And Then You Die: A Novel [Paperback]

USSeptember 19
Danzar, Croatia


The dogs were howling.

Sweet Jesus, Bess wished they'd stop.  

Focus.

Shoot.

Move on.

Dark here.  Adjust the light.

The babies...

Oh, God, why?

Don't think about it.  Just take the picture.

Focus.

Shoot.

She needed more film.

Bess's hands were shaking as she opened the camera, took out the used roll, and inserted a new one.

"We have to leave, Ms. Grady."  Sergeant Brock stood in the doorway behind her.  His words were polite but his expression was full of revulsion as he stared at her.  "They're right outside the village.  You shouldn't be here."

Focus.

Shoot.

Blood.  So much blood.

"We have to go."

Another room.

The camera was knocked out of her hand.  Sergeant Brock now stood in front of her, his face white.  "What are you?  Some sort of ghoul?  How can you do this?"

She couldn't do it.  Not anymore.  She was exploding inside.  

She had to do it.  She bent down and picked up the camera.  "Wait in the jeep for me.  I won't be long."

She scarcely heard his curse as he turned on his heel and left her alone.  

No, not alone.

The babies...

Focus.

Shoot.

She could get through this.

No, she couldn't.

She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes.

Closed out the babies.  

The dogs continued their howling.

She couldn't shut them out.

Monsters.  The world was full of monsters.

So do your job.  Let everyone see the monsters.

She opened her eyes and lurched toward the last room.

Dl³'