The air in the storm basin tasted thick, heavy with the stench of stagnant municipal runoff, damp rust, and rotting vegetation. Above the concrete rim of the heavy drainage grate overhead, a pair of flashing blue-and-red cruiser lights cut erratic, frantic geometric shapes across the damp brickwork of the narrow alleyway.
A muffled police radio crackled through the iron slats overhead, its speaker blowing out with static as an operator's voice rose over the ambient hum of city traffic: —-”all units, another unidentifiable white-out reported at Third and Elm. Coroner on scene confirms total exsanguination. Mayor”s office wants the press corralled before the morning broadcast. Do not answer questions regarding cellular liquefaction, repeat, issue standard statement regarding toxic waste exp
