Chapter 77
EVERYTHING SEEMED distant and gray.
Shouting, somewhere on the other side of the planet. The far other side of the planet.
Everything swam and oozed around me for a second or two before snapping back into razor focus.
I lay facedown on burning-hot asphalt, with something sharp and stabby digging into my cheek as a bonus. Near my head, Alice murmured, “Come on, Kevin. Wake up.”
The angry voices surrounding us almost drowned her out, countless burning words combining into a growl just short of fury.
I put my abraded hands on the asphalt and heaved myself to all fours, then to my knees. Brushing at my cheek flicked a tiny pebble to the ground.
Someone said, “Here, let me help. Brad, give us a hand.” Hands grabbed my biceps and helped me to my feet. I didn’t know the people w
