to wall computers and monitoring stations like some sort of mission control with seats facing a giant monitor above them. The floors here were even more glossy than the ones in the lobby, like ice. Danni was aware of the white noise of machines humming and low beeping. Now I am on the X-Files.
"So this is where all the kids who majored in science ended up." She said quietly.
"Where is everyone?" Looking around, Rick questioned the absence of other doctors.
"I'm all that's left," Jenner replied.
"What about Vi, the woman you were speaking to?" Lori asked.
Jenner introduced them to the CDC's computer system. "Vi, welcome our guests."
"Welcome, guests." When they heard the voice again, they realized it was obviously computer generated.
I am the great and powerful Oz.
"C'mon, I'll take you to the living quarters." Jenner offered, noticing shock on a few of their faces.
He spoke almost genially as they followed him back down the muffled, carpeted hallway. While pointing to a series of closed doors, he explained, "Some of the researchers lived here in the facility from time to time. These aren't luxury apartments by any stretch, more like comfortable dorm rooms. Bed, closet, shower."
"Shower? "T Dog couldn't contain himself.
"Yes, just go easy on the hot water."
"Hot water?" Glenn sounded incredulous.
I think I'll let you all settle in now." Jenner said with a slight smile looking ever more like a pleasant host.
Daryl touched Danni's hip. "Which one?" He motioned to the doors.
"Here I guess?" She pointed to the door in front of them.
"I'll be back." She watched him head away, down the hall, knowing he didn't want anyone to see them sharing a room. It was kind of fun, feeling sneaky, like having her first boyfriend again.
As Shane passed, she stopped him. "Hey, can I talk to you a second?" She needed to know he wasn't going to say anything to Daryl about what had happened between them.
"Yeah, in a while I gotta go check on something with Rick. I'll find you."
... ... ... .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .
Danni was almost beside herself, having a real bed to sleep on and a shower. She remembered times that the band scraped enough money together for a Motel 6 after weeks of sleeping on floors. Still, something was not sitting right about this place. She sensed tragic energy in Jenner. The kind of tragedy that would push a man to his edge. She banished the nagging thought, focusing on all the bad art on the walls. It really did feel like a Motel 6 in here. She wanted to feel safe, relaxed, human again.
"Did anyone see you?" She asked Daryl as he slipped into the room.
"Nah."
"Thank God!" She said over-dramatically.
"Shut up." He shot back, tossing his backpack at her. She was giving him shit the way she was supposed to.
"Don't want anybody else up in our business. Yet." He gave her that.
Never having shared an actual bed, they looked at the one between them now as a barrier, defying them, daring them.
He quickly stepped away from it. "I'm using some of that hot water, no doubt. You wanna-"
"Go first?" She had asked before he finished.
Come on in with me? Was what he was going to say. He felt stupid for thinking it.
"You go. I want to organize a couple of things."
"Suit yourself." He said catching the bar of soap she tossed him.
"Smell good for a change, huh?" She smiled.
"Watch it."
He longed to grab her and take her into the shower, but she obviously didn't want that. Things had been going okay. Not gonna mess up by bein' stupid now.
Danni debated whether to hint that they shower together. She feared coming on too strong. It seemed like every time they were intimate it felt more organic, more right; things were developing at a proper pace. No need to rush.
She heard the water. She sat, unable to concentrate on anything but her wish to feel his wet, slick skin against her own. Anytime could be the last time she justified. She began to undress as she walked, leaving her clothing in pieces over his on the floor making a trail to the bathroom.
... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Shane was curious about why Danni wanted to talk to him. When she didn't answer his knock, he entered her room noticing two sets of clothing strewn on the floor. Dixon. He'd seen them cozyin' up earlier. As he got closer to the bathroom, he heard them in the shower together over the noise of the water. He pictured Lori's arms around Rick's waist. He remembered Danni in his jeep the other day, grinding against him, practically coming in his hand. He felt rejection burn. He wondered if Dixon would like to know what a little slut she was? It 'd be better to find out now before he got too attached. I'd be doin' the boy a favor. Shane smiled at the thought.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .
"Hey, what are you-"
"We're supposed go easy on the hot water remember." She said, stepping toward him, under the water, the spray cascading over her porcelain skin. "Conserve, right?"
