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“Hi, I’m here to see River Thompson,” I say to the man.
“I’m sorry, but visiting hours aren’t until tomorrow from ten to two.”
I plant my hands on the desk, barreling down on him with my fucking-dare-me look. “It’s urgent. I need to speak with her.”
“You’ll need to come back tomorrow,” he says firmly.
He’s not intimidated by me, and I sense he’s about to call security.
Time to double down. “Go ahead. Call everyone you’ve got. Dial the Marines for all I care, but I’m not leaving without seeing River.”
Just then a guard comes around the corner. He’s wearing a khaki brown uniform and has an XL donut holder. Yes, I mean his stomach.
“Carl, this gentleman is refusing to leave,” says reception guy.
Carl the security guard looks at me, and his eyes light up. “It’s you! Mr. Ultra Mega Love! I’m a huge fan.”
I wave, unsure how I feel about having fans. “Just Huff.”
“Just Huff. I like it! Though, Mr. Ultra Mega Love does have a ring to it.”
Why are people so hung up on Just being in my name?I shake my head while Carl pulls out a pen and small notepad from his shirt pocket.
“Can I get an autograph?” he asks. “It’s for my sister. Her best friend’s daughter was one of the students you saved.”
The reception guy looks thoroughly confused. “You know him?” he asks Carl.
“Don’t you watch the news? This is Mr. Love—oops. My bad.Just Huff.” Carl points to me.
Desk guy shakes his head no.
I take the pad from Carl’s hand and sign my name—Huff—before giving it back.
“Hey, Carl,” I say, “think you can help me out? My best friend is locked up here because she told her parents I was still alive. They didn’t believe her.”
“Anything for you, man.” He flashes a toothy smile.
“Carl,” desk guy objects, “you can’t let him—”
“You gonna stop him, Mike?” Carl chuckles. “Cuz Just Huff here can crush his way through any wall. He can travel at the speed of light.”
“Well, not light,” I say. “That’s one hundred and eighty-six thousand miles per second. I’ve only clocked myself at two thousand.”
“Man! You’re fuckin’ awesome, dude. Gonna name my first kid after you.”
“You want to name your kid Huff?” What’s the matter with him? It’s a horrible name.
“Naw, man. If it’s a boy, Ultro. If it’s a girl, Ultra.”
His kid’s going to hate him. “Wow. Thank you? Hey, don’t want to be rude, but can I see my friend now?”
“Absolutely.” He looks at desk guy. “Which room’s his friend in?”
“Thirty-four,” desk guy growls.
“I’ll show you the way.” Carl gestures to follow him.
My heart starts racing. I can’t wait to see River, but more importantly, I want to make sure she’s okay.
