”“Here boy!” he called to Blackie, the dog came overobediently and sat before Norman, who stroked his face.“He’s had a b...th… didn’t enjoy it… but needed it…covered in cow shit again.”I thought that information to be quite off-puttingreally but it was Norman’s way, he was no diplomat. Heroughly pulled the dog over so he was in front ofme…and I gave him a pat, he licked my hand, perhapshe remembered me. Then I smiled at such. “Oh, that was not the weapon that is yet to be constructed. It was just a small-scale prototype,” Xavier replied. “And this was a trial run,” he added, as he scanned the long corridor with a frown etched deeply on his forehead.“A trial run? How do you know?” Ayn mumbled.“Because we’re alive,” Xavier said, turning to look at Ayn, and then at Cory.“But that means,” Cory spoke with difficulty, “that once the weapon is ready ... Everyone will be dead?”Xavier nodded gravely.“How the fuck can we deal. I helped test that myself.”Sam smirked at Prudence, who looked at Zola. “What apartment are we in?”“I currently have you two in 18A, but 18B is also ready if you would each like your own unit,” said Zola.Prudence gave Rada a worried look. “Do you want your own place? I’ve really liked being roommates.”Rada shook her head. “I’m sure there will be plenty of room for both of us in 18A. But, you may find there are things you want to do without me.”Prudence took Rada’s hand and gave a firm shake of. Both men were scruffily dressed and dirty, and their swarthy complexions threw me off that night. I do not like unkempt men, or lewd behavior. I looked to the table where Johnny was gambling and it was then I noticed Mr. Earp standing behind Johnny, observing me. He appeared to be aware of my distress. Once again our eyes met and for the first time I thought I saw a caring solicitousness to Mr. Earp. A raucous laugh came from the two ruffians at the bar, and without even a glance in that.