Part XXV:
Sometimes it is that we are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils. On one hand, I had the natural impulse to seek revenge on the man who literally kicked me while I was down. On the other, I only wanted to protect myself from further torture and embarrassment. Try as I might, I could not stop myself from choosing the course of action that I thought would inflict the most suffering on McKinley. I was not about to do anything to benefit him, but I needed to get out of the restraints that had been placed on me.
.
It is largely improbable that any desire can reach fulfillment. With this in mind, I decided to try and level with Loretta. Things were not going according to whatever plan had been envisioned. I needed to strike before the iron cooled. She clearly had too many in the fire to manage them effectively.
“Come here, Loretta” I spoke softly towards her. “Just close enough so you can hear me without me having to shout.”
She had been deep in thought when I spoke and my voice did startle her somewhat. She glanced over at me, blankly, not knowing herself quite how to respond. Her mouth began to move, but no words were coming out. She looked at me as if to say “Me?”
“Please,” I pleaded with her, “I am having difficulty speaking. I don’t think I am able to shout. I would like to talk to you.”
To be continued…
