Outcasts by Alan Janney Page A

is a grave threat. Dangerous.”
    Samantha grumbled, “Damn right he’s dangerous.”
    “He cannot be trusted. He poses as a symbol of hope, but in reality he subverts your country and your future. Our Emperor has a message for the more rational citizens of America.” Teresa Triplett stopped reading for a moment. She stared off screen and took a deep breath. Her eyes were red and pooling with tears. “Our Emperor seeks to aid America in removing this threat. To demonstrate how committed he is and how urgent the situation grows, he offers a reward to the men and women brave enough to capture the Outlaw.”
    Puck said, “Oh crud.”
    “Any person who delivers the body of the Outlaw unto our Emperor shall be compensated with one hundred million dollars and the additional option of becoming immortal, like our Emperor.”
    Katie gasped. Her hand on my shoulder squeezed hard. “A hundred million dollars??”
    “Any person who delivers the Outlaw still living shall be compensated with five hundred million dollars, and the option of becoming immortal, like our Emperor.”
    Samantha stood, her face as grim as death. She retrieved a pistol from the other room and stood between us and the door, her arms crossed. She and I shared the same thought; we might need to fight our way out in a minute.
    Five hundred million dollars is not just life-changing. It’s world-changing for generations of lives.
    Teresa continued, now talking through sobs. “The Outlaw is a vicious murderer. His capture will result in injuries and most likely multiple casualties. He won’t be afraid to slaughter any brave soul that draws near. Therefore, if a valiant group is required to capture the masked terrorist then our Emperor will increase the reward to fully compensate your patriotic sacrifices.”
    Noises were increasing outside our door. It was eight at night. We all stared at the wooden door, which seemed to shrink and grow more fragile.
    “We know from news channels that the Outlaw is traveling with certain companions. Our Emperor offers rewards for these lesser terrorists, too. You may find these terrorists in southeast Los Angeles. Treacherous and disloyal government officials are hiding the Outlaw on the military base Los Alamitos. Find them. Bring them to me. Or kill them all. Happy hunting, and may God continue to bless America.”

Chapter Eight
    Saturday, January 6. 2019
     
    My phone rang. Special Agent Isaac Anderson.
    “Two things,” Anderson barked in my ear. “One. We gotta get you out of there immediately.”
    “Sooner the better,” I said, glaring warily at the door. Fear for Katie’s safety was carving holes in my stomach. Rumor of the bounty on our heads spread instantly. Instantly! Like wildfire. We could hear men outside growing rowdy.
    “Two. We found him.”
    “Found the Chemist?” I asked. Samantha turned from the door to eavesdrop on the phone call, her eyebrow arched. I put the call on speaker.
    “Roger that. The Chemist. He made a mistake. We’ve been monitoring as many towers as we can with microphones and infrared cameras. We got lucky. That recording was made on the thirtieth floor of the Gas Company Tower, and based on heat signatures it appears the Chemist was present.”
    “How do you know?
    He answered, “Infected have warmer blood. Didn’t you know? You guys run hot.”
    “Heck yeah we do.”
    Samantha spoke up. “Is he still in the tower?”
    “The warm body we believe to be the Chemist is still in the tower, yes.”
    “Level it. Cut the whole tower down.”
    “Negative. Several hundred civilians are housed there too.”
    “So what?” Samantha snapped. “Do it anyway. This will result in lives saved, ultimately.”
    “Samantha,” Katie whispered. “Natalie North could be in that tower. He loves her.”
    “Oh God,” Samantha groaned and raked fingers through her hair. “Everyone and their damn feelings. War is hell. Gotta walk through it to win.”
    Isaac continued, “Navy SEALs are