She just knows, he thought. As she stepped closer and pressed her breasts against his chest, he welcomed the now familiar stirring, thinking about what he'd want to try next with her. Slipping her hands over his muscular shoulders, his skin slick with warm soapy water, she put her mouth on his and took his tongue. She felt the twinge low in her belly turn into an ache between her legs. The flow of water into their mouths enhanced their ravenous, greedy kisses and made her breathless.
"What do you want?" She whispered.
How the hell did I find you? He wondered.
He took a chance. Part of him felt he was demeaning her, but the other part longed for her to take him in her mouth. He gently pushed her down to her knees keeping his hands on the back of her head.
Kneeling before him, she reached in and wrapped her hand tightly around his growing erection. His breathing quickened. She looked up and smiled shyly. It was okay. God he wanted this. The pleasure of her lips and tongue around him was intensified by her looking up at him. She held his hips, preventing him from pushing. She continued sucking, slowly working her way from the tip of his shaft to its base, ensuring she stroke every part with her tongue. As she slowly drew her lips back over his tip, she looked at his face, loving the ecstasy she put there. She tasted him, he quivered.
She began to gently lick, ever so slightly, then moved back when she felt him getting too close. He closed his eyes, put his head back and expelled a deep breath.
"Is this okay?" she asked, hoarsely.
He shuddered "Uh huh." Then he asked, "You?" He surprised her and his deep, husky growl made her ache begin to throb.
He pulled her up and turned off the shower spray. As he lifted her to his waist, she pressed her knees against him and he carried her to the bedroom.
He laid her on the edge of the bed and spread her legs. So far, everything he'd wanted had been fine with her. He stopped thinking and let his body take over, trusting her. He put his mouth on his favorite spot, the sparrows. Instead of moving his tongue up her smooth, soft tummy, he moved further down kissing and licking his way to her pussy. He ran his finger over it lightly, waiting for her reaction. She dug her fingers into the sheets, arching her back slightly; he hesitated a bit too long, so with understanding, she brought her hands down and gently parted the soft folds between her legs. He looked up, noticing an almost feline expression on her face; she chewed her bottom lip and her eyes said I'll show you. He watched as she began rubbing her clit with her forefinger, her breath quickening. Her self-ministration mesmerized him, but he broke out of his trance to lean in and lick her finger. He pushed her hand aside with his mouth so that his tongue could take over. Her clit was hard and throbbing beneath his tongue, so he gently licked and sucked on it. Her writhing and desperate sighing told him he was doing something right. He'd always been a fast learner. Shooting, tracking, now this. When she grasped his hair and moaned his name, he couldn't hold off any longer. He stood and pushed her further up on the bed leaning over her. She licked his lips and sucked his tongue making him desperate. This time he knew she was in no state to put the rubber on him. He took care of it, then moved back and thrust into her hard. She inhaled and held her breath. Tingling all over she pushed back, feeling him deep inside. His sweat and water from the shower mingled and dripped on her.
"Fuck me Daryl, please."
The please dispelled any inhibitions he had left.
"Ask me again." He growled.
"Fuck me?" Almost a whimper.
"Say please again."
She did, over and over while he moved in and out of her as slowly and deliberately as he could pinning her arms down above her head. He felt her tighten around him, grabbing each of his thrusts deep inside and knew he couldn't last much longer.
"I'm...shit...Danni, I'm gonna-" He groaned.
His gravel voice brought her even closer to her own climax.
"Do you want to feel me come?" She asked breathlessly.
"Yeah, yeah" He panted.
"Are you ready? She asked
"Uh huh."
She was there. "Now."
Her orgasm pulsed through her like a violent deluge, a stormy sea in which she wanted to drown. Feeling her break and dissolve into him, he began his release. He pushed deep, filling her, then collapsed on top of her. They lay breathing heavily, soaked with sweat despite the air conditioning.
After he had moved from her, she looked at him and laughed. Then she covered her face. Was that too much? Was that amazing thing too much?
When she took her hands from her eyes, she saw him smiling at her. Really smiling. For the first time. "You're crazy girl, you know that?" God, she's beautiful. He knew he'd do anything for her.
He watched her dress; she stretched her muscles like a ballet dancer as she pulled on her jeans and snaked into her form-fitting t-shirt. Watching her cover more of her body, he felt possessive of her flesh. He already knew that next time he wanted to slowly strip her himself, piece by piece, making sure she knew she was his.
