Page 66 of The Turning of the Tables

“But they’re okay otherwise, sir? Because of… what happened?”

“The bomb?” I suppose that confirmed that itwasabomb. “Both Detective Maza and Ms. Aimes received minor injuries and were released, like yourself,” Villanova replied. “Dr. Tierney was still being held for observation when his symptoms began to manifest.” He cleared his throat. “No one else at the scene required treatment.” But they had almost certainly been contact traced.

“Thank you, Captain,” I managed.

There was a momentary pause.Good nightseemed inappropriate, given the circumstances.Have a pleasant eveningseemed worse.

“Take care, Mr. Mays.”

“Thank you, sir. You, too.”

The phone beeped in my ear, telling me he’d hung up.

I glanced over at the little weather clock Noah kept by the window. A little over thirteen hours since it had happened. Symptoms typically popped up between twelve and seventy-two hours, although the virus was detectable from twelve to forty-eight. The clock was ticking.

19

SETH MAYS

So there’s a killer using Arcana to hunt cops.

ELLIOT CRANE

What?

How?

Are you okay?

The victims all have active Arcana.

This is the fourth.

We all got traced again.

Except this time they rigged it to explode.

The ME has it.

I was right next to him.

Are you hurt?

Not badly.

A few cracked ribs.

Bump on the head.

I’m so sorry.

How do you feel?

Terrified.

Physically.

Any symptoms?