He found the music ‘energizing’ but he looked worn out when he finished saying it. The people were ‘friendly’ but he made no attempt to talk t... anyone. The whole evening was ‘a lot of fun’ but I could see the thinly disguised panic in his eyes. He really tried not to let me know how awful it was for him. It was incredibly sweet. One thing I knew for sure: he could never lie to me. He did insincerity so badly. I began to see some of why this might not be fun for him. It was too loud to talk. The protection kicks in and they kill all who threaten them.”“That’s why you attacked Finnigan?” asked Malfoy, a hint of concern flushing his face.“Yes… maybe. He’s not the first I’ve wanted to… to hurt. They say I’m going crazy, Draco. They say I’ve become, or am becoming a madman because of the mark. At least they think I am, and they believe… they hope… you’ll be one too.”“Hope? What are you talking about? Who’s they? Why would—”“Let’s say you are, Draco, infected that is. Let’s say that in,. Laura takes Elena's wrist, and appears to be searching for a pulse. "Is she breathing?" Again, her voice is quiet, for his ears only."I, uh," he stammers, embarrassed that he isn't sure. But wait, her chest is moving, and he can feel her breath against his neck. "Yes, yes she is." What happened?" A panicked Christine is standing at the top of the stairs to the pool, blocking their way out."It's okay," Laura says, letting go of Elena's wrist, and stepping forward to gently guide Christine out of. He hadn't been that organized when he packed the old apartment. Almost five years ago, he thought. He hadn't turned seventeen when most of the boxes were filled.He removed the wrapping paper and uncovered an old friend."Lovely veneer," Omar said. "What is it?"Scott pulled more of the paper away. "This is a vacuum tube radio."Omar studied it from several angles and snapped photos. "I like it. Very retro," he declared. "Perhaps for a nook near the fireplace? What's next?"Scott unwrapped a pad.