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he isn’t,” White says, “but it’s not that simple. In addition to the significant loss of our assets, both manufacturing and finished product, there’s the question of some intellectual property, workyou did for hire, which therefore belongs to us, and lastly, there’s reason to believe, and I’m being generous here, that you were personally responsible for inventory shrinkage at the site. Now with your legal situation, we face the potential compromise of your Nondisclosure Agreement with the organization. This poses the most significant danger to Hoyle, which thus poses the most significant danger to you.”
    “Is that a threat?”
    “Yes. Would you like it in writing?”
    “I haven’t said a thing to the cops.”
    “But they’ve asked.”
    “I didn’t answer.”
    “I know you didn’t,” says White. “Otherwise Toe Tag here would have issued you a severance package. But they’ve asked nonetheless, and will continue to ask, as will they continue to barter your future in exchange for a violation of your Nondisclosure.”
    I dig my nails into my palms and bite my lower lip until the pain punches through the static.
    “I can’t barter with what I don’t know, and I don’t know anything.” My words are solid and clear. I scrape my tongue across my teeth and force sensation to return. I taste blood.
    “You’re right, I probably was responsible for shrinkage because I’ve done some serious damage to my brain, so you can forget about my saying anything. I’m guessing Hoyle can’t use the fire as a tax write-off, if I’m hearing you correctly. And I’m in no position to compensate Hoyle or the chain for the damage you say I’m accountable for.”
    “The police are saying it as well, so I don’t think that issue’s in dispute.”
    “Right. So what are you and I discussing?”
    “One of two things,” White says. “First, you say you’re unprepared to compensate for the loss of the lab, but you’re mistaken. You were oneof our highest-salaried nonexecutives. You were also a workaholic with a modest lifestyle. So, it’s fair to assume that you are, in fact, capable of compensating for the damage. We’re prepared to wait until you’ve recovered from the incident in the desert and can access whatever offshore accounts or storage units you’ve invested your earnings in.”
    “And if I can’t?”
    “There’s the matter of some research and development. Again, you’re in possession of some intellectual property of ours.”
    “I’m not in possession of intellectual anything.” My spit tastes like I’ve been drinking from a metal can. The electric numbness gives way to a fire beneath my bandages. If I hurt them when I collapsed, the skin grafts might not take.
    “I’ve known you for a while, Eric. I have faith in you.” He stands and, without a word, Toe Tag once again helps me to my feet.
    “Nonetheless, in your present state, your Nondisclosure Agreement remains uncompromised. It’s my job to see that, as your mental condition improves, you’re able to solve our issue of compensation while maintaining the integrity of our trade secrets.”
    “What’s my job?”
    “Remember. And keep your mouth shut.”
    “That’s exactly what the cops, and my lawyer, said. You’d all get along. Want me to introduce you?”
    “Once more, I see the old Eric coming through. Trust me, this will work itself out sooner than you think.”
    “I need to get back.” I never made it to the Glass Stripper.
    “Where’s back?”
    Whether Anslinger’s tailing me or White, I don’t want them dropping me at the hotel.
    We drive in silence. Moths cluster against the streetlamps, throwingshadows the size of vultures against the stucco fortress walls protecting Shady Pointe and Vista Acres. The anthill houses are all the same color of dark once the sun has set. White never looks at me or at his son. If Toe Tag is awake, he’s studying the back of my head.
    “Here you are,” White says. I said