He grabbed it.“It’s me,” Orly said.“Wait.” Styebeck kept his voice low and moved to his den.“I’m damn tired of shouldering the burden, Karl. When will you accept what you are and do your share?”“Never. I’m not like you. Or her. Or like him. Turn yourself in.”“We’re blood. You’re no better than us, you’re exactly like us.”“Why do you want to destroy me?”“I’m trying to help you correct the error of your life before it’s too late.”“What you’re asking is wrong.”“It’s not wrong! It’s what we were put here to do. Belva is dying. Accept your responsibilities. We need to eradicate this world of the whores and whoremongers, which is what you are, Karl. I tried to help you in Buffalo and now my new work in Wichita should inspire you.”“Wichita? What did you do?”“I have seen the glory, Karl! Listen!”Styebeck’s stomach lurched. Static hiss led into a recording.“…Mr. Styebeck, please…oh God, let me go…Karl, I swear I won’t tell a soul anything…about Bernice Hogan…about what you did to her in Buffalo…noooo!
