Another, dark slacks and red suspenders and no shirt with a Santa Claus hat perched atop his head. Their faces were a-sparkle with glitter and heavily made-up, eyes popping with eyeliner, and all scantily clad despite the cold and the rain, like a throng of reveling prostitutes. Fake, gaudy jewelry dripped from the wrists and necks of women. Most had outfitted themselves in extravagant costumes. The people below looked nothing like the residents he’d encountered prior to this moment. Two men carried a wooden bench toward the blaze, Ethan watching as they heaved it onto the pyre to the great delight of the rain-drenched masses who packed the block, the concentration of bodies increasing with proximity to the flames. Middle of the street in spite of the rain, fueled with pine saplings and long strips of siding ripped from houses. I had just arrived in town when the accident happened.” “What kind of investigation?” “I can’t discuss any details.” “ You’re not pulling my leg, are you?” “If I was, I’d be committing a federal crime.” “ You’re really a special agent?” “Yes. Our primary mission is to protect the integrity of our nation’s financial infrastructure.” “And so you’re, like, on an investigation in Wayward Pines?” “I am. “Lisa, do you know why I’m wearing a black suit?” “No.” “ I’m a special agent with the United States Secret Service.” “You mean those guys who guard the president?” “ That’s only one of our duties. But this is just hotel policy and…” She stopped talking when Ethan leaned over the counter. Burke- I’m afraid that without a credit card or cash or identification, I’m just not going to be able to give you a room tonight.

What I’m telling you is that I will be able to pay you tomorrow morning.” “You don’t even have a driver’s license?” “ Everything’s in my wallet.” Lisa bit her bottom lip, and he could see what was coming-a nice girl working herself up to be the bad guy. I’m well aware of the purpose of deposits. In case-and of course I’m not saying that this would necessarily happen-but in case there was any damage to the room or charges incurred that-” “I understand that.

Pines crouch