Free Dead Man Running by Barry Davis

just anywhere, you got to cut this the right way or you can be electrocuted. "
    " Well, figure it out. "
    Hamid point ed to a section of cable near the junction box.   " I think you need to cut here. "
    "You think?  Are you sure about this?  I don't want to get electrocuted, man. "
    " I'm sure.   And if I'm wrong, I can just bring you back to life like I did Wiley."
     
    Back in the studio, Capshaw ha d finishe d her remarks.
    " Thank you, Ms. Capshaw.  Now, Representative Wiley, you have three minutes. "
    Wiley look ed at the moderator then stare d out at the audience.  There wa s a long pause and the audience became silent .
    " Less than three minutes, Mr. Wiley ," prompted Reap.
    Wiley continue d to stare.  He grunt ed loudly.  Then he grunt ed again.
    Elias slump ed down in his seat, hiding his face. 
    When are they going to cut the power?  
    Just when Elias thought that things couldn't get worse, they do.  Wiley beg an to dance and sing .
    " Put your left leg in, then right leg out. "  He cap ped the line with an other grunt.   " Do the hokey pokey and turns yourself around. "  Another grunt accompanied by an inelegant turn .   " That's what it's all about. "
     
    In the alleyway near the station Mookie ha d the cutters poised over the cable. 
    " You better be sure about this. "
    Mookie chop ped into the thick cable.  Instantaneously electricity arced across the tool and surge d through his body.  His body sizzle d and smoke d as his hands stayed glued to the cutters.
    " Come to think of it, maybe that wasn't the right spot ," said Hamid .
    The lights of the surrounding residential neighborhood dim med , then die d .  The station's block wa s still lit , however .
    He looked down at Mookie's still smoking body.  "Maybe I should have sprung for two pairs of insulated cutters and gloves."  Hamid donned his insulated gloves and pick ed up another pair of cutters.  He cut a second thick cable. 
    The station wa s now dark.
     
    In the covering darkness of the studio – the huge space 'lit' by laptop screen s and cell phones - Jan rushe d up to the dancing Wiley with Chi and Elias close behind.  The m oderator addresse d the audience, shouting to be heard above the sounds from an audience in near panic.
    " I'm told that the studio and the surrounding neighborhood ha ve suffered a major power failure.  The backup power supply is not operating.  In consideration of those circumstances, this debate is canceled.  Station personnel are here to escort everyone safely outside. "
    Using her BlackBerry to light her way Capshaw stormed over to Wiley.   Jan had reached the candidate and halted his dance.  He stood calmly by her side.
    " I know you had something to do with this , Wiley .  And I hope you don't think I don't know what the hokey pokey is all about.  So what my father is serving twenty to life for embezzlement?  You bastard. "
    Humphrey approache d .   " Let's go, D o lores.  They're leading everyone out. "
    " This isn't over.  I'm going to do everything I can to bring you down, Reverend! "
    " You better watch your back , you high yellow bitch," said Jan coolly .   "Y ou never know what can happen to you. "
    " Are you threatening me? "
    Jan smiled.  " No, I'm just saying you need to watch your step.  Leaving the building, that is. "
    Capshaw sto mped away with Humphrey in tow.
    " That was stupid ," said Elias .   " Why didn't we just have Wiley eat her? "
    " Too many people around , " she replied.
    " Girl, you got a problem ," said Chi.
    "Let's get him outta here," Elias barked.
     
    Inside the limo Elias Turnbull felt confident.  He sat in the back with Jan and Wiley.  Chi was behind the wheel.  " All we have to do now is sit tight. "  He turned to Jan.  " Don't let him out of your sight. "
    " I won't. "
    " Chi, I want you there too. "
    " I don't need him to stay with us ," protested Jan.
    " Yes, you do.  I don't want him wandering out anymore. "
    " That hasn't happened again , "