Part 18

: So, tell me, how have you been feeling lately?

: Pretty good, doc. Haven't had any headaches for quite a while, no sickness or anything like that. Quite frankly I feel healthier and better than I have in quite a while.

: Well, that's great to hear. And please, call me Erin. Things have been pretty good in the city, as of late. I'm sure you've noticed.

: Don't think I haven't. Every time I turn around, there seems to have been a new addition to the city. Have you been to the new neighborhoods in New City Name? It's just one big urban sprawl of suburbs.



: I have been up there, as a matter of fact, and I have to say that it is a very pleasant neighborhood.

: Yeah, you would. What would it take to make you say something negative about something?

: : In my line of work I usually find that a positive attitude is required almost all the time. But then again, I am off the clock now, so...let me think. Well...the chicken we had for dinner was rather dry.

: I cooked that chicken.

: Oh! My god, I'm so sorry, I didn't know...why are you laughing?

: Hahahahahaha...oh man. No, I didn't cook anything. You know I can't cook.

: You jerk!

She punched me lightly in the arm as I tried not to spill my wine. We were sitting on a couch in the living room of my mansion, having just come from the dining room where right now the cleaning staff was clearing away our dinner dishes.

At least I assumed so. When I thought about it, I hadn't ever really met any of the staff of the Mayor's mansion...

: What's wrong?

: Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just thinking about...well, never mind. Since you seem to be about as informed about the new development as I am, what's your opinion on the new neighborhoods to the south in New City Name?

: Well, you got me there. I haven't been down there yet, but I hear it's really been built up lately.



: Yeah, that whole area is built up now. It's hard to imagine that only a few weeks ago I was running through...the..._forests...

: Hm? What's that?

: Oh, nothing, sorry. So, um...how about the expansion north of the river, huh?



: You...talk about the city a lot.

: Yeah, well, it's sort of something that sticks in my mind.

: Well then, what would I have to do to take your mind off the city?

: Well, I...

: Hey, guys!

: _{I'm going to kill him}

: Oh, Mr. Vice-Mayor. What a...pleasant surprise.

: You guys have to check this out, it's great!

: What?

: Just come outside and see, you guys are going to flip.



: What in the name of God is that thing, and why is it on my island?

: That would be the latest gift on behalf of the city to you, the mayor.

: Why does the city think I want a blatant, smaller ripoff of the Space Needle?

: I don't know, I kind of like it. It's definitely...distinctive. I'm sure it will be a great tourist attraction. Of course, the psychologist in me can't help but note the rather...phallic look to it.

: The what?

: We'll tell you when your older. Thanks, Erin, now I'm going to be thinking about that every time I look at the thing.

She chuckled.

: Just doing my job.

: So, what are we doing?

: Well, Deryl, since you are here, I may as well do this now. Can you two come into the house? I've got something I'd like to say.

They followed me back into the living room. As they sat down on the couch I went over to the desk in the corner.

: I'm sorry I had to do this tonight, Erin, but I think the time has come.

: The time has come for what? What are you talking about?

I turned around and pointed the gun I had retrieved from the desk drawer at them.

: The time has come for answers.

Well, this is it, folks! The next update will be the final one! I have to say though, I'm a bit new to the whole writing game, but after a month or so of constant sinister goings-on it was really nice to just write a simple pleasant conversation.