Calypso Directive (7 page)

I am. But something really bad happened to me . . . I couldn't contact you til now

Julie:

tell me

Will:

I was kidnapped, but I escaped. now, i'm in Prague.

Julie:

kidnapped? WTF are you talking about?

Will:

I was put in quarantine, drugged, smuggled to Prague, and held against my will in some kind of hospital. but not a real hospital, more like research lab. they locked me in a room, did tests on me, injected me with things. the past five months of my life have been a nightmare, but last night I escaped.

Julie:

i don't have time for this crap

She didn't
believe
him! Desperation flooded his mind, and he assaulted the keyboard with a barrage of keystrokes.

Will:

EVERYTHING I'M TELLING YOU IS TRUE! I'm in Prague, with no fucking money, wearing somebody else's clothes, and the two kids who shared a room with me at a youth hostel last night are infected and are probably dying right now. I'm running out of time. I know this sounds crazy, but I need help and you're the only person in the world I can trust. PLEASE JULIE . . .

Another pregnant pause tormented him until at last she replied.

Julie:

okay, you've got my attention.

Julie:

do you have money for a train pass?

Will:

the train is not an option. they're looking for me and I don't have a passport

Julie:

ok. vienna is less than 300km from prague. i'll drive there and pick you up later tonight.

Will:

you are a goddess! when and where should i meet you?

Julie:

2AM at the astronomical clock in the center of town. it's a famous landmark. ask any local about the “Orloj” and they'll point you in the right direction.

Will: