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The camera pulled in close on Stan. 'That's the latest from Commander Brad Corkern of the Highway Patrol, here at the scene on the outskirts of Bixby. This is Stan Fisher reporting for Eyewitness News. Back to you, Chris.' |
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'Thank you, Stan.' She hung up the phone. The screen at her back went blank for a moment, then showed a map of central California with a black circle ringing Bixby. 'Our mobile news unit will remain at the scene, and we'll bring you further reports as the situation develops in Bixby, where a black rain of mysterious origins appears to be contaminating the residents, breeding violence and death. This is Chris Donner for Eyewitness News, returning you now to our regularly scheduled program.' |
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A commercial for Excedrin came on. |
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'Cute,' Denise muttered. 'What's this, Excedrin headache number three?' |
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Tom looked at her, narrowing his eyes. 'People are driving right out of this mess.' |
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'Maybe we should give it a try.' |
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Her stomach went tight and cold. 'Are you kidding?' |
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'If we can make it to one of those roadblocks . . .' |
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'Tom, too much could go wrong. We're safe here.' |
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'Right now, we are. But God, who knows? This could go on for a long time. Sooner or later, some of those lunatics might break in. What'll we do then?' |
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'I'd rather take my chances here. Really.' |
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'I think we should get while the gettin's good.' |
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