Page 44 of The Chain House
“When the main character, Oliver Crown,” Sam said, a hard chill going down his spine, “kidnaps the governor’s wife, and there’s a ransom demand—”
Batise smiled, moving his hand in a rolling motion, like, You’re almost there, Sam Harper, keep reeling it in …
“And Oliver Crown wants this cult leader dead?”
“Yes.”
“In the books,” Sam said, talking faster now. “What is the cult leader’s name?”
“Malcolm. Malcolm Dodd.”
“Your father’s name was Malcolm.”
“Yes.”
“You never got over not having a father in your life?”
“So says the world.”
“You visited him once a month for years.”
“You’re sidetracking yourself, young man. My time is running short as we speak. Back to Oliver Crown.”
Sam said, “Oliver Crown was said to have risen from the ashes like a phoenix. In this final book, what had caused the world to become what it is in the series?”
“Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, Sam Harper.”
“Disease?” Sam asked. “A virus? An uprising?”
Batise chewed on his lower lip.
“Did you write the series or not, Sal?”
“I’m trying not to show all my cards,” Batise said with an angry edge.
“Why not? You’re dying in less than twelve hours,” Sam pointed out, his voice rising just a touch. “And a woman this state adores has been taken by a human monster and you know more than you’re telling.”
“I’m trying to stay alive,” Batise hissed.
“So you’re using me to stay alive? That’s what this is about?”
“Did you think I’d roll over and die, Sam Harper? Sail quietly into the sunset?”
“But why me?”
“Next question.”
“Why did Minks abduct Beth Hawthorne?”
“Think about it.”
And Sam did: “Because he knows you’ll do anything to stay alive.”
“And?”
“And you’ve exhausted all your appeals.”
“And?”
