Fallout (Crank 3)

lot at the airport. What the hell.

I give Nikki one more try.

She answers on the second ring.

“Nik? Don’t hang up, okay?

I can’t believe you’re actually

there.” That she actually picked up.

What do you want, Hunter?

Clipped. Guess she hasn’t quite

forgiven me. Then, in the back-

ground, I hear another voice. Male.

And not on the television. The alien

vine bursts to life, snakes its way

through me. I start to blow. Think

better of it. “Oh. Sorry. Didn’t know

you had company. I just … uh …

wanted you to know how truly sorry

I am. Thanks for taking my call.”

I hang up, choking back a wad

of emotions. Hurt. Surprise.

Fury. Embarrassment. Now

there’s a weird one. Why am I

embarrassed? And not for her.

For me. How could she replace

me? Did she replace me? What

is she doing with that guy? Who

is he? Where did she hook up

with him? And for what reason?

Companionship? Sex? Love?

No. Not that. I can deal with

the other two, but no way could