25
From the interstate exit, the Nature's Glory Corn Syrup plant rose into view. It belched out man-made clouds from a pair of cooling towers, rising high behind a cluster of silver cylinders. It was hard to tell if the greying skies were the product of nature or Nature's Glory. But a weather report on the radio talked up the chance of more rain in the area. Increased winds, too. Generally unsettled due to the unseasonal warmth. All part of the El Niño effect. Expect anything from cyclones and tornadoes to heatwaves and snow.
Chuck, the weatherman, actually sounded surprised.
"It's Kansas, buddy," Alice said, talking to the radio. "What do you expect?"
Alice pulled into the entrance of the plant. A burly mixed-race security guard let her in and pointed her in the direction of the visit
