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furrowed into a frown. "What the hell's goin' on? You're talkin' weird, Bert." |
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I dug my elbow into Madden's ample ribs. "I think Bert has just informed us that he is one of the true believers, maybe even our long sought after Emissary." |
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"Mr. Wages is quite clever," Bert volunteered. |
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Jake's eyes darted from Bert's gun up to his face and then over to me. The look of utter disbelief was etched into his craggy face. Words failed the big man. |
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"What about it, Bert?" I pushed. "Am I right? Are you the Emissary?" |
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Jake was still stunned. "I don't understand what's goin' on here." |
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"The pieces are falling into place," I continued. "Your old friend Bert here didn't bother to seek sanctuary in the old schoolhouse when you enforced the curfew because he knew there was no danger, and little Angie standing back there was equally safe. They knew exactly what was going on. They didn't need to be concerned." |
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The smile inched its way back into Bert's haggard face. "So far, so good, Mr. Wages. I'm sure Angela is equally impressed. What else have you figured out?" |
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"It's a pretty good guess that you're the one who killed Vernice and the old Austin woman, right?" |
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"Those of us who receive the calling are blessed, Mr. Wages. You surely understand |
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