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“How did you let this all happen, assholes?”

“Do you have a plan to fight back, to stop it?”

“How could such a holy redeemer do such an awful thing?”

I cannot figure out the meaning behind these questions. And I certainly don’t have time. I’ve got to get us through this mini-mob. We’ve got to be safe if we’re going to fix anything.

I force my brain into a strict, structured control mode, even though I’m already so weary from saving everyone during the water landing.

Damnit. I need this to work. Fast.Keep it going, Lamont. Keep it going. Stay focused.

Finally, a narrow pathway seems to be forming through the crowd. People are suddenly, unexpectedly, backing up. They look surprised, taken aback by their own movements, which isn’t all that shocking, considering they aren’t in control of their bodies anymore—I am. The four of us take advantage and walk quickly through the newly cleared pathway. But the screaming does not stop.

“Cranston, do you accept the responsibility for this plague?”

“Responsibility? Are you insane?” I yell back.

Another voice. “Are you planning to destroy the world, just so you can save it?”

The voices gather, coming together in unison, shouting, “Damn Cranston! Damn Cranston!” I see another crowd of maybe a hundred people approaching from the other direction, all of them carrying cameras and microphones.

“Oh, great,” Margo mutters. “Reporters. We’ve got to get through before they block us completely.”

One of the marchers, a woman, breaks from the group and rushes toward us. She seems to be aiming at me specifically. I’ve never seen a professional running back this determined or vicious-looking. As I move out of her way, I hear another reporter shouting at us.

“Just tell us the truth, Cranston. What’s your plan?”

“Funny,” Burbank says under his breath. “We were asking the same thing just an hour ago.”

We are only a few feet away from the entrance to the house when the front door suddenly opens. Jessica holds the door, beckoning for us to make a break for it to escape the mob.

The four of us rush inside. Tapper slams the door shut. Bando runs through the group, giving Tapper and Burbank inquisitive sniffs, rubbing against Margo’s legs, and panting happily in my direction.

“Welcome back to New York City,” Jessica says. “You may find your reputation here is greatly changed.”

CHAPTER 68

THE CROWD OUTSIDE is terrifying. The news inside is worse.

Jessica immediately brings us up to date.

She begins by saying, “I can’t believe you haven’t heard about what’s going on.”

Burbank says, “Pardon me, ma’am, but between the four of us, we have been continent-tripping the past few days, and we even hit some of the water while we were at it.”

“So I see,” Jessica says, eyeing our wet clothing.

“What’s more, there’s been a universal shutdown,” Margo says, “although the monsters outside our house don’t seem aware of it.”

“Oh, they know they should be following the mandates to stay sheltered and safe inside, but these folks are so worked up about things that they’re ignoring the rules.” Then she adds, “And with the police on their side, they can do what they want.”

Then she explains further… with details that absolutely stagger us.

“Where to start?” Jessica asks, tapping her chin.

“With the mob outside my front door!” I practically shout. “Why are they here?”

“Ah, yes, we’ll start there.” Jessica clears her throat. “That’s because almost everyone in the world thinks that you, Lamont, have been spreading this god-awful virus!”