CHAPTER 22-2
358 Words
Across the lobby, Bartolucci had his cell phone to his ear. “Yes, there was an attempted robbery here at the bank, Rivercore Northwest over at the mall,” he said. “Yes, he’s still here, but there’s something going on with him here in the lobby. He was convulsing, and it looks like he’s turning into something, I think.”
The 9-1-1 operator said, “Pardon me? Did you say he was turning into something?”
“Yes! He’s turning into some kind of giant bug! Before that he looked like my twin!”
“Sir, is there someone else there I can talk to?” the operator asked.
“Please send the police and make sure they are well armed,” Bartolucci said and hung up.
Next to him, the guard shakily held his sidearm in front of him, pointing it at Merv. “They coming?”
“I’m sure they’ll send someone, if for no other reason than to arrest me for being a complete nutcase. They won’t be ready for this.”
“I’m not sure they can be ready for this.”
The bank manager c****d his head. “I hear sirens. They are on their way.” He glanced at the customers and employees cowering behind the tellers’ counter. He lifted his phone and tapped a name in his address book. After a moment, he said, “Mildred, why don’t you get everyone to stand in the vault until the police can secure the building. That will reduce the likelihood that anyone will get hurt accidently.”
“What about that man in the lobby?” she said.
“He’ll have to take his chances. That thing is between us and him, and I don’t want any of you coming out here. Get to the vault, and everyone will be okay in a little while.”
As the sirens grew louder, Merv, or what was left of him, appeared to get agitated and turned in place, smearing a wet bloody circle into the carpet. When the creature faced the loan officer’s desk where Bartolucci and the guard stood, it stopped and stared, rubbing its antennae and midsection arms before it, like it was anticipating a good meal.
“Sir!” the guard yelled, pointed with the gun. “He’s moving this way!”
“Just calm—”
The guard’s eyes widened as the creature sloughed toward them, making a rapid clicking sound, rubbing its appendages together more rapidly. Making a loud mewling sound, the guard raised his gun, fired and kept firing until his weapon was empty.
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