When something finally penetrates that torpid country mind, he can move quickly -
I’m always amazed at how city folks - including Lois in this story - assume us country “bumpkins” are idiots. I’m very reminded of Survivor and how Russell thinks Ralph is an idiot and I’m betting Ralph just might win the game. (And Russell was the one that got voted off - not Ralph.) Okay, I’m off my soapbox and back on track...
And the wail of the lockdown siren pierces my ears and shatters my carefully laid plans.
Is there actually such a thing? It kind of sounds like a good idea, but I can see panic arising. I remember when I was little that curfew sirens went off reminding folks under 18 (or maybe it was 21 then) that they couldn’t be on the streets anymore. Oh, I see that you posted the answer above. Considering what I just said about curfew, it's not really such a stretch as to think of a lock down. I live near several chemical plants and we have sirens that announce spills. (Fortunately, we've never had one dangerous enough to kill, but once, years ago, when I lived elsewhere, my parents had to leave in the middle of the night because the area was evacuated.)
"Clark?" I say, draping my tone in blatant invitation.
I love how vivid you’ve made this.
Its rancid aroma assaults my nostrils, and my examination explains why. It has solidified.
Oh, my Lois, just how long has that milk been in there?
I loved Lois' realization that Clark isn't afraid of her.
With a mighty effort, he gathers himself. He wipes his eyes. He looks into the camera. "Please," he begs shakily. "The Deathblades have my daughter. They have Maddy. She's only five years old. They say they will kill her at ten o'clock unless I take all the cops off the streets. If I do that, many people will die. If I don't, m...my daughter will die."
Ah-oh!
