Free But the Children Survived by A. L. Jambor Page A

speechless. 
    "Shit,” said Pat.  “She's the only woman left on the planet and you score.”  He got up and took his tray to the tray station.  Pat was still scowling as he passed them on the way out.
    Andrew was suddenly serious.  "I know that Gerald is not running on all cylinders.  Is he dangerous?”
    "I'm starting to wonder.  I really don’t know.  He keeps talking about the kids, and he creeps me out.  I wonder sometimes if he wants to cut them up to find out why they're still alive.  Or use them to create some sort of antidote so he can leave the facility.” 
    "Yeah, he does seem obsessed with finding them.  Keep me posted.  If he does anything off the charts, tell me immediately.  Immediately, capice?”  Andrew looked at her.
    "You've been spending too much time with Pat.”  She smiled and took her hand away.  “I need to check the kids.  It’s time for bed.”
    Christie got up and glanced at Andrew before leaving the cafeteria.  Andrew went to the offices to check the computer servers before turning in for the night.
     
     
    *****
     
    The next morning, Patrick Luca was standing over a sprinkler.  Simon was explaining how Pat should check each sprinkler before attempting to turn them on. 
    "It’s like checking the bulbs on the strand of lights at Christmas.  As long as they're tight, they should be fine.  You have to check each one.  Make sure they're tight on the bottom where the water enters the sprinkler.”  Simon was looking at Pat, who was looking at the railing above him. 
    "Are you listening to me?”  Simon was losing his patience.  “Listen goomba, this is important.”  Pat turned to him. 
    "I know, I know.  I promise, check them like light bulbs.  Make sure they are tight before I turn on the water.”  Pat had been listening. 
    "Okay, then today that's your assignment.  When I come back I better see half the field done.”  Simon walked away.  Pat was watching the railing again.  He could have sworn he saw a kid standing up there.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
    Chapter 11
     
    Since Pat wasn’t going out with the crew that day, he got to eat his breakfast with the kids.  As the cafeteria emptied, he left his tray at the dishwasher and headed for the field.  He just happened to notice a little girl following him.  She was trying hard not to be noticed.  He got to the door and went through.  Then he waited on the other side.
    When the little girl opened the door, she turned and found Pat looking down at her.  The first thing he noticed about her was her long, thick, wavy blond hair.  She had tried to pull it back in a ponytail, but it was so wild that it stuck out in different places all over her head. 
    "I saw you at the railing this morning.”  Pat tried to look mean. 
    She hesitated.  Her mouth was twisting as she tried to come up with a plausible reason for her being here. 
    "I found this place one day and I just like to come in here because it feels like outside,” she said.  Pat smiled. 
    "Yeah, I think I see what you mean.  But you know you're not supposed to come in here.”
    She looked at him with big blue-gray eyes.
    "Why?” she asked.
    Pat pondered her question.  He didn’t rightly know why.  In fact, it had never been stated explicitly that the kids couldn’t come in here.  So, with that in mind, Pat asked her to help him check the hundreds of sprinklers in the field.
    "What’s your name?” 
    "Mindy.”  
    "Well, Mindy, how would you like to spend the day in here checking these sprinklers with me?”
    Mindy smiled.  Thinking of a whole day in this place made her feel happy. 
    "I would.  I would like to help you.  Can I get my dog?”  Pat stared at her. 
    "You’re the one with the dog!  I didn’t recognize you all cleaned up.  Well, you can’t let him pee in here.”
    "It’s a she, and I'll watch her.”  Mind thought for a few seconds.  “Maybe I'll just bring