JANA COULD stand it no longer. She had finally slept fitfully but she was cramped and uncomfortable. Cracks of light were visible in the ceilings again, and she crawled out of the van. She checked her watch for the hundredth time. Amazed, she saw that it was nearly nine in the morning. "Where are they," she croaked. Her tongue was thick and furry.

"Beat's me," someone answered.

"I thought they'd be here by now," said someone else.

It was eerily silent outside.

The sound of retching came from a corner of the building, and the smell of feces spread to Jana's nostrils.

Jana had decided she would have to drink some water but the discomfort of the unseen person dissuaded her. Lacey didn't look well. She was half sitting up now and clutching herself arm over arm around her stomach. "What's wrong, Mom?"

"I feel really awful. My stomach is cramping and I'm dizzy."

Jana looked closer and was shocked to see that one of Lacey's eyes was drooping and off center.

"Oh, no," she cried out. "My mother's very sick. We've got to do something." She found the Texan.

"Can't you think of anything to do?" she begged.

"Honey, I sure would like to bust outta here," he replied.

"Where are them varmints anyhow?"

"It's really strange," said Jana. "I haven't heard anything at all outside. There should've been sounds by now. I'm going to the door."