He put on a clean flannel, pulled from his pack. She hadn't ever seen him without dirt on him somewhere.
He noticed the Tarot cards and book sitting on top of her olive drab bag on the prefab dresser. He picked up the cards, casually shuffling and fanning them out while she brushed her wet hair.
"You a witch or something?"
She was thoughtful before answering "Yes." Finally, claiming the mantle Brigid had passed on to her. "I am." Somewhere Nana Brigid was smiling.
"Yeah? No shit?"
She shrugged.
"We had a Conjure Woman back home. Is it something like that?" The question meant he was taking her seriously. He continued. "She did healing and even read fortunes in tea. More folks went to her than the doctor in the next county. Merle called it Appalachian Granny Magic."
"Yeah, its something like that. My Nana taught me. I have dreams that... well I just always sorta know things are going to happen." I knew we were going to happen.
He didn't laugh.
"You don't think I'm crazy?"
"Oh no, I do. I just wish I'd known you before the world went to shit, we coulda' won the lottery and cleaned out Vegas. "
She gave him a look that asked for a serious answer.
"Well, it aint something a girl tells you every day. No doubt. But, it don't change how I feel about you, if that's what you're asking." She wouldn't lie to me. Not now.
A knock at the door surprised them.
"Danni, you in there?" Glenn asked.
"Yeah, it's open."
"Oh hey, Daryl," he said, surprised to see him standing beside her as she sat on the bed.
Daryl nodded.
Glenn noticed the disarray of the sheets and their damp hair. He raised his eyebrows at her. She smirked.
"I see you guys," Daryl complained. "Hell is this, High School?" He winced at the attention moving to the door brusquely.
Glenn looked a little worried as Daryl stalked by, but Danni just shook her head.
"Jenner has a dinner spread ready for us."
"Bout time, I'm starving." Daryl waited by the door glancing back at her, now ignoring Glenn, he added "C'mon, you probably haven't eaten right in days."
"I've been missing my squirrel." She teased him.
"Yeah, you have. "
When they entered the cafeteria, everyone was sitting around a large rectangular table. The mood was light and celebratory. Besides food, she noticed an abundance of alcohol. Several bottles of wine, whiskey, and beer. Doctors know how to party. Bless the US government.
Danni sat next to Glenn while Daryl hoisted himself on the countertop behind her chair. He motioned for her to pass him one of the whiskey bottles. She handed it back to him and he immediately took a long swig. The surreal scene was not lost on Danni. They could all be guests at a dinner party at Rick and Lori's home, talking laughing, drinking as if nothing else mattered. They were enjoying a respite from the harsh life or death game they'd been forced to play for the past month. Until Shane destroyed the aura.
"When you gonna tell us what the hell happened here doc? All the other doctors 'sposed to be figuring things out. Where are they?"
"We're celebrating Shane no need to do this now." Rick attempted to stop him.
"Wait a second, this is why were here right Rick? Your call. Gonna find all the answers, but all we found is one man."
"I'm the only one left," Jenner explained.
When Shane continued to ask the hard questions, Danni saw Lori and Carol become uncomfortable.
"Hey." She stood up. "Sophia, Carl let's go check out that rec room huh?"
The two mothers threw her thankful glances.
She hustled them out of the cafeteria.
Always thinking of the kids. Protecting them. Daryl realized, watching her walk away with a quick turn of her head to nod at him.
... ... ... ... ... ...
"No kids' books here," said a disappointed Sophia.
"Too bad." Danni agreed, "Just grown up stuff," she added, taking a hard bound copy of Charles Bukowski's poems from the shelf. She put it aside.
"We can't put on the TV or play video games," Carl protested.
"Do you guys want me to tell you a story?"
"While I braid your hair?" Sophia asked.
"Cool yeah. I'd love that," Danni answered.
"I'm really good at it now."
Carl and Sophia made themselves comfortable on the couch, while Danni sat cross-legged on the floor in front of them, so Sophia could work on her hair.
She began the story of Sadhbh. It had been on her mind since the night Daryl had found her.
"Once upon a very long time ago the greatest hunter and warrior in all of Ireland Fionn mac Cuhill was out hunting with his twin wolfhounds Sceollan and Bran when they came across a young deer and gave chase. Much to their surprise, the deer was very fast of foot and almost outran them.."
When she'd finally said the end, Carl asked "Do you know more stories about that guy Fionn?"
'Yeah, some real good ones. Would you like to hear more?"
Both kids nodded.
"Next time then. Now I think you guys need to get ready for bed." Danni noticed Lori and Carol in the doorway.
"He never found Sadhbh again? Sophia asked.
Danni shook her head.
"I bet he still loved her forever."
"Me too." Danni agreed wistfully.
'He found Oisin though, his son. I bet Fionn was a really good dad." Sophia said.
Danni nodded. "Goodnight bug."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..
"Hey Shane, got a second?" Danni asked, relieved to catch him alone in the hallway as she made her way back to the cafeteria.
"All yours." He stopped.
"I'd like to ask you to not to say anything to Daryl about what happened between us."
"What happened?"
"The other day, you and me, in your jeep."
"The other day?"
"You want me describe it in detail?"
He continued to give her a hard time. "Oh, hey was that you?"
"You know what, never mind."
He smirked. "So you don't want Daryl to know how good I got you off." He gave her a long once over.
She sighed. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea.
"Okay, if that's what you want." He surprised her.
"Really? It is."
He nodded.
"Look. Things are good for me and Daryl now and I don't want anything messing it up. Especially not something that meant nothing at all to me and I wish never happened."
"So things are going good with you two huh?" She sensed some resentment in his tone.
"Yeah."
"Good, that's good." He said aggressively.
Are you all right?"
"I think somehow I'll recover from the great romance between you and Jethro."
... ... .. ... .. ... .. ... .. .
Back in the cafeteria, Danni found Daryl had challenged Glenn to a drinking contest. They were the last two people at the table. Everyone else had turned in. She sidled up to them and poured herself a shot from the bottle standing between the two men. After downing the whiskey, she shook her head. "You two are idiots. You know that right?"
"C'mon, let's see what you got." Daryl challenged her.
"Another time." She kissed him quick on the cheek before he protested. She knew she could fit the gesture in; the liquor slowed his reflexes. "I don't think you're ready for me.'
"So, did you guys finally do it or what?" Glenn slurred unable to help himself.
"That's none or your fucking business," Daryl said less gruffly due to the whiskey he'd consumed.
"Sorry man, I ..." Glen laughed, too drunk to be intimidated by Daryl at this point.
Danni looked up and nodded.
"Hey, I saw that," Daryl said.
"What?"
"Don't everybody gotta know our damn business. You two are like a couple of gossiping school girls."
"Guys, come on," Glenn interjected." I mean it was kind of obvious you know. We were all like just do it already."
"We?" Danni asked.
"Me, T Dog, Dale, and Carol."
Before Daryl could say anything, Glenn added, "By the way, Dale won the pool. I should go tell him."
Danni's hand flew to her mouth at the thought.
"Jesus Christ Y'all got no shame, no-" Daryl began.
"C'mon, its kind of funny." She interrupted him.
"Maybe for you but I don't want Grandpa thinking about us like that. I mean that's kinda sick.'
She started laughing and he shook his head. "I'm gonna get shitfaced drunk tonight for sure."
"If that's what you want..." Hinting at what he might miss out on.
... ... ... ... ... .. ... .. .. ... .. .
The windowless room possessed a soft, muted quality due to the wall to wall carpeting. Danni straightened the mussed sheets on the bed. The constant low hum of the AC contributed to the stillness. She dug to the very bottom of her surplus pack for her black silk slip with lace trim. She took off her uniform of jeans and a t-shirt and let the satin cling to her skin as she put the delicate undergarment on over her head and pulled it down, covering her curves. She wanted to feel like a woman. It had been a long time since she'd felt safe enough to sleep in one of her vintage slips. She lay on the bed luxuriating in soft comfort, ecstatic to be free of grime and sweat.
Was this life from now on? Somehow, her unease was telling her they couldn't stay here forever in an underground artificial environment reminiscent of a science fiction novel. If it was safe, why was her intuition nagging her. Jenner. He had a negative vibe about him. Not that he wasn't a kind and generous host, but that he was experiencing a deep secret pain that was influencing his decisions. Something wasn't right about this place. She'd have to be vigilant. She thought about a tarot reading but decided to just take a break tonight. The morning was as good a time as any. Right now, she wanted to feel normal. Even if just for one night.
