Some say it was the cost of human lives they could no longer bear. Some say the Houses had threatened global annihilation.—2160 —from the journals of L.U.C. I had to stand on the arm of the couch in the little side room and press the old walkie-talkie against the wall to catch a spot clear enough to send a signal to Boston Sue. She finally picked up. “Matilda? Is that you, baby sweet?” “Yes. I don’t have much time. Is Grandma okay?” “Fine as can be.” “Good. Did you catch that message Quinten sent?” “No . . . should I have?” “I know you keep your ear to the ground.” That was a polite way to put it. Boston Sue was the biggest gossip this side of the Mississippi. “Nothing came through.” “It was yesterday; bounced off our hub.” Her hesitation was so slight, I almost didn’t catch it.
