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away fast. 'Hi, Mom, it's me . . . No, nothing's wrong. Can I talk to Dad, though?' Covering the mouthpiece, he said, 'Sounds like everything's fine over there.' He took his hand away.
'Yeah, hi Dad. Nothing weird's going on over there, is it? . . . Well, some guy tried to break in over here. The rain's black, Dad . . . No, I mean it. And it's really dangerous. It's making people into killers. I heard they broke into the Edgewood, too, and killed some people there . . . No, I'm not on anything. It's really true. I don't know what's going on, but I wanted to make sure you're all right and warn you and Mom. You oughta get out one of your guns and keep it around. Don't let anybody into the house . . . I don't know why there haven't been any reports on the TV. Maybe nobody knows about it . . . Look, if you don't believe me, take a look at the rain. But be careful, OK? Don't get any on you, or it'll make you want to kill people . . . You can't talk to them, they're not here . . . They're at the Edgewood. They called from there . . . Yes, I knew. I'm sorry. But jeez, it's no big deal . . . If I try to come home, I'll get wet. Besides, I have to stay here and take care of Denny. She's all alone, and there's no telling what might happen . . . OK, then ground me. For godsake, Dad, this is a real emergency. I'm not kidding. Something really terrible's going on, and I don't understand it, but it's sure happening . . . Just get a gun and watch out, OK? I've gotta go.' He hung up. His cheeks puffed out, and he blew air through his pursed lips.
'Guess you're in hot water,' Denise said.

 
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