Schizogenesis [chapter 24]

Everyone gathered around the television and watched the continuing news about the bank robbery. Over lunch, they’d discussed how to get the machine back, without coming to a decision. Ed told them how the government man lied about having Dora for a trade, so he let the agent have both the machine and his dually. Tina looked outside and reported that two men watched the house.

A weather alert crawled across the bottom of the TV screen. Ming and Ed each looked out a window. The sky was darkening as clouds rolled in.

“Could Minton cause this?” Ed asked.

“I don’t think so,” Ming said. “Of course, I can’t be sure.”

Lightning rippled through the sky, illuminating everything like a flare, then faded away. The house shook with the thunder that followed close behind. Rain rattled the windows, obscuring the view.

“It’s really coming down,” Dave said, looking past Ming out the window. “I can’t even see the street.”

“I see Tina’s station wagon next to the side door,” Ed said. “Maybe this is the best chance we’ll get to slip away.”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Ming said. “Mia, could you find it in this storm?”

“Yes, Mother. I feel it very strong to the north.”