Machine Man (serial)

Lola was silent as the elevator descended. I risked a glance at her: she was staring straight ahead, her arms stiff. “Well,” I said. “Do you think this elevator really takes us to the parking lot, or is it a trap?”

Lola said nothing.

I cleared my throat. “When the doors open—”

“Did you take away Carl’s arms?”

“I don’t think now is the best time to discuss this.”

“Did you make them take his arms?”

“They weren’t his arms!” I had more to this argument, but Lola’s lips thinned to a dramatic slash, and I decided it would be counter-productive to advance any further. “Let’s talk about this later.”

The elevator thumped to a stop. The doors seemed to take a long time to open. Lola said, “I’m very disappointed, Charlie.”

“Okay.” I held out my arms. “Come here.” Her expression became alarming, so I added, “There’s probably going to be some running. I need to carry you.”

The doors slid apart. It took my eyes a moment to adjust to the contrast: the darkness of the parking lot against the rectangle of briliant sunlight pouring down the ramp. The shouting was clear enough, though: phrases like there he is and take him.

Lola jumped into my arms. Then there was some running.

101.