Chapter Two

Larry took a step back, gesturing to Tally and Ahkmenrah to do likewise. "I've got a better idea," Tally whispered, backing up slowly. "How about we run for our lives, never look back, and never mention this to anyone as long as we live."

"That sounds really good right now," Ahkmenrah added.

"Okay, that's the plan. On the count of three, run. One...two three."

Tally was the first to turn tail and run, followed by Ahkmenrah and then by Larry. The threesome escaped the basement with some ease and stopped in a deserted corridor to catch their breath. "Okay, I dunno about you guys, but if I ever go back, it's during the day," Tally said, casting a few wary glances toward the basement. "Like, around noon."

"Will you need someone with you?"

"I'll be good."

"Look, if you-"

"Zip it, Larry, and Ahk, put a lid on it. I'm three weeks from going to college, and I can handle myself pretty damn well. The next time one of you decides to start breathing down my neck, you'll need reconstructive plastic surgery and have to foot a huge medical bill. Get it?"

"Got it."

"Understood."

"Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make a phone call." Tally walked out of the corridor and headed toward the security office.

Larry and Ahkmenrah stared after Tally, allowing the space they were in to fall into awkward silence. In an attempt to break it, Larry said, "Well, how's that for fiesty?"

"Are you expressing interest in her, Larry?" Ahkmenrah asked, casting a sidelong glance in the night guard's general direction.

"No, not at all, just thought maybe you'd...well, like that."

"Actually, I like knowing she can stand up for herself, but I'm afraid such brazenness could get her killed."

"Seems to me like she'll die fighting."

"Or politicking her way out of any mess she might get into."

"Like this one?"

"I think this is more of a fighting situation, though you never really know what's around the corner."

"Fortunetellers...they..."

"They're frauds, usually, but they make money because people believe them."

"Are they convincing?"

"Not really. They're just...there."

"Never thought of that before."

"There's a first time for everything."

Brunden groaned and turned toward the nightstand, fumbling with his cell phone before he could finally manage a really sleepy, "Hello?"

"It's me. Look-"

"You look, crazy lady. It's three in the morning. Who the hell calls at three in the morning?"

"I don't have time to explain, but I wanna know how fast you can get to New York."

"Wasn't I just there?"

"Doesn't matter. How fast can you get here?"

"Why?"

"I've got the really bad feeling we're going to need back up."

"Let me call in sick."

Tally made her last rounds alongside Larry as if nothing had happened. As usual, she met Ahkmenrah in the Egyptian room. "May I ask you who you contacted?" Ahkmenrah asked.

"Old friend."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, just someone I knew."

"Why?"

"Same reason you started to breathe down my neck earlier."

"That makes sense, I suppose."

"Well, it was the only thing I could think of. This time tomorrow, the world as we know it will have gone to hell."

"Then let me rest, and you must rest, as well." Ahkmenrah kissed Tally lightly. "We've got nothing better to do with our time than prepare for the worst."

"And fight accordingly."

"Yes, that."

"Well, I've gotta go."

"See you."

Tally finished her rounds, clocked out early, and harelded a taxi just after the sun rose. She paid fare and dashed into the apartment building, up to her apartment, and through the door as quickly as any obstacles would allow. Ultimately, she collapsed onto her couch and fell asleep instantly.