Olympus Device 2: The Olympus Device Book Two by Joe Nobody Read Free Book Online Page B

this… but… but you have to. I understand. And you have got to know that I love you too,” she managed before the tears streamed down her cheek. “I will see you soon, Durham Weathers… of that you can be sure.”
    He stood motionless, watching as she entered the taxi. A thousand things flooded his mind as she drove away. Things he wished he’d said, feelings he hoped she understood. After a final wave goodbye, he watched until she was out of sight and then turned for the hotel lobby so the clerk could call him a cab.
     

    Juanita stepped down from the Metro bus, her feet aching after the ten-hour shift at the hospital. Turning right without looking, she began the three-block adventure to her sister’s apartment, her eyes tightly focused on the sidewalk directly ahead. She’d learned not to make eye contact or notice anyone or anything. I’m just a lowly cleaning lady, she told herself as she walked through the neighborhood. Today isn’t payday, so I don’t have any money to steal.
    Despite the grueling hours, low wages and crime-ridden neighborhood, life on Houston’s south side was still better than what she’d left in Juarez. Here the young boys might rob you – there they would rob, rape and then cut off your head.
    She passed through a deceptively calm landscape. A group of tattooed you ng men congregated at the first corner, their sleeveless shirts advertising a significant investment in ink. She knew that much of what was engraved into their skin was a message of some sort, almost like a uniform worn by a soldier. Leaning against their older model sedan, she could hear their hushed voices and grunted laughter. They almost appeared friendly, but she knew it was a façade. The gang members could turn vicious without provocation or reason.
    Out of her peripheral vision, she noticed one of them stretching his arms high into the air and revealing the shiny handle of a pistol in his belt. Guns. What was the relationship between money and guns? She wondered. When one was around, the other surely followed. And then, almost inevitably, death joined the party.  
    Soon, she encountered a gaggle of small children chasing a soccer ball in the street. Three mothers stood talking nearby, projecting an image of suburban calm and relaxation. Juanita knew the real reason they were so diligent; a drive-by shooting had killed a 5-year old last week, less than a block away. Guns and death.
    That train of thought reminded her of the new patient at the hospital. All of the staff had been talking about the FBI man and his visitors, rumors and concerns flying around the break room and nursing station. Juanita and her co-workers didn’t like the fact that armed men had now invaded their once peaceful domain. She felt like guns were taking over her life.
    Nodding as she passed the nervous mothers, Juanita entered the rundown apartment complex and sidestepped a scattered minefield of trash. The old man in 2C had set his garbage out three nights ago, confused in his mistaken belief that it was pickup day. The dogs had found the treasure trove of table scraps within hours. No one would clean it up, knowing the wind would eventually blow it to the abandoned lot next door.
    With thoughts of soaking her feet in a hot tub, Juanita began her ascent up the three flights of stairs. The top floor units were cheaper and safer… somewhat. Guns. Armed men everywhere at the hospital. At least here, she could escape and soak her feet.
    She inserted her key and entered the small unit, instantly greeted by the television blaring a soap opera in her native tongue. The volume was competing with her sister’s hair dryer. Juanita glanced at the screen, only to spot an image of one man pointing a gun at another. So much for sanctuary , she sighed and then focused her attention on the crucifix hanging on a nearby wall.
    Tessa switched off the blow dryer and smiled at her older sister, “How was work, Nita?”
    “ I’m exhausted. We had many new