Daryl made his way down the dim hallway, balancing against the wall, a little unsteady on his feet. He had needed to get drunk tonight. It was the first night in a very long time that he felt he could afford to escape; like a soldier on leave. He hadn't had a second to let his guard down since any of this Walker business had started. When he and Merle grabbed their possessions and hit the highway in his truck, he had no idea he was headed off to war.
She was reading when Daryl stumbled into their room and without hesitation, fell on the bed beside her, inhibitions dulled with drink.
"How's Glenn?"
"Drank him under the table."
She moved his head on her lap. "Poor drunk boy." She murmured, stroking his forehead, running her fingers through his hair.
"Yeah, he's gonna be sorry in the morning."
"I meant you."
He grunted and closed his eyes. "How long do you think we got?" He asked, slurring a bit.
"What do you mean?"
"I just found you. I want more time." His voice was soft and innocent like a kid's.
"Shhhh. Nothing's gonna happen to us."
She opened the book of Bukowski poems she found in the rec room library and read aloud to him.
"your life is your life
don't let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
the gods will offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can't beat death but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have it.
you are marvelous
the gods wait to delight
in you."
"I don't know what the hell any of that meant." His slurring voice fought sleep. "But, I know I love you." He rasped earnestly, almost too quietly for he to hear.
He was drunk. She knew it could be the truth or the exaggerations of a whiskey tongue. Still, she placed those three words into her heart's keepsake box. Thet rested safely in her soul. She drifted off to sleep with his words in her head.
Daryl found Danni upstairs curled on their mattress.
"Thought you'd be happier to see me."
She sat up to face him. He leaned back against the cinderblock wall.
Her face was thin and drawn, circles darkening under her eyes. She shook her head.
"Daryl, you can't just come back and think...How can I be sure you're not gonna leave me again." She paused, her hands automatically went to her stomach. "Leave us."
"What?" He pitched forward.
"You said Merle is blood. Well, so is..." she wasn't sure what to say. "...is whatever this is." Again, protectively holding her belly.
"Are you saying..."
"Yes."
"How long did you know, I mean when did you find out?"
"Two weeks ago, maybe three."
"And you didn't tell me?" I never would have left if I'd known."
"Exactly. I wanted you to stay for me. Not because you felt stuck."
"That don't make no sense. Should have told me. You think you could do it alone?"
"I'd do what I have to."
"Aint right." He started to get angry.
"Don't judge me. I didn't judge you for going with Merle. For choosing him." She defended herself.
"Should have told me."
She laid back down, feeling exhausted.
He didn't know what to do. He headed downstairs.
He stalked over to Stephen, who was talking to Rick next to an an open cell door.
"Did you know? Bet you knew first thing didn't ya?" Daryl went on the attack.
The other man understood the question clearly. "Yeah, I knew. But I was here for her to tell, man. I was here."
"You son of a bitch!"
"You made a pretty clear choice dude. You picked your brother. I was there, remember?"
"I'm back now."
"It might not be so easy. For her."
Daryl lunged and the two went at each other.
Danni heard them but was too exhausted to interfere. She was too exhausted to cry. She heard Rick trying to pull them apart.
"Wake up," Daryl shook her shoulder, gently. "Hey, wake up."
"What's wrong," she shot up nervously.
"Nothin', it's okay. But you're crying and talkin' in your sleep."
Her dream came back. They were always the same, the cold, cinderblock rooms; she and Daryl seeming older somehow, darker.
But Stephen? She'd broken up with him six or was it seven years ago? He was her first real relationship back in Seattle. Why was he in her head? Maybe because she had been happy with him and now she felt she could be again, with Daryl? He was the only other man who'd treated her well. That was the reason. It was just an unconscious connection. She remembered the rest of the dream and reached over to get the tarot cards from her bag.
"Magic tricks again?" Daryl asked.
She put the deck in his hands, holding her own against them. He sighed, indulging her, his head starting to pound with a hangover headache. She shuffled and cut the deck into two piles between them on the bed.
He pulled the top one from the right pile as she directed him. She did the same with the left.
He turned over the Ace of Cups.
She turned over The Empress.
"Shit." She said.
"You okay?"
"Yeah."
"You don't look it."
"I'm fine really. You go back to sleep or else you'll be really hungover tomorrow."
"Aint you gonna tell me what the voodoo cards said?"
"Tomorrow."