James
“You know Charlotte, those charts and plans you assembled of the underground systems are going to be useful to more than just City architects and engineers. When Beth was first held, they kept her underground somewhere. An old subway station they think. I've given duplicates of your plans and files to Will Stanton for the police to run a full search of the area.”
She considers my words, chewing at a thumbnail….
I’ve got to break that habit in her….
…. Now’s not the time….
“They weren't entirely accurate, Master. That's why it took me so long to get back.”
“What were the differences?”
“Some routes were sealed up where I didn't expect. Others had entrances that weren't on any of the records I had.”
“New entrances would you say?”
“Could be.” She picks at a bit of remaining hangnail. “Yes. Now I think about it.”
“Modern work not on any of the official plans? Could be our traffickers at work. Charlotte, I think Will Stanton would like to discuss this with you. What you saw down there. Do you have any problem with that?”
Her eyes glint. “No, of course not. Anything I can do to help.”
*****
The Present
He whistles through his teeth, a tuneless noise that serves to give him a little comfort in these uncomfortable surroundings.
Officer Phil Cardelli, Rookie, is not technically alone. His partner searches along an adjacent passage, following routes marked out on a plan, laminated against the filth all around. The plan is detailed and complicated, overlaying sewers, subways and city service tunnels of all kinds.
Periodically, they call each other, maintaining contact. But right now, he feels….
What’s the right word?
Yeah…. Spooked….
Never thought when I signed up that police patrol included sewers….
He passes muck and debris, rat droppings and occasional skeletons. A dead cat, bloated and semi-decayed, eyes obscenely open, bobs in the water.
He feels better thinking of it as water.
The heavy rubber waders reach up to his waist, suspended on braces which dig into his shoulders. The work is dark, stinking and deeply unpleasant.
The place, frankly, gives him the creeps.
And what’s the damn point?
“Hey, Phil!” His partner’s voice echoes down the dark and dripping passage.
“What?”
“I’ve found something.”
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