Gorge, a novel in progress by Michael Gullo (2026)
“Boys! I’m outa here.”
“Wait, honey. Where are you going?”
“I have an appointment in Nashville at 1:30.”
“You’re not going to that, are you?”
“Khaki’s, holster, handcuffs, pistol, embroidered shirt says Tennessee Department of Revenue – yup, looks like I’m going to that.”
“Honey, please. What are you thinking?”
“I think I just confirmed the meeting, and I’m picking up Phil, and I’m going to Nashville while you two compound-clowns hold down the fort.”
“Stefanie, don’t go.”
“I’m going. You two have fun imagining Armageddon – If you’re right, I’ll go on to glory.”
“He’s right, Stef.”
“James, I know what you two think. Now you two know what I think. If you’re still here tonight when I get back, we can compare notes.”
“Honey.”
“Hug me, or wish you did through the whole afterlife.”
“I love you. Please be careful.”
“Will do.”
“Wait. Get cash out of the sink.”
“Already did.”
“So, you do believe it.”
“No, but I know that if you two are looking forward to it, there are enough people out there have been waiting to play make-pretend, and a little ready is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Wait – are you taking the Hummer?”
“James probably won’t let me take that Mog monster out there, and I’m not driving my state car.”
“How about the sirens and stuff – those might come in handy.”
“Under your imagination, I think the sixteen inches of underbody clearance might be more useful.”
“What the hell for?”
“Clear the piles of walking dead.”
“Oh, so you’re going to the state building.”
“Ha! Nope just a swearing in ceremony. Three new agents, and one of them’s mine.”
“Maybe stop at the Explorer and get your stuff.”
“Already on it. Love you.”
“I love you too.”