But there were issues that state governments couldn't solve on their own. Among those issues was war. Aztlan had just been formed after a decade of in...reasing violence that ended with four nuclear explosions--two in Las Vegas and two in Mexico City. Amanda, have you ever heard of the Patriot Act?" No, ma'am," Amanda admitted."It was originally the 'Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001'," Joan sighed, then. "Stay there and you can guide us." Okay."I was reading the two women as I approached them. Then, explaining that the authorities were on the way, I led them away from their gruesome discovery, back to the trail. I had them sit on an old log as I introduced myself.The mother introduced herself as Helen Wilson and her daughter Vickie, from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Helen was an artist and part-time nurse. She had come for the art classes and to check out the institute. Her daughter Vickie, who had. ”“I have,” Andrea whispered and ran over to Marin at the clothing locker. Renée and Connie were stripping down the girls’ bed, going to replace the sheets with black ones today. Suzi was rinsing the tableware while Hannah packed away the untouched food. Everything was so simple. The missing girls really hurt.“Hey, Xiomara,” I turned to my to be shower mate, “You’ve been a good friend for way longer than I gave you credit for.”“What’re you talking about? I helped Zoë be so mean to you,” She. I say unconfidently. She crawls to me and I set them on the floor. Mmm… Thank you Anthony. She coos. Is something wrong? I ask, my voice hesitant and weary. She sucks a sausage into her mouth, not bothering with her paws. She swallows it whole and doesnt even chew. What makes you think that? Im just… So very grateful for your hospitality. She lets the last few words marinate and basically deepthroats another sausage. Uhhh… Its cool. I say lamely and watch her intently as she swallows two whole..