JOE RELAXED, STOOD back and wiped the sweat from his brow; the lack of food had weakened him. The locking mechanism should have given way.
Once more he inserted the bar in the device. Once more he called on his wood-trained muscles. He tried desperately this time, exerting all the strength he could summon. Blackness threatened to engulf.
Then as if in a dream, he heard the muffled cling! That meant the device had snapped. He fell to the floor, his breath coming in sobs. Then he quieted, lifted his body up, and twisted the wheel. It turned easily, and the door pulled open at his tug.
He came out into the passageway to face Arden, gun drawn.
Arden cursed softly: “Won’t you stay put, Joe?”
Joe shrugged. “You need me,” he said.
“Need you?” repeated Arden. “Need you to infect us so we can
